USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 64
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abundant. Antelopes and coyotes were numerous in those days and the black flies were a pestilence that disturbed the oxen and horses. Mr. Norquest recalls an amusing incident that occurred when a yoke of oxen belonging to an old settler named Peter Feeny, ran away while on a journey to York. Mr. Norquest's mother was in the wagon with a basket of eggs which she was taking to market, and she and the contents of her basket were spilled along the road, much to the amusement of Mr. Feeny who was an Irishman with a generous sense of humor, for he stood on the road and langhed at the result of the accident with what seemed to be uncalled for mirth.
In 1898 Mr. Norquest began farming with eighty acres and today he owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land, which is the reward of his zeal and untiring efforts. For fourteen years he managed a threshing machine outfit in the county. He was married to Miss Ida Pierson, a native of Sweden whose parents passed away when she was a child. To this union have been born eleven children, nine of whom are living at home, two having died in childhood: Ellen who passed away ; Era, Paul, Albert, June, Frank, Charles, Rodna, Elkins and Wilbur. The Norquest family are members of the Lutheran church at MeCool Junction. In polities Mr. Norquest is independent, preferring to give his support to the movements he deems most worthy and to the men best fitted to fill the offices. For several years he has been a member of the school board, and stands for the things which are of vital worth to the community, the commonwealth and the country, and his aid and influence are always given on the side of right, progress and improvement.
ROBERT V. GREWELL
For twenty-seven years Robert V. Grewell has been a resident of York county and is widely recognized as a prominent and successful farmer. He is now living retired in York where he is an active and representative eitizen.
Robert V. Grewell was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 14th of Jan- mary, 1847, a son of Thomas D. and Nancy (Wilson) Grewell. His parents were both Ohioans and the father was a successful carpenter. For some years they resided in Iowa and in 1870 removed to Nebraska, settling in Saline county where they acquired a homestead. During the Civil war the father drove mules for the government. He had two sons in the war also, John W. and H. C. At the age of ninety-two years Thomas D. Grewell passed away and the mother died at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Nine children were born to them of whom eight are living. Robert V. Grewell was the fourth in order of birth and is the only member of the family residing in York county. The parents were both con- sistent members of the United Brethren church and he was a stanch supporter of the republican party. The grandfather of the subject of this review was John Grewell who was a native of Ohio and a prominent man in his community. The maternal grandfather was Robert Wilson, a native of Ireland. He came to this country at an early age and his death occurred in Ohio at the age of one hundred and three years.
In the acquirement of an education Robert V. Grewell attended the schools in Iowa. After putting his textbooks aside he worked out on a farm, driving oxen
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and breaking the ground. In 1866 he made a trip from Nebraska City to Denver with an ox team and he assisted in the building of the Union Pacific railway, being present when the golden spike was driven. In the spring of 1820 he settled in Saline county and there he homesteaded and married. He sold his farm in this county in 1893 and removed to York county where he purchased a farm con- sisting of three hundred and twenty acres in Baker township. This farm has been well cultivated and improved and is considered one of the finest in the county. Ile has never resided on his farm, however, preferring to make his home in York. He is now retired and living at 722 East avenne.
In April of the year 1871 Mr. Grewell was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Dawson, a daughter of Isaac and Berthena Dawson. Her father was a native of Kentucky and they were both pioneer settlers in Saline county, coming to that county in 1869. Both of them are now deceased. having died at their home there. Mr. and Mrs. Grewell have become parents of three children, namely: Thomas, who is engaged in the furniture business in York : Mertle, who is deceased ; and Willie, also deceased.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Grewell the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is always well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren chnreh and take an active part in the affairs of that organi- zation. Mr. Grewell is recognized as a man of much business ability and is one of York's most representative citizens.
M. L. WARNER
Since 1909 M. L. Warner, who was for many years a farmer in Polk county, Nebraska, has resided retired in York. Ile was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, near Mercersburg, January 25, 1847, a son of William and Hannah (Miley) Warner, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Clarence II. Warner, to be found elsewhere in this work.
M. L. Warner received his education in the country schools of Pennsylvania and for some time engaged in farming after putting his textbooks aside. He learned the harness maker's trade, however, and followed this line of work for a period of eleven years in Illinois and Iowa. In 1873 he came to Nebraska and settled in Richardson county but spent the following year working at his trade in Fremont and various places in Omaha. In 1875 he removed to Polk county, bonght land and farmed it for over thirty-five years. In 1909 he came to York, deciding to retire from active life and built a nice home at 1631 Iowa avenue. He sold the land in Polk county before coming to York and is now the owner of a quarter section of fine land in York county. in MeFadden township.
On the 5th of December, 1905. Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Jane Haulman. a native of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Herman and Malinda (Warner) Ilauhan. Her father was a blacksmith and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Warner the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party, in the interests of which he has always
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taken an active part but has neither sought nor desired public office, Mr. Warner was thrown upon his own resources early in life and the suceess which he now enjoys is attributable to his own diligence and labor. He is one of York's repre- sentative and progressive citizens.
MRS. LILLIE MAY GILMORE HUNT
There is no tribute too great to be paid to the pioneer mothers of this and other states who endured years of hardship that we might live in a land of peace and plenty. Their lives were for the most part uneventful, filled with the labor of love for their husbands and children. There were few hardships of those early pioneer days with which Mrs. Lillie May Gilmore Hunt was not familiar. She was born on the 3rd of June, 1866, at Bluevale. York county, and was the first white child born in that eounty. Nebraska at that time was still a territory. Her parents, Jacob Rush and Catherine (Barrows) Gilmore, had come to York county after the Civil war, her father having acquired a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 7, township 9, range 1. He came to Nebraska in the fall of 1865 and in April of the following year her mother and her sister who is now Mrs. Ella Gilmore Dutton, came to Nebraska by way of steamboat down the Illinois river to Cairo, then down the Mississippi to St. Louis, across the Missouri river to St. Joseph and from there up the Missouri river to Nebraska City. There Jacob R. Gilmore met them with an ox team and wagon, and they were several days in driving from there to the home in York county, a distance of over a hundred miles. The farm on which Mrs. Hunt was born June 3. 1866, is still owned by her uncle S. Gilmore, who came to York county in the fall of that year from his home at Wenona, Marshall county, Illinois. Further mention of Jacob Rush Gilmore is made elsewhere in this work.
Mrs. Hunt received her education in the common schools of York county and on the 27th of December, 1885, was united in marriage in the Christian church at Bluevale to John Edward Hunt of Fairmont, the Rev. W. H. Pardee, a well known Christian minister of the early days in York and Fillmore counties, per- forming the ceremony. For several years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hunt resided in Fairmont. thence removing to Alliance where they lived for a period of eight years, subsequently removing to Bayard. For twenty-three years Mrs. Hunt has resided in this town where she is much respected and beloved by her many friends. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bayard several children were born, all of them now prominent citizens of their various communities: Susy Bell Hunt is the wife of Arthur Jones of Grand Island, Nebraska; John Edward Hunt enlisted for service in the World war and left Bayard September 21, 1917, for Camp Funston, Kansas. He was later ordered overseas with the Eighty-ninth Division and was wounded in action at the battle of Chateau Thierry, July 21. 1918. After some time in a hospital behind the lines he was again sent to the front and was gassed on the 3rd of October, 1918. After being released from the hospital the second time he was sent with the army of occupation to Germany where he remained until August, 1919, when he returned to the states, receiving his discharge and returning home September 11, 1919. He is now married to Miss
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Ethel Dorothy Lewellen of Lincoln who for several years was stenographer for the Territorial Pioneer Association and also for the Mississippi Valley Historical Asso- ciation. They are making their home in Bayard. Another member of the family to serve in the World war was C. Everette Hunt who went to Camp Funston. Sep- tember 21. 1917, where he remained for eleven months when he was discharged on account of ill health. He returned to his home on the 20th of August, 1918. He is now in the employ of J. L. Mullen of Lincoln, operating a dray line in the drainage district at Gordon, Nebraska. Nellie Hattie is now Mrs. Leshe Allen and resides with her mother on the home farm two miles east of Bayard. Two more children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, both of whom died in infancy. The death of Mr. Hunt occurred on May 2, 1916, and was a severe blow to the community where he was recognized as a representative citizen.
Other members of the Gilmore family living besides Mrs. Hunt are the father, who is residing in Corning. California ; a sister, Mrs. Ella Dutton of Davis Creek. California ; another sister, Mrs. Adelie Underwood, is residing in Grand Valley, Colorado : a brother, Otis E. Gilmore, is living in Geneva ; and Mrs. Susy Fouse makes her home in Duchesne, Utah. The greater part of Mrs. Hunt's life has been spent on a farm, and she was a most important factor in contributing to the success of her husband. Manifold duties made a great demand upon her time but she was never too busy to take a little time to read and keep up with the trend of the times. She is active in the interests of the community in which she makes her home and in which she has many friends who recognize her true personal worth and sterling traits of character.
HENRY BRANZ, JR.
Henry Branz. Jr., long identified with agricultural interests in York county, is the owner of one of the well improved farms of the county, his place being on section 24, Stewart township, where he has two hundred and eighty aeres of rich and valuable land. Hle was born near Peoria, Illinois, March 25, 1871, a son of Henry and Annie (Mahl) Branz, both natives of Germany, where the former was born in May, 1834. The marriage of these parents took place in Germany and they came to America in 1863, living in the state of Illinois for many years and coming to York county in 1882. A more extended account of Henry Branz, Sr., will be found elsewhere in this work in the review of Ernest Branz.
Henry Branz, Jr., accompanied his parents to York county from Illinois and completed his education in the public schools of the county. He was reared in his father's home in Stewart township and assisted for many years in earrying on the work of the home farm, there becoming thoroughly grounded in all the impor- tant features of agricultural life. In 1905 he moved to the farm on which he now resides and ever since has kept in elose touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines and his valuable farm property of two hundred and eighty acres indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. Ile has carried out many excellent improvements on his place and devotes a large portion of his time to the raising of grain and the feeding of live stock, in both
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these lines having met a substantial measure of success, the same applying to the cultivation of crops in general.
Mr. Branz is recognized as one of the prominent citizens of the county who has gained a gratifying measure of success, owing to his close application and untiring energy. His efforts have been a contributing factor in bringing about the splendid results that have been achieved in making this part of Nebraska a notable agricul- tural belt and well adapted to grain raising.
JOHN W. MILLER
John W. Miller, for many years a farmer in York county, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1868, a son of William and Barbara (Traub) Miller. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1837 and died in 1899 at the age of sixty-two years and the mother who was born in the same state in 1844, is now residing in California. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived on a farm in Pennsylvania and in the spring of 1872 came west to York county. Here they lived for some time and then moved to Benedict, in which village the father's death occurred. At the time of Mr. Miller's death he had in his possession but eighty acres of his original one hundred and sixty homestead acres. He was recognized throughout the community in which he resided as a prominent and successful farmer and he held various township offices which he filled with ability. During the Civil war he served in a Pennsylvania regiment and was twice wounded in the leg. He also had two fingers shot off of one hand. During his early resi- dence in York county he was postmaster at Cressell. In the passing of Mr. Miller York county lost one of its pioneer and progressive citizens.
In the acquirement of an education John W. Miller attended the district schools of York. He did not have the chance to obtain much education, however, for as the oldest of a family of children he was called upon to assist in the support of the family. Therefore at an early age he began to work out by the month on various farms and for eight years continued this work, at the termination of which time he purchased eighty aeres of land and engaged in farming on his own account. The experience which he had gained in working for others stood him in good stead and he was so successful in this venture that he gradually increased his land pos- sessions until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land located east of Benedict. In 1893 he was married and he and his wife resided on the farm until the spring of 1920 when they purchased a home at 709 East avenue, York, and Mr. Miller retired from active business life.
In the spring of 1893 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Derner, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph and Emma Willard ( Blair) Derner. Her parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, and came to York county in 1879. The father had a quarter section of land which he later sold and removed to York where he engaged in the carpenter business for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Derner are now living retired. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller three chil- dren have been born, namely: Evan Edgar; Roy Williams; and Ora Pauline. Evan Edgar graduated from the Benediet schools and then took a course in a commercial college in York. He later married Vera Robertson and they are now
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residing on the father's home place. Roy Williams graduated from the high school at Lincoln, Nebraska, and he is now employed in a storage station. Ora Pauline is in her last year at York high school.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Miller the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is always well versed on all of the important questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which order he has filled all of the chairs; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; and the Modern Woodmen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Rebekahs. They are likewise consistent mem- bers of the Lutheran church. The success which Mr. Miller now enjoys is the result of his own diligence and labor and though he has been a resident of York but a short time he is regarded as one of its most progressive and representative citizens.
JACOB RUSH GILMORE
One of the earliest pioneers of York county, Nebraska, was Jacob Rush Gilmore, who is now residing in Corning, California, enjoying the reward of a life wisely and usefully spent. Ile was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, Angust 12, . 1834, a son of Elias and Huldah (Rush) Gilmore, both natives of Pennsylvania in which state the birth of the former occurred on the 12th of March, 1812, while the latter was born November 1, 1816. Mrs. Gilmore was a descendant of Ben- jamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Gilmore family came from their Pennsylvania home to Illinois shortly before the outbreak of the Civil war, after the close of which conflict they removed to Nebraska, settling in York county in 1866. They were one of the early pioneer families of that state.
The education of Jacob Rush Gilmore was obtained in the common schools of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. and in early manhood he removed to Illinois with his parents, from which state he enlisted for service in the Civil war. On the 18th of April, 1861, he joined Company C. Twentieth Illinois Infantry, at Pontiae, for three months' service, at the end of which time he reenlisted at Joliet, Illinois. for three years' active service. Hle reenlisted for the second time at Blackriver, Mississippi, on the 4th of Jannary, 1864, and on the 9th of April, 1865, was dis- charged at Goldsboro, North Carolina, on account of wounds. He was with Sher- man on his march from Atlanta to the sea and participated in the following battles and skirmishes: Frederickstown, Forts Henry and Donaldson, Shiloh, Burton's Lane, Thompson's Hill, Raymond. Clinton, Jackson, Champion Hill, invasion of Vicksburg, and was wounded in charge at Ft. Hill in the battle of Kenesaw Moun- tain and Atlanta. After the war he removed to York county and established the first postoffice at Bluevale in 1866. This was the first office in this eounty and he held the position of postmaster for a period of about nine years. In 1899 he went to Colorado, his wife having died, and soon after his arrival in Perkins county, that state, he was again wed. For several years he made his home in Colorado and then removed to California where he still resides, leading a quiet life after the many years of his adventurous life as soldier and pioneer.
On the 17th of April. 1860, in Marshall county, Illinois, Mr. Gilmore was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Barrows, a daughter of P. A. and
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Mary Ann Barrows. To this union the following children were born: Ella, who is the wife of S. J. Dutton : Lillie May, who is now Mrs. Hunt; Adelie, who is the wife of J. L. Underwood ; Susy, the wife of Probus Fonse ; and O. E. Gilmore who married Miss Hanna Uphouse. The death of Mrs. Gilmore occurred in York county in 1883. Mr. Gilmore's second marriage was in Perkins county, Colorado, when he wedded Miss Elizabeth Bivens. To this marriage five children were born : Raymond, Myrtle, Orville. James, and Percy.
Mr. Gilmore has always given his support to the republican party, having firm belief in the principles of this party as factors in good government. He has been a consistent member of the Christian church. At the advanced age of eighty-three years Mr. Gilmore is residing in Corning, California, an honored and respected citizen.
GEORGE RAGAN
For thirteen years George Ragan has been a resident of York and he is now residing in his home at 1823 Grant avenue, enjoying the fruits of a life of dili- gence and industry.
George Ragan was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, January 20, 1846, a son of John and Sarah (Curtis) Ragan, the former a native of Pennsylvania while the latter was born in Ohio. Their marriage took place in Ohio and at an early date they removed to Illinois where their deaths occurred, he passing away in 1870 and she in 1849. Six children were born to them of whom only the subject of this review, George Ragan, is living. On the outbreak of the Civil war John Ragan volunteered and was in active service for some time. Politically he was a member of the republican party and was well informed on all the questions and issues of the day.
George Ragan received his education in the schools of Dewitt county, Ilinois, and in 1864 entered into the Civil war, serving until its close. At the termination of the war he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming. In 1883 he came to York county where he bought land in Lockridge township and still owns this land consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. His wife is also owner of forty acres. When he took possession of the farm there was a small frame house on it and he immediately erected a barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Ragan and his family resided on this farm until January, 1907, when they removed to York where he had purchased a nice home at 1823 Grant avenue. Here Mr. Ragan has since resided, enjoying the fruits of a life of diligence and many hardships.
In 1880 Mr. Ragan was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Miller, who was born near St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Burri) Miller. Her parents were born in Germany, coming to this country in their early life and settling in St. Louis where they were married. For a number of years they resided in Missouri and then removed to Sangamon county and subsequently to Tazewell county, Illinois. In 1884 they removed to York county where the father bought land. Mrs. Miller's death occurred on the home place, while Mr. Miller are living, namely : Mrs. Ragan, the wife of the subject of this review : Frank, who is a bridge contractor residing in Springfield, Illinois; William, engaged in passed away in York. Seven children were born to that union of whom only five
Vol. II-42
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
the real estate business in York; Henry, who is farming in York county; and Edwin, who is a well known dentist in York. Mr. and Mrs. Ragan have no children.
Mr. Ragan gives his allegiance to the republican party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ragan are members of the United Brethren church and she is a member of various church societies of that organization. When Mr. Ragan started out into the business world he had nothing to rely upon except his ability to work hard and a strong determination to succeed. He went through all the pioneer hardships of the early days, overcoming obstacles that would have crushed many a man. It was not long until he had his farm out of debt and then forged steadily ahead until today he is financially independent. During the years of his residence in York Mr. Ragan has made many and fast friends and he is recognized throughout the community as one of York's most representative citizens.
MARTIN PIEPER
Martin Pieper, who follows farming on section 23, Beaver township, was born in the house which is now his home on the 18th of August, 1899, a son of William and Wilhelmina (Wellmann) Pieper, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.
Martin Pieper received his education in the schools of his native county (York) and early in life engaged in farming. He has always remained on the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and is now managing it for his mother. He owns eighty acres of fine land in Seward county.
On the 11th of February, 1911, Mr. Pieper was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Brackhan, a daughter of Christ and Wilhelmina (Nowack) Brackhan, early settlers of this county who are still residing on a farm in Beaver township. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pieper one child has been born: Clarence. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church and Mr. Pieper votes with the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attrae- tion for him. Mr. Pieper is employing the progressive and enterprising charac- teristics of the west to his farm work and has already gained a gratifying amount of prosperity.
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