USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 25
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E. A. BRANDES.
E. A. Brandes is engaged in the automobile business in Hastings, in which connection he has secured a liberal patronage and operates a large plant. He possesses the spirit of enterprise which has ever characterized the upbuilding of the west. His birth occurred in Min-
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neapolis, Minnesota, on the 28th of March, 1874, his parents being D. A. and Catherine Brandes. The family came to Nebraska in 1880, settling in Fillmore county upon a farm. They were pioneer residents of that district and became actively identified with the early agricul- tural development of that section of the state. The father was of German birth and served in the Prussian army during the war from 1863 until 1866. It was subsequent to that time that he came to the new world, establishing his home in Minnesota, where he remained until his arrival in Nebraska.
E. A. Brandes was a little lad of but six years when the family removed to this state and in the public schools he pursued his educa- tion. After his textbooks were put aside he devoted six years to gen- eral farming and then came to Hastings, where he entered the employ of Adams & Company, dealers in agricultural implements, with whom he remained, however, for but a short time. He then went upon the road as a commercial traveler, spending four years in that manner, at the end of which time he returned to Hastings and purchased one- half interest in the implement and automobile business of C. L. Jones & Company. This was run as the Jones & Brandes Company for a number of years and then the business was divided between E. A. Brandes and A. H. Jones. The former afterward bought the Odd Fellows building, a three story brick structure sixty-six by one hun- dred and twenty feet, and in the lower floor of this building conducts a large automobile business, the upper floors being used for lodge purposes. His service and repair departments are maintained in a large brick building at the corner of Third street and Denver avenue. Employment is furnished to twenty men and two stenographers, and in addition to his extensive business at Hastings Mr. Brandes main- tains a large plant of similar character at Grand Island. He has the state agency for the Overland automobile and the agency for the Packard in a number of counties. He has placed many Packard cars upon the road and has also had a large sale for cars of lower price. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious invest- ments in property and is now the owner of considerable farm land. He is regarded as one of the most successful automobile dealers in the state, his sales increasing annually until they have now reached a most gratifying figure.
On the 6th of November, 1897, Mr. Brandes was united in mar- riage to Miss Augusta Puls, a daughter of John Puls. To them have been born three children, Esther, Helen and Raymond. In his political views Mr. Brandes is independent, while his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. Fraternally he is a Mason,
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having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He is also identified with the Sons of Herman, the United Commercial Travelers, the Travelers Protective Association and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its plans and projects for the upbuilding of the city and the promotion of its material interests. He stands for all things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He is fond of outdoor life and finds in it his recreation and rest from the arduous cares of business life, to which he applies him- self closely, as is indicated by the fact that he stands today among the most prominent automobile dealers of the state.
HON. WILLIAM E. ANDREWS.
Hon. William E. Andrews, who has filled various positions of public trust in connection with Nebraska and with the federal govern- ment, now makes his home in Hastings. He was born December 17, 1854, near Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, Iowa, a son of George R. and Sarah Andrews, the former a farmer by occupation. He supple- mented his public school training by study in Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and in Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated June 10, 1885, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, while three years later Parsons College conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree. He worked as a farm hand for several years, however, before entering college and at different periods engaged in teaching in public schools, also in the Garden Grove (Iowa) Normal School and in different business colleges. In January, 1880, he was chosen superintendent of the schools of Ringgold county, Iowa. While in his senior year at Parsons College, in January, 1885, he was elected a member of the faculty of Hastings College and so con- tinned for eight years or until 1893. He then became private secretary to Hon. Lorenzo Crounse, governor of Nebraska, and after two years spent in that position was elected to congress from the fifth Nebraska district, serving from March 4, 1895, until March 4, 1897. On the 9th of June of the latter year he became auditor for the United States treasury department. His varied service enabled him to learn the general conditions and needs of the state and federal governments from the executive and legislative points of view. While he was auditor in the treasury department the volume of business that passed
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over his desk exceeded one hundred billion dollars and involved a careful study of the Wilson, Dingley, Payne and Underwood tariffs. The excellence of his record is indicated in the fact that not one dollar of that vast amount was ever charged back to the discredit of the office.
On the 1st of September, 1885, at Fairfield, Iowa, Mr. Andrews was married to Miss Mira McCoy, a daughter of Laben L. and Alice S. McCoy. Mrs. Andrews is a musician and held the chair of voice culture in Hastings College for several years. She was a member of the board of lady managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, was president of the Federation of Women's Clubs of the District of Columbia and is now a member of the board of directors of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, which includes not only clubs in the United States but also in Canada and other countries, the organization being international.
Mr. Andrews has always been a stalwart republican and adheres to the teachings of Washington, Hamilton, Lincoln and Mckinley. He belongs to various fraternal organizations and has passed up through both rites of Masonry, taking the various degrees save the thirty-third of the Scottish Rite. He is also an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias, United Workman and Modern Woodman of America. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he is actively interested. His influence has been a potent factor in advancing the welfare and progress of the state along educational, political and moral lines. He has never been content to choose the second best, nor has he ever deviated from the high ideals which are factors in bringing about a more advanced civilization.
W. F. J. COMLY.
W. F. J. Comly, of Hastings, who has been connected with the railway mail service for thirty-two years, was born in Pennsylvania on the 27th of October, 1848, of the marriage of Joseph T. and Eliza- beth (Thompson) Comly. The family removed to the vicinity of Brooklyn, Iowa, in 1871, and the father engaged in farming. Both he and his wife have passed away. To them were born three children, two sons and a daughter, of whom W. F. J. is the youngest.
He was educated in the public schools and after putting aside his textbooks devoted his entire attention to assisting his father on the farm until he began his independent career. For two terms he taught school in Pennsylvania and was similarly employed in Iowa for two
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terms. Then, at the age of twenty-three years, he came to Nebraska and took up an eighty acre homestead near Hastings. After a short time, however, he sold a relinquishment to that farm and began work- ing in the office of the Journal, which was then published by Wigton & Lewis. On leaving that place he went into the postoffice and after serving as clerk there for four years was given a run in the railway mail service, with which he has been connected for thirty-two years. He is quick, accurate and thoroughly reliable in his work and has made a record of which he has every reason to be proud.
Mr. Comly was married in 1876 to Miss Virginia Spooner, who passed away in 1890, leaving two children: Eleanor May, who is now Mrs. LeRoy Van Fleet; and Virginia, the wife of J. A. Lett. There are also two grandchildren. In 1894 Mr. Comly was again married, Miss Anna Rogers becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Thomas Rogers, who removed to Hastings with his family in 1885.
Mr. Comly is a republican but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is prominent in the work of the local Presby- terian church, of which he has served as deacon, and he has also been chorister of the Sunday school. His wife is very active in missionary and Sunday school work and both are recognized as sincere Christian people. Mrs. Comly is also identified with the Woman's Club, to which she has belonged for fifteen years. Mr. Comly belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Loyal Mystic Legion and is popular within and without those organizations. He has always manifested the interest of a good citizen in everything pertaining to the general welfare and is highly respected by all who have come into contact with him. His home is at No. 720 North St. Joseph street.
GEORG UDEN.
Among the successful farmers of Verona township who have earned the title of self-made man is Georg Uden, who owns valuable land on sections 14 and 21. He is a native of East Friesland, Ger- many, and his natal day was the 1st of October, 1850. His parents, John B. and Anna (Mangela) Uden, were lifelong residents of the fatherland. To them were born six children, namely: Henry, de- ceased; Georg; John, also deceased; Onno, a resident of Adams county; Fred, of Hall county; and Kathrina.
Georg Uden is indebted for his education to the common schools of his native land and he remained at home until 1871, when, having
MR. AND MRS. GEORG UDEN AND SON
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attained his majority, he started out in life for himself. He had heard much concerning the superior advantages offered by the United States and, desiring to take advantage of them, emigrated to this country. He made his way at once to Secor, Woodford county, Illi- nois, and after working by the month for some time rented a farm. In 1880 he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and purchased the land on which the town of Prosser now stands but which he sold after the railroad was built through that section. Subsequently he purchased his present home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Verona township, and he has since acquired title to an eighty-acre tract on section 14. He has erected excellent buildings and otherwise improved his farm, which is in a high state of develop- ment and which returns him a good income. He engages in general farming, raising both grain and stock, and is at once practical and progressive in his methods.
When thirty years of age Mr. Uden was united in marriage to Mrs. Augusta Summerfeldt, and they have become the parents. of seven children, namely: Adolph, who is farming near the home place; John B. and Fred A., both of whom are following agricultural pur- suits in Verona township; and Walter, William, Emma and August, all of whom are yet at home.
Mr. Uden takes a keen interest in the questions and issues of the day and is independent in the exercise of his right of franchise. Both he and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran church near their farm, which they aided in organizing. They also contributed generously to the building fund and have always taken an active part in the work of the church. Although Mr. Uden had no capital when he came to this country, he possessed energy and sound judgment and as the years have passed his industry and good management have enabled him to gain a competence. He has discharged to the full all the obligations resting upon him, and his genuine worth is recognized by those who have been associated with him.
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GEORGE COLLING.
George Colling, a well known retired farmer residing at No. 628 South Denver street, Hastings, is also entitled to mention as a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1847, the fourth in a family of six children whose parents were Theodore and Elizabeth (Schadeck) Colling. The father, who was born in France
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in 1803, was a contractor and builder by trade and in 1861 removed with his family from Germany to the United States, settling in Du Page county, Illinois, where he worked as a mason for several years. He passed away in Illinois on the 21st of June, 1880, in the faith of the Roman Catholic church. He was married in Germany in 1831 to Elizabeth Schadeck, a daughter of Peter Schadeck, a native of the Rhine Province, Prussia. Her demise occurred in Illinois on the 5th of February, 1879. She was also a Roman Catholic. To them were born the following children, all natives of Germany: Henry; Nicho- las; William; George; Charles, a resident of Indianola, Nebraska; and Mary, John and Peter, all of whom are deceased and are buried in Indianola.
George Colling spent his childhood in his native country as he was thirteen years of age when he was brought by his parents to the United States. He continued his education in the public schools of Illinois and after putting aside his textbooks devoted his energies to farming pursuits. He remained in the Prairie state until September, 1872, when he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Hanover township. At that time the place was a tract of unbroken prairie but he soon brought it under cultivation and as the years passed his resources increased. However, he did not escape the hardships incident to all pioneer life and he also had to contend with the grasshopper scourge and some of the winters were extremely severe, especially that of 1873, when the memorable blizzard occurred. He carefully conserved the fertility of the soil and added to the value of his farm by making many excellent improvements and in carrying on his work used up-to-date methods. He raised both grain and stock, finding this more profitable than confining his attention to one phase of agriculture, and his well directed efforts were rewarded by a substantial income. In 1904 he retired from active life and took up his residence in Hastings on the 1st of November. He has since resided here and is one of the valued citizens of the town.
Mr. Colling was married on the 9th of March, 1869, in Illinois, to Miss Mary E. Kinnear, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Cline) Kinnear, both natives of New Brunswick, the former born in 1816 and the latter in 1821. In 1847 they took up their residence in Kane county, Illinois, where the father died twenty years later. The mother is still living at St. Charles, that state, and although she has reached the venerable age of ninety-three years is still enjoying excellent health. To Mr. and Mrs. Colling were born five children, as follows: Elizabeth Mary, whose birth occurred on the 25th of January, 1870,
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is the wife of John Smith, who is farming two hundred and forty acres in Webster county and is the son of John Smith, Sr., an old settler of this county. To this union have been born three children. Bertha Jane, whose birth occurred in Adams county on the 31st of December, 1874, gave her hand in marriage to Henry Herren, a farmer of Blaine township, and they have four children. Anna L., who was born on the 12th of July, 1878, became the wife of John McKinney, a farmer of Clay county. She passed away leaving one child. Edward George, whose birth occurred on the 30th of Decem- ber, 1881, is farming in Lincoln county, Nebraska. He married Emma Madson, by whom he has two children. Etta Natalie, who was born January 15, 1885, died on the 3d of February, 1887. The wife and mother passed away on the 18th of June, 1914, and is buried in a cemetery in Hanover township. She was a representative of the finest type of womanhood and was held in the highest respect by all who knew her and her demise was the occasion of much sincere grief.
Mr. Colling has always supported the republican party and for eighteen years served as justice of the peace and for many years as a member of the school board, proving very efficient in the discharge of his duties. He has manifested his patriotism by placing the public welfare above personal interests and in 1864, together with his brother, William Colling, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to Sherman's army. He fought in the battles of Resaca and Atlanta and took part in a num- ber of skirmishes, remaining at the front until he was honorably discharged on the 12th of July, 1865. He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, thus keeping in touch with his com- rades in blue, and he is also identified with the Sons of Herman. The success which he gained, which now enables him to enjoy a life of leisure, was the direct result of his hard work and thrift and none begrudges him the prosperity which is his.
LUTHER EGELHOFF.
Luther Egelhoff is proprietor of a barber shop at Hastings and is well known not only through his business connections but also by reason of his activity in political circles. He was born in La Fayette, Indiana, September 29, 1865, his parents being William and Mary (Baker) Egelhoff, both of whom were natives of Germany, born in Mainz. The father was twenty-two years of age when he crossed the
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Atlantic to the United States, settling in Indiana, where he took up the occupation of farming. He became the owner of lands there and lived a quiet, retiring life but his sterling worth won him place among the substantial and honored residents of the community. In politics he was an active republican, giving strong indorsement to the party. He died in 1885, at the age of fifty-three years, while his wife passed away in 1893, when sixty-three years of age.
Luther Egelhoff pursued his education in the district schools of his native county and spent his boyhood days upon the home farm to the age of seventeen years, working as a farm hand. He then began learning the barber's trade, which he followed in Indiana until 1889, when he removed westward to Seward, Nebraska. He afterward followed his trade at various places in this state and in August, 1895, came to Hastings, where he opened a shop in the Bostwick Hotel which he has since conducted. In connection therewith he conducts a pool hall and both branches of his business are liberally patronized.
While residing at Seward, Nebraska, on the 1st of January, 1894, Mr. Egelhoff was united in marriage to Miss Rose Wood, a native of New York and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. K. Wood, both of whom were born near Syracuse, that state. The father, who in early life was a sailor and later embarked in business as a jeweler, enlisted for service in the Civil war from Syracuse, New York, and remained with the army from 1861 until 1865, being promoted to the rank of captain. In 1873 he came west to Nebraska and took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Seward county, remaining on his original homestead until he passed away in 1914 at the age of seventy- seven years. During the early period of his residence in the state he lived in a sod house and used an ox team in the work of the fields. His well directed labor as an agriculturist were eventually rewarded with a substantial and gratifying measure of success and as the years passed he acquired considerable property. He assisted in the organi- zation of the Congregational church near his home and though a man of unassuming disposition was widely recognized as a citizen of value and worth. Mrs. Egelhoff also takes an active and helpful part in the work of the Congregational church and by her marriage she has become the mother of two children, namely: Marion, who is a high school graduate; and Stanley, a high school student.
Mr. Egelhoff holds membership with the Knights of Pythias lodge, in which he is serving as prelate. In politics he maintains an independent course, not wishing to be bound by party ties, his vote being cast according to the dictates of his judgment. He served as a member of the county board of supervisors in 1907 and was reelected
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to that office in 1909. For three years he has been a member of the library board. He possesses a studious nature and is extremely well read. Although he had limited educational advantages in his youth, he has become a man of broad general information, is the possessor of a fine library and is regarded as one of the best posted men in the county. In religious belief he is a Unitarian and he holds to the doc- trine of the brotherhood of man. In all affairs he is progressive, rec- ognizing the duties and obligations of the individual to his fellowmen and at all times meeting and utilizing his opportunities for his own advancement and for the betterment of the community. His ideals of life are high and to these he strictly adheres.
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THE NEBRASKA SANITARIUM.
The Nebraska Sanitarium at Hastings has the distinction of being one of the two institutions in the state prepared to utilize all the meth- ods and appliances recognized in the modern sciences of hygiene, sani- tation, rational medicine and hygienic dietetics and it draws its pat- ronage from a large territory. It is situated in the east side of Has- tings, removed from the noise and dust of the city, and is surrounded by Hartwell park with its beautiful lake, spacious golf links, fine trees and shaded lawns and yet it is close enough to the city to profit from the advantages which it offers. The building is heated by steam, lighted by electricity, provided with electric elevator service and every room has hot and cold water. The greatest care has been taken to provide everything that could in any way add to the comfort or hasten the recovery of the patients; and the spirit of the institution, which is one of helpfulness and service, is in itself an important agency in the restoration of health. The sanitarium is very different in its atmos- phere from a hospital and is rather a home where those who are sick or tired may find cheerful surroundings and skilled attention. The institution pays especial attention to the treatment of chronic diseases and has every facility for the use of modern therapeutics. Great emphasis is laid upon hygienic food but no extreme dietetic ideas are exploited and it is recognized that the flavor and the dainty service of food are important as well as the amount of nourishment that it contains. Massage is used in the treatment of many cases and the sanitarium is completely equipped for treatment with both electro- therapy and hydrotherapy. Patients are trained to cooperate with the healing forces of nature and thus hasten their recovery. The sani-
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tarium also maintains a maternity department. Although much of the work of the institution is of a medical rather than surgical nature there is a modern surgical department which is equipped with aseptic operating rooms and a surgical ward. All anaesthetics are given by à physician especially trained in anaesthesia and everything pertaining to surgical work is under the personal supervision of Dr. F. D. Hays- mer, the superintendent of the sanitarium, who is a surgeon of estab- lished reputation. An additional point in favor of the institution as a place for the treatment of chronic and surgical conditions is that those suffering from tuberculosis and other contagious diseases are not admitted.
HENRY DRUECKER.
Among the most highly respected residents of Ayr township is Henry Druecker, who came to this country from Germany as a young man without capital but who possessed the greater assets of determina- tion, enterprise and sound judgment and through the exercise of these qualities has gained financial independence. In all relations of life his conduct has measured up to high standards and his community has profited by his public spirit and his willingness to aid in movements furthering the general welfare.
Mr. Druecker was born in Westphalia, Germany, on the 19th of October, 1858, of the marriage of Christoph Plass and Sophia (Schaffer-Frans) Druecker. His father dying when he was but six weeks old and his mother when he was six months old, he became a ward of the state, which gave him a good education. He studied care- fully the opportunities for advancement in Germany, and believing that at that time there was little chance for a poor man to gain success there, he began to investigate conditions in America. Becoming satis- fied that they were favorable, he emigrated to this country when twenty-two years of age, arriving at Baltimore on the 16th of April, 1881. He at once continued his journey westward as he had decided to locate in the middle west and three days later he reached Platts- mouth, Cass county, Nebraska. As it was necessary for him to secure work immediately he accepted a position paying ten cents a day but after a short time was given sixteen dollars a month and during the second year that he worked as a hired hand received twenty dollars a month and the third year thirty dollars a month, an indication of the satisfactoriness of his services. He carefully saved his money, prac-
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