USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 32
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Myers married again, this time to Miss Jessie Rose, and he has two children by this marriage: Charles B .. a farmer of Lexington ; and Harold, who is conducting a repair auto service in York.
In the acquirement of an education John W. Myers attended the schools of York county and studied for one year in York College-the year the college was first opened. Having always been interested in farming and live stock raising he then engaged in that business making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. For twenty years he followed this line of work successfully in Benedict. In 1910 Mr. Myers and his family removed to York and he entered into the real estate business there in con- nection with his father, and in addition conducts a feed yard near the town. He has always taken much pride in full blooded shorthorn cattle and is considered one of the best informed men in the county on live stock.
Mr. Myers was united in marriage in 1895 to Nettie A. Grobe, a native of York county, and a daughter of Henry Grobe who came to York county in 1872, secured a homestead and lived there for many years. He is now retired and residing in Benedict with his wife, and they are prominent citizens of the community. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers: Lena, who is in her senior year at York College; Dean W., who is attending York College and is a football player of note, having been chosen as end on the all state team; Alice, who is attending school and specializing in expression ; and Dwight, who is attending business col- lege. Dean W. Myers enlisted in the navy July 27, 1918, and was stationed at San Francisco, never getting out of the United States. He was in line for the promo- tion when the armistice was signed and was well recommended when he was discharged. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Myers is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a republican in polities. Although he is active in the interests of his party he has never aspired to political office. Both John W. Myers and his father are on the board of directors of the Farmers State Bank of York. Mr. Myers has worked his way upward almost entirely unaided and stands high not only as a real estate and live stock dealer but as a citizen of York.
AUGUST C. JUNGE
August C. Junge, one of the most prominent agriculturists in York county where for nearly fifty years he has been engaged in farming, has in his own name four hundred acres of prime land all in Thayer township. He is a native of Germany, born in that country September 15, 1840, and was reared on a farm operated by his parents and there he laid the foundations of the agricultural knowledge which proved so valuable to him when he acquired land in this county.
In 1867 Mr. Junge immigrated to America, the voyage to New York being made by steamer and he went thence to Illinois, remaining in Cook county for a brief period. Ite next visited Rock Island and worked on farms by the month, so con- tinuing for three years, receiving two hundred dollars per year for his services, a large part of which he managed to save for the purpose of acquiring a holding of his own. In 1872 he came to York county and took up a homestead of eighty
MR. AND MRS. AUGUST C. JUNGE
Vol. II-21
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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ASTOR, LEN( X AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
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aeres in Thayer township, of which he is still the owner. Ile first built a sod house of two rooms and this served as a habitation for several years. He made no delay in planting crops and in effecting improvements on the holding, success eventually attending his efforts, so much so that he was enabled to add more land to his original homestead and is now the owner of four hundred acres of excellent land 'on which he has made valuable improvements in the shape of substantial buildings, as well as setting out trees which add immensely to the appearance and value of the entire property. He has employed progressive methods and utilized modern machinery in the care and cultivation of his land and these factors have contributed largely to his success.
In 1868 Mr. Junge was united in marriage to Miss Dora Conrad and their union was blessed with eleven children: William, deceased; Lonie, who lives in Thayer township; one, unnamed, who died in infancy; August W., who lives in Thayer township: Mary, who resides at Gresham; Henry, living in Holt county ; Albert, who resides in Thayer township; Elvina; Godfred, living in Thayer township; Otto, who lives on the home farm, and Edward, who passed away when fifteen years old. To the sincere regret of her relatives and a wide circle of friends Mrs. Junge's death occurred September 13, 1912. She and the members of her family held religious affiliation with the Lutheran church, in whose teachings she was reared. Mr. Junge votes with the republican party, but has never sought public office. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he has been a resident for nearly fifty years, and he has been a factor in advancing its material, social and moral progress.
DICK WESSELS, SR.
Dick Wessels, Sr., who is now practically living retired on a farm located on section 1. New York township, York county, is now enjoying a period of well merited leisure made possible by his former successful labors along agricultural lines, and he has turned over to his. sons the work of condneting the place. He was born in Germany, October 11, 1857, a son of John and Marie (Gerkin) Wessels, also natives of that country, where the former followed the occupation of a linen weaver and where they spent all their lives. One other child besides the subject of this sketch, Catherine Wessels, came to the United States from the old country.
Dick Wessels spent his early boyhood and youth in his father's home and was edneated in the schools of Germany, where he remained until his twenty-fourth year, engaged at such work as his hands could find to do, but mainly following his father's trade of linen weaver. In August, 1881, he immigrated to America, went to Peoria, Illinois, and there worked in lumber yards for a time. He then started farming in that state and rapidly acquired a sound working knowledge of agricul- tural operations. Desiring to see more of the country and believing from reports that there were vast farming possibilities in Nebraska, he came to York county in 1903, having sold the interest in his Illinois land. Success attended Mr. Wessels' efforts from the beginning of his farming career and he was enabled from time to time to remit money to his relatives in Germany to help them. On settling in York connty in 1903 he purchased a tract of valuable land, the area of which is two hun-
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dred and forty acres, and immediately proceeded to operate the place. adding improvements as time passed, finally bringing the holding up to the level of the best in the district. For years he followed general farming and stock raising and finally decided to retire from active participation in the work of the farm, which is now rented to his sons in suitable divisions. Much credit is due Mr. Wessels for his success on the farm, more especially in view of the fact that when he came to this country he was almost without funds, but by the exercise of industry and frugality he surmounted all obstacles and now enjoys a comfortable competence.
Before leaving Germany Mr. Wessels was united in marriage to Fannie Goudschaal and they became the parents of ten children as follows: Mary, widow of Louis Simon, living in Illinois : John and Dick, farmers in York county : Carrie, wife of Richard Conrad, a farmer ; George, a farmer in York county ; Maggie, wife of William Conrad, a York county farmer; Katie, wife of Emil Moggensan, a farmer of Hamilton county : Anna, wife of Mr. Robert Marquardt, a York county farmer ; Albert, who operates the home place, and Freddie, living at home. George Wessels entered the military service of the United States, September 6, 1918, and went into training at Camp Grant and later at Camp Haneoek. He was not, how- ever, called for overseas service as the armistice was declared some two months later.
Mr. Wessels and members of his family have religious affiliation with the Lutheran church at Thayer and are active participants in all its good works. Polit- ically he is aligned with the republican party and has served as road overseer and as game warden for six years, bringing to the duties of these offices a sound common sense and good judgment. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance. esteem him as a man of genuine worth who well merits the success that has crowned his efforts.
JAMES R. McCLOUD
Prominent in the financial cireles of York and York county is James R. MeCloud, cashier of the First National Bank at York. He was born on the 12th of December, 1881, in York county, a son of William and Ann (Sears) McCloud. the former a native of West Virginia, while the latter was born in Ohio. Further reference to the mother and father is made in the sketch of Charles A. MeCloud, a brother of the subject of this review, on another page of this work.
James R. McCloud received his education in the country schools and in the grade and high schools of York and graduated from the latter institution in 1901. His initial step into the business world was made on the 16th of July, 1901, when he entered the employ of the First National Bank of York as helper and book- keeper. He was not content to stand still, however, and through his individual effort worked his way steadily upward through the different departments, with the result that in 1903 he was made assistant cashier. Hle retained this position until the spring of 1909 when he removed to Idaho where he stayed two years. At the expiration of this period Mr. MeCloud returned to York and resumed his bank connections, as cashier of the Farmers National Bank. This was in 1911 and in November, 1912, when this bank was consolidated with the First National Bank, he
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retained his position as cashier and is still serving in that capacity. There is no feature of the banking business that is not thoroughly understood by Mr. MeCloud and he devotes his entire time to the interests of the institution. Besides the interest he manifests in the bank at York he owns stock in seven banks in the county and is president of the First National Bank at Benedict.
On the 10th of August, 1909, Mr. MeCloud was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Belle Nobes, whose birth occurred in the penitentiary at Lincoln, where her father was warden. Mr. Nobes came to York at an early day and was a prominent factor in the development of the town. In 1882 he built a large business block and became in time one of the wealthiest men in that section of the country. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCloud two children have been born: Mildred, ten years of age; and Ann, nine years of age. Mrs. McCloud is one of the prominent women of her community, taking part in all civic organizations and woman's club activities of York. She is a consistent member of the Christian Science Church.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. McCloud has been a stanch supporter of the republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Masons, belonging to the Mystic Shrine. He is a charter member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, No. 1024, and also of the Knights of Pythias, No. 13. In the conduct of his banking affairs Mr. McCloud has won a host of friends, for in the execution of his duties he treats all with marked courtesy and respect. His success is the result of his own diligence and labor, his determination and strength of character allowing no obstacle to bar his path.
IRVING S. HARDEN
Irving S. Harden, who is devoting his time and energies to the operation of a good farm on section 3, Lockridge township, York county, has been identified with the agricultural life of the county for many years. Mr. Harden was born in York county in 1889, a son of Pierce and Christina (Troutman) Harden, both natives of the Keystone State, but who came to York county in 1878 from Illinois. Pierce Harden was engaged during his active years in the profitable operation of a farm, from which he retired in 1910 and is now residing at Benedict, Nebraska.
Irving S. Harden was reared on the home farm and his boyhood and youth were spent in the acquirement of a public school education and in helping his father on the farm. When his father retired from active participation in the work of the holding Mr. Harden began an agricultural career on his own account in 1910 and has since been steadily devoting himself to the development of the farm, finally bringing the place to a condition not excelled by any in the district in which it is located. ile is engaged in general farming and raises a good grade of live stock, the produce in the latter line always finding a ready market. Ile also raises feed which is disposed of in the neighboring markets.
In 1912 Mr. Harden was united in marriage to Adeline Johnson, a daughter of William Johnson of Benedict, a native of Lee county, Illinois, where his parents settled in 1863; further reference to Mr. Johnson will be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Harden are the parents of three children, namely : Margaret, Jocelyn and Boyd, all of whom are living with their parents. The family are
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
members of the Lutheran church at Benedict and Mr Harden is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In political affairs he takes an inde- pendent attitude and casts his vote for worthy men and measures rather than for parties and party emblems, and it is generally known that he supports all move- ments seeking the material, moral or civic advancement of his community.
ROBERT MCCONAUGHY, M. D.
Dr. Robert MeConaughy an able physician and surgeon who since 1885 has engaged in practice in York, was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, in 1852, a son of James and Harriett (Shallenberger) MeConaughy. Both were natives of Penn- sylvania and in 1886 they removed to York county, Nebraska. The father was a physician well known in the east in his professional capacity for forty-five years. He attended Washington College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, and was afterward graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, with the class of 1845. Following his removal to the west he retired from active practice spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, and he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and in politics he was a republican. In their family were five children, four of whom are living: Mrs. George W. Post. who was one of the pioneer residents of York but is now living in California ; Mrs. Idalette Woods, a widow living in York; and Dr. Robert MeConanghy of this review.
The last named obtained his preliminary education in the schools of his native city and afterward attended Lafayette College, at Easton, Pennsylvania, there pur- suing a specifically literary course. He was afterward a student in Jefferson Medical College, of which his father was an alumnus and there he was graduated in 1875. Ile located for practice in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1885 and then sought the opportunities of the growing west. Coming to York he has since remained here and through all the intervening years has enjoyed an extensive practice. Moreover, he has kept in touch at all times with the trend of professional thought and progress and is thoroughly informed concerning the most advanced ideas in relation to the practice of both medicine and surgery.
On September 26. 1888, Dr. MeConaughy was married to Miss Mary Miriam Rice, of Osceola. Iowa, who passed away in September, 1889. On October 5, 1892. the Doctor wedded Mary Floy Lawrence, who was born in Gladbrook, Iowa. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and has long been a faithful member thereof. He is also a Knight Templar, and a past grand commander of the grand commandery of Nebraska. He is a past president of the State Medical Asso- ciation and is president for the year of 1920 of the American Association of Railway Surgeons. Hle likewise belongs to the York County Medical Society and to the American Medical Association. He has ever discharged his professional duties with a sense of conscientious obligation and has put forth every power to broaden his knowledge and promote his efficiency. Accordingly he has taken post-graduate work in Chicago and in London, England, and has often visited different hospitals to acquaint himself with methods therein followed. For twenty-five years he has been the surgeon for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Railroad Company and has also at different times been surgeon for the North- western and for the Pennsylvania Railway Systems, representing the latter during his residence in Pennsylvania. He is now the oldest practicing physician of York and for about twenty years served as city physician. In politics he is a republican and for several years was a member of the school board, but otherwise has never sought nor desired political honor. The cause of education, however, has always found in him a stanch friend and he has given his support to every project and plan for the city's betterment and improvement, and for its development along material, intellectual, social and moral lines.
ELMER BEAVER
Among the prosperous and well known farmers of York county is Elmer Beaver who resides in York. He was born in Logan county, Illinois, on October 7, 1870, the son of Michael H. and Sarah ( Pence) Beaver. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Illinois. They were married in the latter state and made their home there. The death of Michael Beaver occurred in 1895 and the mother still lives, residing in Lincoln, Illinois. Mr. Beaver was a stockman and a farmer of note and was an active supporter of the democratic party. Seven children were born to this union of which the subject and two brothers, C. N. and W. R., are the only ones living. C. N. Beaver's review appears on another page of this volume, and W. R. Beaver is a retired farmer of Lincoln, Illinois.
In the acquirement of an education, Ehner Beaver attended the schools of Lin- coln, Illinois. He was reared on a farm and after putting his textbooks aside he engaged in farming until he was thirty years of age. His father left him some land in York county, so in 1899 he removed to this county where he bought an additional farm. For four years he remained on this land and then removed to York in 1902 and bought a house on Burlington avenue which he later sold, and subse- «mently purchased a beautiful residence on Lincoln avenue where he now resides. He is a musician of some ability and played in the town band for a number of years. Most of his time is spent in caring for his five hundred and eleven acres of well improved land and in addition he supervises the care of the land in York county belonging to his brother W. R. Beaver, of Lincoln, Illinois.
In the spring of 1895 Mr. Beaver was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Maltby, a native of Logan county, Illinois, a daughter of John Maltby who was a farmer in that state. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver seven children have been born, namely : Clyde who is a musician of some ability and plays in a theatre at Lincoln; Conaway, who is director of an orchestra in Lincoln; W. R., a musician in a theatre at Grand Island ; Fred, who is employed in a freight office at York ; and Eugene and Ruth at school. One child, Jessie, who was a member of the band. died at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Beaver is prominent in social circles in York and is a member of the Christian church.
Mr. Beaver is independent in politics, supporting the man rather than the party and though he takes an active part in any movement promoting growth and improvement of his community, he has never sought nor desired public office. Dur- ing the World war he took part in all the various activities and his son Clyde entered
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
the army in 1917 in the Dunwoodey Naval Reserve Band at Minneapolis. He was stationed at the Great Lakes until the signing of the armistice after which time he made five trips to Europe on the W. S. Henderson. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are popular residents of York and Mr. Beaver's genial disposition has won for him innumerable friends and the high regard of all those with whom he comes in contact.
ROBERT BECKORD
Robert Beekord, a prominent and progressive business man of Waco, York county, where he has been residing for near forty years, is a native of Germany, born November 9, 1864, a son of Henry and Anna (Shieltment) Beckord, also natives of Germany, the father being a carpenter in that country during his active years and there he and his wife passed their entire lives. Fritz Beckord, a brother of the subject of this sketch, immigrated to the United States and for a time lived in Kansas. Later he became identified with the furniture business at Seward, Nebraska, and then moved to Utica, where he engaged in the lumber business. He remained there until the last few years, which were spent in California, where his death took place.
Robert Beckord was educated in the public schools of his native country and when he was thirteen years old, in 1879, he came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, the ocean voyage being made on a steamship. He went to Nebraska and settled in Utica, where he worked for his brother in a lumber-yard, remaining in that line for about one year. He then turned his attention to farm labor for about a year and a half and worked on farms by the month, his remuneration being at the rate of twelve and one-half dollars per month, during this time acquiring a good knowledge of agricultural operations. His stay in this connection covered about eighteen months. In 1882 Mr. Beckord moved to Waco and renewed his con- nection with the lumber business, becoming manager of the yard known as the Fritz Beckord Lumber Company, later transferring his services to the S. K. Martin Lumber Company, here also holding the responsible position of manager and remaining in that capacity for several years. His next venture in a business direc- tion was to purchase the elevator owned by T. C. Tagg, which he managed and operated for four years, and then bought a drug store, managing the store and the elevator for a considerable time. He now devotes much of his time to the drug store to which is attached a paint and wall-paper department, the entire business being under his immediate control and yielding satisfactory financial results. Ile also owns farm lands in York county, in western Nebraska and in Kansas. He is a progressive, energetic business man of sound judgment and keen discrimination. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers & Traders Bank of Waco and also is a director in the American State Bank of York, and in other ways has given of his time and ability to the development of the commercial interests of the community in which he is well and favorably known.
In 1887 Mr. Beckord was united in marriage at Waco to Adolphena Ziegen- hagen, who was born in Germany, and to this union the following children have been born : Ilenry, associated in the drug business with his father, is a graduate of the Nebraska State School of Pharmacy; Ella, the wife of F. L. Propst, county
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treasurer of York county ; Leo, a farmer in York county; Edward, who is attending the engineering school of the State University at Lineoln; Esther, who is attending the State University at Lincoln; and Donald, who attends the Waeo high school. Mr. Beckord has been prominent in public affairs for many years and his efforts have ever been directed to the welfare of his city and district. He is a stanch repub- lican and under the auspices of that party has filled several local offices, including that of mayor, giving faithful and intelligent service to the people. His fraternal affiliation is with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is not only progressive in all that he undertakes, but is thoroughly reliable and his business integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his eareer.
SOLOMON S. DEFFENBAUGH
As a representative of the elass of substantial builders of the great common- wealth who served faithfully and long in the enterprising west Solomon S. Deffen- baugh stands in the front rank of pioneers. He was born in Ohio, March 25, 1838, and when he had grown to manhood and married he decided to try his fortune in the west, so in May, 1874, he left Wyoming, Stark county, Illinois, with a team and wagon which held all his worldly possessions and set out for his new home. In June of the same year he reached York county, Nebraska, and spent the fall and winter at the homestead of his father-in-law, John Rush, who lived in West Blue township.
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