USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
EDWARD F. BLUM
A successful farmer and landowner of York county is Edward F. Blum, who was born on the old homestead farm of his father, Julins Blum, of whom further mention is made on another page of this work.
Edward F. Blum was reared on a farm in York county, received his education in the public schools, and after putting his textbooks aside decided to engage in farming. In 1907 he commenced farming on his own account and is now the pos- sessor of one hundred and sixty acres purchased from his father. This land is very well improved and Mr. Blum engages in general farming.
In early life Mr. Blum was united in marriage to Miss Anna Zwieg, a native of Beaver township and a daughter of William Zwieg, one of the earliest settlers of this township. Four children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blum : Lawrence, Victor, Alfred and Harold. Miss Ruth Brueggeman, a niece of Mrs. Blum, also makes her home with them, her mother having died when she was just a child. Mr. and Mrs. Blum take an active interest in the development and
1028
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
improvement of the community in which they reside, and their land, section thirty-two, Beaver township, this county, is highly improved and cultivated. They are known to be progressive citizens and are happy in the esteem and regard of their fellowmen.
CHARLES H. BEDIENT
Charles H. Bedient, who has been living retired in Bradshaw for many years, was long and actively identified with agricultural pursuits in York eounty and is still the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Lee county, Illinois, December 27. 1863, his parents being Osborn and Hannah (Marshall) Bedient, both natives of Boone county, New York state, where the former was a farmer and stoek buyer.
In 1854 Osborn Bedient migrated to Illinois and was in possession of but two dollars. He went to Amboy and there prevailed on a friend to return to Mendota with a team to bring his family to Amboy. The country around was almost all in a raw prairie state and the settlers were living in log houses. Mr. Bedient com- meneed farming on his own account by renting land and in the absence of the necessary machinery had to plant corn by hand. After the lapse of some years his agricultural operations began to prove successful. Hle devoted the greater part of his time to the buying and shipping of live stock and his efforts met with satisfac- tory financial results. He spent the remaining years of his life in Illinois and at the date of his death, in 1916, he was eighty-four years old, having been born in 1832. His wife, who was born in 1830, passed away on June 22, 1906. They were the parents of the following children: Lewis, who lives in Lee county. Illinois; Edwin, living in Arborville: Aliee, the widow of Daniel Craig, who lived in Illi- nois : Carrie, who married A. J. Rogers, now deceased : Eugene, a farmer, living in Illinois ; Frank, who farms in York county: Charles H., the subject of this sketch ; Addie A., the wife of F. J. Tewell, of Julesburg, Colorado: Edith M., the widow of William Fell, of Illinois: Fred, a farmer living in Arborville township; Grace, the wife of John Theiss, of Julesburg, Colorado; and Sarah, who died in infaney. Oshorn Bedient gave his political support to the republican party, but never sought public office, preferring to devote his energies to his farming operations.
Charles IT. Bedient was educated in the common schools of Illinois and was reared in his father's home, assisting in the labors of the farm during his youth and early manhood and was in his twenty-second year before he left his parents' roof. In 1887 he arrived in York county and settled in Arborville, commeneing his agricultural career by renting land. He continued to rent until he had aceumulated sufficient money to enable him to make a purchase of a holding for himself. This he eventually acquired and devoted his place to general farming and stock raising, his untiring energy and industry being rewarded by excellent returns. He added more land to the first purchase and is now the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of farm land, all well improved and the equal of any in his part of the county. In 1901 Mr. Bedient moved to Bradshaw, from which point he bought and shipped live stock. Apart from his farming interests he displays activity in the affairs of the Farmers State Bank, of which he was one of the organizers in 1912 and now fills the office of vice president of the institution.
1029
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Mr. Bedient has been twice married. In 1895 he was married to Tillie Ruch, who died in 1914. On November 3, 1915, he took for his second wife Mattie C. Steinberg and they are the parents of one child, Frank Osborn Bedient. Mrs. Bedient attends the services of the Christian church. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Modern Woodmen of America, while in political affairs he gives his support to the republican party. He has held several township and city offices and served on the county board for some years. His well directed busi- ness activities have won him material success and by his upright and honorable life he has gained the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he has been brought into contact.
EMANUEL REISINGER
The agricultural development of York county is largely attributable to the efforts of such men as Emanuel Reisinger. who has now reached the venerable age of eighty years and who has for an extended period been actively engaged in farm- ing and stock raising in York county. In addition to his agricultural pursuits he has also followed the shoemaker's trade, being so successful in all lines of work that he is now living retired in York at 317 Nebraska Avenue, enjoying the reward of his labor and diligence.
Emanuel Reisinger was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 18, 1840, a son of John and Polly (Wyland ) Reisinger, both of whom were born in Germany. They later emigrated to the United States where the father was employed as a laborer and both of them died in Pennsylvania. In the acquirement of an educa- tion Emanuel Reisinger attended the common schools of his native state and early in life learned the shoemaker's trade. He followed this trade at Marysville, Penn- sylvania, until 1863, at which time he enlisted for service during the Civil war. At Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he joined Company D, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Battalion and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Northend River, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. He was discharged at Elmyra, New York, in 1865. At the elose of the war he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed his trade at Marysville. There he remained until 1875 at which time he went to Illinois, settling in Bureau county and following his trade, In 1879 he came to York county where he worked for some time as a shoemaker and in the same year purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land which he moved onto and began to culti- vate. The land was located in Beaver township and was entirely unimproved and he broke the ground himself, also building a small frame house and barn. He also set out an orchard and shade trees and until 1884 engaged in general farming and stock raising. In 1884 he disposed of the land, resumed his trade for a short time and in 1905 retired from active life.
In Perry county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Reisinger was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dice, a native of Pennsylvania, and nine children have been born to them, five dying in infancy. The four children living are: F. P., who is residing in York; J. W., who is farming in York county; Millie, who is the wife of A. H. Trim, engaged in farming in York county; and Herbert, who is engaged in the shoemaking business in York.
Mr. Reisinger's political allegiance has always been given to the republican
1030
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
party and it is a well known fact that he is a stalwart champion of any good cause. The duties of citizenship have not set lightly upon his shoulders and he served as a member of the county board for one term, 1887, and was a member of the city council several times. He has also taken an active interest in promoting the educational opportunities of his community and to this end was for a number of years school director. Mr. Reisinger is a consistent member of the United Evangelical church in the activities of which organization he takes a prominent part. He is well accounted one of the representative citizens of York and his worth as a man and as a citizen is widely acknowledged, for he measures up to high standards in both connections.
GEORGE J. HURLBUT
George J. Hurlbut was for many years engaged in farming on a tract of one hundred and sixty-six acres of excellent land in York county, and it was recognized that the county had lost a valued citizen when he was called to the home beyond in 1912, regret for his demise being very general. He was born at Mishawaka, Indi- ana, 1843, a son of Harris and Melissa Ilurlbut, the former of whom was in legal practice as an attorney in that town for many years and here he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, being among the earliest settlers in that part of the Hoosier state.
The early days of George J. Hurlbut were passed under the parental roof and he was educated in the common schools of his native town, where he also spent the first period of his young manhood. Some time later he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, and there became identified with the drug business in partnership with his brother Edward. He then moved to Charles City, Towa, and resumed his connection with the drug trade, residing in that city for a considerable period and finally, owing to the state of his health, he moved to Nebraska in 1878. He purchased a tract of land and presently engaged in farming and stock raising in York county. The outdoor life of the farmer gave him renewed vigor and he applied himself diligently to the problems of wresting from the soil the best it could yield, and finally succeeded in getting a well-improved place around him, the holding con- taining one hundred and sixty-six acres of excellent land. For a considerable time his life had been one of untiring industry and perseverance, during which he was watchful of every opportunity and indication pointing toward progress. His death occurred in 1912 and was a source of grief to the large numbers of friends he had made during his residence in York county.
In 1870 Mr. Hurlbut was united in marriage to Adelaide Wilber, born in Rut- land Hollow, New York, but the marriage was celebrated in Charles City, Iowa, where her husband was living at the time. They became the parents of four children : Grace, deceased. who married Frank Kibler, of California: William, engaged in the California vineyards; Myron, who farms the home place, and George, of Portland, Oregon. His widow still survives and cherishes her hus- band's memory, for he was most devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family. Mr. Hurlbut was a faithful member of the Methodist church. in the affairs of which he took a practical interest, as he also did in the Order of Elks. In
1031
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
politics he pursued a line of independent thought and action ; not being a seeker after office himself he did not countenance the mere professional politician, but believed in supporting all movements designed to advance the welfare of the com- munity where he had made his adopted home. When the present courthouse at York was being erected he was chairman of the commission appointed to superintend the work and in this capacity gave excellent service.
MONTRAVILLE ROBBINS
Among the pioneer farmers of Nebraska was Montraville Robbins, whose death occurred in York on the 17th of March. 1917. He was born in Ohio, August 31, 1840, the son of Elijah Robbins, who came to Indiana in an early day but died in Ohio.
Montraville Robbins received his education in Indiana and when the Civil war broke out enlisted from that state in the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers with whom he served for three years. He participated in many of the famous battles of that war and was wounded and captured, spending some time in a prison in Ken- tueky. In 1869 Mr. Robbins was married and in 1871 removed to York county, Nebraska, Hayes township, as one of the early pioneers. The fall had set in when they arrived in this state and they acquired a homestead some miles from Lincoln, There were few settlers in the vicinity and the country was in a wild and unculti- vated state. Their first home was a dugout but later they succeeded in hanling some timber from Fairmont and built a frame house. This home proved to be a shelter for travelers coming from miles around and many Indians who were out on hunting expeditions stopped here for food. Game was in abundance and Mr. Rob- bins brought in many elk, deer and smaller game. Whenever it was necessary to replenish their supplies Mr. Robbins had to travel to Lincoln which trip took three days. In the cultivation of the land they were gratifyingly successful and here they resided until 1904, watching the growth of the community around them. In 1904 Mr. Robbins desired to retire from active farm life and he and Mrs. Rob- bins removed to York where they built one of the finest homes in the town. For thirteen years Mr. Robbins lived here in retirement, although he took an active interest in the affairs of his community, and his death which occurred on the 17th of March, 1917, was a sad blow to his many friends. Mr. Robbins before he died owned eight hundred acres of land which was divided after his death. He also owned four hundred and eighty acres in Hayes county. Mrs. Robbins is still living and resides in York with her son Harry. She is still in possession of the old home- stead and makes frequent visits there.
Montraville Robbins married Miss Martha Sloan, a native of Dearborn county. Indiana, and a daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Anderson) Sloan, the former born in Maryland and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan had come to Indiana in an early day but later removed to Illinois where the latter's death occurred. In 1871 Mr. Sloan removed to Nebraska and settled in York county where he homesteaded until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have become the parents of four children: Eva, who is the wife of Irvin Fuller, a farmer near McCool; Lillie, the wife of Edward Hayes who is in the United States mail service
1032
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
in Omaha : Lulu, who is the wife of Charles Van Vleet, a garage man in Omaha ; and Harry who resides in York with his mother.
Mr. Robbins was a stanch supporter of the republican party and of the prin- ciples for which it stands and he held many different township offices. He was a consistent member of the Baptist church and an active worker in the York G. A. R. He was in every sense of the word a self-made man. When he first started farming his only assets consisted of a team and wagon, indomitable courage and grim determination. He allowed no obstaele to obstruct his way, however, and at the time of his death was the owner of twelve hundred aeres of land.
WASHINGTON C. CONKLE
For many years farming interests of York county found'a worthy representa- tive in Washington C. Conkle, now living practically retired in his home at Bene- dict. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1847, a son of IIenry and Mary Jane (Whims) Conkle, natives also of the Keystone state, where the father learned the earpenter's trade and followed that line of work for several years. In 1877 Henry Conkle decided to try his fortune in the rapidly developing west and moved to Nebraska, carrying on general farming shortly after he settled. Later he moved to Holt county, and took up a homestead north of O'Neill, Nebraska, where he resumed farming operations, meeting with considerable success, and there he spent the remainder of his life. His wife passed away in Colorado in 1910, being then in her sixty-seventh year, To their marriage twelve children were born, four of whom are living: Washington C., subject of this sketch : Laure, wife of Andrew Gibson, of Wisner, Idaho : Estella, wife of Thomas Roy, of Alma, l'exas: and John, living in Washington state. Henry Conkle and his wife were earnest and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were ever ready to endorse plans and measures for the moral uplift of the individual or for the betterment of the community at large. In politics he voted independently.
Washington C. Conkle received his edneation in the public schools of Pennsyl- vania and remained with his parents during his boyhood and youth, engaged for some time in farm work. In 1874, being then in his twenty-seventh year, he came . to Nebraska and worked on farms during the years which covered the grasshopper plague. Ile succeeded in accumulating sufficient money to enable him to purchase a tract of school land which he presently worked into a state of cultivation and conducted general farming and stock raising, meeting with considerable suecess in his agricultural operations. Finally he acquired a place of one hundred and twenty acres. all under excellent improvement, which he turned over to his son Francis E., who now earries on and directs the work on the farm. Aside from his farming interests Mr. Conkle is a stockholder and director of the Farmers Elevator at Benedict and also holds stock in the Benedict Lumber & Fuel Company. While connected with the farm he closely applied himself to the care and management of his property interests and has long ranked with the leading and representative agriculturists of his section of the state.
On October 1, 1844. Mr. Conkle was united in marriage to Isabelle Herron, a native of West Virginia, the marriage ceremony taking place in that state. The
MR. AND MRS. WASHINGTON C. CONKLE
THE NEW YORK PUBLICIT PARY
ASTOR, LEN X AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R
1035
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
first house in which they lived after settling in Morton township was a sod structure and provisions had to be hauled from York. He put up a well built home in later years which is now occupied by his son. They became the parents of two chil- dren : Mina E., who died in infancy, and Francis E., farming the home place. Mrs. Conkle passed away September 12, 1920. being then in her sixty-eighth year and expressions of sympathy and regret at her death were widespread and sincere. She was a faithful member of the Methodist church. Mr. Conkle has always been identified with the democratic party and is a consistent supporter of its principles and policies. There is in his life record nothing spectacular but his career is one that places him among the substantial citizens of this part of the state of Nebraska.
FRED W. ROMSDAL
Fred W. Romsdal is one of the native sons of York county who has decided to continne as a resident thereof and operates a farm on section 10, Lockridge town- ship. He was born in York in 1878. a son of John and Mary ( Danielson ) Romsdal, natives of Norway. The father was a miner by oceupation and commenced work- ing at that occupation in his native country when he was fifteen years of age. In 1869 he and his family set ont for America and on reaching this country went to Calumet, Michigan, securing employment in helping to sink the Hecla and Calumet shafts in that region. Later he moved to Helena, Montana, and worked in the mines.
It was in 1870 that John Romsdal decided to come west, and making Nebraska his objective settled in York county and is credited with having erected the first log house in this part of the state. He earned money by doing freighting between Lincoln and Fairmont, and subsequently turned his attention to general farming and stock raising. He had previously acquired a tract of land which he proceeded to develop and put into cultivation. After laboring strenuously for some years he succeeded in getting his agricultural affairs into good condition, and having secured to himself a substantial competence he retired from active work in 1899, turning the conduct of the farm over to his son, Fred W. Romsdal, the subject of this sketch. For a time after his retirement Mr. Romsdal made his home in York and in 1919 moved to California. His wife died in 1902 in the sixty-fifth year of her age. They were the parents of nine children, those besides Fred W. being : Jacob, living in Iowa; Philip, in North Dakota; Charles, of Hastings, Nebraska : John, deceased; Lena, married and living at Dalton, Nebraska; Rosa, the wife of A. J. Quick, of York county; Mary, the wife of Charles Sandall, of York, and Elizabeth, wife of O. F. Quick, of Washington. The parents had religious affilia - tion with the United Brethren church, to the upkeep of which they were liberal contributors. He always voted an independent ticket and served two terms as a member of the board of county commissioners.
Fred W. Romsdal was reared on the home farm and his boyhood and youth were spent in the acquirement of a district school education and in helping his father in the labors of the farm. He continued along the latter line until 1899, when his father retired from active connection with the holding, and from that . date has been keeping the place up to the standard to which his father had brought
1036
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
it. He has effected several valuable improvements and is constantly on the alert for any contrivance that will help to improve cultivation or increase the yield of his fields. In addition to his general farming he gives special attention to the breeding of a choice strain of Poland China hogs, liberal returns from this branch reward- ing his labors. ITis energy and practical industry have placed him in a sound financial position, and he has been immune from the risks which usually accompany a bad season.
In 1900 Mr. Romsdal was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Miller, a daughter of Oscar Miller, who took a homestead in York county in 1870 and now lives in Washington. To this union four children have been born : Cecil, Earl, Jolm and Fred W., all living with their parents. The Romsdal family are members of the United Brethren church and are active in attendance upon its services. He holds fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America. In political affairs he usually casts an independent vote. He was appointed to fill an unexpired term as county commissioner, and when that term was completed was re-elected and is now serving his first term. During the many years that he has been active in the affairs of York county he has done his part in bringing about the wonderful developments that have taken place. He has a wide acquaintance and a large number of personal friends.
CHARLES SIMMONS HARRISON
Charles Simmons Harrison left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the history of Nebraska in large measure. le resided for many years in York and as a minister of the gospel contributed largely to the moral progress of the state, while there was probably no one who did more to develop the horticultural interests of Nebraska than he. His life was indeed one of great activity and usefulness, winning him well deserved honor, and in his passing the most sincere sorrow was felt by all who knew him.
Charles Simmons Harrison was born in the state of New York in 1832. He pursned his education in Illinois and in early life became a resident of the middle west. It was in Huntley, Illinois, that he married Miss Charlotte Cummings, also a native of the Empire state. After his marriage he started out as a young mis- sionary, going to Minnesota in the '50s, his duties extending over a territory of one hundred square miles in that state. He rode horseback over the entire section and engaged in missionary work there until 1862, when he returned to Huntley, Illinois, where for a short time he ocenpied the pulpit and was also instrumental in building a church. He next went to Union, Iflinois, where he also built a church, and afterward removed to Tipton, Jowa, where he was instrumental in building three churches. At a later period he took up his abode in Earlville, Illinois, and a church edifice there stands as a monument to his untiring labor and zeal. He remained in Earlville from 1867 until 1822 and during that period built churches at Plano and at Sandwich, illinois. At the same time he engaged in the nursery business, establishing a nursery in Earlville in 1868 and conducting it successfully in connection with his church work.
In the year 1872 Mr. Harrison left Illinois and removed to York, Nebraska,
1037
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
where he was joined by his family in 1826. For a number of years he conducted excursions on the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad in order to bring settlers into Nebraska, and at the same time continued preaching in York, visiting different homes until it was possible to erect a church building. He was untiring in his etforts in connection with church affairs and his influence in that direction was immeasurable. It was Mr. Harrison who induced the Burlington Railroad to donate forty acres of land in connection with the establishment of an academy, which was conducted for a number of years as a high school, while later a college took over the property and eventually the lots were divided and sold. In 1873 Mr. Harrison laid ont Arborville for the Union Pacific Railroad and built a church there.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.