USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
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On the 19th of November, 1874, in this city, Mr. Becker was married to Miss Sophia E. Reese, a daughter of Henry Reese, who was born in Hanover, Germany. Their children are Anna Elizabeth, Carl Albert and Paul Arthur.
In politics Mr. Becker is a democrat. He has never filled any public office with the exception of the one in which he is now serving. He is a member of the Vol. 11-2
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Federated church and fraternally is a Modern Woodman of America. With the exception of a brief period his residence in this city covers more than a half century and therefore few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals.
FRED HIGLER RIPP.
Fred Higler Ripp, postmaster at Tarnov and agent for the Singer sewing machines in Platte county, was born in Joliet township, this county. October 20. 1881, a son of Ferdinand and Catharine (Reisner) Ripp, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born on the Rhine and the mother in Luxem- burg. They came to America with their respective parents, settling near Reisling, Wisconsin. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, removed to Platte county, Nebraska, in 1868, establishing his home in Joliet township, where he purchased land and engaged in farming until 1885. He then removed to Holt county, where he preempted land, taking up his abode thereon, he and his wife making that place their home until 1909, when they retired from active farm life and removed to Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, where they are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Ripp became the parents of twelve children: Anna, who is a resident of Platte Center ; Henry, living in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; Kate, who makes her home in Olympia, Wash- ington ; Mattie, who resides in Woodlawn, Oregon; Agnes, of Niobrara, Nebraska : William, living in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; John, who is a resident of Spencer. this state; Lizzie, who makes her home in McMinnville, Oregon; Jacob, living in Rosewater, Nebraska; Gertrude, of Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; Fred Higler, of this review; and Theodore, who died at the age of fourteen months.
Fred H. Ripp, after attending the district schools, spent three years as a high- school pupil in Stuart, Nebraska, after which he worked upon the home farm and at carpenter work in connection with his father until he attained his majority. He then became a rural mail carrier on Route No. 1 out of Platte Center, having charge of that route for three years. In 1907 he married and removed to Columbus, where he followed the carpenter's trade until the fall of 1908, when he removed to Cornlea and by President Taft was appointed postmaster, filling the position for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Columbus, where he followed the carpenter's trade. In 1912 he secured the agency for the Singer sewing machine, which he holds today and has built up a good business along that line in Platte county. In May, 1915, he removed to Tarnov and was appointed postmaster by President Wilson, which position he is now acceptably filling. Hc is also agent for the Fremont Creamery & Butter Company, while his wife is local manager and operator for the Monroe Independent Telephone Company exchange at Tarnov.
On the 26th of June, 1907, Mr. Ripp was united in marriage to Miss Josie L. Clother, whose birth occurred in Columbus, July 2, 1887, her parents being M. E. and Mary (Burke) Clother. The father, a native of Saratoga county, New York, and an agriculturist by occupation, is now living on his farm at Platte Center. The mother passed away in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Clother were the parents of five children, as follows: Frank, a resident of Platte Center : Charles and John,
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both of whom are deceased; Mrs. Josie L. Ripp; and Edward, a farmer of Bur- rows township. Mr. and Mrs. Ripp now have four children, namely: Inez, who was born November 28, 1908; Malon, whose birth occurred in January, 1910; Mar- vin, whose natal year was 1912; and Vern, born October 5, 1914. They lost their first born, Ethleen, who died at the age of fourteen months.
. The parents hold membership in St. Michael's Catholic church and Mr. Ripp is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and it speaks well for him that his fellow townsmen desired him to serve in the position of postmaster, to which he was appointed under democratic administration.
ISAAC BROCK.
Isaac Brock, engaged in the livery business in Columbus, is also active Ju public affairs of the city, serving at the present time as a member of the council. He was born August 16. 1875, on a farm in Osage county, Missouri, his parents being Henry and Hannah (Granneman) Brock. The father was born in Switzerland about 1813 and in his boyhood came to America, after which he worked in the mines of Pennsylvania for a few years, removing thence to Osage county, Missouri, where he purchased and cultivated a farm that had formerly been the property of his father-in-law. Before becoming possessor of this land. however, he worked at the butchering business, which he owned and conducted in partnership with a brother. He took an active interest in church work as a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. His death resulted from typhoid fever in the year 1878. It was in 1872 that he wedded Hannah Granneman, a native of Osage county, Missouri, born July 3, 1853. Since his demise she has become the wife of August Nuetzman and is now living in Columbus.
Isaac Brock had very meager educational advantages, but improved every opportunity to further his knowledge and hy reading and experience has become a well informed man. At the age of sixteen he began providing for his own sup- port by working as a farm hand for an uncle at a wage of thirteen dollars per month through the summer seasons, while in the winter months he was paid but eight dollars. Five years were spent in that way, after which he removed to Colum- bus in 1896 and worked at the carpenter's trade until May 9, 1898, when he enlisted for two years' service in the Spanish-American war as a member of Company K, First Regiment of Nebraska Volunteers. With his command he went to the Philip- pines and took part in the skirmish near Malate on the 5th of August, 1898, and in the battle of Manila on the 13th of the same month. He also served in the Second Philippine Islands Expedition, and becoming ill with typhoid fever, was in the hospital from the 14th of October to the 12th of December, 1898, after which he was honorably discharged because of disability.
On the 1st of March, 1899, Mr. Brock returned to Columbus, where he was employed in various ways for four years. In company with Fred Ernst he then purchased the livery business of Mr. Randall and has since been active along that line. They have two good buildings one hundred and thirty-two by one hundred
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and thirty-two feet, keep nineteen head of horses, six top buggies, two carriages and a railway hack. They are accorded a liberal patronage, the public appreciat- ing their reliable business methods and earnest efforts to please.
On the 28th of February, 1901, Mr. Brock was united in marriage to Miss Kate Oldigs, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, February 4, 1879. To them have been born three children: Lucile and Elmer, who are attending school; and Irene.
Fraternally Mr. Brock is identified with the Sons of Herman, the Highlanders and Camp No. 4 of the Spanish War Veterans, while his religious faith is indi- cated in his membership in the German Methodist church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a member of the city council of Columbus. In office he is making a creditable record, for he closely studies every question of importance that comes before the council and gives his support wherever he believes that the best inter- ests of the city are involved. In business circles he is recognized as a self-made man, for from the age of sixteen years he has been dependent upon his own re- sources, depending entirely upon industry and perseverance to win advancement.
AUGUST WAGNER.
August Wagner, practicing at the bar of Columbus as the junior partner in the firm of Albert & Wagner, has gained that distinction which follows thorough prep- aration, devotion to the interests of clients and a close conformity to the highest professional standards. He was born on a farm in Cuming county, Nebraska, October 1, 1876. His father, John Wagner, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1838, and in that country wedded Kunie Irlbach, who was also born there. In 1867 they sailed for the new world and became residents of Cuming county, Ne- braska, where they resided for twenty-three years, or until 1890, when they established their home at Columbus. The father served as assessor of Cuming county for more than twenty years, a fact which indicates his thorough capability and impartiality in the discharge of his duties. He was also a director of the school board and was regarded as one of the most valued citizens of that district. He died in the year 1913.
August Wagner was a youth of fourteen when the family came to Columbus, which gave him the opportunity of continuing his education in the high school of Columbus, from which in due time he was graduated. His decision concerning a life work was manifest when he entered the law department of the University of Nebraska, in which he won his LL. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1900. He next entered the law office of A. M. Post, with whom he was associated until February, 1905, at which date he entered into his present partnership rela- tions, becoming the junior member of the firm of Albert & Wagner. He is an able lawyer who carefully prepares his cases and is ready to meet any emergency. In the presentation of a cause his arguments are strong and he presents point after point in logical sequence so that all may follow the clear course of his reasoning to its ultimate conclusion.
There is an interesting military chapter in the life record of Mr. Wagner, who
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served as captain of Company K, of the First Nebraska National Guard for four years at Columbus, and at the time of the Spanish-American war enlisted as a private, continuing in the service from the 27th of April, 1898, to the 23d of August, 1899. All that time he was in the Philippines and he participated in the engagements at Pasay, August 5, 1898; capture of Manila, August 13; aided in suppressing the Philippino insurrection resulting in the battle of Manila February 4th and 5th, 1899; the battle of Mariquina, February 17, 1899; San Mateo River, on the 22d of February ; Mariquina on the 6th of March; San Francisco Del Monte, March 25; Meycanayan, March 26; Marillao, March 27; near Marillao, March 29; Guinquinto, March 30; and the capture of Malolos on the 31st of March, 1899. At the last named place he was stricken with typhoid fever, was sent to Manila and later invalided home. He belongs to the United Spanish War Veterans Asso- ciation and was department commander of Nebraska from 1912 to 1913.
On the 19th of July, 1905, in Columbus, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Pearl Elias, a daughter of Charles F. Elias, of this city, and their union has been blessed with a son and two daughters, Milton, Pearl E. and Pauline Fredrika.
Mr. Wagner gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and for two years filled the office of justice of the peace, while since 1902 he has been United States referee in bankruptcy. He is well known as a prominent attorney, while his military service is indicative of the spirit of loyalty which he manifests in all matters vital to citizenship.
WILLIAM P. BRAUN.
William P. Braun, a general merchant of Humphrey, was born in Grand Prairie township, Platte county, Nebraska, November 9, 1881, a son of John and Mary (Wieser) Braun, natives of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and of Austria respect- ively. The father followed both farming and merchandising in Wisconsin until 1871, when he came to Nebraska, settling in Grand Prairie township, Platte county, where he secured a homestead and afterward obtained a timber claim. His tracts were just as they came from the hand of nature, but he resolutely undertook the task of transforming the wild land into productive fields and brought about excel- lent results. He has since operated his farm with good success and he has also conducted a flourishing nursery business for the past fifteen years, his prosperity and advancement being the direct result of his energy, perseverance and determina- tion. He is now sixty-nine years of age, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-eight.
William P. Braun was reared and educated in Grand Prairie township, but his school privileges were limited as his textbooks were put aside when he was but twelve years of age. From that time forward he depended upon his own resources for a living, working on a farm for his father and others until the age of twenty- two. He then rented land, which he cultivated for two years, when he retired from agricultural pursuits and removed to Humphrey. During the succeeding six months he was employed in a general store and at the end of that time engaged in the draying business for a year. Still later he established a restaurant, which he conducted for six months and then sold, after which he operated a delivery busi-
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ness for the stores for six months. On disposing of his interests of that character he purchased another restaurant, which he managed for six months, and then en- tered the employ of Diers Brothers, general merchants, with whom he remained for five years. In October, 1914, he joined Joseph Brockhaus in the establishment of a general store, which they conducted under the firm style of Braun & Brockhaus until Mr. Braun purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He carries a large stock of goods, for which he finds a ready sale, the public according him both patronage and respect because of his honorable business methods. He also operates a cream station, buying cream, butter and eggs.
On the 18th of February, 1903, Mr. Braun was joined in wedlock to Miss Barbara German, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth German, natives of Peoria, Illinois. The father was a farmer by occupation and operated land in Illinois until 1885, when he came to Platte county and again purchased land, which he has since owned and cultivated, his place being located in Grand Prairie township. Mr. and Mrs. Braun have become the parents of seven children, namely: Christina, Ray- mond, Leona, Lucille, Stella, Laverna and William.
The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Braun belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters and to the Knights of Columbus. His political indorse- ment is given the democratic party, but he has neither the time nor the inclination to seck office, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs, which are bringing him a gratifying measure of success.
JOHN GRAF, SR.
John Graf, Sr., who has been a representative resident of Columbus for almost four decades, has held the office of county clerk since 1904, and in that connection has made a most creditable and highly commendable record. His birth occurred in Germany on the 4th of September, 1850, his parents being John and Theresa (Heckli) Graf, who emigrated to the United States in 1854, spending the remainder of their lives in Wisconsin. The father passed away in 1889, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1896. .
John Graf, whose name introduces this review, was but four years of age when brought by his parents to the new world and acquired his early education in the public schools of Sank City, Wisconsin, while subsequently he pursued a normal- school course at Platteville, that state. He then followed the profession of teach- ing in Wisconsin for a period of five years, or until 1874, and during the following three years held a position in a store at Sauk City. In 1876 he came to Columbus, Nebraska, and after teaching school in this connty for one term embarked in busi- ness at Columbus, being thus successfully engaged for seven years. On the expi- ration of that period, in 1884, he became deputy county clerk of Platte county, acting in that capacity until 1888. He was then again engaged in business at Colum- bus for four years and in 1897 was chosen deputy county clerk. He became county clerk in 1904, in which office he has served continuously since in a most satisfactory and commendable manner.
On the 11th of July, 1882, in Columbus, Nebraska, Mr. Graf was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Bader, by whom he has two sons, namely: John T., who
JOHN GRAF, SR.
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was born in 1884; and Edward F., whose birth occurred in 1890. Both are residents of Columbus. Mr. Graf gives his political allegiance to the democracy and frater- nally is identified with the Sons of IIcrman, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of America. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. During the long period of his residence in Columbus he has gained many friends, having won the warm regard of all with whom he has been associated.
GROVER LONG.
Grover Long, a successful young attorney of Columbus, has here practiced his profession as junior member of the law firm of Garlow & Long since July, 1910. His birth occurred at Ord, Valley county, Nebraska, on the 4th of November, 1887, his parents being William D. and Phoebe (Burnham) Long, the former a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Berrien county, Michigan. Their marriage was celebrated in St. Paul, Howard county, Nebraska, and both are still living. In 1861 William D. Long offered his services to the Union, joining the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry and remaining with that com- mand until wounded in an engagement at Florida, Missouri, in 1862.
Grover Long completed a high-school course in his native town by graduation in 1904 and six years later received the degree of LL. B. from the College of Law of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. In July, 1910, he came to Columbus and formed a partnership with C. J. Garlow, a distinguished attorney of the city, in association with whom he has since practiced as a member of the firm of Gar- low & Long. An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law, and the ability accurately to apply its principles are factors in his effectiveness as an advocate. He is also identified with business interests as vice president of the S. & G. Company, an advertising concern.
On the 10th of October, 1912, in Columbus, Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Gwendolyn Garlow, a daughter of his partner, C. J. Garlow. He gives his political allegiance to the democracy, is a Chapter Mason and also belongs to the Sons of Herman. He is deservedly popular in both social and professional circles, being widely recognized as a young man of ability, promise and worth.
LOSEKE BROTHERS.
In pioneer times the Loseke family was founded in Platte county and since that day representatives of the family have taken an active and helpful part in promoting the material development and progress of this section of the state. The work instituted by their grandfather and carried on by their father is now continued by Edward G. and E. Gerhard Loseke, who are living on section 11, Bismark township, where they own and cultivate four hundred acres of land. They are sons of Gerhard Loseke, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and both were born upon the old homestead farm where they now reside, the former on the 23d of
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December, 1881, and the latter on the 4th of March, 1886. They were reared in the usual manner of farm lads, attending the public schools in the acquirement of their education and spending the vacation periods in work in the fields. They early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and as the years have gone on they have continued to follow general agricul- tural pursuits. They have a well developed and highly improved property com- prising four hundred acres of land which was given to them by their father, and they have brought their fields to a high state of cultivation.
On the 10th of November, 1909, Edward G. Loseke was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Luers, a native of Platte county, and a daughter of Henry Luers, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They have become the parents of three children: Lucile E., Ellen C. and Elaine L. E. Gerhard Loseke was mar- ried on the 30th of March, 1910, to Miss Alma E. Huntemann, also a native of Platte county and a daughter of Henry Huntemann, who follows farming in Sher- man township. Their children are also three in number :. Raymond J., Estella L. and Lorine M. The two families attend and hold membership in the Lutheran church. They have a wide acquaintance in the county, where they have always lived, and their circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
LOUIS D. DIERS.
The history of the Diers family is unique in that there are eight brothers and sisters, all of whom are connected with the general mercantile interests as the owner of nine different stores in Nebraska. Louis D. Diers is active in the manage- ment of the one at Humphrey and his interests there constitute one of the leading mercantile concerns of Platte county. The spirit of enterprise and progress actuate him in the control of the business and, moreover, his efforts at all times measure up to the highest standards of commercial ethics.
Louis D. Diers was born in Clayton county, Iowa, November 9, 1869, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Stuffer) Diers, natives of Oldenburg, Germany. Com- ing to America in 1852, they settled in Clayton county, where the father purchased land on the Turkey river. Immediately he began the development and improve- ment of a farm, which he continued to operate with success until 1895. He brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and so directed his efforts that substantial results rewarded him. He is now living retired, making his home with his daugh- ter, Mrs. Henry Tangeman, in Gretna, Nebraska. His wife passed away Decem- ber 25, 1913, and her death was the occasion of deep regret to her husband, her children and her many friends. The sons and daughters in this family are John, Henry, Herman, Fred, Anna, William, Louis and Caroline.
As previously stated, all eight are connected in the ownership of a chain of nine stores situated at various points in Nebraska and conducted under the firm styles of Diers Brothers and of Diers Brothers & Company. They became factors in the business life of Humphrey when in 1902 they purchased the P. H. Bender store. They have since erected two modern brick buildings, two stories in height, one of which is occupied by the postoffice and the other utilized for the conduct of their
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mercantile interests. The Diers establishment is one of the finest stores in the county, equipped after the fashion of city establishments and carrying a very extensive stock, representing the latest goods of domestic and foreign manufacture. Louis D. Diers is in charge of this store and he possesses the splendid business qualification characteristic of the family. He readily discriminates between the essential and the nonessential and while his career has never been characterized by a vaulting ambition, he has not hesitated to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way. In connection with his other interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Humphrey.
On the 14th of March, 1891, Mr. Diers was united in marriage to Miss Julia Russell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Russell. The father, a farmer by occupation, removed to Clayton county, Iowa, at an early period in the development of that district and there engaged in farming until 1895, but is now making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Diers at the age of eighty-two years, his wife having passed away in 1910, when eighty-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Diers have but one child, Vera Mae, aged seventeen years.
The family are very prominent socially and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. They are members of and support the German Lutheran church and Mr. Diers also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is independent but is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and his efforts have been an important element in advancing public progress. He served for six years as a member of the town council, was also on the school board for six years and for a number of years has been treasurer of the fire department. He is fortunate in that he possesses the character and ability that inspire confidence in others, and the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important business and public relations.
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