USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 52
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On the 20th of March, 1900, Mr. Fifield was married to Miss Lulu Belle Nun- nally, who was born in Missouri in December, 1875. The three children of this marriage are: Lulu, who is attending high school; and Raymond and Charles, who are pupils in the schools of Monroe.
Mr. Fifield is independent in politics, voting according to the dictates of his desire and judgment. He was reared in the Quaker faith, of which he is still an adherent, paying dues to the church, although there is no congregation in his locality. He therefore attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is a teacher in its Sunday school, while his wife is secretary of the Bible class. They are governed by high principles and exemplify in their lives true nobility of character, being kindly, con- siderate, honorable and in all things thoroughly reliable.
JOHN KRZYCKI.
John Krzycki, who resides on section 35, Columbus township, was born in Posen, Poland, near the village of Usaz, January 20, 1817, a son of Antone and Mary (Stopierzynski) Krzycki. The father owned a farm of considerable proportions and always made his home in Poland. His son John was the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children and in the schools of his native country pursued his education, eventually becoming a teacher in the public schools at Chodzicz, Poland, but the reports which he heard concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world led him to bid adieu to his native country and sail for the United States in 1870. He first settled in Indiana, where he remained for one year engaged in farming with a brother. In 1871 he arrived in Columbus, Nebraska, and secured work on the railroad. He afterward obtained a homestead in Polk county, Nebraska. becoming owner of eighty acres of raw prairie, on which he built a house, set out trees and otherwise improved the property. He carefully and systematically developed his fields and, adding to his farm, became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Polk county, where he lived for about twelve years. In 1885 he removed to section 35, Columbus township, Platte county, where he has since made his home, and all of the improvements upon this place are his work and indicate his
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progressive spirit. His farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of land, which he carefully tills, and he likewise has one hundred and sixty acres in Sherman county. In addition to developing his fields he raises a large amount of stock and feeds many cattle annually. His business affairs are carefully and wisely conducted and success in gratifying measure attends his efforts.
On August 1, 1871, Mr. Krzycki was married to Miss Barbara Borowiak, a native of Wyszyn, Posen, Poland, and a daughter of Martin and Anna (Wleczych) Borowiak. Her father was a farmer of Poland, where he had extensive landed interests, and he was quite active in public affairs of his village, where he filled the office of mayor. He was a very popular and well known man, energetic and per- sistent in all that he did, and thus he carried his plans forward to successful com- pletion. In 1872 he came to the United States and settled in Polk county, where he became the owner of valuable farm property, but eventually he disposed of his agricultural interests and became proprietor of a general store in Duncan, Nebraska. At length he retired from active life and removed to Columbus, where he passed away in 1895. He was a devout adherent of the Catholic faith.
Mr. and Mrs. Krzycki have become parents of thirteen children: Frank, a farmer living near Elba, Nebraska, who is married and has six children; Salome, the wife of John Lassek, a farmer living near Elba, Nebraska, by whom she has three children; Alex, who followed farming near Farwell, Nebraska, and died in June, 1914, leaving a wife and four children; John, who is a member of the Franciscan Fathers, now known as Father Vincent, and has charge of a parish in Cleveland, Ohio; Dumecella, now Sister Loretta, filling the position of Sister Superior in the Catholic church at Hammond, Indiana, where she teaches music; Barbara, now Sister Seraphia, teacher of music in a school at Tarnov, Nebraska; Landislaus, who died leaving a wife but no children : Anton, deputy county treasurer of Platte county, who is married and bas two children; Vincia, who died in infancy; Anna, the wife of Loni Jaw, a policeman of Columbus, by whom she has two children; Elizabeth, at home; Theodora, the wife of Theodore Stolinski, of Omaha, by whom she has two children ; and Phillip, who is upon the home farm.
As has been indicated, the family are adherents of the Catholic church and Mr. Krzycki gives his political support to the democratic party. He has served as road supervisor for four years and has been active in township affairs, taking a helpful interest in promoting the welfare and advancing the npbuilding of the community.
GEORGE H. MORRIS, M. D.
A thorough collegiate training and independent study have well qualified Dr. George H. Morris for the onerous and responsible duties that devolve upon the physician and surgeon and his work in Creston has been of such a nature that he is accorded a liberal practice. Throughout the entire period of his professional career he has remained in Creston. A native of Wisconsin, he was born in Wyoming Valley. June 6, 1878. a son of John T. and Mary (Joiner) Morris, who were also natives of the Badger state. The father, a civil engineer, was con- nected in his professional capacity with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road for some time. For many years he resided in Wisconsin and afterward
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removed to southwestern Nebraska, where he remained until 1888, when he came to Platte county, where for three years he conducted a store. He then purchased land in Creston township and carried on farming until 1902, when he removed to California, purchasing a fruit ranch in the southern part of that state. He is still conducting business there and is meeting with most creditable success.
Dr. Morris was reared in Creston, pursuing his early education in the public schools here and afterward attending the Fremont Normal College and the Lincoln Normal, thus establishing a broad foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of his professional knowledge. Going to Chicago, he entered the Illinois Medical College, in which he spent one year, after which he returned to Omaha and pursued a three years' course in the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He then returned to Creston, where he has since practiced. He is the only physician of the town and enjoys a very liberal patronage from his fellow townsmen and from people of the surrounding country. He at all times makes his professional duty his first interest and he keeps in touch with modern scientific research and investigation through wide reading of medical works.
In September, 1905, Dr. Morris was joined in wedlock to Miss Maren C. Smith, a daughter of Peter and Sena Smith, both of whom were natives of Den- mark. The father emigrated to the United States in an early day, locating in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was for a time engaged in the liquor business and subsequently became a brick manufacturer. He is now living in southern California but lost his wife in 1911. To Dr. and Mrs. Morris have been born four children, namely: Jean D., whose birth occurred July 31, 1906; Robert B., born December 18, 1908; George W., whose natal day was October 18, 1911; and John S .. born November 2, 1914.
Dr. Morris is a public-spirited citizen interested in the welfare of the community and is now serving as president of the Commercial Club of Creston. His political faith is that of the republican party, his religious belief that of the Methodist church, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America and the Highlanders. Along strictly professional lines his connection is with the Platte County Medical Society. the Elkhorn Valley Medical Association, of both of which he is the vice president, the Nebraska State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is actuated in his professional duties not only by the laudable desire to gain finan- cial success but also by a deep interest in the scientific phases of his calling and by broad humanitarian principles.
AUGUST OSTEN.
August Osten, a large landowner and successful farmer of Grand Prairie town- ship, is one of the excellent citizens whom Germany has given to Nebraska. He was born in Pomerania, October 26, 1839, and remained in his native land until 1868, when he emigrated to the United States. Six years later he came to Platte county, Nebraska, and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Sherman township. At that time conditions were those of the frontier and there were many inconveniences and even privations to be endured. His first home was a dugout and his second a sod house
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ten by ten feet, in which the family lived for two years. He added to his farm in Sherman township until it comprised two hundred acres and continued to live there until 1894, in which year he took up his residence upon his present home place on section 14, Grand Prairie township. Altogether he holds title to several hundred acres of land and has also helped his sons to purchase farms.
Mr. Osten was married in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1872, to Miss Anna Hagelmann, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on the 26th of May, 1841. She came to the United States the same year as her husband, arriving in this country in June within a week of his arrival here. To their union have been born six children: Augusta, now Mrs. William Brockmann of Sherman township; Herman, who also resides in that township; Lonis; Mary, the wife of Henry Brandt, of Lost Creek township; Otto, of Sherman township; and Johann, who is at home. All of the children are married and there are thirteen grandchildren.
Mr. Osten casts his ballot in support of the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. The success which he has gained is the direct result of his industry, his knowledge of farming and his wise management of his affairs, and in gaining his individual prosperity he has also contributed to the agri- cultural development of the county.
FRED A. READ.
Fred A. Read is the proprietor of a general mercantile establishment at Monroe and is also one of the extensive landowners of western Nebraska. In all of his business affairs he displays sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise and his activities are bringing to him well deserved success. He was born in Winterset, Iowa, March 15, 1878, a son of Z. S. and Hester (Bishop) Read. The father, a native of England, is now deceased, while the mother is still living in Winterset, Iowa. Z. S. Read came to the United States during his boyhood days and became identified with agricultural interests. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the First Iowa Cavalry at Creston. After the war he returned to Madison county, that state, and there engaged in farming for a considerable period and was living in Winterset at the time of his demise.
It was there that Fred A. Read attended the public schools and between the ages of fifteen and nineteen years he worked as a farm hand in his native county. He then went to Adair county, where he worked on a ranch, and from 1897 until 1899 he was foreman of the Southwick Brothers' ranch in Guthrie county, Iowa. In the latter year he began farming on his own account near Pleasant Hill, Mis- souri, but in 1901 removed to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he owned and culti- vated a fruit ranch for four years. In 1905 he arrived in Monroe, Nebraska, and, joining his brother, organized the firm of Read Brothers, dealers in implements, hardware and furniture and also engaged in the undertaking business. In 1912, however, he broadened the scope of his activities along commercial lines by becoming a general merchant of the town and is now conducting a well appointed store of that character, having a large stock and enjoying a liberal patronage owing to his pro- gressive methods, his reasonable prices and his fair dealing. He also owns an interest in eight hundred and forty acres of land in Keyapaha county, Nebraska, and
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in the management of his business affairs displays sound judgment and unremitting industry.
Mr. Read was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude M. Burrus, who was born in Madison county, Iowa, a daughter of Nathaniel Burrus, a native of Indiana, who in his boyhood days went to Illinois. Physical disability prevented him from going to the front in the Civil war and he began farming for himself in Madison county, Iowa, becoming one of the early residents of that part of the state. He was an active, progressive farmer and while living in that locality he took a prominent part in politics as a supporter of the democratic party and he had charge of the Maple Grove postoffice for several years. In 1900 he removed to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where he now lives retired, but is still the owner of considerable land. To Mr. and Mrs. Read have been born four children, Gertrude Leone, Alice, Marion Jeanette and Lois Geraldine. The eldest daughter stands very high in her classes at school and is an active member of the Young People's Christian Endeavor society of the Presbyterian church.
In his political views Mr. Read is an earnest republican and has been chairman of the central committee of his township. He stands at all times for progress and improvement, has served as township treasurer and has been a member of the village board. There is no one who takes a more helpful interest in advancing the public welfare and he is found in the front ranks of every movement which he believes to be for the good of the community regardless of what others think. He never places partisanship above the general good and in local elections casts an independent ballot, yet his position is never an equivocal one, as he stands firmly in support of whatever he believes to be right. He is a valued member of Mystic Lodge, No. 321, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He was the first man taken into the order after this lodge was organized and he has several times been a delegate to the grand lodge. His worth is widely acknowledged by all who know him and his example in matters of progressive citizenship is frequently a matter of inspira- tion to his associates.
FRED NYFFELER.
Fred Nyffeler, devoting his time and energy to general farming on section 11, Butler township, was born July +, 1869, in Canton Bern, Switzerland, a son of John and Elsie Nyffeler. The father was a farmer by occupation and also operated a threshing outfit. He likewise had another business pursuit, that of coloring yarns, and thus his life was passed in activity in order to provide for his family. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Fred Nyffeler spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native country and during that period attended its public schools. He then came to the United States, making his way to Columbus, Nebraska. He had made the voyage in order to enter the employ of Jacob Tschudin on his farm in Loup township and with him remained for four years. He afterward entered the employ of William Ernst, of Columbus township, with whom he also spent four years. On the expiration of that period he journeyed to the northwest and was engaged in herding sheep for four years in Washington and in Oregon. He then started out in business independently and spent
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four years in carrying on pursuits in his own interest, after which he returned to Switzerland on a visit, spending five months in his native land. He made the voyage on the French steamer, La Bourgoyne, which was wrecked sixty miles off Sable islands in a collision with another steamer on the 4th of July, 1898, and Mr. Nyffeler was one of the one hundred and fifty out of the eight hundred passengers who were saved. After visiting relatives and friends and renewing the acquaintances of his boyhood and looking again upon the scenes in which his early youth was passed he returned to the United States and for two years was employed as a farm laborer, after which he rented land of his father-in-law, on section 11, Butler township, where he now resides.
On the 11th of June, 1901, Mr. Nyffeler was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Tschudin. They have become parents of three children: Rosa, who was born April 19, 1902; Teddy, born October 16, 1905; and Mary, March 7, 1908. All three are now in school.
In his political views Mr. Nyffeler has been a republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen and, while he does not seek nor desire office, he is ever willing to cooperate in movements for the benefit and improvement of the com- munity in which he lives. He belongs to the German Reformed church and guides his life according to Christian teachings, being an honorable, upright man, who enjoys and merits the respect and good-will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
WILLIAM MASON POLLARD.
William Mason Pollard, an agriculturist residing on section 17, Monroe town- ship, has lived in Platte county for nearly three decades and is now the owner of six hundred acres of valuable and productive land. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 21st of November, 1861, his parents being George Washington and Eliza Jane (Hord) Pollard. The father passed away in Arkansas about 1884 and the mother, a native of the Hoosier state, died when our subject was but twelve years old. At that early age William M. Pollard was thrown upon his own resources. He was married on attaining his majority and carried on farming in Coles county, Illinois, until 1886, when he came to Platte county, Nebraska. Here he purchased a quarter section of unimproved land in Monroe township and rented an improved tract for one year. On the expiration of that period he erected the necessary buildings on his own property and as the years passed augmented his holdings by additional pur- chase until he now owns six hundred acres of rich and arable land. The place is now attractive and valuable and all of the improvements thereon stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. In connection with the cultivation of the cercals best adapted to soil and climate he feeds three car loads of cattle annually, this branch of his business materially augmenting his income. His is the honorable record of a self-made man who has worked his way steadily upward unaided to a position among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
On January 25, 1883, Mr. Pollard was united in marriage to Miss Nora Owens, who was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, July 23. 1866, her parents being William and Julia (Tuley) Owens, natives of Ohio. The father passed away in
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Indiana and the mother in Douglas county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Pollard have become the parents of six children, as follows: Maud, who is the wife of Benjamin Baker, a farmer of Monroe township, and has two children; Edward and Andrew, both at home; Anna, who gave her hand in marriage to Louis Stenzel, a farmer of Woodville township; and Albert and May, at home.
Mr. Pollard is a democrat in politics and for seven years has done able service as a member of the county board of supervisors, while for many years he has been a school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs. His strong and salient characteristics are such as endear him to all who come within the close circle of his friendship, while wherever he is known he is respected and honored.
JOSEPH VAN ACKEREN.
Germany has furnished a large percentage of substantial citizens to Platte county -men who have become most loyal to their adopted land and whose efforts in pro- moting the general welfare indicate a public-spirited citizenship. Among this num- ber is Joseph Van Ackeren, who is one of the most prominent farmers of Platte county, owning on section 11, Granville township, what is probably the best improved farm in the entire county.
He was born in Germany in May, 1848, a son of John and Mary (Berns) Van Ackeren, who were also natives of that country. The father followed farming in Germany, where he spent his entire life, his labors being terminated in death in 1876. His wife survived for four years, passing away in 1880. Their son Joseph was reared and educated in Germany and remained with his parents to the age of twenty-four years, when he began farming on his own account, following that pursuit in his native land from 1872 until 1881. He then crossed the Atlantic to the new world and, continuing his journey westward, at length reached Westpoint, Nebraska, where he was employed for a few months. He then went to Pierce county, Nebraska, where he cultivated rented land for three years, after which he returned to West- point, where he lived for a year. Removing to South Dakota, he secured a home- stead and timber claim, which he improved, spending seven years in the development and cultivation of that property. He then disposed of his South Dakota land and came to Platte county, where for eight years he engaged in the cultivation of a rented tract of two hundred acres. He next went to Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for six years, after which he traded two sections of land for one hundred and sixty acres in Platte county and three hundred and twenty acres near Cedar Rapids. In 1911 he purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, Granville township, and since that time has wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place. No finer improvements can be found upon any farm in the county. There is a large and commodious residence, substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, well kept fences and the latest improved farm machinery. He is most careful in cultivating his fields and practical experience has brought him a knowledge of scientific farming, for he has learned to know the needs of the crops, the conditions of the soil and other things
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which are now taught in the agricultural schools. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, feeding about two carloads of sheep or two carloads of cattle annually.
In October, 1872, Mr. Van Ackeren was united in marriage to Miss Lena Oenting, a daughter of John and Catherina (Mertens) Oenting, who were natives of Germany, where the father followed the occupation of farming until his deathi, which occurred in 1887. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Van Ackeren have become the parents of six children: John, a resident farmer of Humphrey township; Edward, who follows farming near Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; William, who is also engaged in farming in Humphrey township; Ben, at home; Louise, the wife of Jim Gordon, a farmer residing near Cedar Rapids ; and Cecelia, at home.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Van Ackeren gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but has no desire for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which have ever been capably directed, and his industry, close application and sound judgment have made him one of the prosperous agriculturists of Platte county.
PETER LUCHSINGER.
Peter Luchsinger is a representative farmer of Columbus township, his home being on section 9, and the diligence and determination with which he carries on his farm work are manifest in his growing success. A native of Switzerland, he was born in Canton Glarus on the 23d of November, 1868, and is a son of Franz Luchsinger, who resides at No. 105 East Eighth street, Columbus. He was born in the same locality of Switzerland, his parents being Peter and Susan (Hefte) Luchsinger. Peter Luchsinger was employed in cotton mills in Switzerland and he also rendered to his country the full military service. He died in 1869, having for thirteen years survived his wife, who passed away in 1856.
Franz Luchsinger attended the common schools for five years, which was the extent of his opportunities along educational lines, yet in the school of experience he learned many valuable lessons. He entered the workaday world as a factory employe, in which connection he spent two years. He afterward learned the baker's trade, which he followed for twelve years, and during the last five years of that period he was proprietor of a bakery establishment. He, too, rendered military aid to his country, serving as an adjutant in the Seventy-third Battalion of Switzerland. The year 1873 witnessed his arrival in the United States, at which time he made his way to Schuyler, Colfax county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded eighty acres which he developed and improved, living thereon for six years. He next bought three hundred and twenty acres of school land in Bismark township, Platte county, and also one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. Taking up his abode upon that farm, he continued its cultivation until 1910, when he retired and removed to Colum- bus, where he now has a very comfortable home and is enjoying the fruits of his early labor. His many good traits of character have won him high and enduring regard. He is a member of the Switzer Verein and in politics is an independent democrat, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church.
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