USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 67
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John P. Mclaughlin was about eleven years old when the family home was established in this county, and he here continued his education, which had been begun in the schools of Iowa. As a boy and youth he assisted his father with the farm work and after reaching mature years took charge of the home place, which he operated for his father until he was about twenty-five years old. He then began farming the homestead independently and at length acquired title to the place which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land in North Bluff precinct. Hle engages in general farming, raising both grain and stock and has given special attention to the growing of alfalfa, having one of the finest fields of -that forage plant to. be found in the county. He spares neither time nor labor in the operation of the farmland m and as the years pass his resources are constantly increasing.
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Mr. MeLaughlin supports the democratic party when national issues are at stake but otherwise votes independently. Ile is now serving his sixth year as treasurer of the board of education and takes a keen interest in public affairs in general. The greater part of his life has been passed in this county, and the fact that those who have known him since boyhood are his stanchest friends Indicates his genuine worth.
FRANK A HOLLEY.
Frank A. Holley, a well-to-do and highly esteemed farmer residing in Mill precinct, was born in Erie county, New York, on the 14th of April, 1846, a son of John and Lenora ( Ketchum) Holley. The father, whose birth occurred in New York, on the 30th of January, 1813, followed the shoemaker's trade for a time and also drove stage out of Buffalo in the early days. Later he conducted a store at Mill Grove, a few miles from Buffalo, and there he remained until his removal to Vermont. He lived in that state in honorable retirement from business life for a number of years, dying on the 27th of October, 1858. He was survived by his wife until the 19th of July, 1882.
Frank A. Holley, who is the third in order of birth in a family of seven children, at first attended school in Clarence, New York, and later in Mill Grove, New York, and in Vermont and Illinois. Following his father's death he made his home with a cousin of his mother and when about seventeen or eighteen years of age accompanied that family to Illinois, his mother consenting to his removal west. He spent one winter in Ripon, Wisconsin, working in the lumberyards for a time, and ran down the Mississippi river on a lumber raft as far as Hannibal, Missouri, the trip requiring nine weeks. He then returned to Illinois, but after spending some time with the family which had reared him he came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and in March, 1869, homesteaded land on which he lived for about six years. He then traded that place for his present farm, going into debt for the difference in the value of the two properties. For a number of years he had to watch his expenditures closely as he desired to pay off his indebtedness as soon as possible and as the crops were sometimes poor. About 1877 he lost heavily owing to the grasshopper scourge, but he persevered and in time had his farm free of incumbrance. He has brought it to a high state of development, erecting excellent buildings and making other improvements upon the place which would now command a high price per acre if he desired to dispose of it. It comprises eighty acres and he derives a good income therefrom, although he is not personally operating the place now, having retired from active life. He might have become the owner of more land. but he preferred to give his children excellent educational opportunities rather than invest all of his capital in farms.
Mr. Holley was united in marriage on the 25th of February, 1875, to Miss Ella E. Gable, who was born at St. Charles, Madison county, Iowa. Her father, Enoch Gable, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of January, 1826, and followed the carpenter's trade in his native state and in Iowa for a number of years. In the fall of 1868, however, he took up his residence upon
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a farm in Waverly precinct, in Lancaster county, just across the road from Mr. Holley's place. After operating that farm for many years he removed to another tract of land which he cultivated for two years. At the end of that time he removed to Waverly, but is now making his home with Mr. Holley. Mr. Gable married Miss Martha Walmer, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1834. and who is now deceased. They became the parents of six children : Wayne, who is an employe of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad and resides at Lincoln; Mrs. Holley: George, who is farming in Mill precinct ; James, who is engaged in the mercantile business in Geary, Oklahoma; William, who is engaged in the implement business in Waverly ; and John, who is farming in Mill precinct.
To Mr. and Mrs. Holley have been born eight children: Lenora, the wife of Harry Stevenson, a farmer of Colorado; Gail F., who is a carpenter and con- tractor living at Waverly; Gertrude B., who is the wife of Arthur Anderson, a city employe of Los Angeles ; Minnie M., who married Edgar Anderson, a mail carrier, living at Waverly; Georgia E .. who is attending the Nebraska Wesleyan University at University Place, and is a teacher; Ruby B., the wife of Fred Malone, a farmer living south of Waverly; James E., who married Esther Hause, who is teaching in the Denton schools; and Muriel L., who is attending the Waverly high school.
Mr. Holley is an advocate of democratic principles, but at local elections votes independently, believing the qualifications of the candidate to be of greater importance than his political allegiance. He has always taken a keen interest in educational matters and was a member of the first school board in district No. 58 and was serving when the first school house in the district, known as the Jordan school, was erected. He served continuously on the board for more than forty years, filling all of the offices in that body, and in July, 1915, he refused re- election. During his connection with the board he did a great deal to promote the advancement of the schools and was highly esteemed by his fellow members of the board and by the teachers of the district. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and for three years held the office of venerable consul, for three years was banker and for one year was outside guard. His wife is identified with the Royal Neighbors. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of the county and expects to continue to live here throughout his remaining days. When actively engaged in farming he ranked among the up-to-date and enterprising agriculturists of the county and the leisure which he now enjoys is well deserved.
AXEL F. SPADER.
Axel F. Spader, a well-to-do and practical farmer living in Waverly precinct was born in Sweden, on the 4th of July, 1884, a son of J. G. and C. K. (Stenfelt) Peterson, both also natives of that country. The father served as railroad fore- man for thirty-two years and is now retired on a pension.
Axel F. Spader is the seventh in order of birth in a family of twelve chil- dren. He received the greater Lze part of his education in Sweden but after coming to America was for a short time a student in the Boyles Commercial College in
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Omaha. When only fourteen years of age he began working as a farm hand in Denmark but two years later returned to Sweden and was employed in a factory which manufactured trimmings for stoves. He held a good position, filling the office of controller for four years and having under his charge the final stages of the work. Upon leaving the factory he was employed on a rail- road for two years but in October, 1904, came to America as he had heard much concerning the excellent opportunities offered a young man here. He worked for others in Waverly, Nebraska, for two years, after which he engaged in farming on his own account, and in 1907 he removed to his present farm, which comprises two hundred acres of good land in Waverly precinct. He raises both grain and stock and as he is both practical and energetic his labor yields him a good financial return.
Mr. Spader was married on the 13th of November, 1913, at Omaha, to Miss Segrid Olson, who was born in Skåne, Sweden, of the marriage of Ole and Pernilla (Swenson) Olson, who are still residing in Sweden where the father is engaged in farming. They are the parents of fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Spader is the fourth in order of birth. She attended school in her native country but in 1903 accompanied her brother to America. Seven years later she returned to Sweden, but in 1912 came again to the new world. She has become the mother of a daughter, Signe Maria, who was born on the 13th of July, 1915.
Mr. Spader is a stanch republican in politics but has never been an aspirant for public office. He holds membership in the Lutheran church and in all rela- tions of life guides his conduct by high ethical standards. He holds the respect of all who know him and has won the personal friendship of many.
CLYDE E. MITCHELL.
Clyde E. Mitchell has gained a gratifying measure of success as a farmer and stock raiser and, in addition to his home farm of two hundred and forty acres in Centerville precinct, owns a quarter section in Highland precinct and three hundred and twenty aeres in Kansas. He was born in Cherokee county, Kansas, on the 5th of September, 1873, and is a son of Henry F. Mitchell, fur- ther mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. When but four weeks old he was brought by his parents to this county and was reared upon the home farm in Centerville precinct. After completing his public school education he began farming on eighty acres of land, which was unimproved when it came into his possession, but which he soon brought under cultivation. His first home was fourteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions and there he lived for fifteen years. but his present residence, which he built in 1912, and which was planned by his wife, is commodious, well designed and attractively furnished. He has added to his holdings from time to time and his home farm now comprises two hun- dred and forty acres of land, all of which is in a high state of development. He also holds title to one hundred and sixty acres of land in Highland precinet and half a section in Kansas and derives a gratifying addition to his income from the rental of these two farms; Hey personally operates his home farm and although he raises some grain gives the greater part of his attention to stock
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raising, feeding cattle, sheep and hogs extensively. Ile has made a careful study of that business and as he watches the market carefully he seldom fails to secure good prices for his stock.
In 1899 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Broeker, who was born in Cass county, Nebraska, and is a daughter of Fred and Louisa (Egger ) Broeker, natives respectively of Germany and Switzerland. After removing to the United States the father engaged in farming in Nebraska for many years, but is now living retired in Orleans, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have a son and daughter, namely : Glenn and Irene.
The republican party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Mitchell and for fifteen years he has served his community as a member of the school board. Frater- nally he is identified with the Royal Highlanders and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Since early infancy he has resided in Lancaster county, is thoroughly identified with its interests and has witnessed its development from a frontier region to a prosperous farming section.
CLEMENS PIEPHO.
Clemens Piepho gained a competence through his well directed labors as a general farmer and is now living retired on his homestead on section 26, Center- ville precinct. He was born in Germany and served with honor in the Hanoverian army in 1866 in the war with Austria. His birth occurred on the 23d of July, 1844, in the kingdom of Hanover, and his parents were George and Caroline ( Holveg ) Piepho, also natives of Hanover. The father was born on the 18th of August, 1814, and passed away in Hanover in 1897. For many years he was in the government forest service.
Clemens Piepho received a good education in Germany, completing what is the equivalent of our high school course, and in 1866, on the outbreak of the war with Austria, volunteered for service in the Hanoverian cavalry. He took part in much hard fighting and remained at the front until the close of hostilities. He afterward visited'various European countries, including Holland, Switzer- land and France, and then went to Austria, where he resided for five years, holding the position of private secretary to the Danish ambassador in Austria. After leaving Vienna he went to France and a short time later took ship for America, landing in New York city in 1877. . He went to Washington. D. C., and was present when Hayes was inaugurated as president of the United States. Later in that year he located in Tazewell and afterward in Woodford county, Illinois, and for two years was employed as a farm hand in those counties. In 1870. however, he removed to Franklin county, Nebraska, and six weeks later arrived in Lancaster county. He engaged in farming in Buda precinct for four- teen years but at the end of that time, or in 1894, purchased one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land on section 26, Centerville precinct. He made other improvements upon the farm and concentrated his energies upon its operation until 1908, when, feeling that he had accumulated sufficient capital to provide him with the comforts of life during his remaining years. he retired, turning over the management of the farm to his sons. He still lives upon the place,
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CLEMENS PIEPHO
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however, and in 1915 erected a fine two story residence, equipped with electric light and other modern conveniences. He also built good barns and outbuildings upon the farm.
On the 9th of January, 1881, Mr. Piepho was married near Firth, Lancaster county, to Miss Caroline Margaret Wittestruck, who was born near Metamora, Illinois, on the 20th of June, 1863. Her parents, John August and Sarah Jane ( Fogle) Wittestruck, were natives, respectively, of the province of Branden- burg. Prussia, and of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her father's birth occurred on the 15th of September, 1824, and the mother's on the 21st of March, 1834. Mr. Wittestruck received a public school education in his native country and also learned the cabinetmaker's trade in his youth. He followed that trade in Berlin for some time but on the 2d of August, 1857, took ship at Hamburg for America, landing in New York on the 9th of September. He located in Burlington, Wisconsin, whence he removed to Metamora, Illinois, where he farmed and also did some cabinet work until 1870, when he took up a homestead in the vicinity of Firth, Nebraska, which he operated during his remaining years, dying on the . 12th of March, 1886. His wife survived for almost twenty-five years, her death occurring on the 13th of February, 1911. Mrs. Piepho was seven years of age when brought by her parents to Lancaster county and she received her education in the public schools. She has become the mother of two sons. Ernest George, born November 19, 1881, is farming the homestead in connection with his brother, Carl William, who was born October 2, 1898.
Mr. Piepho is independent in polities, considering the qualifications of a candidate of more importance than his party affiliation. For two years he was moderator of school district No. 77 and he has always taken a keen interest in educational affairs. He is a member of the Lincoln Kriegerverein, a society composed of men who have served in the German army. He is a man of sterling worth and his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
EVERARD S. CHILD.
Everard S. Child was for a number of years engaged in the real estate busi- ness at Arapahoe, Furnas county, Nebraska, but the last years of his life were passed at Fitzgerald, Georgia, where he engaged in the nursery business for a time but later again became active in the real estate field. Following his demise his wife took up her residence in Bethany, where she still lives and is well known and highly esteemed. His birth occurred in Portsmouth, Scioto county, Ohio, on the 7th of January. 1842, and his parents were Dr. Abel and Margaret (Tozier) Child. The father was a physician and practiced his profession in Bethel, Vermont, and Manchester, Indiana, until 1859, when he removed with his family to Cass county, Nebraska, purchasing land on which he resided for a number of years. At length he retired from active life and removed to Plattsmouth, where he made his home until the death of his wife. He then went to Kansas City and lived with-a-son until he, too, was called from this life in 1886. Digitized by Microsoft ®)
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Everard S. Child was reared in Ohio and remained at home until 1861, when, at the age of nineteen years, he enlisted in Company A, First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. On being discharged from the army he returned to Cass county and began farming on his. own account. He was also postmaster and county surveyor. Later he removed to Frontier county, where he took up a homestead which he operated for a con- siderable period. Later he removed to Arapahoe, Furnas county, and began dealing in real estate. Ile was successful in that connection, gaining a large clientage and negotiating many important realty transfers. After a few years, however, he went to Fitzgerald, Georgia, where he engaged in the nursery business for two years, and then reentered the real estate business, which he followed during the remainder of his life. He passed away in Fitzgerald in August, 1901.
Mr. Child was united in marriage on the 2d of August, 1865, to Miss Hannah Elizabeth Thorndike, a daughter of George and Abbie ( Prescott ) Thorndike, natives of New llampshire and pioneers of Cass county, Nebraska, removing there in 1858. The father took up land under the homestead law and operated his farm there for many years, after which he removed to Iowa, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits for a decade. At the end of that time he returned to Frontier county, Nebraska, and farmed in this state until his demise in 1900. He was survived for two years by his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Child became the parents of three children, namely: Lorena P., born June 2, 1866, who married Charles Hayes and resides at Fitzgerald, Georgia ; Earl L., who was born Feb- ruary 18, 1869, and died October 21, 1887 ; and Elmer, who was born December 31, 188t, and was graduated at Cotner University. He was married in 1901. He and his wife are now home missionaries and reside in San Antonio, Texas.
Mr. Child cast his ballot in support of the republican party, believing firmly in its principles, and he could be depended upon to further movements seeking the civic advancement of his community. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and found much pleasure in associating with his former comrades in bhie. Fraternally he was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His religious faith was indicated by the fact that he held membership in the Christian church and his life measured up to high standards of manhood. In 1903 his wife removed to Bethany, where she built a good residence and where she still lives.
JAMES HOCKING.
James llocking was a highly esteemed resident of Denton precinct and his demise was recognized as a distinct loss to his community. During his latter years he farmed but in early manhood engaged in engineering work being con- nected in an important capacity with the building of a number of tunnels in the United States and Canada. A native of Cornwall, England, his birth occurred on the 12th of April, 1845, and he was the fourth in order of birth in a family of fifteen children born to John and Anna (Belmont) Hocking, also natives of that county. He received a meager education as he began work when ten
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years of age. Ile was at that time living in Pennsylvania as the family had emigrated to the United States two years previously. In 1865 removal was made to North Adams, Massachusetts, and the father had charge of the build- ing of the Hoosac tunnel. Our subject was superintendent of construction of that tunnel, working under his father, and afterwards held a similar position in connection with the building of the Union tunnel at Baltimore, Maryland.
In 1876 Mr. Hocking came to Lincoln, Nebraska, with a number of people from North Adams, who planned to establish a city in Lancaster county. Ilow- ever, this project was not carried out as a number became discouraged and returned to the east, while others located elsewhere in this section. Mr. Hocking purchased railroad land on section 15. Denton precinct, and built a frame house and placed the wild prairie land under cultivation. He was not satisfied with agricultural pursuits, however, and returned to engineering, becoming associ- ated with John Fitzgerald, of Lincoln. They assisted in building the Alpine tunnel in Colorado, a tunnel in the Black Hills of South Dakota and also the St. Claire river tunnel in Canada and the Chicago river tunnel in Chicago. Mr. Hocking then returned to his farm in Denton precinct and for twenty-three years he resided there, devoting his attention to the raising of grain and stock. He was successful in that connection and gained more than a competence. His death occurred on the 25th of September, 1912.
Mr. Hocking's constructive and mechanical ability were not only expressed in his efficient work as an engineer but also in the invention of a number of articles, including an automatic brake for buggies and wagons and a fire extinguisher to put out fires in stoves in railway coaches in case of accident or collision. This latter invention was pronounced by those who examined it to. be of superior merit, but as steam was then being installed to heat coaches it consequently never came into use.
Mr. Hlocking was married on the 11th of November, 1868, to Miss Mary Ellen Hicks, who was born in Cornwall, England, in 1848, a daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Chapman ( Barrett) Hicks, also natives of England. They emigrated to America in 1855 and located in Massachusetts, where the father's death occurred. He was a wool sorter by occupation. The mother passed her last years at the home of our subject and died in Lancaster county in 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. Hocking were born six children, namely: John Francis, a car- penter and contractor of Denton, who is married and has five children : James Edward, who died at the age of four years and nine months ; Sadie, the wife of Ilarry Smith, a farmer of Denton precinct ; Walter, a carpenter and con- tractor of Denton, who is married and has two children; Arthur J., who is operating the home farm; and Frank C., who married Mary Underwood, and is a carpenter and foreman for Harry Dobbs of Lincoln. The village of Denton inchides part of the Hocking homestead, and several of the sons have built homes upon land once a part of the home farm.
Mr. Hocking was a stanch republican, as are all of his sons, and he did all in his power to further the success of that party at the polls. He was also a Mason and his life was guided by the teachings of that order and the principles of Christianity although he was never a member of any church. His integrity was above question, and no man ever lost a cent through him. He held a high place in the estimation of all who knew him and was one of the most valued
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citizens of his precinct. His widow is now living in Denton, where she has many warm friends. She belongs to the Holy Trinity Episcopal church in Lincoln, but as she is too far away to attend services there she attends the Methodist church in Denton and contributes generously to its support. She belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star at Lincoln.
EDWARD JOHN WALT.
Edward John Walt, whose contribution to musical development in Lincoln has been most valuable, is widely known throughout this part of the country as "Walt the Music Man," conducting the leading piano and musical instrument busi- ness in this part of the state. His interest in music, however, has not been con- fined to the sale of musical instruments, for his vocal talents have made him a popular figure in musical circles, and he has also been the valued leader of various musical organizations.
Mr. Walt was born in Louisville, Kentucky, May 23, 1877, and is a son of Moritz and Elizabeth ( Ileeb) Walt. The father was born in the town of Eich- berg, Switzerland, on the Ioth of December, 1841, was there reared and in his boyhood learned the shoemaker's trade. When a young man he came to America and located in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he conducted a shoe repair shop until 1861. He then enlisted as a soldier in the Confederate army and served throughout the period of the Civil war. At its close he returned to New Orleans, where he continued in the shoe business until the early 'zos, when he became connected with the business interests of Louisville, Kentucky, in a similar way. He afterward removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he also carried on a shoe shop and in 1886 he came to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he opened a shop and engaged in shoe repairing in this city until his sons became old enough to make sufficient money to support him, whereupon they insisted that he retire from active business, and thereafter they provided him with all that he needed to make life easy and comfortable. He passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska, December 8, 1915. It was in Louisville, Kentucky, that he wedded Elizabeth Heeb, and to them were born five sons and a daughter: Edward, Fred. Reuben, Joe. Otto and Mrs. Frank C. Wagner. Further mention of this family is made in connection with the sketch of Joseph W. Walt, on another page of this work.
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