USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
BERNHARD SCHMIDT AND FAMILY
41
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
raises horses and a few hogs. His progressive spirit is indicated by the fact that he introduced the culture of alfalfa to this county, shipping four hundred pounds of seed here from Colorado and sowing one hundred pounds himself, while the remaining three hun- dred was distributed equally among three other men. These four experimental fields proved successful and at the present time alfalfa is generally grown throughout the county. He has always sought to keep in touch with the developments in scientific agriculture and has at all times been ready to profit by the discoveries of investigators although he has not been unduly hasty in discarding time-tried methods. This combination of progressiveness with conservatism leads to success in agriculture as in other fields and he has gained financial independence.
At Seward, Nebraska, in 1883, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Emma Thimgnen, a daughter of Michael and Adelia (Cirot) Thimg- nen. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Schmidt was a school teacher in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have become the parents of ten children. Antonia, who was born in Seward county, Nebraska, in 1885, is now the wife of John Thompson, and lives in Hastings. Otto, born in Hastings in 1886, married Miss Mary Kennedy and is now living in Highland township. Ernest, born in Hastings in 1887, is farming in the employ of others in this county. Harry, born upon the home farm in 1890, married Miss Annie Wisdom. Lena, whose birth occurred on the 26th of January, 1892, died at the age of two years and three months. Albert, born in 1894, Martha, in 1897, Jose- phine, in 1898, Etta, in 1901, and Fred, in 1904, are all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt belong to the German Evangelical church and guide their lives by its teachings. He votes the republican ticket but has never had time to take a very active part in politics, his farnı- ing interests demanding his undivided attention. His ability, in- tegrity and genial spirit have made him popular among those who have been associated with him and he is highly respected wherever known.
W. H. DE SANNO.
W. H. De Sanno, as a member of the firm of W. H. De Sanno & Son, is conducting an important business enterprise under the name of the Juniata Milling Company, Incorporated. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1845, and is a son of Vol. II-3
42
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
John F. and Charlotte (Gamble) De Sanno, the latter of English descent, while the former came of Pennsylvania German ancestry. He was born and married in the Keystone state and there the mother passed away when their son, W. H. De Sanno, was but six years of age. The father afterward removed to the middle west in 1853, set- tling in Peoria, Illinois, where he remained until 1864. In that year he became a resident of Livingston county, Illinois, where his remain- ing days were passed, his death occurring in 1869. He was a tailor by trade and thus provided for the support of his family, which num- bered five children: Elizabeth, now living in Macomb, Illinois; Elnora, whose home is in Pennsylvania; Mary, a resident of Gordon, Nebraska; W. H., of this review; and Amelia, deceased.
W. H. De Sanno pursued his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania and of Illinois, and in his youthful days began farm work, being thus employed until about twenty-two years of age. He then turned his attention to the milling business in Peoria, Illinois, serving a full term of apprenticeship. He was connected with the trade in that city for five years, after which he went to Fairbury, Illi- nois, as second miller. He spent about three years there, on the expira- tion of which period he went to Chenoa, Illinois, where he remained for a year. He next located at Davenport, Iowa, where he engaged in the milling business for two and one-half years, after which he spent a year in Cleveland, Illinois, and later went to Tazewell county, engag- ing in the milling business at Lilly. There he remained for eleven years and during four years of that time served as postmaster of the town.
In 1891 Mr. De Sanno arrived at Beemer, Nebraska, where he con- tinued in the milling business for five years. He afterward went to Tekamah, Nebraska, where he resided for three years, and on the expiration of that period removed to Silver Creek and leased a half interest in a mill, spending eight months at that place. He was subse- quently at Beemer, Nebraska, for fifteen months, after which he came to Juniata and purchased the mill here. He remodeled the mill and installed new machinery and had everything in excellent shape when in 1907 the plant was entirely destroyed by fire in the month of August. Immediately he began the work of rebuilding and by March of the following year his mill was again in operation. The business is con- ducted by the firm of W. H. De Sanno & Son, under the name of the Juniata Milling Company, Incorporated. They maintain a high standard of excellence in the manufacture of their product, for which they find a ready sale on the market, and the business is today recognized as one of the leading productive industries of the county.
43
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
In 1873 Mr. De Sanno was married to Miss Mary Rice and to them were born five children, namely: Nora, who is the wife of August Linneman, of Forest Green, Missouri; Harry C., who is associated with his father in the milling business; and Hattie, Walter and Clif- ford, all of whom are deceased. The wife and mother passed away in 1886, and in 1891 Mr. De Sanno was again married, his second union being with Ella Koonce, by whom he has two children: Mabel, who is attending school in Hastings; and Bernice, a school student at Juniata.
In his political views Mr. De Sanno is a democrat and has served as a member of the town board. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge of Juniata, in which he has passed all the chairs, and he gives his active support to various projects for the upbuilding of the com- munity and the promotion of the public welfare. His has been an active and well spent life and the industry and integrity which have characterized his business career have been the crowning features of his success.
FREDERICK A. BOYD.
Frederick A. Boyd, who is successfully engaged in farming in Roseland township, is a native son of that township and his birth occurred on the 13th of March, 1877. His father, Robert A. Boyd, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, of Irish ancestry and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Addis, was a native of New Jersey. Robert A. Boyd accompanied his parents to Stark county, Illinois, and remained there until about 1872, when he came westward to Nebraska and took up a homestead and a tree claim on section 10, Roseland township, Adams county. He at once began to cultivate his land and as the years passed brought it to a high state of develop- ment. He was very successful as a farmer and acquired title to almost a whole section of land. He was prominent in his community and served as county supervisor, proving very efficient in that office. He belonged to the Workmen and to the Grand Army of the Republic, having served in the Civil war as a member of the Sixty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He passed away in 1899, but his wife is still living and has the distinction of being the only woman in the township who is residing upon the original family homestead. To them were born five children, namely: Frances V .; Frederick A .; John and Clara, both deceased; and Warren E., who is farming the home place.
44
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
Frederick A. Boyd entered the public schools at the usual time and after completing the work of the grades became a student in the Roseland high school and still later spent two years in Hastings Col- lege at Hastings. He continued to reside at home until he was twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, when he removed to his pres- ent place which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 23, Roseland township. He is well known as a breeder of Hereford cattle. He manages his business affairs well and is at once practical and progressive in his work as an agriculturist. His place is kept in excellent condition and he ranks among the able and efficient farmers and stock raisers of the county.
Mr. Boyd was married in 1901 to Miss Clara Joynt, by whom he has five children, Margaret, Alice, Geraldine, Jeannette and Sadie. He casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and has served as central committeeman, doing much to promote the success of that party in this county. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is now superintendent of the Sunday school. His daily life bears witness to the sincerity of his belief and no movement for the moral advance- ment of his community lacks his support. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Juniata.
LEWIS CURRIER.
Lewis Currier is living retired in Kenesaw and is enjoying a period of leisure made possible by his former well directed labors as an agri- culturist. He is also a veteran of the Civil war and just as in the days when the Union was threatened he willingly fought in its defense, so he is now giving largely of his time and energy in carrying on a campaign against the use of tobacco and intoxicating drinks. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of January, 1838, a son of John and Anna (Robinson) Currier, the former born in New Hampshire in 1810 and the latter in Pennsylvania in 1811. In 1850 the family removed from Pennsylvania to Livingston county, Illinois, and there the father passed away in 1862.
Lewis Currier received a fair education in the country schools of Pennsylvania and Illinois and after putting aside his textbooks de- voted his attention to farm work until he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volun-
45
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
teer Infantry, on the 15th of August, 1862. He took part in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, fought in a number of skir- mishes, was a member of the expedition which went in pursuit of Gen- eral Morgan, the famous cavalry leader, and was also on guard and garrison duty for some time. Later he was in the Blue Star division of Sherman's army, went on the memorable march to the sea and took part in the siege of Atlanta which led to the fall of that city. He was discharged in 1865, after the close of hostilities, and marched in the Grand Review. He then returned to Illinois and for fourteen years engaged in farming there. In 1882 he came to Verona township, Adams county, and homesteaded one hundred and forty-one acres of land, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted the following thirteen years. At the end of that time, feeling that he had saved sufficient capital to provide for his wants throughout the remainder of his life, he retired and took up his residence in Kenesaw, where he is still living.
Mr. Currier was married January 22, 1867, to Miss Lydia L. Pratt, who was born in Michigan, March 9, 1842, and died in Kene- saw on the 27th of October, 1906. To them were born four children, of whom two are living: Frank E., a farmer of Adams county; and Ned C., who is residing in Kenesaw.
Mr. Currier has supported the republican party since its organiza- tion and believes firmly in its principles. He is a member of the Church of God and takes an active interest in the work of that organ- ization. For twenty years he has done all in his power to create sentiment against the tobacco and liquor habits and although he is now seventy-eight years of age he still travels in the interests of that work. He recognizes the value of literature in such a campaign and has had published a small collection of poems dealing with the evils of the use of tobacco and liquor and uses this booklet in carrying on his agita- tion against these habits. The motive power in all of his efforts to better humanity is his sincere Christian faith, which finds expression in the following poem from his pen. The theme of the poem is based on Hebrews 3:1-3 and 10:28-29:
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
The law was once By Moses given, But the sayings of Jesus Guide us to Heaven.
46
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
Jesus is the life, The truth, the way; But none need be lost If they learn to obey.
In trying to find What David said; We leave behind What Jesus did.
By looking backward, On sayings of old, We miss the streets Paved with gold.
Oh, then let us While time on earth is given,
Accept the gospel of Christ And secure a home in Heaven.
HENRY AUGUSTIN, SR.
Henry Augustin, Sr., is one of the representative agriculturists of Verona township and his farm on section 21 is in a high state of development. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 14th of September, 1849, a son of Claus and Engel (Tobaben) Augustin, who were natives of that country and were there reared and married. The mother passed away in Germany and the father came to the United States in 1870 and located near Red Wing, Minnesota, where he resided until his demise. He followed the occupation of farming and met with gratifying success therein. To him and his wife were born three children: Hans, who died in Minnesota in 1914; Henry; and Mary, the wife of Ernst Rehder, of Red Wing.
Henry Augustin, Sr., received a good education in Germany and prepared for the school teacher's profession, attending a normal school. After teaching for two years he came to the United States with his father in 1870 and secured a position in a parochial school near Red Wing. He taught there for ten years but in the winter of 1880-1881 came to Nebraska and located on section 21, Verona town- ship, Adams county. He has lived there ever since and has made
47
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
excellent improvements upon the place, which now comprises two hundred and forty acres. He also owns another farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres and a half section near Kenesaw. He engages in general farming, finding that the raising of both grain and stock is more profitable than specializing in either. He assisted in organiz- ing the company which conducts elevators at Prosser and Kenesaw and is now serving as one of its directors.
In 1871 Mr. Augustin was united in marriage to Miss Mari Ruhter, who passed away in December, 1915. They were the par- ents of thirteen children, namely: Rudolph, a resident of Doniphan, Nebraska; Henry Jr., who lives near Kenesaw; Peter, also residing near Kenesaw; Meta, the wife of John Sauerman, who lives three miles south of Kenesaw; Jacob, who resides near Hayland, Nebraska ; George, who lives in the vicinity of Kenesaw; Walter, of Doniphan; Adolph and Fred, both of whom are farming in this county; Emma, at home; Anna, the wife of John Uden, who lives near Prosser; and Lena and Herbert, both at home.
Mr. Augustin votes the democratic ticket at the polls and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the public wel- fare although not an aspirant for official preferment. He was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran church, in which he still holds membership, and his wife was also identified with that organi- zation. When he began his business career he was without capital but he possessed good judgment and energy, and as the years have passed his resources have increased until he is now numbered among the substantial men of Adams county.
REV. WILLIAM McDONALD.
Rev. William McDonald, pastor of St. Cecilia's Catholic church at Hastings, was born in Ireland, May 19, 1860, a son of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Lewis) McDonald. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife are now deceased. After pur- suing his preliminary education in the national schools of Ireland, William McDonald pursued a classical course in the University School at Waterford, Ireland, and studied philosophy and theology in St. John's College at Waterford, having determined to prepare for the priesthood. He was then ordained in the cathedral at Water- ford, June 21, 1884, by the coadjutor bishop of Dublin. He was then assigned to the Omaha diocese, which included Nebraska and
48
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
Wyoming, although since that time a division has occurred in the diocese. He was given charge of his first mission as assistant pastor at Falls City, where he remained for a year, when he was appointed to take charge of the Catholic church at Dawson, Richardson county, where he remained for nine years. In 1894 he was appointed to Has- tings as pastor of St. Cecilia's Catholic church and his labors have here since continued, covering a period of twenty-two years. The congregation numbers two hundred families. During his connection with this parish the present fine house of worship has been erected at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars. There is a parochial school maintained under the charge of the Sisters of St. Dominic in connec- tion with the academy. The organized bodies of the church include an Altar Society, the League of the Sacred Heart and the Children of Mary. The Immaculate Conception Academy was built in 1880 by the Sisters of the Visitation, but there was a period of drought in Nebraska and the academy found itself in financial difficulties. The building reverted to the mortgagee. After this building had stood idle for twelve years Father McDonald succeeded in raising the money to buy it back, securing a gift of five thousand dollars from the Commercial Club of Hastings. Six years ago the Dominican Sisters came and took charge of the academy and the work of the school has since been in a flourishing condition.
The labors of Father McDonald found fruition in the erection of the splendid house of worship which is now the property of the Catho- lics of Hastings and is known as St. Cecilia's church. It was dedicated on the 22d of December, 1912, on which occasion the building, one of the finest church edifices in Nebraska, held at the dedi- catory services about one thousand people. This congregation had its beginning as far back as 1871, when the Rev. Father Leichleitner of Crete visited the new settlement. He continued to hold occasional services until March 25, 1878, when the Rev. George Glauber was appointed priest in charge. Under his leadership the first church building of St. Cecilia's parish was erected on Second street. A lit- tle later the congregation purchased a half block of ground and the old building was afterward removed to that site and enlarged until it had a seating capacity of five hundred. In September, 1881, Father Glauber was succeeded by Father Simeon, who remained until July, 1888, when the Rev. J. E. English was appointed pastor of St. Cecilia's church. During his pastorate the church acquired a half block of land facing on Seventh street between Kansas and Colorado avenues. When Father English was transferred to an Omaha par- ish in September, 1894, he was succeeded by Father McDonald, who
49
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
is much loved by his people. He put forth every effort to upbuild the church in all of its departments of work and about ten years ago entered upon the activities which resulted in the erection of St. Cecilia's fine house of worship. The church was built of a brick such as is used in the erection of old European cathedrals. The decora- tions of the church are most handsome and fitting and in the con- struction the modern method of reinforced concrete and steel beam construction was used, there being no pillars to obstruct the view in the interior of the church. Father McDonald is continuing his labors, being unfaltering in his efforts to promote the cause to which he has dedicated his life, and his purposes and activities are being crowned with splendid results.
PHILIP W. YAGER.
Philip W. Yager is actively identified with business interests in Hastings as proprietor of Yager's bakery, which is today one of the leading productive industries of the city, conducting an extensive busi- ness and accorded a liberal patronage. He was born in Germany, August 26, 1870, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Yager, the latter now living. The father has passed away and was a forester in the government service,
Philip W. Yager was educated in the schools of Germany and after coming to the United States attended business college in Hast- ings. He sought employment here in connection with the bakery busi- ness and for seventeen years was employed in the establishment of which he is now the proprietor. Gradually in that connection he mastered every phase of the business and worked his way upward until in 1902 he purchased the plant and has since carried on the business under his own name. His trade has constantly grown and developed and has now assumed extensive and gratifying propor- tions. He keeps a wagon for the delivery of his goods and employs nine people. The most cleanly and sanitary conditions are maintained in the bakery and he never deviates from the highest standards in the excellence of the product.
On the 11th of January, 1891, Mr. Yager was united in marriage to Miss Christina E. Wagner, a daughter of John Wagner, of Adams county, Ohio, and to them have been born three children, Clarence P., Lloyd A. and Effie M. The family hold membership in the Baptist church and Mr. Yager belongs also to the Masonic fraternity, in which
50
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
he has attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but never seeks nor desires office. He is a progressive and public-spirited man, interested in Hastings and in the upbuilding of the state as well. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way, for his advancement is due to close application, indefatigable energy and perseverance. His course has won for him not only deserved success but also the high respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
GEORGE BLANKENBILLER.
For a third of a century George Blankenbiller has been a resi- dent of Adams county. At the time of his arrival he settled upon a tract of raw prairie land on section 3, Silver Lake township, and began the development of a farm. In the careful management of his business he won success and is now the owner of a half section of rich and valuable land from which he derives a gratifying annual income. He leaves the active operation of the place to others, however, at the present time, while he is living retired in Juniata, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. Pennsylvania claims him as a native son. He was born near Reading, in Berks county, May 9, 1838, a son of George and Elizabeth (Siward) Blanken- biller, who were likewise natives of that state, where they always remained. The father, who was of German lineage, devoted his life to carpentering and thus provided for the support of his family, con- sisting of wife and three children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of George Blankenbiller.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, George Blankenbiller attended the common schools and at the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 15th of August, 1862, for three years' service in the One Hun- dred and Sixteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was assigned to Company C but during the war was transferred at Harper's Ferry to Battery A of the Fourth Artillery. He par- ticipated in the battle of Fredericksburg and afterward went into camp for the winter on the north side of the Rappahannock river,
51
PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY
where the troops remained until May, 1863. They then started down the river to Chancellorsville and participated in the engagement of that place. They were afterward at Gettysburg and Mr. Blanken- biller took part in the three days' engagement there. Later he par- ticipated in the battle of the Wilderness, but becoming ill, was sent on sick leave to Washington and was there honorably discharged on account of disability. He sustained two slight wounds in the battle of Gettysburg. Ever faithful to duty, he made an excellent record by his loyalty and bravery.
After his return home Mr. Blankenbiller worked as he could until he had recovered his health. He then went to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1868, when he removed to Ash- land county, Ohio, where he made his home for six years. On the expiration of that period he came to this state and took up his abode on section 3, Silver Lake township, Adams county. His place was a tract of raw prairie on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began to break the sod and develop the place, building a small house and setting out a good orchard. He continued the work of development and improve- ment year after year and is today the owner of a valuable property comprising a half section of land which returns to him a gratifying annual income. He was also at one time the owner of seventy acres on section 9 of the same township but sold this to one of his sons. In 1905 he removed to Juniata, where he has two acres surrounding an attractive, commodious and comfortable residence. His lawn is tastefully adorned with shrubs and trees and the home provides him with all of the comforts of life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.