USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 19
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James Cunningham, the father of these children, died on the 4th of December, 1915, and in his passing the community lost a valued and representative citizen. He'had been a lifelong member of the Christian church, serving as a deacon in the church for fifty years, a part of that time at Trumbull. Success had come to him through earnest and indefatigable effort and his life was ever upright and honorable. There have been several marriages between relatives of the Poulson and Cunningham families that are interesting because of their oddity. The grandfather of Mrs. Poulson was William Stumpff, who married Ella Messie, the grandmother of Mr. Poul- son. Again, Peter Meyers, an uncle of Mr. Poulson, wedded Mary Stumpff, an aunt of Mrs. Poulson, while the Poulson and Cunning- ham families were more closely connected through the marriage of
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Alfred Cunningham to Mary Poulson and of George Poulson to Belle Cunningham.
To Mr. and Mrs. Poulson have been born three children: Earl L., who was born February 10, 1894, and was a student in a business college at Canon City while residing in Colorado; Clifford E., who was born November 1, 1895, and is now a senior in high school; and Laura Belle, who was born September 1, 1897, and is also a senior in high school in Hastings.
The family holds membership in the Christian church and for a number of years Mr. Poulson was an elder in the church at Trum- bull and also superintendent of the Sunday school. He takes a most active and helpful interest in all departments of church work and in fact does everything in his power to promote the progress of the com- munity and advance its material, intellectual and moral interests. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but the hon- ors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his busi- ness affairs, which, wisely, carefully and honorably directed, have brought to him a most gratifying success.
JOSEPH MILLIGAN.
For many years Joseph Milligan was connected with railroading but he subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and is now living upon his farm in Juniata township. He was born in Creton, Scotland, on the 4th of September, 1831, in a house which his grandfather erected and in which, fifteen years later, the birth of his father, John Milligan, occurred. The latter passed his entire life in Scotland and followed the stonecutter's trade. He married Miss Jane Dowell, also a lifelong resident of that country, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom our subject is the eldest and all of whom are living in the United States with the exception of the youngest brother. He returned to Scotland after residing in this country for a year and now lives in the old home.
Joseph Milligan received his education in the common schools and after putting aside his textbooks worked in a garden and nursery and subsequently in a stone quarry. In 1852, when twenty-one years of age, he emigrated to the United States, crossing the Atlantic on a sailing vessel which was twenty-one days en route. He landed at New York city, where he remained for a few months but at the end
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of that time removed to Chicago. A short time later he went to Joliet, Illinois, and for fifteen years was a resident of Will county. While there he engaged chiefly in railroad work but after removing to Kankakee county turned his attention to farming. In 1878 he removed to Nebraska and took up his residence in Juniata township, Adams county. He devoted three years to farming and during that time lived in a sod house, which fact is indicative of the pioneer con- ditions that prevailed. At the end of that time he again turned his attention to railroading and removed to the section house and in 1883 was made section foreman, a position which he filled satisfactorily for thirteen years. At the end of that time he resumed farming and is still living upon his place on section 5, Juniata township. He owns eighty acres of good land, which is well improved, and derives a grati- fying financial return from the farm. Since his sons have started out in life for themselves he has rented his farm as he has reached the advanced age of eighty-four years and is living in honorable retire- ment.
Mr. Milligan was married, in Joliet, Illinois, in 1864, to Miss Martha Ellen Parson, who was born in Indiana, and they have become the parents of seven children, namely: Martha, the wife of Clinton Meecham, of Grand Island; Rose, deceased; Libby, who married Grant Ruby, who is farming near our subject; Clara, the wife of Theodore Signer, who resides a half-mile south of Juniata; William Otto, a railroad engineer residing at Alberton, Montana; Edward, who is living in North Dakota; and John, who was a ticket agent at Marion, Iowa, and was accidentally killed there.
Mr. Milligan has supported the republican party for years but when he deems that the interests of the community can be best served by voting independently he does not hesitate to do so. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he aided in organizing and the work of which they have always furthered to the extent of their ability. His life has conformed to high standards and has been filled with efficient and useful labor.
ALBERT E. LIVINGSTON.
Albert E. Livingston is well known in Hastings, where much of his life has been passed, and as a business man and citizen is held in the highest regard. He was born in Jersey county, Illinois, April 15, 1874, and is a son of Albert Livingston, Sr., who still remains at the
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head of the undertaking business which he established many years ago and who is represented elsewhere in this volume. The son pursued his education in the public schools, supplemented by a business course. He had special training for his chosen calling in study in the Champion College of Embalming at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. He then taught embalming to students who were office pupils, among whom were: Volland, of Hastings; Ed Town- send, of Tecumseh; F. Gotchelda, of Utica and others, conducting business in various parts of the state. He graduates pupils and gives diplomas and in his instruction follows the latest and most improved methods.
In religious faith Mr. Livingston is a Methodist and in politics is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Mystic Legion and the Maccabees. He has a wide acquaintance in Hastings and different parts of the state and displays many sterling qualities which win for him high regard among all with whom he comes in contact.
ALBERT WELLS BORDEN.
Prominent among the enterprising, progressive and determined business men of Hastings is Albert Wells Borden, manager of the gas company and also the vice president and one of the stockholders in the business. He was born in Kings county, Nova Scotia, Decem- ber 18, 1880, a son of A. W. and Louisa (Woodbury) Borden. The father was also a native of Kings county and engaged in the shipping business, handling maritime supplies. He was active in public affairs to the time of his death, which occurred when he was but forty-four years of age. His wife, who was born in Annapolis, Maryland, is still living at the age of seventy-one years.
Their son, Albert W. Borden, attended a private school in his native county and afterward continued his education in Acacia Col- lege at Hortonville, Nova Scotia. At seventeen years of age he be- came connected with a gas light company at Mount Vernon, New York, and since that time has been identified with similar business enterprises, winning success in his chosen field of labor. He went to Galesburg, Illinois, as assistant to the superintendent of the gas com- pany at that place and in 1903 he came to Hastings as manager for the Hastings Gas Company, which is a corporation. Becoming
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financially interested in the undertaking, he is now vice president. He rebuilt the plant, which represents a large investment, and the latest processes are used in the manufacture of gas and in supplying the commodity to the customers. He is likewise interested in the gas company at Grand Island and is regarded as one of the representative business men of his city.
In early manhood Mr. Borden was united in marriage to Miss Julia Ferris, a native of Woodhull, Illinois, and a daughter of Robert O. and Estelle (Richards) Ferris, both of whom were born in Gales- burg, Illinois, and now reside at Hastings, Nebraska. The father successfully followed farming in Illinois and remained an active and public-spirited citizen of Galesburg until 1908, when he removed to Hastings, where he has since been known as a well-to-do retired resi- dent. Mr. and Mrs. Borden have two children: Ferris W., born September 16, 1908; and Robert Wells, whose natal day was March 18, 1913.
Fraternally Mr. Borden is connected with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, in which he has held office, and with the Travel- ers Protective Association. He is a member and one of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce and takes an active and helpful interest in all of its affairs relating to the general development and improve- ment. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, of which he is a stalwart advocate, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. In his chosen field of business he has steadily advanced, working his way upward step by step, his expanding powers winning for him a creditable position in the business circles of Hastings.
J. E. ADDIE.
J. E. Addie is the junior partner in the law firm of Ragan & Addie of Hastings, prominent representatives of the profession in Adams county. He is actively identified with a calling which has important bearing upon the progress and stability of every com- munity by conserving the rights and privileges of the individual, and it is well known that in the conduct of his cases he is thorough and painstaking and that his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. Mr. Addie is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred at Cresco on the 15th of January, 1875, his parents being John and Christina
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Addie, both of whom are now living. The family is of Scotch lineage and the parents resided for some time in Wisconsin before removing to Iowa, where the father followed the occupation of farming in order to provide for the support of his wife and children.
At the usual age J. E. Addie became a public school pupil and passed through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school. Later he pursued a classical course of study at Milton Col- lege, at Milton, Wisconsin, and at Valparaiso University, and then entered upon the study of law in the Indianapolis College of Law, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. He made thorough preparation for his profession and since entering upon active practice has constantly advanced. He located first at Friend, Ne- braska, where he remained from 1905 until 1913, when he removed to Hastings and here entered upon his present partnership as a member of the firm of Ragan & Addie. He displays ability in putting forth the strong points in his case and in detecting the weak points in his adversary's cause and as the years have gone by his powers in argu- ment have increased, while his pleas are characterized by a clear and decisive logic. The firm are now attorneys for the Chicago & North Western Railroad, for the Hastings & Northwestern Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad.
On the 17th of October, 1907, Mr. Addie was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Riggle, a daughter of B. F. Riggle, of Callaway, Nebraska. They have one child, Dwight B. The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and Mr. Addie also holds membership with the Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen. In his political views Mr. Addie is an earnest republican and he was appointed United States commissioner for this district by Judge Thomas Munger. He is fond of outdoor life and indulges his taste in that direction whenever the demands of his practice give him opportunity.
ALBERT LIVINGSTON.
A record of the leading business men of Hastings would be incom- plete were there failure to make reference to Albert Livingston, who is one of "The Livingstons," undertakers, in which connection they are conducting a large business. He was born in Delaware, February 18. 1834, and is a son of James and Sarah (Kirkpatrick) Livingston, farming people, who have long since passed away.
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The son was educated in the public schools and his early training and environment were that of the home farm. He continued to assist in the work of the fields until he attained his majority, after which he began learning the carpenter's trade, following that pursuit for many years. In 1858 he became a resident of Illinois, where he continued to work at the carpenter's trade and also engaged in farming for about sixteen years. In 1884 he arrived in Nebraska and the family home was established upon a farm near Harvard. He was thereafter iden- tified with general agricultural pursuits in this part of the state for nineteen years, or until 1903, when he removed to Hastings. He had engaged in the undertaking business in Harvard and after coming to Hastings opened undertaking parlors, which are still carried on.
In 1861 Mr. Livingston was united in marriage to Miss Viola Gatewood and to them have been born four children: Anna B .; Francis; and Albert E. and Walter, who are connected with the under- taking business.
Mr. Livingston is connected with the United Brethren church and has guided his life by its teachings. He has taken an advanced stand on the temperance question, voting with the prohibition party, and he . favors every plan and measure that will benefit the community and better the conditions among which the people live. His has been an active and useful life and wherever known he is held in high esteen. He was the founder of the business, which is now carried on under the name of "The Livingstons," undertakers. This firm teaches under- taking and gives diplomas to its students. They have one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the state and the father and sons were among the first to take the state examination for funeral directors, their licenses bearing the numbers 12 and 13. They passed the examination with the highest rank and the two sons, Albert E. and Walter, are members of the State Funeral Directors Association. They embalmed the body of John O'Connor, a recluse, who died August 17, 1913. They used fluids of their own manufacture and the body is still in a perfect state of preservation, being viewed daily by many people. It has been seen by thousands and is regarded as the finest specimen of embalming. This man died without a will or known relatives, leaving an estate valued at one hundred thousand dollars. One hundred and fifty people have put in claims for the O'Connor estate, claiming to be relatives of the man, but the question has not yet been settled, hence the body continues to lie in the Liv- ingston vault. The firm carries the finest display of caskets in the state, representing investments of many thousands of dollars. They operate two auto hearses, two horse hearses, a limousine and a travel-
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ing car. They have their own chapel, in which funeral services may be held, and they are prepared to take care of the business in the best possible way. The father still remains an active factor in the busi- ness although he has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. Much of the more arduous work, however, is left to the two sons, Albert E. and Walter, who for a long period have been asso- ciated with their father in the establishment.
CHARLES MANAHAN.
Charles Manahan represents that percentage of Hastings' citizens who have retired from active business, success in former years en- abling them to rest from further labor. A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, he was born on the 24th of October, 1869, and is a son of Ira and Nancy (Weatherwax) Manahan. The former was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He has now passed away, but his widow survives.
Charles Manahan pursued his early education in the district schools and also has learned many lessons in the school of experience. His early training was that of the farm lad, for in his youthful days he began work in the fields and soon became familiar with all the duties incident to the development of the fields. He left home at the age of seventeen years and began farming on his own account in Indiana. On the 8th of February, 1891, he came to Nebraska, where he was again engaged in general agricultural pursuits, carrying on farming on his own account in Kenesaw township, Adams county. His atten- tion was devoted to general farming until 1908, when he came to Hastings, where he has since resided. Here he erected a residence at No. 1001 North St. Joe street and is now most pleasantly situated in life. As a farmer he was progressive and enterprising and brought his land to a high state of cultivation, converting the prairie into rich and productive fields which annually brought forth golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. He followed the most progressive methods in his farm work and year by year his competence increased. He is still interested in farm lands in Adams county and other parts of the state and his property brings to him a gratifying income.
On the 22d of November, 1894, Mr. Manahan was united in mar- riage to Miss Minnie Matlick, a daughter of Isaac Matlick. They have one son, Vern. In religious faith Mr. Manahan and his family
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are Presbyterians and in political belief he is a republican. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is therefore able to support his position by intelligent argument. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. He is highly respected and is popular wherever he is known because of a social, genial nature which appreciates the good qualities of others. He holds to high standards of manhood and citizenship, is free from ostentation and display and has many sterling traits of character.
JOSEPH R. SIMS.
Joseph R. Sims engaged in contracting and was one of the leaders in that line of work in Hastings. He passed away on the 18th of March, 1901, and his demise was the occasion of much sincere grief. He was born in England on the 21st of June, 1848, and was a son of William and Louisa Sims, who emigrated to the United States when he was but six years of age. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, although he continued to study and read widely throughout his life. When twenty-four years of age he went to Chicago and there took a course in building. Subse- quently he returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1877, when he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and located in Hastings. He engaged in contracting and erected many of the fine residences of the city and its vicinity, his reliability and the thoroughness with which he did his work recommending him to the public. Although he had to work his way up from the bottom, having no capital and no influ- ential friends when he began his career, he never wavered in his deter- mination to gain success and his untiring industry, his exact technical knowledge and his business ability enabled him to gain prosperity.
Mr. Sims was married on the 7th of April, 1875, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Marion E. Hart, a daughter of Theodorus and Eliza (Ruland) Hart. Mrs. Sims has two brothers and one sister living. She is a descendant of Philip Hart and also of Jeremiah Hart, who fought in the American Revolution. To Mr. and Mrs. Sims were born three children. Theodore, who was born in Meshoppen, Penn- sylvania, married Miss Grace D. Brown, of Wyalusing, Pennsyl- vania, and is now engaged in the jewelry business in Hastings. Maude L. is deceased and is buried in Hastings. Joseph Forrest is living at home and is operating a ranch south of Hastings.
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Mr. Sims gave his political indorsement to the republican party and served acceptably for one term as a member of the city council. In religious faith he was a Baptist and fraternally he was connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at Pittston, Pennsylvania, and with the York Rite Masonic bodies and the Mystic Shrine. He was highly esteemed in those organizations and served as recorder of the blue lodge. Although he passed away in 1901 his friends still honor his memory and all who knew him testify as to his uprightness and his public spirit.
CHARLES W. WINKLER.
Charles W. Winkler, who was for a considerable period success- fully engaged in the florist's business in Hastings, was born in Wisconsin on the 7th of June, 1867. He became a resident of Nebraska while still a boy and attended the common schools here until he was fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he went to work as a farm hand. Subsequently he engaged in stone cutting and still later entered the employ of the John Davis men's furnishing store in Hastings, where he remained for twenty-one years, his long connec- tion with that business proving beyond a doubt his ability and trust- worthiness. About 1900 he resigned his position there and engaged in the florist's business at 1129 West Fourth street, Hastings, and continued active in that line until his death on the 2d of August, 1914. He managed his business affairs efficiently and built up a large and representative patronage, winning an enviable reputation for fair dealing and for supplying plants and flowers which retained their freshness and vitality as long as could be expected. In the meantime he purchased land and at the time of his death he owned two hundred and forty acres in Denver township.
On the 28th of November, 1892, Mr. Winkler was united in mar- riage to Miss Ella E. Luhn, a daughter of Godfred and Anna (Bit- ters) Luhn. Both of her parents were born in Germany but became residents of Adams county, Nebraska, in its early days and subse- quently homesteaded in Webster county. To Mr. and Mrs. Winkler were born two children: Clarence, whose birth occurred in Adams county on the 18th of January, 1895, is now engaged in business as a florist, specializing in carnations; Charles, born October 15, 1908, is attending the public schools.
C
CHARLES W. WINKLER
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Mr. Winkler was an adherent of the republican party, but he considered the qualifications of a candidate of greater importance than his political allegiance and at times voted independently. His re- ligious faith was that of the Christian church. At no time in his career did he receive assistance from the outside but depended entirely upon his own resources, and the success which he gained was the direct result of his industry and careful planning.
GEORGE A. VOLLAND.
George A. Volland, who is engaged in the undertaking business at Hastings, was born at Haigler, Nebraska, on the 30th of July, 1888, his parents being Fred P. and Mary ( Kearney) Volland, the father a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the mother of Illinois. They are now residents of Omaha, Nebraska, and upon removing to this state in 1884 settled in Adams county, where the father followed the carpen- ter's trade. He afterward removed west to Haigler, Nebraska, still later became a resident of Platteville, Colorado, and subsequently es- tablished his home in Omaha, where he is still conducting business as a contractor and builder. George A. Volland became a pupil in the high school at Platteville, Colorado, and afterward qualified for the onerous duties of a business career by a course of study in the Has- tings Business College. He then entered upon active life as a book- keeper and still later learned the undertaking business, remaining in the employ of others until 1912, when he established business in Has- tings as senior partner in the firm of Volland & Coon. He is still carrying on this business and his house is accorded a liberal patronage. He carries a large and well selected line of caskets and funeral sup- plies and is most tactful and considerate in the conduct of his busi- ness affairs.
In 1909 Mr. Volland was united in marriage to Miss Paquita Studebaker, a native of Kent, Illinois, and a daughter of Frank Studebaker. The latter, who came to Nebraska in 1890, was success- fully engaged in the dray and cement business at Red Cloud, this state, and also took an active part in the work of the Brethren church. He is now living on a fruit ranch at Elberta, Utah. Mr. and Mrs. Volland have two children, namely: Vernon G., who was born December 11, 1910; and Norman Hugo, whose natal day was Octo- ber 8, 1914.
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