USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 66
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John McFadden received his education in Ireland and in his early youth learned telegraphy. Tales reaching him of the wonderful opportunities offered in the new world he decided to try his fortune in this country with the result that in 1884 he arrived in York county. His previous experience as a telegraph operator had been in connection with his duties in the postoffice as clerk in Ireland and it was his desire to continue the former line of work in this country. He made inquiries into the situation and found that the code was entirely different from the one he had learned and it was therefore necessary for him to master the new one before he could successfully handle a like position in this country. He set to work, soon mastered the new code, and accepted a position with the Burlington Railroad, working at various places. Some time later he entered into the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and was agent at David City for a number of years. In 1900 he came to York where he became agent for the Northwestern and has sinee held that position. Coming to this country with nothing but the knowledge of telegraphy, a strong determination and a laudable ambition, he has gradually advanced until he is now widely recognized throughout the county as a capable and successful man.
Mr. MeFadden has been twice married. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Ora Winters and to them one daughter, Theresa, was born. She is now the wife of Lowell G. Crownover, a civil engineer, and they reside in Bridegport, Nebraska. Mr. Crownover is employed by the state. In 1895 Mrs. McFadden died and in 1918 Mr. McFadden was again wed, this time to Miss Geraldine Grippen, a native of Illinois. Mrs. Mc Fadden is a member of the Congregational church, in the activities of which she takes a prominent part.
Since age conferred upon Mr. McFadden the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party which has found in him a stanch advocate.
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He has never aspired to political office, however, but has devoted his whole attention to his business interests. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through all of the chairs of both orders. Ile is likewise a prominent and active member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has by reason of his own diligence become financially independent and he owns a half section of some of the finest land in Kimball county. Mr. McFadden is known to be a booster of York and his aid may be counted upon in any movement for the further improvement and development of his community.
CLARENCE F. GEARHART
Clarence F. Gearhart, deceased, was for a number of years prominent in the rural life of York county. He was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Mayberry and Catherine Gearhart, both natives of that state where they spent their entire lives, and there his death occurred.
In the acquirement of an education Clarence F. Gearhart attended the common schools of his native state and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farm- ing on his father's land. He remained on this farm for several years but when reaching young manhood came to York county and purchased a farm on which he remained for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Pennsylvania. About 1880 he again settled in York county and lived on his farm with his family for three years. This land he purchased at a low price and after cultivation and improvement it was considered one of the finest farms in the county. He raised some full-blooded stock and soon became financially independent. He remained on his farm in York county for three years, at the termination of which time he again returned to Pennsylvania where his death occurred a short time afterward.
Mr. Gearhart was united in marriage to Miss Lessie Bird, a native of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Jane (Vastine) Bird. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and lived there until they died. The father was a farmer in that state and a prominent man in his community. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bird, three of whom are living: Mrs. Gearhart, the widow of the subject of this review ; Rufus, a retired farmer residing at Riverside, Pennsylvania ; and Howard, who is engaged in the insurance and real estate busi- ness in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Bird family were reared in the faith of the Baptist church and the father was a democrat in politics. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart two children were born: Minnie, the wife of Elting Mead, a coal man of York: and Magdalene, the wife of G. E. Peterson, a designer for Cusack. After the death of her husband Mrs. Gearhart removed to the home of
her daughter in York and remained there for some time. She then bought a nice home at 921 Lincoln avenue and here she now resides. She owns two hundred and seventy-six acres of land and has managed successfully her husband's various business affairs. She has rented the two farms to a Mr. Norman for a year. Mrs. Gearhart has proved to be a woman of much business ability and she is a highly respected citizen in the community. She is a consistent member of the Christian
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church and takes an active part in the different church societies. She is likewise a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Gearhart was a member of the republican party which found in him a stalwart advocate. His success was the result of his own unaided effort and determination to let no obstacle, however great, obstruct his path.
JAMES M. HYDE
During the years in which James M. Ilyde resided in York county he made for himself many friends who recognized his true personal worth. sterling traits of character, industry and integrity. Ile was a native son of Ireland. his birth having occurred there in 1843 and his death took place in 1887 on his homestead in York county. He was a son of Joe and Margaret (Steven) Ilyde, both natives of Ireland where they spent their entire lives.
James M. Hyde received his education in his native country and in 1873 deter- mined to come to the United States with the result that he landed in New York in the latter part of the same year. For some time he was employed in a brewery but in 1880 came to York county where he purchased eighty acres of railroad land in Waco township, later buying an additional eighty acres. Ilis first home on this land was of sod and consisted of one room with board floor and dirt roof. His barn was built of straw. This land he immediately set about to cultivate, breaking it with a horse team, and he also set out a large orchard most of which was later destroyed. There were few of the pioner hardships of those early days with which he was not familiar. Mr. Hyde had paid the sum of thirteen hundred dollars for one eighty aere tract and seven hundred and eighty dollars for the other and at the time of his death was heavily in debt. This burden then devolved upon the shonklers of his widow who with seven children, the oldest of whom was but seven years old, survived. Mrs. Ilyde with grim courage and determination set about to pay off these debts and she offered her services to the neighbors whom she helped shuck corn. Few women are gifted with the resourcefulness of Mrs. Hyde and this in addition to her industry and close application soon enabled her to clear the land of all debts. She is still in possession of the one hundred and sixty acres which is regarded as some of the finest land in the county.
In January, 1876, Mr. Hyde was married in Ireland to Miss Mary McClure and to them seven children were born: Anna. the wife of William Stewart of Waco township; Maggie, who is the wife of James McClure, engaged in dairy farming : Mamy. deceased ; James M .. who is farming the old home place; John W., who is farming in Cheyenne county: Alexander and Samuel. deceased.
The political allegiance of Mr. Hyde was given to the republican party, in the interests of which he took an active part. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of Utica, in which organization Mrs. Hyde still takes a prominent part. Mr. Hyde never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world and as a pioneer he contributed toward material upbuilding along agricultural lines. Hle was known to be a progressive and industrious citizen and ever loyal to American ideals and standards.
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E. E. FRANZ
Characterized by a spirit of commercial activity, E. E. Franz has won a place among the substantial and progressive business men of Lushton, York county, where he has operated a store for more than eight years. He was born in Hall county, Nebraska, October 23, 1887, a son of Fred and Rose (George) Franz.
E. E. Franz was reared in York county and received his education in the public schools of the county and lived with his parents until he had attained his majority. He then turned his attention to business pursuits and became engaged as a clerk in a general store at Lushton remaining thus occupied for several years, during this period becoming thoroughly informed in the details of mereantile affairs as transacted in the store from day to day. He accumulated sufficient money to justify him in embarking in business for himself and he purchased as a growing concern the store in which he had been employed and for the past eight years has owned and operated the place with satisfactory financial results, due to his business methods and progressive spirit. Mr. Franz has an up-to-date general store, the business under his direction has been carefully operated, and he has ever recognized the fact that that business is most worthy of support which most care- fully safeguards the interests of its customers. He is now fully established in the mercantile life of Lushton.
Mr. Franz was united in marriage in 1909 to Miss May Smith and they have become the parents of two children: Cecil E. and Constantine I. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served on the town board for some years, his efforts for civic betterment being actuated by a broad breadth of view intended to secure the greatest good to the greatest number. IIe and his wife are highly esteemed in the part of the county where they reside and have a cirele of friends almost coextensive with their circle of acquaintances. The future career of Mr. Franz bids fair to be one of continued and expanding achievement.
CHARLES HILL
Charles Hill, a retired farmer and landowner of York, was born in York county, England, June 4. 1840, a son of Charles and Mary (Train) Hill, also natives of that county. His father engaged in farming in the old country and there his mother died. In 1851 the father determined to come to the United States, with the result that he sailed from his native land in the same year and on reach- ing this country settled in Clinton county, Iowa. Ile purchased land whereon he farmed until 1876 when his death occurred at the age of seventy-six years. Two children had been born to this union of whom Charles Hill, the subject of this review. is the only one living. Mr. Hill gave his allegiance to the republican party and he held various township offices. The paternal grandfather of the sub- ject of this review was Charles ITill and the maternal grandfather Christopher Train.
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The early life of Charles Hill was spent in York county, England, where he obtained a part of his education. At the age of eleven years he came to the United States with his father and resided on a farm in Iowa for a number of years. On the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Hill was among the first to volunteer his services and in August of the year 1861 he joined Company A. Eighth łowa Infantry. For some months he served with his company when he was discharged because of disability. About six months later, however, on regaining his health he joined Company D. Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He served throughout the remainder of the war in this company and received his final discharge at Wash- ington. Mr. Hill is a veteran of many of the important battles of that war, among them the second battle of Wilson Creek, Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Vicksburg. Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, being wounded in this last engagement. For some time he was in a hospital but after his wounds healed sufficiently he again joined his company and participated in the battles of Big Shanty, Atlanta, Mari- etta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Following the close of the war he removed to York county in the spring of 1870 and acquired a homestead. His first home on this land was indeed primitive for it was nothing more than a dugout. It was some time before he occupied a sod house and his first frame honse was not erected until 1818. While in Iowa Mr. Hill's marriage had taken place and in 1875 he and his wife went to Oregon and on the return trip drove from Portland to Nebraska in a wagon which was drawn by two horses and two mules. This trip was made during the Sioux Indian trouble. His homestead in York county he successfully cultivated and improved and suffered but little loss from the droughts and the grasshoppers. Mr. Hill steadily increased his acreage until he now has over two hundred and forty acres of well improved land through- out the county. In 1917 Mr. Hill removed to York and purchased a nice home at 1803 Nebraska avenue where he is now residing having retired from active life. The greater part of his life since coming to the United States has been spent in Nebraska but for nine years he resided at Del Orta, Colorado, where he owned a farm and some town property.
In 1867 in Towa ocurred the marriage of Mr. Hill and Miss Rosanna Echel- barker, a native of Ohio, born in Richland county in 1850. She was a daughter of Jacob and Keziah (Slagel) Echelbarker, the former a native of Ohio while the latter was born in Indiana. They removed to Illinois in 1853 and to Iowa in 1863 where the father followed his trade as carpenter and also engaged in farming. Eleven children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, namely : Nellie, the wife of John Anthony, who was formerly a farmer and is now a dray- man at Brown's Valley, Missouri: L. D., residing in York county was the first white child born in Loekridge township. York county; C. Wayne, who is engaged in farming near Polk : Melville, who is farming near Polk; O. B., who is farming on his father's farm; Lavina, the wife of George C. Grovesner, who is engaged in stock raising at Aurora: Orlin V., who is living on his father's farm near York; Merlin, farming in York county; May Belle, who is the wife of Floyd Masters, a farmer in Merrick county: Zeta, who is employed in the telephone office at York : and Ava, who resides in Omaha and is employed in the Union Pacific Telegraph office there. Merlin entered into service in the World war in June, 1912, and went to France with the Rainbow division. He received his training at Camp Lewis
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and Camp Kearney and participated in some of the most important battles of the war. He received his discharge in April, 1918.
Sinee age conferred upon Mr. Hill the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratie party in the interests of which he takes an active part and he is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has always been a stanch advocate of education and good roads and to those ends served as school director and road overseer. Mr. Hill had no financial assistance on starting ont in life for himself and has won whatever success he has achieved at the price of earnest, self-denying effort, his record proving what may be accomplished through close application, persistent energy and indefatigable industry.
REV. ANDREW EDWARDS
A life devoted to the welfare and service of his fellowmen has made the memory of Rev. Andrew Edwards revered and honored wherever he was known.
He was born in England October 10, 1828, and died April 7. 1915. His parents passed away in England, in which country the son was reared and educated. On crossing the Atlantic he first settled in Rochester, New York, where he remained for three months and then went to Canada. He attended Victoria College at Coburg. Canada, and was ordained to the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist church in 1853 and served the church of his choice for thirty-five years. He was liberally educated and had excellent command of the English language, was a brilliant talker, clear thinker and logical reasoner and his utterances never failed to impress those who heard him.
Rev. Andrew Edwards came to York in 1887 and for a number of years was a supply preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church of Nebraska but had practically retired when he came west. On August 1st, 1876, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Mary Ann McRoberts of Lucan, Canada, a daughter of Charles and Margaret ( MeLinden) MeRoberts, the former born in County Down, Ireland, of Scotch parentage. Mr. and Mrs. MeRoberts went to Canada in an early day and he was a successful farmer there. He also was engaged in business as a grain merchant and was a successful live stock dealer. Both he and his wife died in Canada. Of their family of seven children but three are living: Mrs. Edwards; Mrs. W. N. Shaver of St. Johns, North Dakota : and Charles A. MeRoberts of Woodstock, Canada. The parents were members of the Canadian Methodist church. By a former mar- riage to Miss Eleanor Hadwin of Teeswater, Canada, on June 2, 1857, three sons were born to Rev. and Mrs. Edwards, namely: Wesley H. and Case. of the Edwards and Rierdan Company ; and Thornton A., of the Salts Textile Manufac- turing Company. All three reside in New York.
To the second union were born six children: John C., who is engaged in the millinery business in Portland, Oregon : Hadwin P., who died in infancy ; Marion, who is manager of the store of The C. C. Cobb Co. of York. Nebraska ; George II., who is interested in the Pacific Hat Company of San Francisco, California ; Ethelda, wife of Mansfield Hervey, window decorator and salesman in The Cobb
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Co.'s store in York; and James W., who is sales manager of the C. C. Cobb Co. James W. Edwards joined the U. S. Marines in the fall of 1917 and remained in the service for two years, one year's service overseas with the American Expedi- tionary Force in France.
He went "over the top" and participated in the drive of the Argonne Forest and after the armistice was signed, Nov. 11, 1918, he made the march to the Rhine with the American Forces and served six months with the army of occupation in Germany, returning to the U. S. A. in August, being honoroably discharged Ang. 13, 1919.
Rev. and Mrs. Edwards were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Edwards devoted practically his entire life to the work of the ministry. His political allegiance was given the republican party. Ile had attained the age of eighty-seven years when "the weary wheels of life at length stood still," but his memory remains as a blessed benediction to many who knew him. Mrs. Edwards now occupies a home at 815 Lincoln avenue, York, Nebraska, where she has resided for many years.
GEORGE ANTHONY BECK
The life record of George Anthony Beck was such as endeared him to all with whom he came in contact and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him because of the sterling worth of his character and the high ideals which he ever followed. Christianity was to him a matter of everyday living. His beliefs were exemplified in his life, finding expression in kindliness and sympathy toward others, in the fairness of his judgment and in his straightforward dealings in all business transactions. Mr. Beck was born near Ottawa, Illinois, November 11, 1838, and was the second son in a family of six sons and one daughter whose parents were Benjamin J. and Mary Ann (Walrath ) Beck, of St. Johnsville, New York. In the year 1837 the parents came to Illinois and were among the earliest settlers in La Salle county. Soon after the birth of their son George they removed to a farm four miles from Plano, in Kendall county, Ilinois, and there he was reared to manhood. He was always eager to obtain an education, but the only opportunity accorded him in that direction was in the little country school, which he was able to attend during the winter months when farm work was impossible. Ile laid a good foundation during these brief school days and with much natural talent developed into a business man of marked ability. From childhood he lived a strictly moral life, and at the age of nineteen he decided to live a religious life. Ile joined the Methodist church and during his remaining days was untiring in his devotion to his church and to the welfare of his fellowmen, doing everything in his power for their uplift. From young manhood he served his church in dif- ferent official capacities, acting as superintendent of the Sunday school. as member of the official board and as church treasurer. His home was always open for the entertainment of ministers of the gospel and his great love for the cause of Christ led to his untiring devotion to the work and interests of the church.
Patriotism was also one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Beck, who in October, 1861, responded to the country's call for troops to preserve the Union,
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enlisting as a sergeant of Company H, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, for service in the Civil war. During the first year he was detailed to carry mail in the Ozark mountains of Missouri and on one occasion was thrown from his horse, sustaining a serious injury from which he suffered the remainder of his life. This caused his discharge from the service in September, 1862. He always remained a loyal sup- porter of the republican party, which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and which he always believed to be the party of reform and progress.
On the 31st of December, 1863, near Plano, Illinois, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Elizabeth Tenney, who was born on a farm near Plano, Kendall county, Illinois, February 11, 1842. On her father's side she was descended from Thomas Tenney. a member of Rev. Ezekiel Rogers' company, who came from Yorkshire, England, arriving in Salem, Massachusetts, in December, 1638, and settling at Rowley, Massachusetts, in April, 1639. Her great-grandfather was a member of the Ipswich company of minute men who marched at the memorable alarm of April 19, 1725. Her parents migrated to Ilinois from New Hampshire in 1837 by private conveyances-two wagons-the journey requiring three months. The parents of Mrs. Beck were Amos and Hannah (Cass) Tenney. Her mother was a gentlewoman of Scotch descent who reared a family of eleven children, of whom Caroline was the tenth and was the last survivor. She acquired her educa- tion in a country school near Plano and in the Jennings Seminary at Aurora, Illinois, and on the 31st of December. 1863, she became the wife of George A. Beek at Plano. She was sixteen years of age when she joined the Congregational church and a few years later she nnited with the Methodist church, of which she continued a member throughout her remaining days. She possessed a clear soprano voice and in the early days of her residence in York led the singing at many prayer meetings and revivals. She possessed a bright, sunny disposition and a rare charm of personality. She had a genius for home making and was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She was also given to hospitality, and in the pioneer times before trained nurses were available she gave her services freely to nursing the sick of the community. The temperance cause was also a matter of deep interest to Mrs. Beck and her influence was ever on the side of right. From young womanhood she also took an active part in the work of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and gave liberally of her time and means to promote the eause. To Mr. and Mrs. Beck were born six children : Annie H., born February 5. 1865. at Plano, Illinois, was graduated from the York Methodist College in 1886 and afterward assisted her father in the grocery business. In 1889 she secured employ- ment in the county clerk's office, was assistant fifteen years, deputy for ten years and in 1914 was elected to the position of county clerk on the republican ticket, being reelected in 1916. She also served as clerk of the local board during the World war and at the present time is proprietor of the Needlecraft & Music Shop at York: William A. Beck, the second of the family, born September 6, 1869, near Plano, Illinois, was graduated from the York Methodist College in 1886. He married Mertie E. Dale on the 23d of June, 1890, and in November of that year they removed to Denver, Colorado, where he is engaged in the wholesale eigar business. They have two sons : Claude George, a chiropractor of Denver; and Harold Lester, who is associated with his father in business; Julia M., born
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