USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 45
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
of the Methodist church and earnest attendants on its services. He gave his political support to the republican party but was never a seeker after public office.
John Shaw was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the common schools of Iowa, following which he learned the plasterer's trade from his father and having become expert under that training he plastered some of the first buildings in York, his proficiency along this line bringing his services into much demand by house builders and contractors. When he had aecu- mulated sufficient money Mr. Shaw turned his attention to farming and purchased a tract of land on which he commenced agricultural operations, at first on a modest scale but as success attended his business-like efforts he added to his holdings and is now the owner of two hundred acres of well improved land, to the cultivation of which he devotes all his time. The success which he gained in a comparatively short time is quite unusual but amply serves to demonstrate his ability to adapt himself to a new condition and to make it pay.
Mr. Shaw has been twice married. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Esther Egley and they became the parents of three children, namely: Gny Shaw, living on a farm in Cheyenne county ; Gertrude, wife of Earl Hiett, of Cheyenne county, and Grace, wife of Fred Schriner, living in Unadilla, Nebraska. Some- time after the death of his first wife Mr. Shaw was married to Hanna Denny, who became the mother of three children : Miles, living on a farm in York county ; Blanche, who married Ray Bolton ; and John, who lives at Kimball, Nebraska, engaged in farming. All these children are living and in comfortable circum- stances, the guidance and assistance of the father being a considerable factor in shaping their welfare. Mr. Shaw casts his ballot in support of the demoeratie party, whose principles accord with his political beliefs. His fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Woodmen and at all times he consistently gives his influence on the side of moral advancement. He has gained many friends since coming to York county, his salient characteristics being such as never fail to command respect and win regard.
HENRY C. CITES
Henry C. Cites who is a retired farmer of York county, was born in Harrison county, Indiana, September 21, 1861, the son of Frederick Cites who was born in Holstein, Germany, and worked there at his trade of nail-making until he came to the United States in the early '50s. When President Lincoln called for volunteers Frederick Cites was one of the gallant men who answered the summons, for he enlisted in Company E. Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, He died from sickness in December, 1863, and was buried in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The mother of H. C. Cites was Harriett (Swift) Cites, a native of Indiana who died when her son was but five years old.
Henry C. Cites lived with his grandmother after the death of his mother, and later made his home with F. M. Stapleton who came to York county at an early day. Mr. Cites bought a farm in Leroy township where he engaged in agricultural pur- suits until 1892 when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Hayes township, which he improved greatly, converting it to a model farm where he lived until two years ago. He then retired and moved to York where he has a nice home at 529
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West Fifth street. Since taking up his residence in town Mr. Cites has sold his farm and is enjoying a well earned rest. The early days of his life were filled with hardships so well known to the pioneer farmer whose manual labor took the place of the many devices which make farm work comparatively easy today.
Mr. Cites was married in York county to Miss Janette Kingsley, a native of Harrison county. Indiana, the daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth Burns, of Indi- ana and Germany, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Cites are the parents of four ehil- dren : Edwin Lee, now deceased, who married Miss Dreier of MeCool, and became the father of Mr. Cites' onty grandchild; Mabel, the wife of Frank MeGregor, a farmer of Leroy township; Frank M. and Helen, who are living at home.
For twenty years after his arrival in York county Mr. Cites gave his attention so unreservedly to his farm work that he never left the county except on the occasion when he took the girl who afterwards became his wife to Fairmont to the railroad station that she might take the train to visit her people in Kansas. However, later in 1915 when leisure was permitted him, he took a trip to the Pacific coast. visiting many important places in the west, and covering over seven thousand miles.
Mr. Cites is a republican in politics. He has held many minor township offices and is now filling a vacancy by appointment on the county board of supervisors. He has a record of honesty and uprightness, always applying the Golden Rule to his dealings with business associates and neighbors, owing not a dollar to any man and content in the knowledge that he possesses sufficient wealth to care for him the rest of his days.
JOHN JACOB HUBENBECKER
John Jacob Hubenbecker, a former sailor and farmer, is now living retired at McCool Junction, York county, Nebraska. He was born in the free city of Lubeck, Germany, April 18, 1850, the son of David and Magdalena Hubenbecker who passed away in that country when he was but three years old. He was reared by relatives in the city of Hamburg, where as a boy he used to watch the sailboats passing on the canal until he became so attached to them that he decided to go to sea. When he was fourteen years old he became apprenticed to serve three years as a sailor, for which he received the sum of thirty pounds, equivalent to about forty dollars a year. He became a good sailor and was fascinated by the roving life. cruising in many waters and visiting many foreign ports, including Florida, Cuba and Havana. During the Franco-Prussian war in 1871 he was on a vessel plying on the coast of China and Japan and for forty months had his headquarters at Yokohama. On one occasion while the ship "Vicksburg" was sailing between New York and Florida a dense fog was encountered and the ship broke in two, one of the crew losing his life. Soon after this Mr. Hubenbecker gave up the life of the sailor, though he was very fond of the sea and often wished he might become the owner of a vessel. Even after he came west he thought that when he had saved five thousand dollars he would buy a ship, but when he had become prosperous and the possessor of more than that amount a friend reminded him of his often repeated wish, to which he replied, "Now I am too old." The strenuous life of the sea held its charm for him, however, and he often recounts the adventures he experienced in the days when each sailor was given ten minutes in which to dress and be on deck.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
He had to furnish his own clothes and bedding and was allowed a small space for a bunk which was all he could call his own. In case of a storm or hurry call the sailors often went on deck clad only in their woolen underwear and in one instance Mr. Hubenbecker tells of his shirt being torn to pieces and blown off when he climbed the rigging during a storm.
He had a brother somewhere in America who was a stone-cutter by trade, but never succeeded in locating him. He thought of following his brother's trade but was advised that owing to his unsound lungs it would be unwise as the dust might injure his health. lle went to Cleveland, Ohio, and shoveled coal in loading steamers, which meant handling from seventy-five to one hundred tons a day. for which he received the sum of one dollar and a half a day. After two years spent in this work he came to Nebraska and in the winter of 1878-9 went to Mc Fadden township, York county, where he bought one hundred and sixty aeres of unimproved railroad land and engaged in agricultural pursuits there for many years. His first home was an upright board shanty which the Nebraska wind destroyed and another was built in its place with the addition of a sod roof and sod walls built around it to withstand the havoc of the wind. In 1881 the crops were good and the little home was enlarged to sixteen by twenty-four feet. Later as Mr. Hubenbecker prospered he replaced this crude structure by a frame house and added the necessary buildings of shelter for the stock. This nicely improved farm has been his home until six years ago when he moved to MeCool Junction and retired from active labor. Recently he sold the tract of land that was formerly his home but still owns two hundred and forty aeres of fine land, which is his proof of triumph over the hardships and privations endured as a pioneer settler.
He was married in New York city to Dorothea Stein, a native of Hessen, Darmstadt, Germany, who passed away twenty-two years ago leaving five children : Dorothea ; Henry, an attorney at Sioux City, Iowa; Marie; Emma; and John, a doctor practicing at Morse Bluff, Nebraska.
Mr. Hubenbecker has during his leisure time devoted his moments to modeling a sailing vessel. It is a work of art, carefully cut out of wood with a pocket knife, with sixteen sails that appear to be filled with wind. This little ship is said to be perfect and the creation of it no doubt gave the old sailor much pleasure in the hours when he could recall his sea-going days.
Mr. Hubenbecker is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is inde- pendent, voting for men and measures without regard to party ties. As a result of a life of perseverance and diligence he has obtained a comfortable competence, and is in a position to enjoy the remainder of his days in comfort.
ALBERT A. METZ
Albert A. Metz who is engaged in the undertaking business in York was born in Seward county on the 26th of November, 1880, the son of John and Elizabeth (Anderson) Metz, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. In early life they came to Seward county where they met and were married, farming in that county for many years. They retired about 1905 and removed to Seward where they are now residing, he being seventy-two years of age and she sixty. When Mr. John
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Metz came to Seward county he was a poor boy and he has worked his way to suc- cess practically unaided. They are consistent members of the United Brethren church and he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Three chil- dren were born to them, two of them still living, namely: Albert A., the subject of this review ; and Mabel, who is the wife of Bert Kirk, an oilman of Topeka, Kansas.
Albert A. Metz received his education in the country schools of Seward county and later entered the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, lowa. He then entered the Lincoln Business College and took a commercial course with the result that he soon obtained a position with the Deering Harvester Company. He severed connections with this firm and removed to Seward where he entered into the furni- ture and undertaking business with W. H. Moore, remaining for a period of five years. In 1905 he eame to York and for three years was engaged in like business with Al White, at the termination of this time selling out the furniture and engaging exclusively in undertaking. In 1914 he took into partnership with him Olin Hitchcock, the firm name becoming Metz & Hitchcock, and they have a large business. When he first started in this business he took some courses in the Barnes School of Embalming in Chicago and there is no phase of the business with which he is not familiar.
In 1902 Mr. Metz was united in marriage to Miss Olga Oppenheimer who was born in Iowa and whose parents are now residing in Shenandoah, that state. Three children have been born to this union : Don, aged seventeen years, who is in school : Dorothy, aged thirteen years; and Jean, four and one-half years of age.
Mr. Metz gives his political allegiance to the republican party in which he has always been very active. For two terins he served York county as county treasurer and is county central committee-man of his party at the present time. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree; the Knights of Pythias, which he has served as past chancellor commander; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; Odd Fellows; Woodmen ; Ben Hur and Royal Highlanders. Although the greater part of his time is devoted to business he has not forgotten that there are duties of citizenship demanding his attention and he is one of the most active members of the Rotary Club. In social affairs he and his wife are also prominent and they are members of the York Country Club.
CHARLES A. WONDERLY
Charles A. Wonderly, who has been living retired in Benedict for several years, was long and actively identified with agricultural pursuits in York county and is still the owner of a tract of valuable land. His birth occurred in Jackson Hall, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1843, a son of John and Anna (Mawell) Wonderly. John Wonderly was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and lived to the great age of ninety years. His wife was born in Lancaster, Penn- sylvania, and passed away in 1866, being then in her sixty-sixth year. He was reared on a farm and worked for a time in a store at Chambersburg. Pennsylvania, and later carried on a country store on his own account and served as postmaster for fifteen years. The great-grandfather on the paternal side came originally from Prussia, was a printer by trade and conducted the Lancaster County Press for forty
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years, the journal at that time being one of the few papers circulated in that dis- triet. The maternal grandfather was a native of Ireland, at the time of his departure being but twelve years old. John Wonderly devoted most of his active years to mercantile pursuits. In 1854 he and his wife moved to Illinois and were among the pioneers of that period in the state, and it was there many of their children were born and reared. The children were as follows: Sarah E., now liv- ing in Jefferson, Iowa, aged eighty-five; F. M., living in Mendota, Illinois ; John, Anna L. and Mary E., all died some years ago; Charles A., the subject of this sketch ; Joseph P., died at the age of twelve ; William H., living in Mendota, Illinois; Clara and David, both deceased; and Emma K., a widow, also living at Mendota. He was a member of the Lutheran church and his political adherence was given to the democratic party. His wife was a member of the Episcopal church, in the teach- ings and practices of which she was a firm believer.
Charles A. Wonderly was reared in his father's home and secured his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, later, on moving to Illinois, attend- ing the Henderson Institute at Mendota for one year. He worked on the home place assisting his father and later was employed as foreman of a lumber yard at Rock Falls, Illinois, continuing his connection with the lumber business for five years. In 1879 the lure of the west attracted him to Nebraska and he settled in York county. He started farming three miles west of York and later rented land east of Benedict which he operated for fifteen years, during these years, by thrift and industry, placing himself in a position to buy a tract, and he ultimately secured a quarter section of land. He put all his energy into the development of his hold- ing, living in the beginning of his occupaney in a sod house. Finally his practical and progressive methods bore fruit and he rapidly came to the front as one of the foremost farmers in that section of the county. He still owns the land but has in recent years retired from active participation in carrying on the affairs of the farm, is now living in comfortable surroundings in Benedict, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at that place.
On December 31, 1884, Mr. Wonderly was married to Clarissa E. Gunnell, of Marston, Illinois, a daughter of Jolm Gunnell. The marriage was celebrated at York, and has been blessed with four children: Grace E., wife of John B. Ellis, who operates the old Wonderly farm; Jennie, living at home; Mary Winifred, at home: and Robert Wayne, now six years old, also at home. Mrs. Wonderly is a member of the Methodist church and her aid and influence have always been directed for the advancement of the moral welfare of the community. Mr. Won- derly casts an independent vote and at all times his attitude has been that of a public-spirited citizen, willing to subordinate private interests to the general good and entirely free from self-seeking ambitions or the taint of cheap popularity.
JAMES WOLSTENHOLM
James Wolstenholm, who is a respected and valued resident of York county, and who now lives retired in McCool Junction, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, January 18, 1854, the son of John and Hannah (Lonsdale) Wolstenholm, mention of whom is found elsewhere.
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He came to York county with the family when he was a boy and witnessed the hardships and privations that were the lot of the pioneer farmer. When he became of age he pre-empted eighty acres of land on section twenty-six of McFadden town- ship, and his first home was like that of the early settlers, a little dugout on the side of a hill. After years of well directed effort, perseverance and hard work, he became a prosperous agriculturist and the little farm was improved and enlarged until it covered four hundred acres. A few years ago Mr. Wolstenhohn sold this property and bought one hundred acres of land adjoining the town of McCool Junction, which he has improved with a new set of farm buildings making it one of the ideal country homes of the county. He rents the land and is living retired.
Mr. Wolstenholm was married September 28. 1878, in MeFadden township, to Miss Mary Wullbrandt, the daughter of Charles H. and Fredericka ( Hollock) Wullbrandt, early settlers of the township who have since passed away, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this review. Mr. and Mrs. Wolstenholmn have become the parents of seven children: C. E., who is married, and resides in California : William, of Hayes township. York county, who is married: Elva, who lives at home; Jesse J., a resident of Hayes township, York county, who is married ; Richard E., who was a soldier in the World war, now at home; Harry E., who is married and lives in Hayes township; and Mabel E., who lives at home.
Mr. Wolstenholm is interested in any project for the upbuilding of the com- munity where he resides and has held several township offices including assessor of the county and membership on the school board. He stands today as one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens, and looking back to the days of the pioneer farmer he should have the satisfaction of feeling that he has had a part in bringing about the prosperous conditions which now prevail.
DIETRICH TEINERT
Dietrich Teinert, one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of McFadden township, York county, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Germany, August 4, 1851, the son of Andrew and Gertrude Teinert, natives of the same place. The father died when the son was fourteen years of age. The mother died in York county, Nebraska, the same year the family loeated here.
Dietrich Teinert attended the public schools of his native place and as a boy was taught by his grandfather to care for milch cows, attend to crops and swing the seythe with much skill, and worked on the threshing machine, for which he received ten cents a day. He also spent ten years as a stone-eutter. When nine years old he suffered an attack of black typhoid fever which affected his hearing. It was quite annoying to him when a boy in school to have the teacher ask him a question which he did not hear and then ask him if he were dreaming. The family lived in a village and he was exeused from military duty because his mother was a widow and his services were needed in the support of the family.
In 1882 Mr. Teinert and a brother-in-law, Henry Karre, came to the United States and to York county, Nebraska, where they purchased one hundred and sixty aeres on section 5, McFadden township. The first year the two families occupied
DIETRICH TEINERT AND FAMILY
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the house that stood on the place but the next year Mr. Teinert erected a dwelling on his own land and this is one of the finest country homes in this part of the county. Other substantial buildings make his one of the well improved farms of the neighborhood. Mr. Teinert has given considerable attention to the raising of pure bred horses and has owned some very fine animals. He has been successful in his farming operations and is the owner of four hundred acres of land. Having shifted the active work to younger shoulders he is now living retired.
In Germany Mr. Teinert was married to Miss Marie Eddlebrook, a native of the same place as her husband, born there September 20, 1856, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Eddlebrook, who became residents of York county several years ago, and here the mother passed away while the father is living at the age of eighty-five years, making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Teinert. Mr. and Mrs. Teinert have become the parents of nine children, three of whom died in childhood. Those living are: Lizetta, the wife of Joe Shafer, residing in Missouri : Mary, who married George Shafer and lives in Minnesota ; Henry, lives at home: Eda is the wife of William Stuek, living in Minnesota : Harry William, who is at home, and Anna, the wife of Clarence Foster, of York county.
Mr. Teinert was possessed of about twenty-four hundred dollars when he landed in America and the success that has come to him is the result of his own well directed efforts and perseverance. lle is one of the substantial men of the county and is a good citizen and neighbor. The family are members of the Lutheran church and held in the highest esteem by all who know them.
GEORGE A. THOMPSON
George A. Thompson, deceased, was for many years a prominent farmer in York county. He was born in Green county, Wisconsin, March 24, 1862, and his death occurred on the 10th of September, 1918, in York county on his farm. He was a son of Alden B. and Mary E. Thompson, the former a native of Maine and the latter of New York state. At an early day the father removed to Wisconsin where he purchased some land and in 1873 he came to Hamilton county, Nebraska. Here he acquired a homestead where he resided for a number of years and then went to Montana where he died at the age of eighty-six years. The mother is still living and makes her home in Kalispell, Montana. She is now eighty-nine years of age. Nine children were born to this union, six of whom are living, Frank who is engaged in the hardware business at Edgar, being the only child besides George A. residing in Nebraska.
In the acquirement of an education George A. Thompson attended the district schools of Wisconsin and Hamilton county. He was reared on a farm and after putting his textbooks aside it seemed only natural that he should choose to follow that line of work. He owned a farm in Hamilton county whereon he resided for some time but in 1909 came to York county where he purchased land on which he remained until his death. He started life on practically nothing but had a strong determination and was not afraid of hard work. His land soon became some of the finest in the county and in addition to general farming he engaged extensively in eattle and stock raising. As he progressed his opportunities and advantages
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increased and he gathered to himself the rewards of a well spent life. When his death occurred on the 10th of September, 1918, the community suffered a great loss.
On the 26th of November, 1891. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Dillie Ely, a native of Monroe, Wisconsin, and a daughter of David and Mary C. (Starr) Ely. Her father was born in Green county, Wisconsin, while her mother was born in Illinois. Their marriage was celebrated in Wisconsin and the father engaged in farming in that state until 18:3 when he removed to Hamilton county, Nebraska. Here he acquired a homestead and resided until 1913 when he went to Sutton in Clay county where he located and remained until his death in April, 1919. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ely six children were born: Mrs. George A. Thompson. the widow of the subject of this review; Mrs. Fay Copsey, whose husband is a retired farmer residing in York : Thurman HT., who is farming near Broken Bow: Mrs. Rose Hagemeister, who resides in Potter: Arthur G., who is a eattle man and rancher residing at Sun River, Montana: and Walter D .. a farmer of Stockham and also a grain buyer and in the elevator business. The Ely family were consistent members of the Christian church and the father was a repub- lican in politics. He was fraternally connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became parents of two children, namely: Mary Ethel and Floyd C. Mary Ethel received her education in the country schools and later attended Sutton high school and the York college. She is now teaching in the York schools. Floyd is farming near Stockham. He obtained his education in the rural schools and later took a commercial course at York College.
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