USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
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Joseph Zuerlein, a brick mason of Humphrey, actively connected with the build- ing interests of the town, was born in Germany, September 23, 1854, a son of George and Catherine Zuerlein, who were also natives of that country. The father was a stone and brick mason and followed his trade in Germany throughout his entire life, there passing away in 1887. His wife survived him for only a brief period, dying in 1888.
Joseph Zuerlein was rcared and educated in Germany and learned the trade of brick and stone mason from his father. He was employed along that line in Germany until 1883, and that he had long experience in the work is indicated in the fact that he laid brick when he was but fifteen years of age. On coming to the United States he settled first in New Jersey, where he worked in a factory for three years. In 1886 he arrived in Humphrey, where he has since conducted busi- ness as a stone and brick mason. He owns a nice residence which he erected near the Catholic church and which stands on an acre of ground, being one of the pleas- ant and attractive homes of the city. His expert workmanship and thoroughly reli- able business methods have brought to him a liberal patronage which he well merits.
On the 8th of February, 1880, Mr. Zuerlein was married to Miss Agnes Groem- ling, a daughter of Adam and Margaret Groemling, who were natives of Germany.
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Her father was also a stone and brick mason and followed that pursuit throughout his entire life. He met an accidental death by the caving in of a ditch in Germany in 1867, while his wife passed away there in 1862. Mrs. Zuerlein was born in Germany, September 8, 1856, and by her marriage has become the mother of eleven children: Thomas, Katie, Bruno, Dora, Edward, Christina, Mary, John and three who died in infancy.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Zuer- lein belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. Politically he is a democrat, exer- cising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the party, but never seeking office for himself, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, which have made him a prominent representative of industrial inter- ests in Humphrey.
JOHN G. JOHNSON.
John G. Johnson, who carries on general farming on section 10, Granville township, and is also engaged in feeding stock, was born near Grundy Center, Iowa, in January, 1881, a son of Johan and Johannah Johnson, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Stockholm, Sweden. The father came to America when twenty years of age and for a time was a resident of Illinois. He was a tailor by trade and followed that pursuit in Illinois and New Mexico, Colo- rado and Iowa. He at length took up his abode in Grundy Center, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land, which he continued to cultivate successfully until 1886, when he came to Platte county, Nebraska. That was before the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built into Humphrey. Settling in Granville township, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 10, and at once began to cultivate and improve the tract, which he operated until 1899. He then retired from active business and removed to Seattle, Washington, where he has since made his home, being now seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away in 1887, her death being deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her imme- diate family.
John G. Johnson was reared and educated in Platte county, attending the district schools. He remained with his father until the latter removed to Wash- ington, at which time John G. Johnson went to Madison, Nebraska, and in the vicinity of that place worked as a farm hand for three years. He then rented land in Madison county which he cultivated for two years, after which he returned to Platte county and rented the old home place, which he has since operated, covering a period of eleven years. He has brought the fields to a high state of cultivation and annually harvests good crops. He also feeds about a carload of cattle and from one to three carloads of hogs annually. In the fall of 1911 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 17, Granville township, which he also operates in addition to the home place and which is a well improved tract. His business affairs are carefully and systematically managed and prosperity is reward- ing his efforts. In addition to his other interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Humphrey and is a stockholder in the First National Bank.
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In December, 1904, Mr. Johnson was joined in wedlock to Miss Clara White, a daughter of Frank and Rika White, natives of Illinois. Her father, a farmer by occupation, removed to Madison county, Nebraska, at an early period in its development and there secured a homestead claim which he has since cultivated and improved, making it a valuable property. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become parents of three children: Irvin F., nine years of age; Elmer P., six years old; and Ralph O., aged two.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and guide their lives accord- ing to its teachings. In his political views Mr. Johnson is an earnest republican, but, while he does not seek nor desire political office, he has served for three years as school director. He is in favor of all public improvements and gives hearty indorsement to many measures for the general good. In business he is persistent and energetic, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his well defined plans, carefully executed, have brought to him a very desirable and creditable measure of success.
WILLIAM KNIGHT.
William Knight, one of the oldest settlers in Platte county, and one of the most successful farmers of his loeality, has a finely improved place in Creston township. He was born in Canada in October, 1842, a son of Charles and Bridget (Doyle) Knight, natives respectively of Ireland and of Canada. The father fol- lowed agricultural pursuits in Canada and passed away in that country in 1880. The mother died in 1858.
William Knight grew to manhood in Canada and there received his education. He remained at home until his father was married a second time, when he left and began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he subsequently followed in Canada for five years. In 1869 he removed to Iowa and was similarly employed in Clinton county until 1872, in which year he settled in Platte county, Nebraska. He took up a homestead of eighty aeres in Creston township and a tree claim of eighty acres adjoining, and subsequently he purchased an additional eighty aeres, also on section 19. He has since cultivated his land and has made many improve- ments on his farm. After locating thereon he erected a blacksmith shop on his land and for several years did a large blacksmithing business. In addition to his fine farm in this county he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Frontier county, this state, and his holdings return to him a good income.
On the 21st of August, 1871, Mr. Knight married Miss Elvira Cherry, who was born in Canada in December, 1851. She is a daughter of John and Laura (Stringer) Cherry, also natives of the Dominion. Her father died when she was two years old. Her mother removed to Iowa and later to Platte county, Nebraska, where she passed away July 19. 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have had eight children: Mary, the wife of T. J. Lohr, of Creston; James W., who is farming land belonging to his father; Rosella, the wife of Carl Long, a resident of Stanton county, this state; Jessie E., the wife of J. W. O'Neille, of Grand Island, Ne- braska: Charles H., who died June 30. 1888: Lulu B., who is teaching school in Creston township and who has followed that profession for seven years ; Winnie,
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the wife of H. L. Haskins, of Madison county, this state; and Charles L., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Knight also reared a boy named Marion Mader from the time that he was fourteen years old.
Mr. Knight is a stanch democrat and has served ably as constable and school director. He is a member of the United Brethren church, to the support of which he contributes, and all measures seeking the moral advancement of his community receive his hearty cooperation. For many years he has resided in Platte county and those who have known him longest and most intimately are his stanchest friends, a sure evidence of his genuine worth.
EAGLE CAFE.
The Eagle Cafe, of which Mrs. W. W. Scott is the proprietor. is one of the well known and liberally patronized business interests of Columbus and may well be termed one of the most popular cafes in the city. Mrs. Scott started the business with little capital but energy and determination served as the founda- tion for her success, which has grown steadily. She now owns the building which she occupies-a one-story structure built of brick, its dimensions being twenty-two by eighty-eight feet. There is a large kitehen equipped with the finest ranges, serving tables and everything to be found in a modern establishment of this character. The front of the building is of plate glass and along one side is a counter seating about fifty, with tables at the side. Everything that the market and the season affords ean be secured here and is prepared by experts. Mrs. Scott gives clean, prompt and efficient service, personally supervising the business, and her liberal patronage brings her an ineome of about two thousand dollars a monthi. She is a woman of excellent business ability, farsighted, sagacious and enterprising. She has studied the wishes of the public and gives to them a service that is highly satisfactory in every partieular.
PATRICK L. KELLY.
Patrick L. Kelly, cashier of the Cornlea State Bank, has been identified with financial interests since attaining his majority and has become thoroughly informed concerning the banking business in every particular, being therefore well qualified to take part in the control and management of the institution with which he is now associated. He was born in Dodge county, Nebraska, June 13, 1889, a son of Thomas and Catharine (O'Hare) Kelly, the former a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and the latter of Centralia, Pennsylvania. The mother was of Irish lineage and they were married in North Bend, Nebraska, the father becoming a farmer of this state. He still occupies the old homestead farm there, but his wife passed away on the 8th of May, 1914.
Patrick 1 .. Kelly was reared under the parental roof and carly became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the schools of Fremont, Nebraska, and remained upon the home farm until he
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reached the age of twenty-one years, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial than the life of the agriculturist, he turned his attention to banking, accepting the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Schuyler, where he remained for seven months. On the 14th of September, 1912, he became cashier of the Cornlea State Bank and still remains in that position. This institution is capitalized for fifteen thousand dollars and has deposits amounting to one hundred and thirty-one thousand five hundred dollars. Mr. Kelly is also a member of the board of directors of this bank and his efforts have been a strong element in advancing its success, for he is a popular official. He was also one of the organizers and is the president of the Farmers State Bank of Humphrey. His associates in the Cornlea bank are: D. W. Killeen. of Schuyler, president; and Nicholas J. Hemmer, of Cornlea, vice president.
Mr. Kelly is a member of the Catholic church at Cornlea and holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and with the Catholic Order of Foresters at Hum- phrey. He votes with the democratic party and seeks to secure its success but has little time or opportunity to take active part in politics. He stands, however, for progressiveness in citizenship and is interested in all that pertains to the upbuilding and improvement of the town.
LEANDER GERRARD.
Honored and respected by all, there has been no citizen in Columbus who has occupied a more enviable position in public regard than Leander Gerrard, not alone by reason of the success which he achieved but also owing to the honorable, straightforward policy which he ever followed from the time when he became con- nected with the interests of the city in the pioneer period until his death in recent years. It was characteristic of him that he carried forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertook, and while advancing individual success he also con- tributed in substantial measure to public prosperity.
Mr. Gerrard was a native of England, his birth having occurred in the city of Manchester on the 31st of August, 1837, his parents being Joseph and Adeline Gerrard, who were residents of New England, being on a visit to England at the time of the birth of their son. Manchester, however, was the old home of the family. It was there that the paternal grandfather of Leander Gerrard was born and reared. He was a very intelligent man, liberal educational advantages having been accorded him, and he became a prosperous cotton manufacturer of Manchester, in which city he spent his entire life. His son, Joseph Gerrard, also born in Manchester and accorded liberal educational opportunities, became identified with his father's business and when a young man went to New York, where he bought raw cotton, which he shipped to England and afterward sold the manufactured product in America. In 1825 he wedded Adeline Allen, of New Bedford. Massa- chusetts, who was a member of a wealthy Quaker family and came of Mayflower stock. While in the east Joseph Gerrard was a member of the famous Cobden Club. In the year 1838 he removed westward with his family, settling in Rock Island, where he remained until 1858 and then came to Monroe, Platte county, Nebraska. He was engaged in farming and other pursuits in this county, where he
LEANDER GERRARD
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passed away in 1870, while his wife, surviving him for more than a quarter of a century, died in 1896.
Leander Gerrard pursued his education in the schools of Rock Island, Illinois, and made his initial step in the business world in that city as a clerk in a clothing storc. In 1855, when about eighteen years of age, he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where for one year he clerked in a bank, and in 1856 he removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he entered the law office of J. M. Newton, with whom he con- tinned until 1858. During one year of this time he was in partnership with Mr. Newton in the conduct of a land agency and during that period Mr. Gerrard, in company with others, founded the city of Fremont, Nebraska. In 1857 he re- moved to Monroe county, Nebraska, which he aided in organizing and also laid out the town of Monroe. At a subsequent date a part of Monroe county was divided and became Platte county. Mr. Gerrard was engaged in trading with the Indians of the Pawnee reservation from 1860 until 1866 and also conducted a trading post and did a freighting business between Fort Kearney and Monroe.
The following year Mr. Gerrard removed to Columbus, where he resided until his death, and in 1867 he entered upon the practice of law and the conduct of a real-estate business. From that time forward he figured as one of the most prom- inent, active and influential residents of Platte county and his efforts contributed in large measure to the upbuilding of its material interests and the utilization of its natural resources. For many years he was a member of the firm of Whitmoyer, Gerrard & Post, attorneys at law, the firm occupying a very prominent position at the bar. Mr. Gerrard's mind was naturally analytical, logical and inductive, his reasoning was clear, his arguments sound and his success was the natural sequence of marked ability in the path of his chosen profession. Moreover, he was resource- ful and active in other fields. In 1871 he became senior partner in the firm of Gerrard & Reed, which established a private bank of which he continued president until his death. This was conducted as a private banking institution until 1875 and was then merged into the Columbus State Bank, of which Mr. Gerrard was the first president. He also became heavily interested in land, making judicious investment in property and carrying on farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. His discrimination was keen and he was seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of business judgment.
On the 31st of May, 1870, Mr. Gerrard was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Caroline Weaver, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, April 5, 1852, her parents being Michael and Dorothea (Heckman) Weaver. The father's birth occurred in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 7, 1828, while the mother was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 28, 1830. Michael Weaver, who was a carpenter by trade and became a pioneer settler of Platte county, passed away in the year 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerrard were born four children, namely: Clarence L., who is the inventor of a flour bleacher; Ernest A .; Phoebe; and Grace.
The death of Mr. Gerrard occurred March 5, 1913, and because of his prom- inence proved not only a personal bereavement to his many friends but a public misfortune as well. He had been connected with many movements which had direct bearing upon the welfare and upbuilding of city and state. In 1858 he became one of the organizers of the republican party in Nebraska and he served as a member of the first state legislature. He was chairman of the first republican state convention, which was held at Plattsmouth, and from that time forward was actively
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identified with shaping the policy and promoting the interests of his party. In 1870 and 1871 he was a member of the state senate and was the author of the Herd law, protecting agricultural interests. In the latter year he received appoint- ment from President Grant to the position of United States district attorney but refused to accept the office. He had been a delegate to the national republican convention which nominated Grant for the presidency and he was always a delegate to the state conventions of his party, but he had little aspiration in the way of office seeking, regarding the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. That he was a most valued and honored citizen is indi- eated in the glowing resolutions which were passed by the state senate following his demise. He was ever faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation and his record reflected credit upon the state which honored him. Mrs. Gerrard still makes her home in Columbus, where she is active in temperance work and where she occupies the position of president of the Women's Club. She is most highly esteemed in social circles and shared with her husband in the respect which was everywhere tendered him.
FRED BONING.
Fred Boning, a well-to-do farmer residing on section 9, Creston township, was born in Germany on the 7th of October, 1859, a son of John H. and Catherine (Hil- len) Boning, also natives of that country. The father followed farming through- out his entire active life and passed away in the fatherland in 1893. The mother survived for six years, dying in 1899.
Fred Boning grew to manhood under the parental roof and received his cduca- tion in the schools of his native land. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-two years, or until 1882, when he emigrated to America and made his way to Platte county, Nebraska. For ten years he was employed as a farm hand and during that time carefully saved his money and was at length able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of land in Sherman township. He took up his residence thereon and improved and operated the place for thirteen years, or until 1905, when he sold out and removed to Creston township, buying one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, where he has since resided. He has not only improved that quarter section but he has bought additional land and now owns three hun- dred and twenty acres, which he cultivates. He engages in stock-raising to a con- siderable extent, feeding a carload of cattle and two carloads of hogs per year. His farm work is well managed, and he receives a gratifying income from his land. He also owus stock in the Farmers Elevator Company of Creston.
Mr. Boning was married on the 17th of May, 1892, to Miss Johanna Ritter- hoff, who was born in Germany, November 24. 1864, a daughter of Louis and Louisa Ritterhoff. likewise natives of Germany. The father devoted his life to farming and passed away in Germany, as did the mother. Mrs. Boning died on the 22d of May, 1908, after a short illness. She was the mother of four children, namely: Herman, born May 16, 1893; Anna, June 30, 1894; Louis, July 1, 1896; and Clara, June 12, 1898.
Mr. Boning is a republican in his political belief and his religous faith is that
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of the Lutheran church. He has never regretted his decision to come to this eoun- try, for here he has found opportunities through the utilization of which he has gained a gratifying measure of sueecss. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of Platte county and can be depended upon to further the public good in any way possible.
PETER NOONAN.
Peter Noonan is the proprietor of the Walnut Grove Farm, his home being situated on section 8, Burrows township. His is a valuable property, his landed possessions aggregating eight hundred and sixty-one acres, all acquired through his intelligently directed industry and perseverance combined with sound business judgment. He was born in Ireland, March 13, 1849, a son of James and Bridget (Welch) Noonan, who were also natives of the same country. The father devoted his life to farming and always remained a resident of the Emerald isle, there passing away in 1886, after having survived his wife for twenty-one years, her death occurring in 1863.
The youthful days of Peter Noonan were spent in Ireland and England, and he remained with his parents until he attained his majority. But the opportunities of the new world attracted him and in 1873, when a young man of twenty-four years, he sailed for America, establishing his home in New Jersey at a place called Fort Lee. There he largely devoted his time to wood ehopping until the year 1871, when he came to Nebraska, settling in Platte county. Here he secured a homestead elaim of eighty acres and at once began to develop the then unbroken prairie and improve his farm by the ereetion of the neecssary buildings. His busi- ness affairs were earefully and systematically direeted and brought to him growing suecess, enabling him to add to his possessions by purchase from time to time until he is now the owner of eight hundred and sixty-one aeres of rich and valuable land. He owns all of section 8, Burrows township; eighty acres on seetion 7; one hundred and twenty aeres on seetion 6; and twenty-one aeres on section 31 and thus has beeome one of the extensive landowners of the county, while his place is regarded as one of the best improved farms in this part of the state, lacking in none of the accessories and convenienees of the model farm property of the twentieth century. He has a large and attractive residence supplied with every modern eomfort, inelnding electrie lights. steam heat and hot and cold water. He has four sets of buildings upon his seetion of land and he has been very successful in his farming operations. Experience and study have taught him the best time for planting and the best methods of cultivating his fields, and he annually harvests large crops. He also feeds about a earload of cattle cach year. four earloads of sheep and two earloads of hogs. He is cultivating three hundred and eighty aeres of his land, while the remainder he rents. He is also a stockholder in the Cornlea State Bank.
On the 15th of August, 1891, Mr. Noonan was married to Miss Catherine Roddy, a daughter of Martin and Catherine (Brahany) Roddy, who were natives of Ireland, where the father followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life. his labors being ended in death in 1901, while his wife survived until
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1903. To Mr. and Mrs. Noonan have been born ten children, namely: James, born May 27, 1892, who is attending college at Omaha, Nebraska; John P., born September 18, 1893; Bridget Rose, February 17, 1895; Catherine A., November 16, 1896; Peter J., January 22, 1900; Mary A., February 8, 1903; Michael T., July 2, 1905; Ellen M., November 3, 1906; Thomas E., June 22, 1909; and Joseph P., March 29, 1911.
Mr. Noonan votes independently as he does not desire to bind himself by party ties, exercising his right of franchise according to the dictates of his judgment. He was the first supervisor of his part of the county and served in that office for one year, while for four different terms of one year each he has filled the position of assessor. He has likewise been a school officer for the past thirty-eight years and has done much to further the interests of education. He was nominated for the legislature but failed of election. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Order of St. Francis. There is no person living within fifteen miles of Mr. Noonan with whom he has not had business dealings and all speak of him in terms of respect and regard because of the integrity of his methods and his unfailing enterprise. His course has always been so upright and honorable that he has never had any trouble with those with whom he has had dealings and has never been engaged in a lawsuit. Coming to this country without capital, save the determination to win success by honorable methods, he has con- stantly worked his way upward and his record should well serve as a sourec of inspiration and encouragement to others.
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