USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 41
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The first vote east by Mr. Pinneo was for Abraham Lincoln for his first term, and he was not then quite twenty-one years of age, but was allowed to vote. Had his father lived a few months and voted in the election of 1856 the Pinneo family, father and son, would have voted at every election from that of Washington to the present day. Mr. Pinneo has led a very busy life, being dependent upon his own resources from an early age. The success he has achieved has come to him as the direct reward of his persistent and earnest labor and he is indeed a self-made man, deserving much eredit for what he has accomplished.
JOHN J. DAVIS
John J. Davis, a real estate dealer of York, was born in Earlville, LaSalle county, Illinois, October 14, 1856, a son of David Jenkins, and Dorcas ( Folsom) Davis, the former was born in Wales, while the latter was born in Maine. Their marriage took place in Illinois, where they both came in their youth, and the father engaged in farming until his death. To this union six children were born : May and Samuel .J., deceased ; Rachael, who lives in Illinois; John J., the subject of this review : Arthur, who manages a store in Wichita, Kansas; and Theron, who resides in Earlville, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were faithful attendants of the Universalist church, and he was a stanch republican.
In the acquirement of his education John J. Davis attended the public schools of Illinois. He then engaged in farming and in 1879 removed to York county, where he resided on a farm which he purchased there, until 1907. At that time he sold his farm and removed to York. In his farming enterprise he had been very successful and this was due entirely to his own labor and determina- tion. The hardships endured in his early struggles were many, but he determined that no obstacles, however great, should obstruct his path. Three different times
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his crops were rnined by hail and he had hardly enough to live on, but he again immediately set about to cultivate his land, and as a result of this indomitable courage he made of his farming a success. When he removed to York he retired from active farm life, but purchased some land in Brown county, South Dakota, which he still owns and visits at various times. In 1909 he engaged in the real estate business, confining himself mostly to local deals. In addition he also does some insurance business.
In Angust, 1878, in Illinois, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Louise R. Bean, of Polk City, Iowa, whose father Steven S. Bean, of the state of Maine, was killed in action in the Civil war. Her mother's maiden name was Ellen L. Halladay, born in Earlville, Illinois. To this union three children have been born : David Earl, who homesteaded in Cherry county and later removed to the state of Washington where he now resides: Mable, deceased; and LeRoy, who is a book- keeper in Arlington. Colorado. Both sons are stanch supporters of the republican party. Mr. Davis has two grandsons namely: Glen Leroy Davis and John Albert Davis.
Mr. Davis is of a retiring disposition and has never been active in polities as regards the holding of publie office, however, he is a member of the republican party, as was his father before him. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man and one of whom York has a right to be proud.
ROBERT F. LORD
Robert F. Lord, cashier of the Blue River Bank of McCool Junetion, is one of the successful and prosperous men of the community. He was born in McFadden township November 20, 1890. Ilis father, Robert Felsted Lord, was born in Lon- don, England, June 10, 1850, and when a child five years of age was brought by his parents to America, the family home being established at Bloomington, Illinois. Ilere he attended the public schools and also the Illinois State Normal at Normal, Illinois. Upon reaching manhood he became a farmer and resided there until 1884 when he came to York county, Nebraska, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in McFadden township. This he improved and resided there three years when he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Red Lyon, one of the early day trading points in this neighborhood. When the town of Mc- Cool Junction was etsablished he became one of the early merchants there con- tinning in business several years. He then became a teacher and preacher and his last days were spent as a farmer and gardener. He was an active member of the United Brethren elmurch and will long be remembered as one of the men who was anxious to promote the welfare of the community along educational and religious lines. He died October 4. 1908. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Wilcox, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of William and Saraphina Wilcox who came to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1870 where they both passed away. After the death of her husband Mrs. Lord became the wife of Charles M. Turner and resides in York.
Mr. and Mrs. Lord were the parents of six children: Frank E., a resident of Pasadena, California; Telfor C., superintendent of schools for York county;
.
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Charles S., a resident of Idaho Falls, Idaho: Robert F., of MeCool Junction : Nellie, the wife of Lawrence Valentine, of York county; and Mabel, the wife of Clarence Cudaback, of MeCool Junction.
Robert F. Lord attended the public schools of MeCool Junction and his boy- hood days were spent in his native place. At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of the Blue River Bank as bookkeeper and two years later became assistant cashier of that institution. Ability and worthiness were demonstrated when after five years he was made cashier, a position he has held for nine years.
Mr. Lord was married to Miss Gladys M. Bellows of MeCool Junction and they have become the parents of four children : Dwight. Roland and Kenneth are mem- bers of the family household. Forrest died May 8, 1920, from an attack of double pneumonia. aged seven months and eighteen days.
Mr. and Mrs. Lord are members of the United Brethren church and in politics Mr. Lord gives his allegiance to the republican party. He is serving the com- inunity in many positions of trust and is township treasurer, village treasurer. school treasurer and treasurer of the Sunday school. He has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ile stands loyally for what he believes to be for the best interests of the community and has cooperated with all those enterprises which are of the greatest value to the public.
WILLIAM C. PETERSON. M. D.
Dr. William C. Peterson, living in Henderson, is a well known and prominent member of the medical profession in York county where he has been engaged in practice for several years. He was born in Platte county, Nebraska, April 2. 1886, a son of Nels C. and Elsie (Sorensen) Peterson, natives of Denmark, who im- migrated to America about the year 1873. Shortly after arriving in this country the parents came to Nebraska and settled in Platte county, residing there for a time and later moved to Boone county, where they are now living, horored citizens whose probity and sterling characters command the respect of all who know them. To their marriage six children were born, five of whom are living.
Dr. Peterson spent his early days in Platte and Boone counties. He pursned his education in the public schools and later entered high school, going thence to Creighton College, from which institution he was graduated in 1909, receiving his medical degree. Following his graduation he located at Henderson and there began the practice of his profession, adding to his medical and scientific knowledge in the interven ing years, and he is now regarded by his brethren in the profession and the public at large as an eminently skilled and painstaking doctor. His ever growing clientele embraces some of the most influential citizens of the district in which he resides. Dr. Peterson keeps well informed on all the latest phases per- taining to the development of his profession and misses no opportunity to broaden the scope of his knowledge to the end that he may be the better able to alleviate pain and suffering. His present status indicates that he has many years of use- fulness before him. with every prospect that he will reach the position to which his established ability entitles him.
In 1910 Dr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Case, who was
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born in Boone county and a daughter of R. E. Case and wife, both of whom are still living in that county. To this union one son, Wendell Peterson, has been born, his birth occurring on April 7, 1912. The Doctor and his wife are popular in social circles, their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement and they advocate as well those high standards which work for civic betterment. His political influence is extended to the republican party and for eight years he was a member of the local council, during this period serving the people with ability. His interest in education is pronounced and he has served on the board of school directors for three terms, thus demonstrating the hold which cultural advancement has on his time and attention.
CHARLES G. PFEFFER
Charles G: Pfeffer, president of the York Water Company, was born in Würt- temburg, Germany, January 30, 1858, the son of Jacob and Eva Marie ( Bentzlar) Pfeffer, both natives of Württemburg. The father was born in 1810 and died in 1858 and the mother was born in 1820 and passed away at the age of fifty-four years. They were married in Germany and spent their lives there, Mr. Pfeffer being a successful and well-to-do farmer. Seven children were born to this union, four boys and three girls, five of whom are living: Frederick, who resides in Germany ; Fredericka, a widow who resides in Kankakee, Illinois; Christiana, a widow who resides in Otis, Colorado; Gottlob, a retired farmer of York; and Charles G., the subject of this review. The family were members of the Lutheran church.
Charles G. Pfeffer received his education in the schools of Germany and when tales reached him concerning the opportunities of the United States he determined to try his fortune in America, with the result that he and his brother set out on their voyage alone. Financial conditions rendered it necessary for him to start to work immediately, and his first venture into the business life of this country was as a baker, which trade he had learned in Germany. He settled in Spring- field, Illinois, and there successfully conducted a bakery from 1884 until 1900. At that time he removed to York and lived practically retired for about four years on an acre and half of land on which he raised a garden and did a little truck farming. He again entered into active business life, however, when on the 1st of July, 1905, he became connected with the York Water Company which was incorporated at sixty thousand dollars. He was secretary and treasurer of this com- pany until 1912 when he succeeded to the presidency and is still serving the city in that capacity. This company supplies water for the entire city. In addition to his interests in this company he became connected with the York Gas and Electric Company, but sold his interest in this business in December, 1912.
In 1887 Mr. Pfeffer was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Killius, who was a native of Springfield, Illinois, and to them four children have been born: Clara, Helena, Angela, and Frederick Charles, ali of whom are attending school. The family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Pfeffer gives his allegiance to the republican party and served his com- munity as a member of the city council from 1902-1904. His fraternal affiliation
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is with the Knights of Pythias. His career is that of a self-made man and York recognizes him as one of its public-spirited citizens, devoted to the general welfare. honorable and straightforward in every relation of life and at all times a man whom to know is to esteem and honor.
JOHN A. BOON
In the passing of John A. Boon, York county lost an honored pioneer who had contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development and progress of the community in which he made his home for more than a quarter of a century. During the last twelve years of his life he lived retired in Utica, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. His birth occurred at Selinsgrove, in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of November, 1839, his parents being Thomas and Harriett ( Robinson) Boon, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They removed westward to Illinois at an early period in the settlement of that state and there the father followed farming and also worked at the carpenter's trade. The mother passed away at Weeping Water, Nebraska.
John A. Boon accompanied his parents on their removal from Pennsylvania to Illinois, continuing a resident of the latter state until he came to York county. At the time of the Civil war he joined the Union army and served for two years and ten months as a member of the Eighty-fifth Ilinois Infantry, with which com- mand he participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain and also went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. Though spared to celebrate the victory of the Union arms he saw his brother fall in battle by his side. He was a young man of about thirty-three years when he decided to establish his home in Nebraska and traveled to Lincoln by train. After reaching his destination he homesteaded one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Waco Township. York county. This was in 1822 and the district was still largely unsettled and unde- veloped. He erected a shack with lumber which he hauled from Lincoln, that fall, built a sod house, covering the dirt floor with hay. He broke his land with a team of horses which he had brought from Illinois and set out an orchard, but most of the trees died and he was obliged to plant others. All of the obstacles and difficulties of life in a frontier region had to be overcome before he could carry on the work of farming with any degree of success. All supplies had to be hauled from Lincoln and wood was so scarce that he burned corn-stalk and corn for fuel. During the memorable Easter blizzard of 1823 he and his family were shut in the house for three days, when they shoveled their way out. During the period of the grasshopper scourge his farm produced nothing. However, as the years passed success rewarded his well directed industry and untiring labors until at length the property yielded him a gratifying annual income. He had put a hedge around his quarter seetion and made many other improvements which enhanced its value and attractiveness. He came to the west in limited financial circumstances and through his own efforts worked his way steadily upward to a place among the prosperous and respected citizens of his community. It was in 1887 that he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Utica, where he spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN A. BOON
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIFTARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
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March 2, 1860, Mr. Boon was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Ruckman, a native of New Jersey. They became the parents of ten children, namely: David, who died in infancy ; Wallaee N., who is engaged in the grain business in Minne- apolis, Minnesota ; Anna R., the wife of P. A. Drake, who is a carpenter residing at Winner, South Dakota; P. S., who is living retired at Utica; Hattie, who is the wife of E. J. Jones, an agriculturist of York county; Emma, the wife of A. B. · Carter, who is engaged in the grain business at Kimball, Nebraska; Mildred, the wife of John Frazer, who operates the old homestead farm; John, deceased ; Lueia, at home with her mother; and Archie, who has also passed away.
Mr. Boon was a stanch republiean in politics, ever supporting the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He served as justice of the peace and made an enviable record in that official capacity. Fraternally he was a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow, and he maintained pleasant relations with his old military comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. His demise, which occurred November 24, 1899, when he was sixty years of age, was deeply deplored by all who knew him and it was generally conceded that the county had lost one of its most esteemed and valued citizens. His widow, who still resides in Utica, is a Methodist in religious faith and a woman whose many excellent traits of character have won her a large circle of warm friends.
ISAAC J. FARLEY
The family of Isaae J. Farley residing in Benedict, pays fitting tribute to his memory in preserving a brief record of his life in this history of York county. He was born in the state of Pennsylvania, where he was reared, educated and grew to manhood, during his youth being engaged in farming.
Mr. Farley was married in Pennsylvania to Annie C. Sidler, a native of that state, and after their marriage they moved to a farmi which he continued to operate for two years. In 1875 they migrated to York county, locating in Thayer town- ship, and bought eighty acres of raw prairie land for which six dollars per acre was paid. There were no improvements of any kind on the holding and a house sufficient for their temporary needs was erected. The ground was broken and tilled and Mr. Farley was in a fair way to make a success of his labors when death called him. He passed away in 1896, while still in the prime of manhood. To his family he was a devoted husband and father and found his greatest happiness in pro- moting the welfare of his wife and children. In business affairs he was progressive and reliable and his sterling worth was acknowledged in many relations.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Farley assumed the responsibility of carrying on the farm and paid off all the accrued debts. From time to time she added land to the original holding and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of prime land, on which she effected many valuable improvements and planted large numbers of trees which enhanced the appearance and value of the place. She became the mother of six children as follows: Catherine, the wife of Ellis Troup ; Christian, who lives in Thayer township: Hattie, the wife of Fred Liebtke ; Edgar, who lives in Thayer township: Isaac, who assists on the home farm; and
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Samuel, who died at the age of eight years. Mrs. Farley remained on the farm until 1914 when she moved to Benedict, where she is pleasantly and comfortably situated. She is a regular attendant on the services of the Lutheran church, as was her husband. Her social position is indicated by the fact that the hospitality of the best homes of Benedict is freely accorded her.
JULIUS BLUM
Julius Blum was one of the courageous frontiersmen who dared to locate in York county in the days when it was a wild district with its lands unclaimed and its resources undeveloped. Mr. Blum has not only witnessed the wonderful trans- formation but has aided largely in the labors that have converted this raw country into the splendid commonwealth of today. Julius Blum was born in Posen, Germany, November 23, 1844, the son of Michael and Augusta (Warnek) Blum, who passed away while their son was in military service. Julius Blum was excused to go home to the family of brothers and sisters, and rather than re- enter the service he came to the United States in 1868, locating at Watertown. Wisconsin, for a time, and later in Clayton, lowa, where he worked on a farm.
In 1871 he came to York county where he took up a homestead of eighty acres on section thirty-two of what is now Beaver township, built a dugout and expe- rienced the hardships that were so well known to the pioneer. Whenever it rained the dirt on the roof of his little home crumbled down upon him, often falling on the table during a meal. In 1844 Mr. Blum bought a reaper. This was q ite an investment and proved an unfortunate one, for that was the year when the grasshopper plague wrought such havoe with the crops and the reaper remained unused. In spite of adversity and misfortune of the years Mr. Blum prospered. and at one time was the owner of four hundred acres of good farm land which he has since sold to his sons. He still resides on the old place, though he is retired from active labor.
He was married to Caroline Markworth, a native of Germany, who passed away leaving a family of four children: Louis, who is married. resides in Mc- Fadden township; William, who lives in Beaver township; Herman, of Beaver township: and Augusta, deceased. Later Mr. Blum was married to the widow of Ludwig Brueggemann, whose maiden name was Sophia Wellman. She had five children by her former marriage: Alice, the wife of R. Widle, who resides in Nance county, Nebraska: Rose, who is married to Fred Gocke, of Pierce county. Nebraska : Albert. who lives in Beaver township; Tillie, the wife of William Blum, of Beaver township; and R. L., who resides in Beaver township. Mr. and Mrs. Blum are the parents of five children: Emma, the wife of Leonard Leyboldt, of Beaver township; Ed. F., who is engaged in farming in Beaver township; Clara, the wife of Adolph Pieper, of West Blue township: Hulda. who is married to John Burhoop, a resident of Seward county; and Herbert R., born January 5. 1892, who is farming the home place. A sketch of him appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Blum has not only became a substantial eitizen who now enjoys life in rest and comfort but has also rendered service to his adopted country in times
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of peace as well as in times of war. As a pioneer he contributed materially toward the upbuilding along agricultural lines and thus helped to make possible the prosperous conditions that now maintain in York county. while as a citizen he has always been loyal to American ideals and American standards.
REV. HEINRICH HT. EPP
Rev. Heinrich H. Epp is a retired farmer residing in Henderson township, his home being on section 9. For many years he was closely associated with the agricultural development of this section of the state and owns a highly improved and productive farm which annually returns to him a substantial income. Mr. Epp was born in southern Russia, April 8, 1857. his parents being Heinrich and Marie (Regier) Epp, who were also natives of Russia, in which country the mother passed away. Later the father married again and in 1874 came to America, set- tling on the farm in York county which is now owned by his son Heinrich. IIe secured a tract of railroad land which he purchased for four dollars and twenty cents per acre. It was entirely undeveloped and unimproved but with characteristic energy he began to break the sod and till the fields and on his place he built a little board dwelling and a sod barn. He continued to engage in the cultivation and development of this place until his death, which occurred in 1885.
Heinrich H. Epp of this review is the only surviving member of a family of four children. Ile spent the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his education in Russia and in Germany. He was but seventeen years of age when he came to the new world and he continued to make his home with his father until the latter's death. He then came into possession of the farm but has ex- tended its boundaries from time to time by additional purchase and was once the owner of sixteen hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. Since then, however, he has given to each of his children an eighty-acre tract but still retains a valuable holding for himself. He always carried on general farming, producing the crops best adapted to soil and climatic conditions here and likewise engaged successfully in stock raising. In fact he became recognized as a very progressive agriculturist and one who at all times displayed sound business judgment. He added to his farm all modern improvements, secured the most up-to-date machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, planted a fine orchard and raised fruit of all kinds. IIe also became one of the stockholders of the McCloud Hotel.
In 1880 Mr. Epp was married to Miss Helena Peters, a native of Russia, who came to America in 1878 with her parents, Dietrich and Helena ( Fast) Peters, who were also natives of that country. To Mr. and Mrs. Epp were born the following children : Margaret, the wife of D. J. Mierau of York county ; Rev. H. D. Dietrich ; Cornelius; Helen, the wife of D. P. Mierau; Marie the wife of J. K. Freisen ; Jacob, who was born February 12. 1892, and died on the 4th of September following: Johann, who was born in 1894; Elizabeth, born July 19, 1896; Sarah, who was born July 24, 1898, and died Jannary 3, 1909; and Gustav, who was born August 7. 1901, and died December 31, 1908.
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