USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 61
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AUGUST BENGTSON.
August Bengtson, who resides upon a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres adjoining Waverly, was born in Halmstad, Sweden, on the 25th of August, 1860, a son of Bengtson and Ellen ( Pearson) Larson, who, when last heard from in 1914, were still living. The father engaged in farming during his active life. They became the parents of seven children, of whom August Bengtson is the second in order of birth. He received his education in the country schools of Sweden and remained under the parental roof until 1881 when he emigrated to America. For a year he was employed as a farm hand by Major Pierce. and after the latter gave upfanning @ Beugtsoncentered the @employ of a Mr. Warner. Two years later he began work for Michael Shea and remained with
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him until 1895. when he was married and rented a farm in Waverly precinct, Lancaster county. After remaining on that place for five years he took charge of Mr. Shea's farm and was so engaged for three years. He then purchased hiis present farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty-five acres and which adjoins the town of Waverly. He has brought the place to a high state of development and has gained a gratifying return from his work as a farmer and stock raiser. He is planning to retire from active life in 1917 but expects to continue his residence upon the farm.
Mr. Bengtson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Moein, in November, 1895. She was born at Havelock, Nebraska, and is a daughter of James and Mary ( Kerner) Moein, who were born in Ireland, and were among the first settlers of this county. The father engaged in farming here until his death, which occurred in 1880, and the mother is still living on the hon e place near Havelock.
Mr. Bengtson is a democrat in politics and holds membership in the Lutheran church, the teachings of which guide his life. He has the sincere respect of all who come in contact with him and is a valued citizen of his community.
HENRY BAADE.
Henry Baade, who owns seven hundred and sixty acres in Lancaster county, makes his home on section 19. Nemaha precinct, and has given his place the name of Central Farm as it is five and a half miles from Panama, Bennet and Hickman. He was born in Michigan City, Indiana, in December, 1862, and is a son of Christopher and Annie ( Jessel) Baade. The father was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on the ioth of October, 1835, and remained in that country until he was twenty-five years of age, when, in 1800, he came to the United States, taking up his residence in Michigan City, Indiana, where he worked as a laborer for six years. At the end of that time he went to Ray Center, Michigan, and purchased land in that locality. There he engaged in farming for thirty-one years but in 1807 retired and removed to New Haven, Michigan, where he is now living. 1His wife was also born in Mecklenburg and their marriage occurred in Germany. She is likewise still living.
Ilenry Baade was four years of age when the family removed from Michigan City, Indiana, to Ray Center, Michigan, where he received his education. lle carly began assisting his father and remained upon the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age. Ile then came to Lancaster county, worked as a farm hand for some time and for a year drove a milk wagon in Lincoln. Later he spent three years in Mount Zion, Otoe county, where he owned eighty acres of land. In 1800 he purchased a one hundred and sixty acre tract on section 19. Nemaha precinct, upon which he has since lived and which he calls Central Farm. He has made it a model place and it is acknowledged that his buildings are the finest in his locality. Ile is very progressive in his methods, profiting by the discoveries made by investigators along agricultural lines, and he manages all his affairs very cefficientis/ He doescgeneralfarming but gives particular attention to the raising of shorthern cattle. Aside from his home farm, his
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holdings comprise seven hundred and sixty acres in Lancaster county, all in Nemaha precinct with the exception of a quarter section in Saltillo precinct. All of his farms are under cultivation and he receives a handsome income therefrom.
On the 2d of February, 1888, at Lincoln, Mr. Baade was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Nolte, who was born in Will county, Illinois, in 1869, a daughter of Fred and Marie ( Keeker ) Nolte. Her father was born in the province of Hanover, Prussia, in 1820, and in 1852 came to America, locating in Cook county, Illinois. He engaged in farming there until 1875, when he removed to Douglas county, and five years later came to Bennet, Lancaster county. In 1885 he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Nemaha precinct, on which he resided for a number of years although he never operated the farm, renting it to others. He passed his lastdays with his daughter, Mrs. Baade, his death occurring on the 30th of May, 1899, and is buried at Bennet. His wife's birth occurred in Hanover, Prussia, in 1825, and in 1855 she came to America, settling in Will county, Ilinois, where she wo ked for others for a year, after which she was married. She died upon the Nolte farm, two miles east of Bennet, on the 19th of July. 1910, and is buried at Bennet. Mr. and Mrs. Baade have become the parents of four children : Ernest Christopher Frederick, who was born in Mount Zion, Nebraska, on the Ist of November, 1888, and is farming with his father ; Emma Lena, who was born upon Central Farm on the 5th of March, 1893, and is now the wife of Elmer Roeder, a farmer of Lancaster county ; Louis Adolph, who was born August 24, 1895, on the home farm and is assisting his father; and Elsie Maria, born on the home place on the 3d of January, 1901.
Mr. Baade is a democrat in politics and for two years has served as road overseer. He holds membership in the German Lutheran church, the teachings of which guide his life, and his genuine worth has gained him the friendship of those who have been closely associated with him.
HENRY W. STUTHEIT.
Henry W. Stutheit, a prominent pioneer of Lancaster county, was one of the excellent citizens which Germany has given to Nebraska, as his birth occurred in Germany, on the 8th of October, 1824. His parents, Gerhard IL and Mary Stutheit, came with their family to the United States in 1833, and settled at New Bremen, Auglaize county, Ohio, where the father purchased government land on which he built a log house. Before he could raise erops it was necessary to clear his land and there were the usual hardships of pioneer life to be encoun- tered, but he persevered and at length had a well developed farm. He heard much concerning the fine land which could be procured very cheaply in Iowa and in 1850 removed by wagon with his family to Clayton county, that state, becoming one of the first settlers there. His older sons purchased land in that county and he made his home with them until 1865 when he came still further west, locating in Nemaha county, Nebraska, where he passed away in 1882. 1lis wife had died a number of seats previously. Microsoft ®
Henry W. Stutheit was nine years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with
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his parents and throughout his life retained a vivid memory of his experiences on that occasion. He grew to mature years in Ohio and on the removal of the family to Iowa purchased land in that state in connection with his brother Frederick. At the time there were no railroads west of Chicago and pioneer conditions prevailed throughout the state of lowa. He developed the inde- pendence, hardihood and power of initiative typical of the pioneers of the middle west and through his unremitting labor gained a good start in life. In 1865 he disposed of his interests in the Hawkeye state and removed to Nemaha county, Nebraska, whence, in 1867, he came to Lancaster county. Hle purchased land in Centerville precinct and built a comfortable house upon his farm, hauling part of the lumber from Nebraska City, which was fifty-five miles distant but was then the nearest trading point. At that time there were very few frame houses in the county but he was able to afford such a luxury as he was in comfortable circumstances when he came to this county. He purchased additional land from time to time and became the owner of several hundred acres from which he derived a handsome income. In 1884 he removed to Lincoln where he lived until 1893 when his wife passed away. Subsequently he resided with his son Edward H., who had taken over the operation of the home farm. However, his death occurred in 1898 while he was visiting a daughter in Lincoln.
Mr. Stutheit was married to Miss Caroline Merker, who was born in Germany in 1825, but came with her parents to the United States in 1831. She became the mother of eleven children: Louisa, deceased; Margaret, resid- ing in Garfield county, Nebraska ; August, deceased ; Lucy, who lives in Kansas ; William, a resident of California: Cornelius, living in Washington; Louis, deceased ; Mary, of California; Edward H., a sketch of whom appears else- where in this work; John, deceased; and Matilda, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mr. Stutheit and his wife held membership in the German Methodist church and gave their hearty support to the work of that organization. They arrived in Lancaster county in the year in which Lincoln was established and their memory should be held in honor because of the part which they played in the early development of the county.
HENRY L. JOHNSON.
Henry L. Johnson was formerly engaged in farming on a tract of four hundred and eighty acres in Grant precinct, in which he still owns a half interest, but is now living retired in College View, where he has erected a beautiful home on Sheridan boulevard. His birth occurred in Orleans county, New York, on the Ioth of August, 1859, and he is a son of Lacy and Lydia (Carson) Johnson, natives of England and France, respectively. The father came to America in 1852 and farmed in the state of New York until 1881, when he removed west to Lancaster county, Nebraska. After following agricultural pursuits here for a few years he retired, but continued to reside upon the farm until his death, which occurred on the zist of May, IOLI. He had survived his wife for two decades, as she passed away on the 25th of February, 1891. To their union were
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JAMES JOHNSON
HENRY L. JOHNSON
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HOME OF THE JOHNSON BROTHERS
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born eleven children, namely: Fanny, the wife of De Graff Shear, of Lincoln; Harriet, the wife of George Shear, of New York; Lucy, who is keeping house for our subject ; William, who died on the 24th of March, 1900; Lucy V., a resident of Oklahoma ; Henry L .; James, who died in November, 1914: John H., who is farming in Grant precinct; Mary, the wife of R. A. Huston, a farmer of this county ; Lydia, the widow of Arthur Hawks and a resident of Idaho; and Maria, who died in 1852.
Henry L. Johnson grew to manhood and received his education in New York, but in 1881 accompanied the family to Lancaster county. He was then a young man of twenty-two years, and he and his brothers, John and James, began farm- ing on their own account, buying land in Grant precinct, to which they added until they held title to four hundred and eighty acres on sections 29, 28 and 21, with the buildings on section 29. For twenty-five years they operated that place in partnership and made it one of the best improved farms in the county, the buildings costing twelve thousand dollars. James has passed away, but our sub- ject and his brother John still own the land. In 1916 Henry L. Johnson retired and removed to College View, where he has erected a fine home on Sheridan boulevard. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Roca and also at Saltillo and is in excellent financial circumstances.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen lodge, belongs to the Presbyterian church, and in politics is a stanch republican. He is interested in the advancement of his community and is willing to support move- ments looking to that end, but has never desired to hold office. The leisure which he now enjoys was made possible by his former well directed labor and is well deserved. He is held in high esteem throughout the county and his warmest friends are those who have been most intimately associated with him, which fact indicates his genuine worth.
JUDSON E. VANDERLIP.
Judson E. Vanderlip was one of the leading citizens of Bennet, where he was for a considerable period engaged in the mercantile business and where he was also connected with banking interests, and his demise was recognized as a loss to his community. His birth occurred in Canada on the 14th of August, 1844. His parents, Robert and Caroline ( Beebe ) Vanderlip, were natives of New York but resided for a considerable period in Canada, whence in 1852 they removed to Ionia, Michigan, and later to Montcalm county, that state. Upon a farm in the latter county they spent the remainder of their lives. Four of their ten children are still living.
Judson E. Vanderlip remained in Michigan until he was twenty-four years of age but in 1869 came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and settled in Stockton township, taking up a homestead, on which he lived for five years. For a time he engaged in farming and also taught school during the winter months. At the end of five years he removed to Bennet and became connected with its busi- ness interests as the owner of a general store. He was very successful in that venture and in the development of his business not only gained financial pros- Vol. II-30
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perity for himself but also contributed to the commercial advancement of Bennet. He was prominent in banking circles, being one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank, of which he served as president for years, his foresight and good judg- ment being important factors in the success of the institution. He invested much of his capital in real estate and at the time of his death owned several hundred acres of fertile land.
Returning to Michigan Mr. Vanderlip was married in February, 1870, to Miss Marietta Robinson, a native of St. Joseph, Michigan. Her parents, Stephen W. and Paulina ( Bumbford) Robinson, were natives respectively of England and of New York. The father emigrated to this country in early manhood, becoming a resident of Michigan, where he lived until called by death. His widow subsequently came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and passed away here. To their union were born two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderlip became the parents of a son, Edwin Anderson.
Mr. Vanderlip was independent in politics, refusing to follow the dictates of party leaders and supporting the man whom he thought best suited for the offices in question without regard to his political allegiance. lle served ably on the village board and at all times took a keen interest in the public welfare. Fraternally he was a Master Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 94 at Bennet. He gained financial independence but valued more highly than his material pros- perity the warm regard and the sincere respect in which he was held by all who came in contact with him. He passed away on the 30th of October, 1904, and his friends still honor his memory. Mrs. Vanderlip owns a fine farm in Lan- caster county, one hundred and sixty acres in Kansas, a large block of bank stock, five hundred and twenty-eight acres of land in South Dakota and a fine residence in Bennet. She personally looks after her extensive business interests, and her unusual business ability is generally recognized. She also takes an interest in the advancement of her community, especially along lines of moral progress, and is a consistent member of the Christian church.
IRA A. LODER.
Ira A. Loder, of Waverly precinct, is devoting his entire time and attention to farming and stock raising and is meeting with gratifying success. He was born in Waverly, on the 27th of September, 1877, a son of Alexander and Margaret (Landon) Loder, the former born in Ohio, on the 17th of January, 1846, and the latter in Pennsylvania, on the 28th of June. 1854. The father, who is a farmer, purchased land in Lancaster county, Nebraska, about 1870, and passed his remaining days thereon, dying in March, 1899. His wife now makes her home in Waverly and receives a good income from the homestead, which she owns. To them were born five children.
Ira A. Loder, the second child, received a good public school education in Waverly and assisted his father until the latter's demise, which occurred when the son was twenty-one years old. He then took charge of the home farm and resided there for seven years, but at the end of of that time removed to his present location in Waverly precinct. He owns one hundred and sixty acres
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of fine land and raises both grain and stock, specializing, however, in the grow- ing of wheat. Ile still operates the homestead, which is also a quarter section, and he ranks among the progressive farmers of his township.
Mr. Loder was united in marriage on the 26th of September, 1900, to Miss Jennie K. Martz, who was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, November 24. 1877. and is a daughter of Nathan and Esther ( Melick) Martz, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Waverly in 1880. Previously the father followed the carpenter's trade and also conducted a lumber business, but after removing to Nebraska engaged in the manufacture of farm implements and contracting and building. He passed away in 1907, and his wife died in 1905. Mrs. Loder, who is the fifth of eight children, was educated in the Waverly schools. Mr. and Mrs. Loder have two children: Ira Merle, who was born on the 18th of March, 1902; and Albert Eliot who was born November 8, 1905.
Mr. Loder is an advocate of the principles of the Prohibition party but votes for the man whom he thinks best fitted for the office without regard to political affiliation. He holds membership in the Congregational church and in his daily life exemplifies the teachings of that organization. He has always lived in Lancaster county, and the fact that those who have known him from boyhood are his stanchest friends, is indicative of his genuine worth.
ARTHUR B. NIELSEN.
Arthur B. Nielsen is engaged in general farming in North Bluff precinct and although a young man, has already gained a gratifying prosperity. His birth occurred in Howard county, Nebraska, on the 29th of April, 1881, his parents being Ole and Elsie ( Bertelsen) Nielsen, both born in Denmark, the former on the 17th of February, 1847. and the latter on the 30th of October, 1859. When twenty-one years of age the father came to the United States and after working for others in Wisconsin for about a year was engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river for two years. Later he worked for the railroad and was also employed as a farm hand for a time, but in 1871 he took up his residence upon a homestead farm in Howard county, where he is still living. He bought land from time to time and became one of the extensive landowners of the county. His wife also survives.
Arthur B. Nielson, who is one of the older members of a family of ten children, received his early education in the district schools, subsequently was a student in the Danish high school of Howard county, and during two winters attended the State Agricultural College at Lincoln. He remained at home for several years after completing his education and operated the homestead with the aid of his brothers. Following his marriage, however, he removed to Stevens Creek precinct, Lancaster county, and farmed there for two years. At the end of that time he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3. North Bluff precinct, where he has erected a modern residence and good barns and otherwise improved the place, He has secured all of the equip- ment which is used in twentieth century farming and has been very successful
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as a raiser of grain and stock. He is also interested financially in the Farmers Elevator at Davey, this county.
On the Ist of May, 1912, occurred the marriage of Mr. Nielson and Miss Anna Hansen, a native of Lincoln and a daughter of Peter and Kate (Nelson) Hansen, both of whom were born in Denmark. They became early settlers of Lancaster county, however, and are now living in Rock Creek precinct, near Ceresco.
Mr. Nielson is independent in politics, supporting the candidate whom he considers best fitted for the office regardless of party allegiance. The principles which govern his life are found in the teachings of the Danish Lutheran church, to which he belongs, and his many admirable qualities have won him a high place in the estimation of all who have been brought into close contact with him.
IRA CLARKE DEATS.
Among the very successful stock raisers of Lancaster county is Ira Clarke Deats, who owns a valuable farm on section 7, Nemaha precinct. He raises thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, which he sells for breed- ing purposes, and also feeds a large number of stock cattle annually for the market. A native of Iowa, his birth occurred in Marion county, near Marys- ville, in 1877, and he is a son of William Franklin and Mary Teressa ( May) Deats. The father was born near Louisville, Kentucky, in 1850, but when seven years of age was taken to Marion county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and obtained his education. He engaged in teaching school in that state for a time and also worked with his father, who was a blacksmith and toolmaker at Eldorado. When twenty-five years of age William F. Deats was married to Miss Mary Teressa May, whose birth occurred in Marion county in March, 1854. They removed to Gage county, Nebraska, in 1883, and there Mr. Deats bought a quarter section of land near Cortland from the Burlington & Missouri Railroad. He operated that place until about 1900, when he removed to the vicinity of Bennet, Nebraska, where he purchased land. Subsequently he retired from active life and took up his residence in Bennet, where he now lives.
Ira C. Deats was but six years of age when he was taken to Gage county, Nebraska, in 1883. He attended a district school near Cortland, was reared to farm work and assisted his father until 1896, when he rented a farm, which he operated for two years. Later he bought eighty acres of land in Gage county and continued to reside there until 1902, in which year he came to Nemaha precinct, Lancaster county, and purchased one hundred and eighty acres on sec- tion 7. He tore down all of the buildings and erected a fine modern residence and commodious and substantial barns, so that his farm now ranks among the best improved places of his precinct. He raises the usual grains but gives especial attention to the raising of full blooded shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He also feeds a large number of stock cattle for the market and all branches of his business return him a good profit.
Mr. Deats wa's married-on the 6th of January, 1912, at Lincoln, to Miss Mary Salisbury Barnett. who was born in Tolono, Champaign county, Illinois,
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on the 10th of May, 1886, a daughter of Samuel Newlen and Mary Eleanor ( Salisbury) Barnett. Her father was a native of Paris, Illinois, born April 2, 1846. Ile engaged in farming in the Prairie state for many years but in 1887 became a resident of IIoldrege, Nebraska, where he engaged in business as a grocer and later as a grain merchant. In 1900 he disposed of his interests in that town and purchased a farm two miles north of Lincoln, where he is now living retired. His wife was born in Ohio on the 12th of November, 1856, but was taken to Tolono, Illinois, in 1863. She attended the public schools there and was also a student in a girls' seminary in Ohio for ten years, thus receiving a good education. She also survives. Mrs. Deats graduated from the Lincoln high school with the class of 1901 and subsequently spent three years in study at the Nebraska Wesleyan University at University Place. Previous to her marriage she engaged in teaching in Jefferson, Randolph and Lancaster counties. Mr. and Mrs. Deats have a son, Russell Clarke, who was born upon the home farm in Nemaha precinct, on the 22d of April, 1913.
Mr. Deats is a Bryan democrat and is interested in everything relating to public welfare although he has never sought office. He belongs to the Christian church and fraternally is connected with Bennet Lodge, No. 94. A. F. & .A. M., in which he has held a number of offices, and Carnation Chapter, O. E. S., with which his wife is also identified. He is alert and enterprising, displays sound judgment in the management of his affairs and his continued success seems assured.
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