USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 5
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Mr. Blankenbiller has been married twice. On the 12th of Octo- ber, 1869, he wedded Miss Harriett Palmer, who passed away in October, 1883. To them were born the following children: John, who resides on the home place; David, a high school professor in St. Paul, Minnesota; George and Henry, both of whom are deceased; Daniel, a druggist of Rushville, Nebraska; Samuel, living in Has- tings, Nebraska; Milton, who makes his home near Roseland, this state; and Mary, the wife of Floyd Woods, living near Juniata. In December, 1885, Mr. Blankenbiller was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Brubaker, a native of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children, namely: Anna, who became the wife of C. C. Laap and died in 1914; and Harriet, a trained nurse in the Frances E. Willard Hospital of Chicago.
Mr. Blankenbiller and his wife are very active and devout mem- bers of the Brethren church and assisted in building the house of wor-
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ship near Roseland. He is serving as one of the deacons of the church and both take an active and helpful interest in its work. In politics he has been a lifelong republican, joining the party when age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise and giving to it stalwart allegiance through all the intervening years. Mr. Blankenbiller is a self-made man, for from early youth he has depended upon his own resources, basing his success upon industry, honesty, perseverance and determination. . As the years have gone on he has prospered through the utilization of those qualities and the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used.
ISAIAH D. EVANS.
Isaiah D. Evans, of Kenesaw, who was formerly connected with journalism and banking, has since 1896 given his attention to agricul- tural interests and has proved very successful as a farmer. He has given a great deal of time and thought to public affairs and has been called to a number of offices, which he has filled with distinction. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1844, of the marriage of Evan and Margaret (Williams) Evans, who emigrated from Wales to America in 1843. They resided in Pennsylvania until their son, Isaiah D., was four years of age, when removal was made to Wisconsin. The father was one of the representative citi- zens of his community and his demise, which occurred in 1863, was deeply regretted.
Isaiah D. Evans was reared at home and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he secured his early education. Subse- quently he was a student in an academy at Spring Green, Wisconsin, and he took a commercial course in Eastman's Business College. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company E, Forty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, of which he became first sergeant, and remained with that command until after the close of hostilities, being mustered out at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, in November, 1865, when not quite twenty-one years of age. He decided to try his for- tune in the far west and in 1866 drove four mules across the plains from Nebraska City to Salt Lake City and thence to Virginia City, Montana. He remained in that territory for about four years, dur- ing which time he engaged in prospecting to a considerable extent, and for two winters taught school. In 1871 he returned to Nebraska
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and located at Lowell, where he published the Lowell Register. Sub- sequently he established the Sutton Register and still later he was made cashier of the internal revenue office at Omaha. After his term of service expired he founded the town of Stockham in Hamilton county, Nebraska, in accordance with the terms of a contract with the Northwestern Railroad for establishing a station at that point. He saw to the platting of the town site and gave his personal atten- tion to the sale of the town lots. During this time he also organized the Bank of Stockham, of which he was cashier for seven years. In 1896 he removed to Kenesaw and has since engaged in farming in this locality. He is a frequent contributor to the agricultural press of the state and active in promoting better farming along modern lines. Mr. Evans was married on the 25th of April, 1878, at Kene- saw, to Miss Emma Williams, a daughter of Professor A. D. Wil- liams, a minister of the Baptist church, an educator of note and an able writer. Before her marriage Mrs. Evans was a very successful teacher and for about three years, while Mr. Evans was in the govern- ment service at Omaha, she conducted the Sutton Register, having charge of all the work of publishing the paper with the exception that Mr. Evans furnished some of the editorial copy. To this union have been born three children, as follows: Grace Alice, whose birth occurred in 1881, is a graduate of the State University of Nebraska and is now the wife of F. J. Schaufelberger, of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia. Fred W. lives near the Evans homestead and is farming in partnership with his father. He married Miss Hazel Armitage and they have a son, Cedric, two years of age. Esther Evilian is living at home and has largely relieved her mother of the cares of the house and is proving herself an expert housekeeper.
Mr. Evans is a man of influence in political circles of the state and has been a frequent contributor to the press on public questions. He is a progressive republican, being a strong believer in the rule of the people and in the strict regulation of big business. He recognizes that adjustment must be made in the political field as well as in others to the changed conditions of modern life and supports all movements cal- culated to bring about a more exact social justice. Among other pro- gressive measures he favors the abolition of the liquor traffic as he is convinced that it is responsible for many of the evils with which society has to contend. He has served in a number of offices and has always proved capable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He was for some time clerk in the internal revenue office at Omaha and was later promoted to cashier of that office. In 1899 and again in 1911 he was elected representative from Adams county to the state legisla-
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ture and during both sessions he stood firmly for all measures whose adoption he believed would make for the public good. In 1911 he was the republican candidate for speaker and was recognized as one of the leaders of the house. He was very influential in legislative affairs, was the author of the presidential primary law, of the law creating a board of pardons, and was active in support of the initiative and referendum amendment to the constitution. In 1912 he was a candidate for the republican nomination for state auditor. He is at the present time a candidate for the state senate for the district comprising Adams and Clay counties. He is widely known throughout the state because of his activity in political lines and all who come in contact with him acknowledge his ability and his public spirit. His interest in the larger affairs of government has not prevented him from being active in local matters and for fifteen years he was a member of the Kenesaw school board. He is connected with the Masonic order and the Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, thus keep- ing in touch with his comrades in blue. The record of his varied activi- ties is in itself proof that he is a prominent citizen of Kenesaw and of Adams county.
JAMES McKELVY.
Drid Som 30 DEATHS AND FUNERALS . 1924
McKELVY, James-Died 12:20 a. m., today, Juniata, age 86; fu- neral at Methodist Church, con- ducted by the Rev. M. C. Smith, probably Friday.
James McKelvy is an honored veteran of the Civil war, being among the leaders of the old guard who defended the Union during the darkest hour in our country's history. He now resides at Juniata and all through the days of peace he has been as loyal to the flag as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, April 25, 1838, the day on which Queen Victoria was crowned. His parents were Hugh and Margaret (Caldwell) McKelvy, and his grandparents were born in Scotland and came of an old family of that country. The father and mother, however, were natives of the Emerald isle and they came to the United States in 1842, when their son James was but four years of age, making the voyage in a sailing vessel which reached New York six weeks after leaving Liverpool. They became regidanta of C Notice of Hearing. Lawrence county, New York, where the fath Estate of James McKelvey, Deceased. In the County Court, Adams Conn- tion of farming and where both he and his wife To all persons interested in sald E6- family were nine children: John, deceased; J
tate: Take Notice, That a petition has been filed for the probate of a cer- enlisted for service in the Civil war under Geltain written instrumnt now on file in sald Court, and purporting to be the killed at Folly Island in South Carolina; Alex Last Will and Testament of James MoKelvey deceased, and said matter has been Ret for hearing March 1. 1924, at 2 o'clock P. M., at the Coun- ty Court Room, In Hastings, Nebras-
Dated February 7, 1924.
(BEAL) Joseph M. Turbyfill. Judge of the County Court.
A true copy. 2-8-15-22.
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the front under General Gillmore and lost a leg at the battle of Chapin's Farm, his death resulting two years later from the effects of his injury; Elizabeth Gray, Ellen Armstrong, Jane Glass and Mar- garet Johnson, all now deceased; and Mrs. Sibella Armstrong, living in St. Lawrence county, New York.
James McKelvy pursued his education in the common schools of New York and remained at home until he reached the age of seven- teen years. He afterward worked out for a time but on the death of his father in 1859 returned home and there remained until the 29th of April, 1861, when in response to the country's call for troops he enlisted as a member of Company G, Sixteenth New York Infantry, to serve for two years. He was honorably discharged May 15, 1863, following the expiration of his term of enlistment. He then returned home, where he remained until the news reached him concerning the battle of Gettysburg, when he again joined the army, becoming a member of the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery for a three years' term. He was discharged September 14, 1864, at which time he was first sergeant of his company, and he received a commission as second lieutenant in recognition of his general efficiency. He then served as an officer until the Grand Review in Washington, when he resigned and returned home. He had been wounded in the explosion of the mine in front of Petersburg and was in the hospital for about two months, after which he was granted a sick leave of two months, which he spent at home. Twice during his connection with the army he was taken prisoner, once at the first battle of Bull Run and again in front of Petersburg, but he managed to make his escape both times. He was with the Army of the Potomac in all of its principal engage- ments except at Gettysburg and he made a splendid record as a brave and loyal soldier. Years afterward he served as a delegate to the reun- ion of the old soldiers held at Rochester, New York.
After the war Mr. McKelvy remained in the Empire state for a year and then removed to Van Buren county, Michigan, where he engaged in farming and carpentering for four years. In the spring of 1872 he arrived in Nebraska, settling four miles west of Juniata, where he secured a homestead claim on section 8, Juniata precinct. He there built a board shanty twelve by sixteen feet and sodded it up the first winter. He remained upon that farm until 1905 and then came to Juniata, where he still resides, purchasing a fine residence in the town after selling his farm. He now has a house and barn and four lots in the town and his is one of the most attractive and pleasant residences of Juniata. When he first came to Nebraska he worked at his trade, but the greater part of his attention has been given to gen-
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eral agricultural pursuits and through his careful methods in tilling the soil and his well directed energy he won the success which is now his, enabling him to live retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest.
Mr. McKelvy has been married twice. In 1865 he wedded Miss Sarah J. McFadden, by whom he had five children, as follows: Lewell, who is deceased; Glenn, a resident of Biglake, Washington; Vasco J., who makes his home in California; Lysle, who has passed away; and one who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in 1882 and the following year Mr. McKelvy was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Emma Lochmar, who bore the maiden name of Emma Burwell. By her first husband she had a son, Frank Lochmar, who is a resident of Sioux City, Iowa.
Mr. McKelvy has been a lifelong republican and cast his first presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He once served for a term as township supervisor but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and leave office holding to others. His religious faith is evi- denced in his membership in the Methodist church, to the teachings of which he has ever loyally adhered. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Juniata, in which he has filled almost all of the chairs,' and both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is likewise a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has filled all of the offices in Geary Post, No. 81, of which he is now com- mander. In this way he maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades and delights in recounting scenes and incidents of the days when they followed the nation's starry banner upon the battlefields of the south. It was a time that tried men's souls, but from the war there were formed many pleasant associations, and kindred experiences drew men together in strong ties of friendship.
DAVID JOHN LEWIS.
David John Lewis is a well-known newspaper writer of Hastings who has done excellent and highly acceptable work for the Omaha Bee and the Hastings Daily Tribune. His birth occurred on a farm in Clay county, Nebraska, his parents being Herbert and Mary Lewis, who were married in Wales and following their emigration to the United States spent four years in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1875 they settled on a farm in Clay county, Nebraska, where the father was actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pur-
DAVID J. LEWIS
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suits until 1905, when they took up their abode in Hastings, where the mother passed away on the tenth of May, 1910. Herbert Lewis still survives and is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well-earned ease.
David J. Lewis supplemented his early education by a course of study in Hastings College of Hastings, Nebraska, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1900. Since his graduation he has been engaged in newspaper work as a writer for the Omaha Bee and the Hastings Daily Tribune, and has won enviable recognition by his pleasing, forceful style, his articles proving an attractive feature of the journals to which he contributes. In his political views Mr. Lewis is independent, while fraternally he is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His life measures up to the highest standards in every relation and he has won an exten- sive circle of warm friends in the city of his residence.
LEANDER JOHNSTON.
Leander Johnston owns a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Denver township, but has retired from active life and is living in Hastings. He was born in Ohio just across the river from Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1853, and is a son of John and Eleanor (Gibson) Johnston, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. Both parents, however, accompanied their respec- tive parents to Ohio in childhood and there grew to manhood and womanhood. A number of years after their marriage they removed to Illinois, but subsequently returned east, taking up their residence in Cortland, New York, where both passed away.
Leander Johnston was but a child when the family removed to Illi- nois and there he received his education. After completing the work offered in the public schools he entered the State Normal School near Bloomington and took a course in that institution. He assisted his father with the operation of the home farm during his boyhood and youth and continued to follow agricultural pursuits in Illinois until about 1890, when he came west to Nebraska, purchasing land in Den- ver township, Adams county. He devoted his time and energy to the operation of that place for many years and his industry was rewarded by a good financial return. About five years ago, feeling that he had accumulated a competence, he removed to Hastings and hired a man to take charge of his farm. He owns a comfortable residence at Vol. II-4
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No. 1124 West Sixth street and has made a place for himself as a val- ued resident of the city. While engaged in farming he raised both grain and stock and found both branches of his business profitable.
Mr. Johnston was married in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1887, to Miss Lena Everly, a daughter of Nicholas and Julia Everly. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have become the parents of a son, Raymond L., who was born in 1892 and is now the owner of a shoe store on Lincoln ave- nue in Hastings.
Mr. Johnston gives his political support to the republican party but has never sought office. He holds membership in the Masonic order and in the Elks lodge and has sought to exemplify the spirit of frater- nity in his life. He had no capital when he began his career, but he understood farming thoroughly and this knowledge, combined with his industry and good business judgment, enabled him to gain financial independence.
JOHN REES.
John Rees, a prominent representative of musical interests of Has- tings, was born in Wales, September 7, 1855, a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Edwards) Rees, the former a marine engineer and machin- . ist. The family crossed the Atlantic in 1870 and became residents of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both parents are now deceased.
John Rees was one of a family of five sons and pursued his early education in the schools of Wales, while later he attended high school at Oshkosh. He was afterward apprenticed to the tinner's trade and in October, 1878, came to Hastings, where for two years he worked at his trade. In the meantime he had been studying music and merely utilized his trade in order to secure the means that would enable him to pursue his musical education. In 1880 he began teaching music and has since devoted his time and attention to that profession, teaching the violin, piano and pipe organ. He has also been active as a director of church choirs and is now serving as choir leader in the Congrega- tional church. All of his time is given to his duties, for he has a large class and is regarded as one of the most capable and eminent musical directors in this part of the state. Nature imbued him with a love of music and from early manhood he has cultivated his taste and talent in this direction and has done much to further the enjoyment of the art in the city and county in which he lives. He had charge of the Presby- terian choir in Hastings for over thirty years and of the orchestra of
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the Kerr Opera House for about twenty years and organized the Con- servatory of Music at Hastings College. In the fall of 1912 he with- drew from the Hastings College Conservatory and established the Rees Music School.
In May, 1878, Professor Rees was married to Miss Laura Emery and to them have been born two daughters, May E. and Gertrude, both of whom are teachers in the Rees Music School. Gertrude dis- plays marked talent as a pianist, while the elder daughter is regarded as one of the finest violinists in this section of the country and devotes part of her time to concert and recital work. She is now giving con- certs in New York state. Both excel in their chosen branches of music and have studied under those who are acknowledged masters of the art.
In his political views Professor Rees is a republican but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons as a Knight Templar and as a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree. He is also a representative of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is very fond of golf, in which sport he displays considerable skill, and for the past three years he has been president of the Country Club. His artistic powers and his moral nature render him popular in all circles and he is most widely and prominently known in his part of the state.
LEONARD P. MILLS.
Leonard P. Mills, who for the past nine years has operated his fine farm of four hundred and eighty acres on section 21, Denver township, was born in Hamilton county, Nebraska, on the 7th of May, 1877, a son of G. H. and Hope (English) Mills. The mother is deceased but the father is residing with his son, A. J. Mills, of Denver township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Leonard P. Mills was reared in his native county and received his education in the Trumbull schools. As a boy he became familiar with agricultural work and remained on the homestead for some time after reaching mature years. At length he went to Omaha but after staying there for a year came to Adams county, where he has since remained. He rents four hundred and eighty acres on section 21, Denver town- ship, from George H. Pratt, a well known business man of Hastings, and has been very successful in the operation of this farm. He raises
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wheat, corn and alfalfa and also sheep, cattle, hogs and horses. He understands thoroughly the cultivation of the land and the care of stock and both phases of his business return him a good profit. Since he removed to this place it has been improved by the erection of a cattle barn, a sheep barn and a silo. He owns eighty acres near North Platte and residence property in Hastings.
In July, 1906, Mr. Mills was married, in Hastings, to Miss Flor- ence Hull, by whom he has two children: Evart, born April 30, 1909; and Esther, whose birth occurred on the 6th of June, 1911. Mr. Mills casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the prohibition party but has never sought office. He belongs to no societies nor lodges, preferring to spend his leisure hours at home. He has gained recognition as a progressive and capable agriculturist and as a man has won the respect and regard of those who have been associated with him.
THE HANSEN STATE BANK.
The Hansen State Bank is regarded as one of the strong and sub- stantial financial institutions of Adams county because of the men who occupy its offices and direct its policy. This bank was founded in 1912 by H. A. Redman, who was elected president, C. M. Redman, vice president, L. J. Berg, second vice president, and J. J. Mohlman, cashier. The bank was capitalized for ten thousand dollars and they erected a bank building at a cost of forty-two hundred dollars. It is the first bank of the town of Hansen and it draws its patronage from the surrounding farmer community. It has adopted as its motto, service, silence and safety. The bank statement issued December 9, 1915, indicates a business of sixty-six thousand six hundred and twenty-six dollars, its deposits amounting to fifty-three thousand five hundred and seven dollars, its capital stock and surplus to ten thou- sand five hundred dollars and its profits to two thousand two hundred and fifty-six dollars. This statement shows that the bank is in excel- lent standing and indicates the excellent growth made by the institu- tion during the short period of its existence.
H. A. Redman, the president of the bank, was born in Germany and in his youthful days came to America, settling first in Wisconsin, while afterward he accompanied his parents on their removal to Adams county in 1882, at which time the family home was established on a farm near Juniata. He afterward turned his attention to the
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implement business in Juniata and later conducted a similar under- taking in Kenesaw. Becoming actively interested in banking, he aided in organizing the First State Bank of Kenesaw and later served for a few years as cashier of the German National Bank of Hastings. In the fall of 1911 he organized the Commercial Exchange Bank of Doniphan, Nebraska. Thus he brought broad experience to the pres- ent undertaking and his ability in the field of banking is an assurance to the patrons of the Hansen State Bank of its wise and successful conduct. Mr. Redman was married to Miss Anna Bade, of Adams county, who died while they were residing in Doniphan, leaving three children, of whom the son, C. M. Redman, is serving as the cashier and the daughter, Bertha, is assistant cashier of the Bank of Doni- phan. The family hold membership in the German Lutheran church and are prominent in the business and social life of the community.
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