USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 61
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On the 12th of October, 1829, Mr. Ballenger was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Bull, who was born near Meaford. Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of Stephen Bull. Her father came to Polk county in 1821 and secured a homestead on which he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Ballenger have become the parents of one son. Albert W., who is thirty-two years of age. In 1912 he was united in marriage to Miss Rita Runyon and to them two children have been born : Dean W. and Bettie Claire. Albert W. is associated with his father in the theatre business and is secretary of the Commercial Club of York.
Mr. Ballenger has always given his allegiance to the republican party in the interests of which he takes an active part. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and is likewise an active member of the Rotary Club. Mr. Ballenger well deserves the proud American title of self-made man, for his present enviable position as a representative and prosperous business man has been won by untiring industry, indefatigable energy and careful management.
NATHANIEL A. DEAN
A prominent and representative citizen of York, is Nathaniel A. Dean, who since pioneer days has taken an active part in the development and improvement of the county. He was born in Allegany county, Maryland, in 1850, and when two years of age removed with his parents to Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He received his education in that county, attending the schools until 1866, the elose of the Civil war. The following year in company with his brother-in-law, R. Brooke, he made a trip over the greater part of Kansas, stopping for the winter at Maryville, Nodaway county, Missouri. Here Mr. Brooke purchased a farm on which he made his home. In 1868 Nathaniel A. Dean, then but eighteen years of age, started out for the great American desert. He rode his pony and carried his lariat. On the 2nd day of October, 1868, he crossed the line into York county and his first stop was at John Anderson's. Mr. Anderson was the first homesteader in York county. Mr. Dean wintered with Elias Gilmore on the "Blue." During his residence here a petition was gotten up for the permanent organization of York county to be presented to Governor Butler and the name of Mr. Dean headed the list of signers. In 1870 the first election was held, there being three precincts in the county, one on the "Blue," one where York now stands, and one in the north
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part of the county. The election was to decide the location of the county seat and it was decided in favor of York. The first two years of Mr. Dean's life in this new county were full of excitement. He hunted butlalves, elk and antelopes and part of the time he was brought into association with the Indians who for the most part proved of friendly disposition. The fall of '79 he passed at old Fort Kearney and there spent a great deal of his time poring over the adventures of Buffalo Bill, Kit Carson and Calamity Jane. In 1871 Mr. Dean was married and he and his wife acquired a homestead, successfully passing through all of the pioneer hardships, including the destructive grasshopper storms in 1873 and 1888. The home- stead was located on Beaver Creek nine miles east of York. In 1886 Mr. Dean decided to retire from active farm life and as a result removed to York where he engaged in several different kinds of business, being successful in all of them. In 1889 Mr. Dean and a number of other people in the community banded together for the organization of the United Brethren church and in 1890 he was also instru- mental in the organization of York College. He was elected treasurer of the college in that year and has held the position since. He assisted in the building of the First National Bank, which organization he served as director from 1893 until 1913, at which time he resigned. He has been active in the interests of the Chan- tauqua since its organization in the county and has been director for a period of seventeen years. For the last few years he has also been manager of the grounds. He is the owner of considerable real estate in York. He is likewise a member of the cemetery board and was superintendent of the cemetery for seventeen years.
In 1870 Mr. Dean was united in marriage to the daughter of Peter Heller, also a pioneer of this country, and to them eight children have been born: William H., who is manager of the Bell Telephone Company at Grand Island ; Ida May, the wife of Harry Shilling, who is engaged in the telephone business at Lincoln ; Lula A., the wife of Albert Jess, a merchant of York; Elmer, whose death occurred in 1909 at the age of thirty-one; Rachael Annie, who is condueting a store in York with another member of the family ; Richard J., who is manager of the Ellar Auto concern at Lincoln ; Earl J., who is manager of a store in York ; and Doris R., the wife of Harold Myers, who is engaged in the shoe business at York. At the time of his marriage Mr. Dean was in possession of but five dollars, and two dol- lars and fifty cents of that amount went to the minister. He was, however, blessed with perseverance of purpose and strong determination and no obstacle, however great, was allowed to obstruct his path. Those who know him esteem him highly and his worth as a business man and citizen is widely acknowledged as well as his success as a pioneer farmer. He is well deserving of the proud American title of self-made man.
FRED SCHARFENBERG
The story of the life of Fred Scharfenberg will convince the reader that he is a self-made man and that he had good material with which to work. Mr. Scharfen- berg is a retired farmer and one of the prosperous citizens of York, Nebraska. He was born in Saxony, Germany, July 6, 1842, the son of William and Clara (Rop- sem) Scharfenberg, both natives of Germany. His father was a weaver and worked at his trade in the old country until he passed away.
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Fred Scharfenberg was reared and educated in his native land, attending the public schools until he was fourteen years of age, when he was drafted to serve in the army, in 1863. He was drilled as a soldier preparatory for war with Denmark. and in 1866 when the war between Germany and Austria came on, was considered an old soldier and was called upon to fight. Army life did not appeal to him, how- ever, and having heard of America he borrowed one hundred dollars from a friend and determined to seek his fortune in a new country. With the help of a kindly hotel-keeper and a conductor on the railroad from Bremen to Bremerhaven he sue- ceeded in getting aboard a vessel bound for the United States. All this was unknown to his parents and the officers in the army and when he was one day out at sea he learned that the officers were looking for him. While on the train he had another startling experience when some officers became eurious at seeing the young man and inquired of the conductor as to his name and destination. The friendly conductor replied that the young man was going to port to see the ship, and that he, the conductor, would see that he returned. After riding the waves and braving the tempests for forty-two days the sailing vessel landed in New York where Fred Scharfenberg viewed the "land of promise" for the first time. After obtaining help from relatives in Wisconsin he went there and secured his first work on a farm. Later he located in Mitchell county, Towa, where he rented land and engaged in farming. There was much to overcome as the price of land was high and there were many things for him to learn concerning his new country. In 1878 he came to Nebraska and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Baker township for seven and one half dollars per acre with ten years time in which to pay for it. Ilis first home was a dugout consisting of a bedroom, dining-room and parlor all in one, with no floor, and here Mr. Scharfenberg lived while he improved his land, which was one of the few farms in the township upon which there has never been a mortgage. He prospered and it was not long before he owned a half section of the township. He did not retain all this property, however, disposing of all but the old original one-fourth seetion.
In 1872 he was married to Ernestine Renm, a native of Germany who came to the United States when a young woman. They never had any children of their own, but adopted William and Roy Watkins, two New York orphans who were just old enough to go to school, and reared them to successful manhood. Both young men are married now and owe their happy childhood, good education and careful training to the generosity of their benefactor. Mr. Scharfenberg, who under- stood how difficult it is for a lonely lad to make his way unaided. Ilis large- heartedness was further demonstrated when he took the three children of his deceased brother into his home and reared them as his own. The boy now ocenpies the old farm where he lives with his wife and family. A few years ago Mr. Scharfenberg paid a visit to Germany and brought back with him his sister's son. a young man of twenty years whom he placed on a farm in North Dakota. Mr. Scharfenberg took great interest in young people and was always anxious and willing to be a help to them. Hle paid a visit to his wife's niece who lived in Omaha and found the young lady and her husband paying rent for their home. He advised them to buy a home and gave them one thousand dollars with which to make the first payment. They gladly accepted his generosity and are now on their way to prosperity because of it. Mr. Scharfenberg is a member of the Lutheran church and has been a liberal giver to three churches and many other
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projeets for the good of the community. He is now seventy-eight years old, is in splendid physical condition, and enjoys his comfortable home at 603 West 8th street, York, Nebraska.
ERNEST BRANZ
Ernest Branz, who follows farming on section 24. Stewart township. York county, is a representative business man whose wise use of his time and oppor- tunities has gained for him a place among the prosperous agriculturists of this part of the state. Ile had but little assistance at the outset of his career and what- ever he has achieved and enjoyed is the direct result of his own labors. He was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, October 21. 1867, a son of Henry and Annie (Mahl) Branz, both natives of Germany, where the former was born in May, 1834. These parents were married in Germany and he immigrated to America in 1863, making the ocean voyage on a sailing vessel which occupied eight weeks coming across the Atlantic, and he was practically without means on reaching this country. Henry Branz worked out and got enough money together to send for his wife and one child, and after her arrival they worked out on farms, continuing this line of work for a considerable time. At the end of a few years he decided to try farming on his own account and rented a tract of land, buying a team of horses to help in working the land. His efforts were successful and making good use of his money he was enabled to purchase a holding on payments. It was in 1882 that Mr. Branz came to Nebraska and 'settled in York county, securing a quarter section of land in Stewart township and on this place his widow still resides. He made payments to the extent of two thousand dollars on the farm, going into debt for the balance of the purchase money. There was a small log house on the holding when he took over the place and he later built a small frame house, continuing to reside in the latter until his death, March 5, 1920. For many years before his death he had been blind and in consequence of this affliction was unable to give active attention to the demands of his farming interests. However, in spite of his disability at the time of his death the family were the owners of nearly two thousand acres. Mr. Branz and his wife became the parents of six children: Catherine, the widow of Fred Minike and she now lives in Colorado; John, who lives in San Antonio, Texas : Ernest ; Henry, who lives in Stewart township ; Fred, deceased : and Bertha, the wife of Ferdinand Fisher, of Waco township. He and his wife were earnest members of the Lutheran church.
Ernest Branz was reared in the home of his parents and was educated in the common schools of his native county, in his boyhood days helping his father in the work of the farm. He was fifteen years old when his parents came to York county and here also his youth and young manhood were spent in agricultural pursuits. He became a skilled farmer and is now engaged in general farming and stock raising. His methods are progressive, his business affairs are systematically handled and in all things he displays sound judgment as well as unfaltering enterprise. He is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of excellent land and is thoroughly acquainted with what can be done in the way of erop production here.
On March 31, 1915, Mr. Branz was united in marriage to Mrs. Josephine Hot-
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tinger, the widow of Fred Hottinger, who had two children by her first marriage: Mabel Ilottinger and Alfred Hottinger. Before her first marriage Mrs. Branz was Josephine Shields, a native of San Antonio, Texas. They have a wide circle of friends throughout the locality and are extensively recognized as people of genuine personal worth, their efforts always being directed to the betterment of the com- munity in which they reside.
JOHN LETT
For many years John Lett has resided in York county. He came here at an early day and has been a prominent factor in its development, watching it grow from a wild uncultivated state into a prosperous and progressive community.
John Lett was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 28, 1841, and when but four months old removed with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa, settling in the town of Tipton. The father, Abraham Lett, purchased eighty acres of good land adjoining the town. When John Lett the subject of this review was but eight months old the mother died, leaving the father with five children. Some time later Mr. Lett again married and was fortunate in choosing a wife who devoted her life to the rearing of his little ones.
John Lett received what educational advantages his home place offered and when twenty years of age, on the outbreak of the Civil war, enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry for a period of three years. At the expiration of this time he reenlisted and served throughout the war. Ile participated in the battles of Shiloh. Corinth, fuka, Vicksburg, and Kenesaw Mountain. He was also with Sherman during the Atlanta campaign and on the march to the sea. He was in all of the engagements from Savannah to the battle of Bentonville, North ('arolina, and at the close of the war participated in the grand review at Wash- ington. In 1865 he returned home, where he was married and for some time resided on his father's farm. In 1871 he removed to Nebraska and here acquired a quarter section of land on which he homesteaded. This land was located in York county in what is now Morton township. Mr. Lett was forced to occupy a sod house belonging to R. M. Lytle until he built a house of his own and he had a capital of but three dollars, two horses and two cows to start the winter on. That winter was one of hardships but Mr. Lett and his family were of sturdy pioneer stock and every discouragement encountered only spurred them to greater effort. It was not long before Mr. Left became well known throughout this county for his geniality and progressiveness won him many friends and he was a member of the first grand jury held in this county. In 1822 he lost a horse and traded for a yoke of oxen which he used on the farm and to drive the family to church. in 1845 Mr. Lett removed to York and engaged in the farm machinery business in which venture he was quite successful, but in 1880 returned to the homestead, and subsequently removed to Benedict, then a new town. The Lett family was one of the first to settle in that place and Mr. Lett built and conducted the first hotel there. For six years he served as justice of the peace and after Cleveland's term was appointed to the position of postmaster, holding this office for over twenty veais, or until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson was elected to the presidency. The
JOHN LETT
THE NEW Y: PUBLIC LI.
ASTOR, LEN. TILDEN FOUNL R
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following year he removed to Lincoln where he remained for four years, at the termination of which time he came to York.
On the 25th of November, 1865, Mr. Lett was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Draucher, a sister of Arthur and David Draucher, who were both residents of York county for a number of years. Mrs. Lett was born in Clearfield, Pennsyl- vania, on the 13th of June, 1844, and she passed away August 1, 1912. Eight children were born to this union, five of whom are living: Edith, who is residing at Kearney ; Walter E., who is engaged in the life insurance business at Kearney : Harry C., who is a life insurance man at Lincoln ; Bessie, who is the widow of Fred Tipton, and is now residing in Kansas City; and John A., who is a baker in Lincoln. On the 26th of August, 1916, Mr. Lett was again married, this time to Rosa (Crowl) Linch, a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of John Crowl. She had previously been married and had one sou, Charles McDonough, who is residing in York.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Lett the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Congregational church. He is likewise a member of the Commercial Club in the interests of which he takes an active part. Through the efforts of Mr. Lett the Sons of Veterans was organized in York and the camp was named in honor of him. He was appointed pension attorney and now devotes his time to securing pensions for widows and soldiers. He has served as commander of the Grand Army Post, was recently re-elected for the fifth year, and in 1905 was elected department commander of the Nebraska Grand Army of the Republic. At the reunion of the old veterans held in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Lett had the honor of leading in parade twenty thousand of his former comrades of the battle field. The success which Mr. Lett has won has come to him as the reward of persistent, earnest labor, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through individual effort combined with persistency of purpose.
JACOB F. BITTINGER
Jacob F. Bittinger, deceased, was for many years a prominent farmer in York county. He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1859 and died in York on the 14th of August, 1908. His demise caused a feeling of widespread bereavement throughout the community, for during his residence in York Mr. Bittinger had made many friends.
Jacob F. Bittinger was a son of John and Rebecca Bittinger, both natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio, later to Towa, and thence to York county in 1872. This trip they made overland with teams, bringing with them a number of milch cows. They acquired a homestead which they improved and successfully cul- tivated, residing here until their deaths. Nine children were born to this union, Jacob F. Bittinger being the youngest of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Bittinger were consistent members of the Lutheran church and the father was a stanch supporter of the republican party and the principles for which it stands.
In the acquirement of his education Jacob F. Bittinger attended the country
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schools, living all of the time upon a farm. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged for two years as fireman on the Union Pacific Railroad, saving enough money from his earnings to buy a quarter section of land. He paid eight dollars an acre for this land, which is still in the possession of Mrs. Bittinger, and she recently refused an offer of two hundred dollars an acre for it. Mr. Bittinger was successful in the cultivation of his land and with the assistance of his wife purchased more land until he had four hundred and four aeres. In 1898 they removed to York where Mr. Bittinger retired from active life and resided until his death which occurred Angust 14, 1908.
On February 22nd, 1887, Mr. Bittinger was united in marriage to Nettie Bates, a native of Darke county. Ohio, and a daughter of Eli and Penninah (Hart) Bates. Hler parents were born in Ohio and in 18Gt came to Lincoln. For a number of years the father engaged in farming and stock buying and became quite well-to-do. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bates, all of whom are living, namely : Louisa. the wife of T. C. Rutter of Charleston. Tennessee : Martin, engaged in the grocery business at Benton Harbor. Michigan: Henry, who is engaged in mining in California : Emma. the wife of John O'Connell, a retired farmer of Lincoln ; Mrs. Bittinger, the widow of the subject of this review: Eva. the wife of W. W. Cook. a retired farmer residing at College View : and Will E., who is engaged in gardening at Vashon Island, Puget Sound. Mr. Bates had considerable land. at one time. The Bates family were reared in the faith of the Christian church and the father was a stanch supporter of the republican party. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bittinger two children have been born: Kenneth H. ; and Wendell MI. Kenneth II. is married to Gay Tucker and they have become the parents of three children : Evelyn Louise: Dorotha Jane, and Bettie Rose. They reside on a farm in York county. Wendell M. has been in Denver, Colorado, where he was a con- ductor for the Tramway Company, but now is at home with his mother. He was in the navy for eight months during the World war but had the flu and as a result did not get across.
Politically Mr. Bittinger gave his allegiance to no particular party but followed an independent course. Mr. Bittinger was a man of great industry and ambition and the success he enjoyed before his death was but a fair reward for his life of diligence and labor. Mrs. Bittinger is a member of the Christian church in the activities of which organization she takes a prominent part and she resides alone at her home, 1824 Lincoln avenue, a highly respected citizen of the community.
CHARLES F. KUNS
Charles F. Kuns actively engaged in farming in York county, Nebraska, was born in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. August 29, 1876, the son of David Kuns, mention of whom is found elsewhere in this review. He was eighteen months old when the family came to Nebraska, and his youth was spent on the farm. He was educated in the York city schools and when he reached the age of twenty-one years he decided to become a farmer.
Mr. Kuns went to Illinois where he followed agricultural pursuits for three years, then returned to York county and became interested in farming here.
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He was married to Maude Bowen, a native of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, and this union has been blessed by three children : Dorotha, Willard and Mary. The Kuns home is a picturesque bungalow situated in a beautiful location on a knoll, with pine trees leading from the road to the dooryard. His father who formerly owned this land had planned to build a beautiful mansion on this site, but he moved to California and his plans were never carried out. Mr. Kuns is owner of three hun- dred and twenty acres of land equipped with two complete sets of buildings as fine as any in the county, and he has brought his land under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Kuns has earned the reputation of successful, high principled business man and a publie spirited citizen, always ready to give his service and means to promote the development and growth of his community.
MARTIN L. DIEHL
Martin L. Diehl, a retired farmer and representative citizen of York, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1846, a son of Daniel and Mary (Cohler) Diehl. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1807. Their marriage occurred in that state and there the mother died. Some time after his wife's death he again married and removed to Illinois, arriving in that state in April. 1852. The trip was made overland with teams but before reaching the destination it was necessary to substitute oxen for the horses. Daniel Diehl settled in Peoria county on first arriving in Illinois, but in the fall of the year 1852 removed to Marshall county. For some time he rented this land which he successfully cultivated and finally pur- chased. His home consisted of a log cabin and here ho resided with his family of ten children for many years. His death occurred in that county in 1867. To the first marriage ten children were born, three of whom are living. the subject of this review being the youngest of all : Mary, the widow of Adolph Forney, of Day- kin ; Irena, who married tchabod MeKinney of Sterling, Illinois, a soldier in the Civil war who is now deceased; and Martin L. Six children were born to the latter nnion, none of whom are residing in Nebraska. The Diehl family were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, and the father gave his allegiance to the republican party, in the interests of which he was very active.
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