USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 44
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With his removal to York he brought with him his nursery stock from Earlville. Illinois, transferring it a little at a time. beginning in 1875, and in the course of years he had developed a splendid nursery, which eventually passed into the hands of his sons. All through his life Mr. Harrison conducted profitable business enter- prises and yet devoted much time to the church, accomplishing great good in that connection. In 1881 he removed to Pueblo, Colorado, and built two or three churches in that state. Hle afterward went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he acted as financial agent to get money for the academies of the Congregational churches of Nebraska. Removing to Weeping Water, Nebraska, he was there instrumental in freeing the church from its debt during the two or three years of his residence there.
Mr. Harrison also made valuable contribution to the horticultural development of the state. He was greatly interested in fruit raising and was the author of some of the works on the subject which are still used as textbooks in different colleges throughout the United States. He probably did more to develop an interest in horticultural affairs in Nebraska than any other one man and at the time of his death was one of the best known horticulturists in the entire country. He was a large man weighing over two hundred pounds, and a man of wonderful strength. He possessed great energy and endurance and his entire life was charac- terized by an unfaltering industry. He greatly enjoyed manual labor and it was undoubtedly this that led to his splendid physical development. In a word the interests of his life were well balanced, leading to a splendidly rounded character in the line of physical, intellectual and moral progress.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were born three children, of whom two are living: Willard A., of York, who is president of the llarrison Nursery Company ; and H. S., who was born in Tipton, Towa, in 1867 and who was married in York, Nebraska. to Miss Mande Chilcote, their home being now in California, where he owns a large orange grove in which his brother, Willard A., is a partner. For the past eight years he has resided in California, while Willard retains his residence in York and manages the nursery business here. The company is now incorporated for five hun- dred thousand dollars, of which three hundred thousand dollars is paid up. W. A. Harrison is the president, with H. S. Harrison as vice president of the company, E. H. Smith as secretary and treasurer and Ernest Mason as sales manager. They sell their stock all over the western states and the business is one of extensive and gratifying proportions. This was the business that was established and developed through the father, who as age came upon him lost his eyesight and became almost totally deaf, yet in spite of these afflictions he prepared a book on peonies-a work that became recognized as a standard volume of its kind. A few years before his
Vol. 11-28
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demise he returned to Boston, Massachusetts, thinking that he would retire. but he soon began in a small way to raise plants, as indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and he could not be content without some occupation. He found this work too slow for him, however, and returned to York, where he established another nursery, which he conducted until about four years prior to his demise, when he sold the business and retired, his death occurring in February, 1919. At his passing Nebraska lost one of its valued pioneers and honored citizens. He had contributed in most notable manner to the growth and progress of the state, leaving the impress of his individuality upon its improvement and develop- ment in many ways, especially along horticultural lines, and in the work of moral advancement through his intense activity in the church.
PETER J. HUEBERT
Peter J. IIuebert, one of the leading agrieulturists of York county where his holdings embrace four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, resides on section 28, Brown township. His birth occurred in York county, February 9, 1876, a son of Johann Huebert and wife, both natives of southern Russia and now living in Brown township. The parents of Johann Huebert were Peter and Katie (Peters) Iluebert, both natives of Russia, where they were reared and spent all their lives. They had ten children, five of whom survive. Johann Huebert received his education in his native land where he resided for the first twenty-two years of his life and in 1874 decided to try his fortunes in the new world. In that year he immigrated to America and on coming to Nebraska located in York county, settling on a farm which he now owns and on which he has been living ever since, held in the highest esteem as a citizen and as one of the pioneer farmers who helped to bring living conditions to the present satisfactory status. He is a man of unassuming disposition and of genuine worth, and his energy in former years and his unquestioned integrity have gained for him the respect of his fellow- men. He was married in York county, to Sarah Buller, and they have become the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are living. He supports the republican party by vote and influence.
Peter J. Hnebert of this review was reared on his father's holding and secured his education in the public schools of York county, dividing his time between the schoolhouse and work on the home farm where he assisted until he became of age. He then began agricultural operations on his own account and bought a tract of land which he farmed successfully for years. employing modern methods and machinery and in the cultivation of his crops met with excellent results, ammually gathering substantial harvests. As his affairs prospered he added to his original holding and is now the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of land located on section 28, Brown township, all of which he has brought to a state of splendid improvement, with good buildings and well kept fences, the whole a tribute to his untiring industry and progressive spirit, and he is generally recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers of his township.
In 1906 Mr. Iluebert was united in marriage to Miss Lena Goossen, a daughter of Johann Goossen, further reference to whom is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and
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Mrs. Huebert have no children of their own but have adopted two children who bear the family name : Elma Huebert and Levi Huebert. They are members of the United Brethren church and take an active part in all church work, as they do in all community movements having for their object the welfare and advancement of the people along legitimate lines. They are widely and favorably known in their part of York county and have an extensive circle of warm friends who esteem them highly. Mr. Huebert is a republican in his political views but has never aspired to public office. Ile prefers to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his farming interests which are wisely and carefully directed and as the years pass he is meeting with continued success.
WILLIAM ZWIEG
William Zwieg is an example of what a poor boy with no advantages but his own determination to succeed can do if he possesses brains, perseverance, and the ability for hard work. He was born in Brandenburg. Germany, which is six hours travel from Berlin, on the 22nd of August, 1843. His father, William Zwieg, came to America in 1848, the subject of this review being then but five years of age, and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Sixty-three days were spent in crossing the ocean from Hamburg to New York. In Dodge county the father purchased some good land for one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre, which he cleared and on which he built a nice home. Here he spent the remainder of his life. The mother's death occurred on August 30, 1855, just eight days after the son William was twelve years old. Mr. Zwieg passed away July 4, 1876.
William Zwieg was reared on the pioneer homestead in Wisconsin, receiving a limited education, for it was necessary for him to go to work at an early age. Ile was but a young man when the Civil war broke ont and on the 3d of September, 1864, he enlisted in Co. E, First Wisconsin Cavalry for a period of three years, or for the duration of the war. He was mustered out July 22, 1865. He was active in several small skirmishes and was on his way to take part in the battle of Nashville when his detachment was shut off by the rebels and did not participate in the battle. Hle was afterwards on the battle fields of Atlanta, Chattanooga and Franklin, and never received a wound, although he saw many of his comrades shot down when they were standing but three feet from him. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Wisconsin, arriving there at three o'clock in the afternoon of July 26, 1865, and the next morning he shouldered a cradle and cut wheat all day. In the spring of 1869 he set out for Nebraska, coming to Lincoln and from there he walked to York county where he took a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres and he moved onto it, thereby answering the requirements of the homestead law for five years occupancy. He hired a team, went to Lineoln for his wife and while there purchased a yoke of oxen, a cow, a second-hand wagon and a plow. lle left his family in a log house on the east side of Beaver township while he returned to his claim and completed the dugout home. This was the family home for a period of two years, at the termination of which time a sod house was built. In the cultivation of his land he had good success and from his seed corn raised a plentiful crop. From Lincoln he brought
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a washtub full of potatoes and cut off the ends which he planted in the ground. With no further attention his crop in the fall netted twenty-four bushel sacks of the finest potatoes he had ever seen. To sell his grain it was necessary for Mr. Zwieg to drive his yoke of oxen to Milford and Crete to the mill, and it was 1877 before the road went through and Exeter became the trading point. When Mr. Zwieg first came to York county there was not a house where the town of York now stands and he watched the wild country grow from a place with but few white inhabitants to a rich agricultural country, containing thousands of homes and scores of good towns. Mr. Zwieg is still hale and hearty and is residing on his old homestead with his son William and wife.
On September 23, 1867. Mr. Zwieg was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Schurstine. a native of Wisconsin, whose death occurred in York county, May 8. 1896. Twelve children were born to this union, seven of whom are living: Ida. who is the wife of Tom Kenedy, residing near McCook: Frank, who is engaged in blacksmithing at Blue Vale: Charles, who is farming in York county : William, who is on the old homestead; Henry, who is engaged in farming in West Blue township; Mrs. Ed. Blum of Beaver township: and Mrs. Henry Heckroat. Mrs. N. Ferguson. and Melinda who married Robert Bruggeman, are deceased. Three other children died in childhood. Mrs. Zwieg was a stanch member of the Lutheran church.
During the Civil war Mr. Zwieg left the army and went to his home to vote. casting his vote for Lincoln for his second term. He voted for the republican party until the second term of Cleveland, at which time he gave his allegiance to the democratic party. He voted for Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and is still a stalwart advocate of the party. Mr. Zwieg receives a pension of fifty dollars a month for his service during the Civil war and together with the income from his land is financially independent. The success which Mr. Zwieg has won has come to him as the reward of persistent. earnest labor, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through individual effort, combined with persistency of purpose.
JOSEPH FOUNTAIN
Joseph Fountain, who passed away August 31. 1918. made for himself an enviable and creditable position in public regard by reason of the success he achieved in business life and by reason of the straightforward and honorable methods which he always followed. He was born in Waterford. Pennsylvania. July 22, 1843, and removed with his parents to Illinois, in which state their deaths soon afterward occurred. Mr. Fountain was then adopted and reared by another family. He made the best of such educational advantages as were offered and in 1863. at the age of twenty-one years, joined Company (. Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, at Cairo, Illinois. for service during the Civil war. He enlisted December 21, 1863, and served until receiving his discharge on the 29th of May, 1866, at Houston, Texas. He participated in many skirmishes. At the close of the war he returned to Illinois where he farmed for one year, after which time he went to Glenellyn. that state. and engaged in the painting business. In 1876 he came to Nebraska and settled in York county where he bought eighty acres of land in Bradshaw town-
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ship. His first home was built of sod and consisted of one room with a board floor and dirt roof. He also erected a sod barn. Mr. Fountain broke his land with a horse team. When he came to this county he made the trip from Illinois in a prairie schooner which took him five weeks. He crossed the Missouri river at Plattsmouth, thence coming direct to York county. In addition to the general cultivation of his homestead Mr. Fountain set out a large orchard which was entirely destroyed by hail. For five years he resided on his farm and then removed to Bradshaw where he engaged in painting for a period of eight years. Subse-
quently he came to York and engaged in the painting business with his two sons, building up a fine reputation. They had charge of that line of work in connection with many of the largest and most important buildings of York. In 1915 he went to Fergus county, Montana, where he homesteaded three hundred and twenty aeres, and returned to York in 1917 because of his health. His death oceurred on the 31st of August, 1918. and came as a severe loss to the community which recognized his true worth and ability.
In 1868 Mr. Fountain was united in marriage to Miss Emily Rhoads, in Aurora, Illinois, of which state Mrs. Fountain is a native. They became the parents of six children: Charles F., now deceased : Norman W., deceased; Ina J., who became the wife of Myron Hurlburt, but is now deceased; Herbert, who is en- gaged in the painting business in South Dakota; Rolland. also engaged in the painting business at Trinidad, Colorado; and Cora, who is the wife of Harry Martin, of Lewiston, Montana, a farmer. The Fountain family were reared in the faith of the Congregational church and Mrs. Fountain still maintains an active interest in the organization.
Mr. Fountain gave his political allegiance to the republican party and had a firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of the party as factors in good govern- ment. He held but one publie office, however, and that was when he served as constable at Bradshaw. Fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen to which organization he had belonged for a period of twenty years, and he was also a member of G. A. R. Post No. 32. of York. Progressive- ness in business and agricultural affairs brought him steadily to the front and his worth as a man and a citizen was widely recognized.
AUG REETZ
Aug Reetz, who resides on section 31, Stewart township, York county, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of prime land and enjoys an excellent reputa- tion as a successful and representative agriculturist. He was born in Germany, December 17, 1867, a son of Carl and Henrietta Reetz, who also were natives of Germany and immigrated to America in 1882. On arriving in this country the family eame direct to York county and in Stewart township Carl Reetz bought eighty aeres of prairie land. for which he paid ten dollars per acre. Here he and his family settled and managed to live in a sod house for some time, while a dugout served for a barn to house the cattle. fle broke the land and planted crops as he cleared the place, gradually bringing the holding to a condition sufficient to make it tolerable for the family to live. He also rented land in Thayer township and as his
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efforts began to meet the success he deserved he purchased an additional eighty acres in Stewart township, all of which was well improved and had a fine set of buildings. Carl Reetz died December 11, 1918, at the age of eighty-seven. Ile was held in respect by all who knew him and was regarded as a good citizen and a skillful farmer. His widow passed away December 6, 1920, in her eighty-sixth year. There were six children born to their marriage: William, of Stewart town- ship, a farmer : Ernstine, the wife of Otto Woodke, of Thayer; Aug, subject of this sketch ; Anna, wife of Joe Rostler, of Saline county, Nebraska ; Amelia, the widow of Anton Rostler, of Wilcox, Nebraska, and Albert, of York county. The parents were faithful members of the Lutheran church and were liberal subseribers to its upkeep.
Ang Reetz received his education in the schools of Germany and was fifteen years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He helped his father in the work of breaking and reclaiming the homestead and here learned the rudiments of agriculture. Later he worked on neighboring farms by the month and was paid ten dollars per month for his services, continuing in this way for two years. He is now operating one hundred and sixty aeres of prime land on which he is doing . general farming, producing crops that it pays to cultivate, while his live stock section is also worked on a profitable basis. His success is entirely due to his own industry and untiring efforts as he started virtually without any assistance ; in fact he is a self-made man, having come to this country empty-handed, but through the opportunities here offered and his industry and good management he has gained financial independence.
Mr. Reetz lived with his parents up to the time of his marriage which took place in 1895, in that year taking for his wife Ernstine Hoffmann, a native of Nebraska. They are the parents of one son, Herbert, who lives at home. The family are members of the Lutheran church. in the good works of which they are active and practical and they have won an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the community, being recognized as people of genuine worth whose aim and influence are given on the side of right, progress and improvement. Mr. Reetz votes inde- pendently in political affairs, feeling that freedom of judgment is sometimes impaired through blind adherence to party.
AUGUST C. DREIER
August C. Dreier, a retired farmer of MeCool, now deceased, was born March 26, 1855, in Germany, the son of Christian and Lena ( Ebbeke) Dreier, natives of Germany who passed away in that country. When August Dreier was sixteen years of age he came to this country to escape military training, finding his way to Pennsylvania where he was employed on a farm, and later going to West Virginia where he worked one year. He came west and lived in Carroll county, Illinois, for two years, after which he came to York county, Nebraska, where he continued as a hired helper until he had saved enough to rent land for his own use. His first purchase was a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land which he brought to a high state of cultivation. lle and his young wife worked hard and
AUGUST C. DREIER
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R
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accomplished much. and in 1911 Mr. Dreier retired and moved to McCool Junction, where he built a beautiful home.
He was married in York county, to Miss Ada S. Soelter, a native of Oakland, Garrett county, Maryland, the daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Tekelnburg) Soelter, natives of Germany. Mr. Dreier's father and his wife's father were school- mates in Germany, a fact which Mr. and Mrs. Dreier discovered in Maryland. To this union were born nine children: Lena, the wife of llomer Fair, of Custer county, Nebraska ; Albert A., a teacher in Horton, Kansas: Bertha M., the wife of Henry Miller, of West Blue township, York county; Lillie M., the widow of Edwin Cites, who resides with her mother; Clarence, who is married to Edna DeBoer, and is a farmer in York county ; Ernest, a farmer in York county ; Dora, the wife of Orville Jacks, a farmer in Fillmore county: Frank, who is engaged in farming in York county: and Carl G., who is employed in the Farmers and Merchants Bank in MeCool Junction. Mrs. Dreier is very proud of her twenty grandchildren.
In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Dreier made a trip to his old home in Germany, remained there visiting for two months, and before returning home paid a visit to Berlin. Mrs. Dreier's father had often told her of the conditions and mode of living in Germany and she found that there had not been many changes since his youth. Before his death which occurred January 10, 1914, Mr. Dreier divided his prop- erty between his children. He had five eighty-aere tracts the accumulation of which was the fruit of his own toil, as he had no capital with which to begin, did not inherit a penny, and received but fifteen dollars a month at the time of his marriage.
Mr. Dreier was a member of the Lutheran church and his political endorsement was given to the democratic party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He was always ready to do his share for the service of the community and served as township clerk, school treasurer, and as road overseer for many years. Ile had the respect and good-will of all who knew him, was faithful in friendship and devoted to the welfare of the family, and his many sterling traits won for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact.
WILLIAM H. SCHOCH
William H. Schoch, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Morton township. York county, is the owner of a compact and well kept place and is meeting with signal success in the management of his atfairs. He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, July 26, 1853, a son of Daniel and Harriet (Martin) Schoch, who were farming people in that part of the Buckeye state and there spent the remainder of their lives.
William H. Schoch was reared on his father's farm in Ohio and was educated in the common schools of his native county, at the same time helping on the home farm thereby acquiring a sound knowledge of agricultural affairs. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years old and then went to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and worked out on farms by the month, continuing thus for four years. At the end of that period he became connected with the car shops at
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Lafayette where he found employment for six years. About that time a desire to return to agriculture took hold of him and in 1886 he removed to Nebraska and settled in Laneaster county, there renting land for five years. He had in all the preceding years been making good use of his earnings and steadily saving with the view to securing a farm of his own. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres which now comprise the home farm located on section 27. Morton township. York county, and on this place he now lives. At the time of the purchase there were a few improvements of small vale on the place and one hundred and thirty acres of the sod was broken. Mr. Schoch overhauled the entire holding and made many valuable improvements, bringing the farm into the front rank in all respects. He added to the original purchase and is now the owner of two hundred acres of excellent land, all in one body, and on which he carries on general farming opera- tions and stock raising. He gives special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, of which some fine strains are to be found on his place. He is now enjoying a substantial income from his industry and energy, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his farm is the equal in every respect of any of its size in the county.
In 1882 Mr. Schoch was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Turner and to them five children were born: Roy, now living in York: Ray, living at home; Carrie : Laura, the wife of Walter Melton, of near Charleston, Nebraska : and Guy, residing in York county. In politics he supports the democratic party and from time to time has been the incumbent of various minor offices. He and his wife hold reli- gions affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church in the affairs of which they take an active and helpful part. Mr. Schoch has been a resident of York county during the period of its most active development and expansion, and has been a participant in and zealous worker for that expansion for about thirty-five years, having earned the respect and esteem of countless friends and wellwishers.
JOHN SHAW
John Shaw, a prosperous and progressive farmer, owner of a compact and well- kept farm on section 10. New York township, York county, is a native of the Buck- eye State, born in Newcomerstown, Tusearawas county, Ohio, in 1854, a son of Jonathan and Carolina (Park) Shaw. His father was born in Brownsville, Penn- sylvania, and the mother was a native of Newcomerstown, Ohio, and passed away at the early age of thirty-six years. Jonathan Shaw was a plasterer by occupation. having learned that trade in Pennsylvania and worked at it as an operative in Ohio. In 1858 he moved to Marion county, lowa, and there purchased a tract of land, which he cultivated, at the same time following his trade of plasterer, and remained in that part of Iowa for fourteen years. In 1822 Jonathan Shaw came to York county and continued to work at his trade, later taking a free claim in see- tion 10 in New York township and became actively engaged in general farming and stock raising, which in due course brought him success and profitable results. He hauled the first lumber from Lincoln and built a combination house composed of sod and frame, and here he and his family lived for several years. He was the father of six children, three of whom are living. He and his wife were members
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