USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 57
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HENRY HOBBENSIEFKEN.
Germany has furnished to Platte county a large percentage of its substantial citizens, men who have brought the Teutonic civilization into the west and have utilized the natural resources of the country for the benefit of their own fortunes and of humanity at large. Among those who have had their nativity in the fatherland is Henry Hobbensiefken, who was born in Oldenburg on the 20th of March, 1865, and is now a substantial farmer and stockman, living on section 26, Lost Creek township. His parents were Frederick and Sophia (Buss) Hobbensiefken, who were natives of Oldenburg and of Friesland respectively. The father owned land in Germany, having a large farm on which he carried on general agricultural pur- suits and stock-raising. He also served in the German army, thus meeting the con- ditions imposed by the military laws of the country. At length he determined to try his fortune in America and in 1884 came to the United States, settling in Sher- man township, Platte county, where he purchased land. He began to improve his property of one hundred and sixty acres and his labors soon wrought a marked trans- formation in the appearance of the place. He was of a rather retiring disposition but was a citizen of sterling worth, recognized as a consistent member of the German Baptist church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful interest. He died in February, 1910, at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1904, at the age of seventy-five.
Henry Hobbensiefken, their only child, attended school in Germany and at the age of seventeen years came to America, after which he attended the district schools to some extent in the winter seasons. He settled in Platte county and worked as a farm hand for two years and later was employed at home. Following his marriage he operated his father's farm for about two years, after which he bought eighty acres of land and in 1896 he purchased an additional one hundred and twenty acres. How- ever his property was scattered and in 1903 he sold out and bought land in Lost Creck township. Step by step he has worked his way upward until he is today one of the prosperous and representative farmers of his township, owning nine hundred and sixty acres of land. He has lived on his present home farm, known as the Meadow Land Farm, for twelve years and here he has highly cultivated fields and valuable stock-raising interests, making a specialty of registered Percheron horses, registered shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has shipped much stock outside of the state and has won many prizes at the Platte county fairs. He has ever been a most progressive and enterprising business man and has carried forward to successful completion many important undertakings that have proved of value to the community as well as a source of individual benefit. He is the president of the Farmers Elevator Company of Platte Center and vice president of the Farmers
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Lumber Company of that place, but he spends the greater part of his time in direct- ing the work of the home farm, which comprises five hundred and eighty acres of rich and arable land. In the midst of this place lie has a fine modern residence and everything about the farm is indicative of his progressive spirit. There are splendid equipments and all modern farm accessories and the place constitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape.
On the 5th of March, 1891, Mr. Hobbensiefken was married to Miss Lena Behlen, who was born in Platte county, Nebraska, a daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Behlen, both of whom are still living at the age of sixty-eight years, their home being in Shell Creek township. After coming to the United States they resided for a time at Freeport, Illinois, and in 1869 removed to Platte county. Mr. Behlen secured a homestead in Bismark township, broke the prairie with ox teams, turning the first furrows in his fields, and performed all the arduous labor incident to the development and improvement of a new farm in a pioneer district. Subsequently he removed from his original place to Shell Creek township, where he has since lived. For some years he continued actively in general farming but now lives retired on the old home- stead, where he has six hundred acres of productive land. His religious faith is that of the German Baptist church and in its work he has been most active and helpful.
Mr. and Mrs. Hobbensiefken have become the parents of ten children: Fred and Edward, who are pursuing an agricultural course at Lincoln; and Louise, Henry, Emil, Walter, Elsie, William, Alvin and Edith, all at home. Mr. Hobbensiefken has always been a stalwart supporter of the public-school system. He attended public school in Sherman township and when he was twenty-one years of age was made a director for school No. 77, thus serving until he removed to Lost Creek township, where he was soon appointed a director for district No. 11, to fill a vacancy. Since that time he has continuously served and the cause of education finds in him a stal- wart champion whose labors have been far-reaching, effective and beneficial. He is guided in all of his dealings and activities by the highest sense of honor and at all times recognizes and meets his duties in relation to public affairs. He belongs to the German Baptist church at Platte Center and takes a very active interest in both church and Sunday-school work, serving at the present time as Sunday-school super- intendent. His integrity is never called into question and his many admirable traits of heart and mind have endeared him to all who know him. He measures up to high standards of manhood and citizenship and all with whom he has come in contact speak of him in terms of the highest regard.
OTTO MUELLER.
Otto Mueller, who owns and operates three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land on section 26, Grand Prairie township, was born on his present farm on the 5th of May, 1875. His parents, Fred and Julia (Stickle) Mueller, were both natives of Germany, the former born on the 13th of August, 1832, and the latter on the 30th of September, of that year. Not long after his arrival in the United States the father enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil war and served for three years. He was in many important engagements and received a wound in the
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foot. He was married in Illinois and in 1872 came to Platte county, taking up land in Grand Prairie township on his soldier's warrant. He was an excellent farmer and his personal qualities were such that he gained many friends. He died on the 2d of September, 1890, but was survived by his wife until the 18th of October, 1893. Their three children are living: Carl and F. H., further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Otto.
The last named grew to manhood upon the homestead and learned much con- cerning agricultural work under the instruction of his father. His education was obtained in the common schools. Since reaching mature years he has continued to farm and now owns the homestead. The place, which comprises three hundred and sixty acres, is well improved and yields good crops annually. He also raises stock, which he finds profitable.
On May 20, 1896, Mr. Mueller married Miss Emma Peterson, who died on the 12th of August, 1913, leaving five children, Martha, Walter, Adele, Hugo and Emil. Mr. Mueller subsequently remarried, Miss Dorothea Ballbury becoming his wife. She was born in Germany, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Ballbury, who lived in Sherman township but are now deccased.
Mr. Mueller is affiliated with the Lutheran church ard upholds all efforts to pro- mote the moral life of the community. In politics he is independent and has never desired to hold office. A native son of Platte county, he has realized that as good opportunities for advancement are found here as elsewhere, and his well directed labor has enabled him to gain a gratifying measure of prosperity.
LAWRENCE P. CARSTENSON, D. V. S.
Dr. Lawrence P. Carstenson, engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery, his home being on section 23, Columbus township, was born near Sturgeon Bay, Wiscon- sin, on the 2d of January, 1880, a son of Anders and Marie Carstenson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. After coming to the new world and residing for a time in Wisconsin they removed to Nebraska, and the mother is still living in Genoa, although the father passed away in 1885.
It was in the fall of 1880 that the family home was established in the northern part of Platte county, and while spending his youthful days under the parental roof Lawrence P. Carstenson pursued his education in the district schools and also worked upon the home farm. He supplemented his early educational advantages by a course in the Fremont Business College and then, determining upon the practice of veteri- nary surgery as a life work, he entered the Kansas City Veterinary College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He afterward located for practice in Fremont, where he remained for six months and then went to Columbus where he remained until 1913, in which year he took up his abode on section 23, Columbus township, just west of the city of Columbus, where he is well equipped to take care of a large veterinary practice. His ability has won him wide recognition and his business is steadily growing.
On the 17th of June, 1908, Dr. Carstenson was united in marriage to Miss Grace Freligh, by whom he has the following children, namely : Loraine, Irwin and Nadene. Dr. Carstenson was less than a year old when brought to Platte county, so that he
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has been practically a lifelong resident here, and that his record has ever been a creditable and honorable one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present. In his professional career he is working his way steadily upward, discharging his duties with conscientious fidelity, while his increasing success is indicative of the growing confidence of the public in his skill.
GEORGE C. ANDERSON.
Among the capable and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Woodville township is George C. Anderson, who is residing on section 24. A native son of that township, he was born on the 11th of October, 1876, and is the eldest of a family of five children, whose parents were John M. and Permelia (Johnson) Anderson, both of whom were born in Sweden. The father died January 1, 1909, at the age of seventy years but the mother is still living in St. Edward, this state. John M. Anderson was a laborer in Sweden but following his removal to this coun- try in the early '50s carried on agricultural pursuits near Kewanee, Illinois. In 1861 he gave incontestable proof of his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Company B, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He held the rank of corporal and was at the front for four years, or until after Lee's surrender. He was at all times a brave and loyal soldier, never flinching in the performance of duty, no matter how dangerous it might be. Following the cessation of hostilities he returned to Kewanee, Illinois, and farmed there until October, 1872, when he came to Platte county, Nebraska, the journey requiring twenty-six days. He home- steaded land on section 24, Woodville township, and for some time the family lived in a sod house, but at length he erected a frame building which was the second in the township. He was very successful in his farming operations and became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of good land. He not only gained financial independence himself but also aided many of his neighbors in getting a start. He was active in public affairs, manifesting in times of peace the same spirit of patriot- ism that led him to offer his life if need be in the defense of the Union. He was highly esteemed, and his demise was deeply and widely regretted.
George C. Anderson received his education in district school No. 62 and in the St. Edward high school, thus preparing himself for the duties and responsibilities of later life. On beginning his independent career he farmed rented land near St. Edward and subsequently rented the homestead from his father. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm and his place is one of the best developed and most finely improved farms of his locality. He raises some grain but gives especial attention to raising and feeding hogs and cattle, which he finds unusually profitable. He understands his business thoroughly and as he manages his affairs well he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity.
On June 5, 1907, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Maude Simp- son, a native of Omaha and a daughter of Peter and Lillian (Bessey) Simpson. Her father was born in Norway but has lived in the United States for many years and now makes his home with our subject at the age of sixty-three years. The mother passed away March 3, 1912. For a considerable time Mr. Simpson con-
GEORGE C. ANDERSON
JOHN M. ANDERSON
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ducted a brickyard in Omaha and later engaged in the same business at St. Edward. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and is widely known and highly respected. He takes a great deal of pleasure in all forms of outdoor sport and now has leisure to indulge his taste in that direction. Mr. and Mrs. Ander- son have five children: Merle, Nina, George, Jr., Margaret and Mary.
Mr. Anderson gives his allegiance to the republican party and is recognized as a leader in local politics. For four years he served as township clerk; was a di- rector of school district No. 62, from 1910 to 1915; and in 1910 was elected county supervisor from district No. 4. He has at all times proved faithful to public trust and has discharged his duties with efficiency. He is recognized as a good citizen and as a man of unquestioned integrity, and his personal friends are many.
AUGUST HELLBUSH.
August Hellbush, who follows farming on section 13, Grand Prairie township, belongs to that large class of representative and progressive citizens that Oldenburg, Germany, has furnished to Platte county. He was there born August 12, 1855, his parents being John and Anna Hellbush. The father, also a native of Olden- burg, was born on the 14th of November, 1821, and his death occurred August 12, 1901, when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years. On coming to the United States, where he believed that he might find more favorable business condi- tions, he made his way at once to Platte county, arriving in the year 1869. This was then a western frontier district and much of the land was still in the possession of the government. He secured a homestead in what is now Grand Prairie township and his first dwelling was a sod house. He passed through the hard times of the early days when grasshoppers devastated the crops and when it was difficult to find a market for anything raised because of the remoteness of the district from any cities. Mr. Hellbush was forced to endure many hardships and privations but in course of time these were done away with by energy and perseverance and he was able to add to his possessions until he had acquired seven eighty-acre tracts of land and also two timber claims. He not only concentrated his attention upon his farm work but also helped to organize St. John's German Lutheran church on section 13, Grand Prairie township, and took an especial and helpful interest in the moral wel- fare of the community.
August Hellbush attended school in Germany and was a youth of fourteen years when his parents left the fatherland and came to the United States. He then became actively identified with farming interests in Grand Prairie township, within the borders of which he has lived for forty-five years, occupying his present farm for twenty-eight years. He now has one hundred and twenty acres of land and is bending his energies to the further development and improvement of the property, on which he annually raises good crops.
Mr. Hellbush was married to Miss Anna Maisenbroch, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Bernhard and Katrina Maisenbroch. The family emigrated to the United States in 1885, at which time their home was established in Platte county. Here the father is engaged in farming. His religious faith is indicated by his Vol. II-28
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membership in the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Hellbush have a son and daugh- ter: Henry, born in 1907; and Louise, whose birth occurred in 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Hellbush are members of the German Lutheran church and are loyal to its teachings. They are worthy German citizens of the community in which they make their home and enjoy the warm friendship and regard of many people of their nationality.
HENRY HUNTEMANN.
Henry Huntemann, who has gained gratifying prosperity as a farmer, is one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of Sherman township. A native of Germany, his birth occurred on the 9th of January, 1856. His father, Henry Hunte- mann, having passed away in Germany, the mother became the wife of Henry Robert, an account of whom appears in the sketch of Louis Robert elsewhere in this work. Our subject attended school in his native land, but when a boy of seventeen accom- panied his mother and stepfather on their removal to the new world. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land on section 2, Sherman township. He has not only devel- oped that place and brought the land to a high state of cultivation, but he also owns eighty acres additional in this county and one hundred and sixty acres in Colfax county. His buildings are commodious and substantial and his farm is well equipped. He raises both grain and stock and as the years have passed his resources have con- stantly increased.
Mr. Huntemann married Miss Sophia Luschi, who was born in Bismark town- ship on the 22d of May, 1860, a daughter of Henry Luschi, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Huntemann have five children: Emil, who is living on his father's farm in Colfax county and who married Miss Mary Oldegs; Minnie, the wife of Adolph Sanders; Alma, who married Gerhard Loseke; and Elizabeth and Henry, at home. Mr. Huntemann is interested in public affairs, but has never desired to hold office. His religious faith is indicated by the fact that he is a communicant of the Lutheran church and in all relations of life he has proven honorable and considerate of the rights of others.
REV. ANDREW RASMUSSEN.
Rev. Andrew Rasmussen has contributed largely to the moral progress of the community during the years of his connection with the Lutheran church in this state. He is now living on section 13, Walker township, and is one of the most highly respected and worthy residents of the county. He was born in Denmark, May 20, 1858, a son of Lars and Annie Rasmussen. He is indebted to the common-school system of his native country for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed and in his youthful days learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1875 he arrived in the new world. being then a youth of seventeen years. He made his way first to Sheffield, Illinois, where he worked for two years at farm labor and in a blacksmith shop. He
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then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended school from the 1st of January, 1878, until Christmas of 1882, pursuing a course of study in the Augsburg Seminary in preparation for the work of the ministry, to which he had determined to devote his life.
After leaving school he was ordained as a minister of the Lutheran church and accepted his first pastorate in Howard county, Nebraska, where he remained from the 1st of January, 1883, until the 1st of October, 1881. At the latter date he went to Hastings, Nebraska, where he engaged in preaching until the 1st of April, 1886. The succeeding four years were spent as a minister at Council Bluffs and on the 1st of May, 1890, he went to Olga, Nebraska, where he remained until the 1st of October, 1891. At that date he accepted a call from the church at Racine, Wis- consin, where he continued until July 1, 1895, and returning to enter again upon the work of the ministry in Nebraska, he took charge of the church at Blair, where he continued until October 1, 1901. He spent ten months at Latimer, Iowa, and on the 1st of August, 1902, went to MeNabb, Illinois, where he engaged in preach- ing for more than eight years or until December, 1910. At that date he returned to Nebraska and has since been a resident of Platte county, making his home on section 13, Walker township. His life work has been fraught with excellent results. He has carefully studied the best methods of reaching the people of his congrega- tions and his earnest, thoughtful and convineing utterances have borne rich fruit in the lives of those with whom he has come in contaet.
On the 20th of December, 1882, the Rev. Rasmussen was united in marriage to Amalia Rasmussen, by whom he has six children, namely: Theodora, a resident of Latimer, Iowa; Vietor, who makes his home in Blair, Nebraska ; Christian ; Emanuel, living in Walker township; Esther; and Naomi.
In his political views Mr. Rasmussen is an independent republican. He keeps well informed on the questions of the day, believing that it is the duty of every eitizen so to do. He has never allowed anything, however, to interfere with his church work and in his labors he has not been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath, his teaching and his influence proving an effective force in uplifting many who have sat under his preaching.
HERMANN L. KUNNEMANN.
Hermann L. Kunnemann, a prosperous agriculturist residing on seetion 12, Shell Creek township, has lived in this county for forty-six years, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. He now owns three hundred and sixty aeres of rich and productive land in Shell Creek township and another farm of one hundred and sixty aeres in Grand Prairie township.
His birth occurred in Oldenburg, Germany, on the 21st of July, 1859, his parents being Henry and Katie (Ehlers) Kunnemann, also natives of that country. In 1869 they determined to come to the new world, leaving the fatherland on the 25th of July of that year. At the end of eighteen days on the ocean they landed at Baltimore, Maryland, and thence came by rail to Columbus, reaching that city after a five days' journey by train, or on the 25th of August. Henry Kunnemann took up a home-
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stead claim of eighty acres in Shell Creek township and erected thereon a sod house, eight by twelve, in which the family lived for four years. On the expiration of that period he built a log house of the dimensions of twelve by fourteen feet, which was the home of the family for eighteen years. Mr. Kunnemann died on this farm at the age of seventy-seven years, ten months and eight days, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven years, nine months and twenty-seven days. They were consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church and were well known and highly esteemed for their many good qualities. To them were born six children, five daughters and a son, three of whom survive, namely: Sophia, the wife of William Hoefelmann, living in Grand Prairie township; Gesine, the wife of Henry Luers, a resident of Columbus ; and Hermann L., of this review.
The last named was a youth of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States and well remembers the details of the voyage. He has always remained on the home farm in this county and early became familiar with the work of the fields, for he was the only son in his father's family and his assistance was needed in the operation of the homestead. He helped his father accumulate two hundred acres of valuable land and eventually came into possession of the old homestead farm. His landed holdings now embrace three hundred and sixty acres in Shell Creek township and a quarter section in Grand Prairie town- ship. The property is highly cultivated and equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories, including the latest machinery to facilitate the work in all depart- ments. Bountiful harvests are annually gathered and these find a ready sale on the market.
On October 25, 1880, Mr. Kunnemann was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gesine Weichmann, who was born in Germany, on the 2d of April, 1858, her parents being Henry and Katie (Schutte) Weichmann. Our subject and his wife now have four daughters and three sons, namely: Gustav H .; Walter H., who was married in 1914 to Annie Haka and is now farming in Grand Prairie township; Hermann G .: Gesine A., the wife of John F. Meyer, a farmer of Bismark township; Adelia E .; Olga M .; and Annie P.
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