USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 29
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Here August Cloeters worked as a farm hand for ten years, after which he rented land which he cultivated for two years. He then removed to Boone county, Nebraska, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres upon which he spent four years. He then sold that property and returned to Platte county, settling in Gran- ville township, where he rented a farm for a year. He next bought eighty acres on section 28, Granville township, and has improved the place to a large extent. He also cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of rented land, so that he is now busily engaged in farming, meeting with good success in his undertakings. He knows the best time and methods of planting and of cultivating the fields and shows equal wisdom in the care and sale of his crops. In addition to this prop- erty his wife owns one hundred and sixty acres in Boone county, Nebraska, and
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also a house and lot in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, while Mr. Cloeters is a stoek- holder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Cedar Rapids.
Mr. Cloeters was united in marriage to Mrs. Ingaborg Schack, a daughter of Hans and Anna M. Petersen, who were natives of Germany. The father followed farming in that country for many years and never eame to the new world, passing away in Germany in September, 1914. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1880. Their daughter Ingaborg was first married to Peter Sehaek, who died in March, 1907, leaving three children, John, Anna and Mabel, aged respectively nine- teen, seventeen and thirteen years. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cloeters two children have been born: Martha. five years of age; and Albert H., now in his first year.
Mr. Cloeters votes with the republican party, being a firm believer in its prin- eiples. He holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is that of the Ger- man Baptist church. He is possessed of many sterling traits of character and that he has led a busy life is indicated in his present possessions, for all that he has is the reward of his persistent and intelligently directed energy.
SYLVESTER V. SCHURR.
Humphrey proudly elaims Sylvester V. Sehurr as one of its citizens and his business enterprise has been a contributing factor to the commercial activity and development of the town. Moreover, he is a self-made man and his example should well serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when laudable ambition points out the way and energy perseveres therein. Mr. Sehurr is a native of Page county, Iowa. He was born in October, 1881, of the marriage of John and Carrie Sehurr, natives of Germany. The father came to the new world when a young man of eighteen years, settling at Roek Island, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand, receiving eight dollars per month through the summer seasons, while in the winter he worked for his board. He was ambitious to engage in business on his own account. however, and finally rented land in Illinois which he cultivated for some time. Later he removed to Page county. lowa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits, and in 1892 he came to Nebraska, buying land in Platte county. He immediately undertook the task of further developing and enltivating the tract, which he improved and operated until 1912, when he sold out, since which time he has lived retired, now making his home with a son in Knox county, Nebraska. His wife died in 1885.
Sylvester V. Sehurr spent his youthful days in Malvern, Iowa, where he attended the public schools. He continued to assist his father in the work of the home farm until he renehed the age of twenty-two years and then rented land, carrying on farming on his own account in that way for two years. He next went to Leigh, Nebraska, where he was employed in a general store for three years and in a hardware store for two years, after which he came to Humphrey in July, 1910, and opened a restaurant. He has since been very successful in its conduet, the visible evidence of his prosperity in business being the twelve-thousand-dollar
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business block which he has just completed and is now occupying. The structure is thoroughly modern in every respect and is a credit to the city.
On the 5th of October, 1904, Mr. Schurr was united in marriage to Miss Anna Held, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Held, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, emigrated to the United States at an early day, locating in Platte county, Nebraska, before the city of Columbus had sprung into existence. He worked out as a farm hand for some years and subse- quently purchased and improved a tract of land in Sherman township, this county, which he successfully cultivated until 1909, since which time he and his wife have lived retired in Columbus.
Mr. Schurr is independent in politics, voting according to the dictates of his judgment and the demands of public welfare. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He deserves all the credit and praise implied in the term a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed, realizing that if he enjoyed suc- cess he must win it. Accordingly he closely applied himself to every task which he undertook and, working his way steadily upward, at length became the proprietor of the profitable business which he is now conducting. In all his undertakings he has displayed good judgment, careful management and unfaltering industry.
HENRY KLUEVER
Among the substantial citizens of Shell Creek township is numbered Henry Klnever, living on section 32. He is still actively engaged in farming, although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. He was born in East Friesland, Germany, February 13, 1814, a son of Herman and Harriet (Johnson) Kluever. His education was acquired in the common schools of his native country and in accordance with its military laws he served for three years in the army. He afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he there followed until 1882, when he bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for America. On reaching the new world he established his home in Macon county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for four years. In 1888 he arrived in Platte county and sixteen years ago purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of good land on section 32, Shell Creek township. He has enclosed the farm and divided it into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and has upon it a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. He is engaged also in raising stock, which branch of his business is proving remunerative.
On the 18th of May, 1871, Mr. Khuever was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Bargmann, who was born January 11, 1849, in the grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany. They became the parents of ten children, two of whom passed away ere the mother's death, while eight still survive. Twenty-five years prior to her death Mrs. Kluever joined and was baptized in Rev. Papenhansen's church and remained thereafter one of its faithful members. She was a devoted wife and mother and all who knew her loved her. She took a very active interest in all the affairs of the community and was constantly extending a helping hand to those who needed assistance. Her Christian faith and spirit constantly found exempli- fication in kind acts and good deeds. A week prior to her demise she went to the
MR. AND MRS. HENRY KLUEVER
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home of a daughter in Columbus, where she became ill, and in spite of tender care and good nursing she passed on to the home beyond July 12, 1911, her remains being laid to rest on the 14th of July. Her loss was deeply regretted by all who knew her and most of all by her own family.
Mr. Kluever has led a very active and useful life and his success is attributable entirely to his perseverance and industry. Aside from his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Columbus Independent Telephone Company and the Monroe Independent Telephone Company. His political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party but he has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the German Baptist church, guides his life according to its teachings and for the past ten years has served as deacon in the church.
THOMAS KLASSEN.
Thomas Klassen, whose home is located on section 7, Granville township, was born in MeHenry county, Illinois, September 16, 1861, a son of John and Catha- rine (Schmidt) Klassen, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who took up the occupation of farming, came to America with his parents during his boyhood days, the family home being established in MeHenry county, Illinois, where he was reared and married. The lady of his choice had come to the new world with her parents and also took up their abode in McHenry county. There Mr. Klassen is still living, but his wife passed away eighteen years ago.
Thomas Klassen attended the common schools of Illinois and remained upon the home farm until he attained his majority, after which he earned his living by working out as a farm hand for one year. He then came to Nebraska and took up his abode in St. Bernard township, Platte county, where he was employed for three years. At the end of that time he was married. after which he rented land in St. Bernard township for seven years. Throughout that period he carefully saved his earnings, practicing economy as well as industry until he was able, in 1901, to purchase his present farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres. Upon this place he has since resided, covering a period of fourteen years, and in the interim he has extended its boundaries by the additional purchase of eighty acres. With the assistance of his sons he now cultivates the entire tract of two hundred and forty acres and has made it an excellent farm property equipped with many modern conveniences and accessories. There are good buildings upon the place, well kept fences and the latest improved farm machinery, and in addition to tilling the soil Mr. Klassen breeds and raises good grades of stock, feeding all of his grain to his stock.
On the 19th of October, 1886, Mr. Klassen was united in marriage to Miss Annie Gilsdorf, a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth (Hassling) Gilsdorf, both of whom were natives of Germany. Following their marriage they emigrated to the United States in 1848 and took up their abode near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the father worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1884 they came to Nebraska, locating in Granville township, Platte county, where Mr. Gilsdorf purchased land and made his home until called to his final rest on the 29th of March, 1900. His wife died at the home of our subject on the 9th of February, 1914. To Mr. and
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Mrs. Klassen have been born four children, as follows: Elizabeth, whose birth oceurred July 9, 1890, and who died on the 27th of the same month; Matthias, who was born August 27, 1892, and follows farming in St. Bernard township; John, whose natal day was Deeember 25, 1894, and who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and Petronilla, who was born December 15, 1897. The family are all communieants of the St. Bernard Catholic church and Mr. Klassen is a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society of that church. His wife is also a member of the Christian Mothers' Society and the sons belong to the young men's society of that church and the daughter to the young ladies' sodality. In polities Mr. Klassen is a demoerat but is not ambitions to hold offiee. He would rather work upon his farm, for he finds this labor profitable, and although his life has been one of unremitting industry, it has also been one in which hard work has brought to him gratifying prosperity.
FRANK THELEN.
Frank Thelen has gained a measure of sueeess in business that places him among the successful merchants of Humphrey. He was born at Shelby, Polk county, Nebraska, January 19, 1882, a son of Gustav and Josephine Thelen, both of whom were natives of Germany, whenee they came to the new world in 1870. Journeying across the country, they established their home in Polk county, Ne- braska, where the father purchased land and improved a farm, continuing its cultivation for eighteen years or until 1888, when his life's labors were ended in death. His widow and the family afterward removed to Humphrey, where she resided throughout the remainder of her days, her death occurring on the 13th of March, 1915.
Frank Thelen was a little lad of six summers when his mother removed to Humphrey and in consequence he was reared and educated in this town, pursuing his studies in the public and parochial schools. He afterward went to Fremont Normal, of Fremont, Nebraska, where he pursued a commercial course and then returned to Humphrey. where he engaged in the plumbing business, also handling pumps and windmills. He has since continued in this line, covering a period of about nine years, and has gained a patronage of gratifying proportions, being now classed with the leading merchants of the town. He also owns two residenee prop- erties in Humphrey, one of which he oeeupies.
On the 9th of November, 1906, Mr. Thelen was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Gilsdorf, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Weiand) Gilsdorf, both of whom were born in Wisconsin. They became early settlers of Platte county, Nebraska, locating in St. Bernard township. where Mr. Gilsdorf followed farming for about ten years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his property and took up his abode in Humphrey, where he was engaged in the saloon business for about twenty years. He is now living retired in Humphrey.
Mr. Thelen votes with the demoeratie party and is one of the active workers in its local ranks. He was a member of the town board for two years and is now serving for the third year as a member of the school board, of which he is ehairman. He has membership in the Catholic church. in the Knights of Columbus conneil
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and in the Modern Woodmen camp. Almost his entire life has been spent in Humphrey, where he has gradually worked his way upward to a creditable and enviable position in commercial cireles.
GEORGE RAMBOUR.
George Rambour, a representative and successful business man of Columbus, has served as secretary, treasurer and manager of the Columbus Brewing Com- pany sinee its organization in 1904. His birth occurred in Würzburg, Germany, on the 2d of October, 1876, his parents being Michael and Magdalena (Fick) Rambour, both of whom passed away in that country, the former in 1905 and the latter in 1901.
George Rambour acquired his education in his native land and there spent the first twenty-two years of his life. In 1898 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and five years later came to Columbus, Nebraska. In 1904 he was made secretary, treasurer and manager of the newly organized Columbus Brewing Com- pany, which he has sinee served in those capacities, the concern prospering under his able and intelligent direction.
On the 27th of November, 1902, in Munich, Germany, Mr. Rambour was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Schleifer, by whom he has four children, namely : George, Ludwig, Walter and Erna. In polities he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, while fraternally he is identified with the Sons of Herman, the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Owls. He is likewise a popular member of the Maennerchor and the Orpheus Society. Mr. Rambour has been characterized as a genial, whole-souled gentleman, in the prime of life, who loves his children, has a host of friends and is a good citizen. The hope that led him to leave the fatherland and seek a home in the new world has been more than realized, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utiliza- tion he has won a most gratifying measure of prosperity.
THOMAS F. HAM.
Thomas F. Ham is conducting a produee business under the name of the Humphrey Produee Company, buying and selling butter, eggs, poultry and cream. He is a young man but has already made for himself a place in business circles that many a one of twice his years might well envy. He was born in Somerset- shire, England, June 26. 1891, a son of John and Mary (Parker) Ham, who were natives of the same country, in which they resided until 1891, when they bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed with their family for America, making their way to Omaha, Nebraska. where the father seenred the position of watchman with Armour & Company. He continued in that position until his death, which occurred in September, 1904, and his widow is still living in Omaha.
Thomas F. Ham was reared and educated in that eity. attending the public
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schools, for he was but three years of age when brought to the United States. When his textbooks were put aside he, too, entered the employ of Armour & Company, remaining with that corporation at their Omaha plant for some time. He next entered the employ of Marsh & Marsh, wholesale dealers in produce, with whom he continued until June, 1914, when he came to Humphrey and embarked in the produce business on his own account, conducting his interests under the style of the Humphrey Produce Company, although he is the sole proprietor. He buys butter, eggs, poultry and cream, and his business has created a good market for the farmers and has been the means of bringing him substantial success. He pays good prices and his trade is constantly increasing. He also handles the Primrose cream separator and the Queen incubator. His trade is largely of a wholesale character, and he buys from both merchants and farmers.
Religiously Mr. Ham is an Episcopalian and politically a republican. He has no time to seek office, however, for he is busily engaged in an attempt to build up a good business and in the effort is succeeding.
EVAN ROBERT BISSON.
Evan Robert Bisson is a retired farmer living in Columbus and has attained the eightieth milestone on life's journey. It is fitting that he should have this period of rest in the evening of his days, for his life has been an active and useful one and his retirement from business has been well earned. He was born June 7. 1835, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, a son of Hilliary B. and Rebecca (Jenkins) Bisson. The father, who was also born in Montgomery county, was a farmer by occupation and was of Welsh descent, while his wife was of English lincage.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Evan R. Bisson acquired a common-school education and then in preparation for the practical duties of life learned the carpenter's trade. He followed that pursuit for two years in New Orleans and thence proceeded up the Mississippi river, making settlement at Still- water, Minnesota, where he resided until September 26, 1861. His spirit of patriotism was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and at that date he enrolled as one of the boys in blue of Company D, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained for three years, participating in many of the hotly contested engagements of the war, including the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg. Baker's Creek and the siege of Atlanta. He reenlisted as a member of Company A, Sixth Regiment of Hancock's Veteran Corps. He was slightly wounded at Vicksburg and contracted chronic inflammation of the liver. He was on detached duty in Washington, D. C., and had charge of Captain Wirtz of Andersonville prison on the day that he was hung. He became familiar with every phase of military life in the long, hard marches, the campaigning through the cold winters and the active duty on battle line, and when the war was over he participated in the grand review in Washington, D. C., where the Union troops marched through the streets of the capital, while over broad Pennsylvania avenue there hung a banner inscribed
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with the words, "The only debt which the country owes that she cannot pay is the debt that she owes to her soldiers."
When the war was over Mr. Bisson returned to the north and for eight years was a resident of Tama, Marshall and Hamilton counties of Iowa. In 1872 he arrived in Columbus, Nebraska, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bismark township, which he still owns. With characteristic energy he began the development and cultivation of the fields, breaking the sod and turning the furrows until good crops rewarded his efforts. Year after year the work was carefully and persistently carried on by Mr. Bisson until 1908, when he retired and established his home in Columbus.
On September 27. 1865, Mr. Bisson was united in marriage to Miss Emily E. Mudget, of Tama county, Iowa, who passed away December 27, 1908. To them were born seven children, as follows: Sylvester S., who is a resident of South Dakota; Levi N., living in Colorado; Chalkley J., who operates the old homestead farm; Jesse H. and Emily S., who live in Columbus ; Bertha S., who is the wife of George Camp. a school teacher; and Lenora, who gave her hand in marriage to Otto Schmidt, of Columbus township.
Mr. Bisson has ever been an advocate of the republican party since its forma- tion, being a firm believer in its principles as factors in good government. While living in Bismark township he served as justice of the peace. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and in his association with his comrades at arms enjoys recounting incidents and experiences of the tented fields. He has ever been most loyal to his country, having true reverence for the stars and stripes. More- over, he is entitled to mention in this volume as a pioneer settler, having for forty- three years lived in the county, during which time he has witnessed a notable change, bearing his part in transforming this region into a great and prosperous agricultural district.
CHRISTIAN ALEXANDER ALLENBURGER, M. D. F. A. C. S.
Dr. Christian Alexander Allenburger is a prominent surgeon of Columbus, en- joying an enviable reputation as a skilled and successful representative of his profession in Platte County. His birth occured in Saratov, Russia, his parents being Henry A. and Katharine Marguerite (Webber) Allenburger, likewise natives of that country. Following the father's death, the mother emigrated to the United States with her son Christian in 1883, taking up her abode in Friend, Saline county, Nebraska.
He acquired a high-school education, later graduated in pharmacy and acquired his more advanced education in Lake Forest University at Lake Forest, Illinois, and subsequently entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, Illinois, which institu- tion conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 1895. After receiving his hospital training, he then began practice in Shelby, Nebraska, and a few years later came to Columbus, where he has remained continuously since, confining his attention to surgery, in which branch of the profession he is recognized and has demonstrated special skill. Dr. Allenburger is on the staff of, and surgeon to, St. Mary's Hos- pital in Columbus, Nebraska, and is a member of the Platte County Medical Society,
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the Nebraska State Medical Association, a fellow of the American Medical Asso- ciation, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
On the 6th of June, 1906, in Columbus, Nebraska, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wake, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Wake. To them has been born a son, Christian Alexander. The Doctor has attained a high rank in Masonry. He was made a Knight Templar, also a thirty-second degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, and in his life exemplifies the teachings of the craft. He is recognized as a man of well balanced character and abilities, and his talents have gained him preeminence in his chosen profession, while his strongly marked per- sonal characteristics have won for him the warm friendship and kindly regard of those with whom he has been associated.
CHARLES F. JANSEN.
Charles F. Jansen was for a considerable time identified with agricultural inter- ests of Creston township, where he owned an excellent farm and was recognized as one of the valuable citizens of the county. His birth occurred in Germany on the 9th of October, 1850, and in that country his parents passed their entire lives.
Mr. Jansen was reared and educated in his native land but when sixteen years of age emigrated to America and located at Davenport, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for several years. He then removed to Douglas county, Nebraska, and engaged in farming on his own account, at length buying eighty aeres of land, which he cultivated until 1895, when he came to Platte county. He bought two hundred and eighty acres of land on seetion 16, Creston township, on which he made many improvements and to the cultivation of which he devoted his time until his health failed. He passed away in December, 1902, after an illness of two years, and his demise was widely and deeply regretted. He was progressive and energetic. and his well directed labors returned to him a good income.
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