USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 55
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Mr. Miller was a stanch supporter of the democratic party and while he was always very active in politics he neither sought nor desired public office. He was, however. a member of the county board when the courthouse was built. Fraternally he was a Mason and an Elk and both he and his wife were members of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which she is past matron. During the years of his residence in York he made many friends and his death was a great blow to the community, for in his passing they lost a citizen of great diligence and progressiveness.
WALTER C. BAER
Walter C. Baer of the W. C. Baer & Company Furniture Store of York was horn in Wisconsin on the 11th of February, 1879. the son of Charles and Anna (Hottiger) Baer, mention of whom is made on another page of this work. In the acquirement of his education Walter C. Baer attended the common schools of York and in due time entered Doan College where he remained for one year and in Kan- sas City two years. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in the future busi- ness with his father under the firm name of Charles Baer & Sons. For a number of years the business was conducted under this name but in the fall of 1910 a new store was established, his father having sold out the old one. In this year the father retired and Walter C. Baer in connection with a Mr. Grewell eonduct the new business under the name of W. C. Baer & Company. Under the guidance of Mr. Baer the store has been steadily enlarged and today is one of the finest in the county. Believing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement Mr. Baer has
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invested in stock of the highest quality which he sells to his customers for reason- able and fair prices. On the 9th of February, 1913, Mr. Baer suffered a loss by fire but his father immediately rebuilt, starting the work in November of that year.
On the 25th of June, 1907, Mr. Baer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Lee, a native of Silver Creek, Nebraska, and a daughter of Cyrus II. Lee, an early settler in Merriek county. Mr. Lee engaged in the general merchandise business there for some time in connection with his grain business and was one of the progressive and prominent men of his community. He and his wife are now residing near Jackson- ville, Florida. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baer, one son, Charles Homer, has been born, his birth occurring on the 16th of September, 1914.
Mr. Baer has always followed an independent course in politics although he slightly favors the republican party. He has never sought nor desired public office but as a booster of York and York county there is none better. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias of which he is vice chancellor and also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He takes an active interest in the development and improvement of York and is a member of the Rotary Club and the Commercial and Country Clubs. In the social circles of York Mr. Baer and family are also prominent. Learning the business in his early youth he has advanced step by step until he is one of the most progressive business men and representative citizens of York county.
CHARLES BAER
Charles Baer who was for many years successfully engaged in the furniture business is now living retired in York, a highly respected citizen of that place. He was born in Switzerland in 1848, a son of Charles and Judith (Gatticker) Baer, also natives of Switzerland, the former coming to Wisconsin in 1890 where his death occurred and the latter's death occurred in Switzerland. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are living : Charles, the subject of this review ; Alfred, who is living retired in Canyon, Minnesota; Henry, who is retired and residing in York; Sophia, the wife of Charles Kunzelman, a retired farmer at Baraboo, Wisconsin ; Selina, who is the widow of Mr. Charles Horstman, and who resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Marie, the widow of Mr. Gollmar, resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin ; Arnold, who is residing in California where he is employed as a mechanic in the ship building factories : Otto, a farmer in Wisconsin ; and Emma, who is living in California.
In the acquirement of his education Charles Baer attended the schools of his native land and at the age of nineteen years decided to come to the United States. After arriving in this country he settled in Wisconsin and learning the trade of cabinet-making he engaged in this line of work. For some time he conducted a furniture business in connection with his trade and in 1879 came to Nebraska and in 1880 to York. He bought out the J. E. Phillips Furniture Store and in partner- ship with his brother conducted this business for a number of years under the name of Baer Brothers. Later Mr. Baer bought his brother's interest, running it alone for some time and then sold out, and took a vacation, visiting Switzerland. When he returned he and Mr. King bought ont M. B. Atkins in 1892. Later he bought
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Mr. King's interest. When the son was old enough he became a partner and the firm name then became Charles Baer & Son and subsequently Charles Baer & Sons. Mr. Baer retired from the business in 1910 and now his son conduets the store under the name of W. C. Baer & Company. In 1904 the father erected a handsome residence in York and here he is spending his last years. lle also owns some business property.
In 1873 Mr. Baer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hottiger, whose birth ocenrred in Switzerland on the 23rd of August, 1850, a daughter of Henry and Katharina (Zweifel) Hottiger. Her parents started for the United States to make this their new home, but the father died while on board ship and was buried at sea. The mother continued on her way with her two baby girls and on arriving in this country settled in Wisconsin. llere she reared her two daughters to woman- hood and for twelve years preceding her death she made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Baer. The other daughter was Sarah, who is deceased. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baer three children have been born: Emma, who received her educa- tion in the York high school, the York College, and took a commercial course in a business college: Henry, who is engaged in the real estate business in Loveland, Colorado ; and Walter, who is engaged in the furniture business in York.
Mr. Baer has always followed an independent course in politics. Starting out in life at the age of nineteen years with the grim determination to succeed he has over- come every obstacle that presented itself and is now a well-to-do, successful man residing in his fine residence at 423 E. Fifth street, secure in the high regard and esteem of his fellow citizens.
HENRY MARQUARDT
For many years Henry Marquardt, deceased, was a prominent and successful farmer in York county. Ilis death occurred in 1916 and came as a sad blow to his many friends in the community.
Henry Marquardt was a native of Germany, having been born in that country in 1856, a son of German parents who spent their lives in Germany and are now deceased. Ilenry Marquardt received his early education in Germany and at the age of sixteen years left his native land and in company with a brother came to the United States. They arrived in Wisconsin in the spring of 1872 and a year later eame to York county where he homesteaded as soon as he became of age. He was a man of great diligence and industry and soon became one of the most progres- sive farmers in the vicinity. He became financially well-to-do and contributed lib- erally to the support of his parents in Germany. At first he engaged in general farming but later on he raised live stock. At the time of his death in 1916 Mr. Marquardt was in possession of eight hundred acres of land.
In 1849 Mr. Marquardt was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Sacksckewsky, a native of Germany and a daughter of Carl Sacksekewsky who died in that country. The ancestry of Mrs. Marquardt is Polish. Twelve children were born to this union : Robert, who lives on a farm in New York township; Henry, at home : Olga, who is residing at home: John, a farmer residing in Wisconsin ; Louie, a farmer in York county : Leo, who is engaged in farming in York county; Alma, who is resid-
HENRY MARQUARDT
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAP'
ASTOR, LENOX ANI TILDEN FOUNDATION R
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
ing in Fremont ; Fred, who is engaged in farming: Hattie, who is at home: Eric; who is employed in the American State Bank ; William, at home; and Anna, who is attending high school. Louie served during the World war, enlisting on the 3rd of May. 1918. He was sent to Camp Fremont in California for training and was aboard ship all ready to sail when the armistice was signed. He was then returned to Camp Lee, Virginia, where he remained for three months. He received his discharge at Camp Dodge, Iowa.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Marquardt was a member of the democratic party which found in him a stalwart advocate. Although he devoted the greater part of his time to farming he held the position of township assessor for a period of four years. Mr. Marquardt was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and his widow is still active in the various societies of that organization. He was known to be a man of the most honorable business principles and was very well liked in the community in which resided. In the early part of 1920 Mrs. Mar- quardt removed to York where she bought a beautiful home at 1825 Lincoln avenue. Here she is now residing, a highly esteemed and. respected citizen.
FREDERICK RICHTER
Frederick Richter is now living retired in Gresham, but for a long period was actively identified with the farming interests of this section of the state and through close application and nuremitting energy won a substantial measure of success. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 19, 1861. a son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Richter, the former a native of Saxony and the latter, whose maiden name was Wolberger, was born in Byer. Germany.
Edward Richter immigrated from Germany to America, making the ocean voy- age on an old sailing vessel, the time ocenpied in the sea journey being about four weeks. After arriving in New York he went to New Haven, Connecticut, and there resumed his trade as a silk lace weaver, which he had learned in the old country. In 1861. following Lincoln's call for volunteers, he enlisted in the Sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry and served during the Civil war for about three years, at the end of that period receiving his honorable discharge. At the close of his military service Mr. Richter returned to Connecticut and resmed working at his trade. which he later had to abandon owing to failing eyesight. Ile then decided to try life on a farm and in the late 60's went to Blackhawk county, Iowa, and bought forty acres of land which he operated successfully for four or five years. In 1873 he came to Nebraska and took a homestead of eighty acres in Polk county and pre-empted another eighty acres in York county, later coming to Lincoln and buying the latter place out. His first abode was a dugout with dirt floor and roof, which was supplemented by a sod house and at the same time he put up a dugout barn. He broke the ground and planted crops, put out trees and an orchard but the latter died. Ilis general farming was a pronounced success and all went well until this part of the state was invaded by a cloud of grasshoppers which destroyed all his crops, giving him a serious setback. Ultimately he got the farm into shape again and increased his improvements as circumstances permitted, and continued to operate his holling up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1887 when he was sixty-eight years old. His wife survived until 1901. when she passed away in
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her eighty-fourth year. They were the parents of four children: Edward, who died in Connecticut ; Sophia, who died in 1880; Amelia, widow of John Graff, of Greeley county, Nebraska, and Frederick. The parents were members of the Lutheran church and active in its good works.
Frederick Richter was educated in the common schools of Iowa and Nebraska, the school being built of sod with a dirt floor and with brush and sod for roof, while the school season did not last longer than three months in each year. He remained at home for a time and later worked out on farms in the vicinity at eight dollars a month and in 1876 received ten dollars a month for the same kind of work, but managed to save money and bought eighty acres of land which cost him four dollars an aere. He built a small frame house without plaster and otherwise improved the holding. Emboldened by success he bought another eighty acres for which he paid ten dollars per acre and is now the owner of a half section of splendid land with two sets of improvements, the whole being devoted to general farming, to which in latter years he added stock raising. He placed all modern farming accessories on the holdings and his practical industry and energy enabled him to derive substantial results from the fields, so that he was in a position to retire in 1919. In December of that year he bought a home in Gresham in which he is pleasantly and com- fortably situated and is still vigorous and active.
In 1881 Mr. Richter was married to Mary Schroeder, who was born in Germany and a daughter of Herman Schroeder. To this union seven children were born : Herman E., a farmer of Polk county; Charlotte L., the wife of George Graff of Polk county : Fritz J., who lives in Gresham : Sophia, the wife of Henry Wolford of Polk county ; George B., who farms the home place; Gertrude, the wife of William Wolford of Seward county ; and Earl, who assists in the operation of the old farm. The family are members of the Lutheran church, to which they subscribe liberally. Mr. Richter has always given his political support to the republican party and is active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Industry and perseverance. guided by keen intelligence, have been the basis of his success.
HERMAN WELLMANN
Herman Wellmann, who owns well improved land in Beaver township, York county, is employing the progressive and enterprising characteristics of the west in his farm work, and he has already gained a gratifying amount of prosperity.
Ilerman Wellmann was born in Hanover, Germany, March 7, 1862, a son of George Fromme and his wife, Louise Wellmann. In the Wellmann family there was no son to carry on the name and so when the daughter Louise was married she retained her surname and Mr. Fromme dropped his own, becoming George Well- mann. The father made three trips to America, finally making his home with his children. His death occurred in York county, and his wife's death occurred in Beaver township. They were aged eighty-two and eighty-one years respectively. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. George Wellmann the following children were born : Minnie, who is the widow of William Pieper of York county ; Sophia, the wife of Julius Blume, residing in York county ; Henry, who was an early homesteader in York county but now lives at Waco; Louise, who is still residing in Germany ;
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Herman, the subject of this review ; Gezene, who is residing in Cincinnati, Ohio; and four other children who are deceased.
The subject of this review, IIerman Wellmann, received his education in his native country and at the age of eighteen years came to the United States. He had an older brother who was engaged in farming in York county so he removed there and for some time worked out on farms. By thrift and hard work Mr. Wellmann managed to save a substantial amount and he bought eighty acres in seetion thirty- two, Beaver township, which he farmed but a few years when he sold it, realizing a fair profit. He then purchased eighty acres of land in section two, Beaver township, and on this farm has since resided. It is one of the finest improved farms in the county and ten thousand dollars would not now cover the cost of the many buildings on the place. The farm has its own Delco Electric lighting system and is up to date in every other way. He now owns five hundred acres.
In early life Mr. Wellmann was united in marriage to Miss Katrina Tieken, a daughter of Gerhard and Katrina Tieken, and ten children have been born to them, namely: Gerhard, who is married and owns one hundred and sixty acres in West Blue township which he farms; Henry, who is likewise married and owns a farm in Seward county ; William, who owns a quarter section in Beaver township; Anna, who is the wife of Herman Staehr, who is engaged in farming near Chappell, Denel county ; Herman, who is residing on this father's farm in Waco township; Carl, who owns a farm in West Blue township; Clara, the wife of Carl Apat, who is engaged in farming in Beaver township; and Louise, Richard, and Dorothea, all at home.
Politically Mr. Wellmann follows an independent course, voting for the man rather than the party. He is a consistent member of the German Evangelical Lutheran church in Beaver township and for over a period of eighteen years has been elder in the local church. From the age of eighteen years he has been an active factor in the world's work, earning his own livelihood throughout the entire period. He is a man of upright character and sterling worth and has contributed much to the agricultural development of the county.
JACOB M. LLOYD
In the passing of Jacob Lloyd York county lost another of its pioneer farmers. Mr. Lloyd came to York county in 1876 and it was not long before he was recognized as one of the leading men in the community. For twelve years before his death, which occurred on the 30th of December, 1919, he had made his home in York where he was a highly respected citizen.
Jacob M. Lloyd was born near Springfield, Logan county, Illinois, September 30, 1849, a son of Belfield C. and Elizabeth ( Meeker) Lloyd, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in New York state. Their marriage occurred in Illinois where they had come as young people and they later removed to Iowa where they resided until they passed away.
In the acquirement of an education Jacob M. Lloyd attended the country schools of his native county and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming. In 1876 Mr. Lloyd and his wife came to Nebraska. He had been married in Iowa in 1869. The trip was made in covered wagons and they underwent many hardships.
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Mr. Lloyd acquired a homestead and was employed at various kinds of work until his first erop was raised. Mrs. Lloyd cooperated with her husband in every way and a great measure of their later success is attributable to her. She was expert with the needle and assisted the different neighbors with their sewing, thereby giving her husband financial aid. The first year of their residence in York county was a failure, for in that year the grasshoppers eame and the crop was ruined. They were not discouraged, however, and as the result of hard labor and determination succeeded in making their quarter section one of the finest in the county. Mr. Lloyd hauled lumber from Fairmont. a distance of twenty-five miles, and built a frame house. At Fairmont Mr. Lloyd found a ready market for his grain, the sale of which netted him substantial sums. From time to time he purchased more land and at the time of his death was in possession of four hundred acres. Becoming financially independent Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd decided to remove to York in 1902 and leave the management of the farm to their sons. In York they built a nice home at 629 East Ninth street and it was here that Mr. Lloyd's death occurred twelve years later. Mrs. Lloyd is still residing there, an esteemed and respected citizen.
In December, 1869, Mr. Lloyd was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Pool, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Levi and Sarah ( Dodge) Pool. Her parents had moved to Ohio at an early day where they resided until 1874, when they came to Nebraska and settled in York county. Here they both died. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd six children were born: Mamie, the wife of George Devine, who is a retired farmer residing at Beaver City ; Loretta, the wife of C. W. MeWhin- ney who is engaged in the land and real estate business in Loveland, Colorado; Bessie, the wife of Bert Reed, a farmer residing seven miles northwest of York: Ilerman, who is residing in Omaha where he is employed by the Manhattan Oil Company : Ezra, who resides on the old homestead : and Wallace, who is farming in Lockridge township.
Politically Mr. Lloyd was a stanch supporter of the democratic party and was well versed on the questions and issues of the day. He always took an active part in the affairs of the community and held several township offices. Fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for many years. Mr. Lloyd was in every sense of the word a self-made man and was very well educated for his day. In his passing York county lost one of its most successful pioneer citizens and a feeling of widespread bereavement swept the community.
HARRY S. LINDQUIST
A successful career has been that of Harry S. Lindquist who now follows farm- ing on section 21, Stewart township, York county. He has been a resident of the county all his life and is concentrating his efforts and attention upon the develop- ment and improvement of a farm which he has been operating since 1911. He was born in York county, and is a son of John and Emma ( AAnderson) Lindquist. natives of Sweden. where the father was born in 1837 and immigrated to the United States in 1869, and of him further particulars are recorded elsewhere in this work.
Harry S. Lindquist was educated in the schools of York county and early
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applied himself to the best methods of carrying on agricultural operations as demon- strated on his father's place. His father retired from active connection with farm work and spent his last years in Gresham. It was in 1911 that Harry S. Lindquist commenced farming on his own account and took over the management of the holding which his father originally purchased consisting of one hundred and thirty-eight acres of prime land and on this place he is carrying on general farming and stock raising with gratifying success. He also runs corn shellers and a thresh- ing machine. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, there are substantial buildings on the land and he utilizes the latest improved machinery in earrying on the work of the farm. He harvests good crops and is winning snecess as the years go by.
On December 28, 1915, Mr. Lindquist was united in marriage to Gladys MeNeal and they are the parents of three children : Hollis W., Albert H. and Vera E., all living with the parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist are members of the Methodist church and in social circles they occupy a prominent position. Apart from his farming interests Mr. Lindquist is connected with the Farmers Elevator at Thayer and Gresham; in the Gresham State Bank: the Farmers Union Association; the Farmers Union State Exchange, and the Overland Tire & Rubber Company, his income from all these sources being considerable. He votes an independent tieket and has never sought publie office, preferring to devote all his time to his agricultural affairs. He sees larger possibilities in the future and is shaping his movements to cope with opportunity when it offers.
JOSEPH G. ALDEN
Among the progressive and publie spirited citizens of York is Joseph G: Allen, owner and editor of the York Republican. His birth occurred on the 7th of September, 1876, in Minneapolis. a son of William II. and Mary ( Lightfoot) Alden. His parents were natives of New York state and were married in Tipton, lowa, in 1873 where they resided for a few years. They then removed to Minneapolis where they lived a short time and in 1880 came to Nebraska settling in Aurora. For many years Mr. Alden conducted a store there in conjunction with his nephew, W. II. Fairehild, under the name of W. H. Fairchild & Company. Ile was not accepted for active service during the Civil war because of being physically unfit. but he assisted in raising several companies. William H. Alden was twice married, his second wife being Mary Lightfoot, and to this union six children were born. five of whom are living: Joseph G., the subject of this review ; J. H., who is manager of a store at Wahoo; Mrs. Jessie Ronin, whose husband is Charles A. Ronin, a painter and decorator residing in Aurora: Chester C., manager of a mercantile establish- ment at Whitman: and Arthur A., who is engaged in the plumbing business at Aurora. To his first marriage two children were born, namely: William M., a retired merchant of Hyannis, Nebraska : and Kate F., who is the wife of W. A. Hathaway, insurance man of Portland, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Alden were con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was a thirty-second
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