USA > Nebraska > Platte County > Past and present of Platte County, Nebraska : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 9
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John C. Byrnes was but two years of age when brought to Platte county, Nebraska, in 1869 and his education was acquired in the country schools, which he attended until he reached the age of eighteen years. He worked on the home farm during the periods of vacation and after his textbooks were put aside, and in 1897, when thirty years of age, he was elected sheriff of Platte county, taking the office in 1898. He was prompt and fearless in the discharge of his duties and his capability and loyalty led to his reelection until he had served for three terms. He retired from the position as he had entered it, with the confidence and good- will of all concerned and since that date -- 1905 -- he has been engaged in the real- estate business in Columbus. In 1909 the firm of Ryan & Byrnes was organized and has since been active in the real-estate field. They handle much property, negotiating many important realty transfers and Mr. Byrnes is thoroughly informed concerning realty values and knows what is upon the market, so that he is able to make judicious investments for his clients.
In 1898, in Columbus, Mr. Byrnes was married to Miss Magdalena Gietzen, who died in 1902, leaving a daughter. Mary. Four years later, or in 1906, in
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Columbus, he wedded Miss Anna M. Gietzen, a sister of his first wife, and they have three children, Louise, Katherine and Ellen.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. In his political views Mr. Byrnes has long been an earnest democrat and is one of the leaders of his party in Platte county. He has given earnest support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has not only held the office of sheriff for three terms but has also been a member of the state legislature for the term covering the years 1907-8. Mr. Byrnes belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters and to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Catholic Knights of America, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In these associations he is widely known and his popularity is well established.
HON. GEORGE H. THOMAS.
Hon. George H, Thomas, a leading and distinguished citizen of Columbus, is now serving for the second term as judge of the sixth judicial district, being re- elected to that office without opposition in 1911. His birth occurred in Lexington, New York, on the 13th of August, 1857, his parents being Ezekiel and Sarah Maria (Thompson) Thomas, the former a native of Bolton. New York, and the latter of Lexington, that state. They were married in Lexington, New York, and there con- tinued to reside until their demise, Mrs. Thomas passing away in the year 1890. Ezekiel Thomas carried on merchandising throughout his active business career.
George H. Thomas acquired his education in the rural schools of Greene county, New York, and also attended the Catskill Academy of Catskill, New York, for one term. Leaving that institution at the age of sixteen years, he followed the profes- sion of teaching for one term and then made his way to Warrensburg, New York, where he spent a year reading law in the office of Thomas Cunningham. Subse- quently he went to Acra, New York, where he spent the summer of 1876 working on a farm, and afterward taught one term of school in Lexington. In April, 1877. he resumed his reading in the law office of Addison C. Griswold, at Catskill, New York, there remaining until October 10, 1877, when he entered another law office and continued therein until July 26, 1878.
Mr. Thomas then came west to Schuyler, Colfax county, Nebraska, arriving on the 31st of the same month. Soon afterward he was admitted to the bar and formed a law partnership with Charles J. Phelps, under the firm style of Phelps & Thomas, practicing in Schuyler. In October, 1884, the partnership was discontinued and Mr. Thomas. subsequently practiced alone in Schuyler until 1906, being accorded a liberal and lucrative clientage. In the spring of 1907 he came to Columbus: Nebraska, and in the following fall was elected district judge of the sixth judicial district for a four-year term, making such a commendable record during that time that he was reelected without opposition in 1911. His decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judg- ment. The judge on the bench fails more frequently, perhaps. from a deficiency in that broad-mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation
HON. GEORGE H. THOMAS
MRS. GEORGE H. THOMAS
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quickly and that insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinons delicate duties is a man of well-rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Thomas is regarded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact.
On the 28th of September, 1884, in Schuyler, Nebraska, Judge Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Conant, her father being Elisha Conant, a native of Maine. The political views of Judge Thomas are in accord with the principles of the democracy. In 1884 he was elected to the lower house of the Nebraska legislature, serving therein for one term, while in 1887 he was chosen county judge of Colfax county and also remained in that office for one term. He acted as county attorney of Colfax county for two terms and for a similar period served as a member of the board of education at Schuyler, Nebraska. In 1894 he was nominated for congress from the third district but declined to accept the candidacy. His military record covers a year's service (1886) as lieutenant of Company K. Sec- ond Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard. Fraternally he is known as a Mas- ter Mason and an Elk, while his religious faith is that of the Episcopal Church. Ever a man of honorable purpose, he possesses, too, a kindly spirit and an affable disposition that make him popular with his friends, whom he judges not by their material wealth but by their worth of character.
CHARLES GERTSCH.
Charles Gertsch is a representative farmer of Bismark township, living on section 13, where he has one of the most beautiful places of the county, his landed possessions aggregating four hundred and fifty-five acres. Mr. Gertsch is a native of Switzerland, his birth having occurred at Beru on the 4th of March, 1855. He was a youth of eighteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States in company with his parents, Christ and Paulina Gertsch, and his three brothers, Paul, Samuel and Albert, the first named also a resident of Platte county. Making his way from the coast into the interior, arriv- ing in Platte county May 11, 1873, the father established the family home here, taking up a homestead of eighty acres and afterward adding to his land by pur- chasing property at ten dollars per acre.
Charles Gertsch was largely educated in the schools of Switzerland, although he attended school to some extent in the Bismark township district school No. 2. Through the period of his later youth he aided in the work of the farm and has always continued to engage in agricultural pursuits, carrying on general farming and cattle raising. . He has worked diligently and persistently and through wise investment has become the owner of four hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and arable land, pleasantly situated in Bismark township. This is a most attractive place. In its midst stands a commodious residence, and there are also good barns and outbuildings adequate for the shelter of all his grain and his stock. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and he also gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle. In business affairs his judgment is sound and his enter- Vol. II-5
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prise unfaltering, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
On the 16th of October, 1896, Mr. Gertsch was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Person, a daughter of Henry and Mary Person, of Knox county, Nebraska, and they have become the parents of ten children: Paul, Mary Elizabeth, Carl Christian, Henry Walter, John Ernst, Martha Christina, Theodore Emanuel, Albert Werner, Lydia and Samuel Herbert, all yet under the parental roof. Theirs is a notable record in that the family circle yet remains unbroken.
In his political views Mr. Gertsch is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument, but he does not seek nor desire office, having never been an aspirant for politieal honors. He and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran church, are interested in its work, contribute generously to its support and exemplify its teachings in their lives. For forty-two years Mr. Gertseh has been a resident of Platte county and has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development, while his interest in its welfare and upbuilding has been manifest in many tangible and helpful ways.
ALBERT JAMES GALLEY.
A prominent representative of commercial interests of Platte county is Albert James Galley, of Columbus, who is the secretary and treasurer of the Galley Dry Goods Company and who has throughout his entire business carcer been iden- tified with that enterprise. He was born January 5, 1872, a son of James Henry and Helen Galley. The father has resided in Columbus since 1859, while the mether has made her home in Platte county since 1857, being the daughter of H. J. Hudson, one of the well known pioneers of the county. At the time of the Civil war James H. Galley put aside all business and personal considerations to join the army, becoming a member of Company K, Second Nebraska Cavalry, with which he served at the front until honorably discharged. He is now a member of Baker Post, No. 9, G. A. R.
Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools of Columbus, Albert James Galley eventually came to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1888. He attended the Omaha Commercial College in 1889 and 1890 and was thus qualified for a commercial career. He made his initial step in business life as elerk and bookkeeper for his father, J. H. Galley, who was engaged in dealing in dry goods and elothing, having a large and well appointed store and handling a good stoek. From 1890 until 1912 Albert J. Galley was an employe in the store, but with the reorganization of the business he became seeretary and treasurer of the Galley Dry Goods Company and is now bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control. He studies elosely every phase of the trade and in the conduet of the business never deviates from the high standards which were set np at the beginning. In addition to his other interests he was at one time president of the Columbus Land, Loan & Building Association but has now retired from that connection. He is also secretary and manager of the Columbus City Band.
On the 23d of February, 1909, at Columbus, Nebraska, Mr. Galley was united
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in marriage to Miss Grace Maude Woods, daughter of Henry and Susan A. Woods. Her father resided in Columbus from 1878 until the time of his death, which oc- curred in 1887. When the Civil war occurred he went to the front, becoming a member of Company C, Fifteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted as a drummer in 1861 and serving until the end of the war. He was a member of Baker Post, No. 9, G. A. R., and also of Wildly Lodge, No. 44, I O. O. F. On the 9th of March, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Clark, whose family came to Nebraska in the year 1877. To them were born two children, namely: Grace Maude, whose natal day was February 26, 1881; and Charles Henry, whose birth occurred July 8, 1883, and who died in February, 1903. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 13th of October, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Galley have two children, as follows: Albert Charles, born February 26, 1910; and James Henry, born in February, 1912.
In politics Mr. Galley is a republican 'and for five years, beginning in 1900, he filled the office of treasurer of the city of Columbus, making a most creditable record in that position. He was a most faithful custodian of the public funds and in other relations of citizenship has been equally loyal. He stands at all times for progress and improvement in community affairs and since 1891 has been an active member of the Columbus volunteer fire department, of which he has acted as chief since 1906. He is now a past president of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firemen's Association and at present is chairman of the board of control of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firemen's Association. He belongs to Wildly Lodge, No. 44, I. O. O. F., of which he is treasurer, and to the Sons of Veterans at Colum- bus, of which he was division commander from 1905 until 1909 inclusive: He attends the Episcopal church, to which his wife belongs, and is a man of genuine personal worth, his sterling characteristics establishing him in the high regard of his fellow townsmen as a citizen whom to know is to respect and honor.
. JERRY F. CARRIG.
There is no name in Platte county more familiar than that of Carrig, and Jerry F. Carrig, who claims the distinction of being the first man to fill the office of register of deeds in this county, is a worthy representative of one of the prominent and well known pioncer families of Shell Creek township. He was born on a farm in that township, December 27, 1869. His father, James Carrig, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1831, came to the United States in 1818, when but seven- teen years of age. He was married in 1857, in Montreal, Canada, to Miss Ellen Langan, and in 1859 he and his two brothers, David and Henry Carrig, located in Shell Creek township, Platte county, Nebraska, only two years subsequent to the first settlements in this district. James Carrig settled on land on section 22 and for many years was actively identified with the agricultural interests of the county. He also took a prominent part in many of the events which shaped the early history of this section. He assisted in organizing the first school district in his locality and he was also one of the charter members of St. Patrick's Catholic church, which was the first religious organization established in Shell Creek township. He is now the only survivor of the three brothers and although he has reached the very
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advanced age of eighty-four years he is well preserved, both physically and men- tally, and since 1905 has made his home with his son, Charles C. Carrig, in Kear- ney, Nebraska. The wife and mother, however, passed away in Platte county in 1897.
Jerry F. Carrig spent the period of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads, working on the farm through the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in school district No. 12 of Shell Creek township. He later completed the high-school course in Platte Center, grad- nating in 1887. Subsequently he took a business course in the Lincoln (Neb.) Busi- ness College, graduating from that institution in 1890. He then returned to his work on the farm, remaining there five or six years. He next spent five years as clerk in a store at Platte Center and subsequently spent four years in the capacity of bookkeeper in the employ of a mercantile concern at Beaver Crossing, Seward county, this state. In 1899 he came to Columbus and became an assistant to G. W. Phillips, who was then serving as clerk of Platte county. Mr. Phillips was suc- ceeded in the office by John Graf in the year 1904 and Mr. Carrig was then ap- pointed the latter's deputy, in which capacity he served six years, er until 1909, when the duties of the office were divided and the office of register of deeds was created. Mr. Carrig was then elected to office, becoming the first register of deeds in Platte county, and he is now serving his second term, having been reelected in 1914 on the democratic ticket. His entire political service has been in the interest of the people. He has served them faithfully in the past in every capacity, which is the best recommendation any man can have for future claims.
On the 30th of November, 1900, in Platte Center, Mr. Carrig was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Estella Hayes, a daughter of Patrick Hayes. As above indicated Mr. Carrig is firm in his support of the democratic party and has been secretary of the Platte county democratic central committee, and he is likewise serving as secretary of the Platte County Agricultural Society. He is a com- municant of the Catholic church and is prominent in fraternal circles, holding mem- bership with the Elks, Eagles, Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Business Men's Fraternity. He has a pleasing personality, is most courteous and obliging, and both he and his estimable wife have a host of warm friends and are prominent and popular in the social circles of Columbus.
HENRY GIETZEN.
Henry Gietzen, a well known resident of Humphrey, is now living retired, although for a number of years he was prominently identified with commercial interests as a hardware merchant and with public affairs of the community as post- master through several presidential administrations. He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey and deserves the rest which has come to him, as it is the fitting reward of years of earnest, persistent labor along the lines of private business and of public service.
Mr. Gietzen was born in Germany, July 12, 1842, and is a son of Mathias and Catharine Gietzen, also natives of the fatherland. The former in early life learned the trade of dyeing cloth but after coming to America in 1816 established
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his home at Fort Washington, Wisconsin, where he owned and conducted a tavern and grocery store. There he resided until 1860, when he removed to the upper peninsula of Michigan, which was his place of residence until 1868, when he came to Nebraska, settling in Dodge county. There he engaged in farming and in the later years of his life lived retired at the home of his son Henry, passing away in 1899. He was then far separated from the place of his birth, which occurred in Rauhn, in the kingdom of Prussia, while his wife was a native of Greifswald, Prussia.
Henry Gietzen was but four years of age when the family left the fatherland and came to the United States. He remained at home until he reached the age of seventeen and then began doing general work in the mines of Michigan. He afterward removed with his parents to Dodge county, settling in Fremont, where he was employed at the tinner's trade, spending fourteen years with one firm in that place. No higher testimonial could be given of his faithfulness and capability than the fact that he remained so long with one house. After living for a time at Wayne and at Norfolk he came to Humphrey in the spring of 1883 and here established a hardware business, in which he continued for ten years, conducting his trade for a time under the firm name of Gietzen & Eshelbacher and later as a partner of Henry J. Bruenig. He afterward again worked at his trade until he was appointed to the position of postmaster under President Mckinley. He served for twelve consecutive years in that position, being reappointed by President Roose- velt and by President Taft, serving until March, 1914, when under democratic ad- ministration he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
On the 27th of October, 1867, at Hancock, Michigan, Mr. Gietzen was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Voight, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. F. E. Wubben, a minister of the German Lutheran church. She was born on the 13th of May, 1849, and was but five years of age when she lost her parents, who died during the cholera epidemic in Chicago. She was then adopted by John and Mary Voight, who were natives of Germany and on emigrating to the United States took up their abode in Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently they removed to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where Mr. Voight worked at the mason's trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Gietzen have been born eight children. Adalfena, whose birth occurred on the 12th of September, 1868, is the widow of Sherman Coockingham and now lives with her parents. Jennie, who was born June 23, 1871, gave her hand in marriage to Erastus Leach, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Omaha and by whom she has one child, Vern. A. Louis. born March 10, 1874, wedded Miss Blanche Rawley, who passed away in Omaha, leaving two children, Gerald and May. Charlie H., born August 2, 1876, is a practicing dentist of Omaha and married Miss Emma McDonald, by whom he has one child. Carroll. Mary E., whose birth occurred June 16, 1879, served as deputy under her father for four years. She gave her hand in marriage to the Rev. William Fowler. a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, who is now a ranchman residing in Porcupine, Montana, and by whom she has a son, Ernest. John B., who was born November 7, 1883, and is a painter and decorator of Humphrey, wedded Miss Grace Walker. William D., born June 28, 1887, married Miss Lola Bates, of Humphrey, by whom he has one child, Harriett. With his brother John he served as deputy postmaster under his father. Ralph L., whose birth occurred on the 6th of May, 1895, died when five years of age.
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Mr. Gietzen has always voted with the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and is a firm believer in its principles and in their effieieney as factors in good government. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his wife to the Degree of Honor, while Mrs. Gietzen is also a mem- ber of the Congregational church of Fremont, Nebraska. Theirs is a hospitable home, justly celebrated for its good cheer, and they have a large eirele of warm friends who delight to gather at their fireside. Mr. Gietzen's public service has made him widely known and he has ever enjoyed the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
GOTTFRIED MARTY.
Gottfried Marty was brought to Platte county by his parents forty-six years ago, when a little child of but two years. General agricultural pursuits have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and in association with his sons he now owns six hundred and forty acres of valuable land, his home being on seetion 23, Sherman township. His birth oeeurred in Canton Bern, Switzer- land, on the 13th of January, 1867, his parents being Benedict and Anna Marie (Simmons) Marty, both of whom were natives of Germany. In 1869 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and eame direet to Platte county, Nebraska, living for a short time in Columbus, where the father passed away. The widowed mother then removed with her family to a farm in Colfax eonnty bnt subsequently became the wife of Henry Miller and settled on a farm in Sherman township, Platte eonnty, where the remainder of her life was spent. To Mr. and Mrs. Benediet Marty were born three children, as follows: Gottfried, of this review; Adolph, of Sherman township; and Mrs. Melchior Jenny, who also lives in Sherman township.
Gottfried Marty was reared to manhood on the farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted in the cultivation of the home place. The work of the fields has claimed his atten- tion throughout his entire business career and his efforts have been rewarded with well merited snecess, so that he now owns six hundred and forty aeres of rich and produetive land in association with his sons. The property lies in Sherman town- ship and is improved with a commodious residence and excellent buildings for the shelter of grain and stoek. Mr. Marty has won prosperity as the logical result of untiring industry and perseverance and has long been numbered among the sub- stantial and representative agriculturists of the county.
On June 7, 1889, Mr. Marty was joined in wedloek to Miss Marie Broek, who was born in Sherman township, this county, on the 14th of November, 1870, her parents being John and Anna Elizabeth (Sehueller) Broek, natives of Germany. They came to Platte county, Nebraska, in 1866 and became early settlers of Sher- man township, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Marty have been born twelve children, namely: Gottfried Ernst, at home; Clara, who is the wife of William Johannes, of Creston township; Walter F. and Marie, both at home; Ma- tilda. who died at the age of seven months; Emil Adolf, at home; Anna M .; Arthur H .; Otto J .; Rosa M .; Ernst H .; and Irma E.
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