USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 59
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
who is residing on his farm seven miles southwest of York; and Amy, the wife of N. R. Linburg, a farmer and bank president of Snyder, Colorado.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Giauque the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party and it has found in him a stanch advocate. He has always taken an active part in prohibition. In the activities of the Methodist Episcopal church Mr. and Mrs. Gianque take a prominent part, and he has been recording secretary of the official board in York for a period of nine years. Fra- ternally he is an exemplary member of the Modern Woodmen, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. His has been an upright and honorable life actuated by. high purposes and fraught with good results, and the respect and high regard enter- tained for him are well merited.
MORELLE B. KING
Morelle B. King, who has been successfully engaged in the grocery business in York for a number of years, will soon leave for Omaha where he will take charge of the city salesmen for the firm known as the Mid State Wholesale Grocers. In the removal of Mr. King, York will lose one of its most progressive and representa- tive citizens.
Morelle B. King was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of March, 1878, a son of Gilmore and Ida L. (Davis) King, the former a native of Pennsylva- nia, while the latter was born in New York state. Their marriage took place in Penn- sylvania and in 1879 they removed to Nebraska settling at Fremont. Ilere the father engaged in the harness business until 1890 when he came to York, entering into the grocery, furniture and queensware business, in partnership with his brother, Bernard King. They later dissolved partnership and in 1904 Gilmore King and his wife removed to Omaha, where he was representative of a wholesale grocery com- pany until his death which occurred in May, 1916. Five children were born to this union : Morelle B., the subject of this review ; Bertha, the wife of George Swartz, foreman at the Medlar Printing Company of Omaha ; Lora, wife of John King, a farmer in Wisconsin ; Velma, kindergarten teacher in an Omaha sehool ; and another child whose death occurred in infancy. Mr. King was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a republican in politics. Some time after the death of her husband Mrs. King married a Mr. Mason and she is still living in Omaha.
In the acquirement of his education Morelle B. King attended the schools of Fremont and York. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in the grocery business, elerking in his father's store until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he left home and two years later went to Kansas City. For some time he had charge of the dry goods department in the Bee Hive store at that place and then removed to Omaha where he engaged in the grocery business for one year. For nine months he resided in Lincoln and then returned to York, starting into business with his father. At the age of twenty-five years he failed in this line of business and subsequently engaged in dairying in which he remained for a period of rine successful years. He built the Keystone Creamery in York and built up a large and lucrative trade. Withdrawing from this business at the end of nine years
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he again started in the grocery business and this time his venture proved more than successful. Starting on a small scale he has gradually increased his facilities until he is now occupying a large store. Within a short time, however, Mr. King con- templates removing to Omaha where he will be connected with a new firm known as the Mid State Wholesale Grocers in the capacity of head of the city salesmen. The experience which Mr. King has had in this line of work will make him a very valuable man to the concern. For three years Mr. King in addition to his other business owned a cafeteria at Hastings, having a man to manage it for him, and he now owns a business block in York.
On the 12th of January. 1900, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Julia Miller, a native of York and a daughter of Fred Miller who was a German Metho- dist minister. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. King one daughter, Esther, has been born and she is now attending the University of Nebraska. The King family are all consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Fraternally Mr. King is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which he takes an active part and he is also a prominent member of the Commer- cial Club. Mr. King is quite well-to-do and has made his money since he was twenty-five years of age. One characteristic of Mr. King is hard work and his success today is attributable to his determination, perseverance and laudable ambition.
FRANK L. BEDIENT
Frank L. Bedient, a prosperous and progressive land owner of York county, residing on section 35, Bradshaw township. is accounted one of the foremost farmers and successful stock raisers in this part of the state. He was born in Lee county, Illinois, January 12, 1862, and received his education in the schools of his native county. From the age of sixteen onwards he has been engaged in farming operations, beginning his career by working out on farms by the month and saving his earnings with the ultimate object of acquiring land for himself. During the last year he worked in Illinois he raised corn for a farmer, the price paid him being ten cents a bushel, and in that year he made eight hundred dollars, which he put away as a nest egg for future use.
It was in 1884 that Mr. Bedient came to York county and settled in Arborville township, where he worked during one summer for Daniel Graves and in the fol- lowing year rented land and continued as a renter for three years. Ile then decided on a more ambitious move and in partnership with his brother Charles bought one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Arborville township for which they paid twenty dollars per acre. There were no improvements on the holding and the brothers erected all necessary buildings and otherwise improved the place. on which they continued to reside until 1900. In that year they moved to Bradshaw and began to deal in live stock, this venture like their farming operations proving a financial success. In 1901 they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of choice land adjoining Bradshaw, the purchase price of which was forty dollars per acre, and which they proceeded to improve and develop. finally making it one of the best kept and most valuable farms in that part of the county.
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In 1919 Mr. Bedient bought the one hundred and sixty acre tract in Bradshaw on which he now lives, paying the high figure of fifty-three thousand dollars for it-land which he could have purchased in 1901 for forty-five dollars an aere- the phenomenal increase in values in less than twenty years being thus shown. The brothers have been extensive dealers in live stock and also feeders for the market, the returns from this line yielding them large profits. Some few years ago Mr. Bedient bought out the interest of his brother Charles in their first purchase of one hundred and sixty acres and he is now the owner of two hundred and seventy- four acres in Bradshaw township and one hundred and sixty acres in Arborville township, the two holdings being among the most valuable land investments in the county. He has prospered as he deserves to prosper and his success is entirely attributable to his unremitting attention to his agricultural interests and to the business-like care and supervision which have marked his every movement since he commenced farm life.
On December 20. 1887, Mr. Bedient was united in marriage to Miss Emma Plessinger and to that union seven children have been born: Lucy, the wife of Van Stratton ; Bertha, who married Arthur Starkey ; Edith, the wife of J. Johnson ; Orville, at home: Verna, the wife of Lloyd Gros : Charley, and Glenn. Mr. Bedient gives his unqualified support to the republican party, to whose policies he is a warm adherent, and he is a member of the Elks lodge at York. He has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and working steadily and persistently has gained a comfortable competence, being numbered among the leading and progressive agriculturists of York county.
ISAAC J. FRIESEN
Isaac J. Friesen is one of the prominent farmers of York county, owning and cultivating two hundred acres of splendid land in Brown township. He was born in this county September 24, 1882, a son of Jacob and Anna Friesen, both natives of Russia where they lived until 1874, in that year immigrating to America. The family came to York county, settled on section 30, Brown township, and there Peter Friesen erected a sod house in which they lived for several years. During his active life he was engaged in agricultural operations which he carried on with sue- cess, passing away in 1913, at an advanced age. The family consisted of ten children, seven of whom survive.
Isaac J. Friesen was educated in the schools of York county and was reared on his father's farm where he assisted in the agricultural operations and so con- tinued until he reached his majority. He then began farming for himself and is now the owner of two hundred aeres of excellent land, all of which is well improved, well fenced into suitable fields and has some substantial buildings erected on it. He utilizes the latest improved machinery and methods in carrying on his work, annu- ally harvests good crops and is winning success as the years go by. He is a stock- holder in the Farmers Elevator at Henderson.
On December 5, 1905, Mr. Friesen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Krocker. a daughter of Gerhard and Elizabeth Krocker, residents of York county. Mr. and Mrs. Friesen have become the parents of three children: Albert I., born
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THISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
September 15, 1906; Herman, born May 15, 1909, and Mabel Anna, born Angust 21, 1915. . The family are members of the Bethesda church at Henderson and in social circles ocenpy a prominent position. He votes with the democratie party and is now serving as a member of the local school board. Ile stands for progress and improvement in all public affairs and has ever displayed devotion to the county's welfare and upbuilding. llis pronounced characteristics have gained for him a high position in the public esteem.
ELIJAH BRADWELL
Elijah Bradwell, deceased, was for a number of years prominent in the business circles of York. In 1902 he came to York, purchased the drug store of C. M. Cowan and condneted this business until his death. His son Charles is now managing the store.
Elijah Bradwell was a native of England, his birth having occurred at Brad- well on the 22nd of October, 1852. His death occurred in York, August 11. 1919, at the age of sixty-seven years. The parents of Mr. Bradwell were Charles and Ann ( Wright) Bradwell, both natives of England in which country they died. The father engaged in lead mining and was overseer for his father. Seven children were born to this union, Elijah Bradwell, the subject of this review, being the only member of the family in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Bradwell were consistent members of the Church of England.
In the acquirement of an education Elijah Bradwell attended the common schools of England and in 1881 came to the United States, settling in Winchester, Illinois, for some time working in a coal mine. When he arrived in Illinois he had but five dollars capital. Following his occupation as miner Mr. Bradwell clerked in a drug store for a while and then removed to Wyandotte. Kansas, where he bought property with the money he had managed to save. While in Illinois he was married and in 1886 they removed to Fairfield where he purchased a drug store. For a number of years he condneted this store, building up a large patronage. In fact, so successful was he in this venture that he determined to remove to a larger place, where he could conduct his store on a broader scale. As the result of this determination he removed to York in 1902, buying out the drug business of C. M. Cowan. It was not long before he had built up a large patronage here and soon became widely recognized as a business man of much ability and progressiveness. When his death occurred on the 11th of Angust, 1919. it was the occasion of deep regret to the community.
In 1886, in Illinois, Mr. Bradwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Martin, a daughter of George W. and Angeline (Conway) Martin. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Bradwell had taught school in Fairfield. Nebraska, since 1879. Her father had served in the Civil war, being Captain of Co. I. One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Illinois Volunteer Regiment. He participated in two of the most important battles of that war but was soon afterwards honorably discharged because of disability. At the close of the war Mr. Martin returned to Winchester, Illinois, and was soon afterward elected to the position of county clerk. Subsequently he was elected sheriff. Mr. Martin was a stanch republican
MR. AND MRS. ELIJAH BRADWELL
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THE NEW YOR .: PUBLIC LIR TY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATISI
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
in a strong democratic county but his popularity was plainly manifested in his election to these offices. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Martin removed to Harvard, Nebraska, and in that same year the father was appointed to the office of post- master in which he served one term. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bradwell two children were born : Pauline, who is a graduate of the York high school and York College, taught school for a number of years and is now employed in the drug store : and Charles, who received his education in the York schools and is now running the store for his mother. Charles Bradwell entered into service in the World war, on the 1st of December, 1917, and was in the medical department. He spent his entire time at Kelly Field, Texas, and received his discharge Decem- ber 16, 1918.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Bradwell had been a stanch supporter of the republican party and he was always well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He was well read and spent much of his spare time in this manner. Only one vacation was indulged in by Mr. Bradwell and that was in 1910 when he and Mrs. Bradwell went to England for a visit, remaining there for a period of two months. As a representative of one of York's most important business interests he took a prominent part in county and civic affairs and was acknow]- edged a most progressive and representative citizen. In 1905 Mr. Bradwell pur- chased a home at 125 West Ninth street and here Mrs. Bradwell resides with her son and daughter. Mrs. Bradwell has always taken a prominent part in the development and improvement of York and for three years served on the board of education. She is very active in church affairs and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for the past fifteen years.
J. E. FINNEY
J. E. Finney, manager of the Farmers Cooperative Association of McCool June- tion, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, December 6, 1872. His father, Joseph Finney, a native of New York, married Mary J. Conry and came to Nebraska in 1873, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved Hayes town- ship land and built one of the first frame houses in that locality. He was one of the first settlers in Hayes township and was a very successful farmer, owning two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. His death occurred April 29, 1919, at the home of his daughter in Chicago, where he was visiting. His wife was born August 19, 1845, and passed away October 17. 1895. Mr. Finney was a public spirited man and served as a member of the county board. Itis religion was that of the Catholic church and in politics he was a democrat. Mr. Finney was a good father and left to mourn his death eight children : Frank, residing at the old home place in Hayes township ; J. E. Finney, manager of the Farmers Cooperative Asso- ciation of MeCool; Catherine, who died in childhood ; Agnes, the wife of Myron J. Smith, of Crawford, Nebraska : Lawrence, who died in childhood : Mary, the wife of Stanley P. Driscoll, residing at Chicago, Illinois; twins, Hubert, of Lockridge town- ship. York county, and Homer, who lives on a ranch in Cherry county, Nebraska.
J. E. Finney was reared on his father's farm and for a time was engaged in agricultural pursuits, later becoming a grain buyer for the T. W. Smith Grain
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Company. At the time of the organization of the Farmers Cooperative Association four years ago he was chosen as its manager and has hell that position since. The association handles grain, coal and farm implements and is one of the most flourish- ing enterprises in the county. Mr. Finney's career has always been straightforward, upright and honorable, winning for him the esteem and high regard of all with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact.
KIRKLAND J. CALKINS
In the history of agricultural development in York county the name of Kirkland J. Calkins must find a place, for through a long period he was an active representa- tive of agricultural interests and became the owner of a large farm and extensively engaged in raising stock. He was born in Watertown, New York, October 22, 1840, and died February 14, 1920, when in the eightieth year of his age. His parents were Samnel and Malissa (Jaqua) Calkins, the former a native of New York and for some years a member of the state militia there. He had an unele who was at one time governor of the Empire state. His family numbered four children of whom but one is living, De Wayne, who served in the Civil war as a member of the Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry and now lives at Wymore, Nebraska, where he is filling the office of mayor.
Kirkland J. Calkins pursued his edueation in the schools of New York and was eighteen years of age when he removed with his parents to Illinois. In 1860 he became a resident of Towa, making his home upon a farm in that state until he enlisted in defense of the Union on the 30th of July, 1862. He was at Camp Strong and became a member of Company K. Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of hositilities. His command was known as the "Fighting Regiment." On the 19th of October, 1862, the company marehed to the Levee at Muscatine and there embarked on transports, proceeding to St. Louis and thence to Helena, Arkansas. The troops endured severe hardships and privations during the years 1863 and 1864 when near Helena. Mr. Calkins participated in the Coldwater and White River expeditions, also at Du Valls Bluff, and aided in eutting the Levee at Loon Lake. He participated in the battle of Magnolia Church. of Port Gibson, Willow Springs, Bolton and Raymond and was also at Champion ITill, at Bayon Teche and the Red River campaign. He was one day at Pleasant ITill and Sabine Cross Roads, and at the last place was taken prisoner but eseaped that night and rejoined his regiment. He arrived at New Orleans on the 24th and was sent to Washington by steamer, after which he participated, under command of General Sheridan, in the battle of Winehester. Fisher Hill and Cedar Creek. The regiment was then sent to Moorhead City and marched to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and on to Raleigh, proceeding thence to Savannah, afterward returning to Raleigh, and later being mustered out at Savannah.
When the war was over Mr. Calkins settled in Wyoming, Iowa. Before he went to the front he was married September 27, 1862, to Lorilla V. Williams, who was born in Great Valley. New York. December 12, 1845, a daughter of Royal S. and Lucy Fidelia (Baker) Williams, who were natives of New York, whence they removed to lowa. The father was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. October 1,
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1824, and was married October 9, 1844, in Wyoming county, New York, to Lucy F. Baker, whose birth occurred October 8, 1825, and who was a daughter of Chauncey and Esther (Greenleaf) Baker, the latter a representative of the family in which belonged the New England poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. Mr. Williams was first lieutenant in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry. having removed to Iowa about 1850. There he resided throughout his remaining days and was recognized as a leading business man of his locality, being owner of a lumber yard, a briek yard and a store, and he contributed much to the upbuilding of Wyoming.
To Mr. and Mrs. Calkins were born six children of whom five are living: Fred, a practicing physician of Fremont, Nebraska ; Royal, who is engaged in the prac- tice of medicine at Cortez, Colorado, who was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1920, and who was engaged in Indian work for the government for a number of years; Lucy M., the wife of J. M. Ravenscroft, a stone mason of York ; Albert E., mentioned elsewhere in this work ; and Charles A., a dentist of York, who is also the owner of a large farm in Colorado.
On coming to Nebraska in 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Calkins settled in Polk county where he homesteaded and there resided until about 1896 when they removed to York. Mr. Calkins was very successful in his business affairs, accumulating a large estate as the result of his extensive farming and stock raising operations. For a long period he was one of the leading farmers of Polk county and was also the owner of a large amount of land in North Dakota at the time of his death. His investments were most carefully and wisely made and his success was well merited. He was a democrat in his political views and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He possessed many sterling traits of character that gained him high regard and made him a valued resident of York. Mrs. Calkins survives and occupies a beautiful home in York, where she has many friends.
VINCENT J. MORGAN, D. D. S.
A prominent young dentist in York is Dr. Vincent J. Morgan, who has engaged in the practice of his profession there for a period of two years. During this time he has demonstrated his ability and this, together with his strong personality, have won for him a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Vincent J. Morgan was born in York county on the 17th of July, 1895, a son of John and Catherine (Long) Morgan, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of York county. The parents make their home on a farm west of York. At the age of sixteen years John Morgan came to York county with his parents and here has remained since. He has engaged in farming, being very successful in this line of occupation and now owns two hundred and eighty acres of the finest improved land in the county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan six children were born : William, a farmer in York county ; Dr. Vincent J., the subject of this review ; Frank, a student of medicine at the State University, and one of the best men on the football team : Earey, who is attending York College: Lloyd. in the convent school : and Ella, who is attending the convent. The family have all been reared in the faith of the Catholic church. Mr. Morgan has always given his allegiance to the democratic party and is now holding the position of county com-
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
missioner. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Vincent J. Morgan, William Morgan, was born in Ireland, later emigrating to the United States and settling first in Illinois. He finally removed to Nebraska and resided there until his death. Maternal Grandfather Long was of German descent but a native of Indiana and served in the Civil war. He is now residing in Los Angeles.
Dr. Vincent J. Morgan received his education in the country schools and later attended the convent and high school, graduating from the latter institution in 1915. He then entered Creighton College in Omaha and was graduated with the degree of D. D. S., in 1918. For one year he taught in the dental college and then in 1919 removed to York where he started the practice of his profession on his own account. During the short time of his practice in York he has built up a large practice and gives promise of becoming eminent in his profession.
Dr. Morgan has always been a great lover of outdoor sports and during his college days was captain of the football team. He is now also active in sports, being assis- tant football coach for the high school team. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Delta Sigma Delta college fraternity. Dr. Morgan while a young man is one on whom the duties of citizenship do not lightly devolve and he is a man any community would be glad to have as a citizen.
HIERMAN DIERS
Herman Diers, now living retired from the activities of business life with which he was prominently and successfully identified for thirty years in York county, is a native of Iowa, born in Clayton county, that state, November 22, 1860, a son of Fredrick and Caroline Diers, both natives of Germany. The parents immigrated to America in 1849, making the ocean voyage on an old sailing vessel, which took seven weeks to make the passage, and following their arrival in this country they went to Iowa, where they resided for some forty years. To their mar- riage the following children were born : John, a retired merchant living at Fuller- ton ; Henry, living at Lincoln: Ilerman, subject of this sketch; Fred, living in Madison, Nebraska ; Anna, the wife of Henry Tangeman of Gretna, Nebraska, Louis, a rancher in Montana : William, of Louisville, Nebraska ; and Carrie, the wife of William Towner who runs a store in Lincoln. Fredrick Diers and his wife con- tinued to reside in Iowa up to about 1890 and then moved to Nebraska and mad .. their home with their children. They lived to good ages and it is only within the past six years that their deaths occurred.
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