History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 40

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

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Independent in his ideas and methods as well as a far sighted business man it is but natural that he should follow along these lines in other matters and is an Independent politically, knowing no party lines when a good man is running for office, as he wants the best man to serve the people of the com- munity. He is a member of the Catholic church, the faith in which his ancestors were reared.

June 17, 1913, is a day marked in his life, for on it was solemnized his marriage with Miss Maud L. Kesler, and to them have been born three happy children: Sylvester, Agatha and Ruth.

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HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

JESSE FRANKLIN ENLOW, who is one of the representative citizens of Scottsbluff county, living in the Michell district, where he is a landowner of well known prominence, holds a unique position in the annals of this great commonwealth, as he was the first man to conduct a dairy in the capitol city of Ne- braska. Today he is a worthy representative of the agricultural interest of the county, hav- ing been engaged in farming pursuits in this locality for nearly a quarter of a century, and so may be regarded as one of the pio- neers who has played his part in the vital drama that has turned this section of Ne- braska into a paradise for the homeseeker, de- veloping the unbroken prairie into rich farms dotted with thriving communities. Mr. En- low is a Hoosier, born in Indiana October 7, 1869, the son of James H. and Minerva (Hardsaw) Enlow, the former a native of the far famed Blue Grass state and the lat- ter of Indiana. Both of them died in the prime of life at fifty years of age. James Enlow was a farm boy by vocation but a stone mason by trade, who divided his time between his land and business, in which he was mark- edly successful. A man of high standing in the community, well educated and read, his advice was sought on many matters of im- portance by friends and acquaintances. He was a hearty supporter of the Republican party and a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church of which his family were also communicants.

Jesse Enlow was left an orphan at the age of twelve years and made his home with a family in that locality. He received his edu- cational advantages in the public schools of his native state and graduated from the high school at Valley City, Indiana. He became a farmer but the business openings afforded in Indiana did not satsfy him, and with the idea of gaining a broader field he came to Nebraska in 1890. The same year he entered the dairying field in Lincoln. The capitol of the state was not then the thriv- ing city of today; the population was small and when Mr. Enlow opened a modern up-to- date dairy it was an event of moment to the inhabitants who heretofore had never enjoy- ed such cosmopolitan a service. Subsequently there were other men engaged in the same business but he was the pioneer.

The life in Lincoln proved unsatisfactory, as it was so confining to a man used to the open, and he decided to take up farming in the western part of the state where homesteads were still obtainable and came out to Scotts-

bluff county, homesteading in the Tub Spring district, but later sold his relinquishment and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 16, and the remainder of this school section he operates under a lease. Part of his land is already under irrigation and it is but a question of time until more will be under ditch.

Here he has established his home, erected a comfortable house, fine farm buildings and now is the prossessor of fine improved farm land. From the first Mr. Enlow seemed to see into the future; that the profits were to go to the man who handled thorough-bred stock, so has specialized in blooded Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs, and also makes a business of feeding range cattle for market. His farm is out of the general run, being characterized by his own individuality, which makes it one of the most prosperous and in- teresting in the whole panhandle region. He planned all his improvements and that they are exceptionally fine, attest to his ability. He has set out a fine large orchard with many trees already in high state of production. It goes without saying that such a man has a complete line of farm and orchard equipment, with latest designed machinery. Mr. Enlow stands for the epitome of progressiveness in this section and is a worthy example that younger men in agricultural pursuits would do well to follow if they would journey rap- idly along the highway to success. He is an independent voter and a keen student of po- litical affairs from those of his immediate community up to ones of national scope. He is a sturdy supporter of the public school for he says that all his life he has been using the knowledge that he learned in both elementary and high school and that every boy and girl ought to count the diploma from the high school as a white milestone in life. Mr. En- low married Miss Alice Lonsdale of Lnicoln, whose parents are deceased. She is a gracious and charming woman with a great big heart, as she gives a home to two of her nephews, George and Sterling, who are sturdy youths in whom she takes great pride. They have one daughter. Dorothy Elizabeth, aged five years, who at the age of twenty-three months won second prize, scoring ninety-seven and a half, at Better Babies contest at the State Fair in Lincoln, in 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Enlow are splendid neighbors on whom no one calls in vain at time of stress and trouble, and they enjoy the love and confidence of a large cir- cle of friends.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

WILLIAM T. EVANS. - Although vari- ously identified with affairs in Scottsbluff county since his arrival here more than a de- cade ago, it is probably as a county agricultural agent, he will be longest and gratefully re- membered. More and more is it demonstrated that a cultivated mind and fine instincts reach their highest development oftentimes amidst agricultural surroundings, diffusing around them that refinement and peace that are the hallmarks of the born student. To such a class belongs Mr. Evans, who is now one of the land owners of Scottsbluff county, but who for years has been one of the most prominent men in civic affairs.

He was born in Adams county, Iowa, Feb- ruary 4, 1883, the son of F. E. and Eva L. (Roberts) Evans. The father was a native of Wisconsin and the mother of Illinois; both came from a long line of sturdy eastern stock, as the earlier members of the respective fam- ilies were pioneers in the middle west. Both the parents are still living on their fine lowa farm, the father being sixty-three years of

age and the mother sixty. All the family are hale and hearty in old age, living out the full Bibical span of "three score years and ten," for as a boy Mr. Evans had eight living grand and great-grand parents while two of his chil- dren had seven gradparents and the others have five.

The country school of Iowa furnished Will- iam Evans his early educational training, sup- plemented with the practical work a boy learns on the home farm. He spent his youth and early manhood in Iowa, but soon after attaining his majority he determined to es- tablish himself independently in business. Looking the country over Mr. Evans decided that there was the greatest future in the irri- gated lands of the middle west where crops are always assumed with the plentiful supply of water and never failing sunshine of the roll- ing prairie lands. With this in view he lo- cated in section 30, township 23-55, not far from Mitchell, in 1906, a young man of twen- ty-three with all the future before him, filled with optimism and confident that with hard work, study of climatic and crop conditions dame fortune would smile upon his efforts and he was not mistaken, for in thirteen years he has won a fine farm, good business and is con- sidered one of the most representative and progressive agriculturists of this up-to-date farming community. The improvements on his land are of the latest ; he has a good home, adequate farm buildings with modern equip- ment, all of which are indications that he is

a capable farmer, good citizen and progressive in business. Mr. Evans carries on general farming and stockraising, specializing in Dur- oc Jersey hogs. That he stands high in the community is attested by the positions of hon- or and trust that have been confided to him by his friends and acquaintances, for he is di- rector of the school board, secretary of the District Farmers Union, secretary of the Farmers' Union Local, and some three years ago was commissioned county agent of Scotts- bluff by Governor Neville. All the offices which take so much of his time have been filled to the great satisfaction of the commun- ity which he serves.

Well educated, and a thinker who keeps abreast of all present day movements whether commercial or political, Mr. Evans is an in- dependent voter on both local and national questions, voting as his conscience dictates and for the best man for office. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist church, to which he is a liberal donator.

In Furnas county, Nebraska, on the 25th of December, 1910, Mr. Evans married Pearl Converse, also a native of Iowa, and they have four children : Ilda, Dale, Lura and Ronald, all residing with their parents.

WILLIAM OTTE, whose well improved farm is situated on section 22, township 22-54, is one of the substantial men of Scottsbluff county. He was born at New Bremen, Ohio, November 27, 1868, a son of William and Lizzie (Sollman ) Otte. The father was born in Ohio and spent his life there, dying at the age of seventy years. The mother was born in Indiana but moved to Ohio with her parents when twelve years old.

William Otte grew up on his father's farm in Ohio and attended the country schools. In 1888 he came to Nebraska, locating at first near Talmadge and for some time worked for farmers in Otoe county. He remembers an early experience in freighting, when he hauled posts to Alliance for ten cents each. In 1891 Mr. Otte came to Scottsbluff county and home- steaded and this property he still owns and has added to until now he has an entire section, which, through hard work, has been well devel- oped. His buildings are substantial, his fields are cultivated with modern machinery, and his stock is standard. He has been industrious and saving and has something to show for his years of labor.

Mr. Otte was married to Miss Mattie Schuy- ler, whose parents came from Pennsylvania to Nebraska and located at Burwell in Garfield county. Both are now deceased. Mr. and

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Mrs. Otte have three children : Belle. Clifton and Wilma. Mr. Otte has never been very active in politics and has never been a candi- date for any office. He is a good citizen, how- ever, takes interest in the public schools, good roads and other general subjects, contributes his share to public enterprises, and may well be called a representative citizen of his county where he stands well with his neighbors.

FRANK LINCOLN LOGAN. -- Though he is yet many years from the psalmist's "three score years and ten," and still possess- ed of his full amount of physical and mental vigor, Mr. Logan has the enviable distinction of being one of the first permanent residents of Scottsbluff county, arriving here in 1890, and thus his memory compasses the entire gamut that has been run in the development of this section of Nebraska from a prairie wilderness to a populous and opulent district of this great commonwealth, and it is grati- fying to him to have been able to play a part in the civic and industrial progress and up- building of the county.

Frank Logan is descended from staunch Pennsylvania stock, as his ancestors located in the Keystone state at an early day. He was born in Lee county, Iowa, September 4, 1865, the son of H. R. and Catherine C. (McFarlane) Logan, both of whom were na- tives of Pennsylvania ; the mother lived to the age of forty-five years, passing away in Iowa in 1885, while the father survived to be sixty- four years of age, passing away in 1906. He was a farmer in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, who came to Iowa at an early day to take advantage of the fine farming land in that state, and there he passed the remainder of his days. Both the parents were members and supporters of the Presbyterian church and the father was a stalwert member of the Republican party.

The subject of this review spent his boy- hood days on his father's farm in Iowa, ac- quiring his early education in the public schools of his district and at the same time learning the practical business of farming from experience on the land in Iowa, where he remained some years after attaining his ma- jority, but the country was getting well set- tled up around the home farm and he de- cided to establish himself farther west where land could be obtained by homesteading. Ac- cordingly he came to Nebraska in 1887, locat- ing at York. Then in 1890 locating in Scotts- bluff county, in section 22, township 23-56, where he took a homestead and timber claim

which has never passed out of his ownership. Mr. Logan had a little capital, composed of $1,000 earned and saved in three years while at York, when he came to this section, combin- ed with a sturdy determination to succeed, a healthy body and mental ability of a high order and these have prove enough for him to make a fortune, for from time to time he has purchased more land until today he is one of the largest holders of real estate in Scotts- bluff county, as he now owns 2,850 acres, four hundred and seventy of which are under irrigation. He has been a resident since the time when the only houses in this section were sod, half dug outs, and has watched with the eye of a proprietor the various changes that have been wrought by the passage of years and the sturdy and progressive work of the settlers, and has himself borne a full share in the labor and development, for all the im- provements on his large holdings are the re- sult of his own brain and muscle; all the trees on his property he set himself and he has literally made the "desert bloom like a rose." So that the virgin earth has become a fruitful mother to him and his. Mr. Logan was a man of foresight, thrift and diligence and with such qualifications it is but natural that his accomplishments have been of an un- usual order. They have won for him for- tune, and the esteem and respect which are accorded him by his friends and associates.

In addition to his own property Mr. Logan leases three quarter sections of school land; he has fine buildings on his property, a beau- tiful home, the latest farm equipment and uses modern methods, having long been established as a progressive and skilled farmer who thoroughly knows his business. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and his suc- cess attests to the soundness of his manage- ment and methods.

Mr. Logan was first married to Miss Bertha Akers, a native of Colorado, in 1895; she was the daughter of William Akers of Alli- ance, who was engaged in the land office of that town. She died in 1900, and he married a second time in 1908. Mrs. Ruth Etchison, the daughter of James Roberts. There were ten children in the Logan family: Emma, who died in infacy ; Addie, the wife of J. P. Brad- en, of Arcadia, Nebraska ; John, a farmer of Morrill; Frank, the subject of this review ; Harry, now living in Iowa; Samuel, a farmer in Kansas; James, a resident of Wisconsin, where he is a school teacher; Alex, an Iowa farmer ; Emmet, in the hardware business in Morrill, and Cora, the wife of Harry Morris,

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a lumber dealer of Morrill. In politics Mr. Logan is a Republican.

ALBERT ERNEST CURTIS. - The man whose life history these lines relate lives in the Mitchell district, where the soil is pro- ductive and where the inhabitants are among the finest and best peopl in the country. From the time of his arrival in Scottsbluff county in 1906, to the present, Albert Curtis has been demonstrating the possession of qualities of perseverence, industry, and good citizenship, which have combined to win him personal success as an agriculturist and the esteem and friendship of those among whom he has lived and with whom he has been associated. This enterprising and energetic farmer and stock- raiser of section 31, township 23-55, is a Wol- verine by birth, having been born in Branch county, Michigan, November 15, 1867, of fine colonial stock, as his parents were Henry R. and Anna (Hepler) Curtis, the former a native of New York state, born there in 1834, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania in 1843. The father was a farmer who also engaged in a meat and butcher business in Nebraska. He heard of the wonderful opportunities af- forded men willing to win farms from the prairies, and desiring greater advantages for his growing family decded to locate in the new country being opened up west of the Missouri. He removed to Nebraska, locating in Polk county, where he purchased a relinquishment, proved up on it, and made excellent improve- ments on his land for that day. He soon was actively engaged in general farming, which, due to his thrift, hard work and perseverence proved a most satisfactory investment and there reaping the harvest of early endeavor, he passed the remainder of his life.

There were ten children in the Curtis fam- ily, four of whom are living: Matilda, the wife of William Root. lives in Missouri ; Net- tie, who married Henry S. Gerard; Viva, the wife of Ernest Rogers, and Albert, the sub- ject of this review. The children grew up on the prairie homestead, attending the district schools such as were afforded in their day and at home developing into fine men and women by the assistance they rendered their parents The father was a staunch supporter of the Republican party and at one time was con- stable of Butler county, Nebraska, but he cared little for the turmoil of political life though he took active and interested part in all civic movements for the uplift and improvement of his community, state and nation. He was

one of the leading members of the United Brethren church and was known as a man whose word was as good as his bond, while his deeds were worthy of emulation by the younger men who could have the benefits of his precepts.

Albert Curtis came to Scottsbluff county in 1906, bought a relinquishment of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land and today is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of choice farming property. This land at that time was not in good condition, but he set about remedying this defect, and he now has one of the fertile valuable tracts that go to make this section of the state one of the gar- den spots of Nebraska. He is engaged in gen- eral farming, being equally at home in all branches, and has made what may be con- sidered a great success in his chosen vocation, for he keeps only high grade stock and today enjoys the benefit of the most modern equip- ment procurable on the market.

In 1902, Mr. Curtis married Miss Epsy Harper, a native of Ohio, and they have two children: Jessie Blanch, the wife of Harley Abbott, a farmer in Minnesota, and Minnie Hazel, who is a trained nurse in the Edmonson hospital at Council Bluffs. Mr. Curtis chose for his second wife, Emerett T. Banning, a native of Wisconsin; a daughter of Newell Bartlett and Cora E. (McKeen) Banning. He born in Connecticut and she in New York. On the maternal side, one Sarah Miller was a passenger on the Mayflower. She married Thomas McKeen who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Newell Bartlett Banning was a descend- ent of Lady Cheswick, who was lady in wait- ing to the queen of England. She married Captain Ranson. She died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one daughter who became the wife of Theopolis Banning, par- ents of Newell Bartlett Banning.

Being a well educated man it but follows that Mr. Curtis is deeply interested in all civ- ic movements and educational matters per- taining to the welfare of his community and for three years served as director of school district number 42. He is independent in his pilitics, casting his vote as his judgment dic- tates. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Curtis enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends and is really a progressive son of the great west who has exhibited the sterling qualities and charac- teristics of the hardy race from which he springs.

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HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

JOHN B. DOUGLAS, is a well known citizen of Scottsbluff county who has given to farming the careful management that insures great returns for his labors. Mr. Douglas was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa, November 3. 1878, the son of Andrew and Julia (Tim- mins) Douglas, he born in Scotland, she born in Pennsylvania. The father came to Amer- ica when a lad of thirteen. locating first in Vermont, then in Illinois, where he obtained excellent educational advantages to supple- men the schooling he had received in his na- tive land. After reaching manhood he re- moved to Iowa where he purchased land, con- ducting general farming operations for a num- ber of years, at the same time engaging to a large extent in stock-raising. Subsequently he went to Colorado where he became en- gaged in general truck farming, but the moun- tain country did not appeal to him as did the rolling prairies of his youth and disposing of his business he came to Nebraska to settle in the Mitchell district where he lived but five years before passing away at the age of sev- enty-three. His wife died at the age of sixty- nine. Mr. Douglas had responded to the presi- dent's call for troops during the Civil War and served in the army during the last two years of that memorable conflict on the side of the Union, as an agent of the secret serv- ice. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonged to the Methodist church and his political affiliations were with the Republican party. There are five children in the Douglas family: Maud, the wife of Joseph Harden, is deceased; George, a farm- er in Iowa; John B .; Jessie, who died in child- hood, and Myrtle, who married Harry Ash- brook. In Iowa the youthful years of John Douglas were passed. During the summer he was employed on the farm while the winter months he attended the country school, where he received a fundamental education that has served him well in his subsequent business life. His life was not that of the twentieth century boy, for his chores were not done before sun- down and he did not have the use of the fam- ily automobile after supper to go to town or visit his young friends. In fact the farms of his day were operated on the eight hours plan, eight hours in the forenoon and another eight hours in the afternoon, so while still a youth he had by experience fitted himself for farming in an independent way. He remained in Iowa until his twenty-eighth year when he decided to try his fortune in western Ne- braska, locating in Scottsbluff county in 1909, where he purchased a relinquishment, proved

up on it and was the owner of a fine farm He immediately began practical and excellent improvements. He was wise in taking up farming as all his training had been along that line and success crowned his efforts from the first. Since his arrival he has greatly en- larged his holdings and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres, all in a high state of cultivation, seventy-four being under irrigation and it is but a question of time until the whole tract will be under ditch, while there are fine substantial farm buildings, a good farm home and modern equipment. Mr. Douglas is fortunately the possessor of just those qualities which are essential to success in the business of farming, and having had considerable experience in this field of en- deavor, he is accounted one of the able and progressive men of his community. He has not been active in public affairs save as a good citizen, devoting his time and energy to the exacting cares of farming and stock-raising, and that the time has been well spent needs no mention when we learn of his extensive lands and comfortable fortune won from the soil in such a few years. In politics Mr. Douglas is a supporter of the Republican party while his fraternal relations are with the Yeo- men.

In 1897 was solemnized his marriage with Miss Bertha Kimbley, a native of Iowa, and they have five children : Claude, Harold, War- ren, Hazel and Leo, all of whom are at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Douglas enjoy a large circle of friends who delight in the good for- tune that has come to them in their western home, and Scottsbluff county can well be proud of such a citizen.

WILLIAM T. SMITH. - If you are fa- miliar with the Mitchell valley, you have often heard the name of Smith. There the sub- ject of this sketch, a prominent farmer, op- erates one of the most up-to-date farms. He exercises an energy and skill which put him well in the front among the food-raisers and producers of the county. Self acquired pros- perity, liberal ideas, ideals expressed in pro- moting agriculture, education and simplicity of living as well as unquestioned public and private integrity, constitute the fundamentals upon which rests the structure of his life and a firm foundation they have proved.

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History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 40

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