USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 48
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WILLIAM G. TROUTMAN
Since 1907 William G. Troutman, a successful farmer in York eounty for many years, has lived retired in York. Ile was born in Pennsylvania on the 31st of Mareh, 1850, a son of Michael-and Rachael (Winters) Troutman. His father was born in Pennsylvania December 25, 1823, and died in 1913, while the mother was born in Maryland in 1828 and died in 1884. They were both educated and grew to maturity in Pennsylvania and their marriage occurred in Somerset county, that state. The father followed the carpenter's trade there for a number of years but in 1856 went to Illinois where he purchased some land and engaged in farming for twenty-two years after which time he came to Nebraska. He settled in York county and retired. His death occurred here at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Trout- man's death occurred in Benediet and she is buried there. Eight children were born to this marriage, six of whom are living: Elizabeth, the widow of Joseph Boyer who resides in California : William G., the subject of this review; Christina, the wife of Pierce Harden, who is a retired farmer living at Benediet: Oscar, who is engaged in farming in Colorado : Ella, the wife of H. P. Walker who is retired and is residing in Benedict : and Albert, a real estate dealer in Omaha. The Troutinan family were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and the father was a stanch supporter of the democratic party. The first of the Troutman family in the United States were William and Peter Troutman who removed from Berks county, Penn- sylvania, to Somerset county, that state, at an early day. The grandfather of William G. Troutman, the subject of this review, was William Troutman a native of Pennsylvania, and he married Catherine Uhl who was born in Germany and crossed to the United States when but seven years of age.
William G. Troutman received his education in Illinois and after putting his textbooks aside began life as a farmer. While residing in Illinois he rented a farm
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but in 1825 purchased some land in York county and four years later removed to that county. The land he had purchased was unimproved railroad land in Lock- ridge township, and for many years he made his home there, residing in a little frame house, sixteen by twenty-four feet. In that early day there were no school- houses and churches and for the first few years of his residence in that township school and church services were held in the different homes. He engaged in gen- eral farming and also fed live stock. In 190? he decided to retire from active farm life and so removed to York. building a fine home at 1026 Grant avenue, although he spends considerable time on his farm. He is owner of a farm in Lockridge. township and a half seetion of fine land. Ile rents his farm to his son on a fifty- fifty basis. Besides the interest he still retains in his land he holds stock in the telephone company and elevator at Benedict.
In 1825, while residing in Illinois, Mr. Troutman was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Ilarden, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Cook) Ilarden. Her parents were both born. in Pennsylvania but later removed to Maryland where they resided for a number of years. In 1854 they removed fo Illinois and settled in Lee county and here the father died. Mrs. Harden made her home with Mrs. Troutman for a few years until her death. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harden, five of whom are living: Dennis C .. a farmer in Lee county, Illinois : Mrs. Troutman, the wife of the subject of this review : Demetrius G .. lives in California : Emanuel J .. who is head man of the International Harvester Company at Winnipeg, Canada ; Jesse, a farmer at Falon. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Troutman six children have been born: Josie, the wife of S. S. Reed, who is farming in York county ; Flossie C., who is the wife of C. E. Huff, a farmer raising principally wheat in Kimball county; Agnes E., the wife of T. L. Green who is in the lumber and coal business at Sterling, Colorado; Lester L., a farmer in York county : Bertha, who is living at home; and Forrest H., who is residing on his father's farm.
Mr. Troutman has always given his allegiance to the republican party and is well versed on the questions and issues of the day. Frafernally he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen in which order he has won the degree of honor. Mr. Troutman has made his way in the world by his own diligence and labor and he is a well known and representative citizen of York.
JOHN TOWLE
John Towle is numbered among the pioneer settlers of York county whose life bore the impress of many events which shaped the history of the county, marking the development and the progress of the region. He was born in Leeds. England, April 2, 1838, was brought to the United States when an infant, and his childhood was spent in Wisconsin where his people settled after arriving in this country.
He received his education in the schools of Wisconsin and his initial step in the business world was made with a woolen manufacturing company owned by his father and an unele. In 1821 he came to York county Nebraska, and took up a homestead where he experienced all the hardships and privations known to the
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pioneer settler. On one occasion he and his brother nearly lost their lives when they became lost in a storm. Mr. Towle's first home was a frame house for which he hauled the lumber from Lincoln. The betterment of homes and living con- ditions marked the progress of the homesteader and when Mr. Towle had completed his frame house he sent for his wife, who came the following year-1842. During the next year they endured many trials including the grasshopper plague and drought periods and moved back to Wisconsin in 1823 where they remained the following ten years. Mr. Towle being employed in the woolen factory.
Mr. Towle was married on December 25, 1866, to Sarah Barlow, who was born in England. September 4, 1847, the daughter of John and Eliza Barlow. natives of England who came to Wisconsin in 1848. Mr. Barlow passed away there at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow became the parents of eight children. five of whom are living. All are residents of Wisconsin with the exception of Mrs. Towle. To Mr. and Mrs. Towle were born nine children, seven of whom are living: A. J., who is engaged in the real estate business at Snyder, Texas: William Charles, who lives on a farm near Charleston ; Sarah Elena, wife of N. P. Watt who lives on a farm in York county ; Samuel D., who passed away: George G., who died in infancy: Effie G .. wife of (. B. Campbell, who is employed in an oil station in York, Nebraska: Howard Garfield, who is engaged in the jewelry business at Snyder. Texas ; Gordon P., who is a telegraph operator at Trenton, Nebraska : and Ralph R., who is an eye, ear. nose and throat specialist practicing in Boise, Idaho.
Mr. Towle served three years in the Civil war during which time he was wounded. The following is a record of his life as a soldier :
"When the war broke out John Towle was among the first to respond to the country's call for aid, enlisting May 12. 1861, for three months service as a member of Company D. Third Wisconsin Infantry. He was mustered in at Fond du Lac. Wisconsin, on June 29th for three years service. The regiment went immediately to the south, arriving at Harper's Ferry, July 18, 1861, and Mr. Towle served in the campaigns in Virginia and Maryland for two years, two months and sixteen days, in the army of the Shenandoah under General Banks. the army of Virginia under General Pope, the army of the Potomac under Generals MeClellan, Burnsides. Hooker and Meade, and was in New York city on military duty during the draft riots of August, 1863, under General Colby. He left Bealton Station, Virginia, with his regiment October 3, 1863, to join the army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was mustered ont at the latter place Inly 5. 1864, on account of disability. He participated in the following engagements : Bolivar Heights, Winchester. Cedar Mountain, Pope's campaign, Antietam, Chancellorsville. Beverly Ford, Gettysburg and the draft riots. le was mustered out with the rank of corporal. During the battle of Antietam he was shot through the leg and had both ear drums punctured which destroyed his hearing. He was also wounded at Beverly Ford when an exploding shell struck him in the Jeg. On account of his wounds and the loss of his hearing he has experienced ill health for years and is one of the honorable pensioners of the government."
This is a record of which any soldier might well be proud and it is kept in reverent memory of Mr. Towle who passed away March 17, 1916. Mr. Towle was a member of the Methodist church and fraternally had membership with the
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Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He resided at York at the time of his death, at 900 Burlington Avenue, where his widow now lives. He was a man well informed on the topics of the day, a good reader and a very intelligent man whose life devoted to the welfare and service of his fellowmen has made his memory honored wherever he was known.
SOLOMON A. MYERS
Solomon A. Myers, who since 1901 has engaged in the real estate business in York, was born near Terre Haute, Indiana, December 16, 1849, a son of James and Sophia (West) Myers, who are natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively, their marriage being celebrated in the former state. The father was a farmer throughout his entire life. In the early '50s he removed to Illinois, where he purchased land near Bushnell, and upon that farm his wife passed away. Subsequently Mr. Myers moved to Oregon where he spent his last days. However, he was in many places prior to that time, residing for a period in Oklahoma, afterward in Nebraska, later in Colorado, and eventually in Oregon. Hle was a member of the Christian church and gave his political support to the republican party. To him and his wife were born the following children, of whom six are living: B. F., a retired farmer residing in York, Nebraska : Anna, who is the widow of John Keppel and resides in Bardolph, Illinois : Cassandra, who is the widow of Dudley Pelley of Macomb, Illinois; Solomon A., of this review : Emma A., the wife of William Jackson, a retired farmer of Bardolph, Ilinois ; and William P., an attorney of Culver, Oregon. Alice grew to womanhood, then passed away. She was not married.
Solomon A. Myers obtained his early education in the country schools of Illinois. Ile started out in life as a farmer, renting land in illinois, and also took up veterinary work in early manhood. In 1875 he came to Nebraska, purchased a homestead right and took up his abode in a sod house in York county. The following year he brought his wife and two children to his new home and in time built a frame house on his land and continued the work of further developing and improving the property which he transformed into an excellent farm, residing thereon until 1901, when he sold the place. in that year he took up his abode in York and turned his attention to the real estate business in which he has since engaged. tte conducts a general real estate, emigration and insurance business and in this way has done much to promote the settlement and development of York county.
In 1870 Mr. Myers was married to Miss Eliza R. Kost, and to them were born four children : William A., a physician of Casper, Wyoming: John W., living at York; Frank, who died in 1892 at the age of sixteen years: and James C., who is in California. The wife and mother passed away August 3, 1888, and on the 25th of December, 1890, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Jessie R. Rose, who was born in Sheridan, lowa, and they have two children : Charles B., a farmer of Lexington, Nebraska ; and if. G., a mechanic living at York.
Mr. Myers and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has attained the Royal Arch degree in Masonry and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Itis political endorsement is given to the republican party. He filled
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the office of county commissioner, has served on the city council and as a member of the school board, and at all times has discharged his public duties with marked capability and fidelity. He is always loyal to any interests tending to advance the welfare and progress of the community, and his cooperation is valued as an element in general improvements. As a business man he has been systematic and thoroughly reliable. At different periods he has owned land in Nebraska, Colorado and Illinois, but has now disposed of most of it.
WILLIAM BRAHMSTEADT
William Brahmsteadt has been actively and prominently identified with farm- ing and agricultural interests and stock raising for many years in York county and is now handling a vast traet of eight hundred aeres of prime land to the operation of which he devotes all his activities. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1870, a son of Henry Brahmsteadt and wife, both natives of Germany, from which country they immigrated to America in company with Henry's father, William Brahmsteadt, who located in Chicago, where he followed his trade of blacksmith for several years and also worked with Henry for the American Express Company.
It was in 1870 that the elder William Brahmsteadt (grandfather of the subject of this sketch), came to York county and here bought a tract of land which he immediately proceeded to cultivate and on which he did general farming and stock raising. Ile continued in these lines during the active years of his lite, his death occurring in 1904 at an advanced age, and his widow passing away two years later, in 1906. Henry Brahmsteadt, father of our subject, also was engaged in agricultural operations and worked the old home place after the death of his father. He died in 1909 at the age of sixty-two years; his wife predeceased him by several years. These worthy people were the parents of six children : Ann, wife of John Churchill, of York ; William, of this sketch; Louis D., a farmer; Henry, who works for William ; Ralph, a farmer of Monmouth, Illinois, and Edward, a machinist, living in Chicago. His first wife died and Henry Brahmsteadt married Minnie Swatfager, and they became the parents of one ehild, Ella, wife of Carl Barr, a York county farmer. He was a member of the Lutheran church, in the affairs of which he took a practical part ; he supported the republican party and warmly espoused their principles. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide for the welfare and comfort of his family, and in every relation of life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence and honor.
William Brahmsteadt spent his boyhood and youthful days in his father's home and acquired his edueation in the publie schools of Illinois. When little more than an infant he accompanied his parents to Nebraska, where his grandfather settled and acquired land. In time Mr. Brahinsteadt became proficient in agricultural operations and added to his land holdings, set out additional improve- ments to those already placed on the farm by his grandfather, and he is now the owner of eight hundred aeres of the very best land in this part of the state. Hle is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising, ranking among the foremost agriculturists of the county, and his energy and time are devoted to maintaining the high standard he has reached in the farming world.
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In 1901 Mr. Brahmsteadt was nuited in marriage to Mattie Welch, a native of Illinois, and this union has been blessed with five children : Oliva. Charles, Nora, Benjamin and Ivan, all living at home with their parents. He acts independently in political affairs, preferring to support well considered measures and men rather than professional politicians and doubtful legislation of the "pork barrel" variety. As a business man his position is one of prominence and his capability is widely recognized. Ile deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for from an early age he has been practically dependent on his own resources. As the years have gone by his labors have brought substantial results and he is today accounted one of the foremost agriculturists in York county.
ALBERT E. CALKINS, D. D. S.
Dr. Albert E. Calkins of York ranks among the most progressive and successful dental surgeons of the city and is held in high esteem by both the general public and his professional brethren. He was born in Polk county in 1852, the son of Kirkland J. and Louella ( Williams) Calkins, both natives of New York state. The father and mother were married in Iowa to which state they had come with their parents at an early date and he was employed as a teamstor there for many years. In the early sixties they decided to remove to Nebraska and finally settled in Polk county where they had acquired a homestead. In 1895 they removed to York and retired, his death occurring in 1920. Mrs. Calkins is still residing in York. Albert E. Calkins the subject of this review, was the fourth in order of birth of their five children, the other children being: Fred. M. D .. who resides in Fremont : Royal W .. a physician of Cortez, Colorado: Lucy, who is the wife of J. M. Rovenscroft a farm owner, and a mason by trade living in York; Charles A., a dentist in York. The family were reared in the Presbyterian faith, and the father was a stanch supporter of the democratic party. When the Civil war broke out Kirkland „J. Calkins was one of the first to volunteer his services and joined the Twenty-fourth lowa regiment Company I. A sketch of him appears elsewhere in this work. The Calkins family is a very old family dating back before the Revolutionary war and it is said that Hugh Calkins, an early ancestor. was at one time governor of the English colonies.
The early education of Dr. Calkins was received in the schools of Polk and York counties and in order to obtain the further education which he deemed necessary to fit him for his chosen career, it was necessary to earn the money. which he did by working at various occupations. In 1901 he entered the college of dentistry at the Omaha University and was graduated from this institution with his degree in 1904. His first professional venture was in North Bend where he remained for a little more than a year and then in 1905 removed to York. He here entered into the profession with his brother, Charles A .. and remained in this connection for a period of ten years. He has taken two post-graduate courses in this line of work and is always interested in the strides being made in his profession. Aside from his professional duties Dr. Calkins devotes some time to his farm which is located in Kimball county and is one of the finest in the community.
In February, 1920, Dr. Calkins was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha Walling-
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ford who was born in Lancaster county. her parents being among the early settlers of this state. The father is now engaged in the harness business in Panama. Mrs. Calkins is one of the prominent young matrons in York and as a member of the Christian church is a leader in its activities.
In politics Dr. Calkins is an independent, supporting the man rather than the party. Dr. Calkins has always been a close and discriminating student of the principles of dentistry and has made continuous advance in his profession by reason of his devotion thereto as displayed in wide reading and study. He puts forth every effort possible to make his services of greater professional worth and his ability is widely recognized throughout the community in which he resides.
PETER J. RATZLAFF
The best traditions of the commercial life of York county are well sustained in the business activities of Peter J. Ratzlaff, a well known resident of Henderson. He is a native son of the county, born July 10, 1890, a son of John and Maria (Dneck) Ratzlatf, both natives of the southern part of Russia who immigrated to America in 1846. After landing in this country the parents came to Nebraska and located in York county, where the father acquired a farm which he con- tinned to operate with a marked measure of success for many years. He passed away in 1915 and his widow is still living. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living.
Peter J. Ratzlaff was educated in the public and high schools of York county and was reared on his father's farm where, for some years he assisted in carrying on the agricultural operations. At the close of his high school course he entered college, receiving tuition for a period of one year. He then engaged in business on his own account and became identified with dairying, which he found to be a remunerative occupation. He remained in that business for three years when he sold out. and turned his attention to the mercantile trade, joining in partnership with George A. Friesen in Henderson, under the firm title of Friesen & Ratzlaff. The business handled is of a general character and the store is reputed to be one of the best of its kind in the town. Mr. Ratzlaff has proved himself an invaluable factor in expanding the business connections of the store and industry and perseverance are among the salient characteristics-shared equally by the partners-upon which the success so far attained has been built. He is the owner of a well-improved piece of land containing seventy-two and one half acres, located in York county, and from this he derives a substantial revenue, his income from all sources placing him in a position of secure independence, this satisfactory condition being entirely due to his foresight and sagacity in handling business affairs.
In 1917 Mr. Ratzlaff was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Friesen, a daugh- ter of Rev. P. J. Friesen who is now deceased, and to this union one son, Robert L. Ratzlatľ, has been born. Mr. Ratzlaff and his wife are faithful members of the Mennonite church, in whose teachings and doctrines they were reared and upon whose services they are regular attendants. They are widely and favorably known in the community where they reside and they give practical aid to all movements
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designed to advance the welfare of the people as a whole. He has no particular political party leanings and has never aspired to office; however, he ranks among those progressive citizens who give of their time and ability to further civic development by all legitimate methods, and in this as well as in his commercial relations he measures up to the highest standards of citizenship.
PHILANDER CHURCH
Philander Church, a veteran of the Civil war and a retired farmer residing in York. was born in Jefferson county, New York. October 24, 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth ( Ilunt) Church, both natives of Ireland. The father died in 1842 and the mother fifteen years later, the death of the former occurring in New York, while the latter passed away in lowa. Soon after their marriage, which took place in Ireland, they removed to the United States and in this country their two chil- dren were born, the subject of this review, Philander, being the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Church were members of the Presbyterian church and he was a stanch supporter of the republican party. After the death of Mr. Church his widow married again, this time to Samuel Negus, a native of Vermont, and to them four children were born, two of whom are living: Abbie, who is the wife of a Mr. Whittimore and lives in Seattle ; and Lucy, the wife of a Mr. Whittimore, who resides in Central City.
In the acquirement of his education Philander Church attended the schools in New York state and Fowa, having removed to the latter state with his mother in 1854. He began life as a farmer and followed that occupation until his retirement. On the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Church was among the first to volunteer his services to the Union army, with the result that in September, 1861. he joined Company K, Twelfth Towa Regiment with which he served until receiving his discharge on the 20th of January. 1866. Ilis regiment was a part of the western army. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and at Fort Donelson, and was captured at Shiloh, being imprisoned at various places in the south. For eight months he was held prisoner and was then exchanged, remaining with the army until 1866 when he was discharged with the rank of first corporal. He was also present at the battles of Tupelo, Mississippi ; Jackson, Mississippi ; Nashville, Ten- nessee : Mobile, Alabama : the Spanish Fort ; and many others. After the close of the war he returned to Iowa, where he was married and in 1871 removed to York county acquiring a homestead. For thirty-five years Mr. Church and his wife lived on this homestead and in 1906 they sold the place and removed to York, where they are now residing, at 1603 Iowa avenue. Mr. Church owns considerable prop- erty in York, and has land in Texas in the oil district. Numerous gushers have been found near his Texas land and it is consequently of much value.
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