Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II, Part 49

Author: Phillips, G. W
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago : Clarke
Number of Pages: 682


USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 49


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PATRICK MURRAY.


Patrick Murray, who resided on a farm on section 14, Columbus township, was born in Ireland in July, 1835, and had reached the age of eighty years when death called him. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Platte county, taking aetive part in its early agricultural development and progress and, moreover, his life record proved what ean be accomplished by persistent, earnest effort in the way of attaining success. Coming to America, he arrived in this county in 1855 when a young man of about twenty years and he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. With characteristic energy he began the development of his farm, performing the arduous task of breaking the sod and preparing the land for cultivation. In time, however, his labors were rewarded


PATRICK MURRAY


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by good crops and when there was created a market for his products he found no trouble in disposing of that which he raised. He secured in that way a good income, which he wisely invested in land and to his widow and children he left about eighteen hundred acres.


Mr. Murray was twice married, his second union being with Miss Frederica Schultz, a daughter of John and Frederica Schultz, whom he wedded on the 3d of July, 1891. His children are: Mary, the wife of John Podraza, of this county ; Anna, deceased : Magdalene. the wife of Joseph Kula; John Joseph; Frederica, who is in a convent at Spalding, Nebraska: Michael; Patrick ; and Anthony.


The family are all members of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Murray was a communicant, guiding his life according to its teachings. In his political views he was a democrat, supporting the party from the time he became a naturalized Ameri- can citizen. For many years he lived in Platte county, witnessed its growth and contributed to its development. He lived to see it change from a wild district upon the western frontier to a populous and prosperous region with all the evidences of an advanced civilization. His own life was one of untiring industry and thrift and perseverance and energy enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to success. His family is well known in this part of the county and Mrs. Murray, like her husband, has many warm friends.


THOMAS W. SHAFFER.


Thomas W. Shaffer, a farmer of Lost Creek township, living on section 34, was born at Apple River, Wisconsin, March 7, 1868, a son of George W. and Helen E. (Willard) Shaffer, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The father went to Wisconsin when a young man and there lived for nine years, after which he removed to Missouri. In March, 1871, he became a resident of Lost Creek township, Platte county, removing thither in order to buy land at a low price. He became the owner of eighty acres of raw prairie and began his farming with oxen. There were no improvements upon the place, not a single furrow having been turned when he took possession, but with resolute purpose he began to break the sod and till the fields and his labors were soon manifest in good crops as well as in the sub- stantial improvements which he put upon his land. To his original holdings he added until he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, which he devoted to general farming purposes. He was an active man in connection with public affairs and was a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party, which frequently elected him to office. The spirit of advancement and improvement actuated him in all that he did and his efforts were directly beneficial to the community along various lines. He died at the age of sixty years, while his widow, at the age of seventy-five years, is now living in Platte Center.


Thomas W. Shaffer acquired his education in the district schools and in the Platte Center high school, while through experience he has also learned many valuable lessons. He taught school for three years but his early training was that of the farmer and he remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-seven years, when he married and started out in life on his own account. His first purchase made him the owner of seventy acres of land and since then the boundaries of his farm Vol. 11-24


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have been extended from time to time until he now owns three hundred acres, consti- tuting a valuable property on section 34, Lost Creek township. His place is what is known as the old Henry Kelly homestead and the lumber for the main part of the house was hauled by wagon from Omaha. A windmill forty-five years old still pumps the well water. His land is good and he has excellent improvement upon it and he also raises a good grade of stock. He is likewise interested in the Farmers Lumber Company of Platte Center as one of the stockholders and directors, but the greater part of his attention has been concentrated upon the development and im- provement of his farm, which is today a valuable property and returns to him a gratifying annual income.


In 1895 Mr. Shaffer was married to Miss Maude Campbell, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of Alfred E. and Add (Lambert) Campbell, the former born in New Jersey and the latter in Scott county, Iowa. They became residents of Davenport, Iowa, where the father was a street car driver on one of the first cars in the old days of horse cars. He had also been a driver on one of the first horse cars in Philadelphia. They removed to Platte county and purchased a farm in Lost Creek township, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have become the parents of a son, Clifford, whose birth occurred in 1906.


Mr. Shaffer holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America at Monroe and is an elder in the Presbyterian church at Oconee. He takes an interest in educa- tion and has been school treasurer for ten years. Aside from his farm his interests center in those channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community and in- dorses all measures and movements which work for the material, intellectual and moral advancement of the district.


ADOLPH FRESE.


Adolph Frese, living on section 11, Bismark township, was born at Westpoint, Cuming county, Nebraska, on the 12th of September, 1875, a son of Adolph William and Barhara Frese. The father was born in Bremen, Germany, January 10, 1811, and the mother's birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, on the 30th of December, 1818. On coming to the United States they settled at Westpoint, Nebraska, in 1880 moved to Missouri and in 1891 returned to Nebraska.


Adolph Frese pursued his education in the country schools of Missouri and in the spring of 1894 went to Lynn, Kansas, where he remained until 1896, when he came to Platte county. The following year, desirous to improve his education by a commercial course, he entered the Fremont Normal Business College. On com- pleting his study there he removed to Columbus, where for two years he was em- ployed in a planing mill, but resigned that position preparatory to removing to Medford, Taylor county, Wisconsin, where he entered the employ of the United States Leather Company. He was with that house until he returned to Platte county and settled upon the farm on which he now resides, comprising one hundred and forty acres of land on section 11, Bismark township. He carries on general farming and also engages in raising cattle and hogs. His business affairs are care-


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fully managed and his work is conducted in a systematic manner, bringing to him substantial and gratifying success.


On the 26th of December, 1898, Mr. Frese was united in marriage to Miss E. Josephine Loseke, a daughter of Gerhard Loseke, one of the oldtime and honored residents of the county. Their children are six in number, namely: Paul Gerhard, Dora, Alice, Bernice, LeRoy Adolph and Lloyd Herbert. Politically Mr. Frese casts an independent ballot, voting as his judgment dictates and the occasion de- mands. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church and he is inter- ested in its work and generous in its support. He has led an active life and has constantly progressed, while each forward step in his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.


FRED SCHWANTJE.


Fred Schwantje is a resident farmer living on section 16, Columbus township, where he owns sixty acres of land which is devoted to the cultivation of crops and the raising of stock. The family name indicates his German nativity. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, October 17, 1858, and his parents, Johann Henry and Katrina (Seeger) Schwantje, were also natives of that place. The father owned a farm and engaged in sheep raising and became comfortably situated in life. He bought his release from service in the German army and bent his energies to the conduct of his business affairs. In religious faith he was a Baptist and was active in the work of the church. He died at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-five.


Fred Schwantje attended the common schools of Germany and after his father's death came with his stepfather and mother to the United States. They made their way to Nebraska and settled in Colfax county, where the stepfather began farming. He purchased railroad land and after his death Fred Schwantje acquired possession of this by purchase. The farm was situated in Shell Creek township, Colfax county, and thereon was laid out the village of Bissell, which Mr. Schwantje named. The stepfather began to make improvements and this work was continued by Mr. Schwantje, who erected a new residence, set out a second grove and otherwise developed the place. He has two hundred acres in that farm and thereon he engaged quite extensively in stock-raising. Into other fields he also extended his efforts, assisting in the building of the chicory factory and the creamery at Schuyler. He continued upon his Colfax county farm until March, 1910, when he removed to sec- tion 16, Columbus township, Platte county, where he owns sixty acres, thereon devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits.


In 1891 Mr. Schwantje was united in marriage to Miss Emma Saalfeld. a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and a daughter of Henry and Katrina (Krumland) Saal- feld, who were also born in Oldenburg. The father, a carpenter by trade, worked at that occupation throughout his active business career and still owns a small farm. He is a Lutheran in religious faith and has attained the venerable age of eighty ycars. His wife, born in 1834, passed away in 1907, at the age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Schwantje emigrated to the United States alone in 1893, but came to Columbus, Nebraska, with her uncle, John Saalfeld. By her marriage she has become the


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mother of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are as follows: F. Wilhelm, who was born August 27, 1895, and still remains on the home farm with his father; Rose Marie, who was born December 7, 1896, and is a student in the Columbus high school; Herbert P., whose birth occurred June 29, 1900; Albert E., born July 31, 1902; Emma K., whose natal day was March 2, 1904; Alice H., born May 12, 1906; Hilda A., born July 12, 1909; and Irena Minnie, born November 10, 1911.


The family residence is not far from Columbus, so that Mr. Schwantje is able to send his children to the city schools. His political allegiance has always been given the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and while living in Colfax county he served for nine years as school director in Shell Creek township. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and his Christian belief guides him in all of his relations with his fellowmen. He has led a busy life in which industry and determination have been his chief characteristics. Gradually he has worked his way upward and the worth of his business methods is indicated in his growing success, for he is now one of the substantial farmers of Platte county.


EDWARD E. AND ROBERT A. NEWMAN.


Edward E. and Robert A. Newman, twin brothers and enterprising farmers of Columbus township, living on section 26, are representatives of one of the old pioneer families of Platte county. They were born January 12, 1896, on the farm where they still reside, being sons of William J. and Clara (Merritt) Newman, natives of Pennsylvania and Iowa respectively. In early life William J. Newman began earning his living as a farm hand. His father was killed in the Civil war and this naturally threw him upon his own resources. After his marriage he removed westward to Nebraska in the year 1868. He purchased land and began farming amid the conditions which always exist upon the frontier. There were many hard- ships and privations to be met and it was a difficult task to convert the wild prairie land into productive fields, but as the years passed on the results of his labor were seen in fine crops and in splendid improvements which he placed upon his land. In 1890 he removed to section 26. Columbus township, and thereon planted shade trees and orchards. He added other accessories of the model farm and lived the life of an active, progressive, enterprising farmer. As his financial resources in- creased he extended the boundaries of his farm until it comprised three hundred and twenty acres, and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate engaged extensively in raising stock. His business affairs were carefully, systematically and energetically conducted and he therefore won a substantial measure of prosperity. He was a republican in his political views and served for many years as supervisor, making a most creditable record in office. He never failed to cooperate in any measure for the public good and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion, his work as a member of the school board being most effective. He died in the year 1911, at the age of sixty-one years, and is still sur- vived by his wife.


Their sons, Edward E. and Robert A. Newman, were reared on the old home farm and attended school in the neighborhood, dividing their time between the


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acquirement of their education and work in the fields. Following their father's death they began cultivating the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Their place is known as the Maple Grove Stock Farm, for thereon they raise considerable stock. Their business training under their father well qualified them to take up the work which he laid down. They are yet young men of but nineteen years but they have made a creditable record, displaying excellent business ability and unfaltering enter- prise.


AUGUST G. RUNGE.


August G. Runge, one of the prosperous farmers of Platte county, owning three hundred and eighty-five acres of land, was born in Posen, Germany, February 21, 1866, a son of August Runge, who is now living retired in Columbus and an account of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was reared upon the homestead in Bismark township and early became familiar with all phases of farm work. He purchased his father's farm two years ago and as the result of his well directed labor he has gained financial independence. He owns three hundred and sixty acres of good land on section 27, Bismark township, and twenty-five acres in Colfax county, and received a good income from the sale of his grain and stock.


In 1900 occurred the marriage of Mr. Runge and Miss Katie Hafner, a native of this county and a daughter of Nicholas Hafner, who is living retired in Colum- bus. To this union have been born four children, Arthur, Sophie, August and Katherine.


.Although he has never been an office seeker, Mr. Runge takes much interest in public affairs and is a stalwart adherent of the democratic party. He is a com- municant of the Lutheran church, in whose teachings are found the guiding principles of his life, and his influence is always on the side of right and justice.


WILLIAM H. HOEFELMANN.


William H. Hoefelmann is a resident farmer of Grand Prairie township, living on section 14. He is leading a life of well directed industry and his success is manifest in the fine appearance of his farm and its many excellent improvements. He was born in Oldenburg. Germany, March 29, 1815, and is a son of Henry and Katrina Hoefelmann. His father was a blacksmith in Germany, following his trade there until 1867, when he came to the new world, settling at Mayville, Wisconsin. He afterward removed to Minnesota and lived retired in that state, making his home with a daughter. He was a member of the Lutheran church.


William H. Hoefelmann acquired his education in the schools of Germany and in his youthful days learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for some time. He was also employed at farm labor and his time was thus passed in the service of others until he began farming on his own account. Thinking to find better opportunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1866, when twenty-one years of age and established his home at Mayville, Dodge county, Wisconsin, there


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remaining until January, 1869, when he came to Platte county, where he worked at his trade, engaging in blacksmithing in Columbus until 1873. In that year he again turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, homesteading eighty acres on section 14, Grand Prairie township. His first home was a sod house and there were no improvements upon the place. He had little money and began his farm work with ox teams. He worked persistently and energetically to till the soil, converting the wild prairie into richly cultivated fields and as he gathered good crops, which brought him substantial financial return, he kept adding to his place until he is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He has always followed stock-raising in addition to general farming and both branches of his business have proven profitable. He has many good improvements upon his place, which now presents a most attractive appearance, constituting one of the pleasing features in the landscape.


In 1871 Mr. Hoefelmann was married to Miss Sophia Kunnemann, a daughter of Henry and Katie (Ehlers) Kunnemann, who were natives of Oldenburg, and who are mentioned at length in connection with the sketch of H. L. Kunnemann on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoefelmann have been born nine children: William, who is married and who is engaged in farming; Amelia, the wife of E. F. Hellbush; Emma, the wife of Otto Loseke; Edward and Adolph, both at home; Ida, the wife of Otto Osten; Ernst, at home; Arvena, the wife of Carsten Peterson, Jr .; and Clara, with her parents.


In religious faith Mr. Hoefelmann is connected with the German Lutheran church, assisting in organizing St. John's church on section 13, Grand Prairie town- ship. In connection therewith is conducted a parochial school and the work of the church is in excellent condition. He has filled all of the church offices and has put forth earnest effort to advance the cause of religion in this locality. His has been an active and well spent life and at present he is largely leaving the work of the farm to his sons, who, following in his footsteps, are energetic, progressive agriculturists. This enables Mr. Hoefelmann to enjoy rest and indulge in those things which are most interesting to him. He belongs to that class of citizens who, leaving the father- land, have improved the opportunities offered in the new world and in winning success have also contributed to the progress and improvement of the districts in which they live.


WILHELM LOSEKE.


Wilhelm Loseke has passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey and is now living retired in Platte Center. In boyhood he herded sheep and worked on farms in Germany, thus starting upon his business career and his gradual advance- ment has brought him to a place among the substantial citizens of his adopted coun- ty. The attainment of success with him has meant years of hard work, but his persistency, indefatigable industry and determination have carried him steadily for- ward. He was Forn in Germany, March 16, 1844, a son of George and Mary (Hiller) Loseke, who were also natives of that country. The father owned a farm there and never came to the new world.


Wilhelm Loseke was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six sons and ac-


WILHELM LOSEKE


MRS. WILHELM LOSEKE


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quired his education in the common schools of his native country. There he began herding sheep and also worked at farm labor until he came to the United States in 1866, when a young man of twenty-two years. He made his way to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years. He then settled on section 4, Lost Creek township, Platte county, Nebraska, and obtained a homestead claim on Shell Creek. There were few families in the district and conditions of pioneer life existed. There were no schoolhouses and no churches, no roads had been laid out and the streams were not bridged. School was held in a little sod house and the home of Mr. Loseke was a dugout, with logs above the ground and with a shingle roof. He began farming, using oxen with which to break the sod and till the fields. He made the journey to Nebraska from Wisconsin, driving across the coun- try in a wagon with his brother. He saw hard times when the country was new and went through many privations and difficult experiences. There were heavy snow storms in the winter with no trees to break the wind, which swept over the prairies, carrying the snow in great drifts. Columbus was at that time only a village and the town of Platte Center had not been laid out. Year after year Mr. Loseke carefully developed his fields and put forth a most earnest effort to improve his farm. He always tried to keep good stock and as conditions improved and his financial resources became greater, he began raising Durham cattle, becoming one of the well known stock dealers of the county. To his original tract of eighty acres he also added from time to time until he is now the owner of twelve hundred and sixty acres in Platte county and three hundred and twenty acres in Wheeler county, Nebraska. He developed his herds until he became one of the extensive cattle raisers of this part of the state. He would take his cattle to Wheeler county, where he found abundant pasturage. To the man of resolute spirit and honorable purpose difficulties give way as snow melts before the summer sun and thus it was that after a time Mr. Loseke found himself on the highroad to success, along which he has steadily advanced until he is now one of the prosperous citizens of his part of the state.


On the 11th of March, 1873, Mr. Loseke was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hagleman, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on the 27th of September, 1818, a daughter of Bernhard and Maria (Zeemer) Hagleman, who were farming people of Germany, in which country they spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Loseke have become the parents of six children. Louis C., the eldest, born in 1871, died in 1910. He was a representative farmer, who owned land and also cultivated land belonging to his father. He was very prominent and popular in the com- munity in which he made his home, was an active, progressive citizen and served as township trustee. For ten years he filled the office of school director and he exercised an influence for good upon the public life of the community. He married 'Helena Hurley, of Platte Center, and they became the parents of four children, Elza, Ernest, Walter and Louis, the last named being born after his father's death. The second son of the Loseke family is Otto Henry, who lives on his father's farm in Lost Creek township. He is married and has three children, Esther, Elmer and Pearl. William H., a farmer residing in Burrows township, is married and has three children, Leona, Verna and Siegfried. Alma is the wife of Christ Martens, of Platte Center, and they have two children, Goldie and Louis. George F. is at home. Anna Louisa is the wife of Herbert Buttner, a farmer of Madison county.


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Politically Mr. Loseke has always followed a somewhat independent course and has never had a desire for public office. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he aided in organizing the schools and churches near his home when upon the farm. For the past three years he has lived retired in Platte Center and has become a stockholder of the Farmers State Bank there. His influence has ever been on the side of advancement and improvement and his labors have wrought substantial results for the benefit of the community. He has long been accounted one of the valned citizens of this part of the state and is one of the honored pioneers of Platte county, having for almost a half century resided within its borders. He has therefore witnessed practically its entire growth and develop- ment and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He remembers the days when there were great stretches of open prairie on which could be seen no trace of the work of man. He rejoices in the changes which have been wrought, introducing into this district an advanced civilization, and none the less remarkable than the growth of the county is the change in his own fortunes, wrought by his own labor and business ability.




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