History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 14

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co.
Number of Pages: 1056

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JOHN M. MARTIN, who is an enterpris- ing and progressive business man of Scotts- bluff, extensively interested in the handling of real estate, is a Nebraska product and is proud of the fact. He was born at Hastings, in 1888, the sixth in a family of ten children born to John and Mary (Rose) Martin.

The father of Mr. Martin was born in the state of New York, one of a large and im- portant family. His father, Solomon Martin, a native of New York, came to Nebraska in 1874 with his son John and family, being then aged ninety-five years. He had 131 grand- children and great-grandchildren. John Mar- tin drove a team and covered wagon the entire distance from Illinois and when he reached Adams county where he intended to home- stead, he camped and tethered his horses on the present site of the courthouse at Hastings. He was a farmer all the rest of his life, his death occurring in April, 1918. He was mar- ried in Nebraska to Mary Rose, who was born in Ohio and now resides at Mullen, Nebraska. Her father, Peter Rose, was a veteran of the Civil War. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John M. Martin attended school for five

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

years at Guide Rock, Nebraska, and after his school period was over he became an auction- eer, having the gift of ready speech, and con- tinued in that line at Minatare and Mullen, for eight years. He was so successful that his services were engaged by C. H. Irion for the selling of real estate after he came to Scotts- bluff in 1916, and since the latter part of 1917 they have been equal partners in the business. The operate all through the Platte Valley, do- ing a large business in farm property.

On May 28, 1913, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia Hendrickson, who was born in Harlan county, Nebraska, a daughter of James Hendrickson, a prominent farmer in Harlan county. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Martin is much more interested in busi- ness than in politics, although he is a thought- ful and careful citizen, but he has not identi- fied himself with any particular party, voting according to his own judgment. He belongs to the Odd Fellows. His acquaintance is wide and his personal friends are everywhere.

SAMUEL WILLARD RIPLEY, a well- known resident of Scottsbluff and an active, useful citizen, came to this city in 1900, from his homestead in what was then Cheyenne county, but which has since been organized as Scottsbluff county, Nebraska, where he had pre-empted and taken a tree claim in 1886. He has been greatly interested in the success of the irrigation projects, and perhaps only a few of his neighbors are aware that he, with B. F. Gentry established the first irrigation project in Nebraska, when they ran water by ditch onto a tract of millet, for D. D. Johnson. Later Mr. Ripley was superintendent of the Enterprise Ditch for one year. He was born in Fremont county, Iowa, August 28, 1861, and was a crowing, happy infant when his father marched away to take part in the Civil War.

Mr. Ripley's parents were Samuel A. and Nina E. (Barger) Ripley, the former born in the state of New York and the latter in Iowa. The paternal grandfather was S. W. Ripley, a native of New England, who practiced medi- cine first in Ohio and later in Iowa and died in Fremont county. The family settled in Iowa before the Civil War and from that state Samuel A. Ripley enlisted for service in com- pany E, twenty-ninth Iowa infantry, and did his full duty as a private soldier for over three years, never being either wounded or captured. Early in life he was a farmer but later a butch- er. He was a fine, honest man whom many

mourned when he died in 1889, but, because of his generous instincts never was a success financially. He was a Republican in politics, a member of the Odd Fellows and throughout life was influenced by the Christian training he had received in a good home. He was mar- ried in Iowa to Nina E. Barger, who is also deceased, their burials taking place at Weeping Water, Nebraska. She was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith. Of their eight children Samuel Willard is the oldest survivor, the others being: William Jasper, a farmer and carpenter living in Wyoming; Guy Doug- las, in the electrical business in California ; Feribey, the wife of Rev. James G. Clark, a Presbyterian minister at Beaver City, Nebras- ka ; and Loy E., the wife of Charles C. Spenc- er, of Wyoming.

Samuel W. Ripley learned the trade of a butcher and was a successful farmer for two years in Nebraska. In 1886 he located in Cheyenne county, now Scottsbluff county, four miles northeast of the city of Scottsbluff, and lived there until 1900, passing through many of the hardships that made pioneering in the state a difficult and trying process. Af- ter coming to Scottsbluff he operated a hotel and a meat business, then was appointed superintendent of the Enterprise Ditch. In August, 1905, Mr. Ripley accepted a position with the Standard Oil Company as local man- ager, with headquarters at Scottsbluff, and has since continued with this corporation. He has taken part in civic affairs quite actively, has accepted the responsibilities of office when called on and has and still is assisting in the substantial development of this place.

In 1889 Mr. Ripley married Miss Anna M. Johnson, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, a daughter of D. D. Johnson, a wounded veteran of the Civil War, who makes his home with Mr. Ripley. Mr. and Mrs. Ripley have an adopted daughter, Clara Lois, a schoolgirl of fourteen years. The family belongs to the Presbyter- ian church. Mr. Ripley is an Odd Fellow and is a Republican in politics. During his serv- ice of four years on the town board, he was chairman a part of the time. Mr. Ripley can relate many interesting facts concerning early days here when he was engaged in freighting between Alliance and Gering and Kimball and Gering, when the actual necessities of life were hard to secure and had to be hauled by teams from those railroad towns. Scottsbluff, was only a year old when Mr. Ripley came here and took charge of the hotel with, probably, not over one hundred inhabitants. Since that

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

early day he has been a continuous resident of this now flourishing and prosperous town.

ASA E. CHILES, who represents one of the leading piano and music houses of the country at Scottsbluff, the A. Hospe Company of Omaha, Nebraska, has been located in this city since 1917, and has assisted in developing a fine musical taste here. In addition to being an excellent business man, Mr. Chiles has shown a hearty interest in everything pertain- ing to this city and has made many personal friends.

Asa E. Chiles was born at Riverside, Wash- ington county, Iowa, May 23, 1880. His par- ents are Jacob S. and Susan E. (Armagost) Chiles, the former of whom was born in Maryland and the latter in Pennsylvania. In 1872 the father went to Iowa and was mar- ried in 1876, and they have three children: Asa E., who is of Scottsbluff ; George S., who is chief draftsman for the American Steel Foundries Company, Chicago; and Amy, who is the wife of Lewis E. Schmidtt, who is in the telephone business at Council Bluffs. In politics the father is a Republican and belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias. Both par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Clarinda, Iowa, where they live re- tired. The father engaged in farming for many years in Iowa and owns a body of land in Canada, on which he spends a part of his time.

Asa E. Chiles was educated in Page county, Iowa, and attended the high school at Clar- inda. He has been the builder of his own fortune, beginning with Swift & Company, packers, at the age of fourteen years and con- tinuing with that company until he was twen- ty-two. Musically inclined and possessing mu- sical gifts, he then accepted the opportunity to go into the piano business at Bushnell, Illinois, where he remained two years. During the next six years he was on the road in special sale work for different piano houses, follow- ing which, for four years he was with E. L. Benedict & Sons at Clarinda. In 1916 he became associated with the A. Hospe Piano Company of Omaha, and on May 3, 1917, came to Scottsbluff and took charge of their piano and music business here and future prospects are all that could be desired. Mr. Chiles has six employes, five in this city and one at Alliance.

In 1899, at Clarinda, Iowa, Mr. Chiles was united in marriage to Miss Sudie I. Leffler, who was born at Des Moines, Iowa, and is a daughter of George W. Leffler, who is in the

book and music business at Butte, Montana. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chiles : Aileen, aged fourteen years, and War- ren, aged twelve years. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Chiles is not particularly active in politics but has always been identified with the Republican party. He belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias and to several musical organizations.

LOU SCHWANER, who is in the jewelry and optical business at Scottsbluff, is associat- ed with his brother, Charles H. Schwaner, and they operate under the firm name of Schwaner Brothers. They were born in Valley county, Nebraska, Lou Schwaner on March 6, 1883, and Charles H. Schwaner on May 10, 1885. They have practically spent their entire lives in the jewelry business, the older partner be- ginning at the age of twenty-one and the younger when fourteen years old.

The parents of the Schwaner brothers are H. J. and Margaret (Reese) Schwaner, the former of whom was born in Wisconsin and the latter in Indiana. They came to Iowa when young and were married in Polk county. In 1882 the father homesteaded in Valley county, Nebraska, and his children have heard him tell of the hardships that faced the pioneers of that time when the nearest neighbors were four miles distant over a trackless prairie covered with high-growing, wild, red-topped grass. Fortunately easier times succeeded and it is a great satisfaction to their sons that the par- ents are now enjoying all the comforts of life at Ord, where they live retired. Besides the two sons mentioned they have two daughters, namely: Lydia, who is the wife of R. E. Mickelwait, a banker at Richfield, Idaho; and Minnie, who is the wife of H. Snedeker, a farmer near Thompson, Iowa.

Lou Schwaner obtained his public school education at Ord, Nebraska. His first venture in the jewelry business was at Greeley Center, Nebraska, where he remained from 1903 to 1904, when he returned to Ord and in part- nership with his brother, bought the business of the jeweler with whom they had learned the trade. They continued together until 1909, when they sold, and both moved to Gooding, Idaho, where they engaged in farm- ing for four months and then C. H. returned to Ord, and Lou bought a store at Loup City. In 1913 Charles H. sold his store at Ord and during that winter engaged in the real estate business in sounthern Texas, after which he was in the jewelry business for three years at Burwell, Nebraska, then traveled in the same

HOPE BROWN AND FAMILY

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

line out of Loup City for a while. In April, 1917, the brothers came to Scottsbluff and opened their present store and they have pros- pered. They carry a fine line of jewelry and optical goods, making a feature of the latter and manufacturing and grinding their own lenses.

In 1907, Lou Schwaner was united in inar- riage to Miss Mayme Auble, at Ord, Nebraska, and they have two children: Charles and Martha. He and family belong to the Presby- terian church. Charles H. Schwaner married Miss Bessie Rawles, of Ord, Nebraska, and they have one daughter, Georgia. The broth- ers are Republicans in politics and members of the Knights of Pythias. They are enterprising citizens and honorable business men and com- mand respect and enjoy the confidence of everyone.

HOPE BROWN, who is a prominent and highly respected citizen of Banner county, is owner and proprietor of Big Horn ranch, con- sisting of 5,000 acres of range and farming land, and that this property has been acquired through his own unassisted efforts, speaks well for his industry, good judgment and business foresight. He was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, October 10, 1867, and is a son of Robert and Agnes ( Boyd) Brown.

From Scotland the parents of Mr. Brown came to the United States in 1868. For several years they lived at Madison, Wisconsin, where the father followed his trade of stonecutter, then moved to Omaha, and one year later to Colfax county, Nebraska. The father home- steaded near Schuyler and lived on his land there until his death, which occurred in 1878. As opportunity offered he worked at his trade, always frugal and industrious, a man of ster- ling integrity. The mother of Mr. Brown still lives in Colfax county and owns the original homestead. Both parents belonged to the Pres- byterian church. Of their nine children, six survive, and of these Hope and David live in Banner county.

Hope Brown went to school until twelve years old and then began to be self-supporting. After working for farmers, both in Nebraska and Iowa, he turned to the home farm and was engaged there for five years, coming then to Banner county: In 1889 he bought a relin- quishment and homesteaded, later bought addi- tional land in the county and finally the prop- erty on which he has resided for seventeen years. Formerly this place was known as Big Horn postoffice and for seven years Mrs. Brown was postmistress. Mr. Brown raises 100 head of White Face cattle and several car-

loads of hogs yearly, while 1,200 acres are de- voted to general farming.

On April 5, 1893, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Maggie E. Maynard, who is a daughter of Alexander G. and Eva (Vin- cent) Maynard, who now live retired at Mina- tare. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown the following children have been born : William O., who mar- ried Pinkie, a daughter of Mervin Snyder ; Edith, who married Rolland Sickles and 110w lives in Maxwell county; Agnes, who re- sides at home; Alice, who is the wife of Fred- erick Haskell, a farmer near Reddington; and Lillie, Hope, Jr., Byron, Eunice, Eva, and Lois, all of whom reside at home, an intelligent and happy family prominent in the social life of the neighborhood.

In national matters Mr. Brown is a Repub- lican, but sometimes issues come up in local affairs that cause him to cast an independent vote. He has served in a truhtworthy manner in public office at times, was a county commis- sioner from 1902 to 1908, and was one whose judgment was consulted about consolidating three school districts with district No. 8. He is well known in fraternal life, belonging to the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Modern Wood- men of America, and United Workmen. Mr. Brown is now a man of ample fortune. He went a few years ago to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and there worked in a brickyard, and helped in the removal of Camp Carlin to Fort Russell. Although he yet oversees the operation of his large property, for the past five years ill health has somewhat reduced his activity and he has shifted some of his responsibility to younger shoulders.

ALBERT B. KERNS, D. D. S., who is en- gaged in the practice of dentistry at Scotts- bluff, came to this city in 1917, and with the exception of a period of military training, has been in continuous practice here ever since. Dr. Kerns has thoroughly demonstrated his knowledge of modern dentistry and has won the confidence of the public in a professional way, and at the same time has gained respect and esteem as a young man of high personal character.

Albert B. Kerns was born at Auburn, Ne- maha county, Nebraska, in 1891, and is a son of James W. and Alice J. (Crowley) Kerns, the former of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in the state of Illinois. Their mar - riage took place in Illinois, and in 1878 they came to Nebraska. The father was in the lumber business almost all his life prior to re- tirement, first embarking in the same at Omaha, but later removing to Phelps, Mis-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

souri. At the latter place the town was sub- merged when unexpected rises took place in the river, entailing great loss of property. He then moved to Auburn, Nebraska, which was but a little hamlet at that time, and resumed his operations in lumber and become one of the substantial men of the place and still re- sides there. For many years he has been a prominent factor in Republican politics and served one term in the state legislature. Both parents of Dr. Kerns are members of the Ro- man Catholic church. Of their eleven chil- dren Albert B. was the fourth in order of birth.

Albert B. Kerns was graduated from the Auburn parochial school in 1907, after which he spent two years in Creighton University, Omaha, and in 1912 was graduated from Creighton Dental college, Omaha, and im- mediately entered into practice at Elgin, Ne- braska, where he continued until 1916, spend- ing the rest of the year in Fremont and then establishing himself at Scottsbluff. He en- tered military service in the National army, September 7, 1918, taking a medical officers training course at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where he remained on duty until his honorable discharge, December 22, 1918. In February following the Doctor was found ready for professional work in his office, through unusu- al experience better qualified than before for the problems continually being presented to a dental surgeon.

In 1917 Dr. Kerns was united in marriage to Miss Helen Celia Toillion, who was born at North Platte, Nebraska, a daughter of Xavier Toillion, who was born in France and is now retired and lives at Sterling, Colorado. Dr. and Mrs. Kerns are members of the St. Ag- nes Catholic church, and he is very active in the Knights of Columbus, also the local B. P. O. E. In his political views he is a Republi- can.

THOMAS F. KENNEDY, one of the en- ergetic, progressive men of Scottsbluff, has been prominent in business circles and in civic affairs here ever since he chose this place for his home in 1905. At present he is one of the city officials and is also secretary and treasurer of the Tri-State Land Company, and in addition manages an extensive produce busi- ness. Mr. Kennedy was born at St. Joseph, Missouri, March 26, 1873, the son of Thomas H. and Mary H. (Furman) Kennedy, the former born at Drogheda, County Meath, Ire- land, September 15, 1835, and died December 8, 1908, while the mother was a native of

the Empire State, born July 25, 1839, and died November 2, 1902, The parents were married at Florence, Massachusetts, and two of their three children survive, Thomas F. and Ruth D., the eldest, Philip H., died at the age of forty years. Mr. Kennedy's sister is the widow of Dante Barton, who died August 6, 1917. For a number of years he was an edi- torial writer for the Kansas City Star. Mrs. Barton resides in Washington, where she is connected with the National War Labor Board. The life of Mr. Kennedy's father had many elements of romance in it, his whole ca- reer being well worth repeating. He was a runaway from home at the age of thirteen years, reached the United States as a stow- away, picked up a fair education in his adopted country as best he could, and was forty years old when he was graduated from the law school of the Kansas University. In 1868 he located at St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1875 re- moved to Lawrence, Kansas, and in 1880 to Kansas City, where his death occurred. He became well known in his profession and for some years made a specialty of pension cases.

Thomas F. Kennedy obtained his school training at Kansas City. His first business experience was with a firm of building con- tractors, after which he was engaged in the produce business at Kansas City for a num- ber of years. In May, 1905 he came to Scotts- bluff and for a year was cashier and office manager for the Tri-State Land Company, with which organization he has continued as secre- tary and treasurer. To some extent he has engaged in the produce business, making a specialty of buying potatoes.

On December 19, 1900, Mr. Kennedy mar- ried Miss Alice Beesley, who was born at Mossy Creek, Tennessee, and they have one daughter, Alice Alberta, a student in the Scottsbluff high school. Mr. Kennedy and family are members of the Presbyterian church. His parents belonged to the Con- gregational church. He was reared in the Re- publican party and has loyally supported its principles all his life. Since coming to Scotts- bluff he has been interested in the city's prog- ress in every way, has served as village clerk and almost continuously on the school board, of which he is the present secretary.

FRED M. BRYAN, who is a prominent and reliable business man of Scottsbluff, is at the head of one of the largest jewelry establish- ments in Western Nebraska, is widely and fa- vorably known to the trade, and is vice presi- dent of the Nebraska Retail Jewelers associa-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

tion. Mr. Bryan came to this city in 1913 and has identified himself with her best in- terests, and his public spirit and usefulness are being utilized in his earnest civic efforts as alderman of his city ward.

Fred M. Bryan was born at Mason City, Ne- braska, in 1887, and is a son of Millard C. and Mary A. (Boden) Bryan. They were married in Illinois, came to Nebraska in 1879 and settled in Seward county, then the father embarked in a mercantile business at Mason City, where he continued until 1915, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Scottsbluff. Of their five children, Fred M. was the third in order of birth, the others be- ing: Mrs. Becker, a resident of Scottsbluff ; Mrs. R. C. Smith, who lives on a farm in Butler county ; Paul Franklin, in business with his brother Fred; and William Lloyd, who died November 7, 1918, was also a member of the firm of Bryan Bros.

Fred M. Ryan attended the public schools of Ulysses, Nebraska, and afterward spent two years at Omaha, attending a trade school where he learned watchmaking. Afterward for four years he was in the jewelry business at Ulysses, then sold out and in 1913 came to Scottsbluff. Mr. Bryan has a beautiful store well stocked in his line, his goods being care- fully selected to suit the most critical taste and of great value. He has patrons all through the Platte Valley and is prepared to supply jewels or jewelry designs for all occasions.

In 1909 Mr. Bryan was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Peterson, who was born at Fre- mont, Nebraska, and educated in the high school there. Her father, David Peterson, car- ries on a plumbing business at Fremont. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two children, Maude and Rex. Politically he is a Republican and fra- ternally an Odd Fellow, a Scottish Rite Ma- son and Shriner.

PAUL F. BRYAN, who is a member of the jewelry firm of Bryan Bros., at Scottsbluff, is well known in this city, to which he came in 1911 and was identified with a prominent firm here before his present one was organized. Mr. Bryan was born at Ulysses, Nebraska, in 1892, and is a son of Millard C. and Mary A. (Boden) Bryan, who now live retired at Scottsbluff.

The parents of Mr. Bryan came from Illi- nois to Nebraska in 1879. The father located first in Seward county, later moved to Ulysses in Butler county and then embarked in the mercantile business at Mason City in Custer

county, where he continued until 1915, when he retired to Scottsbluff. He is a Republican in his political views.

Paul Franklin Bryan is one of a family of five children, two daughters and three sons. All three sons engaged in business together under the style of Bryan Bros., at Scottsbluff, in 1913, but only two survive, Fred and Paul F,. the other, William Lloyd, having died No- vember 7, 1918. Paul F. Bryan was educated at Ulysses and after completing the high school course, learned the jewelry trade under his brother. In 1911 he came to Scottsbluff and was connected with the firm of Diers Bros., until he went into partnership with his brother as Bryan Bros.

Mr. Bryan is one of the returned soldiers from overseas service in the Great War, his experiences while in France for six months, including the terrific fighting in Argonne For- est. Many of his brave comrades fell there and he was so exhausted that he had to be sent to a hospital in Bordeaux. He was a member of Company A Three hundred fifty- fifth infantry, Eighty-ninth division, a serg- eant in rank. He suffered first from a gas attack, August 8, 1918, went back to the front lines on September 15, left the hospital De- cember 8 and sailed for home, and with duty well done, was honorably discharged January 11, 1919. He earned a place on the record that Nebraska will cherish of her best and bravest sons.

GUS W. LAWTON, who owns an attrac- tive jewelry store at Scottsbluff, is a man of marked executive ability, a good citizen and quite active in civic affairs. He is one of the younger business men of the this city and came here in 1915, but he has shown business ability and a recognition of the highest stan- dard of commercial integrity. Mr. Lawton was born at Fairhope, Alabama, June 2, 1889, the son of John and Clara (Craiuto) Lawton, both born at Leeds, in Yorkshire, England. The father traveled for a number of years in different parts of the world to secure speci- mens for the British Museum, and he was a hunter of wild animals in Africa and Australia and shipped them to England. He came to the United States and was married at Chicago, Illinois, and in 1885 settled in Ala- bama. Mr. Lawton is now of venerable age, being in his ninetieth year, the mother being aged seventy-five years. They are highly re- spected and esteemed residents of Greeley, Colorado. Of their three surviving children, Gus W. is the eldest, the others being daugh-

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History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 14

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865- Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co. Number of Pages: 1056

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co.
Number of Pages: 1056