USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 52
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Clement E. Merchant spent his boyhood days on a farm in Iowa and there he acquired a fair common school education. On becoming of age he engaged in farming in his native county where he was very successful. In 187? he removed to York county and the following year located on a claim in section 18, Arborville township. Mr. Merchant was married in 1871 but did not bring his wife on this trip. The journey was made overland in a covered wagon drawn by horses, in which he carried all of his household goods. When he arrived in York county he had but five dollars but soon received an additional seventy-five from some wheat he had left in Iowa to be sold. The first home on this land was a little frame honse twelve by fourteen feet which he built and piled sod around it. He added a sod lean-to. Mrs. Merchant made the trip by train and her husband met her at Columbus, a distance of fifty miles. This country was then in a most primitive state and had but few accommodations. It was necessary that Mr. Merchant remain at the hotel in Columbus over night and funds were secured for this purpose by pawning his revolver. On this trip as night came on he lost his way. Wolves were plentiful in those days and their howls were the only noise breaking the great silence. It was with some difficulty that Mr. Merchant found his way to Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Merchant made their home on this farm for a number of years during which time they so improved and cultivated it that it soon became one of the finest and most progressive farms in the community. Becoming quite well- to-do as the result of his agricultural pursuits Mr. Merchant invested in more land and today is in possession of three hundred and twenty acres, well improved. In 1908 he decided to retire from active life and removed to York where he purchased three lots and built a fine home at 1306 Burlington avenue. He is still
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deeply interested in his farms to which he pays occasional visits and he also works around his lots.
In 1871 Mr. Merchant was united in marriage to Miss Kate Alter, a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Martha (Geltz) Alter. Her parents came to this country from Germany in 1852, first settling in Pennsylvania. In 1869 they removed to Iowa and were prominent citizens of the communities in which they resided. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Merchant, namely : Frank. who is residing on his father's farm in York county; Alice, who is the wife of J. B. Kingston, a farmer of York county; Rollie C., who is residing on his father's farm: and Agnes, the wife of Walter Ely who is manager of the farmers' elevator at Stockham.
As the result of a strong determination and laudable ambition Mr. Merchant has crowned his life with successful achievement. He can look back over a long and useful career and a life well spent and he is widely recognized as a representative citizen of York.
JOHN B. ALLEN
In the passing of John B. Allen, a retired pioneer farmer, York county suffered a severe loss. For a number of years Mr. Allen had made his home in York and was widely recognized as one of the town's progressive and representative citizens.
John B. Allen was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, March 15, 1838, and died on the 14th of March, 1911, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a son of James and Margaret ( Phillips) Allen. The father, who was the oldest of a family of seven sons and three daughters, came to Indiana with his father when but five years of age. After his marriage he removed to lowa and there his death oceurred in 1884. The mother passed away in 1869. Eight children were born to this union, of whom John B., the subject of this review, was the fifth in order of birth.
John B. Allen received his education in the schools of Indiana and Iowa, his parents having removed to the latter state when he was but fourteen years of age. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in farming and remained in Jowa until 1821 when he came to Nebraska. Ile acquired a homestead in Leroy town- ship. York county, and also purchased some railroad land. At the time of his death he was in possession of over one-half section of land. In the spring of 1872 Mr. Allen brought his family to the homestead. the trip being made in covered wagons wherein the family resided until a sod house was built. The land was in a wild. uncultivated state and Mr. Allen immediately set about to make it productive. He was very successful in this venture and after a period of two years erected a small frame house and later a fine residence on the farm. It was not long after Mr. Allen came to York county that he was widely recognized as an extensive farmer and stock raiser. In 1898 he determined to retire from active life and removed with his family to York, where he built a large modern home at ?23 East Fourth street. For thirteen years Mr. Allen resided here, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Mrs. Allen makes her home here, financially independent, for her
JOHN B. ALLEN AND SONS
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R
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husband left her two hundred and forty acres of fine land in South Dakota in addition to the home place in York.
In 1862, in Kansas occurred the marriage of Mr. Allen to Miss Helen M. Howard, a daughter of Dr. Hiram and Isabelle (O'Harre) Howard. The father was a native of College Hill, Ohio, while the mother was born in Cincinnati. He received his medical education in Cincinnati where he practiced for some time before removing to Kansas in 1857. He also practiced at Cedar Grove for a while. On removing to Kansas he acquired a homestead and resumed his profession, prac- ticing in the country around Topeka. He was a physician of much ability and stood high among the men of his profession in which he continued until his death in 1900. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard, five of whom are living. Mrs. Allen was the oldest member of the family. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Allen twelve children have been born, ten of whom are living, namely : Edward, who is a real estate dealer in San Diego, California ; Laura, who is the wife of Julins Drake, a retired farmer residing in Kearney; Arthur, who is engaged in farming in York county; Ida, who is the wife of Winsel Smith, living retired at Curtis : Estella, who is the widow of Clay Love. and resides in York : Albert, who is engaged in the automobile business in York: Ernest, who graduated from the State University and is now an attorney in Chicago; Clark, who travels for a drug company and makes his residence in Norfolk; Roy, who is Chicago manager for the Ruben Manufacturing Company of Chicago; and Goldie, the wife of Claude Hudson who is engaged in the painting and paper-hanging business. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson make their home with Mrs. Allen. Two daughters, Ethel and Clara Kimball, are deceased.
Mr. Allen voted with the democratic party which found in him a stalwart advocate and he was always well informed on the important questions and issues of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and she is still prominent in the affairs of that organization.
DANIEL GRAVES
Daniel Graves, who is an extensive farmer residing on section 11, Arborville township, York county, is a representative of one of the old families of the county. From an early period in the development of this section of the state the family has taken an active part in the work of general progress and improvement. Further reference to the family will be found in the sketch of Daniel Graves, father of our subject, which appears elsewhere in this work.
Daniel Graves was born July 26, 1883, on the farm where he now lives. He supplemented his public school education by taking a course in the Nebraska State Agricultural College, emerging from that institution fully equipped for the responsi- bilities which later devolved upon him. When his father had the misfortune to suffer a stroke of paralysis which unfitted him for further active work, Mr. Graves was equal to the task of taking charge of the home farm and applied himself with vigor to the superintendence of the place, his success being assured from the begin- ning. He has two hundred and eighty acres of land under his supervision and gives personal attention to the general farming and stoek raising for which his
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father had already established an excellent reputation. In addition to the eultiva- tion of crops he is widely known as a breeder of Belgian horses and also breeds miles, Shorthorn cattle. and Poland China hogs, the latter being of registered grade. His present financial condition clearly indieates the progress he has made for actuated by landable ambition he has worked his way steadily upward to a position among the most substantial agriculturists in the county.
In 1905 Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Alice Henderson and they take an active and earnest part in the social and cultural movements of the com- munity in which they reside and where they have hosts of friends. Ilis attitude in politics is that of an independent voter.
CHARLES WAGONER
For a period of four years Charles Wagoner, for many years one of York county's most progressive and successful farmers, has lived retired in York. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1863, a son of Christian and Ellen ( Broek ) Wagoner. the former a native of Pennsylvania. The mother was also born in the east. Their marriage occurred in Illinois where they both came in their early life, the father walking from Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, to Ottawa, Illinois, carrying his clothes wrapped in a package. He had learned the tanner's trade in the east and on coming to Ottawa was employed in a large tannery for a number of years. Soon after his marriage ho engaged in farming. however, and there spent the rest of his life. The land on which he resided for so many years he purchased from the government for the price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. At the time of his death he had four hundred acres of finely improved land. Six chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner,, of whom five grew to maturity. Charles Wagoner, the subject of this review, is the only one now living. The death of Mr. Wagoner occurred when Charles was but fourteen years of age and the mother died in 1900 at the age of sixty-seven. Throughout his entire life the father was a stanch supporter of the republican party and held the position of school treasurer for a period of twenty years. The maternal grandfather, Solomon Brock, was the first settler in La Salle county, Illinois. He made the trip to this county from the east in a covered wagon.
In the acquirement of an education Charles Wagoner attended the district schools of Illinois and after putting his textbooks aside commenced to farm. In 1888 he removed to Nebraska and settled in Adams county where he lived on a rented farm for one year. While residing in this county he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land in York county and the following year removed to this farm. He purchased the farm on credit but it was not long before he had paid off all of his debts and was steadily increasing his acreage. This farm is near Arborville and he now owns one hundred and ninety aeres of land there. Ile engaged in general farming and in addition fed live stock. In 1916 he decided to retire from active life and so removed to York where he purchased a home at 1002 Nebraska avenue. He is now residing there enjoying the fruits of a life of diligence and labor.
While residing in Illinois Mr. Wagoner was united in marriage to Miss Fannie
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Elizabeth Harris, on the 20th of December, 1887. Her parents were William and Elizabeth Harris and the father engaged in farming in Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris are deceased. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner, one child, Earl William, has been born. He married Miss Bessie Crane and they are residing on his father's farm. One child, Bernice, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Wagoner.
Mr. Wagoner votes for the republican party and is a stanch advocate of the principles for which it stands. In local affairs he has always taken an active interest, although he has neither sought nor desired public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Highlanders. Mr. Wagoner is highly esteemed throughout the county and he well deserves the proud American title of self-made man, for the success which he enjoys is attributable entirely to his own efforts and perseverance.
WILLIAM C. HAWLEY
Among the highly esteemed citizens of York county is William C. Hawley who is now living retired in Gresham after many years of activity in agricultural and business pursuits. He is a native of West Virginia, born October 18, 1837 a son of Barton and .Jemina ( Piles) Hawley. also natives of West Virginia, where they spent all their lives and passed away many years ago.
William C. Hawley was educated in the schools of his native state and lived with his parents during the years of his early manhood. When he was about thirty-one years of age he decided to see more of the country and removed to Iowa in the fall of 1868 and there engaged in farming, continuing in that line for several years, acquiring much valuable technical knowledge of all agricultural operations as carried on in that great farming state. It was in 1881 that Mr. Hawley came to York county and settled on a holding of one hundred and sixty acres in Stewart township, on which he put up a small frame house and shed barn, for which he hauled the lumber from Shelby. He broke the land, commenced the cultivation of crops effected improvements of a valuable nature in the form of new buildings, planted trees and set out an orehard. and as he succeeded in his operations he extended the scope of his general farming and stock raising. However, it was not all smooth sailing for in the dry seasons of 1893-94 he was unable to raise any crops and was compelled to burn cornstalks and corn for fuel. One of the sons would hanl the cornstalks by the wagon-load and stoke the stove with the stalks while the mother cooked the meals. Eventually Mr. Hawley found himself in sound financial circumstances and bought a further tract of land on which he added improvements and finally retired from active farm life and moved to Gresham in 1909. His wife died July 13, 1912, being then in her seventy-first year and was interred at Blue Ridge cemetery. The following children were born to their marriage: Emery J., who died in 1898: Barton L., in the hardware business at Gresham; A. A., who lives with his father: P. S., a farmer living near Waco; Charles W .. a farmer living near Alliance: Hosea M .. deceased ; and Estella, the wife of William Robertson of Gresham. Mr. Hawley has always voted the republican ticket and his religious affiliation is with the United Brethren church. He has passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey but is still hale and
Vol. II-33
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hearty and boasts an endurance in keeping with his years. The death of his wife who had accompanied him on so large a part of the journey was the occasion of deep regret not only to her family but to many friends, for she had earned the warm regard and friendship of many.
A. A. Hawley, with whom the father has been living since his retirement, entered the furniture and undertaking business in Gresham when the town was organized, served eighteen years and eight months as postmaster of Gresham, and is probably one of the best known men in the surrounding district. He was married in 1885 to Mary E. Hibbard and they became the parents of three children : Coila U., who died in infancy; Bruce P., a farmer in York county ; and Hazel, who died in 1911. He married for his second wife Maynie Gilbert and to this union one child. Glenwood W., has been born. Mr. Hawley has been active in public affairs and has served as township treasurer and township assessor at various times. He is an active supporter of the republican party and he and the members of his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church.
REV. OTTO BATZ
Since October 1, 1902, Rev. Otto Batz has been in charge of the Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel church in York and has become widely known throughout the surrounding counties not only because of his successful ministry but because he founded the Evangelical Lutheran Hospital.
Mr. Batz is a native of Germany, born in that country on the 11th of August, 1876, the son of August and Julia Anna ( Fahr) Batz also natives of Germany in which country they are now residing. For a period of forty-five years the father engaged in school-teaching there and is now retired an a pension. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Batz six children were born, five of whom are now living, namely : Arnold, who is residing in Germany and is a principal of schools: Richard, also residing in Germany where he follows the trade of a mechanic: Rev. Otto Batz, the subject of this review; Sidonie, residing in Germany; and Augusta who is residing in Germany. The family were all reared in the faith of the Lutheran church.
Rev. Otto Batz received his education in Marienburg, Germany, and for two years taught school in his native country. Having heard of the many wonderful opportunities to be found in America he came to the United States in 1900, alone. As it was necessary for him to learn the English language he entered an academy at Springfield, Illinois, where he studied diligently for three years. He had decided to enter the ministry of the Lutheran church and in 1904 was ordained to his chosen calling. His first charge was at Orleans where he remained for three years and then on the 1st of October, 1907, came to York to accept the pastorate of the Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel church there. He is still in charge of the church which is steadily increasing in membership, and it is now one of the most flourishing churches in the county. In 1914 he founded the Evangelical Lutheran Hospital at York which is up to date in every particular and has an efficient corps of nurses and internes. A training school has been established in connection with the hospital and in addition to the fifteen or twenty graduate nurses there are a
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number of student nurses. Mr. Batz has given unselfishly of his time to the hospital and as a result of its success has become widely recognized as a man of great ability in the county and state.
On the 19th of January, 1905, Mr. Batz was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Heyer who was born in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Rudolph Heyer who is engaged in the merchandising business there. Four children were born to this union, namely: Gerhard, who is fifteen years of age ; Gertrude, aged thirteen years: Adelaide, who is eleven years of age; and Hilda, eight years of age. The death of Mrs. Batz occurred on the 3rd of August, 1914. In 1915 Mr. Batz was again married, this time to Miss Bertha Behnke, who was born in Germany but removed to Chicago when a young girl. One child has been born to this union, Ruth, who is three years of age.
Until the election of 1920 Mr. Batz had given his allegiance to the democratic party, but in this year he gave his entire support to Harding. Mr. Batz has never had an occasion to regret his coming to the United States, and the opportunities which he heard were to be found here he quickly seized upon, and as a result of his labor and diligence has risen to his present position of beloved pastor and representative citizen.
WALTER Q. DIETRICK
Walter Q. Dietriek, identified with farming interests in the suburbs of York, was born in Baker township, York county, in 1881, a son of Joseph and Laura (Simpson) Dietrick. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Iowa in which latter state they were married. Joseph Dietrick went to Iowa when a young man and for' some time worked in the state insane asylum. In the early '70s he came to Nebraska, settling in York county in Baker township. For a number of years he actively and successfully engaged in farming, later removing to York where he retired. He sold his property to his son, Walter Q., in 1910. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dietrick died in York. Seven children were born to that union, four of whom are living : Mrs. William Towle, the wife of a farmer near Charleston ; Paul S., who is editor of a county newspaper and lyceum and Chautauqua lecturer, living in Lincoln : Walter Q., the subject of this review; and Arthur J., who is residing in Phoenix, Arizona, where he is employed by an irrigation company. Mrs. Dietrick was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was a member of the populist party. Mr. Dietrick is also remembered as having built the first frame house west of York in York county, hauling Inmber from Nebraska City. The mule team method of transportation was used by Mr. Dietrick in coming from Iowa to Nebraska.
In the acquirement of an education Walter Q. Dietrick attended the common schools of his county and later went to York College. In due time he entered the Wesleyan University at Lincoln and was graduated with high standing in 1910. Following his graduation he taught school for one year and edited a newspaper at Johnstown. In 1910 he purchased the farm owned by his father and resided on that land until the spring of 1920 when he removed to his present farm of twenty acres of land near York. This land is located in Leroy township and in addition
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to his own twenty acres he rents land which he also operates. In connection with his farming interests he does some dairying.
In 1906 Mr. Dietrick was united in marriage to Miss Florence Sturgeon, a native of York county, and a daughter of James Sturgeon who was one of the early pioneers of this county. Mrs. Dietrick's mother is still living and is making her home with her. Six children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dietrick, five of whom are living: Lincoln, eleven years of age; Winfield, aged nine years; Virginia, who is eight years of age: Lyman, aged five years; and Everett, a baby of five months. The Dietrick family are consistent members of the United Brethren church.
Politically Mr. Dietrick maintains an independent course, voting for the man rather than the party. In 1920 he ran for the Senate on the Independent ticket, being put up by the common people, but was defeated. He is a member of the non-partisan league and Farmers Union. He served the latter organization for some time as treasurer. He is secretary and treasurer of the Allied Union Co- operative Association. The interests of Mr. Dietrick's life are broad and well balanced, making him a forceful factor in the community welfare. He is interested in all that pertains to the educational, material and moral development of the community, and his worth as a citizen and capability as a farmer are widely recognized.
JEFFERSON B. FOSTER
For twenty-one years, Jefferson B. Foster, now deceased, was a prominent and progressive farmer in York county. Ile was born in the state of New York on the ?7th of January, 1859, and died on the ?2nd of February. 1919. He was in the grain business in York for some years before his death which came as a sad blow to the community. Jefferson B. Foster was the son of Joel II. and Rebecca (Barnet) Foster who removed to Illinois in 1869 and to Nebraska in 1893. The father bought land in York county, and also owns property in York where he resides. Joel II. Foster and wife are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party. Five children were born to this union, of whom the subject was the eldest. They are: Jefferson B .; Emmett J., who is residing on a ranch in York county; John II., a stockyard's commission man in Omaha ; Grace, the wife of W. W. Feaster who is a real estate man in York; and Clara E .. the wife of Grover C. May who owns a greenhouse in York.
Jefferson B. Foster received his education in the common schools of Illinois and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming in that state for a short time. In 1883 he came to York county where he purchased some land on credit. residing there for twenty-one years. During his residence on this land it was highly cultivated and as a result of his good crops he was soon able to pay in full for the ranch. In 1905 he removed to York and until the time of his death was engaged in the grain, livestock, and feed business, in which line of work he was also successful. In connection with the grain business he owned a large elevator.
On the 20th of March, 1884, Mr. Foster was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Osborn, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of J. A. and Barbara (Barnet) Osborn, also natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents removed to Illinois
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in 1865 where they resided for five years when they went to Jowa and in 1887 came to York county. Mr. Osborn is a veteran of the Civil war, having served in a Pennsylvania regiment for nearly three years. After coming to York he retired from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were the parents of seven children and in addition took another child to rear. Those living are: Rose A., the widow of Levi Sweet, who resides in Illinois; Francis Marion, a marshal at Leon, Iowa ; Alfred, who is employed in Illinois; Mrs. Foster; Mack, who is a plasterer by trade and resides in York; and Mrs. J. W. Barnett who resides in North York. Mr. Barnett is now holding the position of county assessor and he is a member of the G. A. R. and a republican in politics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Foster two children have been born, namely: Harry Clyde, who is assistant manager of the National Refining Company of Omaha ; and Clarence E., who is also connected with the National Refining Company of Omaha, looking after the repairing of trucks. Clarenee E. enlisted during the World war and was in training at Lincoln preparatory to going abroad, when the armistice was signed. Mrs. Foster is residing in York in a niee home at 507 W. 6th street, and she is active in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal church of which she is a member.
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