USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 35
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PAUL G. SMEALL.
Paul G. Smeall, manager of the lumberyard of the Nye-Schneider-Fowler Company at Cornlea is an enterprising young business man, alert to the oppor- tunities for the extension of the trade relations of the business which he represents. He has not yet completed his third decade on life's journey, his birth having oc- curred in Dodge county, Nebraska. October 30, 1887, his parents being Jacob and Anna (Sykorska) Smeall. who were natives of Germany. The father came to America with his parents when a youth of about twelve years, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, where the grandfather, who was a farmer by occupation, secured a tract of land, while Jacob Smeall obtained work in the coal mines. devoting twenty-two years of his life to that pursuit. In 1872 he came to Nebraska, settling in Dodge county. where he took up a homestead which he
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cultivated and improved for some time. He then removed to Howard county, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for a considerable period, after which he returned to Dodge county. Year after year he carefully tilled his fields until 1900, when he put aside the active work of the farm and removed to Dodge, Nebraska, where he resided until April 12, 1914, when he became a resident of Cornlea, that county, where he is now living at the age of seventy-two years. His wife also survives at the age of sixty-eight years.
Paul G. Smeall was reared and educated in Dodge county, Nebraska, the first five years of his life being spent upon the old homestead farm, at the end of which time his father abandoned agricultural pursuits. He learned the carpenter's trade after he had completed his education in the public schools and worked at his trade for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of the Nye-Schneider-Fowler Company in their lumberyard at Dodge, Nebraska, and made so creditable a record that on the 12th of February, 1914, he was pro- moted to the position of manager of their yard at Cornlea, acting in that capacity to the present time and making an excellent record by the prompt and faithful manner in which he discharges his duties. This company operates the elevator at Cornlea, deals in lumber and coal and also engages in buying and selling hogs. In business Mr. Smeall seems ready to meet any emergency and is persistent, energetic, upright and honorable. In his religious faith he is a Catholic, and he belongs also to the Catholic Order of Foresters. Politically he is independent, voting according to the dictates of his judgment, his political opinions being based upon a thorough understanding of the questions to be settled.
CHARLES WILLIAM BETTERTON.
In the death of Charles William Betterton Columbus lost a valued citizen and all who knew him lost a genial companion and faithful friend. To his family he was a devoted husband and father and in every relation of life he displayed those characteristics which everywhere awaken confidence and regard. He was born at New Albany, Indiana, August 6, 1854, and obtained his education in the schools of that city. Taking up the study of music, he devoted nine years thereto and displayed much talent in that art. When eighteen years of age he accompanied his parents to northern Indiana, the family home being established at Kouts. When twenty-three years of age he took up railroading on the Pennsylvania sys- tem and was a trainman on the first train going into Chicago over that road that burned coal.
Later Mr. Betterton became a traveling salesman, going upon the road for the Milwaukee Harvester Company, which he represented for eight years in Indiana territory before he was transferred to the Pacific coast with Everett, Washington, as his headquarters. In 1901 he was transferred to Nebraska territory, remaining with the same company, but in that year he resigned his position with the Harvester Company and took up a similar position with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, which position he acceptably filled for eight years, or until his death, being regarded as one of the best salesmen connected with that corporation.
Mr. Betterton was united in marriage on the 20th of December, 1877, to Miss
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Harriett Brumbaugh, and to them were born four sons: Ben, who is a painter and decorator of Columbus; Jesse Oatman, who is a graduate of the School of Mines and is now a metallurgist; Ira, who is a painter; and George Mccullough, who follows the same business.
Mr. Betterton was a member of the Modern Woodmen, the Independent Order of Foresters and the United Commercial Travelers, and when he passed away, his death being occasioned by Bright's disease, on the 11th of April, 1909, the Hall of Columbus Council, No. 329, U. C. T., passed the following resolution: "This council has received official announcement of the death of Brother Charles W. Betterton, who departed this life April 11, 1909, at his home in Columbus. Brother Betterton was a charter member of this council and we believe it may be said of his work and walk among us that he was an exemplar of the best tenets of our organization. He was an exponent of that high type of fraternal spirit which demands from man in behalf of his fellowmen some of sacrifice, much of cheer, all of kindness and charity not measured by human boundaries. In the state he was a subject, not slothful in performance of the duties of citizenship, but active and earnest in promotion of his economic principles. In the home he was an idolized husband and father. In our council he was both brother and friend to every brother here. We feel that in the death of Brother Betterton our council and the order national has suffered a distinct loss.
"Resolved, That the secretary of this council be and is hereby directed to en- gross the foregoing sentiment for presentation to the household of our departed brother, and that a copy hereof be presented to the local press for publication, and also to The Sample Case, the official paper of our order.
Frank Schram, W. J. Walter, M. C. Bloedorn, Resolutions committee."
Mr. Betterton indeed possessed a genial nature, a social disposition and a kindly spirit and his many good qualities endeared him to all with whom he had business or social relations. He made friends wherever he went and that his life was upright and honorable is indicated in the fact that he was best loved where best known.
CARL MUELLER.
Carl Mueller, of Grand Prairie township, who devotes his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, was born in Montgomery county, Illinois, on the 24th of Sep- tember, 1868. His parents, Fred and Julia (Stickle) Mueller, were natives of Germany and both were born in 1832, the former on the 13th of August and the latter on the 30th of September. Not long after emigrating to the United States the father joined the Union army at Litchfield, Illinois, and served for three years in the Civil war. He was wounded in the foot but otherwise escaped injury. In 1872 he came to Platte county, Nebraska, and took up land on his soldier's warrant, locating on section 26, Grand Prairie township. He was a successful farmer and his many sterling qualities gained him the confidence and warm regard of those who were
CARL MUELLER AND FAMILY
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brought in contact with him. He passed away on the 2d of September, 1890, but was survived for three years by his wife, who died October 18, 1893. They left three children living, Carl, F. H. and Otto.
Carl Mueller was reared upon the home farm and as soon as old enough assumed charge of the operation of a quarter section of land belonging to his uncle, Fred Mulock, and following the death of the latter he remained with his aunt and con- tinued to manage the farm. At her death he inherited the place, which he is still operating, raising both grain and stock.
Mr. Mueller was married April 28, 1892, to Miss Sophia Neemeyer, a native of Germany, and their five children are: Olga, Elsie, Anette, Clara and Victor. Mr. Mueller is independent in politics, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes a deep interest. Practically his entire time is taken up by his farm work, and his labors yield him a good financial return.
CARL JOHANN CARLSON.
An important feature in the business activity and commercial enterprise of Lindsay is the general mercantile store of Carlson Brothers, of which Carl Johann Carlson is the senior partner. He has made for himself a creditable place in business circles and investigation into his career shows that his methods are those which measure up to the highest standard of commercial ethics. Moreover, Mr. Carlson comes from Sweden, a country which one of the most noted American travelers has characterized as "the home of the honest man." He was born at Blackstad, Socken, Kalmar Lan, on the 15th of November, 1862, a son of Carl Peter and Christina (Johannson) Carlson, in whose family there were seven children, two of whom have now passed away. Two sisters of the family are still in Sweden and one son is in South Dakota, while the other two sons constitute the firm of Carlson Brothers at Lindsay.
Carl Johann Carlson, who is the eldest of the family, acquired a common-school education and was reared to the occupation of farming. At the age of nineteen years he sought the business opportunities offered in the new world and made his way to Elgin, Illinois, in company with other boys from Sweden. He secured work as a farm hand and was thus employed for four years and later removed to St. Edward, Nebraska, where he was employed on the Brainard ranch for five years. He then went to Newman Grove and secured a situation in a general mercantile store, in which he remained for two years, after which he came to Lindsay and entered the Johnson Implement store, in which he continued for a year. He after- ward became a clerk in the general mercantile store of Henry Ehlers, with whom he remained for three years, when he and his brother, P. A. Carlson, and Peter Johnson purchased the business from Mr. Ehlers in 1896. That connection was maintained for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Carlson and his brother bought out the interest of their partner, and they have since been conducting the business under the firm style of Carlson Brothers. They now have a large store, carrying an up-to-date stock of general merchandise, and the business has tripled since they secured control. They follow progressive methods, are most careful in meeting the wants and wishes of their patrons, and their reliable dealing and
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courteous treatment are salient features in the growing success. They have ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement and they have built up their business along substantial lines leading to continued prosperity. In addition to his mercantile interests Carl J. Carlson is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Association of Lindsay.
In 1888 Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Clara Hedberg, a daugh- ter of Peter Hedberg, who removed to Platte county from Bishop Hill, Illinois, settling at Lookingglass. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have become the parents of four children, Nettie, Carl, Floyd and Chester.
In his political views Mr. Carlson is an earnest republican but not an office seeker. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Lindsay, in which he has held different offices, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Newman Grove. He also belongs to the Lindsay Commercial Club and takes an active and helpful interest in all plans and measures to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the town. He recognizes public needs as he does the conditions of his business and seeks ever to further those plans which promote civic virtue, improvement and pride.
R. BRUCE WEBB.
A busy and active life intelligently directed has brought to R. Bruce Webb a substantial measure of success, so that he is numbered among the men of affluence in Creston, where he is engaged in the real-estate and auctioneering business and also has other important financial and business connections. He was born in Ten- nessee, May 23, 1868, a son of George W. and Margaret (Charlton) Webb, who were also natives of that state. The father was educated for the ministry but before beginning active work in that connection the Civil war broke out and he joined the Confederate army, with which he served for three years. He had his skull cracked during the war and this left him in rather feeble health. In February, 1870, he removed to Omaha, Douglas county, Nebraska, where he resided for sixteen years. On the expiration of that period he came to Platte county and resided on a farm near Creston for five years, at the end of which time he removed to Madison county, where he purchased land, there carrying on general farming for several years, after which he retired from active business and removed to Madison, living in that county for seventeen years. Hc next went to Kearney, Nebraska, and still later to Omaha, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in April, 1915, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years. His widow is now living in Omaha, aged seventy-four.
R. Bruce Webb was reared and educated in Papillion and Creston, Nebraska, remaining with his parents until he attained his majority. He afterward engaged in driving a team on grade work for the Northwestern Railroad during the process of building, the line. He also worked out as a farm hand for three years, but, desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented land which he continued to cultivate for several years. He then removed to Stanton county, Nebraska, where he carried on farming until 1902, at which time he returned to Platte county, where he engaged in farming for a year.
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Coming to Creston, Mr. Webb has since made this town his home and has de- voted the greater part of his time to the real-estate business and to auctioneering He also bought land south of the town. He is a stockholder and director in the Citizens State Bank of Creston and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com- pany. His business affairs have always been carefully and wisely conducted, dis- playing sound judgment, keen sagacity and unfaltering energy. His services are almost constantly in demand as an auctioneer, and he has cried some of the largest sales in this part of the state. He was also in the government service, selling at auction the Indian lands in Nebraska and Wyoming for two years during the presidency of William Howard Taft.
On the 21st of September, 1891, Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Westcott, a daughter of Welland and Anna (Lewis) Westcott, who were natives of Illinois. Her father was a farmer by occupation and also a mason by trade. In 1878 he became a resident of Platte county and after living in Columbus for some time took up his abode in Creston township, where he purchased land, which he cultivated for several years. In 1894 he removed to Missouri, where he resided for a few years, after which he went to Omaha and later returned to Creston, where he continued to live until called to his final rest in 1914, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His widow survives and lives in Creston at the age of sixty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have become the parents of three children: Troy, who was born in July, 1892, and died in September of that year; Vera, born in November, 1894; and Kenneth, in September, 1900.
Mr. Webb is a public-spirited citizen, interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community and county in which he makes his home. To this end he cooperates in many movements calculated to benefit the district. He is a member of the Platte County Fair Association, has done good work as a mem- ber of the school board of Creston and has also served as a member of the town board, to which office he was elected on the republican ticket, having ever been a stalwart supporter of that party. In fact, he has taken an active interest in pro- moting its growth and insuring its success and has served as chairman of the republican central committee of Platte county. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Degree of Honor and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a member of the company which owns the United Workmen building in Creston. He is also president of the Northern Nebraska Auctioneers Association. He owns a fine home in Creston, modern in every respect, and one of its chief charms is the warm-hearted and gracious hospitality which he and his wife extend to their many friends. He is thoroughly alive and alert, energetic, ready to meet any emergency, and at all times loyal to an interest or cause which he espouses. His county mmm- bers him among its representative citizens, his worth being acknowledged by all.
SIMON P. BENDER.
Simon P. Bender. a resident farmer of Humphrey township, living on seetion 22, has always spent his life in Platte county, and the spirit of western enterprise and progress finds expression in his business career. He was born October 2, 1887. in the township in which he still makes his home, his parents being John W.
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and Mary (Wunder) Bender, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. The son was reared under the parental roof and pursued his education in the district schools and parochial school of Humphrey. Through the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm and continued to live with his parents until he attained his majority. His father and mother then removed to a farm near the town, and Simon P. Bender continued upon the old homestead, which he has since cultivated. His place is known as the Poland China Breeding Farm, which name indicates an important feature of his business, for he is very extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, in which connection he has become widely known. He also feeds a carload of cattle each year, and his live-stock interests are a most important and profitable feature of his business. He has a half section of land which is situated on section 22, Humphrey township, and the soil, naturally rich and productive, returns to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 14th of September, 1910, Mr. Bender was united in marriage to Miss Sabina Abler, a daughter of Edwin and Christina (Gehr) Abler, both of whom were natives of Germany but came to America in early life and for a time resided in Missouri. Subsequently they established their home in Platte county, Nebraska, and Mr. Abler is now operating the Joseph Bender farm, adjoining the farm of Simon P. Bender. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Simon P. Bender has been born a daughter, Mildred M., whose natal day was December 7, 1913.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, and Mr. Bender belongs also to the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political belief is that of the democratic party but he has had neither the time nor the inclination to seek public office, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. His entire life has been spent upon the farm which he now occupies and cultivates and which is one of the valuable properties of Humphrey township. He leads a most busy, active and useful life, and his labors are attended with a measure of well deserved success.
JEROME W. CONNELLY.
Jerome W. Connelly, who is occupying the position of postmaster at Lindsay, was born September 20, 1892, a son of Frank and Mary Connelly, who settled in Platte county in 1872, coming from Lindsay, Canada, the town of Lindsay, Ne- braska, being named in honor of their old home town in Canada. Frank Connelly worked upon a farm and afterward established a store, which he conducted suc- cessfully for a time. He afterward disposed of the store to Martin Mogan and opened a hardware business, which he conducted in partnership with William Degan for a time. A few years later he disposed of this business and in connection with his nephew, Jesse Connelly, went to Creston, Nebraska, where he engaged in the hardware business, conducting his establishment for two and a half years. On disposing of his interests at that place he returned to Lindsay and retired from active business. He now resides upon land which his father homesteaded on first coming to the state and his former business activity provided him with the capital
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that now enables him to enjoy a period of rest. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church.
Jerome W. Connelly attended school in Lindsay and for three years continued his studies at Quincy, Illinois. He was also in school at York, Nebraska, for about six months, after which he returned to Lindsay, where he engaged in the auto livery business for about two years. Subsequently he was employed at farm labor until the 1st of September, 1914. On the 1st of October, of that year, he took charge of the Lindsay postoffice, which he is now conducting, performing his work in a careful and systematic manner that is highly satisfactory to his patrons and to those who have general supervision over the office.
Mr. Connelly votes with the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Much of his life has been spent in the locality in which he now lives and he enjoys in large measure the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
JOSEPH BRAUN.
Among the well known citizens of Humphrey township is Joseph Braun, who lives on section 30, and, as those who know him entertain for him warm regard, the history of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to his many friends. He was born in Wisconsin, April 1, 1850, a son of John P. and Anna M. (Schrueder) Braun, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they remained until 1848, when they sailed for the new world. They did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling six miles south of Milwaukee, where Mr. Braun purchased twenty acres of land, which he con- tinued to develop and improve until 1861. He then went to Dane county, Wis- consin, and invested his savings in eighty acres of land, which he continued to cultivate until 1879. He then sold that property and came to Platte county, Ne- braska, where he homesteaded eighty acres and also secured a timber claim of one hundred and sixty acres near St. Mary's. With characteristic energy he bent his efforts to the immediate development and improvement of the land, which he con- verted into a fine farm that he cultivated throughout his remaining days. He died in 1893, being survived for five years by his wife, who passed away in 1898.
Joseph Braun was reared and educated in Wisconsin. He remained upon his father's farm until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he entered college in preparation for teaching. which profession he afterward followed in Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska for nine years. He then put aside the work of the schoolroom and in 1878 took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Humphrey township. He set about improving his land and has since continued its cultivation with good results, his fields annually bringing forth golden harvests as the result of his early plowing, planting and unflagging care. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Humphrey and one of the stock- holders of the First National Bank of Humphrey. In the thirty-seven years which have come and gone since he turned his attention to farming he has won success as the reward of persistent, earnest labor. In addition to his home place he owns a half section of land in Boone county, Nebraska.
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On the 25th of February, 1878, Mr. Braun was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Scheidemantel, a daughter of Henry and Cunnigunda (Meyer) Seheide- mantel, who were natives of Bavaria. They came to America in early life and settled in Wisconsin, where the father purchased land, upon which he lived for some years. Later be removed with his family to Iowa and became the owner of a farm in Winneshiek county, deveting his remaining days to its development and improvement. He died January 16, 1888, and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in November, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Braun have become parents of ten children: Cunnigunda, the wife of Bernard Lohaus, a resident farmer of Humphrey township; Peter J., who is living in Chicago; Henry J., a resident farmer of Granville township; Mary. the wife of Henry J. Haferland, who follows farming in Humphrey township; Minnie, a trained nurse located in Atlantic, Iowa; Leo J., a farmer of Boone county, Nebraska; Anna, the wife of John Eggers, residing in Humphrey; Josephine, who is studying in Omaha for the profession of nursing; Joseph F. E., at home; and Anna Rosa, who died in August, 1891.
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