History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 15

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

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HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

ters : Mrs. E. J. Preston, of Kansas City, and Madeline, a teacher near Greeley.

During Mr. Lawton's school period, the family lived in Texas, and in 1904 he was graduated from the Dennison high school and shortly afterward went to Denver, Colorado, where he served an apprenticeship at the jew- eler's trade. For one year he was in a jewelry house at Chamita, New Mexico, then went to Salt Lake, Utah, and from there to Galveston, Texas. Later he located in Chicago, Illinois, in all these cities working in the manufacturing departments of large business houses in his line, and before he came to Scottsbluff, Buf- falo, Kansas City and Denver had been added to the list of cities where he had resided and been associated with jewelry concerns. He has a well arranged store with a complete stock and has built up an excellent business.

In politics Mr. Lawton is a Republican but aside from partisan activities, has shown much public spirited interest concerning the prog- ress of Scottsbluff. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has served through all the chairs except vice chancellor. He has a wide circle of social acquaintances and is a member of the Country Club and its secretary.

CLARENCE G. STEEN, D. D. S., who is well known professionally all through the Platte Valley, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest dental practitioner in point of time at Scottsbluff. Dr. Steen is a native of Nebras- ka and was born at Wahoo, in Saunders coun- ty, November 1, 1883.

The parents of Dr. Steen, John and Mary Louise (Hought) Steen, natives of Norway, came to Iowa when young and were married at Decorah in that state. Of their four chil- dren Dr. Steen is the third in order of birth, the others being: Mrs. A. C. Killian, whose husband is a clothing merchant; Theron H., who is in the stock business in South Dakota ; and Mona, who looks after the domestic affairs of her brother at Scottsbluff. The parents still reside at Wahoo, where they are active in the Methodist Episcopal church. The father is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in politics he is a Republican and in earlier years was quite prominent in public life, at one time be- ing city treasurer of Omaha and state land commissioner. He is now engaged in the real estate line at Wahoo.

After his public school course, C. G. Steen spent three student years at the University of Nebraska and in 1908 was graduated from the school of dentistry of Creighton Univer- sity, Omaha. He began the practice of his

profession at Scottsbluff and continued until 1915 when he went to Omaha and practiced there for two years and then returned to Scottsbluff and resumed practice. Dr. Steen has a reputation for skill in his profession that places him in the front rank of dental surgeons.

On June 6, 1908, Dr. Steen was united in marriage to Miss Mable Mellinger, who was born at Burlington, Iowa, and died December 13, 1914, survived by three children, namely : Jane, John M. and Virginia Louise, their ages ranging from nine to six years. Dr. Steen has been prominent in Republican political cir- cles and active in public affairs here, at one time serving as mayor of the city, 1914-1915. He is a Consistory Mason and has been an official of the Blue Lodge.

JAMES T. ANDERSON. - It is a fact of modern medicine that when mysterious dis- eases attack, in many cases the dentist is called in to diagnose and successful treatment fol- lows his advice. An experienced dental sur- geon of the modern school at Scottsbluff, is found in Dr. James T. Anderson, who has been established in this city since August, 1917. Dr. Anderson was born in 1875, at Red Wing, Minnesota.

The parents of Dr. Anderson were John A. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Anderson, the form- er of whom was born in Sweden and the latter in Pennsylvania. Both came to Minnesota as young people and were married there. Of their seven children, James T. is the youngest of the five survivors, the others being: Min- nie, the wife of John Fryer, a resident of Min- neapolis, Minnesota ; Charlotte L., an artist, lives at Minneapolis ; the wife of William Richards, formerly an educator but now in the real estate business; and Louise, a teacher of physical culture and dancing. The parents were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. The father was a farmer all his life when not engaged in serving his coun- try (1887) in the state legislature, and in 1861-65 as a soldier in the Civil War. As a member of company D Third Minnesota in- fantry, he participated in many of the serious battles of that struggle.

James T. Anderson was graduated in the agricultural course from the University of Minnesota in 1898. He then taught school for two years in North Dakota and for one year afterward was clerk in a store. In 1904 he completed his course in dentistry at the In- diana Dental college, following which he lo- cated at Axtell, in Kearney county, Nebraska,

CHRIS KRONBERG AND FAMILY

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

where he continued in active practice until he came to Scottsbluff. Dr. Anderson has a well earned reputation for professional skill, and is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative prac- tice.

In June, 1906, Dr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Halberg, born at Greenville, Illinois, and they have four chil- dren: Loretta, Hobson, Francis and Benja- min John. In politics Dr. Anderson is a Re- publican and he and wife belong to the Pres- Presbyterian church.

CHRIS KRONBERG. - Over a quarter of a century of connection with the agricultural interests of Scottsbluff county has made Kris Kronberg one of the substantial and well- known men of this vicinity. A native of Ger- many of Danish descent, when he came to the United States in 1882, he brought with him many of the admirable traits of the people of both those countries, and the success that has come to him has been won by legitimate par- ticipation in the enterprises of this section. Mr. Kronberg says that next to the pride he takes in the fact that his sons did their full duty to the United States during the war with Germany, is that in his good farm and his rec- ord when he served his community and the county as assessor and deputy sheriff. He is progressive in his ideas and methods, takes an active part in all questions for the upbuilding of this section, as well as state and national affairs.

Chris Kronberg was born in North Schles- weg, Germany, January 18, 1862, the son of A. Kronberg, a native of Denmark, and Lena (Andersen) Kronberg, who was born in Ger- many. The father was an innkeeper in the old country where he and his wife passed their lives. They had three children : Georgia, who died in Germany; Martin, located in Sidney, Neberaska; and Chris. The brother is now dead. As a youth the boy received an excellent education in the public schools of Germany. which are supervised by the government, but he saw little future for a man without money in the old country and determined that he would go to America and in the new country secure a foothold from which to climb the ladder of for- tune, and he set sail for the United States, ar- riving in 1882. He had little knowledge of lan- guage, conditions or methods, however, he was quick to familiarize himself with both the tongue and customs of his adopted country. Soon after landing on our shores he came west as the idea of every man from European coun- tries is to possess land, but as he had little money he began punching cows for a cattle

outfit near Ogallala, Nebraska. Afterward he removed to Sidney and still with his original determination in mind, to Scottsbluff county in 1888, where he preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land, proved up on it, made some improvements, and then was able to dispose of it to advantage. He then came to his present place, section 5, township 22-55, where he bought a hundred and sixty acre tract, home- steaded twenty-seven additional acres and on this land developed a fine farm, and there established a home.

In 1888 Mr. Kronberg married Miss Betty Smith, a native of Illinois, and to this happy couple were born ten children : Mary, the wife of Roy Konkle, lives on a Scottsbluff farm; Bertha, the wife of Sam Perkins, lives on a farm north of Mitchell; Charles has recently returned home after thirteen months service in France, during which time he took part in some of the most important battles of the war and won promotion to the rank of sergeant, having been a member of the One Hundred and Six- teenth Machine Gun Battalion; William is still in France at this writing, being a member of the One Hundred and Ninth Engineers; Jesse was in the army, but was discharged for dis- ability ; Sophie, Roy, Grace, Ruth, and Gladys are still members of the family circle. Mr. Kronberg is an active member of the Modern Woodmen, and in politics votes independently, believing the best man should be elected to office in local affairs regardless of party lines. Mr. Kronberg served one term as assessor and two years as deputy sheriff. He helped organ- ize the company that built the Enterprise ditch and has assisted in the management of same for more than thirty years. His service for the county was highly satisfactory and a host of friends are proud of the record he made while in office. Mr. Kronberg believes that a public official owes a real duty to the people who elect him and he did his best to demonstrate in a practical way the ideas he advocates to the sat- isfaction of his adherents and his own con- science.

HARLIN I. BROWN, M. D., chiropractor, has been a resident of Scottsbluff since the fall of 1911, and has built up a large and lucrative practice here, and has an established reputa- tion all through the valley for unusual success. Dr. Brown was born April 24, 1873, at Can- ton, Missouri.

The parents of Dr. Brown were Abner D. and Matilda (Mullen) Brown, the former of whom was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, and died in Custer county, Nebraska, in 1910, when aged fifty-six years. The latter was

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

born at Streator, Illinois, where their marriage took place, and she now lives in Custer coun- ty. Of the family of ten children Dr. Brown is the second in the list of eight survivors, the others being: C. L., a farmer in Arkansas; L. A., a chiropractic at Kearney ; Stella, the wife of William Halliday, a farmer in Mon- tana ; F. C., a farmer in Custer county ; Earl WV., also a substantial farmer in Custer county ; Lila, who is the wife of William Phifer, who is in the draying business at Arnold, Nebras- ka; and Oma, who lives at home. The father came to Custer county, Nebraska, in 1881 and homesteaded, later becoming active in Republi- can political circles and serving as a county commissioner. He belonged to the Christian church and was both a Mason and an Odd Fellow ..

Harlin J. Brown attended the public schools in Custer county. He was graduated in his school of medicine at Universal college, Dav- enport, Iowa, in 1910, immediately afterward beginning practice at Calloway, Nebraska, but in November, 1911, established himself at Scottsbluff. He has some remarkable cures to his credit and his patients come from all ranks in life.

In 1897 Dr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Holliday, a daughter of C. T. Holliday, an early settler in Custer county. Dr. and Mrs. Brown have two children, Fay S. and Fonda, the latter of whom, now twelve years old, is yet in school. The former en- tered the aviation department of the National army, March 4, 1918, and was in training for thirteen months at Ebertsfield, Arkansas, making many flights. He was honorably dis- charged and reached home in April, 1919. Dr. Brown is one of the city's sterling citizens but is not active in politics, his profession making such heavy demands that added official serv- ice, if his desires were in that direction, would be almost impossible. For many years he has been an Odd Fellow, passed through all the chairs at Arnold, Nebraska, then entered the Encampment, and has served two terms as dis- trict deputy grand master.

ROBERT E. GILLETTE, who operates a first class blacksmith and carriage shop at Scottsbluff, does a large business because the public has learned that he is a competent workman and reliable business man. He has been a resident of Scottsbluff since the spring of 1911 and is numbered with the town's use- ful and representative citizens.

Robert E. Gillette was born in the southern part of Wisconsin, May 4, 1869, and is a son

of Hamilton and Margaret (Downs) Gillette, the latter of whom was born in Ireland and the former in New York. He was twenty-five years old when he located in Wisconsin, where he married, and some years afterward moved to Gage county, Nebraska. He was a carriage- maker by trade and worked at the same in New York, Wisconsin and Nebraska, conduct- ing his own shops at Beatrice and Adams in Gage county, his death occurring at Adams. Of his six children the following survive: Elizabeth, the wife of John Frederick, a re- tired farmer of Beatrice; Emily, who resides at Adams ; Robert E., who lives at Scottsbluff ; and Minnie, the wife of Harry Smith, a farm- er in Michigan. The father of Mr. Gillette was a Republican in politics and he belonged to the Masonic fraternity.

Robert E. Gillette attended the public schools at Adams, Nebraska, after which he worked as a farmer until he was twenty-two years old, at which time he learned the black- smith trade. He conducted his own shop at Adams until he was burned out, in 1910, and in the spring of the following year came to Scottsbluff. Here he has a good business loca- tion with modern tools and equipments, and has no fault to find with the large volume of business coming his way.

In 1899 Mr. Gillette was united in marriage with Miss Sadie E. Annabell, who was born near Adams, Gage county, Nebraska, and they have one daughter, Gladys. Mr. Gillette and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican.

JESSE C. COOMES. - There are many lines of business carried on in every modern community that are rightly deemed important but, considering the relation that meat prod- ucts bear to the sustaining of life, it would seem that the meat industry in all its branches, is among the foremost of all. A leading butch- er and meat dealer at Scottsbluff is found in Jesse C. Coomes, who, in a short time here has built up a fine business.

Jesse C. Coomes was born in Illinois, Febru- ary 27, 1884, and is a son of John W. and Sarah (McDonald) Coomes, the latter of whom was born in Illinois and the former in Iowa, in which state they were married. In 1892 they came to Nebraska and the father bought a farm nead Wood River, in Hall coun- ty. The mother died there but the father survives and now lives retired. Of the fam- ily of five children Jesse C. is the second of three survivors, his two sisters being as fol- lows: Pearl, the wife of William Mankin, a

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

hardware dealer at Glisco, Nebraska; and Ed- na, the wife of John Mankin, a merchant at Oshkosh, Nebraska. The parents were mem- bers of the Christian church. In politics the father is a Democrat, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

In the excellent schools at Wood River, and later in a military school at Kearney, Jesse C. Coomes was prepared educationally for the future. After his graduation at Kearney in 1904, he went to Green River, Wyoming, where he learned the butcher's trade and re- mained there until 1912, when he came to Mitchell, Nebraska, and worked in the butch- er shop of Harry Naylor until February 1, 1919, when he came to Scottsbluff. Here, in partnership with Mr. Naylor, he bought the shop of Charles Denlen. The firm, although a comparatively new one in this city, is doing well. Both partners being experienced in the business, they are able to offer the best meat products, carefully selected and prepared, have commodious quarters and do business accord- ing to honorable methods.

Mr. Coomes was married in 1905, to Miss Ida Mansfield, who was born at Salt Lake, Utah, and they have one daughter, Anna, who is attending school. Mr. Coomes is a Demo- crat in politics and an intelligent, enterprising man in business.

WILBUR J. IRELAND, who is prominent in the grocery trade in Scottsbluff county, in- terested in three cities in this line and manag- er for the firm of Ireland Bros. at Scottsbluff, is widely known in this section both in business and public affairs.

Wilbur J. Ireland was born at Saling's Grove, Nebraska, October 1, 1872. His par- ents were George M. and Mary E. (Sexson) Ireland, the former of whom was born in West Virginia, and the latter in Iowa. They were married near Omaha, Nebraska. In 1878 they came to Furnas county, Nebraska, where the father homesteaded. In 1907 he removed to Mitchell, in Scottsbluff county, and his death occurred there November 18, 1915. The mother of Mr. Ireland still resides at Mitchell. He grew up on the homestead and attended the country schools. Until 1911 he continued work as a farmer, then entered the employ of the Carr-Neff Lumber Company at Mitchell and remained so connected for five years. In April, 1916, with his brothers he established the grocery store at Scottsbluff, and also a store at Gering, under the same firm name, and a third store at Mitchell, which is operated under the firm style of Ireland & Cockle.

These are all high class business houses and are conducted carefully and systematically.

On May 28, 1902, Mr. Ireland was united in marriage to Miss Lola Whitten, who was born in Michigan and is a daughter of Lor- enzo D. and Martha Whitten, who moved to Saline county, Nebraska, in 1882. The moth- er of Mrs. Ireland died in 1884, and the fath- er died December 9, 1914, residing at that time with Mr. and Mrs. Ireland. They have two children: Raymond, born January 5, 1906; and Eunice, born December 5, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Ireland are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the order of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a Republican and while a resident of Mitchell served on the town council. Mr. Ireland has built up his fortune through his own efforts, in earlier years teaching school, farming, working as a section hand and with a threshing outfit, all of which reflects credit upon him and offers an example that might well be profitably emu- lated.

RUBY P. DORAN, who has business inter- . ests of importance at Scottsbluff and other points, is a native of Nebraska, born in Se- ward county, February 23, 1877. Mr. Doran has been the builder of his own fortunes, cir- cumstances making such a course necessary in his boyhood.

The parents of Mr. Doran were Barney W. and Chrissie (Dobson) Doran, the latter of whom was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, and the former at Toronto, Canada, of Irish ancestry and of the Catholic faith. He was a college bred man, educated for the priesthood, but never was ordained. By trade he was a cabinetmaker. After his marriage in Canada, he came, early in the seventies, to Nebraska and homesteaded in Butler county. His death was the result of an accident at Sheridan, Wyoming. Of his seven children Ruby P. was the third in order of birth, the others being: William John Henry, an im- porter and broker in the coffee trade, and a wholesale coffee roaster, at Denver, Colorado ; Ada May, an artist in china painting, resides at Omaha ; Claude James, a stockman at Grand Island; Collins, the fifth in order of birth; Fred, employed in a shoe factory at St. Louis, Missouri ; and Nellie, the wife of Lewis Davis, a farmer near Valley Falls, Kansas. The mother of the above family belonged to the Presbyterian church.

Ruby P. Doran attended school at Ulysses, Nebraska. His business connections before the state of Nebraska became prohibition terri-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

tory, were with the retail liquor trade. In 1915, he came to Scottsbluff and established him- self in the bakery and confectionery business, erecting a substantial one-story brick building with dimensions of 25x100 feet. He has pros- pered greatly in this enterprise which has ex- panded to large proportions.

In June, 1908 Mr. Doran was united in mar- riage to Miss Myrtle Coleman, who was born at Ulysses, Nebraska, a daughter of George and Katie Coleman, residents of Ulysses, Mr. Coleman being a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Doran have two sons, namely: Richard Peter, who was born June 25, 1914; and William Elmer, who was born in November, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Doran are members of the Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Doran is independent but not indifferent, the best interests of his country being very dear to him. He is identi- fied with the Masonic fraternity and as a prominent man is active in many worthy or- ganizations.

ROBERT L. COSNER, who for many years was prominent in the dental profession, and was the first dental practitioner at Scotts- bluff, belonged to one of the old families that had come from Illinois to Nebraska in pio- neer days. Dr. Cosner was born in Illinois, April 12, 1869, and passed out of life at Scottsbluff, in the beautiful home he had just completed, December 30, 1917.

Dr. Cosner's parents were William and Rosetta (Epperson) Cosner, the former died at Clayton, Nebraska, but the latter now resides at Scottsbluff. With the death of her son Robert L., Mrs. Cosner has but three liv- ing children : Harry, in the real estate busi- ness at Malta, Montana; Mrs. Edith Patter- son, a widow, who lives with her mother; and Mrs. Harry Johnson, who also resides at Scottsbluff. Mrs. William Cosner is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church.

Robert L. Cosner attended school in Nebras- ka through boyhood and then entered the dental school of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, from which he was graduat- ed. For a while he practiced in Chicago, then in Wayne and Schuyler, Nebraska, and also in Montana, so when he came to Scottsbluff in January, 1919, it was as an experienced dental practitioner. He homesteaded in Scottsbluff county and his widow still owns the property. Dr. Cosner was skilled in his profession and built up a wide reputation and a large practice, of such extent that he was required to hire an assistant during the last three years of his life. He was a man of high personal charac-

ter, a member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, a faithful Mason and Knight of Pythias, and an earnest, public-spir- ited citizen. He was liberal in his benefac- tions to charity and conscientious in his sup- port of movements for the public good.

In June, 1914, Dr. Cosner was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Young, who was born in Scottsbluff county, a daughter of Will- iam and Mary (Schumacher) Young, people of importance and wide acquaintance in this section of Nebraska. Dr. and Mrs. Cosner had one daughter, Florence May, a most en- gaging child who is a great comfort to her bereaved mother. Mrs. Cosner is active in the Presbyterian church.

William Young, father of Mrs. Cosner, was born in Iowa and her mother was born in Wisconsin. They came to Nebraska and homesteaded in Scottsbluff county in 1885, Mrs. Young being the first woman to live in the Gering valley. £ Her two nearest neigh- bors were miles distant and even the smoke from their cabins could not be seen across the pathless prairie covered with red topped, swaying grass. The Youngs went through many harrowing pioneer experiences but bravely survived them all, reared and educated a fine family, and survive with vigor left to carefully and efficiently look after their numer- ous interests, Mrs. Young remaining for this purpose in Scottsbluff county, while Mr. Young is engaged in attending to a profitable fruit farm in Florida. Of their seven chil- dren the following survive: George, Leonard F., Mrs. Cosner, Ernest S., Minnie R. and Florence E. The eldest son, George, is in the lumber business at Marsland, Nebraska. Leonard F. is a civil engineer and consultant on construction work. He has worked on many of the irrigation projects in Nebraska, and for four years was on the Tri-State Ditch. For the past six years he has been associated with one of the largest concerns in New York, Sanderson & Porter, builders of some of the most extensive plants of all kinds in the world. Ernest S .. who entered military train- ing at the Presidio, California, sailed for France in September, 1917, and was on the Tuscania when it was torpedoed by the enemy. Formerly he was attached to an artillery divi- sion, but now is in a civilian division and is port commander at St. Denis, France. Min- nie R., who has chosen the noble calling of a trained nurse, is in the Northwestern Hospi- tal, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Florence E., is a bookkeeper and stenographer in the First National Bank of Scottsbluff. The mother of

MR. AND MRS. WALTER E. JENNINGS

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

the above family is a member of the Catholic church, but the father was reared a Lutheran. They are widely known and universally es- teemed.

WALTER E. JENNINGS was an infant pioneer of this great commonwealth who re- members that his first home here was a sod house half in and half out, but a rather good warm home at that and while the family pros- perity was so great that he has no distinct rec- ollections of that warm sod house, he believes it must have had an excellent influence upon his infant character for it must have played its part in making him the upstanding, fearless, progressive citizen of today. Before his eyes have passed the kaleidoscopic panorama of change that has worked silently but unceasing- ly since territorial days to change the silent rolling prairies, the "Great American Desert," as it was known for so many years, into a great agricultural state, one of the richest in the Union, now covered with thriving farms, pop- ulous towns and cities knit together with threads of steel. He has watched from year to year and even today as his eyes travel across the wide fields of Scottsbluff, asks himself, "Is it real?" For today he is a prosperous, well- to-do farmer on land that even the Indians held of little value save for the wild game they killed upon it.

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History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 15

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