USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 8
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On the 30th of April, 1878, Dr. Naulteus came to Hastings to recuperate from a four weeks' siege of diphtheria which had oc- curred in Council Bluffs. He had slept only two hours in four weeks and his health was badly broken under the strain. Pleased with Hastings, he decided to locate here and has since remained save for the years 1886 and 1887, which he spent in post-graduate work in Berlin. When he removed to Hastings it contained a population of about three hundred people. There were no sidewalks and no improve- ments of any noticeable nature. About one-third of the population were thieves or robbers and everyone carried a gun for self-protection. He here entered upon the practice of his profession and has main- tained a foremost place in the ranks of the medical fraternity of cen- tral Nebraska. He does not believe in operations except in extreme cases, and in two hundred and fourteen appendicitis cases which he has treated since 1904 he has never felt it necessary to operate in a single instance. He has always been a thorough student and has done a great amount of research work. He is the author of a Medi- cal Compendium and has written considerable for the medical press.
In 1859 Dr. Naulteus was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Hesse, a native of Prussia whose father was a whiskey manufacturer of Germany. She passed away in 1903, at the age of sixty-seven
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years, leaving a son, Alfred Francis, who is a graduate of the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, resides at Dead- wood, South Dakota, is married and has two children. On the 6th of August, 1904, Dr. Naulteus was again married, his second union being with Miss Emma Weitstein, who died the same year. For his third wife he chose Miss Julia Budnek, by whom he has a son, Francis William Armin. Her father served as a soldier in the German army and after emigrating to the United States became an agriculturist of Crete, Nebraska.
Dr. Naulteus has had no political aspirations and has filled no public offices. His religious belief is that of the Catholic church. He belongs to the Sons of Herman, which he aided in organizing, and he is well known in Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, the Royal Arch chapter, the Royal and Select Mas- ters, the Knights Templar and the Consistory. He holds member- ship also with the German Veterans and the German Landwehr Verein, which he aided in organizing and of which he was captain for four years. His is indeed a notable career. Few men of his years are as active, but he has ever kept alert and in touch with the prog- ress of the times and is yet giving out of the rich stores of his wisdom and experience for the benefit of others.
EDWARD J. BOULTON.
Edward J. Boulton is the owner of one of the fine farm properties of Juniata township. His place is a beautiful one, with all modern equipment and giving every evidence of the careful and continued supervision of an owner who is both practical and progressive. He ranks with the representative agriculturists of this district and has been a valued citizen here for twelve years. He was born in Han- cock, Michigan, on the 9th of August, 1873, a son of John and Mary Anne (Adams) Boulton, both of whom were natives of England, where they remained until after their marriage. They then came to the United States and after living in Michigan for a number of years removed to Nebraska in 1879, the father purchasing railroad land near Juniata. His attention was there given to general agricultural pursuits until about sixteen years ago, when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in Juniata, where he passed away eight years ago, having for two years survived his wife. In their family were eight children, as follows: John, who is a resident of
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Kenesaw, Nebraska; Alice, who is the wife of T. W. McDonald and lives in Michigan; George and Mary, both of whom are deceased; Kitty, the wife of S. O. Vandreff, of Arapahoe, Nebraska; Harriet, who has passed away; Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to W. J. Pedersen, of Juniata township; and Edward J., of this review.
The last named acquired a common school education and remained with his father until twenty-five years of age. Twelve years ago he took up his abode upon the farm which is now his home. It is situated on section 11, Juniata township, and is one of the most beautiful and attractive places of the district. He has erected a large and com- modious residence built in modern style of architecture, has also built a big barn, a silo and a hog and chicken house. In fact there is every modern equipment upon his place, including the latest improved machinery, and he has one hundred and twenty-two acres of rich and productive land which he devotes to general farming, his labors annu- ally producing good crops. In addition to his home interests he is a member of the Farmers Elevator Company of Juniata.
In 1901 Mr. Boulton was united in marriage to Miss Elva Whit- ing, a daughter of Thomas G. Whiting. They have one son, Harry, who is attending school. Mr. Boulton exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, guiding their lives by its teachings. During the period of his residence in the state he has gained a wide acquaintance and the sub- stantial qualities which he has displayed have established him firmly in the warm regard and goodwill of all who know him.
CHARLES M. HARE.
Among the up-to-date and energetic young business men of Kene- 'saw who are doing much to promote the commercial growth and expansion of the town is C. M. Hare, the proprietor of the Kenesaw Smoke House. He deals in high grade tobacco, cigars and candy and also has three good pool tables, and the high standard which he main- tains is indicated by the fact that his patrons are among the best people of the town. He was born upon a farm in Armstrong county, Penn- sylvania, on the 18th of August, 1887, and is a son of Daniel and Malinda (McLaughlin) Hare, also natives of the Keystone state. The father died there in 1908 but the mother is still living and now makes her home in Prosser, Nebraska. In their family were four
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sons and four daughters of whom one son and one daughter are deceased.
Charles M. Hare grew to manhood in Adams county, Nebraska, and received his education in the country schools near Prosser. For a time he engaged in farming west of Prosser, after which he ran a dray line in Kenesaw, but on the 15th of July, 1915, purchased the Kenesaw Smoke House, which he has since successfully conducted. He carries a fine line of tobacco, cigars and candy, and his place is equipped with three good pool tables. He is accorded a large and representative patronage and is recognized as one of the leading busi- ness men of the town.
Mr. Hare was married in May, 1910, to Miss Louisa Garska, and they have a son, Elmer, whose birth occurred on the 14th of October, 1912. Mr. Hare is a supporter of the democratic party and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs although not an aspirant for office. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his religious faith is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is always willing to cooperate in projects calculated to advance the interests of his community along moral, commercial and civic lines, and he holds the sincere respect and the high esteem of all who have been associated with him. Although he is a young man and he has only been engaged in his present business for less than a year, he has proved his ability and business acumen and his continued success is assured.
CONRAD GROTHEN.
Conrad Grothen, who owns eight hundred acres of excellent land, ranks as one of the most successful farmers of Adams county, and his home farm of four hundred acres on section 30, Denver township, is one of the best improved places in its locality. A native of Ger- many, he was born in 1866 of the marriage of Diedrich and Margaret (Ehlers) Grothen. The father died when our subject was four years old and the mother subsequently married John Hofer, who also passed away in the fatherland. Mr. Grothen of this review and others of the family came to the United States about 1879 and in 1881 the mother and the three youngest children also emigrated to the United States. By her two marriages she had eleven children and she now resides with a daughter in Aurora, Illinois.
Conrad Grothen attended the public schools in his native land
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until he was about fourteen years of age, when he came to the United States to seek his fortune. He first located in Bureau county, Illinois, and for a number of years worked as a farm hand but in 1892 he decided to remove farther west and came to Adams county, Nebraska. While working for others he carefully saved his money and accumu- lated sufficient capital to purchase a quarter section of land in Denver township, which constitutes a part of his present home farm. His thorough knowledge of all phases of farm work, his energy and good judgment enabled him to prosper from the beginning and he has increased his holdings from time to time until he now owns four hun- dred acres on section 30, Denver township, and an additional four hundred acres in other parts of the county. His land is in a high state of cultivation and yields large crops annually. He operates his home farm and part of his other holdings and rents the remainder of his land. His principal crop is wheat but he also grows corn, oats and alfalfa and gives some attention to raising graded cattle, hogs and horses. With the exception of two small buildings he has made all of the improvements upon his farm and he keeps everything about the place in excellent condition. His residence is commodious and at- tractive and the barns and other outbuildings are large and well adapted to their purposes.
Mr. Grothen was married in 1892 to Miss Amelia A. Gross, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Stamberger) Gross, who engaged in farming in that county but who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Grothen are the parents of seven children, namely: Elmer, who was born March 10, 1893, and is assisting with the work of the home farm; Arthur, born December 14, 1896, who is also assisting his father; George, who was born May 10, 1899; Walter, May 24, 1902; Flora, March 15, 1904; Henry, October 23, 1907; and Martha, May 21, 1909.
Mr. Grothen is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than the party. He has always taken the keenest interest in every- thing relating to the general public welfare and his ability and public- spirit have been recognized by his fellow citizens, who have elected him to the office of justice of the peace. He was one of the leaders in the organization of the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran church in Den- ver township, in the work of which he and his wife take an active part. He is not only one of the men of wealth in his county but he is also one of its most public-spirited citizens and personally he is held in warm regard. His genial nature and his consideration for the rights of others have gained him the friendship of those with whom he has been associated and his integrity has always been above question. He
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came to this county as a poor boy but although he had no capital, no influential friends and did not understand the customs of the country, he was determined to gain success and applied himself energetically to the work which he found to do. His industry and perseverance have been richly rewarded and his career indicates what industry and sound judgment may accomplish.
HENRY C. HOBROCK.
Henry C. Hobrock is successfully engaged in farming on section 35, Highland township, and has made good improvements upon his place, which is in a high state of development. He was born in Mere- dosia, Illinois, on the 1st of February, 1867, a son of Herman and Eliza (Krems) Hobrock. The father was born in Hanover, Ger- many, but removed to America with his parents, who settled at Beards- town, Illinois, when he was fourteen years of age. There he grew to manhood and in 1866 was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Krems, a native of that town and a daughter of Henry Krems. Mr. Hobrock engaged in farming and accumulated a competence, which enables him to live retired in Hastings. His wife also survives. They be- came the parents of six children who grew to maturity, those besides our subject being: F. W., a resident of Hastings; W. C., who is living in Lincoln; Carrie, the wife of F. H. Kilver, of Denver, Colo- rado; Emma, who married Charles Rolfe, of Alma, Missouri; and Anna, now Mrs. Henry Kilver, of Bluffs, Illinois.
Henry C. Hobrock was reared in his native town but when twenty years of age accompanied his parents to Bluffs, Illinois. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, giving his father the benefit of his labor. On beginning his independent career he determined to follow the occupation of farming, with which he was thoroughly familiar, and rented his father's farm, which he operated on his own account for some time. He then purchased a farm in that locality and concentrated his energies upon its cultivation and development until the spring of 1907, when he sold and removed to Adams county, Nebraska. He had purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Highland township, two years previously and on removing to this county at once took up his residence upon that place. He does general farming, growing wheat, corn, oats and alfalfa and raising stock for his own use. Although all of the build- ings upon the farm were there when it came into his possession he has
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improved it in other ways and keeps everything in excellent condition. He is at once practical and progressive and his industry and good management enable him to gain a gratifying financial return from his land.
Mr. Hobrock was married in 1891, when twenty-four years of age, to Miss Lizzie Finigsmier, a daughter of Henry and Mary Finigsmier, of Meredosia, Illinois. She passed away within a year of her marriage and on the 12th of March, 1896, Mr. Hobrock wedded Miss Louisa Marsh, a daughter of Henry and Clara (Sheuter) Marsh, also residents of Meredosia. Following the marriage of their daughter to Mr. Hobrock, however, they removed to Bluffs, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Hobrock have four children, namely: Mabel E., who was born March 2, 1897, and is at home; Harvey H., who was born on the 20th of February, 1899; Elmer H., born April 14, 1901; and Helen M., whose birth occurred on the 16th of February, 1911.
Mr. Hobrock is a stalwart republican and takes a commendable interest in everything affecting the public welfare. He attends the Lutheran church at Hastings, to the support of which he contributes. He possesses marked public spirit and no movement for the advance- ment of his community lacks his hearty cooperation. He is respected for his ability and genuine worth and his personal friends are many.
JOSEPH PITTZ.
Joseph Pittz, who owns a fine farm in Roseland township, has made many excellent improvements thereon and is especially proud of his grove, which is one of the best in the county. He was born in the grand duchy of Luxemburg on the 30th of April, 1845, of the marriage of Nicholas and Margaret (Schlemes) Pittz, who passed their entire lives in that country. They were the parents of seven children, namely: John, who when last heard from was residing in Germany; John, deceased; Mathias, a resident of Germany; Joseph; Anna, deceased; Elizabeth; and Bernard, who is living in Germany.
Joseph Pittz received his education in the public schools of Lux- emburg and remained in that country until 1882, when he emigrated to the United States. He at once made his way to Nebraska and pur- chased land on section 6, Roseland township, Adams county, which he has since operated, although while a resident of Luxemburg he followed the carpenter's trade. He has carried on general farming, finding that the raising of both grain and stock is more profitable
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than specializing in either. The buildings on his farm are substantial and well designed and everything is kept in good condition and he has a fine equipment of up-to-date machinery. He has given much atten- tion to the development of his grove, which consists of over five thou- sand box elder and ash trees. He has now retired from the active work of the fields and his farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of good land, is operated by his son.
Mr. Pittz was married in 1873 to Miss Anna Snyder and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Mary, the wife of Phillip Knapp, of Madison county, Nebraska; Mathias, who is farm- ing in Juniata township; Peter, who resides near Bladen, Nebraska; Catherine, the wife of Herman Fischer, of Roseland township; John, who is operating the home place; Maggie, the wife of Nick Arens- dorf, who resides in Silver Lake township; and Anna, who married J. P. Mangers, of Roseland township. The wife and mother passed away in 1915 and is buried in Assumption.
Mr. Pittz was formerly a democrat in politics but is now independ- ent, casting his ballot for the man rather than the party. He is a member of the Assumption Catholic church, to which his wife also belonged, and contributes to its support. He has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits and has won a measure of pros- perity that now enables him to live retired and enjoy a period of leisure. He has many friends throughout the county and all who know him respect him highly.
FRANCIS MARION DENMAN.
Francis Marion Denman, a well known citizen of Kenesaw, Nebraska, eminently deserves classification among those self-made men who have distinguished themselves for their ability to master the opposing forces of life and to wrest from fate a large measure of success and an honorable name. His early environment was such as has ever fostered the spirit of personal independence and self-reli- ance, which have played so large a part in the upbuilding of the nation. His birth occurred on a farm in Miami county, Ohio, on the 12th of February, 1839, and his parents were Abraham and Marga- ret (Stickles) Denman, who were born in Hamilton county, Ohio, where they were reared and married. Both died in their native state and their passing was deeply regretted by their many warm friends.
MR. AND MRS. FRANCIS M. DENMAN
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They were devout Christians and exemplified the sincerity of their faith in their daily lives.
Francis M. Denman was reared under the parental roof and much of his time was devoted to farm work although he received a limited country school education. When twenty-two years of age he left home and went to Illinois, where on the 5th of October, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private. His command was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and he took part in the following engagements: Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, Russell House, Arkansas Post, Hains Bluffs, Champion's Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, the relief of Knoxville, the siege of Jackson, Kenesaw Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Fort McAllister, Savannah, Clinton, the siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbia and Bentonville. He was also with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and northward through the Carolinas. Iie was made fourth sergeant on the 1st of November, 1864, and served as such with much credit to himself until the regiment was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 14th of August, 1865. During the siege of Atlanta he was wounded in the left leg on the 22d of July, 1864, but escaped further injury. His regiment made an unusual record, traveling eleven thousand miles and marching over three thousand miles. He marched in the Grand Review at Washing- ton, D. C., and while there visited the tombs of George and Martha Washington. He is an ardent admirer of Generals Sherman and Grant, under whom he served, and he was for some time under the command of General Halleck. He has a number of army relics but prizes most a cake of genuine army hardtack, which he has had framed.
Following his honorable discharge from the army at the close of hostilities Mr. Denman returned to his old home in Ohio, where he farmed until the spring of 1866, when he again went to Illinois. He was married there and followed agricultural pursuits in that state for fourteen years, but on the 20th of February, 1880, became a resident of Fillmore county, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for twenty-two years. He devoted much time and thought as well as money to the development of his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he made one of the best farms in Fillmore county. In 1902 he retired from active life and removed to Bruning, where he interested himself in various movements for the advancement of the community. In 1909 he came to Kenesaw, where he has since lived, enjoying the fruits of his former labor. He owns the northeast quarter of section 13, township 2, range 3, Jefferson county, Vol. II- G,
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Nebraska, and the southeast quarter of section 36, township 9, range 13, west, Buffalo county, on which the town of Denman is laid out. He derives a gratifying income from his holdings and now ranks among the men of affluence residing in Adams county.
Mr. Denman was married in Illinois, in 1867, to Miss Julia A. McKnight, who was born in Ohio, near Piqua, on the 2d of November, 1846, a daughter of John and Martha (Giffin) McKnight. Her par- ents were born in Ohio, where they were reared and married, and the father passed away in Mason county, Illinois, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Denman have had four children: Albert J .; Ella, the wife of E. Cook, of Hastings; Martha B., the wife of Samuel Wells, of Hall county, Nebraska; and John F., deceased.
Mr. Denman cast his first ballot for Stephen A. Douglas for president in 1860 and has always taken a keen interest in public affairs. His fitness for office has been recognized and while living in Bruning he served on the town board and on the school board and while a resi- dent of Fillmore county was for three years county supervisor. He votes independently, preferring to follow his own judgment rather than the dictates of a party leader. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church,,in which he holds the office of elder, and fra- ternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The success which he has gained in spite of the fact that he began his career empty-handed is indisputable proof of his energy and his sound judgment, and he has been so straightforward and upright in all of his business transactions that there has never been the slightest ques- tion as to his integrity. He is highly respected for his ability and sterling qualities of character and his pleasing personality has gained him the warm regard of those who have been closely associated with him.
FRANK A. BLOOM.
Frank A. Bloom, conducting a poolroom in Hastings and also dealing in cigars and tobacco, was born in New York city on the 15th of September, 1870, a son of Charles and Fanny Bloom. The father was a speculator and both he and his wife are now deceased.
Frank A. Bloom obtained his education in the public schools of Ottumwa, Iowa, to which city his parents removed during his boy- hood days. When he had mastered the branches of learning therein
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taught he took up the business of cigar manufacturing and in the fall of 1888 came to Hastings. For a year and a half he worked at his trade in a factory and then became foreman, in which position he con- tinued until 1900. Desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he had carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economical expenditures had enabled him to become the possessor of some capital. He then joined John W. Zink and they established the Evans Bloom Cigar Company. After a time Mr. Zink sold his interest to Mr. Evans, while Mr. Bloom continued his active interest in the business until 1910. In that year he purchased his present establish- ment, although he still remains a stockholder in the cigar factory. The principal brands of cigars made by the firm are the High Alti- tude in four sizes of ten cent cigars, the Very Best and the Good Cheer. His poolroom is a well appointed establishment liberally patronized. Everything is conducted according to high standards and the success which has come to him is well merited.
In 1900 Mr. Bloom was united in marriage to Miss Mollie E. Butler, and, while they have no children of their own, they are rearing an adopted daughter, Nellie Butler. In religious faith Mr. Bloom and his wife hold to the Lutheran church and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In politics he is a democrat, believing in the efficiency of the party principles as factors in good government, but he does not seek nor desire office and concentrates his efforts upon the development of his business, know- ing that close application and unfaltering energy are among the strongest elements of success.
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