USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 17
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Further registrations in 1881 brought forth the names of Samuel Wert of Waco, who came to the county from Stromsburg ; Austin R. Allen, William Joel Wells of Waco, in recent years in Lincoln, Neb. ; Levi Pool of York; L. P. Ensign, at Arbor- ville ; Willis C. Sperry, Henry Van Gorden, William Henry Babcock, at Bradshaw; Sarah Parker, J. J. Porter, Mrs. Francis A. Martin ; and this year's registration brought forth four names which stand out in York County medical services for long careers of faithful professional service and activities in social, political and general affairs of the community-Drs. R. Carscadden, William H. Martin, D. E. Sedgwick, and W. M. Knapp.
Doetor Carscadden, homeopathic physician and surgeon, was born in Canada, February 1. 1840, where he received his literary education and attended Albert Col- lege for some time. 1le came to the United States in 1863 and entered the Univer- sity of Michigan medical department. In Chicago he studied for over a year in the office of Dr. B. Dexter ; he later pursued work in Rush Medical College, grad- mating in 1866, attended lectures in Hahnemann Medical College (homeopathic). Practicing for three years in the old school, he turned in 1869 to the homeopathic practice. In 1879 he left his practice in De Pere, Brown County, Wisconsin, on account of failing health, and came out to the invigorating atmosphere of York County. In the earlier years of his practice here he was the only physician of his school in the county. He was married at Wheaton, Ill., in 1871 to Miss Clara Sedgwick.
Dr. William M. Knapp was born in Steuben County, New York, January 20, 1847. After receiving his academie education he entered the medical college at Detroit, Mich., and later entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1872. He practiced one year at Macomb, Ill., and settled in York in 1873. At the time of the opening of the registration records in 1881 he was the oldest resident physician of York and Hamilton counties. In 1880 his standing in the profession was recognized by election as vice president of the Cen- tral Nebraska Medical Association. He was chosen to represent Hamilton and York counties in the State Senate in 1877. In this same session Dr. S. V. Moore represented York County in the House of Representatives. He was an original member of the York Masonie Lodge and first master of that lodge, and was one of the organizing members of the G. A. R. post at York. He married in 1876 one of the York teachers, Miss E. A. Beecher.
Dr. William H. Martin came to Nebraska in 1868, first locating at Nebraska City, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. Ile came to York in 1875. He was the son of D. C. and Sarah Martin, who were of English descent; his mother's maiden name was White. Ife received his literary education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, from which he graduated in the classical course in 1862. Ile then studied medicine in the offices of three of the leading phy- sicians of the City of Delaware. In the winter of 1862-63 he attended lectures at Michigan University, at Ann Arbor. In 1864 he commenced attending lectures in the Bellevue Medical College, New York City, graduating from the said college in the spring of 1865. His first practice was in the eastern part of Ohio, where he remained until his emigration to Nebraska. He is a member both of the State
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Medical Society of Nebraska and of the Central Nebraska Medical Society. He was married in 1862 in Ohio, to Miss Georgiana A. Ladd, a native of Michigan.
Dr. W. H. Babcock came to Bradshaw in 1878. Dr. D. E. Sedgwick came from Brown County, Wisconsin, in 1880. His name appears through many chapters of this work with a frequency that illustrates the many interests in the welfare of the community he displayed, beyond his professional duties.
The registration for 1882 shows Dr. Joseph H. Downing at Waco, who came from Valparaiso in Saunders County; Frederick Saxenberger, from Shelby, Polk County, who practiced extensively in northern York County; Dr. A. C. Harlan, from Hillsboro, Henry County, Iowa, who became a prominent figure in York affairs ; John N. Davis, at New York, who came from Iowa with some five years of experience in the practice; Allen M. Wheeler of Crete, who registered in the county in April, 1882; Elvira Jones of Stewart Township, who followed obstetrical work; Gustave Ernest Kremer from Sterling, Neb., registered in March, 1883. Dr. Charlotte Catherine Naber of Waco, Dr. Leopold Frederick Saxenberger of Waco, and W. Godfrey Endres of Utica registered in the same month. April, 1883, brought another prominent figure in the medical roster of York County, Dr. D. E. Foristall, and at the same time Dr. C. M. Scott, now living in California, came to York. In August of that year Chester F. Harris of Red Lion Mills, York County, registered.
January, 1884, saw the registration of Dr. Orville M. Moore of Bradshaw, who is still living in York County, over thirty-five years later. In March R. G. Bloom- field registered, and July brought forth Dr. A. O. Faulkner who practiced a number of years in York, but in recent years has become the head of an insurance company in Lincoln, and a very successful business man. The three registrations of 1885 brought forth two names, which stand forth in York County medical history-J. C. Panter and Benjamin F. Farley, and also George J. Puhek. In this year Robert McConaughey, the present pioncer physician and dean of the medical profession, came to York, and has served the people of the county for some thirty-five years.
Those registering in 1886 were: Jacob A. Bennett, York; A. R. Downing, Waco; Augustus H. Warren, Shenandoah, Iowa; Alvin E. Wessell, also from Iowa, and James E. Anderson of Indiana. In 1887 R. A. Blackburn registered at York, William K. Farley, for practice at Waco, and Frank S. Morris at McCool Junction. Almost thirty-five years of practice has made Doctor Morris a very important factor in the life of the southern part of York County. A. L. and Alex C. Sabin of Beatrice registered in this year. J. A. Van Dyke registered as from Bedient, Neb., and T. M. Gardner for practice at Waco. Robert McConaughey, who had been here since 1885, coming from Scottsdale and Mount Pleasant, Iowa. A. A. Ashby was practicing considerably around Waco, so he registered in this county.
In 1887 those who registered were A. Eisenbeiss of Lushton and B. L. Wanzer of York. In January, 1888, W. N. Ifylton registered for practice at Poston, later called Gresham. He has been a prominent factor in the life of that community in a business as well as a professional way. The same year saw the registration of A. M. Pickett from Mitchell, Ind .; C. A. Flippin at Henderson, who in years later practiced at Stromsburg and Grand Island, and Mrs. M. Belle Flippin, eclectic. Lewis M. Linvill started at Thayer and James L. Holbrook at Gresham. Henry M. Williams registered as in Blue Valley and J. B. Conaway located at York. Susanna Vodt registered as in Brown Township. In 1889 Walter F. Reynolds registered for
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
work at York, P. Janss of Grand Island, and now of California, registered in the county ; Flavius J. Greer for practice at Benediet, and a number of outside prac- titioners receiving considerable patronage from here-J. S. Leonhardt of Seward, George B. M. Free, A. J. Sanders, and IT. S. Aley, doctors at Grand Island, and George IL. Collins at Lincoln. Elizabeth Fast of Henderson completed the list for this year.
DURING THE '90S AND SINCE
In 1890 appears the name of Stephen Newman, who had practiced for many years in Russia, and who came to Henderson. In 1891 were Oren B. llugg and Samnel J. Canter, for York : Peter Goosen, practicing at Lushton and later at Ilen- derson : F. L. Wiseman of Henderson, W. M. Earnest at Enshton. David Boswell of Thayer and Joseph G. Downey of York complete this year's list. In 1892 came Austin R. Allen, who practiced at Bradshaw ; Frank L. Simon registered from But- ler County ; Robert S. Hirsch, who practiced at Gresham, and in 1893 William F. Wilson. From this point on those practitioners who stayed here had established fixed practices and the number of new arrivals each year is not so numerous. In 1895 the records show John W. Straight for Benedict, and who later moved to Hastings, and Frank C. Zoll of Merrick County.
The first dental registration appears in this year, when Dr. T. J. Hatfield, the dean of the dental profession in York County, registered, and at the same time George O. Zeigler, who later went to Colorado.
In 1896 came Peter Wems of Bradshaw, who stayed for a short while. The registrants for 1897 were F. E. Gordon, and W. L. Downing of Harlan County. Neb .. also registered here. The year 1898 witnessed a group of registrants: F. V. Johnson from Wahoo, William Kirk from Cass County, James G. Muir of Seward County. JJ. S. Sturtevant of Cass County, and Benjamin Rea of Dakota County, lowa. In 1899 were J. W. Dill of Holt County and F. E. Calkins of York, On May 12, 1899, Homer R. Hatfield registered for dental practice, and started with his father : but he has practiced for many years past at Grand Island. Dr. Il. L. Vradenberg, a homeopathie physician, and S. D. Towle of Saline County registered in 1899, also. In 1900 F. G. Snyder, Frank B. Slusser from Kearney County. Edwin Blair Hanna from Fillmore County, Henry C. Williams of Johnson County, and Dora Bower Eckles and Warren F. Eckles registered. The latter have been constant practitioners at York since then, but Dora Bower Eckles is not now prac- ticing. The year 1901 saw the arrival of O. S. Townsend of York, George L. A. Hamilton, who started in and stayed for a while; Dr. James N. Plumb, who came from Fillmore County, and J. M. Kilgore, an osteopathie doctor. In 1902 those who registered were Dr. Lenore Kilgore, who still lives in York County, but is not prac- ticing : F. A. Thomas, an osteopathie physician of Hamilton County : Ora M. Cakl- well of York, H. C. Mudding of Lincoln, Neb .: James F. Davies from Custer County, and Paul R. Howard, who came to York from Washington County, Nebraska.
In 1903 B. F. Stewart. Elmer G. Lawrence of Lincoln County, Frank M. Means of York County, A. B. Conaway, who never practiced here, registered. In 1904 James S. Romine registered for dental practice, and Dr. William H. Dearing regis- tered as a doctor to practice at Lushton. Edwin Miller, another dentist, came to
LUTHERAN HOSPITAL, YORK
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LID ARY
ASTOR, LEN. \ ND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
York, and in the same year came B. L. Diffenbacher, dentist, who later removed to California. J. H. Griffen of Douglas County registered for medical practice.
In 1905 two osteopaths, Drs. Willis E. and Amy Scott Lyman, registered ; Dr. Frederick W. Karrer started at Benedict, Dr. Lucien Stark at Henderson. Walter L. Burnard, osteopathic physician, came this year from Hamilton County ; also George H. Marvel of that county registered, and George A. Morrison, to practice at Bradshaw. Two dentists came to York in 1905-Drs. Norman L. Kerr and Lorenzo P. Ronne-who have since left. This year's list closes with Dr. A. A. Potterhof of Douglas County and Freeman E. McConoughey, now of Utica. In 1906 the dentists who came were A. E. Calkins and C. A. Calkins and Drs. J. C. McKin- ley from Colfax County, and N. Sellberg. In 1907 the doctors arriving were: Charles C. Stevens from Adams County, Robert L. Newell from Cass County, John T. Banning of Douglas County, William T. Putt of Adams County, and Artie Folsom of Gage County. These men; filed their certificates in this county, and Ilolland R. Wildman was the new dentist for this year. In 1908 the registrations made showed : Ben W. Kinsey of Lancaster County, Charles N. George of the same county, and Harry W. Nye from Pierce County. John W. Meehan registered in July, 1909 : others registering in this year were W. M. Blair from Lincoln County, and Amos F. Johnson from Colfax County. In 1910 those whose names appeared on the roster were: Dr. H. S. Breevort of York, F. E. Abbott of Lancaster, William C. Peterson of Madison, Squire Oliver Harris of York, John W. Wood of Lancaster County, and Hilmer Carl Schmidt of York, and in 1911 Charles W. Ford of Nance County, George E. Zimmerer of York, and Rachel A. Watkins of York appeared. In 1912 eame Enoch Neff of Richardson County and Jesse Samuel Lancaster of York County, who stayed awhile and later went to California. M. L. Rich of Grand Island registered for practicing in this county in this year, and W. L. Foster from Nuckolls County came to Waco.
In 1913 the arrivals on the roster were G. G. Douglas of Cass County and Dr. Henrietta A. Latham of York; for osteopathic practice, William F. Race of Buffalo County. In 1914 the arrivals on the roster were: B. A. Stockdale of Douglas County, Gilbert D. Laffler, and P. L Stewart of Lancaster County, John E. Prest, who practiced in Lushton, Mildred C. Williams of York, and Dexter D. King of York, now a member of the firm of Moore, Shidler & King. In 1915 those who registered were: Lillian E. Coates of York, Bert O. Callahan, chiropractic, Hubert O. Bell and James Stewart Bell of York, David F. Hallett, York ; Elsie M. Reqmartte and Donald McDonald, chiropractic, registered in 1916; as did Clark- son N. Olmstead, osteopathic physician : Emeral J. Culver of Adams County, Hayes II. Culbertson of York, and Earl Warner, osteopath.
In 1918 the dentists registering were T. S. Whelan and Addison J. Beebe.
In 1920 G. Holmes registered as an osteopathie physician.
The following tribute was paid to Dr. B. F. Farley, who died in 1917:
"Doctor Benjamin F. Farley, a pioneer physician of York County, died at his home in this city Wednesday morning, January 17, 1917, of acute pneumonia. Doctor Farley was taken sick Tuesday, and so sudden and severe was the attack that he died almost before his family realized his condition.
"Doctor Farley came to York from Illinois in 1885, and has been actively en- gaged in the practice of medicine here up to the day of his fatal illness. Two years
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ago Doctor and Mrs. Farley celebrated their golden wedding at the family home in this city.
"Doctor Farley is survived by his wife and three daughters. One daughter. Mrs. Lloyd Lloyd, lives at North Platte: another, Mrs. Grant Karnes, lives in York, and another, Mrs. Rose Lineh, also lives in this city. There are six grandehildren. Deceased was in his seventy-third year. The Democrat goes to press too early to announce the funeral arrangements.
"In Doctor Farley's death York County loses a pioneer citizen who contributed largely to the development of the community. He was a man of broad vision, kindly impulses and devoted to his profession."
HOSPITALS
In recent years Doetors Moore, Shidler and King have built up a splendid private hospital, called the York Clinic. Before this. York had the Lutheran Hospital. an institution of which it is justly proud. The campaign for building a Lutheran hos- pital was started in 1913 by Rev. O. Batz, pastor of the German Lutheran Church. and some of his members, and some of the local physicians took an active part in pushing the project. In November, 1915, the first building was dedicated. It was a building 54x96, two stories and basement, or practically three stories in height. The cost of that building, including site, furniture and fixtures was $48,000. In 1918 an annex and heating plant were erected at a cost of $85,000, this annex being 38x90, practically three stories. all fireproof. with every modern convenience to be found for such an institution.
Miss C. Rohling, registered nurse, was the first superintendent and served for a year. Miss Martha Meyer, R. N., succeeded her and served until the end of the year 1919. Miss Rohling then returned and is still filling this position at the beginning of 1921. A nurses' training school, fully accredited by the state authori- ties, is condueed in connection with the hospital. The hospital has a capacity of sixty beds. In 1915, 192 patients were admitted and 144 operations performed. In 1916 this service increased to 456 patients and 357 operations. In 1919 the work spread so that 497 patients were cared for and 415 operations performed. The year 1918 saw a further extension of service to humanity, with 584 patients cared for and 323 operations that year. The work reached a high peak in 1919, with 689 patients and 510 operations. and held up very well in 1920, with 668 patients and 505 operations. The present officers of the board in charge of the institution are: President. C. Bulgrin ; vice president, William Witte: secretary, Rev. O. Batz, and treasurer, HI. Ziegelbein.
CHAPTER XIX THE BENCH AND BAR OF YORK COUNTY
THIE LAW-EARLIEST CASE, BY J. B. MEEHAN-DISTRICT COURT-INDIAN TRIAL, N. A. DEAN-GEORGE W. POST-THE DISTRICT COURTS OF YORK COUNTY-TIIE YORK COUNTY BAR.
THE LAW
The law travels hand in hand with the first encroaches of civilization upon the wild, barren prairie. Of course in the first seven years of the settlement and existence of York County the machinery of the state courts had not reached this young community.
In most instances the touch of the citizens with the courts starts with the lower or local courts. This was true to even a greater extent in the earlier days of the community. The history of the State Supreme Court, the highest court in Nebraska, has been sketched in the state historical section of this work. The history of the dis- trict court has likewise been briefly touched upon therein, but the story of the District Court of York County will be treated in more detail in this chapter. Next below the District Court, coming down the ladder of justice, is the County, or oftentimes called the Probate. Court. This court has jurisdiction of all probate matters, the settlement of estates, handling of matters of guardianship, civil matters involving amounts up to $1.000. and concurrent justice of peace jurisdiction.
A picturesque corner-stone in the history of justice of any county is the Justice of Peace Court. In more modern times, since automobiles have rendered access to the county seat towns less difficult, in both time consumed for travel and ease in making the trip, the importance of this local court has dwindled, as the county and district courts have gradually absorbed its business. But in the horse-and-buggy period, a man with a grievance would file it with his local justice, for in those days the law permitting the selection of a justice of peace, or two, if chosen, for each township was more carefully carried out. The local magistrate perhaps carried his cases and trials with more informality, but no doubt with greater interest than the County Court trials of the present day generally present.
An illustrative word picture of the administration of local justice is furnished by the following article, published a few years ago, which was told of J. B. Meehan :
J. B. Meehan came to West Blue during the summer of 1871, and was the first squire in the precinct, W. H. Taylor being elected at the same time as constable. The first case in Squire Meehan's court was in the summer of 1871. At this time large herds of cattle were driven each summer from Texas north to various points, sometimes to Yankton, S. D., and again to points along the U. P. Railroad, where they were shipped east.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
The drivers were of the usual Texas "cowboy" variety, wild and reckless, and always expert in the use of their revolvers, an accomplishment they were always willing to demonstrate upon the least provocation. They drove their large herds fearlessly over prairie lands and the homesteaders' farms, paying but little attention to the growing crops. A large herd being thus driven over Peter Heller's field of sod corn, he brought suit against the foreman of the drivers, and Mr. Taylor was ordered to arrest him. The herd had passed north, and being uncertain as to the man's willingness to return peacefully, Mr. Taylor took with him several men of the neighborhood. They overtook the herdsmen near Beaver Creek. Setting his men to keep from sight in a ravine, Mr. Taylor rode on alone, making his errand known to the man, who, of course, swore and said he saw no corn, and at first firmly refused to go back ; but after talking the matter over with Mr. Taylor, he ordered the men to camp, and they started on the return trip. Presently he stooped, and drawing a revolver from his bootleg, proceeded to show his skill in the use of the same. Find- ing Mr. Taylor not easily frightened, he began to look for other game. Presently they came to A. J. Corey, chopping wood alone on his homestead. "Watch me scare that man," he said, and riding furiously up to Mr. Corey, he pointed the revolver in his face and prefacing his remarks with a volley of oaths, eried, "What do you want?" Mr. Corey looked at the man for a moment, and coolly told him he wanted nothing. Returning to Mr. Taylor, the man was then requested to turn over his weapon which he did willingly ; then stooping once more, drew another weapon from his bootleg, remarking "Now we're both armed." Fearing danger if the man should have the weapon when they came to the other party. Mr. Taylor proceeded to argue the ease with the man, who finally said: "We will ride up to where my wagons are; you throw your gun into the wagon first, and I will do likewise." This Mr. Taylor did, and the man was true to his promise.
Coming on, they rode through the ravine where Mr. Taylor's men were hidden. who remained quiet until Mr. Taylor and his man had passed, then they rode up behind them. This ineensed the man from Texas, who seemed to think he had been tricked. He stopped for a few moments, then remarked with the usual oath, "If I'd known this you never would have arrested me." But being unarmed and one against several, he evidently thought it best to show no fighting disposition at that time. Coming to Squire Meehan's, a crowd of interested farmers had gathered. This was to them an important case. All had suffered from the depredations of the herds. and now it would be decided how their fields should be protected in the future. The man gave testimony that he was only an employee of the cattle com- pany, and the ease was dismissed, but it served the purpose, for coming herdsmen were more careful to avoid cultivated fields, and this ended what was, perhaps, the first litigation in West Blue Preeinet.
Another one occurred in a few months, wherein a man living near the southeast line of the county was arrested for taking a saddle from Mr. Brower, who lived in Fillmore County. More than ordinary interest was taken in this case from the fact that George Post, a young attorney lately located at York, had been employed to defend the accused. Although the day was bleak and cold, many had assembled to hear the trial, and were surprised as well as disappointed when the lawyer informed the squire that the case was not in his jurisdiction, the property having been taken from Fillmore County. The man was set free, and whether or not he took the saddle has never been determined.
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DISTRICT COURT
The first term of the District Court in York County was held at York in the spring of 1872. His honor Judge George B. Lake was the presiding judge, and the trial docket No. 1 in the office of the clerk of the District Court at York shows the first session of this court opened on May 27, 1872. Newell H. Hopkins was bailiff. Lawyers then admitted to practice in York County who were in attendance were: D. T. Moore, George W. Post and T. L. Warrington. W. J. Connell of Omaha, even now, forty years later, an active practitioner at Omaha, was district attorney.
Two divorce cases were the first cases on the docket to disfigure the pure white records. Beginning at page 1 of the trial docket No. 1 were two divorce cases, divorces being granted May 29, 1872.
In the fall of that year court sat for half a day and transacted all the business then ready. The only case of importance at that time was an injunction suit, to restrain the county from issuing bonds in the sum of $150,000 to the Midland Pacific Railroad Company. After hearing the case, his honor decided in favor of the plaintiffs and made the injunction perpetual.
The first real contested trial in York County, in 1872, was not a white man's trial, nor a trial for divorce, but a trial among the original occupants of the country, the Pawnee Indians, who knew nothing of divorce, but understood that when a man and woman were legally contracted to marry, they should be man and wife. This trial as related by N. A. Dean was, in his own words, as follows:
Indian Trial Quoted by N. A. Dean
"It was the winter of 1870 that the Pawnees' chief camped on the west side of the Blue River, section 9, township 9, range 1, west. In that tribe there was a young man who wanted to get him a wife. Their custom was that if a young man wanted a wife he must pay the price. This young man fell in love with a young girl that was also camped with these people. The contract for their marriage was to be made with the girl's father. The contract was made and the price paid, which was in ponies and furs. The marriage ceremony consisted of the contract with the father of the girl and a whip made of three strands of rawhide fastened to a horn handle of elk prongs presented to the young man by the chief of the tribe.
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