USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 73
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President Morrison was married on the 6th of June, 1906, to Miss Vera E. Thompson, a daughter of Cassius M. and Rachel ( Harding ) Thompson, both natives of Michigan. The father engaged in farming in that state throughout his active life and passed away there in 1901. His wife now makes her home near her daughter, Mrs. Morrison, in College View. President and Mrs. Mor- rison have two children : Alethea D., who was born on the 28th of July, 1909; and Cleo E., whose birth occurred on the 24th of March, 1912.
President Morrison is a republican, his careful study of political questions having convinced him of the wisdom of the policies of that party. In religious faith he is a Seventh Day Adventist, and he takes an active part in the work of that church. He recognizes the great need of a Christian education that shall train and develop the moral and spiritual nature as well as the intellect, and his policy as president of the Union College has been to place much emphasis upon Christian standards and ideals of life, at the same time insisting upon thorough scholarship.
ELMER JAMES HENDRIX.
Elmer James Hendrix, who is operating a farm on section 14, Grant precinct, is one of the most efficient of the younger agriculturists of the county. His birth occurred near Prairie Home, in this county, on the 27th of January. 1884, and he is a son of Henry A. Hendrix, who was born in York county. Pennsylvania, on the 13th of April, 1851. The father was reared in his native state but in 1877 came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and after working as a farm hand and operating rented land for some time he purchased eighty acres of land in Waverly precinct, to which he later added an additional eight acre tract. After farming in this county for two decades he sold his land and went to Kansas, but four years later he returned to Lancaster county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Grant precinct, which he operated until 1011, when he removed;to Cheney, where he is still living retired. He is a democrat in politics, is a member of the United Brethren church, and
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fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He married Mary Leib, by whom he has eight children. A sketch of his life appears else- where in this work.
Elmer James Hendrix was reared in his native county and after completing the course offered in the public schools at Waverly attended York College at York, Nebraska. He also received early training in farm work as he began assisting his father as soon as old and strong enough and so continued until 1911. when he was married and began his independent -career. He took charge of the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14. Grant precinct. and is still operating that place. In addition to raising grain he breeds short- horn cattle and sheep and derives a good profit from both branches of his work. He follows up-to-date methods, is practical and industrious, and his resources are constantly increasing.
On the 15th of February, 1911, Mr. Hendrix was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Laird, who was born near College View. Grant precinct, on the 6th of January. 1893. She supplemented the education acquired in the district schools by attending the State Agricultural college at Lincoln, where she took a domestic science course. Her parents, John Brown and Julia (Davis) Laird. were born respectively in Wisconsin and Iowa but became pioneer settlers of Grant precinct, Lancaster county. They are now living retired in College View. To Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix have been born two children: Royce Clayton, whose birth occurred on the 25th of January. 1912; and Oran Robert, born December 23, 1913.
Mr. Hendrix is independent in politics, supporting the man rather than the party. He is a member of the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs, and she takes a very active part in its work. Both are representatives of pioneer families of the county, and they are ably carrying on the work of development begun by their parents. Mr. Hendrix gives the greater part of his attention to his agricultural interests but discharges to the full all of the obliga- tions of citizenship resting upon him and can be depended upon to support measures seeking the general good.
COLONEL SAMUEL MILLER MELICK.
Colonel Samuel Miller Melick needs no introduction to readers of this volume for he is one of the best known citizens of Lancaster county, his business and official connections having brought him a wide acquaintance, while his many sterling qualities have made for personal popularity and high regard. He was born in Clinton, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, March 24, 1853, a son of Peter and Jane Maria ( Miller ) Melick, the former also a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey. His birth occurred in the town of New Germantown and there he acquired his education, after which he took up the occupation of farm- ing. He was also county surveyor for many years and was a man of consider- able local prominence. ILe engaged in the cultivation of the old homestead farm up to the time of His marriage any afterward purchased a tract of land near Clinton, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, whereon he engaged in farming for
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a long period. In the year 1858 he removed with his family to Marshall county, Illinois, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1870. In the fall of that year he removed to Lancaster county. Nebraska, and secured a homestead of section 22, township 12, range 7, or what is now Rock Creek precinct, obtaining eighty acres of land which adjoined the homestead of his son Samuel M. and his other son Nicholas Egbert. Thereon the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1878. His wife was born in New Germantown, New Jersey, and died during the residence of the family upon the farm in Marshall county, Illinois, being laid to rest in the family burial lot upon that place. Her father had been postmaster in New Germantown, New Jersey, for twenty-six years, and the family was one of prominence in that locality.
Colonel Samuel M. Melick was a little lad of but eight years when the family removed to Illinois. He acquired a common school education and after- ward attended Marshall College of Illinois, while his practical training was received in farm work under the direction of his father. In the spring of 1870 he arrived in Lancaster county, Nebraska, and took up a homestead claim on section 22, Rock Creek precinct. He lived upon that place for ten years, after which he was appointed deputy sheriff under Granville Ensign and filled that position from 1880 until the fall of 1883, when he was elected to the office of sheriff, which position he continued to fill through reelection for six years, having been elected for three two year terms. He remained the capable and efficient incumbent in that office until 1890, when he retired and was appointed chief of police of the city of Lincoln. He walked from the sheriff's office to the city hall and remained in that position for a year and a half, or throughout the administration of Mayor Robert B. Graham. When the latter retired from office Mr. Melick was appointed deputy United States marshal under Marshal Brad D. Slaughter and remained in that position for a year, when Mayor Frank Graham was elected, and he was again appointed chief of police, serving dur- ing that mayoralty administration. Afterward Colonel Melick was retired from office holding until he took up detective work as a representative of the Nebraska Banking Association to aid in apprehending some bank robbers. He was thus engaged until 1912, when the outbreak at the state penitentiary took place and Warden James Delahunty and two deputy wardens and one usher were killed by the prisoners. The governor placed the militia in charge there and Mr. Melick was appointed warden of the penitentiary. Under his control things were placed on a safe and normal basis and he continued in the position exactly ten months, following his appointment on the 18th of March, 1912. He then retired from the position and at the present time is United States mail con- tractor, He won his title by serving on the staffs of Governors Dietrich, Savage and John H. Miche. He is popularly known as Colonel Melick and is a very public-spirited and progressive citizen.
On the 20th of December, 1883, Colonel Melick was married to Miss Kittie Langdon, of Lincoln, Nebraska, who was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, and since 186g has resided in Lincoln. She is a daughter of Milton and Anna M. (Mitchell ) Langdon, both natives of New York. Colonel and Mrs. Melick have one son, Harry Hastings, who was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 18, 1888, and is now connected with the theatrical business in New York city.
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As the years have gone on Colonel Melick has made investments from time to time in real estate in Lincoln and now has large property holdings in the city. Ile has also been connected with building operations here, erecting a number of houses as a speculative builder. He is very prominent in Masonic circles, in which he has attained high rank, being a standard bearer of Mount Moriah Commandery No. 4, a Masonic body of Lincoln, for fourteen years. Ile was also a charter member of Elks lodge, No. 80, of Lincoln. He is perhaps more widely known than any other resident of Lancaster-county and is popular wher- ever known, having the social qualities and the sterling traits of character which win friendship and regard. Not to know Colonel Melick is to argue oneself unknown. In many ways he has been connected with the public life of the community and his attitude has always been that of a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen.
CARL O. JOHNSON.
Carl O. Johnson, county commissioner of Lancaster county, has served on the board continuously since 1909 and prior to that had been mayor of Havelock for two terms. He has thus remained long in public office and no one questions his fidelity and loyality to a public trust, for he has been found faithful in every connection, putting forth carnest and effective effort to advance the gen- cral welfare. He was born in Sweden, August 19, 1867, a son of Adolph and Clara (Swanson) Johnson, both of whom have passed away after spending their entire lives in their native country. Only one other member of the family ever came to America, a sister, now Mrs. Theresa Smith, living in Fresno, Cali- fornia. One sister, Minnie, is living in Sweden.
Carl O. Johnson came to the United States in company with an uncle when he was a lad of fifteen years. They reached Lincoln on the 24th of May, 1883, and here Mr. Johnson has since remained, save for a brief period, while his uncle, Claus W. Berg, is now living at Waverly, this county, and is well known in that locality. Carl Johnson first found employment on a farm near Waverly and there devoted a few years to work of that character. He afterward worked at the shoemaker's trade in Waverly and also in a harness shop. He had learned the shoemaker's trade in Sweden under the direction of his father, and after being employed in that manner for a time in Waverly, he removed to Omaha, where he spent a year and a half. In 1800 he came to Lincoln and for a year was in the employ of Frank Sheldon, who was well known here at that day. On the 3d of January, 1891, Mr. Johnson entered the service of the Lincoln Traction Company, with which he continued until April 1, 1896, as conductor and motorman. On the 4th of that month he removed to Havelock, where he has since made his home. There he established himself in the shoe and harness business, manufacturing both shoes and harness for several years. Later, how- ever, he employed a number of workmen to assist him in order to meet the demands of his trade .. He also extended the scope of his business to include the sale of agricultural implements and still later he added automobiles, being the local representative of the Jackson automobile in Lancaster county for several
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ycars. In 1912 he sold out his mercantile interests at Havelock and since that date has given his attention to public and official duties.
Mr. Johnson is an earnest republican in his political views, and his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have called him to various offices. In 1897 he was elected treasurer of the village of Havelock and the following year was chosen a member of the board of trustees. In 1899 Havelock became a city of second class and Mr. Johnson was elected its first mayor. In 1900 he was reelected and served for two terms, discharging his official prerogatives in a prompt and able manner which largely promoted the interests of the newly created city. Since 1909 he has served constantly as a member of the board of county commissioners, having been reelected to that position in the fall of 1912, his present term to continue until 1917, although his party urges him to become a candidate for reelection in 1916. His popularity is such that his reelection is practically assured.
On the Ioth of September, 1892, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Amanda Fast, a native of Sweden, who was born in the same locality as her husband, although they did not know each other in the old country. They have two daughters, Olive and Clara, both at home. Mr. Johnson has quite recently become interested in the automobile business in Lincoln, being a partner in the Buckstaff Automobile Company, which handles the Jackson car and also con- ducts a garage at 329 South Eleventh street.
Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Mystic Shriner as well as an Odd Fellow and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has passed through all the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge. He belongs also to the Lincoln Commercial Club and to the Commercial Clubs of both IHavelock and University Place and has been president of the former. He is a man of genuine worth, broad minded, determined and resolute in purpose, straightforward in all that he does, and ever mindful of his duties in relation to his fellowmen and to his city.
GUS A. HYERS.
Gus A. Hyers, sheriff of Lancaster county, serving for the second term, was born at Weeping Water in Cass county, Nebraska, January 13, 1874, a son of Hon. Reuben W. Hyers, whose record appears elsewhere in this volume. When Gus A. Hyers was a little lad of four years his parents removed to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he was reared and obtained his early education. In 1887 his father was appointed warden of the state penitentiary near Lincoln by Governor Thayer and the family then removed to the warden's quarters in the penitentiary, there remaining for two years. Upon the father's retire- ment from the position, the family became residents of the city of Lincoln, the mother having passed away in 1894.
Gus .A. Hyers completed his education in the public schools of Lincoln, attending what was known as the Capitol school for two years. At the age of sixteen he became apprenticed to the machinist's trade in the Burlington shops at Havelock, receiving there the inmiticent sum of seven cents per hour for an
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eight hour day during five days in the week. His parents having returned to Plattsmouth to live, Gus had to board and as his board and room cost him five dollars per week, it is easy to see that he was falling behind financially each week, for his wages did not pay for his board and room. However, he served the four years' apprenticeship and for ten years thereafter was employed as a machinist in the shops, specializing during the latter part of that time in brass finishing work. During that period he set the valves on the first new locomotive ever built in the Havelock shops. In the meantime he had married and become a resident of Havelock, and in 1904 he was appointed by President Mckinley to the position of postmaster, which office he filled for seven years, Mrs. Hyers largely taking care of the duties of the office, while he gave his attention to real estate.
Mr. Ilyers was elected sheriff of Lancaster county on the republican ticket and assumed the duties of the office in January, 1912, making such an excellent record during his first term, that in 1914 he was reelected, leading the county republican ticket that year. He is now serving for a second term, which will expire in January, 1917. By a change in the law he gains one year and as a result of his two terms of service will cover five years instead of four. He is prompt and fearless in the discharge of his duties, making an excellent record in office, and the public have the utmost confidence in him.
On the 14th of January, 1897, Mr. Hyers was married to Miss Maude Currie, and they have two children: Martha, who was born October 16, 1898; and Francis Currie, born April 2, 1900. Both are now attending school, the daughter being enrolled in the domestic science department of the State University, while the son is a freshman in the high school.
Mr. Hyers is a member of the Veteran Club of Lancaster county, in which he has been very active for a number of years. He belongs to the Lincoln Commercial Club, the University Place Commercial Club, and the Havelock Commercial Club, and is a member of all the local country clubs. Ile is widely and favorably known in this part of the state, is popular with his many friends, while over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
C. F. BALLARD, M. D.
Dr. C. F. Ballard, actively engaged in medical practice in Havelock and for some years prominently identified with public affairs, has made his life activities of far-reaching effect and benefit to his fellowmen, not only in his professional services but in other connections. In a word Dr. Ballard has ever been a deep thinker, who carefully considers problems that affect mankind and attempts to seenre a practical, sane solution therefor. Ile is highly respected wherever known but most of all in the city of his residence where he is best known.
He was born near Indianapolis, Indiana. November 11, 1856, his parents being John R. and Sophronia ( Hadley) Ballard, who were also natives of the Hoosier state. The father who devoted his life to farming and merchandising, came to Nebraska in 1871. settling in Fillmore county, where he became not only
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closely associated with the material development of the community but also with its public interests. He was a recognized leader in the republican party and for two terms he served as a member of the state legislature, being chairman of the committee on railroads at the time the maximum rate bill was passed. He was also connected with other legislation which has had important bearing upon the welfare, progress and stable prosperity of the state. Both he and his wife passed away in Havelock.
Dr. Ballard continued a resident of Indianapolis until fifteen years of age and on the 4th of October, 1871, arrived in Fillmore county, Nebraska, but after- ward returned to his native city for professional training and was graduated from the Indianapolis Medical College with the class of 1879. He located for practice at Fairmont, Nebraska, where he entered into partnership with Dr. G. W. John- son, who afterward became superintendent of the asylum at Hastings. Later Dr. Ballard spent thirteen years in Grafton, Nebraska, and in 1892 arrived in Havelock, where he has since remained. For fifteen years he has been physician for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and in addition has enjoyed a large private practice which makes constant demands upon his time and energies. He is ever interested in all those things which tend to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life and his reading and investiga- tion have been carried on along the most scientific lines of medicine and surgery.
In 1882 Dr. Ballard was united in marriage to Miss Ora Henderson, a native of Michigan and a daughter of C. H. and Hannah Henderson, both of whom are deceased. Our subject and his wife have two children, namely: John F., a playwright of prominence, residing in New York city, where several of his plays have recently been produced with great success ; and Mrs. Clara M. Stone, who makes her home in Colorado.
Dr. Ballard is a republican in his political views and was Havelock's first mayor, being called to that office at a period which everyone regards as a critical one in a city's development-a period when one must take the initiative in shaping public policy and formulating the plans of action that will have direct bearing upon the welfare and progress of the community for years to come. His fellow townsmen felt that they made wise choice in selecting Dr. Ballard for that posi- tion, and he proved his worth in his wise administration, characterized by many practical reforms and improvements and by progressive municipal legislation. This does not cover the scope of his activity for Ilavelock, however, as along other lines his work has been of an important character attended by far-reaching and beneficial results. For fourteen years he served on the school board and lie became one of the founders and a member of the board of the public library. He has been much interested in getting together historical records of Havelock that these things may not be lost which will prove of great value in later years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church and he also has membership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the United Workmen. These associations indicate the character of his interests and activities, aside from his profession, and the rules which govern his conduct, for he conforms his life to the beneficent teachings of these different organizations. Along strictly professional lines he is connected with the Lancaster County Medi- cal Society, the Nebraska) State Medical Society and thefAmerican Medical Association and through the meetings of those organizations keeps abreast with Vol. HI-36
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modern thought and methods having to do with medical and surgical practice. In 1915 he was appointed by Governor Morehead as a delegate from Nebraska to the International Race Betterment Conference which met in San Francisco, on the 3d to the 7th of August of that year. In the convention when the subject of eugenics was under discussion he made the statement: "Romeo loved his Juliet, eugenics or no eugenics, and it is the same with Pat and Biddy today. I hope we will never see the day when two persons who love each other cannot marry." The position he took was opposed by various members of the conven- tion but Dr. Ballard never makes a statement without having thought widely upon the subject, in fact this is one of his strong characteristics-he studies every vital problem and considers it from the broad standpoint of the professional man, scientist and humanitarian. He is widely known in his part of Nebraska and is loved and honored wherever known.
REV. HANSEN L. POWERS.
Rev. Hansen L. Powers, who resides at University Place and is now pastor of the Methodist churches at Johnson and Graff, Nebraska, has devoted his life to the work of the ministry and his efforts have been productive of much good. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, now West Virginia, on the 26th of August, 1847, a son of Valentine and Sarah ( Watson) Powers, also natives of Hardy county, Virginia. The father engaged in farming and lived to the remark- able old age of ninety-seven years, but never resided more than three miles dis- tant from his birthplace. His father, Valentine Powers, and a brother, were captured by Indians during the Revolutionary war and the latter was killed and scalped in the presence of Valentine Powers, who was held by the Indians for five years. During that time he became thoroughly familiar with their customs and learned to live as they did. The Powers family on the paternal side is of German extraction but has been represented in America for a number of gen- erations. Ilansen L. Powers is one of a family of eight sons and one daughter, and four of the sons became ministers. His oldest brother was in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church for over a half century. the next youngest brother was a minister of the United Brethren church for fifty-five years, and his youngest brother was a minister in the Church of God for more than forty years.
Rev. Hansen L. Powers passed his boyhood in his native state and after completing the course offered in the public schools entered a theological school at Maysville, West Virginia. Later he took a theological course in the Methodist Episcopal conference and returned to Virginia, where he held charges for a number of years. In 1876 he removed to Iowa and was stationed at Pleasan- ton, Decatur county. Nine years later, in 1885, he entered the North Nebraska conference. For two years he was pastor of the church at Tekamah, for one year was financial agent for the Central Nebraska College at Central City and the same year was also pastor at Madison, thus doing two men's work for one year. He was fictwoivears at Columbus and for ansimilar length of time at Grand Island and was pastor at Papillion for a year. At the end of that time he
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