USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 46
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
466
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
stantial merchants and business men of the city. His political support was given the democratic party and he took an active part in advancing its interests and securing its successes. For four years he filled the office of deputy sheriff. His wife was born in Austria in 1860 and they were married in the fall of 1879. Mrs. Jaw- orski passed away in 1883, while Mr. Jaworski survived for thirty years, his death occurring on the 14th of September, 1913. Both were consistent members of the Catholic church.
Their son, Charles S. Jaworski, was educated in the parochial schools of C'o- lumbus and on starting out in life on his own account was employed at farm lahor for three years. He then turned his attention to the well and implement business, in which he remained for three years, when he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company as a car repairer, spending six months in that connection. He was then made inspector, which position he filled for four years in Columbus and for four years in South Omaha. He then returned to this city and was engaged in the well business for six and a half years but sold out in 1915, after being appointed to the office of deputy sheriff-a position which his father had previously acceptably filled and in which he is making an equally creditable record.
Mr. Jaworski was married January 10, 1906, to Miss Mary Gurek, who was born in Austria in 1887, and who by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Thomas, who was born October 30, 1906, and Barbara, born December 5, 1909, both attending parochial school; and Helen, whose birth occurred July 11, 1911.
The family adhere to the Catholic faith and contribute generously to the sup- port of the church. Mr. Jaworski belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Columbus and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is well known in the county where the greater part of his life has been passed and where substantial qualities have won for him the friendship and regard of many with whom he has become acquainted.
CHRISTIAN M. GRUENTHER.
Christian M. Gruenther has the distinction of having been elected for the fourth time as clerk of the district court of Platte county, and is recognized as one of the prominent leaders of the democratic party in his section of the state. In fact, his opinions carry weight in party councils throughout Nebraska and his efforts have been manifest in tangible results for advancement and improvement. He was born in Springfield, Wisconsin, October 6, 1871, a son of Henry and Agnes (Greisen) Gruenther, both of whom were natives of the Rhenish province of Germany, where they were reared and married. The father was born in 1838 and in 1869 he brought his family to America, settling in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained for three years. He came to Platte county in 1872, taking up his abode in Columbus, where he remained until 1880 and then removed with his family to St. Bernard township, Platte county. There his wife died the following year and in 1890 he removed to Oregon, passing away at Mount Angel, that state, in 1894.
469
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
Christian M. Gruenther had only six months' schooling up to the time that he attained the age of twenty-two years. He was only in his first year when brought to this state and he worked on farms in Platte county until he reached the age of fifteen, when he went to Minnesota, where he was employed in connection with what is now the Great Northern Railroad system, aiding in the work of ballasting and clearing the roadway into Winnipeg. After a summer spent in that way he returned to Platte county, where he again worked on a farin for a year. He next went to the Black Hills, but finding no employment there, he made his way to Wyoming, where he spent a summer in railroad grading. In the fall of that year, in connection with three others, he took a contract to get out rock to be used in building culverts for the railroad. He next went to Colorado and worked for six weeks in the Cripple Creek district prospecting. He found nothing, however, to reward his search and accepted employment on a dairy ranch near Denver, where he remained for nine- teen months. All the money which he earned during that period he placed in a savings bank in Denver, but the bank failed and he lost every cent. He then re- turned to Platte county, Nebraska, where he accepted the position of manager of the Greisen farm, which he conducted for three years in a most capable manner, accept- ing that responsibility when but nineteen years of age. He then went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and entered the Western Normal College, for he realized the value of education and desired to supplement his early limited training and the lessons which he had learned in the school of experience, by a more advanced scholastic course. That he applied himself most diligently to the task is indicated in the fact that he completed the three years' teachers' course in nineteen months.
Mr. Gruenther then returned to Platte county and established his home at Platte Center, where he entered the fire insurance business, being thus engaged for eight months. At the end of that time he purchased the Platte Center Signal, a weekly democratie paper, and withdrew from the insurance field to devote his time to newspaper publication. In 1898 he was given charge of a defunct bank, the Farm- ers & Merchants at Platte Center, and from it he organized the Platte County Bank, of which he was made cashier, so continuing for two years. On leaving the bank he was elected to the office of clerk of the district court in 1899 and has been reelected three times, a fact indicative of his capability and the faithfulness and promptness with which he discharges the duties of this position. He is a mem- ber and treasurer of the Becker, Hockenberger & Chambers Company and an officer and stockholder of the Guaranty Loan & Trust Company of Columbus. He has been frequently appointed in Platte and adjoining counties as referee and trustee to handle and sell the real estate belonging to estates and in that capacity has done more work than any man in Nebraska.
On the 18th of July, 1898, in Platte Center, Mr. Gruenther was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Shea, a daughter of Thomas Shea, and their living children are: Alfred M., Homer H., Leona, Louis and Verona. The third child, Lester, died May 17, 1914, at the age of eleven years.
The parents are Catholics in religious faith and Mr. Gruenther also holds mem- bership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Sons of Herman and the Knights of Columbus.
In 1908 he organized the Bryan Volunteers and later served as secretary of the state committee and president of the Nebraska State Democratic Club. He is one of the most farsighted and discriminating democratie leaders in the state
470
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
and largely to his efforts is credited the election of the Bryan electors in 1908 and Shallenberger for governor and Hitchcock to the United States senate in 1910. He is recognized as a dynamic force in connection with any activity in which he becomes interested. Persistently he pushes his way forward to success and what he accomplishes represents the fit and wise utilization of time and opportunity.
WILLIAM TAGGERT STROTHER.
William Taggert Strother is an honored veteran of the Civil war and a retired farmer of Platte county, now living in Monroe. He was also well known as a news- paper publisher and the success which he achieved in these different connections now enables him to rest from further labors. He has passed the seventy-sixth mile- stone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Licking county, Ohio, July 13, 1839, his parents being John J. and Margaret (Moody) Strother. The father, who devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, died in 1864 at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife passed away in 1847, when but forty-five years of age.
William T. Strother acquired a good education in the public schools of his na- tive state and during vacation periods worked upon his father's farm in Hancock county, Ohio, assisting in its cultivation until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he started out upon an independent business career by clerking in a store in Van Buren, Ohio. After spending two years in that way he began learning the printer's trade at Paulding, Ohio, being thus occupied until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit aroused by the attempt to overthrow the Union, he offered his services to the government and joined the "boys in blue" of Company G, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for ninety days' service, enlisting April 22, 1861. He was discharged on the 13th of August following, after having par- ticipated in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford. A year passed and he reenlisted on the 26th of August, 1861. joining Company D, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With his command he participated in thirty-nine engage- ments, including the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Buz- zards Roost, Resaca, Kingston, Pickett's Mills, Vining Station, Peach Tree Creek, the Atlanta campaign, and was also with Sherman on the march to the sea. When the war was over he took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere, and on the 26th of August, 1865, he was honorably discharged, returning home with a most credit- able military record.
Not long afterward Mr. Strother left Ohio and came west to Nebraska City, Nebraska. He walked from there to Omaha and on to Monroe, arriving at the latter place on the 7th of December, 1865. He then devoted his energies to farming and also issued The Bulletin at Fairmont for five or six years. He carefully and wisely directed his agricultural interests until he acquired a substantial measure of suc- cess and since 1904 has lived retired in Monroe.
On the 27th of November, 1867, Mr. Strother was united in marriage to Miss Adeline E. Gerrard, who was born May 11, 1831, and passed away July 4, 1912, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. They became the parents of three chil-
471
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
dren: Robert G., now living in Monroe; Mabel, the wife of A. E. Matson, a farmer; and Frank K., of Omaha.
In polities Mr. Strother is a republican but votes according to the dictates of his judgment and his conscience. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian and has long been a loyal adherent of the church. He also has membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and is as true to his country in days of peace as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of the south and aided in the preservation of the Union.
FRED KEELER.
Fred Keeler, devoting his time and energies to general farming on section 18, Lost Creek township, where he has one hundred and sixty aeres of land, was born February 17, 1880, in the township where he still makes his home. His parents were John and Mary E. (Bacon) Keeler, who in the year 1871 came to Nebraska from Orleans county, New York, where the father was reared. He secured land in this state with a military grant which was given him in recognition of his service in the Civil war. He belonged to the Twenty-eighth New York Infantry and went to the front, where he participated in a number of hotly contested battles until he was wounded, after which he was honorably discharged. He belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic at Monroe and he passed away in this county June 17, 1914. His wife survived him almost a year, her demise occurring February 17, 1915. To them were born four children: Edith, the wife of E. M. Johnson, a resident farmer of Lost Creek township; Ethel, the wife of T. D. Selmeyer, also farming in Lost Creek township; Hattie, the wife of Ben Nelson, of the same township; and Fred, of this review.
The last named, the only son in the family, acquired a common-school cduea- tion and spent his youthful days upon the home farm, early beginning work in the fields. When twenty-one years of age he started for himself on the home farm and has since carried on general agricultural pursuits with the result that he has brought the fields to a high state of cultivation and annually gathers good crops. His methods are at once practical and progressive and his labors are attended with a measure of success that is very gratifying. He makes stock-raising a feature of his business, handling Chester White hogs and Red Polled cattle. He likewise has important financial interests, for he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Com pany and the Farmers Coal Company, both of Monroe. and in the Monroe Inde- pendent Telephone Company.
On the 24th of May, 1905, Mr. Keeler was united in marriage to Miss Jose- phine Rudman, a daughter of Olaf and Lena (Johnson) Rudman and a native of Polk county, Nebraska. Their children are Helen, Gladys, Milo Robert, Lena Anna, Mary Cecelia and Harold Kenneth.
In his political views Mr. Keeler is a republican, voting for the candidates of the party where national issues are involved, but at local elections. where there is no question save of the capability of the candidate to take care of the business of town or county, he casts an independent ballot. Interested in the cause of education, he is now serving for a second term as school director. His fellow townsmen regard
472
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
him as an enterprising young farmer and his business ability is winning him ad- vancement. He is energetie and persistent in all that he does and is well known for the thorough reliability of his business methods.
CHARLES WEBSTER HILL.
Charles Webster Hill is a representative young business man of Monroe, where he is eondueting a drug store. He was born in Monroe township, Platte county, on the 8th of March, 1892, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hill, his father being one of the well known, prominent and successful farmers of Lost Creek township. Reared under the parental roof, Charles Webster Hill pursued a public- school education until graduated from the high school in Monroe and later he bene- fited by a course in the Columbus Commercial College. In his youthful days he worked upon the home farm and early became familiar with all the duties and labors incident to the development and improvement of a farm property. After leaving home he spent four months in Colorado, but returned to Platte county and on the 6th of April, 1915, purchased his drug store in Monroe. He is now successfully carrying on the business, having a well appointed store, in which he carries a good line of drugs and druggists' sundries. Already he has gained a liberal patronage and he is conducting his business according to the principle that satisfied customers are the best advertisement.
In polities Mr. Hill is independent. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and he has many substantial qualities which are not only winning him sueeess in business but have also gained him popularity in social eireles.
JOSEPH ALFRED BORG.
Joseph Alfred Borg, a successful farmer residing ou seetion 2, Walker town- ship, was born in that township on the 31st of August, 1886, a son of Gustave A. and Caroline (Johnson) Borg. The father, who was born in Ostergotland, Sweden, in 1812, remained in his native land until 1869, when he came to America and lo- cated near Peoria, Illinois. In 1881, however, he continued his way westward and settled in Walker township, Platte county, Nebraska, purchasing one hundred and sixty aeres, to which he later added eighty aeres. He carried on general farming and received a gratifying ineome from his land. He helped to organize the Swedish Methodist church, of which he was one of the trustees, and was at all times willing to aid in its work in any way possible. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He passed away in 1907. His wife, who was born in Smaland, Sweden, in 1847, is still living and resides m Newman Grove. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living. One daughter, Jennie, is now the wife of Frank Lawrence and they are missionaries in China.
Joseph A. Borg was reared on the home farm and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools. In 1906 he took charge of the operation of the home place and has proved a progressive and efficient agriculturist. In addi-
473
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
tion to growing the usual crops he raises a good grade of stock and derives a grati- fying income from both branches of his business. He plans his work well and while he is practical in the methods used he is also willing to adopt any innovation when its value has been proved.
On the 14th of December, 1910, Mr. Borg was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Paulson, a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Johnson) Paulson, who still live in Nance county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Borg have a son, Myron.
Mr. Borg is a democrat and has served as township treasurer and as township clerk, proving an efficient and conscientious official. He takes an active part in the work of the Swedish Methodist church, of which he is now serving as a trustee, and his life is guided by high ethical standards. He is one of the highly esteemed young farmers of the county and his continued success seems assured.
MARTIN CHRISTENSEN.
Martin Christensen has been a factor in the agricultural development of the county as his present well improved farm in Joliet township was a tract of wild prairie land when it came into his possession. He was born in Denmark on the 23d of November, 1863, of the marriage of Jens and Sine (Michaelsen) Christen- sen, both of whom were born in that county in 1833. They were married in their native land and continued to reside there until 1879, when they came to the United States. Making their way to the middle west, they settled in Joliet township, Platte county, Nebraska, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, only ten acres of which were broken. He built a sod house, which was the usual dwelling of the pioneers in this state, and this remained the family residence for seven years. He met with success as a farmer and is now living retired in Walker township.
Martin Christensen was early trained to farm work and after the removal of the family to this county he worked by the month as a farm hand and gave his parents the greater part of his wages, thus assisting them to get a start in the new world. In 1882 he purchased a quarter section of land, which he broke with oxen in 1884. At that time Columbus was the nearest trading point and it required two days to make the trip there and back with oxen. As the years have passed he has made many improvements upon his place, and his land is all in a high state of cultivation. He carries on general farming, which he finds more profitable than specializing in either grain or stock-raising, and he has won a competence.
Mr. Christensen was married July 12, 1885, to Miss Annie M. Jensen, likewise a native of Denmark, who came to the United States in 1882. Her parents, Ras- mus and Matte (Hansen) Jensen, were lifelong residents of that country. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Christensen are twelve in number, namely: Martha, the wife of Peter Petersen, a resident of Minnesota; Richard, who is married and lives in Joliet township; Anton, also a farmer of Joliet township; Sarah, the wife of John Rood of the same township; Sine; Alfred ; John; Otto; Elmer; Oscar; Sigurd; and Annie.
The religions faith of the family is that of the Danish Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Christensen has always been a republican and has taken an active inter- est in public affairs. He served on the school board of his district for several years,
474
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
first as a director and later as treasurer. He is now filling the office of town clerk for a third term. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of Platte county and can be depended upon to further the general advancement in any way possible. He is widely known throughout the county and those who have been the most intimately associated with him are his stanchest friends, which is proof of his genuine worth.
FRANK AERNI.
Frank Aerni owns and occupies a farm that comprises the east one-half of section 11, Columbus township, and in his chosen life work employs the most progressive methods of modern farming, his labors being attended with excellent results. He has lived in Platte county continuously since 1884, although he is a native of Switzer- land. His birth occurred in Canton Solothurn on the 6th of January, 1816, his parents being Alois and Elizabeth (Stempfly) Aerni. The father followed farming on a small scale in Switzerland and, according to the laws of the land, rendered military service to his country. Both he and his wife, who were members of the Catholic church, have now passed away.
Frank Aerni acquired a common-school education while spending his youthful days in his parents' home and later learned the business of cheese making, becoming an adept in that work for which his country is famous. He also served his time in the army and continued a resident of Switzerland until he reached the age of thirty-eight years, when he determined to try his fortune in America, crossing the Atlantic in 1884. He made his way direct to Platte county, Nebraska, where he was employed as a farm hand for three years, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until he felt justified in engaging in farm work on his own account. He then rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he farmed for six years, and during that time his diligence and economy brought him sufficient capital to enable him to invest in property. He became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, which he carefully tilled for eighteen years, and then sold the entire half section. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section II, Columbus township, and also about five acres of timber. He has since resided upon this place. which is largely devoted to the cultivation of winter wheat-a crop which he raises with great success. He also raises some stock and the various branches of his farm work are carefully managed and directed. He has erected a modern residence and good ontbuildings and his farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and the latest improved machinery facilitates his work.
In 1870 Mr. Aerni was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Christian, who died in 1879, leaving six children: Mary, now the wife of Jack London, of Columbus : Elizabeth, also living in Columbus; Frank, whose home is in Columbus township; Albert, who resides in Columbus township; Lydia, the wife of Ed Eissenwoin, of Creston, Nebraska; and Freda, living in Columbus. Mr. Aerni was again married, his second union being with Rosina Eckert, who died June 23, 1912, leaving four children: Emma, the wife of Charles Gotel, of Columbus; Jacob, whose home is in Bismark township; Clara A., a chiropractor, following her profession in Columbus ;
FRANK AERNI
477
PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY
and Arthur, who is in Bismarck, Nebraska. On the 19th of September, 1913, Mr. Aerni wedded Marie Eckley, who was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, May 20, 1870.
Mr. Aerni is a democrat, yet is very liberal in his views concerning politics and many other questions. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and his has been an upright, honorable life that conforms to its teachings and that has won for him the merited respect and high regard of his fellow townsmen.
JAMES A. BAKER.
When the tocsin of war sounded and men from all ranks of life flocked to the standard of the nation, going from the fields, the countinghouses, the banks and the offices, James A. Baker was among the number and merits the gratitude which the country owes to her soldiers, who preserved the Union intact. He is now a valued member of the Grand Army post at Monroe, having made his home in that town since he retired from active connection with farm work, to which he devoted many years. He was born in Washington county, Ohio, November 28, 1841, a son of Benja- min and Polly Baker, also natives of that state. The father, who was a cripple, devoted his life to tailoring. In 1818 he removed to Illinois, settling at Weather- field, Henry county, where he was a pioneer tailor, continuing in business there until his later years and also becoming the owner of lands in that county. He died when past the age of eighty.
In his boyhood days James A. Baker pursued his education in a little log school- house provided with slab seats and he met many of the experiences incident to life on the frontier. He remained at home until February 28, 1862, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company D, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infan- try, at Chicago. Thus in the prime of young manhood he went to the front to face danger and death for his country. The regiment proceeded to Tennessee and joined the brigade of the Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, under General Scho- field, of the Army of the Tennessee. Mr. Baker with his regiment participated in the battles of Nashville and Lookout Mountain, the siege of Atlanta and started with Sherman on his march to the sea, but his command was turned back to guard Nashville. He was assigned to duty at driving a tool wagon, driving six mules on a jerk line. He was slightly wounded at Strawberry Plains. Tennessee, and for three years was active in service, being mustered out at Chicago, May 2, 1865.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.