NEGenWeb Project - Kearney County
Who's Who in Nebraska, 1940
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in Nebraska |
KEARNEY COUNTY
B. H. Bracken and I. M. Thomson
When the territory that now comprises Kearney County was first explored it was inhabited by the Pawnee Indians, and the United States government received title to the land by treaty and deed, signed by the Indian chiefs. In the main its history can be truthfully said to be similar to that of most other counties in this state. In 1835 Col. Henry Dodge of the United States army was detailed with 117 men to make a tour of the Platte valley. John C. Fremont with Kit Carson, as guide, on his first expedition of exploration through this territory, arrived at a point where he encamped on the evening of June 27, 1842, according to records found in his diary, which must have been approximately where Fort Childs, later named Fort Kearny, was established by act of congress in 1846. This was on the route which the Mormons traveled to Utah in 1847 and the gold seekers to California two years later.
The Oregon Trail also passed through and crossed the Platte river at about this point. The first settlement in what later became Kearney County can therefore be traced to the establishing of Fort Kearny. The fort was discontinued by order of the war department May 22, 1871. Fort Kearny Military Reservation was set off by President Polk in an order dated Jan. 18, 1849. Ten miles square, it was ordered opened for sale to settlers by act of congress in 1876. It is not recorded that there ever was an attack on the fort by Indians but the service rendered to untold numbers of travelers passing on their way to the west and northwest was of great importance. The great trees that are still growing there are authentically said to have been planted in 1848.
In 1872 Moses H. Sydenham platted the northwest quarter of Section 30, Township 8, Range 15. This was two miles west of Fort Kearny. He called it Centoria, as it was the approximate center of the United States. He published a weekly newspaper, called "The Central Star," through which he advocated the removal of the United States Capital from Washington, D. C., to Centoria. The paper was continued for two years.
Kearney County was formed by an act of the territorial legislature of Nebraska, June 10, 1860. Kearney City, commonly called Doby Town, was considered the county seat. Records of any legal transactions are very meager. Deed book No. 1 was started by J. M. Pyper on Sept. 1, 1862.
May 7, 1872, acting Governor W. H. James, in response to a petition signed by residents of the unorganized county, issued an order for an election to be held at the town of Lowell on June 17, 1872, at which thirty-one ballots were cast. The vote for location of the county seat was 23 for Lowell and 5 for Kearney City. Those voting were:
1.
T. Munhall
8.
Chas. W. Colt
2.
Joseph Kent
9.
W. S. Morlan
3.
A. Gaines
10.
C. Hollingsworth
4.
N. B. Hamp
11.
Nathan Platt
5.
N. D. Bliss
12.
R. E. Barney
6.
Edgar N. Adams
13.
J. V. Wilkerson
7.
J. S. Cline
14.
James Brown
15.
Samuel Brown
24.
P. Gustav Johansen
16.
Wm. Knaggs
25.
A. Michel
17.
Richard Knaggs
26.
F. M. Love
18.
L. A. Kent
27.
Jas. McGonegal
39.
H. T. Cooper
28.
A. A. Andrews
20.
Amos 0. Hooker
29.
James Riley
21.
Fred Roberts
30.
C. E. West
22.
E. F. Longer
31.
Moses H. Sydenham
23.
Paul Peterson
County officers elected were: Treasurer, A. A. Andrews; judge, H. T. Cooper; sheriff, F. Roberts; surveyor, Charles W. Colt, and superintendent of schools, L. A. Kent, who received every vote cast for his office. County commissioners elected were N. B. Hamp, James Brown and Moses H. Sydenham.
With the settling of the central and southern portions of the county, a petition was presented to the commissioners for a relocation of the county seat. An election was held Nov. 11, 1876, at which nearly four-fifths of the electors voted to relocate the county seat on the southwest quarter of Section 7, Township 6, Range 14, which is the present location of the city of Minden. On April 29, 1878, the county records were removed to the new location.
A courthouse was built at a cost of $3,949, which in 1906 was replaced by a modern three-story building of Bedford stone with an interior finish of marble and oak, at a cost of $98,000.
At the general election Nov, 6, 1883, the county voted to adopt township organization, and the first set of supervisors for the fifteen townships were as follows: L. T. Meyer, Grant; Almon Stuart, Cosmo; J. R. Seckman, Sherman; F. 0. Dorn, Oneida; A. L. Cocklin, Mirage; Fred Bredemier, Hayes; John Sheckles, Logan; J. F. Hayden, Blaine; E. 0. Smead, Kearney; Dan Hecox, Newark; Chris Webber, Lowell; C. D. Emerson, May; Asa Smith, Liberty; J. S. Frank, Eaton; George Harding, Lincoln. These supervisors held their first meeting Nov. 21, 1883, to organize. At this time Kearney precinct was divided, leaving fourteen townships.
At the time of the relocation of the county seat Lowell had become a thriving little city with a number of general stores, saloons, hotels and many sub-
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stantial residences. Lowell was the shipping point for large herds of cattle to eastern markets. The government land office was located there from 1872 to 1874 and was the center of great business activity during those years, until the county seat was moved away. When the railroad reached Minden business declined as rapidly as it had risen.
Much of human interest could be written of the history of the early days of the county, but space will not permit. The great Easter storm which began on Sunday, April 13, 1873, and continued for nearly three days was the most severe blizzard ever experienced in this locality. No human lives were lost but large numbers of cattle perished. Josiah Mathers, in the eastern part of the county, lost ninety-four head.
The grasshopper scourge visited this area three years in succession, the last and worst being in August, 1876, when they came and remained for fourteen days, devouring everything they could eat. The terrible drouth climaxed by the hot winds of July 26, 1894, is one of the outstanding severe trials which the settlers of Kearney County have had to endure.
Until the establishing of the permanent towns that sprang up with the advent of the railroads, a number of postoffices were located at various farms and ranches and were served by mail carriers, usually on horseback from Fort Kearny and later from Lowell. Among them were Keene postoffice, established 1872 at Walker's Ranch, located one mile north and two miles east of Wilcox, to which town the postoffice was moved. Folsomdale postoffice, nine miles north of Minden, was established 1886, with William G. Cole as postmaster. Christina postoffice was established 1879, with L. B. Collins as postmaster on northwest quarter Section 26, Township 5, Range 15. Zyba postoffice was established 1880 with Almon Stuart as postmaster on southwest quarter Section 26, Township 5, Range 14. Fredericksburg postoffice, four miles south and one mile east of Minden, was established 1876, Jens L. Jensen postmaster. Osco postoffice was first established 1875 on southwest quarter Section 8, Township 5, Range 13, with E. M. Wills as postmaster. This office was moved a number of times and had a number of different postmasters, the last one being Lewis T. Meyer. Snowflake postoffice was established about Feb. 1, 1881, with John Byrne as postmaster. Mirage postoffice, on the stage road from Kearney Junction to Bloomington and seven miles west of Minden was established 1875 and had mail twice a day. E. W. Fosburg was postmaster. May postoffice was established 1875 on the mail route from Lowell to Riverton on Section 20-6-13 with Daniel Emel as postmaster. Eaton postoffice, established 1874 on southeast quarter Section 30, had Alexander D. Austin as postmaster. Park postoffice, established 1877 on Section 20-7-14, was served by Thomas W. Burchell, postmaster. Harmony postoffice was established 1880 on southwest quarter Section 11-7-15, M. C. Carpenter, postmaster. Blaineville postoffice was established 1880, M. D. Bogart, postmaster.
In 1883 the Burlington and Missouri River railroad built its line, which was destined to become a part of what is now the main line of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad from Chicago to Denver, through Kearney County, passing through Minden in the center of the county.
The towns of Heartwell in the eastern and Axtell in the western part of the county were established and soon became progressive country towns with several stores, grain elevators, livery barns, banks, schools and churches.
During 1887 the Kansas City and Omaha railroad, which later became a part of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad system, was built through the county west to Alma, Neb. It entered Kearney County about eight and one-half miles north of the southeast corner of the county in an almost direct line to Minden, Norman was located three and one-half miles west of the east line of the county. From Minden the railroad ran west in a southwesterly direction to Wilcox, in the extreme southwest corner of the county.
Kearney County, like most of those bordering on the Platte, has a strip of rich valley land from one to two miles in width, extending across the northern edge of the county. This was the first to be settled, largely by veterans of the Civil War. This land is capable of raising abundant crops during years of normal rainfall. In recent years large acreage has been watered by means of pump irrigation from wells of a shallow depth. The wells vary from thirty to sixty feet in depth and pumps operated by engine or electric power will supply from 800 to more than 1,000 gallons per minute.
Joining the strip on the south is an area of from two to four miles wide, running across the county from east to west. This is most suitable for pasture, which through the years has been of great benefit to farmers on the "Divide." The divide is mainly level, black rich soil used for raising corn and grain, and is considered too valuable to be used for pasture.
Certainly of greatest importance in the settlement of any country is the character of its settlers! That Kearney County was settled by an orderly, God-fearing class of men and women, is abundantly attested by the fact that as soon as a community became even sparsely settled churches and schools appeared. Often before public places of worship could be built, religious services were held in the homes which frequently were sod houses. In several instances sod churches were the forerunners of fine, spacious up-to-date edifices.
One notable example is the Bethany Swedish Lutheran Church, three miles southeast of Axtell, which was begun in 1878 in a sod building 20x30 feet and with an earthen floor. In 1885 this was replaced by a frame structure, which has a fine pipe organ and a seating capacity of more than
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a thousand persons. This church has been the center of a large Swedish born community and its membership has been as high as 800. A paragraph from its early history reads: "The secret of this success, next to the blessing of God, is that the first settlers were forced to be self-sustaining. They always tried to have the gospel among them, but never received any help from other congregations and never went into debt."
The Fredericksburg Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, five miles south and one mile east of Minden, was organized July 20, 1879. It is the center of a large community which was settled almost exclusively by Danes from states farther east. In many cases they came direct from Denmark and Schlesvig-Holstein. The first church erected was destroyed by a tornado July 18, 1886, and a new one was built in 1888. After a number of years it became too small to accommodate its membership and was sold. A fine large modern church was put in its place.
Another instance of loyalty to this faith is the Danish Baptist Church of Osco in the southeastern part of the county. This community was also settled largely by Danes. To the north and east of Minden is the American Liberty Baptist Church.
Heartwell, in Eaton Township, was settled principally by Scotch and Irish and has a large and fine Catholic Church and parsonage. Each town has congregations of the different denominations and Christian instruction has been carried on by loyal consecrated ministers and Sunday School teachers through the years.
During the years beginning with the close of the last century, a Chautauqua pavilion was erected at Minden, in what is now the city park. Chautauquas which were conducted here and in several other towns of the county contributed much to the intellectual and moral instruction and uplift of the people.
An event of more than local importance was the establishment and development of an institution commonly known as the Bethphage Mission near Axtell. This is a charitable institution for the care and treatment of epileptics. It was the first institution of its kind to be erected in this country.
The originator of the idea was a young Lutheran minister, Rev. K. G. William Dahl. He was also the founder of the institution. The first land was purchased in 1914 and construction of the first building commenced in 1915. It was established and has been supported entirely by voluntary contributions and is now valued at more than $300,000. Its property includes a fine dairy farm, modern laundry, central heating plant, its own system of water works and is modern in every respect. It is one of few institutions of its kind and its inmates come from all parts of the country. It has been supported by contributions from all parts of the country and from people of all denominations although it is controlled and largely supported by Swedish Lutherans.
Another fine institution is the Bethany Old People's Home at Minden. This is a Danish Lutheran institution established by Rev. 0. P. Jensen about 1920. In 1925 the home received something over $15,000 by the provision of the last will and testament of the late Mrs. Mary Borgaard, who died that year. A fine brick building was erected out of this fund. The institution is widely known and is a fine monument to the large number of Danish people who pioneered in this county.
Since the close of the World War the history of the county has been in most respects comparable to that of other counties.
In the fall of 1919 a large homecoming celebration for the returning soldiers, sailors and marines was held in Minden. H. H. Wilson of Lincoln gave the address.
For several years after the war business boomed. Prices and wages were high. Dry land farms sold for as much as $200 per acre. The people made money, lived high and invested too much in poor investments. By 1925 land prices began to recede. Prices of farm products were not so high and crops were not so good. These conditions gradually but steadily became worse from then until now. Farming land that sold for as high as $200 in 1920 is worth about $40 per acre now.
The loss of farms by foreclosure of mortgages has probably been lower than in most farming communities but a great many farms have been taken by the mortgage holders.
The county has been notably free from bank failures. Since 1929 one bank has liquidated and one has sold out. One small bank was forced into receivership after the bank holiday in 1933 but the receiver was able to pay the depositors more than 90 percent. There has been no other failure and the county still has six good going banks.
At the end of the war the roads and streets in the county were all dirt. The soldiers returning from France tried to imagine the construction of all-weather roads such as they found there but it seemed beyond possibility because of the expense of procuring the necessary material which seemed to be always so abundant and close at hand in France. During the twenty years all the streets in the several towns have been paved or graveled, one highway has been paved across the county and all of the principal roads are graveled. What seemed impossible has been accomplished.
During the past sixteen years Minden, the county meat, has become notable over the state and nation for its beautiful and distinctive Christmas decorations. The county courthouse is a square building with a dome and is located in the center of the principal business square. At the Christmas season this building and the adjacent streets are ornamented with several thousand varicolored electric lights. The effect is so brilliant and artistic that it has attracted the attention of railroad travel-
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ers and other visitors. On account of this distinction Minden has adopted the name "The Christmas City."
During recent years the various plans of the national government for the relief and improvement of economic conditions have operated effectively. A good deal of the road building has been done with government assistance. Fine school buildings have been built at Minden and Axtell with PWA help. CWA and WPA and NYA have furnished a great deal of employment for men in need of work. This work has been used on projects of real and lasting value, among which may be listed several rural school buildings, a complete system of water works in Axtell, street improvements, water works extensions, sewage disposal and other improvements.
Government checks under one plan or another have been of tremendous benefit in making it possible for farmers to hold on from year to year through this long and severe drouth period.
By far the largest government project and perhaps the most important thing in the recent history of the county is the Tri-County power and irrigation project. Its official title is the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and it includes or extends into more than three counties but it was originally planned for Phelps, Kearney and Adams Counties and has always been familiarly known as the Tri-County.
The idea of irrigating in these counties with water from the Platte river was originally proposed by Joel Hull 50 years ago. Joel Hull was the same Minden man who assisted in platting and incorporating the original town and was active in getting the county seat moved from Lowell to Minden back in the seventies.
In the early years of the present century a number of Minden men became convinced of the feasibility of the plan and succeeded in interesting several men in Holdrege and Hastings. For many years these men worked and planned without achieving any tangible results.
Finally in 1933 the Nebraska legislature enacted a law, commonly known as senate file 310, which authorized the creation of the district. In 1934 a PWA grant and loan amounting to some $30,000,000 was obtained and construction commenced.
Construction is not yet complete and it will still be one or two years before any ample supply of irrigation water will be available. The principal source of water supply is the Kingsley dam, now under construction across the North Platte river north of Ogallala. This dam was named in honor of the late George P. Kingsley, of Minden, who was active for many years in promotion of the project and was its first president. The dam will impound 2,000,000 acre feet of water which will be taken from there through canals and ditches to the irrigated farms in Gosper, Phelps, Kearney and Adams Counties.
The effectiveness of the irrigation feature was seriously lessened by a decision of the Nebraska supreme court to the effect that no Platte river water could be taken for irrigation purposes beyond the Platte valley watershed. In spite of this it will still be possible to irrigate about one-fourth of the farming land in the county.
The construction of the project has been very important in providing employment and furnishing some good payrolls in the county during these economically meager years. If the project is successful as planned it will substantially revolutionize the industrial and economic life of the community within the next few years.
During these twenty years a great majority of the original pioneers have passed away. In 1920 most of the men who were prominent in business, profession, politics and industry were men who had then been here from thirty to fifty years. Nearly all those men have now died and their places have been taken by the younger men of the second generation. The old timers did a magnificent job of developing a new country and left a fine heritage to the present generation. We are now enjoying luxuries of which the pioneers never dreamed. In spite of all this it is to be seriously doubted if we are as happy or as genuinely prosperous as the pioneers with their sod houses, dirt roads, horsedrawn vehicles, no telephones, no radios and but little of anything else.
It is certainly true that we have problems to solve which are far more difficult, and numerous than those confronting the preceding generation. The people of Kearney County are trying to overcome the difficulties which presently confront them by using the same determination, good sense and integrity of character that made the pioneers successful.
AABEL, CHRISTIAN: Retired; b Saby, Denmark July 15, 1864; s of Christian Aabel-Minnie Marie Jacobsen; ed Denmark; Franklin Acad; Saby Coll, Denmark; m Minnie May Olson Nov 20, 1890 Newark; s Wilhelm Marrus, Lloyd Hhods, Bartholdt Otto; d May Albertine (Mrs H J Runquist); 1878 learned bakers trade, Saby, Denmark; 1882 came to Lincoln, emp in bakeries, Omaha, Lincoln, Friend; 1883-97 estab & oprd bakery, Minden; 1887-1937 owned & oprd mdse bus, Minden; 1894-1901 farmed1400 A Kearney Co; 1907-14 dir Minden Exchange Natl Bank; 1914-37 with Neb Natl Bank, Minden; 1938- ret; past mbr sch bd & city coun; Neb Good Roads Assn, brought first highway DLD thru Neb; dir Fort Kearney Memorial Assn which gave land for state park; past mbr vol fire dept; dir Tri-Co project: dir of Old Peoples Home, Minden since founded 1916; past dir C of C; Danish Brotherhood; AF&AM; Danish Luth Ch, dir 20 years; Rep, past chmn Rep State Cen Com; res 236 W 1st, Minden.ABRAHAMSON, CHARLES OTTO: Farmer; b Henry Co, Ia July 24, 1868: s of Otto Abrahamson-Maria Nelson; ed Kearney Co; Luther Coll Wahoo; m Jenny A Nelson June 5, 1899 Kearney Co; s Otto Vincent, Milton Leander. Reuben Sylvester, Chester Charles; 1876 came with parents to Kearney Co; 1889-95 clk in father's store, Axtell; 1895-1915 farmed in Kearney Co: 1915- farmer near Ax-
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tell; past mbr town bd; Luth Ch; Rep; hobby, travel; res RFD 1, Axtell.
ALLBEE, JOHN HENRY: Retired; b Farmington, Me Apr 13, 1845; s of Henry P Allbee-Louise Allen Hutchins; ed Livingston Co, Ill; m Celia Hortense Thatcher Mar 6, 1869 Pontiac Ill; s George Ray; d Marcia May (Mrs W M Jones), Alice Lillian (dec), Lena Gertrude (Mrs H Strine, dec), Verdie Agness (Mrs Layton Newcomb), Emma Ruth (Mrs O Warp); 1865-74 worked on farm & farmed indep in Livingston Co, Ill; 1874-1900 homesteaded & farmed in Clay Co; 1900-05 carp, Harvard; 1905-35 painter, Minden; 1935- ret; during civil war, enl Jan 1864, Chicago, Co M 1st Ill light arty, in 27 engagements, disch July 25, 1865; GAR, state chaplain 4 years; IOOF; IOGT; Ch of Christ; Indep; hobbies, flower raising; res Minden.
ANDERSEN, CLARENCE T: Real Estate Broker; b Minden, Neb May 28, 1896; s of Peter N Andersen- Nikoline Andersen; ed Kearney Co: Boyles Bus Coll, Omaha: m Martha Fleming Aug 8, 1920 Hastings; s Pete N; d Dorothy Jean, Georgia May; 1915-17 with CB&Q RR in Alliance div; 1919-24 in real est off, Hastings; 1924-29 represented Buick Co; 1929- in real est bus, Minden; during World War, enl in US army Bayard Oct 5, 1917, sent to Fort Logan. Colo, Fort Leavenworth, Kas, O/S to Liverpool, to France, Co E 7th engrs, 5th div, disch Aug 1919; Amer Leg, past comm: past mbr Neb Real Estate Assn; C of C; pres Kearney Co Fair Board; past mbr KP; Presby Ch; Indep; hobbies, golf, race horse breeding; off 353 E 4th: res 127 Smith Ave, Minden.
ANDERSEN, LEONARD CLARENCE: Farmer; b Kearney Co, Neb Oct 24, 1894; s of Anton M Andersen-Tilda Olson; ed Kearney Co; m Ruth H Bergsten Sept 10, 1919 Minden; s Eugene Euclid, Ivan Dale; 1915-32 with father oprd impl bus, Norman; 1932- farmer near Norman; Southern Neb Rural Pub Power Dist, dir, secy, past VP; pres Kearney Co Indep Tele Co, of which father was one of founders, first pres, 1904; mbr town bd; past mbr sch bd; during World War, 1918-19 in US army Co C, 309th ammunition train 84th div; Amer Leg; past mbr IOOF, past noble grand; Luth Ch; Dem; res Norman.
ANDREWS, HENRY SEELEY: Surgeon, b Nemaha, Neb Mar 28, 1885; s of Bell Andrews-Ida Olive Seeley; ed Stella, Presby Coll, Cordell Okla, BA 1904; U Med Coll, Kansas City Mo, MD 1909; Phi Delta; m Ellen M Rasmus Mar 18, 1918 Hastings; s Harry Hubbard, Thomas Gaylord; 1909 interne Uni Hosp, Kansas City; 1909-12 prac med, Barada: 1912-15 surg, Belgrade; 1915-25 surg, Minden; 1925-28 ptr of Dr Jarmin in med prac, 1928-35 ptr of Dr Blume, 1935-36 indep prac, 1936- ptr of Dr B B Sutton; 1928-39 estab, built & oprd Seeley Hosp; 1925-39 surg, Bethphage Mission Hosp; 1934- mayor, Minden; during World War, capt field hosp service 2; Adams Co Med Soc; Neb St & AMA, councilor 10th dist; FACS; C of C; past pres Rotary; Minden Golf Club; KP: IOOF; BPOE; Presby Ch; hobby, fishing; off 444 E 5th; res 141 N Smith Ave, Minden.
BASS, ARMAND: Clergyman; b Sallisaw, Okla Jan 20, 1904; s of Henry T Bass-Lucile Roper; ed Sallisaw Okla HS; Kas St Coll & Manhattan Bible Coll, BA 1986; Transylvania Seminary & Coll, Lexington Ky, BA 1938; m Marguerite McAlpine Dec 28, 1934 Marysville, Kas; 1920-31 with father in construction bus, Okla; 1938 pastor Chris Ch, Humboldt; 1938- pastor Chris Ch, Minden; while at Manhattan Bible Coll had chg of big church, Washington Kas; designed & dedicated remodeled church, Lyons Kas; AF&AM; hobby, bldg & remodeling churches; off & res 439 Tower, Minden.
BATTISTE, HUME LE PRINCE: Owner Tire & Service Station; b Grahmville S C Dec 2, 1892; s of John Battiste-Martha Hume; ed Sch for Deaf, Mt Airy Penn; Gallaudet Coll for Deaf, Washington DC; m Rosamond Fern Rummell Oct 15, 1924 Smith Center Kas; s Robert Hume Battiste; 1914-17 played professional baseball, on west coast & in Canada; 1918 emp by Goodyear Tire Factory; 1919- opr tire & service station, Minden; C of C; Meth Ch; Dem; hobbies, painting, gardening; res 126 S Nance, Minden.
BAUER, CLARENCE ELWOOD: Garage Owner; b Minden, Neb Mar 24, 1910; s of Charles J Bauer-Carrie Hardy; ed Minden HS 1927; m Rather Christensen Dec 28, 1929 Denison Ia; s Larry M; 1927-29 with Lienhart Motor Co, Minden; 1929-31 with Nelsen Garage, Minden; 1934-37 agt for Dodge & Plymouth; 1937-39 agt for Chrysler & Plymouth; 1931- owner & opr Lienhart Motor Co, named Bauer Motor Service; C of C; Rotary; Chris Ch; hobby, photography; off 319 N; res 319 Brown Ave, Minden.
BERGGREN, CHARLES EMIL: Machinist; b Vec, Sweden May 25, 1877; s of Gustaf Berggren-Lena ___; ed Ragan; m Ella C Carlson Aug 15, 1904 Minden; s Kenneth, Clarence; d Dorothy M (Mrs W Stricklor), Margaret (Mrs A Burgeson); 1888-1903 with father in blacksmith shop, Ragan; 1903-owner & opr blacksmith & machine shop, Wilcox; C of C; MWA: Indep; hobby, blacksmithing; res Wilcox.
BERGSTEN, HARRY WILBURN: Lumber Dealer; b Kearney Co, Neb July 1, 1905; s of Frederick Bergsten-Anna Anderson; ed Norman; Luther Coll, Wahoo; m Anna M Jacobsen Aug 15, 1928 Kearney; d Marion, Helen, Elaine (dec); 1922-27 emp on farms, Kearney Co; 1927-29 emp by Kingsley Lbr & Coal Co & Keene Grain, Stock & Lbr Co; 1929 clk in Farmers Store, Keene; 1929-39 teller, Norman Exchange Bank, also lumber salesman; 1939 bank moved to Bertrand; 1930-39 secy-treas Kingsley Lbr & Coal Co; 1929-39 in ins bus, Norman; 1929-39 Norman city clerk; mbr sch bd; pres Parent Tchrs Club; Luth Ch; Rep; hobby, carp work: res Norman.
BLOOM, RALPH: Real Estate & Insurance Dealer; b Kearney Co, Neb May 15, 1888; s of Oscar Bloom-Emella Schutz: ed Kearney Co; Luther Coll, Wahoo; KSTC; m Ellen Nyquist Nov 27, 1912 Axtell; d Violette Mae; 1909-34 cash, Bank of Axtell; 1929- owner & mgr farms in Kearney Co, also in real est & ins bus; secy Axtell Grain & Elevator Co; past mbr sch bd; village treas 1914-39; past mbr vol fire dept; C of C, past pres, post dir; Augustana Luth Ch, trustee; Rep; hobbies, golf, driving; res Axtell.
BORGAARD, CLARENCE C: Clerk of District Court; b Kearney Co, Neb June 18, 1898; s of John C Boorgaard-Anna Christine Johnson; ed Minden HS; m Della Pearl Barnes Sept 13, 1919 North Platte; d Marian Faythe; 1918-19 emp by Patterson Hdw & Oil Co, Minden; 1919-22 with H M Davidson Cash Store, Minden; 1922-25 owner & opr groc; 1925-27 clk. L C Larsen Hdw; 1927-31 with W E Nickod & Son Mortuary & oprd Standard Oil Station; 1931- clk of dist court, Minden; Neb Assn of Clks of Dist Court; Minden Golf Club; IOOF; Chris Ch, elder; Rep; hobby, gardening; off Courthouse; res 409 N Smith, Minden.
BRACKEN, BENJAMIN HARRISON: Attorney; b Wallace, Kas Aug 16, 1888; s of Reed P Bracken-Floretta Erskln; ed Wallace; Emporia Kas; Hastings Coll, BSc 1913; U of N 1916-17; m Helen O Jones Aug 27, 1919 Hastings; s Benjamin H; d Octavia Jane; 1914-16 tchr, Potter; 1919-22 supt of Minden schs; 1920 adm to bar; 1922- prac law, Minden; 1934- Minden city atty: during World War, 1917 in US army Co M, 165th inf, 2nd lt, O/S 1 1/2 years, disch Feb 1919, Camp Dix, N J; Amer Leg; Rotary; C of C; AF&AM; Presby Ch; Rep; hobbies, fishing, hunting; off Courthouse; res 407 Hull Ave, Minden.
BRACKEN, HELEN OCTAVIA: Homemaker; b Hastings, Neb Dec 16, 1893; d of Charles L Jones-Octavia Howard; ed Hastings HS; Hastings Coll, BA 1916; m Benjamin H Bracken Aug 27, 1919 Hastings; s Benjamin H Jr; d Octavia Jane; 1919- homemaker, Minden; 1938-39 VP Womans Club, 1939- pres: Amer Leg aux; past mbr DAR; past mbr Garden Club; PEO; Presby Ch; Rep; hobby, reading; res 407 Hull Ave, Minden.
BRADY, DUER SOMES: Publisher; b Stotesbury, Mo Apr 15, 1905: s of M S Brady-Ida Atkins; ed Tecumseh HS; U of N, 1924; m Merle Devenney Aug 23, 1927 Tecumseh, d Patricia Jean; 1925-28 co-publisher Johnson Co Journal, Tecumseh; 1929-36 co-publisher Franklin Sentinel; 1939- VP & editor Minden Courier; 1939- troop committeeman BSA, Minden; Rotary; C of C, pres Franklin; Presby Ch; Dem; hobbies, golf, photography; res 334 N Smith, Minden.
BRAINARD, GEORGE WASHINGTON: Publisher; b Denison. Tex Sept 23, 1890; s of Lewis Scott Brainard-Sophia Jensen; ed Minden; m Clara Hamilton Nov 22, 1923 Smith Center Kas; d Georgia Clarice; 1907- 09 printers devil, Minden Courier; 1909-16 foreman; 1915-16 foreman Geneva Daily Gazette; 1916-17 foreman Fairbury Daily Gazette; 1917-19 foreman Superior Daily Gazette; 1919-22 foreman Minden Courier, 1922 org The Courier Publishing Co, 1922-
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Who's Who
pres; Minden Ad Club, past pres; C of C; KP; hobby, fixing up home; res Minden.
BREHM, SAMUEL: Manager Lumber Company; b Davenport, Neb Dec 8, 1892; s of Conrad W Brehm-Maggie E Hamburger; ed Harvard, Lincoln HS; La Salle Extn U, Chicago; m Fern Garvin Sept 15, 1915 Lincoln; s Junior; d Kathryn L (Mrs Robert Mahoney); 1904-14 farmed with father, Harvard; 1914-15 yard man, Pauley Lbr Co, Clay Center: 1915-17 bkkpr for Pauley Lbr Co at Lincoln, 1917-18 at Milford; 1918-19 mgr J H Yost Lbr Co at Sutton; 1919-21 mgr at Harvard; 1921-22 salesman Joslin Lbr Co, Fairbury; 1922-23 salesman for Lehigh Portland Cement Co, Kansas City Mo; 1923-31 oprd restaurant, Harvard; 1931-34 mgr J H Yost Lbr Co, at Grafton, 1934- mgr at Minden; past mbr city coun & sch bd; past chmn cemetery bd, Harvard; C of C; Rotary; dir Minden Golf Club; AF&AM; past mbr IOOF & KP; Meth Ch; Rep; hobbles, golf, hunting; off 247 N Colorado; res 236 S Nance, Minden.
BURDEN, HARRY H: Postmaster; b Franklin Co, Neb Dec 22, 1883; s of William A Burden-Nettie L Crosby; ed Campbell HS 1901; Queen City Bus Coll, Hastings; m Hazel M Leafgren Nov 15, 1911 Axtell; d Norma Irene, Vera Mae, Doris Mildred, Dorothy Marie; 1904-05 with C Keohler Elevator Co; 1905-07 & 1908-09 mgr Koehler Elevator, Carter; 1907-08 worked in Campbell; 1910 in construction work in Mexico; 1911-25 with Central Grain Co, of Lincoln at Axtell; 1925-34 with Crete Mills Elevator, Axtell; 1984-86 Kearney Co dep treas; 1936- M, Axtell; past mbr town & sch bds; Tri-Co Postal Service Coun, past pres; Neb League of Dist P Ms: Neb ch Natl Assn of P Ms; C of C; dir of United South Platte C of C; Minden Golf Club; Dem; hobbies, fishing, golf; res Axtell.
CANADAY, MRS MARY JANE: Homemaker; b Clark Co, Ill Dec 6, 1866; d of Franklin Z Winters-Mary A Daniels; ed Clark Co Ill; Daniel Ind Norm; m Joseph S Canady June 29, 1890 Clark Co Ill, (dec); d Mary Golda; 1884-89 tchr, Clark Co Ill; 1890- homemaker, Minden; secy Kearney Co Hist Soc; past pres Womans Club; Garden Club; Chris Set Ch; Dem; hobby, historical work; res 708 E 5th, Minden.
CAVANAUGH, MIKE: Farmer; b Kearney Co, Neb Oct 26, 1888: s of Thomas Cavanaugh-Milsa Walker; ed Kearney Co; m Helen B Hansen Jan 12, 1926 Grand Island; s Hodson Arthur; 1904-26 farmed with father; 1926- indep farmer, Kearney Co; 1937 Master Farmer; Farmers Union; Farmers Elevator; Cath Ch; Rep; hobby, farming; res RFD 1, Minden.
CHAMBERS, JOHN GARFIELD: Station Agent; b Holland, Ia Dec 20, 1878; s of John Henry Chambers-Mary Angeline Thorne; ed Atwood Kas HS; m Cora T Jones June 25, 1902 Minden; s John Burdette; 1897-1900 CB&Q RR relief opr & station agt, Eckley Colo; 1900-03 opr, Minden; 1908- 06 agt Lafayette, Colo & Ludell, Kas, 1906-07 station agent, Haigler; 1907-18 agt, Stratton; 1918-21 agt, Yuma Colo; 1921- station agt, Minden; past mbr sch bd; ORT, ch mbr McCook div; C of C; AF&AM. past master; past mbr IOOF. & BPOE; Presby ch, treas, financial secy, elder; Rep; hobbies, golf, football; off depot; res 219 E 1st, Minden.
CHAPPELL, CHARLES ARTHUR: Attorney; b Pike Co, Ind Oct 9, 1882; s of McLeod W Chappell-Ann Arthur; ed Minden HS; m Eletta H Pattison July 18, 1917 Minden; s Arthur McLeod, John Charles: d Ruth Ann, Marjorie Jean; 1904 adm to Neb bar; 1904- prac law, Minden; 1910-14 Kearney Co atty; 1917-1919, 1927 mbr state senate; Kearney Co & Neb St Bar Assns; AF&AM; United Presby Ch; Dem; off 306 E 5th; res 181 N Nebraska, Minden.
CHAPPELL, WILLIAM ELLIOTT: Dentist: b Minden, Neb Mar 26, 1895; s of McLeod Washington Chappell-Nancy Ann Arthur; ed Minden HS 1913; U of N, DDS 1917; Delta Sigma Delta; m Mona Elizabeth Saltzgaber May 25, 1918 Lincoln; s Elliott R; d Ida Janice; 1917-18 prac dentistry in Minden; mbr sch bd; during World War 1918-19 in med corps, Fort Riley Kas, Fort Oglethorpe Ga, & Camp McClellan Ala; Amer Leg; past pres SW Neb Dist Dental Soc; Neb St Dental Assn; C of C; Rotary; AF&AM; KT; Shrine; past mbr KP; United Presby Ch; Dem; hobby, golf; off Binderup Bldg; res 344 W 2nd, Minden.
CHRISTENSON, ARTHUR ALVIN: Clergyman; b Marquette, Kas May 9, 1891; s of John P Christenson-Betty Larson; ed Marquette Kas HS; Bethany Coll, Lindsborg Kas BA 1915; Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island Ill, BD 1921; m Irene E Carlson Nov 28, 1917 Lindsborg Kas; d Martha Irene, Helen Ann; 1915-18 HS tchr Buffalo Kas; 1921-23 pastor Calvary Luth Ch, Oberon N D; 1923-26 pastor Salem Luth Ch, Creston Ia: 1926-32 pastor Luth Ch, Olsburg Kas; 1932-39 pastor Bethel Luth Ch, Holdrege; 1939- dir & treas Bethphage Mission; 1936-40 VP Neb conf of Luth Augustana synod; Rep; hobbies, fishing, reading, athletics; off & res Axtell.
CLEARMAN, ROMNEY CLEVELAND: Merchant; b Harvard, Neb Jan 14, 1892; s of John H Clearman-Harriett May Morgan; ed Kearney HS & Mil Acad 1909; Lake Forest U, Ill 1914; Omega Psi; m Margaret Jane Wilson Feb 15, 1916 Lincoln; d Harriett Elizabeth, Mona Lois; 1914-17 & 1918-26 with father in gen store, Minden; 1926-36 traveled in US, Canada & Mexico for T K Kelley Sales System; 1936- owner & opr store in Minden; int in irrigation promotion; during World War 1917-18, 5th Co 3rd batt inf OTC, Camp Pike Ark; C of C; Chris Ch; Dem; hobby, trout fishing; off Clearman Store; res 444 Hull Ave, Minden.
CODNER, HARRY EARL: Superintendent of Schools; b Lisbon, Ill Apr 14, 1888; s of George W Codner- Ada Comstock; ed Gibbon HS 1906; U of N 1911-12; KSTC, BA 1922; m Vernice M Coffey Aug- 24, 1913 Adams; d Beverly Beth, Blair Bernice, Doris Dale; 1906-07 carp with father; 1909-11 Supt of schs, Atlanta; 1911-12 supt of schs, Axtell; 1913-16 supt of schs, Hickman; 1916-18 supt of schs, Hayes Center; 1918-20 supt of schs, Cortland; 1920- supt of schs, Axtell; town bd, past chmn; Kearney Co Men Teachers Assn, pres 1938; NSTA; C of C; Presby Ch, past trustee, elder 3 terms; Rep; hobby, woodwork; res Axtell.
CURTIS, CARL T: Congressman; b Minden, Neb Mar 15, 1905; s of Frank O Curtis-Alberta Mae Smith; ed Minden HS; Neb Wes; U of N; Beta Kappa; m Lois Wylie Atwater June 6, 1931 Minden; d Clara Mae; has been prin Minden schs; Kearney Co atty 1931-35; 1937- congressman; mbr bd of edn; secy, dir & pres C of C; pres of Minden Cemetery Assn; Neb St Bar Assn,, mbr dist com on inquiry; dir Rotary; AF&AM; IOOF; First Presby Ch, elder, trustee, SS supt; Rep; hobby, Politics; off 424 N Minden; res 1127 N Tower, Minden.
DOSSETT, CHARLES FRANKLIN: Real Estate & Insurance Dealer; b Nebraska City, Neb Nov 6, 1884; s of Jacob Dossett-Nancy Ann Kearby; ed Axtell HS; Grand Island Bus Coll 1902-04; m Nina M Thompson Jan 2, 1907 Oak; foster s Arden Van; 1905-07 with Keene Grain Stock & Elevator; 1907-11 farmed near Keene; 1911-21 cash Farmer's State Bank, Mrs Dossett asst cash Keene; 1921-34 VP Bank of Axtell; 1934 bank liquidated; 1911- real est & ins agt; 1921- village clk; past twp treas; past sch bd mbr; mbr vol fire dept; 1937-40 secy C of C; Minden Golf Club; AF&AM; Scot Rite; past mbr AOUW; Presby Ch, att gen assembly, Pittsburgh Penn 1931; Rep; Mrs Dossett grand representative OES of Neb to conv in Ky; hobby, raising gladioli; off Bank Bldg; res Axtell.
DOSSETT, CLARENCE BOWEN: Editor & Publisher; b Nebraska City, Neb Feb 2, 1880; s of Jacob F Dossett-Nancy Ann Kearby; ed Axtell & Keene HS; m Olga B Lundberg Dec 26, 1906 Sumner; d Pearl (Mrs D C McGill), Dorothy C, Marjorie; 1901-04 farmed near Axtell; 1904-07 in Wilcox; 1907- 08 printer for Minden News; 1908-11 editor & publisher Craig News; 1911- editor & publisher Axtell Times; past mbr sch bd; mbr cemetery bd; NPA; C of C; Presby Ch, elder & SS supt; Rep; hobby, gardening; off & res AxteIl.
ENGLAND, JOHN D: Banker, Physician & Surgeon; b Sweden, Feb 27 1858; s of John England-Matilda Hanson; ed Sweden; Dekalb Co Mo, Bellevue Hosp & Med Coll, New York City, MD 1887, m Nannie O Sanden Oct 1887 Salina Kas; s CarIyle S; 1887-90 prac med, Lindsborg Kas; 1890-91 prac in Salina Kas; 1891 prac in Holdrege; 1891-1917 prac in Axtell; 1907 estab Farmer's & Mchts Bank in Axtell; 1917- ret from prac, devoted time to banking; past mbr sch bd; past mbr Neb St & AMA; AF&AM; Scot Rite; Shrine; past mbr MWA; past mbr KP; past mbr AOUW; Dem; hobby, politics; off & res Axtell.
ERICKSON, BEN CLARENCE: Clergyman; b Oakland, Cal July 31, 1910; s of Clarence Edward Erickson-Christean Krone; ed Oakland Cal, McClymands HS 1926; Lake Merrit Bus Coll, 1928; Bible Inst of Los Angeles, 1930-33; Evang Free Ch of Amer Seminary, Chicago 1935; ordained Feb 25, 1936; m Fern Violet Holmgren Mar 20, 1935 Oakland Cal;
620
s Laurence Bernard; with Neal Stratford & Kerr Co in Oakland until 1930; 1935-36 pastor Kearney Evang Mission Ch; 1936- pastor Evang Mission Ch, Keene; chmn Kearney Co Ministerial Assn; Evang Ch, secy Midwest Conf of Amer, chmn Young Peoples Soc of Neb; Rep; hobbies, fishing, hunting; off & res Keene.
ETZELMILLER, JOHN HAROLD: Merchant; b Kearney Co, Neb Nov 6, 1897; s of John J Etzelmiller-Elizabeth Paulson; ed Minden HS 1916; m Myrtle H Aabel Sept 1, 1920 Minden; s John Eugene, Phillip, Robert; 1916-17 emp by Ford garage, Minden; 1917-29 clk in Gaarde & Peterson Store, changed to Gaarde Clothing, Minden, after death of Mr Peterson; 1929- ptr of Mr Gaarde under name of Gaarde & Etzelmlller; 1933- mbr city coun; during World War 3 mos in SATC Cotner Coll, Lincoln 1918; Amer Leg, ch mbr; C of C: ch mbr Minden Golf Club; AF&AM; United Presby Ch; Rep; hobbies, golf, sports; off 501 N Colorado; res 714 N Kearney Ave, Minden.
FRANK, CHARLES EWING: Farmer; b Houghton, Mich July 20, 1869; s of Joseph Seward Frank-Anna Amerman; ed Kenesaw; KSTC; m. Annabel Linson Mar 8, 1897 (dec); s Dr Charles Harold, Henry Seward, Herbert Lewis; d Hazel Mae (Mrs E F Ham); m Winnie M Linson Mar 26, 1922 Denver Colo; step-s Lt Ross G Linson; step-d Luella May (Mrs W H Holthaus), Doris (Mrs H B Olsen); came to Neb in 1876; 1892-93 sch tchr in Adams & Kearney Co; 1895-96 tchr in Heartwell; 1897-1920 farmer, Kearney Co; 1920-22 farmed, Rock Co; 1922-39 farmed, Kearney Co; 1939- ret; past mbr Kearney Co Rural Tele Co, Heartwell & Norman; 1935-87 state representative; past mbr town bd, past mbr sch bd; pres Old Settler's Orgn of Kearney Co; Meth Ch, ofcr, past SS supt; Rep; hobby, reading history; res 343 Holland, Minden.
FRANK, HENRY SEWARD: Superintendent of Schools; b Heartwell, Neb Apr 15, 1899; s of C E Frank-Annabelle Linson; ed Kearney Co; KSTC; Hastings Coll; m Enid E Canfield May 22, 1927 Lexington; s Charles Elmer; d Annabel Lou; 1919-20 tchr, Rock Co; 1920-21 tchr, Kearney Co; 1921-23 emp on farm, Kearney Co; 1923 emp by Farmer's Elevator Co of Minden; 1923-24 emp by L A Youngson on farm; 1927-30 tchr Scotts Bluff Co; 1931-37 tchr Crofton grade sch & Jr HS prin; 1937- supt of schs Norman: mbr town bd; mbr recreational bd; NSTA: AF&AM; past mbr KP; Meth Ch; Rep; hobby, reading current events; off & res Norman.
FREELAND, JOHN EARL: Owner Furniture Store & Funeral Home; b Axtell, Neb Feb 15, 1900; s of J S Freeland-Esther Pearson; ed Axtell & Minden HS; m Elsie S Peterson Apr 17, 1924 Axtell; s Robert Earl; 1918-30 with father oprd furniture store & funeral home, Axtell; 1930- opr store after death of father; 1928 added musical instruments to store; past mbr town bd; mbr sch bd, past mbr fire dept; Neb St & Natl Funeral Dirs Assns; AF&AM; Scot Rite; Shrine; past mbr MWA; Presby Ch; Rep; hobbies, music, tennis; off & res Axtell.
FRIEMANN, HERMAN HENRY: Merchant & Postmaster; b Province of Hanover, Germany Oct 28, 1894; s of Friedrich Friemann-Friedricke___; ed Germany; m Lillie Dasher Sept 15, 1919 Minden; s Gene Dasher; clk in hdw & furn store, Hanover Germany until 1913; 1913-33 clk in gen store, Minden; 1933- P M of Keene; Neb League of Dist P M's; Indep; res Keene.
GAARDE, HANS ANDERSON: Merchant; b Denmark, Sept 23, 1860; s of Jens Nussen Gaarde-Marie Sorgenfrey; ed Denmark; Cedar Co; m Mary E Brady June 6, 1898 Gibbon (dec 1920); m Rosa B Crocker June 6, 1921 Minden (dec 1932); 1874-78 emp on farm in Denmark; 1878-92 emp on Cedar Co farm; 1892-1900 ptr of brother John F Gaarde, Minden; 1901-18 ptr of Oto B Peterson in Gaarde & Peterson Clothing Store, pur ptrs int before his death 1918; 1918-19 owner & opr H A Gaarde Clothing Store; 1929- ptr of John H Etzelmiller in Gaarde & Etzelmiller; past mbr city coun; past city treas 6 years; C of C; AOUW; past mbr Danish Brotherhood; Rep; hobby, dominoes; off 501 Colorado; res 343 N Nebraska Ave, Minden.
GIBSON, RODNEY ERNEST: Civil Engineer; b Fort Collins, Colo Nov 17, 1905; s of John Gibson-Florence Harrison; ed Morrill HS 1923; U of N, BSc 1929; Chi Phi; m Romain Dickinson July 7, 1928 Harrisburg; s Richard Ernest; d Jean Jacquelin, Romain Louise; 1929 emp by CB&Q RR; Aug 1929-31 with UP RR; 1931-35 with Neb St dept of roads & irrigation; 1935- resident engr for Tri-Co Project of Central Neb Pub Power & Irrigation Dist; during World War, res ofcr 2nd lt engr corps; Neb Engineering Soc; Soc of Amer Mil Engineers; Rotary; AF&AM; past mbr Uni Club, Lincoln; Presby Ch; Indep; hobbies, reading, golf, football; res 329 Hull, Minden.
GLANTZ, LUDWIG BENGT: Manufacturer; b Kearney Co, Neb June 14, 1888; s of Charles Glantz-Anna Nelson: ed Kearney Co; Highland Park Coll, Des Moines Ia 1909-10; Sweeney's Auto Sch, Kansas City Mo 1915-17; Columbia U; m Esther M Petersen June 16, 1926 Lincoln; 1905-09 emp by CB&Q, UP, & C&NW RRs; 1910-17 with Weber Engine Works, Kansas City Mo; also with Lou Enderloe of Aurora; 1919-25 with Lawrence Weedlund estab Glantz & Weedlund Garage & Machine shop; 1925-29 owner White Star Machine Shop, Minden; 1922- owner & opr Glantz Mfg Co, Minden, mfg tools, has patented several types; mbr city coun; 30 years mbr fire dept, chief engr 15 years; during World War 1917-19 chief machinist USN; past pres C of C; past pres Rotary; IOOF; Swedish Luth Ch; Rep; hobbies, political & internatl affairs; off 626 N Minden Ave: res 808 Yates Ave, Minden.
GUNDERSON, LARS: Auto Dealer & Blacksmith; b Sundalen, Norway June 14, 1869; s of Gunder Haagensen-Rande Hjelle; ed Norway; m Lillie Ester Themanson 1897 Kearney; 1885-1888 hunted for pleasure & sold much of game: 1889-90 lived with sister in Minden & worked at odd jobs; 1890-1903 owned & oprd blacksmith shop; 1903-06 ptr of Lars Ottesen in blacksmith shop; 1906- auto dlr; 1928-38 ptr of Albert Johnson; past mbr vol fire dept, chief 1894-95; Neb Auto Dlrs Assn; Amer Luth Ch, past dir, trustee; Rep; hobbies, metal & tool work; off & res Minden.
HALSTEAD, WILLIAM: Banker; b Downers Grove Ill May 3, 1870; s of Otis Halstead-Alice Starkie; ed Dawson Co; Hastings Coll 1890; Grand Island Bus Coll 1891; m Edith A Guernsey May 5, 1897 Dawson Co (dec 1935); 1891-96 sch tchr in Dawson Co; 1897-1910 farmer, stock raiser Dawson Co; 1910-15 asst cash, First Natl Bank of Hay Springs; 1915- cash First Natl Bank, Wilcox; past mbr twp & sch bds; C of C; AF&AM; past mbr IOOF; Comm Ch; Rep; hobbies, travel & reading; off First Natl Bank; res Wilcox.
HAMILTON, MRS MARTHA BRAINARD: Publisher; b Minden, Neb Oct 26, 1905; d of Lewis Scott Brainard-Maren Sophia Jensen; ed HS: reg nurse in Neb; 1 year grad work in surgical technique & supervision at Cook Co Hosp, Chicago; m James Doyle Hamilton Oct 3, 1928 Osborne Kas; past 3 years with Courier Publishing Co, Inc. Minden; Rebekah; hobby, collecting recipes; off 426 N Minden; res 236 N Park, Minden.
HANSEN, HANS THOMSEN: Retired; b Darun, Denmark Jan 3, 1870; s of Hans Jensen-Johanna M Larsen; ed Denmark 1884; Franklin Acad 1892; Rathburn Bus Coll, Omaha 1893; m Kathrine Marie Nisson Jan 3, 1894 Minden; s Hans Lloyd, Everett Thomsen; 1889-91 lived on farm, Minden; 1891-92 with impl dlr in Minden; 1898-96 mgr hotel, Minden; 1896-97 with Deering Harvester Co in Chicago factory; 1897-1901 with Jensen & Hansen, Minden; July 1901-Jan 1902 Kearney Co dep treas; 1902 with Deering Harvester Co, later with local firm; 1902-10 ptr of Jensen & Andersen in Andersen Impl Co; 1910-34 ptr of Andersen in Andersen Impl Co; 1934- ret; 1934- Kearney Co Commr; 1911-12 mbr city coun; Dem: res 241 Nebraska Ave, Minden.
HAPEMAN, HARRY: Physician & Surgeon; b Earlville, Ill Feb 1, 1858; s of William E Hapeman-Lucy A Brown; ed La Salle Co. Ill; Milton Wis Coll 1875-77; Northwestern Coll, Naperville Ill 1877-79; Northwestern U 1879-80; Rush Med Coll, MD 1882; m Carrie Russell Oct 11, 1882 Polo Ill (dec 1914); m Mona C Clearman June 14, 1916 Kearney: d Lucy Ann; 1882-84 ptr of J B Snyder in med prac, Polo Ill; 1884- prac med, Minden; VP First Natl Bank; ACS; past mbr Neb St & AMA; Torrey Botanical Club; ch mbr Amer Soc of Plant Taxonomists; past mbr AF&AM; Presby Ch; Dem; hobby, botany, has collection of 17,000 specimens; off 444 1/2 N Minden Ave; res 225 Brown Ave, Minden.
HARLAN, JAMES PHILLIP: Merchant; b Kearney Co, Neb Oct 16, 1886; s of Jerome J Harlan-Mary Belle; ed Kearney Co; m Nera M Meyers May 1, 1926 Heartwell; d Rosanna, Vera May; 1900-17 worked on farm in Kearney Co: 1917-20 mason, Norman; 1920-29 owner & opr Harlan Meat Market; 1929- owner & opr store, Harlans Meats & Groc; buyer
621
Kearney
Who's Who
for Kearney Co Creamery; past mbr sch bd; mbr town bd; Cath Ch, com mbr; Dem; hobby, baseball; father has lived in Kearney Co 77 years; res Norman.
HOFGAARD, ARTHUR: Clergyman; b Chicago, Ill Mar 17, 1880; s of Andrew Hofgaard-Helen Hadeler; ed Buffalo Co; Dana Coll Prep, Blair 1905; Dana Coll & Trinity Seminary 1908; m Anna E Larsen June 3, 1908 Hampton; s Alvin H, Ethan H; d Elna (Mrs Immanuel Peterson); 1908-11 pastor Danish Luth Ch, West Branch Ia; 1911-18 pastor Our Saviors, St Peters & Dania Churches, Owatonna Minn; 1918- 26 pastor Nazareth, Bethany, Our Saviors Churches, Kenmore, N D; 1926- supt & pastor Bethany Luth Ch & Old Peoples Home; 1938 resigned as pastor, Bethany Ch; 1939- pastor Ebenezer Ch, Curtis; mbr bd of pensions of United Danish Luth Ch in Amer; Rep; hobby, carpentry; off & res 115 Yates Ave, Minden,
HOLMES, CARL: County Clerk, Register of Deeds & County Assessor; b Huntley, Neb Dec 6, 1881; s of Charles H Holmes-Eliza David; ed Minden HS 1901; Central Bus Coll 1902-03; m Mary E Porter June 8, 1908 HeartwelI; s Howard P; d Pauline (Mrs C W Strand), Betty June, Gwenda Lee; 1901-02 tchr, Huntley; 1908-05 tchr, Huntley & rural sch; 1905-08 emp Broman Bros Mdse Store, Minden; 1908-17 clk of dist court; 1917-35 in ins bus; 1935- Kearney Co clk; past mbr sch bd; past J P; past city clk; C of C; AF&AM; IOOF; Meth Ch; Rep; hobby, gardening; off Courthouse; res 735 N Kearney Ave, Minden.
HOVE, ANDREW CHRISTIAN: Banker; b Minden, Neb Oct 4, 1904; s of Christian Hove-Dorothy Petersen; ed Minden; m Rosalie Vopat June 8, 1930 Oxford; s Andrew Christian Jr, Richard Joseph; 1922-30 bkkpr Minden Exchange Natl Bank, 1930-38 asst cash, 1933- cash; city treas; sch treas; 1939 pres C of C; Minden Golf Club; IOOF; Meth Ch; Dem; hobbles, golf, fishing; off Minden Exchange National Bank; res 309 N Nebraska, Minden.
JOHNSON, JAMES: Electrician; b Davenport, Ia Aug 12, 1876; s of Chris N Johnson-Mary Ann Thomsen; ed Minden HS 1897; m Jennie C Stephens July 27, 1898 Minden; d Georgia (dec), Hazel Virginia (Mrs J C Beeman), Ruth (Mrs R Haury); 1897-99 steam engr at brickyard & roller mills, Minden; 1900-04 engr, Sewell Grain Co, Minden; 1904-10 mgr Farmers Elevator, Axtell; 1910-18 with Crete Mills elevator; 1918- owner & opr electrical bus; 1925 pur threshing rig & has worked each season in Kearney Co; retainer for Western Pub Service Co, Holdrege dist; ch mbr vol fire dept, chief; past mbr sch & town bds; local register of births & deaths; C of C; AF&AM, sr warden; MWA; Presby Ch; Dem, vice-chmn State Central Com; hobbies, fishing, hunting, baseball; res Axtell.
JONES, CLINTON LEMIN: Superintendent of Schools: b Blossburg, Penn Jan 7, 1888; s of Abram R Jones-Mary Lemin; ed Vaughnsville O; Berea Ky HS 1912; PSTC 1914; U of N, BA 1921, MA 1935; m Glena Gordon Dec 22, 1916 Seneca; s Gordon L; d Janice C, Margaret J; 1908-09 tchr Putnam Co Ohio; 1914-16 supt of schs, Seneca; 1916-19 supt of schs, Verdon; 1919-24 supt of schs, Ansley; 1924- supt of schs, Minden; Neb Schoolmasters Club; NSTA, past pres 5th dist; past mbr bd of control Neb HS Activities Assn; Rotary, past pres, secy; AF&AM; Presby Ch; Dem; hobby, golf; off HS, Minden; res 247 Hawthorne, Minden.
JORGENSEN, CHARLES JORGEN: Farmer; b Plano, Ill June 27, 1876; s of Solomon Jorgensen-Sidsel Marie Christensen; ed Kearney Co; m Mary K Hermann Feb 28, 1900 Kearney Co; s Caleb L, Clifford H, Gilbert M; d Helen (Mrs J C Adams), Ethel (Mrs Ross Barr), Ruby, Garnette (Mrs Foster Patterson), Marjorie, Jeanette, Mary Carol, Jane; 1877 came with parents in covered wagon to Kearney Co; 1895-1900 worked as hired man; 1900- farmed, Kearney Co; 1929 Master Farmer; past mbr sch bd; Farmers Grain & Supply Co; pres Pleasant View Tele Co; Farmers Union, ch mbr; United Presby Ch; Rep; hobby, raising evergreens; res RFD 3, Minden,
JORGENSEN, THORVALD MARTIN: Merchant; b Denmark Dec 20, 1884; s of Niels Jorgensen-Anna Thomsen; ed Denmark HS 1901; Nyborg Denmark night sch 1900-01; m Sylvia C Hulqulst Sept 10, 1912 Wilcox; s Paul T; d Lorraine M, Myrtle A; 1907-09 clk for Chris Madsen, Elm Creek: 1909-27 clk for Chas J Hulquist, Wilcox; 1927- owner & opr T M Jorgensen Mdse; past mbr town bd; dir C of C; AF&AM, York Rite, Shrine; Dem; hobbies, driving, travel; res Wilcox.
KING, MILO DAVID: Attorney; b Elkhart Co, Ind July 26, 1860; s of John King-Nancy Kenagy; ed Lagrange Co Ind; Hillsdale Mich Coll, 1882-84; studied law in off of Judge Farell, Lagrange Ind & A H Burnett, Minden; m Emma M Bronson Oct 6, 1887 Minden; d Ruth M (Mrs W A Canady), Helen A (Mrs F C Palmer); 1884-85 tchr Ind rural schs; 1885-87 tchr, Minden; 1886 adm to bar; 1887- prac law, Minden; 1885-89 Kearney Co Judge; 1900-02 & 1907-09 Kearney Co atty; 1920-32 city atty; helped found Kearney Co Natl Farm Loan Assn; Kearney Co & Neb State Bar Assns; Kearney Co Hist Soc; past mbr C of C; MWA; AF&AM; Maccabees; Presby Ch, past elder; Dem; hobby, stock raising; off Courthouse; res 558 N Hull Ave, Minden.
KINGSLEY, FRED RALPH JR: Bank President; b Minden, Neb Aug 16, 1886; s of Fred R Kingsley Sr-Anna M Booth; ed Minden HS; U of N, 1906-07; Sigma Chi: m Clair A Armstrong Jan 6, 1912 Glenwood Ia; 1907-14 bkkpr Minden Natl Exchange Bank, 1914-17 asst cash, 1917-30 cash, 1930- pres; pres Bank of Bertrand, treas Tri-Co Project, past pres; past mayor; mbr vol fire dept; C of C; Minden Golf Club; hobbies, fishing, hunting; off Minden Natl Exchange Bank; res 521 Hull Ave, Minden.
KINGSLEY, MABEL: Homemaker; b Elgin, Ill Oct 19, 1886; d of Andrew D Wright-Susanna B Duck; ed Wilmington Ill; Miss Gregg's Seminary, Chicago Ill; m George Pomeroy Kingsley Nov 22, 1893 Freeport Ill (dec 1929); s George Pomeroy Jr. Donaldson Wright, Hamilton Swift, Archibald Wright (dec); d Susanna, Edith (Mrs E Hamilton), Ethel (Mrs T L Weekes); 1893 came to Minden where husband was banker; org Garden Club; past mbr Womans Club; Presby Ch; hobby, gardening; res 745 W 4th, Minden.
LANDSTROM, EBER ELMER: Manager Elevator; b Axtell, Neb Apr 30, 1905; s of Charles E Landstrom-Mary Soderquist; ed Axtell HS 1924; m Irene Carleson Nov 16, 1927 Hastings; s Ronald Lavern; 1924-26 ptr of G Parriott in comml trucking; 1925-32 owner & opr trucking bus in Colo & Neb; 1932-mgr Axtell Grain & Elevator Co; mbr town & sch bds; Elevator Mgrs Assn of Omaha: C of C, VP exec bd, 1937; Bethany Ch; Indep; hobby, fishing; off Grain Elevator; res Axtell.
LAPTHORNE, ALBERT WILLIAM: Clergyman; b Plymouth, England Oct 27, 1896; s of Charles William Lapthorne-Edith Kelland; ed Davenport HS, Plymouth England; Plymouth Coll, 1912-16; Garrett Biblical Inst 1936; m Lillian Beatrice Kyle Apr 7, 1920 Plymouth England; d Betty Jean; 1916-21 surveyor in civil dept of naval dock yard, Plymouth; 1915-21 local preacher; 1916-18 asst & military chaplain during World War; 1921 came to Eagle, apptd pastor, Meth Ch; 1924 ordained deacon; 1926, elder; 1924-25 pastor, Swanton; 1925-27 pastor, Brock; 1927-29 pastor Dietz Memorial Ch, Omaha; 1929-34 pastor, Sutton; 1934-36 pastor, Franklin; 1936- pastor, Minden; past mbr Lions; C of C, hon mbr; AF&AM; OES; chmn Epworth League Inst Coun, Holdrege Dist 1937-38; secy Kearney Co Ministerial Assn; secy Interchurch Reserve; Meth Ch, mbr religious edn com of Neb conf; hobby, travel; off & res 326 E 6th, Minden.
LEHMKUHL, CHARLES JOHN: Hardware & Furniture Dealer; b Wahoo, Neb Dec 11, 1896; s of Edward Lehmkuhl-Grace Beebe; ed Wahoo HS; U of N, BA 1919; Alpha Kappa Psi; m Gladys M Schwab June 18, 1919 Osceola; d Jean, Helen, Marjorie; 1914-15 tchr, Cheyenne Co; 1919-33 ptr of father in hdw bus; 1933- owner & opr C J Lehmkuhl Hdw & Furn, Minden; mbr sch bd; during World War, 1918-19 bus agt for SATC, U of N; past pres Neb Retail Hdw Assn; C of C; AF&AM, RAM: Rotary, secy; chmn BSA com; United Presby Ch, trustee, treas; Dem; hobbies, fishing, hunting; off 343 N Colorado Ave; res 205 E Holland, Minden.
LUNDBERG, FLOYD MELVIN: County Attorney; b Wakefield, Neb Nov 18, 1907; s of Oscar G Lundberg-Mathilda Hanson; ed Wakefield; Randolph HS; U of N, BA 1930; LLB 1982; Delta Theta Phi; m Marjorie E Chamberlain Oct 22, 1932 Nebraska City; d Eleanor Mae; 1932- prac law, Minden; 1933- Kearney Co atty; during World War, capt res coast artillery signal corps; 10th Judicial Dist, & Neb St Bar Assns, C of C; Golf Club; IOOF; Rep; hobby, golf; off Courthouse; res 200 S Minden Ave, Minden.
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MAASE, CLYDE FREDRICK: County Superintendent of Schools; b Washington Co, Ark Aug 6, 1893; s of Charles Maase-Nettie Johnson; ed Phillips; Polk Co; Palmer Coll Acad, Albany Mo 1917; York Coll 1925-26; KSTC, BSc 1931; m Nellie M Hananon Apr 27, 1918 Adair Co Ia; s Charles F, Robert L, Donald Carl; d Barbara J, Ruth J; 1918-20 farmed, York Co; 1920-21 homesteaded, Casper Wyo; 1921-25 farmed, Polk Co, 1926-27 dep MWA, Kearney; 1928-31 HS tchr, Denman; 1932-35 supt Norman HS; 1935- Kearney Co supt of schs; orphaned when 9 years old; taken from Mothers Jewels Home in 1905 by Rolon Jones with whom he & brother remained in Polk Co until 1913; during World War, 1917-18 enl in US army aviation corps, 812 aero squadron, O/S; Amer Leg; Neb Assn of Co Supts; mbr dist 5; NEA: Kearney Co Men Tchrs Assn; C of C; IOOF; KP; Interchurch Res; Meth Ch, SS supt; Rep; hobby, reading; off Courthouse; res 603 N Tower Ave, Minden.
McCONNELEE, FRED JOHN: Clergyman; b Mussoorie, India May 21, 1900; s of John Alfus McConnelee-Alma Collins; ed priv sch, India; Xenia O; Muskingum Acad & Muskingum Coll, New Concord O; Sterling Kas Coll, BA 1925; Xenia Seminary, St Louis Mo, ThB 1926; m Anna Lee McKee June 12, 1929 Beloit Kas; s Daryl F, Charles W; 1919-21 did odd jobs; 1928-31 pastor United Presby Ch, Shannon City Ia; 1931- pastor, Minden; Presby Ch, supt of young peoples work Presbytery of Neb; hobby, tennis; off & res 336 W 1st, Minden.
McHUGH, FRED SWILER: Store Manager; b Beatrice, Neb Sept 24, 1905; s of William Sloan McHugh-Mary Ellen Swiler; ed Beatrice HS 1928; m Thelma I Bower Jan 25, 1930 Council Bluffs Ia; s Hugh Bower; 1924-26 with Hested Store, Beatrice; 1926-27 mgr Hested Store, Geneva; 1928-29 with A A Hager Co, Eugene Oregon; 1929- mgr Hested Store at Neligh. 1933-35 mgr at Grand Island, 1935 mgr at Minden; C of C, dir; Rotary; AF&AM; Meth Ch; Rep; hobbies, photography, hunting, stamp collecting; res 441 E 3rd, Minden.
MARTIN, FRED STANLEY: Attorney; b Tacoma, Wash Oct 31, 1912: s of Ernest Martin-Lillian Hanthorne; ed Valley HS; Omaha U; Creighton U, LLB 1936; Gamma Eta Gamma; m Edythe Anderson Sept 18, 1935 Carroll Ia; d Janelle C, Radelle, 1936- prac law, Minden; city clk; secy C of C; secy Neb Assn of Comml Orgn Secys; secy Minden Golf Club: Meth Ch; Dem; off C of C; res 735 N Brown Ave, Minden.
MEIER, WILLIAM HENRY: Attorney; b Lincoln, Neb Dec 23, 1904; s of Otto William Meier-Mary O Bothwell; ed Lincoln HS; U of N BA 1926, LLB 1930; Palladian; Delta Theta Phi; m A Mabel Utter Aug 12, 1934 Lincoln; s William Edward; 1926-27 tchr Central HS, San Juan Porto Rico; 1930-31 special agt US dept of justice, bur of investigation; 1931-33 prac law, Lincoln; 1933-36 atty for Fed Land Bank of Omaha, 1935 with father & uncle in law firm Meier & Meier, Lincoln; 1933-35 mbr Neb house of representatives; 1936- prac law, Minden; police judge; JP; 10th Judicial Dist & Neb State Bar Assns; Comml Law League of Amer; C of C; Rotary, hon mbr; secy Kearney Co ch Natl Foundation for Infantile Paralysis; vice-chmn Kearney Co ARC; BSA, scoutmaster; AF&AM; KP; Presby Ch; Dem, chmn Kearney Co Central Com; hobby. BSA work; off Clearman Bldg; res 329 N Brown Ave. Minden.
MORTENSON, ALFRED: Editor; b Council Bluffs, Ia Mar 20, 1886; s of Peter Mortenson-Mary Skodsholm; ed Council Bluffs Ia; m Kitty Belle Wills Nov 15, 1908 Harlan Ia; s Alfred Deming, John Stuart; d June E (Mrs E P Jones); 1904-08 mgr meat mkt & groc, Council Bluffs Ia; 1908-11 clk of superior court, Council Bluffs Ia; 1908-11 dep city clk; 1911-18 ptr of C Peterson & Co, Council Bluffs Ia; 1910-21 owner Mortenson's Variety Store, Minden; 1921- editor & co-publisher Minden Courier; 1935- pres Kearney Co Hist Soc; BSA; past scoutmaster; lecturer & tchr of ornithology; C of C, past dir; past pres Rotary; chmn Kearney Co ARC; KP; hobby, ornithology; off Minden Courier; res 314 N Smith Ave, Minden.
NELSON, CLARENCE ELMER: Banker; b Keene, Neb Jan 5, 1896; s of Peter J Nelson-Ida C Anderson; ed Minden HS 1914; U of N 1914-16; Alpha Kappa Psi; m Hazel M Exstrum June 22, 1921 Kearney Co; s Marshall Ray; d Shirley Jane; 1919 bkkpr First Natl Bank, Chappell; 19207-21 bkkpr Bank of Axtell; 1921- cash Farmers State Bank, Keene; 1921- secy Keene Grain, Stock, Lbr & Coal Co; past mbr sch bd 15 years; during World War, evacuation hosp 7, 1st class sgt, 1917-19; Amer Leg; KP; DOKK; Bethany Luth Ch, past trustee; Rep; hobbies, golf, travel; off Farmers State Bank; res Keene.
NELSON, EMIL SAMUEL: Postmaster; b Kane, Penn Apr 7, 1877; s of Thomas J Nelson-Avalona Larson; ed Kearney Co; m Tabitha Putnam Aug 17, 1898 Minden (dec): s Loren W, Irvin L, Eric O; d Hazel F (Mrs C O Howard); m Arvilla Olcott July 17, 1927 Minden; 1896-98 ptr in harness mfg & shoe bus, Hildreth; 1898-1903 in restaurant bus, Hildreth; 1903-07 farmed in Kearney Co; 1907-12 owner & opr bakery & restaurant, Hildreth; 1912-16 opr bakery & cafe & Franklin Co treas; 1924-36 oprd bakery, Minden; 1936- P M Minden; mbr city coun 2 years; C of C, dir, past pres; Rotary, dir, pres; IOOF; KP; Dem; off P O; res 109 S Colorado, Minden.
NEWTON, ARTHUR E: Meat Market Owner; b Washburn, Ill July 30, 1880; s of George A Newton-Alzina Renata Hall; ed Washburn Ill HS 1996; m Blanche Charlotte Lenon Mar 8, 1900 Wilcox; s Clifford Iradel, Billy Richard; d Etta Mae (Mrs A F Morlan), Ruth Darlene; 1898-1900 farmed with brother in Harlan Co; 1900-05 indep farmer in Harlan Co; 1905-10 owner & opr City Meat Market; 1910-15 oprd auto livery & garage; 1916-25 farmer; 1925- owner & opr City Meat Market, Wilcox; mbr town bd; past mayor; secy sch bd; twp bd, past chmn; C of C, past dir; MWA, worthy councilor; AF&AM, past master; Meth Ch, chmn bd of trustees; Rep; hobbies, fishing & hunting; res Wilcox.
PARTRIDGE, VERN HARPER: Garage Owner; b Hastings, Neb Sept 29, 1892; s of Charles H Partridge-Mattie Robertson; ed Minden 1907; m Emma Jensen Aug 15, 1920 Minden; d Jane Elizabeth, Patricia Ann; farmed in Kearney Co until 1916, 1916-18 & 1919-31 with Ford Garage in Minden, 1931-38 held int in bus; 1938- owner & opr service garage; pres sch bd 1938, mbr since 1938; during World War, 1918-19 with Co E 319th engrs; Amer Leg; C of C, past committeeman; IOOF, past grand; Presby Ch, trustee since 1934; hobby, golf; res Minden.
PETERSEN, ALFRED IVER: Store Manager; b Hildreth, Neb Mar 31, 1897; s of Iver S Petersen-Anna Larsen; ed Minden HS 1915; m Alta Rose Theitje July 10, 1926 Columbus; s E John; with Neb Bell Tele Co until 1918; during World War 1918-19 in USN, OTS Great Lakes, OTS Hampton Roads Va, USS Massachusetts, USS Leviathan; Amer Leg, past comm & adjt; 1920-23 with Brown & Ekberg Co at Minden, 1923-25 mgr at Holdrege, 1925-28 store mgr in Julesburg Colo; 1928-85 mgr at Minden; 1936-37 ptr in Jess Petersen Shoe Store; 1938- with Farmers Union Store; chief vol fire dept; C of C, past pres, past dir, mbr exec bd; United Presby Ch; Indep; hobbies, fishing, leading Model Airplane Club for Boys; off Farmer's Union Store; res 810 Yates, Minden.
PETERSEN, ARNOLD WILBER: Agricultural Extension Agent; b Hamilton Co. Neb Jan 3, 1912; s of Ole T Petersen-Anna Nelsen; ed Hampton HS 1930; U of N, BSc 1937; Tri-K; Farm House; lived on farm in Hamilton Co until 1938; 1937-38 seed analyst Neb St dept of agr; did field work for U of N; emp as asst agrl agt in Dodge, Richardson, Webster, Thayer, Harlan, & Kearney Cos; Oct 1938- agrl agt in Kearney Co; won trip to Amer Soc of Agronomy meeting at Chicago 1937; C of C, chmn agrl com; Luth Ch; Indep; hobbies, athletics, botany; off Courthouse; res Minden.
PETTEYS, WILLARD ALONZO: Gas & Oil Dealer; b Henry Co, Ill Sept 14, 1862; s of John T Petteys-Laurana E Field;. Cambridge Ill HS 1880; Davenport Ia Bus Coll, 1882; m Cora S Swain Apr 3, 1884 Henry Co, Ill; s W Alonzo, John A; 1885-1915 homesteaded in Harlan Co; 1915-21 with Farmer's Elevator Co, Wilcox; invented elevator dusting device; 1921 moved to Lincoln; 1925-30 lived at Wilcox; marketed elevator dusting device; 1930-34 farmed; 1934- org & owner City Oil & Gas Co; 1935 helped org Wilcox Co-op Oil & Gas Co; 1939 opened City Feed Mill, Wilcox; past mbr dist sch bd, past twp clk; past J P; past mbr C of C: Wilcox Mutual Ins Co. secy 25 years; Co-op Elevator, secy 15 years; Comm Ch; Rep; hobbies, machine work & invention; off & res Wilcox.
PORTER, WILLIAM ELMER: Merchant; b Heartwell, Neb Nov 15, 1887; s of William C Porter-Mary Amanda Turpin; ed Heartwell; Hastings Bus Coll; m. Martba W Melson Feb 7, 1917 Minden; s William Harold; 1905-08 carp, bldg grain elevators for Burchard Construction Co; 1908-12 clk in gen store, Heart-
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Who's Who
well; 1913-17, with brothers Charles A & Dan O owner & opr gen store, 1917-22 with brother Dan & E R Westing; 1922-26 with E R Westing; 1926- owner & opr Porter Bros; 1925- opr 400 A farm, raises & feeds hogs; AF&AM; Rep; hobby, woodwork; res Heartwell.
POTTER, ERNEST ROLLIE: Retired; b Grandview, Ia Feb 21, 1867; s of Charles Robert Potter-Jennie McDougal; att 3 subscription schs, tchrs boarded with scholars' parents at Red Cloud & Freewater; m Mary Ellen Griswold Feb 26, 1888 Wilcox (dec Apr 24, 1935); s Ward Stanley; d Jennie Elizabeth (Mrs ___ Zertauf), Hazel Mae (Mrs ___ Cook), Leah Evelyn (Mrs Roland Drishaus); freighted from Red Cloud to Hastings & from Freewater to Kearney 1876-85; 1888-1915 farmed in Franklin & Phelps Cos; 1915-32 carp, Wilcox; 1932 ret, lives with children; came to Kearney Co 6 years before Wilcox was estab; hauled everything from Kearney, only 6 houses on road to Kearney & only two wells in radius of several miles, farmers hauled water from wells & Turkey Creek for stock, charged 10c barrel at well on the Walker ranch; all open range country, no fences; helped build many houses in Wilcox dist & in Ragan; was veterinarian for farmers many years & was offered license although trained only by practical experience; treas sch bd & mbr many years in rural sch dists; mbr Wilcox village bd 2 terms, one term chmn; road overseer many years; twp clk in Ash Grove several terms; past mbr IOGT; hobbies, reading, travel; res Wilcox.
ROBB, HAROLD BRYAN: Garage Owner; b Minden, Neb Aug 8, 1897; s of J H Robb-Lena M Miller; ed Minden HS 1917; U of N 1919-20; m Hazel D Harvolt June 21, 1922 Superior; s Gordon Lee; with Ford garage in Minden while in HS; while in U of N airplane mechanic for Tatieum Garage; 1920-36 with Ford Garage, Minden; 1936- ptr in garage; pres city coun; mbr vol fire dept; during World War 1918-19 with MTC, instr in Lincoln, disch corp; Amer Leg, comm 1931; C of C; IOOF, past noble grand, past dist installing ofcr; Meth Ch; Dem; hobby, fishing; off Fleming & Robb Garage; res 616 East 8th, Minden.
ROBB, JAMES HENRY: Attorney; b Hagens Grove, Mo Sept 18, 1861; s of Hugh W Robb-Mildred Tutt; ed Franklin Co; Franklin Acad; m Lena Mabel Miller Dec 29, 1888 Minden; s Leland E, Merl H, Harold; d Eula (Mrs L E Hutchinson), Ada (Mrs A Bowles), Gladys (Mrs P J Musgrave); came with parents to Macon Oct 1871: tchr in Franklin & Kearney Cos 10 years; 1895-99 Kearney Co supt of schs; 1899-1903 Kearney Co Judge; 1903 adm to bar; 1903- prac law, Minden; 1934- conciliation commr, Kearney, Franklin & Harlan Cos; Kearney Co, Neb St & Amer Bar Assns; 1900-35 clk, MWA; Meth Ch; Dem; hobby, politics; off Engaard Block; res Minden.
ROBB, LELAND ELLSWORTH: County Judge; b Kearney Co, Neb Dec 8, 1889; s of James Henry Robb-Lena Mabel Miller; ed Minden HS; Franklin Acad; m Margaret Marie Stuehn Oct 25, 1928 Hildreth; d Irene Victoria; 1920-29 barber in Minden; 1929-30 prac law with father James H Robb; 1930- Kearney Co judge; past police judge 9 years; during World War with 16th recruit Co Jefferson Barracks Mo, gen service in inf, disch Dec 11, 1918; Amer Leg; Neb Assn of Co Judges; C of C, mbr budget com; AF&AM; IOOF; KP; Meth Ch; Dem; hobby, fishing; off Courthouse; res 139 W 5th, Minden.
ROGERS, CALVIN SPRAGUE: Banker; b Aurora, Neb June 24, 1881; s of Noies Caleb Rogers-Harriet Sprague; ed Minden; U of N 1899-1900; m Winifred P Mooney Dec 26, 1914 Minden; s John C; d Jean (Mrs S Dietrick), Carol; 1902-04 bkkpr First Natl Bank of Minden, 1904-07 asst cash, 1907-29 cash, 1929- pres; past sch bd mbr; C of C; Minden Golf Club; KP; Presby Ch; Rep; hobbies, fishing, hunting; father was pres First Natl Bank; off First Natl Bank; res 187 N Brown Ave, Minden.
ROMIG, FRED HERBERT: Railway Station Agent; b Wisner, Neb July 11, 1894; s of Edwin J Romig-Anna S Slayman; ed Albion HS 1911; m Marie Keefer Apr 26, 1917 Superior; s Robert D; d Dorothy; 1916-21 cash for CB&Q RR at Superior, 1921- agt, Wilcox; mbr village bd 2 terms; past pres bd of edn; secy lib bd of Oneida twp; past dir Comml Club; PTA, org; AF&AM; KT; Meth Ch, trustee; Rep, pct committeeman many years; hobbies, fishing, hunting; res Wilcox.
SCHERER, OTTO: Real Estate & Insurance Dealer; b Jackson Co, Ia Feb 21, 1893; s of Charles Scherer-Amelia Schaite; ed Webster City Ia HS; Grand Island Bus Coll 1912; m Helena W Ziebarth Jan 1, 1919 Wilcox; d Eunice A, Doris B; 1912-15 with First Natl Bank of Wilcox; 1915-18 in real est, ins & auto bus; 1919-22 real est & ins dlr; 1922-28 owner Exchange Bank; 1928- real est & ins dlr, adjuster for Hartford Ins Co & farms 600 A, raising livestock; 1937- representative, Gleaner Harvester Co; 1988 mgr Hastings PCA, HoIdrege; 1935-36 Kearney Co supvr Corn-Hog Program; village clk since 1920; mbr sch bd since 1938; during World War enl Apr 2, 1918 with 164th DB, Camp Funston Kas, disch Nov 80, 1918; Amer Leg Post 66, Holdrege; C of C; St John's Luth Ch, treas; hobby, travel; res Wilcox.
SMITH, JAMES JOSEPH: Physician & Surgeon; b New Lexington, O Feb 16, 1875; s of Thomas M Smith-Alice Dean; ed Sutton HS 1896; Creighton U, MD 1904; m Catherine Joyce May 31, 1905 Fairfield; s James J Jr; d Mary (Mrs Roland Groat), Nellie A, Cathdrine L; 1905 interne St Joseph's Hosp, Omaha; 1905- prac med, Heartwell; 1917- opr Smith's Pharm; 1933-40 mayor; past mbr sch bd; past mbr Kearney Co Med Soc; Neb St & AMA; Cath Ch; Dem; hobby, travel; off Drug Store; res Heartwell.
SMITH, OSCAR CARL: Grain & Lumber Dealer; b Kearney Co, Neb Nov 21, 1888; s of John Smith-Anna Larson; ed Norman; m Anna Hansen June 10, 1917 Minden; s John W. Paul L; d Margaret (Mrs Glen Estele); 1901-04 emp on farm in Kearney Co; 1904-11 did comml threshing & road work; machinist; 1908-12 farmed with brother & father in Kearney Co; 1912-13 with brother oprd dray line & livery in Norman;. 1913-14 mgr Hines Elevator Co, Norman; 1914- mgr Keene Grain, Stock, Lbr & Coal Co, Keene; 1914- mgr Kingsley Lbr & Coal Co; 1938- opr indep elevator in Wilcox; pres & past secy Co-op Oil Assn; dir Keene Store Co-op; chmn sch bd 15 years; Farmer's Elevator Assn of Neb; Central Neb Grain Dlrs Assn, pres; pres Kearney Co SS Assn; Evang Ch, chmn 20 years; Rep; hobbies, woodwork, alabaster work; res Keene.
SOUNDY, ARTHUR: Clergyman; b Dorchester, England May 15, 1877; s of Joshua Tovell Soundy-Elizabeth Johnson; ed priv sch; Friend's HS & Coll in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; m Olga P Widholm Apr 8, 1908 Milts Grove Ill;, s Arthur Douglas; d Gwendolyn (Mrs M Usher), Marjorie (Mrs M Nyquist), Dorothy (Mrs W Rogers); with father in dept store in Australia until 1903; 1904 as mfrs shipping agt opened off in London England; 1905 with Rev Davidson came to Amer to estab a Bible Inst in N J; 1905-14 minister to various churches of Ind & Ill; 1914-24 at Gothenburg, 1924- at Minden; while in Gothenburg founded Presby Young Peoples Conf grounds at Lexington, chmn bd of dirs, hon mbr vol fire dept: C of C; Rotary; past chaplain Neb Vol Firemen's Assn; dir Minden Golf Club, one of founders; Neb Coun of Chris Edn; Presby Ch, chmn com of Christian edn, stated clk of presby of Hastings; Rep; hobbies, golf; res Minden.
STRAND, COLLINS WEIR: Dentist; b Minden, Neb Apr 10, 1909; s of Joseph B Strand-Minnie Johnson-ed Minden; Hastings Coll 1929; U of N, DDS 1934; Delta Tau Delta; m Pauline M Holmes July 4, 1937 Minden; 1934- prac in Minden; secy S W Neb Dist Dental Soc; Neb St & ADA; C of C; Minden Golf Club; AF&AM; Presby Ch; hobbies, golf, hunting; off 609 N Colorado Ave; res 235 S Colorado Ave, Minden.
SUTTON, BRUCE RALPH: Physician; b St Clairsville, O May 28, 1906; s of William West Sutton-Ida Denham; ed St Clairsville O HS 1924: Muskingum Coll, New Concord O, BSc 1929; U of Colorado, MD 1935; Interne St Anthony Hosp, Denver; Nu Sigma Nu; m Dorothy Woodhams June 14, 1935 Denver; s Harold Bruce; after coll tchr in Provident, Ohio 3 years, taking Coll work in summer; June 1936- prac med as asst to Dr Andrews in Minden; Adams Co Med Soc; Neb St Med Assn; United Presby Ch; Rep; hobby, photography; off Seeley Hosp; res 521 N Tower, Minden.
THOMSEN, INGEBERT J: Real Estate Dealer & Abstractor; b North Albid, Denmark Aug 4, 1878; s of Peter H Thomsen-Marie Johansen; ed Minden; m Hedvig E Holstein Nov 18, 1903 Minden; s Vernon I, Homer H (dec), Immanuel H; d Bernice M (Mrs E O Nelson), Eldoris S (Mrs P E Tobin); 1882-94 on farm with parents; 1894-1902 rented & oprd farm; 1902 pur farm; 1902-10 farmed, raised Percherons & Shorthorn cattle; 1910 moved to Minden; 1914-16 Kearney Co dep clk; 1916-23 Kearney Co clk; 1923-36 P M Minden, 1936- real est dlr &
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abstractor; inventor of Nu-Matic horse collar; during World War clk of local bd, Minden, June 20, 1917-1918; C of C; United Presby Ch, pres & supt of SS; Rep; hobbies, SS work; res 139 Yates Ave, Minden.
TIDVALL, ELMER CLARENCE: Banker; b Minden, Neb Feb 22, 1885; s of Oscar Tidvall-Hilma S Anderson; ed Minden HS; Bethany Coll, Lindsborg Kas, BA 1908; m Maude M Baum June 5, 1912 Minden; s Preston E; d Willa Reye; 1900-02 clk & delivery boy for Hollman-Youngson Mdse Co at Minden; 1903-04 cash; 1904-07 bkkpr First Natl Bank, 1907-29 asst cash, 1929- cash; 1906-ins agt; dir First Natl Bank; past secy regional bankers clearing house; past mbr city coun; past city treas; VP bd of edn; dir Minden Cemetery bd; C of C, dir; Minden Golf Club; United Presby Ch, elder, asst SS supt, pres KIU SS class; Rep; off First Natl Bank; res 189 S Nebraska Ave, Minden.
WESTON, FRED ELESWORTH: Merchant; b Moline, Neb Apr 28, 1888; s of Elmer Elesworth Weston-La Dora Robb; ed Harlan Co; Wilcox HS; LBC; m Maude Edna Mowrey Feb 14, 1912 Wilcox, d Mary Elizabeth; 1897-1912 farmed with father, Franklin Co; 1912-17 farmed, Norton Kas; 1917-19 homestead, Craig Colo; 1919-23 farmed, Kearney Co; 1923-30 owner & opr Weston Produce Bus, Wilcox; 1930- owner & opr Weston Groc, Wilcox; past mayor; vol fire dept, chief 15 years; chmn twp bd; mbr cemetery bd; past JP; chmn C of C; Community Ch; Dem; hobby, croquet; off & res Wilcox.
WIMMER, ELWOOD ELESWORTH: Editor; b Custer Co, Neb Nov 29, 1896; s of Elmer Elesworth Wimmer-Lillie Mae Roberts; ed Comstock HS 1913; m Merle G Guggenmos July 31, 1920 Grand Island; s Bernard E; d Doris Darlene; 1913-17 opr father's farm near Broken Bow; 1919-26 publisher Comstock News; 1926 mgr Carmen Okla Headlight; 1927-36 foreman Ravenna News; 1936- editor & publisher Wilcox Herald; past police judge, Comstock; mbr village coun; mbr sch bd; during World War, Co B 21st inf San Diego Cal & OTS, Waco Tex, mil police, Little Rock Ark; Amer Leg, org post 220 at Comstock, first comm; NPA; secy Comml Club; village coun; past mbr Ravenna Golf Club; AF&AM; past mbr IOOF, MWA & KP; Rep; hobby, music; off Wilcox Herald; res Wilcox.
YOUNGSON, CORA BELLE: Homemaker; b Beloit, Wis Nov 18, 1871; d of Isaac A Hill-Mary E Burger; ed Minden HS; m George Nelson Youngson May 21, 1890 Minden (dec 1931); s Isaac Hill, George N; d Helen (Mrs W H Brack), Harriett (Mrs James D Conway), Jane (Mrs L J Titus); 1874 came with parents in covered wagon to Kearney Co; 1890- homemaker, Minden, past mbr Woman's Club; an org & past VP Garden Club; Presby Ch. past secy bldg bd; Rep; hobbies, driving, gardening; father was US dep marshal & sheriff of Kearney Co; husband was VP First Natl Bank mcht, & mayor; res 219 N Brown Ave, Minden.
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