USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Past and present of Adams County, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 9
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JOHN F. FABER.
John F. Faber, who is now residing at Hastings, has engaged in farming for many years and has gained a place among the most effi- cient agriculturists of the county. He was born in New York, and is a son of Jacob Faber, a native of Germany, who was married in 1866 to Johanna Faber, a cousin, and in 1867 emigrated with his wife to the United States, settling in New York.
John F. Faber attended the district schools in his native state and also devoted much of his time during his boyhood and youth to assist- ing his father with the farm work. On beginning his independent career he determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and has never had occasion to regret his choice of a life work.
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He came to Adams county and became the owner of a good farm on section 7, township 5, range 12. He at once turned his attention to its development and operation and it is now one of the best improved places in its locality. He raises both grain and stock and receives a good income from his land.
In 1896 Mr. Faber was married at Carlton, Nebraska, to Miss Anna M. Koinzan, a daughter of Frederick Koinzan, of that place. Nine children, all of whom are at home, have been born to this union, namely: Emil, Adolph, Emma, Elsa, Ella, John, Goldie, Victor and Rudolph.
Mr. Faber belongs to the Lutheran church and can be depended upon to further movements seeking the moral advancement of his community. Since taking up his residence here he has gained many friends and his genuine worth is indicated by the fact that those who have been most closely associated with him hold him in the highest esteem.
G. N. COON.
G. N. Coon is at the head of the Coon Lumber Company and as such controls an extensive trade in lumber and fuel, operating at Juniata and various other points. In all he undertakes he displays sound judgment and the spirit of enterprise that characterizes the west. He was born in Hamilton county, near Aurora, Nebraska, April 3, 1874, and is a son of Christopher C. and Mary (Kutch) Coon. The father's birth occurred near Columbus, Ohio, while the mother is a native either of Indiana or of Iowa. They were married, however, in Hamilton county, Nebraska, whither they removed with their parents, the wedding being celebrated June 24, 1873. Mr. Coon secured a homestead and followed farming for several years, after which he turned his attention to carpentering. Both he and his wife are still residents of Aurora and the former is of Scotch descent, while the latter is of German lineage. In the family were five children, as follows: G. N., of this review; A. B., who is a resident of Aurora, Nebraska; C. J., who lives at New Plymouth, Idaho; Myrl, a resident of Aurora, Nebraska; and Olive A., the wife of M. J. McDougall, of Aurora, this state.
G. N. Coon pursued his early education in the district schools of his native county, afterward attended the high school of Aurora and spent one year as a student in the State Normal School at Shenandoah,
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Iowa. Starting in the business world, he became connected with the lumber trade at Aurora, being employed at various points until nine years ago, when he engaged in business for himself at Elmwood, Nebraska, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Juniata, where he purchased a lumber and fuel yard, handling all kinds of lumber and building materials, cement and coal. In addition to the business at Juniata he has yards at Kenesaw, Roseland and Ayr, Nebraska, all of these being operated under the name of the Coon Lumber Company. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible and he has constantly broadened the scope of his activities as opportunity has offered, mak- ing wise investment of his capital in increase of his business.
In 1898 Mr. Coon was united in marriage to Miss Sophia S. Hurst, who was born near Coffeyville, Kansas, and by whom he has a daugh- ter, Thelma Maurine. Both Mr. and Mrs. Coon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he also has membership in the Odd Fellows lodge at Juniata, the Knights of Pythias lodge at Osceola, the Workmen's lodge at Kenesaw and also with the Highlanders of Osceola, exemplifying in his life the beneficent and fraternal spirit which underlies these organizations. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community in which he makes his home, and he has cooperated in many plans and measures for the general good. Early in his career he also learned the lesson that there is no success in life without effort. The purpose of life is to afford opportunities, and in America these are presented in turn to everyone who is willing to embrace them. Humble birth and poverty are no handicap to the American youth, but opportunities slip away from the sluggard and tauntingly play before the dreamer, but surrender to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. These qualities Mr. Coon has displayed and therefore occupies his present enviable position in business circles of Adams county.
HORATIO R. SMITH.
Horatio R. Smith, who is successfully operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Blaine township, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on the 27th of January, 1861. His parents, Peter W. and Ella (Painter) Smith, were both also natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. At length they removed to Jasper county.
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Iowa, where the father purchased land which he operated for a number of years. In 1881, however, he came to Adams county, Nebraska. To him and his wife were born five sons and five daughters, of whom two daughters and all the sons became residents of Adams county. Malvern became the wife of Elwood Hickman, but both are now deceased. Anna, the only living daughter, for a time made her home in Adams county but is now living in Fayette county, Ohio. Edward and Charles E. are living in Hastings. Louis is now living in Fayette county, Ohio, but was formerly a resident of Adams county. Wil- liam E. is living in Holbrook, Nebraska.
Horatio R. Smith attended the common schools during his boy- hood and also devoted much time to assisting his father with the farm work, thus gaining valuable knowledge concerning practical agri- cultural methods. In 1879 he came to Adams county and for a year worked for his brother Charles E., who was farming in Blaine town- ship. In 1880 he began his independent career and has since operated rented land. He has farmed at different times in Blaine, Zero and Denver townships and for the past two years has rented one hundred and sixty acres on section 32, Blaine township. He is successful in the cultivation of the soil and the care of stock and receives a good annual income from his labors. He takes pride in keeping every- thing about the place in good condition and is recognized as an efficient agriculturist.
In 1887 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Roberts, a daughter of William Roberts, who removed to this county from Ohio in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of six children, as follows: Earl, who was born on the 22d of March, 1888, married Miss Frances Ferguson, a daughter of Frederick Ferguson, formerly of Denver township but now farming in Blaine township. Two children have been born of this union. Charles, whose birth occurred on the 5th of December, 1894, is living in Blue Hill, Ne- braska. Florence, who was born on the 6th of October, 1897, is at . home. The three youngest children, Carl, born December 6, 1899, Floyd, born October 2, 1904, and Paul, born February 7, 1907, are all attending the district school.
Mr. Smith believes that the policies of the republican party are based upon sound principles of government and supports its candi- dates at the polls. He served for several years as road overseer and justice of the peace and made an excellent record in those offices. His religious allegiance is given to the Methodist church and fraternally he belongs to the Loyal Mystic Legion of Hastings, of which he is a charter member. He began his career empty handed but as the years
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have passed has worked hard and practiced thrift and is now in com- fortable circumstances. Moreover, he has so ordered his life that he has won the esteem and respect of all who have come into contact with him and has gained the warm regard of many.
DOEDE SMITH.
Doede Smith is now living retired in Hastings but in former years was prominently identified with commercial and industrial pursuits, his business affairs being of a nature that contributed to public prog- ress as well as to individual benefit. A native of Germany, he was born on the 7th of January, 1848, and is a son of Engelke and Tomke (Jansen) Smith, the former a blacksmith by trade.
Doede Smith spent his youthful days in his native country and, while he did not have unusual opportunities, he attended the public schools and received thorough training in work that brought to him a knowledge of the value of industry, perseverance and economy as factors in the attainment of success. At length he determined to try his fortune in America and when a young man of nineteen years sailed for the new world, attracted by the opportunities offered on this side the Atlantic. It was in 1867 that he came to the United States, making his way to Pekin, Illinois, where he remained for three years. In 1870 he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and soon afterward secured a homestead claim in Lancaster county. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon that place, but with characteristic energy he began its development. Later he removed to Nebraska City, where he remained for a year and a half, and on the expiration of that period took up his abode at Crete, Nebraska, where he took up the business of plow manufacturing. He also engaged in the implement business and in merchandising and remained a very prom- inent and active factor in the industrial and commercial circles of that city for an extended period. Gradually he worked his way upward, his success resulting from unfaltering industry and capability. In 1904 he disposed of his business and came to Hastings, where he erected a beautiful residence, in which he is now living retired, enjoy- ing a rest that he has truly earned and richly deserves. After coming to Hastings, however, he purchased an interest in the Polinske Schel- lak & Company brickyard, but takes no active part in the management of the business, his investment, however, bringing to him a good finan- cial return.
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On the 28th of August, 1871, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Franke Wilts, a daughter of Frederick and Tetta Wilts, and their children are: Engelke, now living in Omaha; Tetta, the wife of William S. Schellak; and Fred D., who is a traveling salesman and resides in Norfolk, Nebraska. There are also eight grandchildren. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Smith was married again, his second union being with Sophie Onken, of Peoria, Illinois. Mrs. Smith has been very prominent as a leader among the ladies of Hastings. She belongs to a family that has been represented here for thirty-four years and has been closely associated with public interests of the city. In his political views Mr. Smith is a republican thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and both he and his wife are connected with the Congregational church. He is likewise identified with the German Congregational Seminary at Crete, of which he was a trustee for a quarter of a century, while for seven years he has been president of its board. His interest centers in all those things which work for the development and upbuilding of the community along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. He is a representative of our best type of American manhood and chivalry. By persever- ance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action.
WILLIAM URE NICHOL.
William Ure Nichol, funeral director, conducting business at Kenesaw, was born at Minden, Nebraska, on the 12th of November, 1888, his parents being W. E. and Ida (Ure) Nichol. The father settled in Minden in the early '80s and engaged in the hardware and furniture business until about 1909. Since then he has given his attention exclusively to the undertaking and to the wall paper busi- ness. For a long period he has been regarded as one of the most prominent and active business men of Minden and is well known throughout Kearney county.
Reared under the parental roof, William Ure Nichol attended the Minden high school and later became a student in Monmouth College at Monmouth, Illinois, where he pursued a four years' clas- sical course, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts. From early
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childhood he has been associated with his father in the undertaking business and was connected with a large undertaking establishment at Omaha before coming to Kenesaw. He arrived here, however, in 1914 and opened undertaking parlors, since which time he has con- ducted business as a funeral director and licensed embalmer.
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On the 17th of July, 1914, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mr. Nichol was married to Miss Marguerite Wallace, a daughter of the Rev. William Wallace, of Mitchell, South Dakota. They are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Kenesaw and occupy an enviable position in social circles, being accepted wherever true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society.
GEORGE B. McCOLLAM.
George B. McCollam was successfully engaged in farming for many years and at the time of his death owned a good farm eight miles northeast of Hastings. He was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, on the 18th of January, 1855, and in his early youth accompanied his parents to the vicinity of Bloomington, Illinois, where they resided until called by death. The father followed the carpenter's trade and was very successful in that connection.
George B. McCollam received a common school education and learned the carpenter's trade under his father, whom he assisted until he was twenty-three years old. He then left home and after residing for a year in Iowa came to Adams county, Nebraska, in 1879. For a short time he worked by the month and then rented a farm. Subse- quently he was joined by his married brother James and they oper- ated in partnership a rented farm located about eight miles northeast of Hastings. Following his marriage in 1892 Mr. McCollam of this review purchased that farm and continued to reside there until called by death on the 3d of June, 1912. He took great pride in keeping up his place and added a number of improvements to the farm after it came into his possession. He followed approved methods in his work and used up-to-date machinery, thus increasing his efficiency, and seldom failed to harvest large crops. As he managed his affairs well he secured a good income from his land and became one of the prosperous residents of his township.
In 1892 Mr. McCollam was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma (Mays) Cook, the widow of Fletcher Cook, of Indiana. By her first marriage she had a son, Fred Edward, who was born on the 25th of
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November, 1884, and died on the 21st of July, 1905, at the home of his uncle, David Mays, of this county. Following the demise of Mr. Cook his widow removed to Adams county in 1889 and made her home with her brother David until she became the wife of Mr. Mc- Collam. To this union was born a son, George Alvin, whose natal day was the 8th of February, 1896, and who assists in the operation of the homestead. Mrs. McCollam's sister Ella, who is the widow of George Dallas Mullin, and her daughter Dora are also living on the home place. Mrs. McCollam and her son have kept the farm in a high state of development and are operating it successfully.
Mr. McCollam gave his political allegiance to the democratic party but was never very active in public affairs. He gained many friends during the long period of his residence in this county and his memory is still held in honor.
C. J. VANHOUTEN.
For many years C. J. Vanhouten has been connected with agri- cultural and banking interests in Adams county. He entered the field of banking about eighteen years ago and since that time he has con- ducted the institution now known as the Bank of Juniata. Mr. Van- houten is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred near Crown Point, November 18, 1873, his parents being John R. and Josephine (Chapman) Vanhouten. The paternal grandfather was a native of the state of New York and was of Holland extraction. On leaving the east he resided at different periods in Michigan and in Ohio, fol- lowing the occupation of farming as a life work. John R. Vanhouten left Indiana when his son C. J. was but nine months old and removed with his family to Nebraska, where he homesteaded four miles west and four miles south of Juniata. He also secured a tree claim and, meeting the requirements of the law concerning the acquisition of property, secured in time his title to the land. He built thereon a sod house with a board floor and roof and after proving up on his claim he removed to Juniata, where he remained for thirty years, engaging in the livery business during twenty years of that time. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry under Captain Aaron W. Lytle. He was a self-made man whose business ability brought to him all that he enjoyed or won of this world's goods and his many sterling qualities occasioned his death to be deeply regretted
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when, in 1909, he passed away. His widow survives and made her home in Juniata until two or three years ago. In the family were five children: H. J., now living in Montana; C. J., of this review ; F. M., a resident of Forest City, Arkansas; R. J., who is in Los Angeles, California; and R. L., living in Redlands, California.
C. J. Vanhouten obtained his education in the schools of Juniata, supplemented by a commercial course. His early youth was spent upon the home farm and he has always been more or less largely con- nected with agricultural pursuits. In early manhood he turned his attention to tilling the soil, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 15, Juniata township, after which he converted the tract into pro- ductive fields. Eighteen years ago he took up banking in the employ of the firm of C. R. Jones & Company. They conducted their busi- ness as a private bank for twenty years but afterward reorganized it as the Bank of Juniata, under which name it has since been conducted. At the time of the reorganization Mr. Vanhouten became a member of the firm. In 1910 he erected a building for bank purposes and the institution was installed in its new home. The capital has been doubled since the organization and the business has ever been conducted upon a safe, substantial basis that thoroughly protects the interests of de- positors. Mr. Vanhouten also conducts an insurance and real estate business and the various phases of his activities are constituting fea- tures in his growing success.
In 1909 Mr. Vanhouten was married to Miss Laura E. Boyd, who is a member of the Methodist church, while Mr. Vanhouten belongs to the Baptist church, his parents having been instrumental in estab- lishing the first Baptist church in Juniata. In politics he is independ- ent, nor has he ever sought political preferment. His chief interest has been his business and the careful direction of his affairs has brought to him growing and substantial success.
CHARLES C. LARSEN.
Adams county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for on the whole they have been men of public spirit, devoted to the welfare and upbuilding of the district and faithful, businesslike, prompt and reliable in the discharge of official duties. Such has been the course of Charles C. Larsen, now filling the office of county recorder of deeds. He was born in Hol- stein, Adams county, February 24, 1883, and is a son of Paul C. and
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Caroline Larsen, who were farming people. The father came to Nebraska in the year 1878 and purchased railroad land, after which he bent his energies to the development of a farm, converting the wild land into productive fields. , He continued to engage actively in the work of the farm until 1904, when he put aside business cares. His wife died in 1903, but he and his daughter still reside upon the farm, although he has retired from business.
Charles C. Larsen entered the public schools at the usual age and after mastering the lessons therein taught spent two terms at the Fremont Normal College. He afterward engaged in teaching, which profession he followed for nine years in Adams county, proving a capable educator with ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He was called to official position in 1912, when he became deputy in the office of the district clerk, thus serving until the 7th of January, 1914, when he entered upon the position of county recorder of deeds, to which he had previously been elected. His political allegiance has always been given to the demo- cratic party and he does everything in his power to legitimately further its success.
On the 30th of August, 1911, Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Rothwell, a daughter of James H. Rothwell. In religious faith the family are Protestants. Fraternally Mr. Larsen is connected with the Modern Woodmen, with the Royal Highlanders and with the Odd Fellows. He turns for recreation to fishing and outdoor life, which he greatly enjoys. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and his devotion to the welfare of his community is marked. At all times he manifests a progressive spirit in relation to the public good and his substantial personal traits also endear him to those with whom he is brought in contact.
JOHN L. KENT.
John L. Kent, of Verona township, has gained a place among the efficient and well-to-do farmers and stock raisers of the county and is also entitled to recognition as a veteran of the Civil war. His birth occurred in Kendall county, Illinois, on the 26th of November, 1842, and he is a son of James M. and Mary (Ferguson) Kent. His paternal grandfather, James Pierce Kent, was born in Virginia in 1785, and his wife was also a native of that state. James M. Kent was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, but in young manhood
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removed to Ohio, where he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ferguson, a native of that state. In October, 1842, they removed to Kendall county, Illinois, and ten years later went to Cedar county, Iowa. They squatted on land which they subsequently purchased for a dollar and a quarter per acre and resided upon their farm until called by death. In early manhood the father followed the tailor's trade but when thirty years of age turned his attention to farming, to which he devoted the remainder of his life. He was very active in public affairs and served for three terms as a member of the Iowa state senate. His death occurred on the 20th of August, 1896, and that of his wife on the 28th of February, 1888. To them were born nine children, as follows: Keziah F., the wife of C. G. Brink, of Craw- ford county, Iowa; Laura, deceased; John L .; James M., of Kene- saw, Nebraska; W. O., who is living in Oakwood, Oklahoma; T. B., of Oxford Junction, Iowa; N. H., of Clarence, Cedar county, Iowa; Mary E., who is the wife of Edwin Elijah, of Clarence; and Charles H., who is living in Marion, Linn county, Iowa.
John L. Kent received a good common school education in Illinois and also gained much valuable training in agriculture during his boy- hood and youth. On the 5th of August, 1862, he answered his country's call for volunteers, enlisting in Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war, but was discharged on the 31st of July, 1864, on account of wounds received in the service. At the battle of Port Gibson he was wounded in the ankle and at the battle of Mansfield his arm was shattered above the elbow. It was two years before he was able to use it at all and as a result of the wound it is four inches shorter than the other. He par- ticipated in the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond and Champion's Hill, was in the siege of Vicksburg and in the battle at Jackson, Mississippi. He then returned to Vicksburg and from that point went down the Mississippi to New Orleans and up the Red river, taking part in the engagement at Carrion Crow bayou. He then returned to New Orleans but subsequently again went up the Red river and fought in the battle of Mansfield, where he was wounded. He held the rank of a non-commissioned officer, and his coolness and gallantry gained him the commendation of his superiors.
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