USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 26
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years, her demise occurring on the 28th of July, 1893, at Panama, where both are buried. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson have four children, as follows: May Eliza- beth, the wife of Ever M. Steeves, a merchant of Panama: Edward Fleming, who is farming in Panama precinct; Clinton Douglas, of the firm of Dickson & Steeves of Panama ; and Hazel Mary, a student in the Wesleyan University at University l'lace.
Mr. Dickson is a republican in politics and for ten years served as a mem- ber of the school board of district No. 28, Panama precinct, doing much during that time to promote the educational advancement of his district. From 1880 to 1882 he was superintendent of the county poor farm and from January, 1888, until December, 1894, was county commissioner, holding that office for two terms. During his service in this connection the county court house was built, and he gave a great deal of time to looking after the details of its construction and is proud of the fact that it was so well built that there are as yet no cracks or signs of decay in the structure. He was also largely responsible for the beauti- fying of the court house lawn, securing the trees planted there at Crete, Ne- braska. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1869, having been initiated into the fraternity that year as a member of Colony Lodge, No. 50, at Colesburg, Iowa. Later he became a charter member of Bennet Lodge, No. 32, Bennet, Nebraska, in which 'he held all of the chairs, and he is now affiliated with Panama Lodge. No. 220, which he aided in organizing and in which he has served as treasurer since 1898. He has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska several times and is one of the most enthusi- astic and prominent members of the organization in his part of the state. He is also affiliated with Bennet Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., with which he has been connected since 1893 and in which he has held all of the chairs. He and his family united with the Presbyterian church at Panama when it was organized in 1883 and still hold membership there. He is very active in church work and has served as elder since 1883, his record of service in that connection being one seldom equalled. His wife is also a leader in various church activities, and they have been factors of importance in the moral advancement of their community for many years.
WILLIAM R. GAYLORD.
William R. Gaylord is an attorney and abstractor of title of University Place and is one of the leading members of the bar of his community. A native of Michigan, his birth occurred at Niles, on the 11th of September, 1850, a son of Sylvanus G. Gaylord, a native of Ohio. The father spent his boyhood and youth in the Buckeye state but in his early manhood removed to South Bend, Indiana, where he established one of the first hotels in that city, on the site of the present Oliver Hotel. In the summer of 1870 he left Indiana and came to Lincoln and in the following winter opened the Clifton Hotel, on the corner of Twelfth and MI streets, one of the pioneer hostelries of the town. Subsequently he engaged in the hotel business _in _Fairmont,, Fillmore county, where he resided until 18;3. when he died at the age of storkowerrosoft ®
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William R. Gaylord was reared at Niles, Michigan, and South Bend, Indiana, until he was about ten years of age. At that time the family removed to another part of the Hoosier state and when fifteen years old he began learning the tinner's trade at Bourbon, Indiana. Having finished his apprenticeship he worked at his trade in Cleveland and elsewhere until 1870 when he removed west, spending some time in Iowa and in Missouri. In January, 1871, he removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, and has since been a resident of this state. 11e followed the tinner's trade for some time in the employ of J. L. Caldwell, but later went to Fairmont where he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1874. He at once began the practice of his chosen profession and also engaged in the making of abstracts of title. In addition to his work in these connections he published the Nebraska Signal, the first anti-monopoly newspaper, of which he was one of the owners for eight or ten years, or until 1898, when he sold out. The following year he returned to Lincoln where he resided for about two years. At the end of that time he removed to University Place and has since conducted a successful title business here and has also been active as a member of the bar, confining his attention, however, largely to office practice. lle is a man of wide legal knowledge and of sound judgment and is further character- ized by the accuracy of his work.
Mr. Gaylord was united in marriage on the ist of November, 1875, to Miss Margaret B. Brazelton, who was born in Indiana and was a daughter of Dr. John B. Brazelton, an early settler of Lancaster county. She passed away on the 12th of September, 1915, when fifty-nine years of age. She was the mother of eight children as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of H. M. Rathburn, of Lin- coln: Nellie, who married L. H. Smutz of St. Louis, Missouri; Lida, who is teaching in Wyoming; Mignon, the wife of W. G. Griswold who is engaged in the seed business in Lincoln ; Alva, who is connected with the Associated Press in Kansas City ; Charles of University Place ; Iva, who is living in Lincoln ; and William, who died when twelve years old.
Mr. Gaylord is a republican and has been especially active in agitation against monopolies which he believes are un-AAmerican and inimical to the prosperity of the country. He has taken a great interest in politics and public affairs and is now serving acceptably as police magistrate and justice of the peace. In 1872 he was made a Mason in Fairmont and has ever since been a consistent member of the order exemplifying in his life its beneficient teach- ings. He belongs to both the blue lodge and chapter. Ile is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Ile has gained a gratifying measure of success in his chosen work and personally he is held in the highest esteem for his dominant qualities are such as invariably command respect.
CHARLES II. ARNOLD, M. D.
Dr. Charles H. Arnold, possessing all the qualities requisite to success in the practice of medicine, is regarded as one of the eminent physicians and sur- geons of Lincoln, enjoying/ a/ reputation na Microsoffi @vice his years might well envy. He was born in Dorchester, Nebraska, on the 18th of October.
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1888, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Gifford) Arnold, both of whom were natives of Indiana. On their removal to Nebraska in 1885, Mr. Arnold pur- chased land five miles southwest of Dorchester, Saline county, where he was engaged in farming until 1905, carefully and systematically cultivating his land, which he converted into an excellent property. He then retired and removed to Dorchester, where he has since resided.
Dr. Arnold is a graduate of the Dorchester high school of the class of 1908 and prior to that time he attended the Lincoln Business College, although he did not complete his course there. In the fall of 1908 he entered Cotner Univer- sity at Lincoln, where he entered upon the literary course but afterward took up the study of medicine. He continued his preparation for the profession until the spring of 1911, when he entered the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1913. During his senior year he served as interne in the Garfield Park Hospital and immediately following his graduation he came to Lincoln to enter upon the practice of medicine. Here he has since been located and his developing ability is bringing him constantly to the front. He has offices in the Terminal building and in the period of three years he has built up a remunerative practice, ranking very high in his chosen calling.
On the 20th of January, 1912, Dr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Irma C. Sears, of Hyannis, Nebraska, by whom he has two children, Hubert Andrew and Faith Elizabeth. He is a member of the official board of the First Christian church, to which he belongs. Fraternally he is identified with Lan- caster Lodge, No. 54, A. F. & A. M. : Lincoln Chapter, R. A. M. ; Mount Moriah Commandery, No. 4. K. T. ; and Sesostris Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Lincoln, Nebraska. Ile is most loyal to the teachings of the craft, exemplifying in his life its beneficent spirit. He is also identified with various other beneficial orders and he is a member of the Lincoln Commercial Club, heartily indorsing all of its plans and projects for the benefit and improvement of the city. The interest which holds first place in his attention, however, is his profession and he keeps in touch with the onward march of thought and progress as a member of the Lancaster County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Associa- tion and the American Medical Association. He is thorough and systematic in all that he does, conscientious in the performance of every professional duty and is constantly promoting his knowledge and efficiency through study and experience.
CHARLES VINCENT GROVE SLUSHER.
Charles Vincent Grove Slusher is operating the family homestead of two hundred acres in South Pass precinct and is also one of the administrators of his father's estate. A native of Lancaster county, he was born near Hickman on the 3d of August, 1881, and is a son of John Demas and Lydia Ann (Long) Slusher. His paternal grandfather, Demas Slusher, was born on the 14th of March, 1815, and on the toth of January, 1839, was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Burley, whose birth occurred on the 15th of March, 1818. John
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Demas Slusher was born near Miltonsburg, Monroe county, Ohio, on the 14th of December, 1845, and was indebted to the public schools for his education. At an early age he began farming his father's land in Monroe county, Ohio, but in 1862 he offered his services to his country to aid in putting down the rebellion, enlisting in an Ohio regiment. He was at the front throughout the Civil war, at the close of which he was honorably discharged. Returning to Ohio, he con- tinued to farm there until 1872, when he located near Bloomington, Illinois. He followed agricultural pursuits in that locality for seven years but in 1870 came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, South Pass precinct, to which he subsequently added by pur- chase forty acres on section 4. He built a small frame house on section 4 and at once began placing his land under cultivation. He was thoroughly practical in all that he did and as the years passed his place became known as one of the best improved farms in the precinct and its value steadily increased. He raised both grain and stock and personally operated the farm until 1907, when he retired and removed to Hickman. He had previously purchased two good resi- dences there and lived in town during the remainder of his life. lle passed away on the 17th of April, 1915, and was buried in the cemetery at Roca. He was a charter member of Jerry Sullivan Post, G. A. R., at Hickman and sur- vived all of his comrades. His funeral services were attended by practically all who knew him, and he was given all possible honor both because of his splendid qualities as a man and because of his connection with the Grand Army post. The flag of the post was buried with him. He was married at Miltonsburg, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1867. to Miss Lydia Ann Long, who was born in that locality on the 27th of April, 1845. She passed away on the family homestead in this county on the ist of November. 1904, and was also buried in the Roca cemetery.
Charles V. G. Slusher was reared in South Pass precinct, this county, and at the usual age entered district school No. 59. During his boyhood and youth he also learned much concerning farming, as he assisted his father with the operation of the homestead, and when the latter retired he took over the entire work of the farm. He has since concentrated his energies upon the cultivation of that tract of land and he is recognized as one of the most practical and suc- cessful young agriculturists of the county. He raises both grain and stock and derives a good income from all branches of his business. The home farm comprises two hundred acres and is splendidly improved and everything about the place is kept in excellent repair.
Mr. Slusher was united in marriage on the 21st of August. 1907. to Miss Minnie Sophie Krueger, who was born near Firth, in South Pass precinct, on the 24th of January, 1885. Her parents, August and Amelia (Graus) Krueger, were both natives of Germany but came to America in young manhood and womanhood. The father located at once in South Pass precinct, Lancaster county, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 33. which he improved and farmed until 1912, when he took up his residence in Firth, where he has since lived retired. His wife first located in Indiana and there their marriage occurred. She also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Slusher have had four chil- dren: Lulu Lydia Amelia. who-was born in December, 1019, and died on the 14th of January, 1014 : John August.A. M.KAHGROSatt Rigin, and died
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January 31, 1914: Frank Wilson Frederick, born November 11, 1912: and Carl William, born June 3, 1915.
Mr. Slusher gives careful study to the questions and issues before the voters and casts his ballot in accordance with the dictates of his best judgment. He is ably carrying on the work begun by his father and is characterized by the same energy and ability, the same public spirit and unswerving integrity.
NICHOLAS BROEKEMA.
Nicholas Broekema, who is living retired in Hickman, was born in Middle- stum, Holland, The Netherlands, on the 25th of January, 1855. His father, Thys Broekema, was born in Teuboer, that country, on the 30th of October, 1821, and after completing his education in the common schools devoted his time and energy to agricultural pursuits. For twenty-eight years he worked for a family by the name of Zuidhof, entering the service of the father and continuing in the employ of the son. In 1867, however, he decided to try his fortune in the United States and, accompanied by his family, emigrated to this country. Ile first located in Chicago, where he worked as a laborer for a few years and later purchased a coalyard, which he conducted for eight years. When seventy years old he retired from business and in 1900 came to Hickman to make his home with our subject. He passed away here when eighty-three years of age and was buried in Chicago. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church and served as elder for twenty-two years in Chicago. For forty-four years he was one of the parishioners of the Rev. Debey, who was his pastor for twenty- two years in Holland and for a similar period in Chicago. While the Broekema family were on a ship on their way from The Netherlands to the United States one of the sons was taken ill with smallpox and on reaching New York he and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Greatje Rol, were detained in quaran- tine, the father and the rest of the family continuing their journey to Chicago. The mother died and was buried at the quarantine station on Staten Island. She was a daughter of Klaas and Aje Rol, natives of Ilolland. Her father, who was a farm laborer, came to America at the same time as the Broekema family and passed away in Chicago when seventy years of age. Ilis wife had died in Holland previous to his emigration.
Nicholas Broekema attended school in his native town until he was twelve years of age, when he accompanied his parents to the United States. He con- tinued his education in Chicago, going to school, however, only when not working, as it was necessary for him to provide for his own support at an early age. He learned the lather's trade, which he followed in Chicago for eighteen years, but in 1892 he entered the employ of Siegel, Cooper & Company, with whom he remained for six years. On the 28th of August, 1898, he removed with his family to Hickman, Nebraska, where his brother, George Broekema, was con- ducting a furniture and undertaking establishment. Our subject worked for his brother for a considerable period, but at length retired from active life and his son, Thys, bought an interest in the business, she firm name being now George Broekema & Company. In igor Mr. Broekema of this review erected a sub-
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stantial residence in Hickman, where he still lives, and the leisure which he enjoys is well deserved.
He was married in Chicago on the 7th of February, 1884, to Miss Annie Punter, a daughter of Simon and Julia Punter, natives of Friesland, Holland. Her father worked as a farm laborer in his native country but after his removal to the United States in 1881 he engaged in gardening in the vicinity of Chicago. He passed away in that city in 1915, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-one years. His wife also lived to an advanced age as she passed away in Chicago in 1911, when eighty-one years old. Their daughter, Mrs. Broekema, was born in Friesland in 1800, and by her marriage has three children : Thys, whose birth occurred on the 28th of December, 1885; Samuel, born June 15, 1888; and Julia, who was born January 5, 1890, and is the wife of Friend Buel, Jr., a well known farmer residing at Sprague, Lancaster county. To this union have been born two children, Marion and Blanche Sylvia.
Mr. Broekema is a republican and discharges to the full all of the duties of a good citizen. He has been a member of the town board and of the school board of Hickman and has served his community well in those capacities. He belongs to Damocles Lodge, No. 60, K. P., and has been master of finance. Ile holds membership in the Reformed Church of America and has conformed his life to high ethical principles.
THYS BROEKEMA.
Thys Brockema, a member of the firm of George Broekema & Company, furni- ture dealers and undertakers of Hickman, is one of the reliable, energetic and successful business men of the town. He gives the greater part of his time to the management of his business affairs, which are in a prosperous condition, as George Broekema & Company are accorded a large share of the public patronage in their lines. He was married on the 22d of August, 1900, at Maysville, Mis- souri, to Miss Lois Kline, a daughter of Wel and Mary ( Stevens ) Kline, natives of Ohio. To this union has been born a daughter, Anna Gertrude, whose natal day was September 6, 1913. He supports the republican party at the polls and takes a commendable interest in the welfare of his community, but is not an office seeker. He is vice president of the Southern Lancaster County Old Settlers Asso- ciation and is also a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias.
FRIEDRICH SCHNIEDER.
Friedrich Schnieder, a large stock dealer, was one of the pioneers of Buda precinct, and is now a resident of Hallam. He has led a most active life and his indefatigable effort has been crowned with a substantial measure of success. IIc was born in Germany, July 14, 1854, and is a son of Diedrich and Catherine (Saefken) Schnieder, who came. to the United States in May. 1860, establishing their home in Clayton county. inwedbuhlerosqueBo. they came
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to Nebraska, settling in Buda precinct, Lancaster county, the father homesteading the north half of the northeast quarter of section 30, while his son, Eilert, home- steaded the south half of the same quarter section. Upon that farm Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Schnieder remained until called to their final rest.
Their son, Friedrich Schnieder, was educated in the public schools and on reaching manhood began farming on his own account. In addition to tilling the soil he took up the work of raising thoroughbred Poland China hogs and short- horn cattle, and became one of the well known stock raisers of his part of the state. In 1880 he purchased eighty acres, constituting the north half of the northeast quarter of section 31, Buda precinct, and later he bought the southeast quarter of section 30. In 1892 the railroad was built through that part of the country and the town of Hallam was laid out on his land. Mr. Schnieder still owns one hundred and fifty-five acres adjoining the townsite, and in addition his property holdings include one hundred and sixty acres in Morris county, Kansas, and one hundred and sixty acres in Rusk county, Wisconsin. In 1910 he left the farm and removed to Hallam, but is still active in the live stock business, with which he has been prominently identified for the past twenty-two years. His business interests have been carefully, systematically and wisely managed, and he has derived therefrom a substantial measure of success.
In 1881 Mr. Schnieder was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Kelpien of Clayton county, Iowa, and to them have been born nine children, seven of whom are yet living: Diedrich, a resident of Hallam; Henry, who operates the home farm; Lizzie, the wife of Andy Meyer, a resident farmer of Saltillo precinct ; Friedrich, who carries on farming in Rusk county, Wisconsin; Dora, who is clerking for the firm of Fred Smith & Brother at Lincoln, Nebraska ; Louis, a barber of Hallam; and Amelia, the wife of Irvin Lauterbach, a farmer of Buda precinct.
Mr. Schnieder gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, yet does not hold himself bound by party ties and votes independently if his judgment so dictates. He has ever been interested in the welfare and progress of his com- munity, has served as chairman of the town board and for more than thirty years has been school treasurer. He is justly counted one of the foremost men of his precinct. He likewise belongs to the German Family Club of Hallam and to the Modern Woodmen camp, while both he and his wife are members of the Congre- gational church. His life has ever been upright and honorable, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
JOSEPH Z. BRISCOE.
Joseph Z. Briscoe, one of the leading and popular citizens of Lancaster county and formerly actively identified with merchandising in Lincoln, has been an important figure in developing the material, social and religious interests of the city. With notable generosity he has devoted a large share of the wealth that he has accumulated through patient toil and characteristic energy and enterprise Digitized by Microsoft (
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MRS. JOSEPH Z. BRISCOE
FLORENCE V. BRISCOE
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to the educational and moral elevation of the community, and his labors in this connection have been far-reaching and effective.
Mr. Briscoe is a representative of one of the old families of Pennsylvania and was born in Somerset county, that state, March 1, 1838, his parents being Frisby W. and Eva ( Logan) Briscoe. The father, who was of French descent, was born in 1809, and the mother's birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1816. Frisby W. Briscoe became a pioneer settler of Nebraska, where he arrived in the fall of 1863, taking up his residence in Omaha. He was one of the most prominent literary men and educators of his time and taught for many years in the academies of Berlin and Somerset, Pennsylvania. The latter part of his life was spent on a farm in Sarpy county, Nebraska, where he farmed until his death in 1881. In addition to his agricultural labors he also engaged in teaching school during the winter months. His widow survived him for three decades, passing away in August, 1911. In their family were six children, namely: Mary, the wife of Professor Manoah Eberhardt and a resi- dent of Iowa: Joseph Z .; Sarah, who married Samuel Cotner. of Omaha, for whom Cotner University was named; William W., residing in Sarpy county ; John L .; and Fred E.
Joseph Z. Briscoe was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and pursued a course of study in Duff's Merchants College at Pittsburgh, that state, where he was thoroughly trained along commercial lines. At the age of sixteen years he took up the profession of teaching in the common schools of Oakland, Mary- land, and afterward taught a select school at Westville, Indiana. The family removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, where they remained for ahout six years, and on the expiration of that period Mr. Briscoe of this review came to Nebraska, settling in Sarpy county, where for a time he was actively and profit- ably engaged in farming. He took quite an active interest in politics and public affairs and at one time served as county commissioner of that county, which office he filled in a most acceptable manner. He also served in the same posi- tion in Lancaster county and over the record of his public career there has fallen no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. In 1880 he removed to Lincoln, where he established a boot and shoe business. He afterward sold out and formed a partnership with O. W. Webster in the same line, this connection being main- tained under the firm style of Webster & Briscoe at No. 1043 O street. They carried a stock valued at thirty thousand dollars and enjoyed a very extensive patronage. In 1887 Mr. Briscoe erected a fine modern residence at the corner of Seventeenth and Locust streets. In business circles he sustained an unassail- able reputation for commercial integrity as well as enterprise, and his success was the merited reward of close application, persistency of purpose and intelli- gently directed effort.
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