USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 10
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After receiving his discharge from the army on account of dis- ability Mr. Kent returned to Cedar county, Iowa, and remained there until June, 1873, when he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and homesteaded land on section 30, Verona township. He brought his place to a high state of cultivation and made many excellent improve- ments thereon but in 1890 sold out and purchased his present farm
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on section 28, Verona township. The farm comprises a quarter section of productive land and its value has been enhanced by the erection of commodious and substantial buildings. Mr. Kent breeds pure blooded Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle and also engages in raising full blooded Plymouth Rock chickens. His labors have been re- warded by a substantial income and he is now in very comfortable circumstances.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Kent and Miss Maggie E. Kemp, who passed away in 1879. To them were born seven children, namely: John G., a resident of Nampa, Idaho; Alice, the wife of L. M. Hayes, of Nampa; Laura C., who married D. W. Miles, of Cherry county, Nebraska; Edward L., who is farming near the home place; J. D., of Lake Mills, Iowa; O. C., who is farming near our subject; and Keziah M., the wife of T. W. Mays, of Kenesaw. In 1881 Mr. Kent was again married, Miss Sara A. Trueman becoming his wife. Their four children are: Amelia L., the wife of G. H. Teeple, of Floyd county, Iowa; Ella L., who married Harry Graham, of Hastings, Nebraska; George Arthur, of Grant county, Nebraska; and Minnie K., the wife of William Geddes, of Prosser, Nebraska.
Mr. Kent has supported the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and does all in his power to secure its victory at the polls. For forty years he has acceptably filled the office of school director and for seven years he was assessor. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church, which he still attends and supports. He is identified with the Grand Army post at Juniata and thus keeps in touch with his comrades in blue. In all the relations of life he has measured up to high standards and enjoys the confidence and warm regard of his fellow citizens.
WILLIAM S. SCHELLAK.
Death seldom carries with it such a sense of personal bereavement to so many as it did when William S. Schellak was called from this life on the 11th of November, 1915. He had been a popular business man of Hastings for more than two decades and was the possessor of qualities which rendered him popular in the various circles in which he moved. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he was born in 1870 and was a son of Martin Schellak, a prominent early settler of Adams county. He arrived in this county in 1882, removing from Dayton, Ohio, and for years William S. Schellak bore his part in the work of business
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development in Hastings. His rise in business circles was rapid. He seemed to know just when and where and how to put forth effort to produce the greatest possible results and seemed to have realized at any one point of his career the possibility for successful accomplish- ment at that point. He became a leading figure in manufacturing circles, becoming connected with the Polenske & Schellak Brick Com- pany and also with the Polenske Brothers Brick Company. He was a most progressive business man, realizing and utilizing opportunities, and whatever he undertook proved of benefit and value to the con- munity as well as a source of individual success. In the late '90s he was for some time manager of the Kerr opera house.
In 1901 Mr. Schellak was united in marriage to Miss Tetta Smith. a daughter of Doede Smith, and they became the parents of two children, Evelyn and Wilhelmina, aged respectively twelve and nine years. Mr. Schellak belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Sons of Herman. He was a man of unfailing good nature which made him lovable in his home, in business and in club circles. He was always ready to respond with a cheery word or warm smile and he was one of those who shed around him much of life's sunshine. Death came upon him without a moment's warning and proved a shock to the entire community, for he was very popular and his sudden taking off was a matter of the deepest regret to all who knew him and especially to those of his own household, where he was known as a devoted husband and father.
R. L. SABIN.
R. L. Sabin, president and manager of the Queen City Laundry of Hastings, has conducted his present business since 1903 and intel- ligently directed effort is bringing to him growing success. He is one of Nebraska's native sons, his birth having occurred in Beatrice on the 17th of November, 1878, a son of R. W. and Emma L. Sabin. The father is an attorney and in 1870 came with the family to Nebraska, where he won distinction as a member of the bar. He served as city attorney, as county attorney and for some years filled the office of district attorney. Both he and his wife are still living and he yet reinains active in professional circles.
R. L. Sabin completed his public school education by graduation from the high school of Beatrice, Nebraska, after which he entered the State University and pursued the electrical engineering course.
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He was thus well qualified by liberal education for life's practical and responsible duties. He then became connected with F. J. Kimball & Co. in the laundry business and began operating this plant, of which he had charge for four years. On the 27th of March, 1903, he purchased the business, which he reorganized. He was also at one time the owner of a half interest in Shipley's Laundry at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and operated that plant. He is likewise proprietor of the laundry business at Grand Island conducted under the name of the Model Laundry Company. At his Hastings plant he employs thirty people and utilizes two automobiles in the collection and deliv- ery of laundry. He employs the latest improved processes, uses the best machinery and maintains the highest standard of excellence in the work. These points, added to his thoroughly reliable business methods, have brought him a constantly increasing patronage and made the enterprise one of the profitable industrial concerns of the city.
On the 15th of December, 1906, Mr. Sabin was united in marriage to Miss Anna H. Speich, a daughter of Emanuel Speich, of Wash- ington, D. C. They have one child, Hilbert, Speich. Mr. Sabin holds the Protestant faith and in politics is a republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he also belongs to the Commercial Club and to the State Laundry Asso- ciation. He is fond of outdoor life and in that way takes his recrea- tion, thus finding relief from onerous business cares which are con- stantly growing with the increase of his patronage. He is at all times alert, wide-awake and enterprising, ready for any emergency and a dependable man under any circumstances and in every relation.
JOHN P. DUNCAN.
John P. Duncan has resided in Roseland since 1887 and has had a part in the business development of the town. For a number of years he was engaged in the grain, coal and live-stock business but is now living retired. His birth occurred in Elgin, Illinois, on the 14th of September, 1845, and his parents were Patrick William and Bridget (Kingsley) Duncan, the former born in County Monaghan, Ireland, and the latter in County Wexford. They were married, however, in the vicinity of Hartford, Connecticut, about 1843 and in the following year removed to Chicago, whence they went to Elgin, Illinois. The father, who was a stonemason, worked on the con-
JOHN P. DUNCAN
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struction of the Illinois Central Railroad and after leaving the employ of that corporation continued to follow his trade for some time. He also farmed near Elgin for a few years but later went to Savanna, Illinois, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and also worked as a stonemason. In 1870 he decided to try his fortune still farther west and came to Adams county, Nebraska, homesteading on section 14, Silver Lake township. That place remained his home until 1879, when he took up his residence in Roseland, where he died about 1900 and where he is buried. He was a man of marked public spirit and held the esteem of his fellow citizens in full measure. He lost his first wife when their only child, our subject, was but six months old and subsequently he married Ellen McGrath, by whom he had the following children: William F., a resident of Roseland; James, of Thorp, Washington; Eugene, Julia, Mary and Kate, all of whom are deceased; Anna, the wife of Lee Arnold, of Roseland township; and Ella Bovard, who lives at Ayr, Nebraska.
John P. Duncan was educated in the common schools of Illinois and through assisting his father gained much valuable knowledge of farming. In 1870, when about twenty-five years of age, he came to this county and took up a homestead on section 10, Silver Lake township. His first residence here was a shanty built of palings, and his farm equipment was very primitive. But he was determined to succeed and by dint of much hard work and careful planning he gained a start and from that time on his resources increased steadily. He engaged in farming until 1887 and during that time brought his place to a high state of development. In October of that year he built a residence in Roseland, the second house to be erected there, and he has since resided in the town. About 1888 he and his brother William built an elevator in Roseland and for a number of years he was one of the leading grain, coal and live-stock dealers of the locality. The enterprise and sound judgment which enabled him to succeed as a farmer were again demonstrated in the conduct of his business interests in Roseland and he gained a gratifying measure of pros- perity. He is now living retired and is enjoying a leisure which his former labor has made possible.
Mr. Duncan was married when twenty-eight years of age to Miss Anne Dempsey, who passed away leaving a daughter, Bridget Frances. In 1881 Mr. Duncan was again married, Miss Bridget Loughran becoming his wife. To them were born seven children, namely: Stephen P., a druggist of Blue Hill, Nebraska; Mary Ellen, the wife of Frank J. Roth, of Roseland; Annie F., who is a stenographer in the employ of the Peters Trust Company of Omaha; John W., a Vol. 11-7
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practicing physician of Omaha; Sarah, at home; James, attending the State University; and Kathleen, deceased.
Mr. Duncan is a democrat in politics and served as supervisor for a number of years. He and his family are members of the Assump- tion Catholic church and observe its teachings in their lives. Fra- ternally he is associated with the Workmen lodge at Roseland. He is acquainted with practically the entire history of the county as it was but sparsely settled when he arrived here in 1870, and in the fall of 1871 he planted what was probably the first fall wheat sown in the county. While so occupied the Indians stole a horse and it was not until the following April that he recovered it. This incident is of interest as it indicates the annoyances to which the early settlers were subjected by the red men and there were also many other un- pleasant features of pioneer life, but Mr. Duncan had faith in the future of the county and lived to see that faith amply justified.
JOHN R. COREY.
John R. Corey is proprietor of the Hastings Bus & Transfer Line, in which connection he is conducting a substantial business, his suc- cess being based upon close application, unfaltering energy and reliability. He was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1867, and is a son of M. V. and Sarah (Burgher) Corey. The father was engaged in the implement and oil business when in the east and in the year 1876 he came with his family to Nebraska, settling in Saline county, where he conducted an implement store, remaining in active business there until his death. His wife has also passed away. In their family were seven children, five sons and two daughters.
The youngest son, John R. Corey, whose name introduces this review, obtained a public school education and afterward continued with his father for some time, assisting him in the conduct of the implement business. He then went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a dry goods house for a number of years. He started out independently as partner in the Evans Bloom Cigar Com- pany at Hastings, in which he owned a third interest for six years. He then purchased the bus and transfer business on the 11th of July, 1914, and has since been at the head of an undertaking conducted under the name of Hastings Bus & Transfer Line, in which connec- tion he operates five taxis and also has eighteen head of horses and various vehicles. He has all the equipment for the conduct of
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funerals, including three hearses. He operates hotel busses and does baggage transfer work and furnishes employment at all times to from twelve to fourteen men. His business has now grown to large proportions and is capably, systematically and carefully conducted. Mr. Corey at all times endeavors to please his patrons and thus secures a gratifying patronage.
On the 24th of November, 1887, Mr. Corey was united in mar- riage to Miss Eda J. Goebring, her father being Jacob Goebring, who settled in Clay county, Nebraska, in 1873 and became the proprietor of the first hotel in Harvard. Both he and his wife have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Corey have one son, Jolin Raymond, who is nine years of age.
In religious faith Mr. Corey is an Episcopalian. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he takes an active part in furthering its work and promoting its success. While he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served by appoint- ment on the staff of the governor with the rank of colonel. Frater- nally he is identified with the Elks, the Woodmen and the United Commercial Travelers and he belongs to the Commercial Club. In manner he is social and genial and has the qualities which render him popular wherever he is known, for he is always approachable and con- siderate of others. His business integrity and enterprise have also won him high respect and he is justly accounted one of the representa- tive residents of Hastings.
C. C. ROBINSON.
While actively engaged in farming C. C. Robinson managed his affairs so well that he accumulated a competence, which now enables him to live retired in Prosser and to enjoy a period of well earned leisure. His birth occurred in Highgate, Vermont, on the 29th of August, 1842, and he is a son of Warren and Polly (Miers) Robinson, lifelong residents of Vermont. The father was very prominent in public affairs, served as overseer of the poor for forty years, was county judge for about ten years and for four terms represented his district in the state legislature. He reached a very advanced age, dying in 1896, when ninety-two years old. The family originally came from the north of Scotland and the ancestry has been traced back three hundred years. The mother of our subject passed away in 1879 and both she and her husband are buried at Highgate, Ver-
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mont. To them were born eight children, namely: Felicia, who is deceased; Byron, a resident of Blaine, Maine; Orville, who is living in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has the distinction of being the oldest violin maker in the United States, having followed that trade for sixty years; Emily, deceased; C. C .; Roswell, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness during the Civil war; Anna, the wife of C. G. Austin, of Highgate, Vermont, and one who died in infancy.
C. C. Robinson attended the common schools of Vermont in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until nineteen years of age. On the 7th of February, 1862, he answered the call of the government for troops, enlisting in Company F, Eighth Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He remained with that command until honor- ably discharged on the 22d of July, 1864, and took part in many hard fought engagements. He went to New Orleans with General Butler and after engaging in the campaign around that city for six months was with the forces of General Banks and participated in the siege of Port Hudson. Later he fought in the battle of Bisland, Louisiana, and after that went on the Red river expedition under General Banks. Subsequently he was detailed to picket duty in the swamps and bayous of that region for some time and also took part in the expedi- tion against the rebel gunboat King Cotton. He volunteered as one of the sharpshooters who were to kill the gunners assigned to the rebel gunboats, Hannah Jane, John C. Calhoun and The Little Devil, before they reached the boats. These Federal sharpshooters were also on a boat and when their vessel was compelled to stop because of running against a large chain stretched across the river the rebel soldiers entrenched along the bank began shooting at them. The officer in command, Commodore Buchanan, was shot in the wheel- house, and the sharpshooters in the rigging were subsequently ordered to land and charge the rifle pits. This was done and the trenches and sixty sharpshooters were captured. The Federal forces followed the King Cotton up the bay as far as the channel was navigable and then the rebels, seeing that capture was inevitable, burned the boat.
Mr. Robinson returned home after his discharge from the army and for three years resided in Hubbardstown, Massachusetts, after which, in 1879, he migrated westward and took up a homestead in Hall county, Nebraska. He proved up on that place and for twenty- two years concentrated his energies upon its further improvement . and development. His labors were practical and progressive and were rewarded by a substantial financial return. He is now living retired in Prosser but still owns two hundred acres in Hall county and also holds title to twenty acres within the limits of Prosser.
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In 1867 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe E. Sheppard, by whom he has had six children, namely: Artemus, who is operating his father's farm in Hall county; Emma, the widow of David Elliott; Pearl J., who is engaged in the automobile business in Prosser; Lillie D., who is the widow of Elmer Stalkup and resides in Alberta, Canada; Lee Warren, of Butte, Montana; and Ray, at home.
Mr. Robinson is a republican in politics and has taken considerable interest in public affairs. He has served acceptably as road super- visor, as marshal and as street commissioner and keeps well informed as to political conditions. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is always willing to aid in its work in every way possible. His Christian faith has guided him in all of the relations of life and no movement for the moral advancement of his community has lacked his heartiest cooperation. For fifty years he has been affiliated with the Masonic order and he is one of the leading members of the local blue lodge. He belonged to the Grand Army post in Prosser as long as it was maintained but since its discontinuance has not become iden- tified with any other post. His sterling worth has gained him the sincere respect of all who have come in contact with him and there are many who hold him in warm personal regard.
CHARLES G. LANE.
The Exchange National Bank of Hastings, now one of the strong and leading financial concerns of Adams county, is largely the out- growth of the business enterprise, ability and close application of its president, Charles G. Lane, whose thoroughness in all that he under- takes is one of the salient features of his growing success. He is one of New England's native sons, his birth having occurred in Hamp- ton, New Hampshire, November 25, 1862. There he was reared and he supplemented a public school education by study in the Phillips Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire. After completing his school life he went to Boston and accepted a position as city salesman with the Batchelder & Lincoln Company, wholesale dealers in shoes, with whom he remained for about three years. His identification with the west dates from 1884, in which year he made his way to Red Oak, Iowa, where he entered the First National Bank, in which he spent four and a half years. In 1888 he arrived in Hastings and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the bank of which he is now the
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president. Three years later he was advanced to the position of cashier and continued in that connection for several years, or until he was made president. Throughout the period of his residence in Hast- ings he has devoted his entire time to the bank and his efforts have been one of the potent elements in its substantial growth. He infused life into the institution, introduced modern methods and at all times has kept in touch with the trend of modern progress in banking circles. His close application, his thoroughness, the wise system which he installed and his careful safeguarding of the interests of depositors have been the elements in the continued growth of the institution, which is today one of the leading banks of this part of the state.
On the 30th of July, 1902, Mr. Lane was married to Miss Mary McElhaney, a native of Brookfield, Pennsylvania, but reared and educated in Greenville. They have one son, Charles Willson, ten years of age. The family occupy a fine residence in Hastings, in addition to which Mr. Lane owns considerable property in Minnesota and Nebraska. In his political views he is a republican where national issues are involved, but casts an independent local ballot and has never accepted political office. He has served, however, as president of the school board of Hastings for a few years and he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship, cooperating in various plans and measures for the public good, notwithstanding the fact that he leaves office holding to others. Fraternally he is connected with Hastings Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M., with Nebo Commandery, No. 11, K. T., of which he is the present eminent commander, and with Hastings Consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to Sesostris Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Lincoln. He is a courteous, genial gentleman of unfeigned cordiality and he has many friends in this part of the state, for his marked characteris- tics are those which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
W. J. PEDERSEN.
W. J. Pedersen, who carries on general farming on section 26, Juniata township, purchased his place about fourteen years ago. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land two and a half miles south of the town of Juniata and he operates the entire half section. His farm is equipped with all modern improvements and accessories and constitutes one of the attractive features of the land-
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scape. The spirit of enterprise has actuated Mr. Pedersen in all that he has done and laudable ambition has been one of the strong features of his growing success. He was born in Denmark, April 24, 1863, a son of Hans and Hannah Pedersen, who were likewise natives of that country. They came to the United States in 1867, settling in Hart- land, Wisconsin. Soon afterward the father died and the mother later married again, becoming the wife of Ole Halverson. By her first marriage she had five children, namely: Charles, who is deceased; Rosa, who is the wife of Rasmus Christensen, of Wisconsin; W. J., of this review; Anna, who is the wife of Carson Stover and lives near Hastings, Nebraska; and one who died in infancy. There were no children born of the second marriage, and Mrs. Halverson passed away about ten years ago.
W. J. Pedersen was only four years of age when brought by his parents to the new world. He acquired a common school education but was early thrown upon his own resources and worked as a farm hand for his board and clothing until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he began working by the month, receiving five dollars per month in the summer, while in the winter season he worked for his board. He was employed in that capacity until 1881, spending some time as a farm hand near Casselton, North Dakota. In 1885 he removed to Adams county, Nebraska, settling in Juniata township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. About fourteen years ago he purchased his present property, which is situated on section 26 of the same township. He owns three hundred and twenty acres, all in Juniata township, and success is attending his well directed labor as a farmer. There were no improvements upon the place at the time of his purchase but he erected a good house which was afterward destroyed by fire. In the summer of 1915 he completed his present commodious and attractive residence, which is one of the fine farm houses of the township. He has added all the barns and sheds neces- sary for the shelter of grain and stock and has secured the latest im- proved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. His life is a busy and useful one and excellent results follow his labors.
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