USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 17
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To Mr. and Mrs. McCreary have been born four children, Willis M., who is engaged in general merchandising at Scotts Bluff, Ne- braska, is married and has one child. Mary and Dorothy are at home. James R. is a graduate of the State Manual Training Normal School at Pittsburg, Kansas, and is now engaged in teaching manual train- ing in the schools of Hastings and is also operating a farm. He is married.
Mr. McCreary was reared in the Quaker faith. He is active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party. He served as president of the Republican Club of Nebraska in 1896 and was very active in that compaign. He also did much work all over the state under the direc- tion of the state central committee in the campaign of 1900 and his words of eloquence and learning never fail to carry weight and in many cases bring conviction. He is a lover of good horses, always enjoys good clean sport and, in a word, his is a well rounded char- acter, in which business and pleasure maintain an even balance. In the practice of law he has made steady progress and, while nature endowed him with the gift of oratory, he has never depended upon it to sway juries but has always carefully prepared his cases and bases his arguments upon the law applicable to the point at issue.
HARRY CLAY HAVERLY.
Harry Clay Haverly, well known as a politician, has been very active in public affairs in Adams county for many years and has filled various offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He is also well known in business circles as one of the organizers of the Hastings Building & Loan Association, of which he is now the president. In his entire career he has made it his purpose never to neglect the duty at hand for some other task and his loyalty and fidelity have been ever recognized as salient features in his career. Mr. Haverly is a native of Pennsylvania, having been borne at Bellefonte on the 25th of December, 1858, his parents being Francis S. and Hannah (Poorman) Haverly, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The father is still a resident of Bellefonte and has attained an advanced age, having been born in 1833. The mother, who was born in 1836, died in 1876. For many years Francis S. Haverly was general foreman of an axe factory at Bellefonte and became the owner of considerable land and real estate
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in that locality. He also took a helpful interest in public affairs, served as a member of the town board, and has been quite active as a member of the Methodist church. He is now enjoying a rest that he has truly earned and richly deserves.
Harry Clay Haverly is the eldest child in his father's family and in the public schools of Bellefonte pursued his education. After leav- ing home he was employed in a factory, store and office. In 1879 he came to Nebraska, at which time Hastings contained a population of about two thousand. Here he acted as clerk in the store of F. J. Benedict for six or eight months and in 1880 went to Culbertson, Nebraska, as manager for a store owned by the firm of Benedict & Mowrey, the location being sixty miles from the railroad on the Texas trail in the cow country. He saw buffaloes killed in that dis- trict and watched big stampedes. In the fall of 1880 he returned to the store in Hastings and in 1884 became a partner in the grocery ยท firm which then operated under the name of the Benedict Company. He was called to public office in 1888, when he was elected city clerk, which position he filled for four years. In 1892 he was appointed deputy county treasurer and in 1899 became a candidate for the office of county treasurer, but was defeated by fifteen votes. In 1900 he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the firm of Mckinley & Lanning and in 1901 was appointed steward at the Hastings Asylum by Governor Dietrich, and was reappointed in 1903 by Governor Michey, who again named him for that position in 1905, while in 1907 he was appointed to the same office by Governor Sheldon. He thus served until December 1, 1907, when he resigned and became connected with the Bostwick Hotel, but in June, 1913, sold his in- terest in that business and was appointed deputy clerk. In the mean- time he had assisted in organizing the Hastings Building & Loan Association in 1896 and is now its president. This is one of the strong financial concerns of the county and has constituted an important element in furthering public progress.
In 1886, at Hastings, Mr. Haverly was married to Miss Carrie Calvert, a native of Wisconsin, who died in the year 1913. Her par- ents were Alfred and Elizabeth Calvert, who on coming to Nebraska ' settled in Highland township, Adams county, where the father secured a homestead claim and entered upon the active work of the farm. Afterward he removed to Hastings and became agent for the St. Paul mills, which he thus represented for many years. He was a Civil war veteran, going to the front with a Wisconsin regiment, and he afterward became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Haverly was very prominent in the social circles of the city and
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was also deeply interested in civic affairs. She possessed many attractive qualities which won her personal popularity so that her death was deeply regretted. To Mr. and Mrs. Haverly were born two sons: Cecil F., who is city salesman with a wholesale dental sup- ply house in Minneapolis; and Ernest S., attending high school.
In his political views Mr. Haverly has ever been a stalwart repub- lican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and is a recognized leader in the local ranks of the party. He served as chair- man of the county central committee from 1911 until 1915 and has been active in every campaign during the past thirty years. Fratern- ally he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in the lodge, the chapter and the council, while in the consistory he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, becoming a charter member of Lodge No. 159, and he has also been a member of the Grand Lodge of Elks. He is a charter member of Hastings Lodge, No. 28, K. P., . and of Delhi Temple, No. 109, D. O. K. K. He likewise has mem- bership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Royal Highlanders and the Loyal Mystic Legion of America. His religious belief is that of the Episcopal church, in which he is serving as vestryman, and he takes an active interest in furthering its cause and extending its influence. His activities have touched various interests of society and his influence has ever been on the side of progress, reform and improvement.
GRIFFITH EVANS.
Griffith Evans is now living retired in Hastings. His has been an active life and his present rest is well deserved. He was born at Beddgelert, in North Wales, on the 14th of January, 1849, and is a son of Owen and Catherine Evans, the former a farmer by occupa- tion. Both, however, are now deceased. After attending the public schools of his native land Griffith Evans continued his education in the normal college at Bangor, in North Wales, and then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in England for ten years. He was a young man of about thirty-four years when he crossed the Atlantic to Nebraska, arriving in 1883. Here he resumed teaching, becoming connected with the schools of Adams county. He was thus engaged until 1908, when he was called to public office, having been
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elected county assessor. In 1896 he paid a visit to his old country, thus renewing the friendships of his youth.
On the 9th of February, 1910, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah E. Kelley, the widow of Absalom H. Kelley and the daughter of Abner Coates. He gives his political allegiance to the democracy, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. As the years passed by Mr. Evans made investment in farm lands and his property now returns to him a gratifying annual income, enabling him to live retired. His was an active life in former years and he contributed much to the educational development of the districts in which he labored. He has never had occasion to regret his deter- mination to come to the new world to try his fortune, for here he found favorable opportunities and in their improvement has gradually worked his way upward, gaining thereby the competence which enables hin to rest from further business cares and yet enjoy all of the com- forts and some of the luxuries of life.
FRED STULKEN.
Fred Stulken, a resident of Hastings, is a self-made man and as such is entitled to the honor which is always given to the man pos- sessing enterprise, self-reliance and sound judgment. He has devoted his life to farming and now owns five hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Adams county, the operation of which, however, he leaves to others as he has retired and is enjoying a period of leisure. He was born in Germany on the 25th of October, 1844, and attended the common schools until he was fourteen years of age. For eight years thereafter he worked as a farm hand in Germany but in 1870 removed to Freeport, Illinois. He was in the employ of others in that vicinity for seven years, after which he came to Adams county, Nebraska. For four years he operated a rented farm three miles east of Hastings and at the end of that time had accumulated suffi- cient capital to enable him to purchase land four miles northeast of Hastings, which his youngest son, August, is now farming. For many years, however, he devoted his time and energy to the opera- tion of his farm and year by year his well directed labors yielded hin a good financial return. In 1903 he removed to Hastings, where he has since lived in honorable retirement. He holds title to five hun- dred and sixty acres of as fine land as there is in the county and is a man of independent means.
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Mr. Stulken was married in 1875 to Miss Helene Lammers, who had emigrated to this country from Germany only a short time pre- viously. They have become the parents of eight children. Helene, who was born February 21, 1876, is now the wife of Luke Buskirk, of Hastings, an employe of the Union Pacific Railroad. Four chil- dren have been born to this union. Mr. Buskirk also has two children by a former marriage. Henry, who was born September 29, 1877, is farming three miles east of Doniphan. He married Nattie Olthoff, of Hall county, by whom he has three children. Anna, whose birth occurred on the 28th of April, 1879, is the wife of William Bloomenkamp, a farmer of Key county, and they have six children. August, who was born June 16, 1881, is farming the homestead. He married Miss Lorena Finningsmier, a daughter of Henry Fin- ningsmier, who is living retired in Hastings, and two children have been born to this union. Mary, born September 21, 1883, mar- ried George Filges, who was formerly of St. Louis but is now farming six miles northeast of Hastings. They have one child. Hermine, who was born on the 8th of March, 1886, married William Molle, an employe at the waterworks in Hastings, and one child has been born to their union. Eliza, born February 10, 1888, married L. Ellsworth, an employe of the Manhattan Oil Company, and their children are two in number. Fredericka, born January 14, 1894, is at home.
Mr. Stulken is a member of St. Paul's German Lutheran church and has guided his life by high moral standards. He is independent in politics, refusing to bind himself by party ties. Both he and his wife are still vigorous and in good health and are enjoying leisure made possible by their labor in former years. They are well and favorably known not only in Hastings but throughout the county and the part which they have played in the development of their part of the county is generally recognized.
JACOB RUHTER.
Jacob Ruhter, who resides in Verona township, has been very successful as a farmer and now holds title to eight hundred acres of excellent land. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 25th of June, 1852, of the marriage of Henry and Mary (Banidt) Ruhter, both natives of that country. In 1867 they emigrated to the United States with their family, locating at Red Wing, Minnesota, where
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the father passed away. The mother's demise, however, occurred in Kansas. They were the parents of the following children: John, who resides in the vicinity of Roseland, this county; Peter, who lives in Long Beach, California; Jacob; Mary, the deceased wife of Henry Augustin, Sr., of this county; Meta, the wife of Fred C. Alms, of York county, Nebraska; Henry, of Hastings, Nebraska, who owns a well improved farm in this county; George, who lives in Sidney, Cheyenne county, this state; Anna, the wife of John Stahr, who is living in Burke, South Dakota; William, of Norfolk, Ne- braska; Fred, of Clay Center, Kansas; and Emma, also a resident of that place.
Jacob Ruhter attended the public schools of Hanover until he was fourteen and a half years old, or until 1867, when he was brought by his parents to the United States. He resided with them in Red Wing, Minnesota, until 1878 and during part of that time was en- gaged in blacksmithing. In the year mentioned he came to Nebraska and located on section 29, Verona township, Adams county. For five years he operated that place and then removed across the road to his present farm on section 20. He has made excellent improve- ments upon the place, which is one of the most valuable farms of the locality, and keeps everything in the best of condition. He has pur- chased additional land from time to time and his holdings now comprise eight hundred acres. He engages in general farming, raising both grain and stock, and derives a handsome income from his land. For many years he has also operated a threshing outfit and this has likewise proved a profitable venture. He is also interested financially in the Farmers Mutual Elevator Company at Prosser.
Mr. Ruhter was married on the 16th of February, 1883, to Miss Kate Meyer and they have become the parents of seven children, namely: William Henry, who died in infancy; George F., of Verona township; Herman O. and Albert R., also residing in that township; Lilia, the wife of Frank Bockstadter, of Verona township; and Emil Peter and Erwin Henry, both at home.
Mr. Ruhter is independent in politics, refusing to follow the dic- tates of party leaders but voting for the candidates whom he deems best fitted for office. For twenty-seven consecutive years he has served as a member of the school board and he has always used his influence to secure the educational advancement of his district. He and his family belong to the German Lutheran church in Verona township and for nine years he was a member of the official board. The principles which have governed his conduct in all relations of life are found in the teachings of the church and no movement mak-
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ing for righteousness has lacked his support. He had no unusual advantages in his youth and began his career without capital but he has been quick to recognize and utilize opportunities and has gained financial independence.
WILLIAM H. DILLON.
William H. Dillon is proprietor of the lunch room at the Bur- lington depot in Hastings, in which connection he is maintaining a well appointed establishment, catering to the needs of the traveling public, recognizing the fact that promptness, efficiency, cleanliness and good foods are salient elements in the attainment of success along the line of his chosen business. He was born in Delaware county, Iowa, on the 16th of December, 1840, a son of Gilbert D. and Mary (Schoonover) Dillon, who were natives of New York. It was in the year 1836 that the father removed westward to Iowa, then a part of the territory of Wisconsin, and established the first bank at Dubuque. He was prominently identified with the pioneer development of the state and was a leading factor in financial circles in the early days. He died in 1874, while his wife survived only until 1875. In their family were eight children, of whom William H. is the third in order of birth.
During his youthful days William H. Dillon assisted in the farm work and attended the district schools. He afterward continued his education in a college at Epworth and in 1864 began clerking in a dry goods store in Dubuque, where he was employed for three years. He afterward returned to the farm, on which he spent the succeeding period of two years, when he resumed active connection with the dry goods trade at Worthington, Iowa, conducting business at that point for two years. He then sold out and devoted nine years to the in- surance business, being special agent and collector for the Water- town Fire Insurance Company. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery business at Hopkinton, Iowa, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Nebraska. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Indian Reservation and afterward sold that property, removing to Hastings in August, 1885. Here he resumed active connection with the insurance business, in which he engaged until February, 1886, when he became interested in hotel life, con- ducting the New England House for one year. He likewise con- ducted the Commercial Hotel for two years and in February, 1889,
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took charge of the Bostwick, which he managed for twenty-two years. He now conducts the lunch counter at the Burlington depot to keep in active touch with business, for indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he would not be content without some active interest in the city. He is also the owner of farm lands and from his property derives a substantial annual income. He has always led a very busy life and his unfaltering industry, intelligently. directed, has brought to him the substantial measure of success which has crowned his efforts.
In 1871 Mr. Dillon was united in marriage in Iowa to Miss Nellie Hayward, a daughter of the Rev. W. H. and Lydia Hayward, and unto them has been born a daughter, Mrs. Grace G. Stitt, who now has one son, Harold. Mrs. Dillon is a member of the Congrega- tional church and is quite active in both club and church circles in this city, formerly serving as president of the Women's Club of Hastings. In his political views Mr. Dillon is a republican but is. not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his individual interests, whereby he has won a substantial measure of success. His plans have always been carefully formulated and promptly executed and he has allowed no obstacle nor difficulty to bar his path if it could be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort.
ROBERT R. MORLEDGE.
Robert R. Morledge, who is living retired in Hastings, is well known and highly esteemed there and for about ten years served as justice of the peace. His birth occurred in Jennings county, Indiana, on the 16th of July, 1840, and he is a son of John R. and Maria Louise (Branham) Morledge, the former a native of England. He was reared at home and received his education in the public schools of Indiana, which he attended until he was sixteen or seventeen years old. He removed westward to Iowa when eighteen years of age and located at Clarinda, where he remained until the 11th of July, 1861. On that date he enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and went to the front with that command. He took part in the battle of Pea Ridge and in 1863 was honorably discharged for disability. He desired to be of some service to his country, however, and went into the commissary department, in which he remained until the close of the war. He then returned to Clarinda, Iowa, and remained there
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until 1871, during which time he engaged in the grocery business. In 1873 he came to Hastings, Adams county, Nebraska, and became identified with business circles as the owner of the leading store in the town. He built the Morledge block, which he occupied for a time, after which he sold out, and then engaged in the furniture business for about eight months. On disposing of his interests in that connec- tion he turned his attention to the real estate and insurance field, in which he was active until 1898. He was then elected justice of the peace and with the exception of three years, which he spent in Cali- fornia, he held that office continuously until 1910, his repeated reelection indicating the high esteem in which he is held. Since 1911 he has lived retired from the cares of business and official life, enjoying a period of leisure which is well deserved. He was farsighted and progressive as a merchant, was impartial as justice of the peace and as a citizen has always sought to advance the public interests.
On the 13th of October, 1863, Mr. Morledge was united in mar- riage to Miss Phoebe J. McMullen, a daughter of Stephen and Phoebe (Loy) McMullen, both natives of Ohio. Three sons and three daugh- ters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morledge, namely: Effa and Fred, both deceased; Burt, who is living at home; Edgar Robert and Lula, both deceased; and Ina Evelyn, who is the wife of Bruce Brown, of North Platte, and has two children, Robert J. and Dorothy Jane.
Mr. Morledge supports the republican party at the polls and in addition to holding the office of justice of the peace was for two terms a member of the town board and for one term a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic he keeps in touch with others who went to the defense of the Union and he has at all times been characterized by patriotism. He began his career empty handed but his industry and good management have been rewarded and he is now in excellent financial circumstances.
RAYMOND CROSSON.
On the list of city officials in Hastings appears the name of Ray- mond Crosson, now the efficient chief of police, holding to high stand- ards of service and looking ever to the advancement of the municipal welfare. A native of Illinois, he was born at Arrowsmith, on Christmas Day, 1887, his parents being Martin J. and Ida (Ed- wards) Crosson. The family came to Nebraska about 1888 and the
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parents are now residents of Hastings. In his youthful days Ray- mond Crosson devoted his attention to the acquirement of an educa- tion in the public and high schools of Trumbull, Nebraska, and later he became connected with a threshing outfit. Following his mar- riage he was appointed to the position of manager of the Farmers Grain Elevator at Farmers, in which connection he continued for five years. He afterward purchased the collection business conducted under the name of the Nebraska State Mercantile Agency and remained active in that field until appointed chief of police of Hast- ings, the duties of which position he assumed on the 13th of April, 1915, the appointment coming to him from Mayor Madgett. He is making an excellent record in the office, the duties of which he is dis- charging promptly and fearlessly.
On the 28th of October, 1908, Mr. Crosson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Moore, of Hall county, a daughter of Joel N. Moore, and their children are Mildred and Raymond. The family are Prot- estants in religious faith and in his political views Mr. Crosson is an earnest republican, putting forth effective and earnest effort to ad- vance the interests and growth of his party. He belongs to the blue lodge of Masons, to the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America and is well known in connection with military interests of the state, having long been identified with the National . Guard. He enlisted in the Hastings Rifles on the 2d of July, 1906, when the company was formed, and was promoted to the rank of corporal on the 2d of August, of that year. He became sergeant in May, 1907, first sergeant in February, 1908, and on the 1st of August of that year the Rifles were mustered into Company D, of the second regiment of the Nebraska National Guard. In February, 1909, Mr. Crosson was made second lieutenant and on the resignation of Captain Boggs and First Lieutenant H. R. Brown he was placed in command of Company D and so continued until February, 1910, when Captain Riffe was appointed to the command of the company and Mr. Crosson was made first lieutenant. On the 2d of April, 1912, Mr. Crosson was promoted to captain and took command, and in February, 1915, he was advanced to the rank of major. He has attended all camp maneuvers, officers' schools and rifle competitions and he had command of a district in Omaha at the time of the tornado in 1913, when for a great period the city was under martial law to protect the interests of those who were rendered homeless. In recognition of his services to. the state at that time he was presented with a medal. He has a very wide acquaintance in military circles throughout the state and is prominent in that connection. He is a man of fine military bearing,
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