BIOGRAPHIES; 1905; 
       "HISTORY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF LOUISVILLE, NEBRASKA"; 
                         CASS COUNTY, NEBRASKA

From "History and Financial Resources of Louisville, Nebraska"  Compiled 
and Published by The Louisville Weekly Courier, Louisville, Nebraska. 
(c.1905). Submitted to the USGenWeb Nebraska Archives, January, 1998, 
by Wendy J. Anderson (ha62145@navix.net). 


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[An effort has been made to reproduce this work in a way that as closely
approximates the original as possible. This includes maintaining the
spelling found in the original. Table of Contents, list of advertisements,
and list of photographs by Wendy J. Anderson.]


                                  HISTORY
                                 ...AND...
                            FINANCIAL RESOURCES
                                  ...OF...
                                 LOUISVILLE
                                  NEBRASKA

                          WITH a brief sketch of
                          the lives of those who
                         have helped to make this
                       one of the thriftiest little
                            cities in the west.

          Compiled and Published by The Louisville Weekly Courier,
                         Louisville, Nebraska. (c.1905)

                           __________________


                            TABLE OF CONTENTS

              

   * Introduction

   * Nebraska

   * Cass County

   * Plattsmouth

   * Louisville

   * S.A. Morrison

   * Otto Becker

   * A.L Tidd

   * George M. Spurlock

   * Thomas E. Johnson

   * W.F. Diers

   * Chas. H. Phelps

   * H.E. Pankonin

   * Leonard F. Haddon

   * James P. Ellis

   * J.P. Wood

   * C. Schlafli

   * Knights of Pythias

   * Hon. Martin Friedrich

   * George L. Sheldon

   * H.E. Brown

   * C.J. Gaebel

   * Jesse L. Root

   * R.C. Hubert

   * James M. Hoover

   * Dr. Mike Tritsch

   * George Frater

   * C.A. Richey

   * Modern Woodmen of America

   * Louisville Milling Company

   * John L. Burns

   * William DelesDernier

   * William O'Brien

   * Capt. J.T.A. Hoover

   * Henry J. Tangeman

   * Milton A. Sams

   * Dr. E.H. Worthman

   * William Ossenkop

   * James Alloway

   * Ancient Order United Workmen

   * Listing of photographs included in original publication

   * Listing of advertisements included in original publication

                           __________________

         HISTORY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF LOUISVILLE NEBRASKA; 

                              INTRODUCTION

It is not the wish or purpose of the author of this book to exaggerate or
draw upon his imagination that the matter herein contained may be made the
more attractive, but to give facts just as they are, as best we can. We are
not telling of things which we alone have seen and know, and to those who
have never tried a frontier life, far from friends and civilization, may
appear like fiction. So vast is the change that the birth of this little
city, Louisville, of today, that words cannot describe it. Neither will we
attempt it. But here present to you the story as told by those who
supplanted the Red man here on the banks of the beautiful Platte some fifty
years ago.
S. A. MORRISON.

                                  Nebraska

A word here about our state will not be out of place. Although it is well
and favorabley known everywhere. Her development since 1854, when she
became a territory, and since 1867, when she became a state, has been so
great that it is almost beyond belief, with no natural resources but the
virgin soil. Nebraska then appeared to be a bleak, barren wast, except alon
the larger water streams where there were scattering clusters of timber
which had escaped the destructive prairie fires that swept over the plains
every fall. So terrible were these fires at times that they appeared to be
a rolling sea of flame, and nothing could stand in its path and live. Great
has been the loss and much the suffering to the early settlers occasioned
in this way. But like many other things of those times that were grievous
and hard for the pioneer to bear, have long since passed away. Yet we have
many of those among us who have passed through all of this, and are yet
young enough to enjoy the many blessings brought about by the changed
condition of things. So great is this change and in so short a time that to
those who lived through those early years of Nebraska, it seems more like a
dream than a reality.

In many cases one room and that, to not a large one, constituted parlor,
bed room and kitchen, with port holes for windows, which in time of trouble
with our neighbor, the Indian, were very convenient, and at that tme much
more to be desired than the modern plate glass bay window of today. The
little truck patches of that day - and that was crudely farmed - has long
since grown into large, well-tilled farms; our markets which were then
miles away have, literally speaking, been brought to our doors; the little
unshaded sod house has been replaced by a spacious, well planned, modern
house, richly furnished fit for a king and surrounded with well kept lawns
and shade trees of almost every clime; the old dug well, from which our
mothers used to draw the water for family use, with a wooden pail fastened
to a pole has been replaced with a tubular well and pipe, over which stands
a graceful steel tower some fifty feet in height, on the top of this is
balanced a beautiful wheel that plays with every passing breeze while it
pumps and carries the water for us. Water of the very best and purest is
easily obtained anywhere in the state.

Nebraska has four good sized rivers, three of which have their origin in
the states west of us. All of them flowing from the west to east and
emptuying into the Missouri river. These streams are fed by many creeks and
branches that are so numerous in Nebraska. Many of these small creeks
afford good water power. for mills an other purposes, for which it is
extensively used. As a corn and wheat growing state Nebraska is one of the
best. And for variety and quality of crops that can be successfully grown
one yar with another this state can not be beat so far. It is the home of
alfalfa. There are thousands of acres of this clover grown in every part of
the state. The cattle, hog and sheep business is carried on here on an
extensive scale. The western part of the state is a natual hay and grazing
section, where larger herds of sheeep and cattle are kept until they are at
a feeking age, then they are brought to the central and eastern parts,
where they are fed and fattened for the market. The fruit industry is
getting to be quite a business with us to. Good orchards of many varieties
of apples, peaches and cherries, as well as all kinds of small fruit are to
be found in all parts of the state. For several years the shipment of
apples has amounted to thousands of dollars.

We have no gold, silver or even coal mines to boast of, buyt the census of
the United States shows that our mind of learning is above par. The little
white school house is a conspicuous landmark in every neighborhood here,
also the church. Our colleges, which are many and our universities are
among the finest in the west. Farm lands have increased in value in the
last five years from fifteen and twenty-five dollars per acre to thirty,
forty and in some cases seventy-five dollars per acre. Our people as a
whole have grown independent and in very many cases quite wealthy in the
last fifteen years, and made it out of theproducts of the farm in Nebraska.
No where can there be found stronger evidence of this on every hand than
here. Travel any direction you may - east, west, north or south, on andy of
the many railroads that traverse this state, and you will find every eight
or ten miles, lively, thriving, little towns where all lines of trade and
business is there common to the county. And for business, culture and
sociability our people have no equal. There is less jar, dissatisfaction
and contention among our people in their various walks of life than there
is anywhere wlse in the world. The interests of all seem to blended into
one harmonious purpose - live and let live.

                                Cass County

Cass county was laid out and organized as a county in the year 1855. The
population of the county at that time was 712. Plattsmouth at that time was
but a little village on the banks of the Missouri river, with a population
of less that one hundred souls, and there is where they located the county
seat and there it has remained to this day. The following names citizens
were made the first county officials of Cass county, Nebraska: County
treasurer, Bela White; county clerk, William H. Davis; county sheriff, A.C.
Touner[sic]; county commissioners, T.B. Ashley, L.G. Todd and Allen Watson;
county surveyor, William Young. L.G. Todd is yet living. Cass is one of the
best counties in the state, lying in the heart of the Missouri valley,
bounded on the east by the Missouri river, on the north by the Platte
river, and is the fourth county from the south line of the state and is in
the east tier of counties. From south to north it is about eighteen miles
and from east to west about thirty miles.

The general lay of the land is bottom and rolling table land, a little
rough and hilly along the water courses. This is one of the best watered
counties in the west, besides being bound on two sides by two of the
grandest rivers of the west; there are also hundreds of little creeks and
branches in every part of the county. The soil is a rich, deep, heavy, clay
loam, very productive and well adapted to the growing of all kinds of crops
pertaining to this climate, such as corn, wheat, oats, potatoes and all of
the best varities of tame grasses - each find their natural element here.
No where do you find a better apple growing section than here. This is no
theory but a fact and we have the proof. Many of the little towns of this
county have, and will this season, ship to the markets, both east and west
of us, from five to twenty-five cars of as fine apples and of the best
varities that are grown anywhere. Although for twenty-five years our people
have been told not to plant orchards here, that this was not a fruit county
and that they were wasting time and money to do this. Yet they, like
Columbus, just kept on until they, like him, made a discovery which was
that they can raise many kinds of fruit here just as well as anywhere else.

Cass county is most favorably situated in many particulars. One is our
splendid climate, pleasant summers and mild winters, as a rule. Lincoln,
the capitol, a city of forty thousand population, is just thirty miles west
of us. The capital building is one of the finest of its kind in the west.
The penitentiary is located there, as is other state buildings, among them
the State university; that ranks with the best of the kind in the United
States. Omaha, a city of one-hundred and forty thousand people, is just
twenty miles north of Cass county on the Missouri river and is one of the
largest live stock markets in the world, the daily receipts of cattle,
sheep and hogs running into the thousands. Here is located some of the most
extensive meat packing houses in the world, employing thousands of men all
the year round. Here are llocated many manufacturing plants and railroad
shops, some of them the largest in the country. It will be seen at once
that the people of Cass county do not have to go from home to find a market
for their products, and where good prices ar obtained.

                                Plattsmouth

While our county seat, Plattsmouth, is located in the extreme eastern part
of the county, it is easily reached by rail from all parts of the county,
and is a railroad center from all points in and out of the state. The
courthouse is a large and substantial building, built of stone and brick.
Plattsmouth has a population above five thousand, has many substantial
brick blocks, a good system of water works and an electric light plant,
good schools and many fine churches. One of the striking features of the
city is its many fine homes, some of these owned by theose who came here in
the early days and started western life in a little log cabin by the river
where they watched for the little steam boat, that comae up the Missouri
every spring from St. Louis, hoping it would bring them a letter, if not a
friend, from their eastern home. That was before the days of railroads,
when to go west meant something, yes, more than we of today can appreciate
or would care to experience. Let us thank and bless those who did, for they
made the way easier for us.

                                 LOUISVILLE

Our own little city to which this work is dedicated and the one place of
all others most dear to us, is Louisville; not alone because this is our
home or that we would feel unkindly toward any. Louisville has charms and
attractions peculiar to itself. Nature has done much here to make this so
and no one can long remain here and not be impressed with a feeling of
reverence and respect for the great artist of the beautiful. The location,
scenery and the general surroundings are so grand, one can not think this
is all chance, but are impressed with the fact that there is a God, and no
where has he done more for mankind than here. This little town does not
greet you upon entrance to it with vain, unsightly, pretentious blocks of
business houses such as we see in the cities, where men slave their lives
away, seeking the dollar, the god of today, unmindful of the fact that they
owe something to their families and the world. The life the business man of
today is living is but little better than that of a convict behind the bars
so far as leisure and pleasure go. In this respect Louisville is at
variance with all the world. Her citizens are all of that friendly, kind
and courteous class that one likes to meet and mingle with. The business
men here do not lack any of the best business qualities that go to make up
the man of affairs today. But on the contrary, you don't find here the
selfish, narrow, suspicious individual who cares for none but self.

All lines of trade are represented here, the stores are all large,
comodious[sic] houses, built of brick and stone, all of which material they
have here. Their stocks are large and well selected, such as you will find
in the best houses of a large city. What the world lacks most today, and
what all men appreciate most keenly, but seldom receive, is courteous
treatment. Here that spirit prevails. Everyone greets you on the streets,
as well as in the places of business, in a pleasant manner that makes you
feel as though there was one place one earth that life was worth living.

Louisville was first laid out as a town by Captain J.T.A. HOOVER in 1870.
He built at that time a small frame building on Second and Main streets
where he kept the first postoffice in the town together with a small stock
of goods, consisting of groceries, tobacco, etc. Mr. Hoover, who is a broad
minded, far-seeing, public spirited man, appreciated what could be done
here in making this one of the best little cities in the west by developing
the resources that nature had so bounteously placed here. We have here the
finest lime and sand stone quarries to be found in unlimited quantities.
With this in view he set about this work in a practical business way; first
he induced the railroad people to build through the town and at quite a
cost to himself. This effort was the means of this town getting three
railroads and could Mr. Hoover have had the strong support of all his
neighbors at that time Louisville would have been the county seat today.

The stone quarries were worked extensively for a number of years which gave
employment to hundreds of men and added much wealth to the town. Mr. Hoover
owned and operated a large brick yard and pottery here where they turned
out a large quantity of that material and the best quality of goods, for
they have here an unlimited amount of the best clay for that purpose to be
found.

We have hesitated to give a description of Louisville because we feel
unable for the task to picture it to you properly in words. It is half
hidden by the little pyramid hills at the foot of the bluffs that lie on
the south and about one-half mile from the Platte, which borders it on the
north, located as it is at the entrance of a valley, through which flows
Mill creek, a small stream that heads far back in the table lands south of
the town. This stream is fed by the little springs that bubble up here and
there from the foot of these small mound-like hills along the way, and
quietly winds its way to the Platte river which seems to wait and linger
for it as a mother for her child. To stand on Gospel hill, which is the
most prominent and highest of these mounds, you have presented to you one
of the grandest scenes of nature it has ever been your lot to behold. You
have here a splendid view far up and down the famous Platte Valley with its
wooded foothills, through which flows the waters of the Platte that in the
distance sparkles and glistens like a lake of silver as it plows its way to
the Missouri, fourteen miles east of here.

Far up the river to the west can be seen the smoke and steam as it is sent
curling to the clouds from the mammoth freight engines on the Burlington &
Missouri River railroad, as they draw their long train of heavy loaded
freight cars along the banks of the Platte, like a thing of life. To the
south, half hidden by the hills and forests, may be seen a trail of smoke
from a flying passenger train on the Missouri Pacific railroad as it makes
its way to the border of Kansas at the rate of fifty miles an hour. A
little to the north-east, on a large estate that now belongs to G.W.
Holdrege, of Omaha, Nebraska, and who is general manager of the B. & M.
railroad, stands a large four story stone house that reminds one of castles
of old. It has a history, the particulars I do not know, more than it was
built years ago for a semi-prison and officers headquarters. All around
you, as far as the eye can see, is presented to view one of the finest
sections of farming country to be found. In the midst of all this sits
Louisville, like a queen, with her population of eight hundred souls.



                               S.A. MORRISON

S.A. MORRISON, the subject of this sketch, was born in Sarpy county,
Nebraska, on his father's farm about eight miles from Louisville, Nebraska,
which is now his adopted home. His boyhood days were spent on the old home
farm, where he assisted in the work of the farm in summer and attended the
district school of his neighborhood in the winter until he was seventeen
years of age. He then undertook the task of securing for himself a good
education, and this he did by teaching and studying and attending school as
his means would allow. He spent two terms at the Fremont Normal school, at
Fremont, Nebraska. He taught various district schools in his own and Cass
county, at Alvo, Eagle and Union, where he gave the best of satisfaction as
a teacher, to both patrons and scholars. This he could not help, as anyone
who knows him will understand, as it comes to him by nature to be pleasant,
polite and agreeable to all with whom he meets, especially is this so with
children. And there is no higher standard by which we can judge men than
this. A happy trait of character to possess.

At this time Mr. MORRISON had grown to young manhood and having the pride
and spirit in him to do something in life, and that to do this it was
necessary that he should fit himself for the task, so he decided that he
would attend the Lincoln Normal university, at Lincoln, Nebraska, where he
spent one year, graduating with credit. This I say of my own accord, and of
a truth, that Mr. Morrison is a most worthy young man, and one whose
influence will always be felt in any place or community he may live. He is
a young man that has grown up by his own efforts, and much to his credit,
has left off the bad and vulgar habits common to so many of our young men
of today. He is moral in his habits and speech and has not become a victim
of that vile and dirty use of tobacco or drink. And while he is fond of
society and his company is sought and enjoyed by his friends, he is not one
that can be easily led away. After completing his university course he did
not sit down and wait for something to come to him of itself, but set about
the task of looking up something that he might do that would be of good to
himself and a benefit to others, for while Mr. Morrison is enterprising he
is not selfish. At this time the Eagle Beacon, a newspaper at Eagle,
Nebraska, was offered for sale and Mr. Morrison at once purchased that
paper and took charge and became its editor for three years and by ability
and energy he raised the subscription and general standard of the paper to
one of the best in the county. In July, 1902, he sold his paper at Eagle,
Nebraska, and bought The Louisville Courier, a Republican paper, and the
only newspaper published in that little city.

Mr. Morrison is Republican in politics, but is of that class of men who are
broad minded, just and generous to those with whom he may differ. He has
the confidence and good will of all who know him. He is a man of high
character and is worthy of any place or position of trust to which he might
aspire or his friends might give him. John H. SEXTON

                                OTTO BECKER

OTTO BECKER was born in Germany December 14, 1857, was educated in the
German schools at Brunswick, and served three years in the army. He came to
the United States when he was twenty-five years of age and settled in
Chicago where he was engaged as architect for four years. He then went to
Brown county, in the north-west part of Nebraska, where he became the owner
of a large ranch and engaged in farming and stock raising on a large scale.
This was at a time when everything was high. The years that followed were
hard ones. The stock that he had paid high prices for had dropped in price
until he lost all he had invested, about $6,000. He then engaged in the
saloon business in Ainsworth, Nebraska, and also at Butte, Nebraska, where
he done[sic] a fairly good business for several years. He then came to
Louisville, in 1894, where he again engaged in the same trade. Mr. Becker
prides himself on the neatness of his place, having modern fixtures and
furniture, as up-to-date as the city saloons. His gentlemanly ways have won
for him a good trade, and the respect of all. He recently erected a
beautiful home here, having a wife and four children who share in its
pleasantness.

                                 A.L. TIDD

MR. TIDD is a native of the presidential state, Ohio, and is proud of it.
He came to Nebraska a year ago and as yet has not felt that the move was a
bad one. He attended the Valpariso Normal school of Indiana, graduating in
1888. But not feeling that the school room was his place he decided to
study law, which he did, graduating from the law department of the
University of Missouri in 1894, and has to be shown. He is a careful
thinker and when he gives you his opinion you can rest assured that it is
judgment formed from careful thought, and not the rattling off of first
impressions as is often the case. Mr. Tidd has contributed several articles
on important law subjects to leading law magazines. He is associated in
business with Mr. Spurlock and the firm is one of the strongest legal teams
in our county, either one having no superior at the bar.

                            GEORGE M. SPURLOCK.

GEO. M. SPURLOCK was born at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He attended public
schools there and later at York, Nebraska, where his father, Burwell
Spurlock, now resides. Entered the State University at Lincoln in the
latter part of the eighties. After spending a few years there he became a
student at DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, where he graduated
in the law course. Returned to Plattsmouth in 1894 and was admitted to
practice law. Was elected county judge of Cass county as a republican in
1895, and held the office for two successive terms, from 1896 to 1899,
inclusive. Declined to accept the nomination for a third term by his party.
In 1900 he formed a law partnership with Mr. A.L. Tidd, under the firm name
and style of Spurlock & Tidd, and has been actively and successfully
engaged in the practice of law since that time at Plattsmouth. He was
nominated by the republican party and elected last year as float
representative, from Cass and Otoe counties, to fill the vacancy caused by
the death of Hon. David Brown, of Nebraska City, and was again nominated by
the republican party for re-election by the convention held in Nebraska
City in September, 1902. Mr. Spurlock is possessed of a strong personality,
good address, and a forcible speaker, and is always in demand where good
speaking is desired. In November, 1898, he married Maybird Smith, of
Marysville, Missouri. His family consists of his wife and a rising young
attorney he calls son.

                             THOMAS E. JOHNSON

MR JOHNSON was born April 21st, 1859, in Schuyler county, Missouri. When he
was six years old his parents moved to Plattsmouth, Cass county, Nebraska,
where they lived for two years, and then moved back south traveling through
the states of Missouri and Arkansas. After wandering for some time they
finally came back to Cass county and settled on a farm three miles
south-west of Louisville, where his father afterwards bought a farm. Thomas
remained on the farm with his parents until grown, going to school as he
could catch the time between working seasons. When he was about twenty
years of age he made up his mind to see the world, going west to Colorado,
Montana and Wyoming, and to the National Park, working his way from place
to place. Coming back to Nebraska he stayed a short time and then took a
trip through the southern states, coming again back to Nebraska in 1892,
settling on a farm in Cass county where he farmed for three years when he
bought the livery barn in Louisville where he now has a good business. Mr.
Johnson is a well posted and all round pleasant gentleman to meet. He was
married on October 16th, 1886, to Miss Lizzie Halpin, of Otoe county,
Nebraska. They have had three children born to them two of which are
living.

                                 W.F. DIERS

MR. DIERS was born April 26th, 1867, at Comunnia, Iowa, his parents at that
time living on a farm. Here his boyhood days were spent attending school
and helping with the farm affairs. While educating himself at school he was
being given a practical training at home, which has since been instrumental
in his being the successful business man he is today. As all successful
men, Mr. Diers is richly endowed with the pleasant, gentlemanly way, which
gains for all who are the possessors of such, many friends.

In the fall of 1888 he started out in life for himself, first going to
Ulysses, Nebraska, where he went into the mercantile business with his
brother. Two years later the Diers Brothers opened their first branch
store, its location being at Gresham, Nebraska, W.F. Diers taking charge of
the business at that place. In the spring of 1900 this firm purchased the
general merchandise stock of Stander Brothers, at Louisville, where Mr.
Diers was transferred to take charge of that branch. He moved his family to
Louisville at that time and has since made that his home.

The firm have here a building which would be a credit to towns much larger,
and the stock it contains is large and well selected. As in their several
stores of this state they enjoy a large trade and the confidence of their
customers. They have stores located in eight different towns in this state
namely, Ulysses, Rising City, Fullerton, Cedar Rapids, Madison, Humphry,
Gresham and Louisville. Six brothers are jointly interested as the firm of
Diers Bros. Mr. Diers was married on May 17th, 1900, to Miss Hoth, of
Gresham, Nebraska. The subject of this sketch is fitly represented by his
portrait on another page.



     HISTORY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF LOUISVILLE NEBRASKA; continued

                              CHAS. H. PHELPS

CHAS. H. PHELPS was born in Winchester, Preble county, Ohio in May 1841. He
spent his boyhood days at that place and when a young man moved to Mount
Pleasant, Iowa where he was engaged as clerk with a leading furniture
establishment of that place. On December 31, 1861, he was married to Julia
Ann Howsel, of that city. They remained in Mount Pleasant until 1864, when
Mr. Phelps decided to go on further west, which he did, crossing the plains
to Virginia City, Montana. Here he remained for five years, when he
concluded to return to Mount Pleasant, arriving there in the fall of '69.
Three years later, the fall of '72, Mr. Phelps emigrated to Platford
precinct, Sarpy county, Nebraska. He found matters a great deal different
here than in Montana, so he did not return to Iowa, but bought a farm and
after careful attention through those days of frontier life, has today one
of the best improved farms in this section of the country where he and his
wife still make their home. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Phelps, three girls and seven boys, of whom two girls and six boys are
still living.

                               H.E. PANKONIN

MR. PANKONIN was born in Germany on August 26, 1857, and emigrated to
America when twelve years of age and settled with his parents in Michigan
He remained there until twenty years of age, at which time he started for
Nebraska, first stopping in Lincoln. Here he spent some time in the employ
of A.G. Barns, a leading pump man of that city. He remained with Mr. Barns
until he had fitted himself capable of starting into business for himself.
His first location was Louisville and there he has since remained. He was
engaged in this line but a few years when he branched out into the hardware
and implement business. He soon found need for a larger building and
erected a two-story stone structure which is today one of the nicest in the
town. Soon after another was erected, having a 50-foot front on Main
street. Here he remained until 1900 in that year disposing of his stock to
Fred Gorder & Son. Mr. Pankonin did not retire from business life but again
entered the pump and well work, being thus engaged at the present time. Mr.
Pankonin has served several years on the town and school boards of this
place and filled the positions most satisfactory. He is a man who has done
much for the advancement of our city and one who gives liberally to any
move for the betterment of mankind.

Mr. Pankonin was married in 1884 to Miss Mary Gaebel, a resident of Cass
county. They have a beautiful residence in the southeast part of town where
they, with their two sons, enjoy a pleasant home.

                             LEONARD F. HADDON

MR. HADDON, of whom this sketch is written, was born December 8, 1876 in
Sarpy county, Nebraska. He spent eighteen years of his life there, helping
his father with the farm affairs and attending the school of his district.
At the age of eighteen, in the year of '95, he entered the employ of D.G.
Lyman in his sand pits just north of Louisville. His ability as a natural
machinist and overseer put him, in two weeks time, in charge of the works.
Mr. Haddon held this position for over seven years and to the entire
satisfaction of his employer goes without saying. He decided in the summer
of 1902 to go into business for himself, so he resigned his position with
Mr. Lyman and purchased the bowling alley and pool room owned by Mr.
Oleson. Here he is at present engaged. Mr. Haddon has a neat, quiet place
and has a nice stock of candies and cigars always on hand for his many
patrons. He was married on March 17, 1897, to Miss Martha A. Line, whose
parents were residents and well-to-do farmers of Cass county. Mr. and Mrs.
Haddon are the parents of two daughters.

                                 J.P. WOOD

THE subject of this sketch was born Dec. 29, 1838 in Quincy, Ill., which
city at that time was little more than a village, many of the houses being
primitive log cabins; now, however, it enjoys the proud distinction of
being called the "Gem City" with a population of 50,000. Mr. Wood spent his
earlier childhood here. His father died, when he was three years old and
his mother re-married when he was nine and with them he moved to Beverly
township, in the same county, where he resided until 1888 when he removed
to Louisville, Neb. Up to the time of attaining manhood he resided on a
farm, working in summer and attending school in winter, twelve months of
which he was a student at Jacksonville, Ill.

At the age of 21 he commenced clerking in a village store and remained at
that employment for five years. He then taught school for three years, when
he again engaged in the mercantile business, this time for himself, and for
eighteen years he was so employed. On coming to Nebraska Mr. Wood again
entered the school room and taught at various places for six years. He is
now assistant cashier at the Bank of Commerce, also represents a number of
insurance companies and is justice of the peace. He married Miss Gertrude
M. Conrey, who was born in New York state Aug. 9, 1844, and to them have
been born six boys and three girls. Mary, the oldest daughter died in
February, 1890, and Julian J., in June, 1894.

Mr. and Mrs. Wood have a beautiful home on Gospel Hill where a happy family
keep things pleasant the year around.

                                C. SCHLAFLI

CHARLES SCHLAFLI was born at Biel Ct. Berne, Switzerland, June 14, 1849,
and remained in his native country until 1880, in that year coming to
America and Omaha was his destination in the new world. He remained in that
city three years in the butcher business when he came to Louisville and
opened a market where he stayed until the spring of 1884. He then spent a
year visiting at his old home in Switzerland returning to Louisville in
'85. Here he has since remained, with the exception of two years spent at
St. Joe, Mo., and has almost constantly been the proprietor of an
up-to-date and well-kept market. Charlie has always held the confidence of
the people and has friends by the score, being a wholehearted man always
ready to help the needy and ever ready heart and hand to contribute to any
move whereby his fellowman may be benefitted.

In 1886, Miss Lena Schneider, a fair lady of Switzerland, crossed the wide
ocean to America, coming to Louisville where on February 8, in that year
she became the wife of Mr. Schlafli. Like her husband Mrs. Schlafli has
friends without number, and is a lady whose kindness has been fully
appreciated in many homes, where sickness demanded the presence of good
women of her kind. They are the parents of one daughter, whose name is also
Lena.
                   --------------------------------------

VENICE LODGE No. 80, Knights of Pythias, was instituted September 24, 1891,
under the administration of Grand Chancellor W.L. Scism and by District
Deputy Brother Finlay of Evergreen Lodge, of Greenwood, Nebraska with
twelve charter members and the following officers: P.C., J.A. Hasemeier,
C.C., M.N. Drake, V.C., E. Jenkins, P., J.K. Nichols, M.E., C.A. Manker,
M.F., H.E. Pankonin, K.R. & S., J.P. Wood, M.A., M.L. Hamlin, J.G., A.
Deitrich, O.G., Geo. Tackenberg.

The organization of the lodge was largely due to the untiring and
determined efforts of Bro. E. Jenkins, now deceased, who was that time a
member of Evergreen Lodge, and being a Knight who believed that the order
was established upon principles that had for its object "the betterment of
mankind" he undertook the task of securing a sufficient number of names to
obtain a charter, with a zeal that soon crowned his efforts with success.
At the institution of the lodge the District Deputy was assisted by Knights
from Omaha, Lincoln, Plattsmouth, Ashland, Weeping Water and Greenwood. For
the first two years of its existence the Lodge had a steady, though not
rapid growth, but owing to removals its membership became so reduced in
members that the income of the lodge was not sufficient to pay current
expenses and in 1894 it suspended work as a lodge but retained its charter.
In April, 1897 the lodge was revived and reorganized but had not sufficient
members to confer the ranks efficiently and after a short existence the
remaining members surrendered its charter and was consolidated with
Springfield Lodge No. 87, retaining their membership there till in April,
1900, when Liberty Lodge No. 88 was organized with the following charter
members: J.A. Hasemeier, J.P. Wood, J.L.Burns, I. DePuy, Geo. Frater, C.A.
Richey, F. Dickson, H.E. Pankonin, Fred Roune, G. Goebel, J.J. Meier, C.D.
Morrow, J.E. Oleson, E.C. Twiss, S.E. Sorber, J.T. Dawson, S.W. Davis, Joe
Schimpfke, Geo. Horn, C.E. Urwin, Jesse Hill. E. Sturzenegger, and with the
following officers: C.C., J.L. Burns, V.C., E.C. Twiss, Prel., J.P. Wood,
M.E., S.W. Davis, M.F., C.E. Urwin, K.R.S., Geo Frater, M.A., J. Schimpfke,
I.G., J.T. Dawson, O.G., J. Oleson, M.W., I. DePuy. The lodge has had a
steady, healthful growth from its institution to the present time and now
numbers fifty members, and with no suspension since its organization. It
has a Rank Staff that can and does confer the ranks in an impressive manner
that would do credit to older and larger lodges.

Since the institution of the lodge the following names have been added: C.
Vanscoyoc, A.O. Hinkle, H.G. Mundell, C.B. Lee, D.D. Haggard, F. DePuy,
L.A. Jackman, J. Goebel, C.W. Sheldon, G.H. Wood, J.P. Ellis, R.H. Lewis,
C. Gross, J.A. Dawson, J.E.Baety, H. Story, W.F. Diers, J.R. Noyes, W.
Wade, H.R. Jenkins, J.P. Phelps, C.J. Fosbury, F.W. Cockrell, F.J. Tapper
and G.D. Satterfield.

But one death has occurred from among the membership of the lodge, who was
in good standing at time of death, since the organization: Brother Frank
Detrich was accidentally killed in the spring of 1893, at the Robertson
sand pits, by being run over by a car, and was burried[sic] by the lodge.

With the membership now upon its roster and with its exchequer in a good
healthy condition, the prospects for Liberty lodge for future growth and
usefulness are certainly most flattering. And any young man, or old one
either, who desire to unite with a fraternal. order, whose object is to
teach their highest, broadest sense the full meaning of the words,
"Friendship, Charity, Benevolence," will make no mistake by casting their
lots with members of Liberty Lodge, No. 88, Knights of Pythias.
                   --------------------------------------

                           HON. MARTIN FRIEDRICH.

WHEN our state was new, years ago, there came to Cass county a young man
who possessed those qualities that are the foundation to success. Not
riches in money and lands, but a will, harnessed together with patience and
honesty. For a time this young man worked as a farm laborer, and from his
wages managed to save a little each month, putting it away, with the
expectation of someday owning one of Cass county's farms, and with that end
in view he continued to toil each year more faithful that he might reach
the goal for which he had started. This gentleman is Mr. Martin Friedrich,
who now lives on a farm, near Cedar Creek, Nebraska. He secured that farm
for which he had worked, and with it the confidence of all who know him. He
is a pleasant, whole-hearted, honest man, and as evidence of their trust in
him, they elected him to represent their County at the state capitol two
years ago. His work there as else where, successful. He devoted his whole
time to the interests of the county while there, as he had done in years
gone by for himself. This the people appreciated and at the last election
they decided no mistake would be made to re-elect this gentleman to the
same office, and the name of one of our representatives in legislature
halls reads Hon. Martin Friedrich.

Mr. Friedrich has a beautiful home on his place near Cedar Creek, and a
wife and family who are held in high esteem by all their neighbors.

                             GEORGE L. SHELDON

GEORGE L. SHELDON was born on his father's farm at Nehawka, Nebraska, May
31, 1870, where he attended the district schools until he was seventeen
years of age, at that time entering the State University at Lincoln. He
graduated from the university in 1892, and entered Harvard, taking post
graduate course, graduating with the class of '93. While at Lincoln Mr.
Sheldon was appointed captain of the cadets, his company winning first
prize in the competition drill of the inter-state national guards. He was
also captain of company B. Nebraska Volunteers, during the Spanish-American
war, to which position he was unanimously elected.

On September 4th, 1895, Mr. Sheldon was married to Miss Rose Higgins, of
Roseville, Illinois, two children being born to this union, a boy, George
Lawson, jr., and a daughter, Mary.

In the year of '56 the father of the subject of this sketch came from
Vermont and settled on a homestead near Nehawka. Two years later he
returned to the Green Mountain state and brought back with him a bride, who
was Miss Julia Pollard. They journed[sic] from New England by rail to St.
Louis, and thence up the Missouri river to Nebraska City, bringing with
them their worldly possessions, for Nebraska was to be their future home.
Mr Sheldon was chosen by the republicans of his county to represent them in
the legislature, and twice thereafter was made a state senator.

Mr. George L. Sheldon, like his honored father, was reared under the wing
of the republican party, and is a staunch supporter of its principles. He
was elected to the state senate, at our last election, by a majority of
477.

                                 H.E. BROWN

HORACE E. BROWN was born May 19, 1867 at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. In 1871 his
parents moved to Nebraska, locating at Tecumseh, where H.E. spent his
boyhood. He attended the schools of that place and in due time graduated
with his class. After leaving school he began clerking in a drug store at
Tecumseh, and was employed in that capacity for three years. Wishing to
extend his knowledge in this line he secured a position with a drug company
of Omaha. Here he remained for some time but finally went to Plattsmouth
where he held a like position for several months.

By this time he had saved from his earnings a neat sum and so decided to
start into business for himself. A friend in Chicago, who had large
interests in Hailley, Idaho, prevailed on Mr. Brown going there with him,
as in his opinion, Hailley was a good opening for a drug store. This Mr.
Brown did. Times were then flourishing and matters there looked encouraging
and he invested his money there. For a time his business was on the boom
but there came a change. Mines closed and the miners who were his support
sought new fields of labor. In a few months his stock was no source of
income, and not worth the freight it would cost to move it elsewhere. His
savings of two years then could be easily reckoned. Discouraging indeed,
but being a young and courageous man he immediately set about to regain his
loss. In 1894 he purchased the stock of drugs owned by W.B. Shryock at
Louisville and there he has enjoyed a good trade ever since, having a large
stock and many friends.

Mr. Brown was married at Hailley, Idaho to Miss May Lindsey, of that city.
Two children have been born to them, Richard, age 11 years and Raymond, age
6.

                                C.J. GAEBEL

MR. CHARLES GAEBEL was born March 12, 1857 in Germany, coming to America
with his parents when one year of age. They first settled in Wisconsin
where his father worked at day labor for five years for the support of his
family. At the end of this time his parents removed to Cass county,
Nebraska, and settled on a farm near Louisville. Charles stayed on the farm
with his parents through all the hardships and toil that was to be met by
the first settlers of the west, until twenty-four years old. He then
married Miss Mary Gakemeir, of this county, on July 17, 1882. At that time
Mr. Gaebel's principal capital consisted of a healthy constitution, push
and energy backed up by good judgment. With these qualities and the faith
he had in Cass' future, he and his good wife settled on a farm and today
that is their home. As the fruits of their labors and evidence of his good
judgment they possess one of the best homes in our county.

Mr. Gaebel has not confined himself alone to the raising of grain but has
given years of time and attention to the breeding of fine stock. His herds
of both cattle and hogs stand at the head of the list. His reputation as a
breeder and shipper of thoroughbred Poland China and Duroc-Jersey hogs has
attracted the attention of dealers in all parts of the States.

Mr. and Mrs. Gaebel are the parents of six children, three boys and as many
girls, all of whom are living.

                               JESSE L. ROOT

MR. ROOT, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, was born in Tazwell county, Illinois,
in November 1860. Here he worked on a farm and attended school, soon
qualifying himself as a teacher. This he did for several terms, devoting
the vacations to whatever other work he could find. He mastered stenography
and for a time was employed in that capacity. Being a young man of ambition
and energy with a will and determination to push upward, he began the study
of law, and was admitted to the bar in Cass county in 1887. He has
practiced his profession ever since at Plattsmouth, and is looked upon by
all as an enterprising, honorable citizen in whom they can put confidence
and trust. As an evidence of their faith in him he has constantantly[sic]
been in their service as member of several boards, attorney for different
towns, and also for the county of Cass. Mr Root's practice is not limited
to the lower courts but has carried with success many cases through the
higher courts of our state. His judgment is good as a business man, and his
counsel honest and sincere. He was, at the last election, re-elected county
attorney for Cass by a neat majority on the republican ticket.

Mr. Root was married in 1888 to Miss Evelyn Wise, of this county, and to
them have been born three children.

                                R.C. HUBERT

RICHARD C. HUBERT was born at Beverly, Illinois, on the 8th day of July,
1867. He spent his younger days on a farm with his parents and there he
learned the habits of industry and economy, corner stones of good character
and success, so essential in standing the test and competition of this age.
Here he spent many many days in doing his duty on the farm and in the
school room of the common schools, acquiring the learning which is so
all-important to the man when he goes into business for himself, be it
large or small.

After leaving school Mr. Hubert went to farming and raising stock for
himself, remaining thus engaged for several years with fair success. Being
of a social turn of mind, and farm life growing monotonous, he decided to
give it up and find a new location among new people, so, in company with
his younger sister, they left the Prairie state and came to Nebraska,
locating at Louisville.

On October 12, 1901, Mr. Hubert opened a merchant tailoring place of
business, also cleaning and repairing garments. He has built up a good
trade by his courteous treatment, and enjoys the confidence of all those
with whom he has had business dealings. At his place measures will be taken
for ladies' or gents' tailored garments and you are guaranteed entire
satisfaction.

He has an elegant line of samples to select from, all of the very latest
patterns. The opportunity has at last arrived when one need no longer wear
ready-made clothing, for at this place tailor made goods are as cheap. Mr.
Hubert and his sister make their home in Louisville and have won many
friends by their upright character.



                              JAMES M. HOOVER

MR. HOOVER was born in Dark county, Ohio, in 1854, near the town of
Greenville. He came west with his parents in 1863 and with them settled in
Nebraska. St. Joseph was at that time the terminal of the railroad in the
west, so from there they took the boat up the Missouri river landing at
Plattsmouth, Nebraska. At that time Plattsmouth was a place of but a few
scattered houses, and the county was inhabited by a great many more Indians
than Whites. Mr. Hoover's father being a man of courage and pluck ventured
up the Platte river fourteen miles and settled on a farm, where James was
raised and grew to manhood With the exception of one time Mr. Hoover has
not been absent form the state for a period longer than six months, his one
trip out being through the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Colorado,
but returned shortly perfectly satisfied with Nebraska. Mr. Hoover has
experienced many interesting things of early Nebraska, one being the years
of hoppers, 1873-6, when they took their flight, raising like a cloud and
for a time shut out the light of the sun; another has been the years of
drought, when farmers grew only enough for their own use and in 1883 the
crops of Eastern Cass were completely destroyed by hail.

Mr. Hoover attended the schools of his district, afterwards the High school
at Plattsmouth where he completed his education. Mr. Hoover is a plain
practical man, and like his honored father, is always to the front when
there is any enterprise on hand that is for public benefit; as much so as
if it were for personal gain. Mr. Hoover was married March 11, 1878 to Miss
Augusta Pankonin. This lady was born July 20, 1855, and came to Nebraska in
1871. While enroute she happened to be at Chicago when that city
experienced her terrible battle with the flames. Five children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. They are Rosa, William, Ella, Laura and
Hellen.

                              DR. MIKE TRITSCH

DR. M. TRITSCH was born January 23, 1873 on a farm near Plattsmouth,
Nebraska. His parents soon afterward moving on a farm seven miles southwest
of Louisville, where Mike spent his youthful days working for his parents
in season and attending school in the winter. On attaining his majority he
undertook farming for himself, cultivating part of his father's land. This
he did for three years, at the same time studying watch repairing. At the
end of three years he had become so proficient that he decided to follow
that business for a lively hood. In 1897 he removed to Louisville and went
into that business. In 1900 he took up the study of optics under the
instructions of Dr. Trenner, of Omaha. In 1901 he continued this study with
the Northern Illinois College of Ophthalmology and Otology from which
institution he graduated with high percent, and received his diploma of
Doctor of Optics. Mr. Tritsch has since practiced his profession with
success and has a good trade in his lines.

Mr. Tritsch was married on December 18, 1895 to Miss Emma Hennings who is a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Hennings, Cass county's most substantial
farmers. They have a nice home here and enjoy the friendship of all their
acquaintances. Two daughter complete their happiness.

                               GEORGE FRATER

THE subject of this sketch first saw the light of day in Belmont county,
Ohio, February 20, 1865. He remained with his parents until he was twenty
years old, working for them and attending school. At the end of this time
he went to Iowa, and there worked at farm duties for two years. Farm life
by this time had grown weary, so he selected the drug business as his means
of living in the city and at once secured a position as clerk in one of the
pharmacies at Remsen, Iowa, remaining there two years. He then held a like
position at Newell, Iowa six months, when he removed to Thurston, that
state, where he remained for six years.

He had now grown to manhood, and from his labors had saved enough money to
begin business for himself, having acquired the right amount of knowledge
to carry it on successfully. He went to David City, Nebraska, and purchased
half interest of his brother, who was the owner of a fine stock in that
city, where he stayed for eighteen months. Selling out his interest there
he went to Rising City, this state, where he remained until he came to
Louisvillle. In 1899 he purchased the drug stock of Dr. J.A. Hasemeier of
this place, and here he has since remained.

Mr. Frater has a neat building and a large and well selected stock. He is a
pleasant gentleman and his courteous ways holds his trade up to the
standard.

Mr. Frater was married on May 1, 1890 to Miss Birdie Jones, a popular young
lady of Thurman, Iowa that date being the 43rd anniversary of his father's
wedding. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frater, of whom two
are living.

                                C.A. RICHEY

CHARLES A. RICHEY was born May 6, 1872, at Afton, Union county, Iowa, where
his lived until 10 years of age, his parents then moving to Plattsmouth,
Nebraska. His father engaged in the lumber business in that city and it was
there that young Richey received his learning along this particular line.
He remained with his father in the yards until he was of age, having
completed his education in the mean time. In 1894 Mr. Richey came to
Louisville and in company with his brother-in-law , Mr. F. Dickson,
established a lumber yard at this place, the buiness[sic] being a
profitable venture from the first. The firm of Richey & Dickson continued
to do business until April 1, 1902, when Mr. Richey purchased Mr. Dickson's
interest from which time he has owned and operated in his own name. He also
handles coal and grain.

He has been successful owing to his strict attention to business and is a
man who is at all times enterprising. With Mr. Parmele he established the
Louisville Mills, a worthy enterprise and one for which the town owes Mr.
Richey much credit. His interests were later sold to Tapper & Son, the
present managers.

Mr. Richey was married on February 19, 1896 to Miss May Dutton of
Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and have a neat cottage home in the southwest part
of town. Two daughters have been born to them.

HISTORIANS, and especially those of the earlier periods, designated the
different epochs as the Stone age, the Iron age and the Brass age; these
names doubtless indicating either the use or discovery of the different
articles by which their periods or epochs are named. The future historians,
after reading the achievements of the 19th century, and especially of the
last three decades, might fitly call it the Fraternal age. For prior to the
middle of the 19th century the names of the fraternal orders could be
counted on the fingers of one hand, and in fact there were but two with
sufficient prominence to be generally known: namely the Masonic, whose
existence is almost as aged as time itself, and Odd Fellowship, whose years
are now nearing the century mark in this country.

During the closing years of the Civil war, while the country was still in
dreadful doubt and suspense as to the issue of that terrible struggle, the
Knights of Pythias was brought into existence and so intense was the
feeling engendered by that struggle that one of the conditions of
membership was, that the applicant must have been a member of the Union
army.

Up to this time little thought had been given to beneficiary orders, and to
John Upchurch largely belongs the credit of giving to the world in the
A.O.U.W., a system of life insurance within the reach of those not able to
avail themselves of the protection by old line companies; the benefits of
which eternity alone can tell. This and kindred other orders are the
attempt of mankind to solve the question, "Who is my Neighbor?" Following
closely upon the organization of the Workmen came that of the Modern
Woodmen of America at Lyons, Iowa in May, 1883, by Joseph C. Root and
others, and like most orders its work was confined to narrow limits. In a
few years however the society was chartered under the laws of the state of
Illinois, with the head office at Fulton, that state, and being confined by
its charter to seven Northwestern states its growth was comparatively slow.
But notwithstanding this fact at the close of 1890 its members had
increased to 40,000. At the meeting of the Head Camp at Springfield, Ill.,
new head officers were elected and important legislation enacted which gave
the society an impetus that astonished the Fraternal world, and as its
merits have become known applications have been made at every meeting of
the Head Camp by adjoining states for admission into its jurisdiction until
now its territory extends from ocean to ocean and from our northern
boundary to the Ohio and including the more northerly Southern states and
its membership to 700,000. This territory has been selected with the utmost
care as regards healthfulness and especially freedom from epidemics, and by
its bylaws excludes all hazardous occupations thus making its death rate
the lowest of any beneficiary order. Its assessments are graded according
to age and are so low that a man must be poor indeed who cannot afford
protection to his family in this order.

River View No. 1071 was organized July 13, 1889 with the following officers
and members: J.M. Jackman, V.C.; W.B. Shryock, W.A.; H.E. Pankonin, E.B.;
P.C. Stander, Clk.; G.A. Stewart, E.; G.W. Mayfield, W. I.W. Neely, S.;
J.A. Hasemeier, P.; C.L. Mullins, J.L. Hartshorn, L.C. Eickhoff, managers;
J.O. McClain, A. Jenkins, G.H. Tackenberg, L.P. Sine. Since the
organization of the Camp death has claimed but three of its members.
Neighbors W.B. Shryock, dying July 1, 1891; J.O. McClain August, 1897 and
Michael Borcherts, September 1898. The beneficiaries of the first two
received $3,000 each and latter, $2,000, thus most forcibly exemplifying
the benefits derived from fraternal protection and the love and wisdom of
those who thus provide for their loved ones.

                         LOUISVILLE MILLING COMPANY

A VALUABLE acquisition to our little city and one which should receive the
hearty support of all our people, is the business operated by the
Louisville Milling Company. When we are in need of meal or flour we should
not be guilty of purchasing other than the product of our own home
industry. This plant was erected in the winter of 1897 by T.E. Parmele and
C.A. Richey. at a cost of from $10,000 to $12,000, being equipped with the
most modern machinery that money could buy, and with a capacity of fifty
barrels a day. The starting of the wheels of this concern took place on
February 1, 1898 and since that time it has been constantly comminuting
grain for its customers who are from all parts of the state. On July 1,
1902 the plant was purchased by C.D. Tapper & Son, who have added $1000 in
repairs and improvements. The present management have built up a good trade
and gained a reputation as millers second to none in the state.

Messrs. Tapper and Tapper are well known to our people, having been
prosperous farmers in Cass county for years, and what is put out by them
can be relied upon as first class. Mr. John Oleson is their head miller
while Mr. Sam Sorber acts in the capacity of engineer.

                               JOHN L. BURNS

MR. BURNS, as a great many of America's public spirited, enterprising
citizens today was born in Germany. He first beheld the light of day on
September 29, 1855 and remained in Germany until 1870, in that year
emigrating to America, landing in New York. Being a young man of push and
energy he soon began to learn the machinists trade and for eight years he
remained in that city in that capacity. Being able to secure employment now
anywhere, he decided to see more of the States, so in '78 he started west
and arrived at Plattsmouth. Here he entered the employ of the B. & M. Ry.
company, serving as brakeman four years and in the shops at that place for
three. After leaving their employ in 1889 he came to Louisville where he
secured a position as bartender, remaining thus engaged for one year when
he purchased the saloon stock and began to do business for himself,
carrying on that business successfully for three years.

He then decided to try farming. Disposing of his business here he removed
to the country in 1893 and tilled Cass county's fertile soil for a period
of five years. Desiring to give his children better educational advantages
Mr. Burns returned to Louisville in 1899 and opened up a grocery store and
restaurant, and at this time, 1902, he is the owner of a first-class stock
and has built up a good trade. In connection with his stock, Mrs. Burns
carries a nice line of millinery goods, an assortment hard to excel in much
larger towns.

Mr. Burns was married on May 10, 1880 to Miss Annie Krecklow, of this
county, at the German Lutheran church southwest of Louisville. They are the
parents of four children, three girls and a boy.

                            WILLIAM DELESDERNIER

ELMWOOD may well feel proud of being the possessor of a citizen such as Wm.
DelesDernier is. Mr. DelesDernier was born December 3, 1856, at Memphis
Tennessee. As soon as he become[sic] of school age he was sent to New
Albany, Indiana, where he attended the public schools. At the age of ten
his parents moved to Nebraska City where they lived for two years. At the
end of this time his parents again moved, this time going to Nehawka and
resided there for the same length of time. Mr. DelesDernier's parents
finally concluded to make one more move and establish for themselves a
home. This they immediately did, removing to three and one-half miles
south-east of Elmwood where they took up a homestead. Here, over thirty
years ago, they began to till the soil of an unimproved farm, but as years
rolled by vast changes were made, until it was brought up to the standard
of all Nebraska farms. Today it is one of the finest in the county and Mr.
DelesDernier is still the owner of his father's homestead.

Mr. DelesDernier has practiced law for twenty years, and up to 1893 made
his headquarters at the farm. Nine years ago his practice became so wide
that he found it impossible to attend to his legal business with his office
located there so he moved his family to Elmwood where he has since resided
. He has a good practice in the supreme and lower courts, having the
largest practice in the county in state and probate matters, and makes a
specialty of settling up estates. Mr. and Mrs. DelesDernier are the parents
of four boys and three girls.

                             WILLIAM J. O'BRIEN

THE gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch was born in
Detroit, Michigan in the year 1866, where he received an education as
taught in the common schools of that state. After leaving school Mr.
O'Brien began fish cultural work in the Dominion Fish Hatcheries at
Sandwich, Ont., this being in 1880. His ability in this line of work was
soon noted by the commissioners in the States and in 1883 he was induced to
accept a position with the Michigan Fish Commission where he remained until
1886. In that year he was appointed assistant superintendent of the
Nebraska State Fish Hatcheries, holding this position until 1896. In this
year he was promoted to superintendent, and served in that capacity for
three years. In 1899 Mr. O'Brien went to Dunbar, Wisconsin, where he was
employed with the Lake Club Hatcheries of that place, but one year later
resigned his position there, being re-appointed superintendent of the
Nebraska Hatcheries by Governor Savage July 1st 1901. Mr. O'Brien was
married in 1896 to Mrs. Ada Bunker, of South Bend, Nebraska, and at present
make their home at the Hatcheries, where they have a fine residence. For a
day's outing there is no place in the state where one can go and feel
themselves more at home than to the Nebraska Fish Hatcheries, for under its
present management you are treated most courteously, as has always been a
chief characteristic of Mr. O'Brien and his wife.



                            CAPT. J.T.A. HOOVER

UPON our streets every day of the year may be seen the gray-haired,
venerable old gentleman, who, more than thirty long years ago, laid out the
plans for the beautiful little town in which we make our home today. He put
up the first house in the place, and the town has since been the object of
his fostering care.

This man is Captain John T.A. Hoover, born at Nagold, Wurtemberg, Germany,
September 13, 1826, and the record left behind in those seventy-six years
on earth is one occupying a place second to none among the early promoters
of our state.

Attending the common schools of his native country until he was fourteen
years of age, he entered a laboratory and learned the compounding of
medicines, devoting most of his time to the study of chemistry. At the age
of eighteen he entered the employ of Dr. Frances Croener, spending two
years with this gentleman traveling about Europe. By this time his parents
had decided to emigrate to America so young Hoover gave up the road and in
1846 accompanied them to this country, settling on a farm in Ohio. In 1848
Mr. Hoover was married to Miss Effie Houfnatrale, of Pennsylvania, her
parents having spent their last days in Ohio. He still stayed at home with
his parents, working for them on the farm. In 1853 he joined the Ohio state
militia, soon afterward becoming captain of his company, commissioned by
the governor. His father died in 1856 and young Captain was then left in
whole charge of the farm affairs. This he did until the breaking out of the
war in 1861. At the first call for volunteers he made up a commpany known
as Co. D 58th Ohio Vol. infantry of which he was the head, receiving his
commission from Governor Denison of Ohio. He was thus actively engaged for
two years being compelled to return home in '63 owing to ill health.

Upon return to his family, whom he had left on the farm well cared for
during his absence, he disposed of all his property in Ohio and removed to
Cass county, Nebraska, and purchased land on section 23, Louisville
precinct, securing at once 320 acres, upon which there were no
improvements, with the exception of a small log house. Under many
disadvantages he commmenced the opening up of a farm, and six years later
erected a large stone dwelling, which is today his present home. The
material for this structure was quarried on his own land.

After signalizing himself in a most decided manner as a man well fitted for
positions of trust and responsibility, Captain Hoover was, in 1865, elected
to represent this county in the Nebraska lagislature[sic] on the Republican
ticket, endorsed by the democrats. He served his term aceptably there and
returned to his farm. In 1870, when the B. & M. Railroad company built
their road through this section, Mr. Hoover gave them $500 out of his own
pocket to locate their station at this place. This move was the foundation
of Louisville. He then erected a small frame building on what today are
Second and Main streets. Here he kept the first postoffice of the town,
together with a small stock of groceries, tobacco, etc., at the same time
caring for his farm and promoting the interests of our little city. In 1881
he resigned his commission as postmaster to Mr. J.V. Glover, and turned his
whole attention to his farm. Captain Hoover is now retired form active
service but he and his faithful wife still live on the old home place with
plenty of this world's goods to make their last years, years of contentment
and pleasure; to which they are so justly entitled.

Ten children were born to Captain and Mrs. Hoover, four boys and six girls,
all of whom are living.

                             HENRY J. TANGEMAN

LIKE the majority of our successful business men of today, Mr. Tangeman was
born on his father's farm in Clayton county, Iowa, December 6, 1860, where
he remained until he was twenty-six years of age. He began taking part in
the running of the farm as soon as he was old enough to do so, at the same
time attending the schools of his neighborhood until he received an
education suitable for all practical purpses. In 1886 he began farming for
hmself in that state and continued so to do for fourteen years. At the end
of this time he sold out there and removed to Gresham, Neb., again going
into the farm and stock raising business. He lived at Gresham until 1902,
when he disposed of his property there and moved to Louisville, where he is
at present engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, Mr.
Wm. Diers. Mr. Tangeman is a plain, practical business man who is well
capable of taking care of his affairs wherever they may be, having been
successful in all his undertakings. He is a sober, honest, public spirited
man who has made a friend of every acquaintance, and a man who adds
strength and stability to the community in which he lives.

Mr. Tangeman was married on March 31, 1886 to Miss Annie Diers of Motor,
Iowa. They are the happy parents of two bright children, a boy and a girl.

                              MILTON A. SAMS.

PRIN. MILTON A. SAMS was born near Anamosa, Iowa, November 10th, 1871. His
father is a native of Ohio, being of Welsh descent, while his mother born
in Pennsylvania, is of pure Germanic blood. He was born and reared on a
farm, the place most conductive to the development of a strong mind in a
strong boy. At the age of twelve he moved with his parents from Iowa to a
farm near Table Rock, Nebraska. Living there ten years they then moved
(1894) to their present home near Elmwood, Nebraska. After completing the
work in the district school near his home in Pawnee county, he entered the
Pawnee City Acadamy. Leaving the acadamy he began teaching his first term
of school in October, 1890 in a country school near Burchard, Nebraska. Not
content with the opportunities offered for advancement in the country
schools, he enrolled as a student in the Nebraska State normal school, from
which institution he graduated in a class of fifty-two, ranking first for
ability and practical work in the model school there conducted. After
graduation he was elected to the principalship of the schools in Kennard,
Nebraska, which position he held for three successive years, giving it up
for a more lucrative position as principal of the Silver Creek schools in
Merrick county. This position he had since held, being re-elected for the
present year but resigned to accept the principalship of the Louisville
schools, which brings him to his home county. Prof. Sams prepared a new
course of study for the school which was adopted by the Board of Education
at the beginning of the year. Several marked changes in the school were
made and at present Louisville is having one of the best schools she has
ever had. Prof. Sams comes from a family of teachers, having two brothers
and three sisters who are known among the successful teachers of the state.
On November 30th, 1899, he was married to Miss Lenora Gaines, of Kennard,
Nebraska. Mrs. Sams graduated form the Kennard schools in the class of '98.

                             DR. E.H. WORTHMAN

DR. E.H. WORTHMAN was born October 9, 1875 in Chicago. In 1877 the family
moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and from there to Seward where his parents yet
make their home. The doctor graduated in both English and German from the
schools of that city afterwards attending the Walther College of St. Louis
for two years. He then spent four years at John A. Creighton Medical
College, Omaha, graduating from that institution in 1900. He first located
at Dubois, Neb., but six months later he removed to Louisville, where he
has a good practice at the present time. Mr. Worthman was married June 4,
1902 to Miss Hattie Stevenson, of Lincoln, a lady who stands high in the
social circles of her adopted home town. The doctor is well liked as a
physician and as a man, being moral in character and temperate in habits,
just that kind of a man who may be relied upon at all times, a very
necessary qualification for a doctor to possess. (A copy of this work at
the NE State Library contains a handwritten notation below this entry that
reads, "His son, Dr Herbert Worthman is still a practicing Doctor in
Louisville, Nebr")

                              WILLIAM OSSENKOP

WILLIAM OSSENKOP was born on his father's farm in Cass county, December 17,
1872, where he spent the greater part of his life. He attended the schools
of his neighborhood until he secured a good business education, which
afterward proved a great benefit. He took a part in all the affairs of the
farm when a boy and upon the death of his father took sole management; this
he conducted successfully, as a matter of course, until 1900. At this time
he decided that he would like to go into business in town, so he purchased
the saloon business owned by S.P. Metz, in Louisville, which he has carried
on successfully to this time. Mr. Ossenkop is a quiet, good natured young
man and enjoys a large circle of friends.

                               JAMES ALLOWAY

THE subject of this sketch was born in Clayton county, Iowa, May 1, 1857,
his parents at that time living on a farm. He remained there until thirteen
years of age when he began the struggle of life for himself, working at
different places and for different people until he was twenty-one years
old. He then farmed for hmself a few years in Iowa, afterwards coming to
this state where he farmed in Saunders county. His next move was
Louisville, where he is at present engaged in the livery and feed business,
enjoying a good trade. Mr Alloway was married in December, 1880 to Miss
Johnson, who was a resident of Cass county. Two children have been born to
them.

                        ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN

THIS order is the oldest fraternal insurance order in America. Its founder,
John Jordon Upchurch, was born in the first part of the past century; but
not until the 27th of October, 1868 was the organization founded and ready
for business. The first officers were, H.C. Sessions, S.M.W.; M.W. Sackett,
S.P.R.; John J. Acker, S.R. The first assessment made was in 1871. It is
not necessary to tell of the merits of this order or the good that it has
done, for its fame is world-wide, its beneficiaries live in every land, and
the blessings of thousands of widows and orphans rest upon the Ancient
Order United Workmen.

The order may truly be called the Ancient Order, especially is this true
with many of the noble brethren who took part in the founding and launching
of this worthy and noble craft, that has done so much to rescue the widows
and orphans of this land from the great gulf of vice, sin, want and final
ruin to which thousands might have gone but for this their only hope and
succor. When we are well and in good health we need no physician, but there
will come a time in all our lives when death, like a dark storm cloud, will
hover around us, and to many of us of today it will come as it has to many
in the past., 'like a thief in the night', when least expected. Let us then
try to be prepared for whatever may be God's will; what He does is for our
good, let us trust Him and hope for good things. Hope is one of the corner
stones of the great A.O.U.W. Temple. Hope is God's beacon light adorning
and lighting life's pathway. Hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and
steadfast, and when the shadows of death approach, Hope draws back the veil
and points to a blessed Haven of Rest.

Hope like the gleaming tapers light adorns and cheers the way,
And still as darker grows the night, emits a brighter ray.

But Hope alone is not sufficient. We must so live and act that our lives
and hopes may be in harmony. Our loved ones are those for whom we live, it
is for them we brave the dangers and hardships of life and in us they have
all hope and confidence, giving us their help and their love, and all earth
contains no richer boon for mankind; if we appreciate their love how shall
we prove it? By our love and kind treatment while here and by protection
provided when we may no longer walk with them; when our voice is hushed
forever in that sleep of death form which no word of love can come. This
protection if offered you by the Ancient Order United Workmen. Half a
million men, good and true, offer you their help and protection, both moral
and financial, for your loved ones when you can no longer provide for them.
Can you afford to slight their offer?

This protection is offered you at a price that none are too poor to pay.
This order has stood the test for years. It has paid every honest
obligation and has the confidence of every man who has investigated its
foundation and principles. It has long since past the hundred-million mark
in payments to widows and orphans. It has in its ranks some of the
brightest and brainiest men in our nation and from every walk of life.
Remember, that opportunities, like shadows, soon pass away. Louisville
Lodge No. 137, was organized August 16, 1887 by State Deputy Johnson with
ten charter members and the following named officers were elected: O.C.
Steele,P.M.W.; Dr. A.V. Robinson, M.W.; J.M. Jackman, F.; J.N. Drake, O.;
C.A. Manker, R.; Harvey Kelso, Fin.; M.N. Drake, Rdr; G. Nordval, G.; J.H.
Heasly, I.W.; E. Palmer, O.W. Today this lodge is in a flourishing
condition with a membership of 210.


                           __________________

            PHOTOGRAPHS INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION
                 (Not included in this online version.)

   * Brown's Drug Store (Part of advertisement.)

   * Bank of Commerce

   * Diers, W.F.

   * Louisville Milling Company

   * Morrison, S.A., "Proprietor of the Courier"

   * O'Brien, W.J., "Supt. State Fish Hatcheries"

   * Tangeman, Henry J.

                           __________________

           ADVERTISEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION
                 (Not included in this online version.) 

GEO. FRATER - "DRUGGIST"  "On the Corner."  "Carries a full line of 
     everything to be found in a first-class drug store. Prescriptions
     carefully compounded at all hours day or night. Paints, oils and 
     glass always kept in stock."  "Main St. Louisville"

J.M. HOOVER - "THE ICE MAN"  "Dealer in ICE for business and family use.
     Ice delivered to any part of the city in large or small quantities 
     at a very reasonable price. This is Crystal Lake Ice and the quality 
     is as good as the very best."  "Louisville Neb."

C.A. RICHEY - "DEALER IN Lumber Lime & Coal"  "All kinds and grades of
     lumber, lath and shingles to be found in a first-class, up-to-date
     lumer[sic] yard. Also handles and ships all kinds of GRAIN"  
     "Louisville, Nebraska."

C.H. PHELPS - "Farmer & Stock Raiser" "On Platte River Valley" "Farm 
     located three miles northwest of Louisville on main line of Great 
     Rock Island Route."

C.J. GAEBEL - "Owner and Proprietor"  "Orchard Stock Farm"  Established 
     Sixteen Years Ago."  "Importer and Shipper of thoroughbred Poland 
     China and Duroc Jersey Hogs."  "Anyone desiring well bred, up-to-
     date stock in this line can do no better than to deal with Mr. 
     Gaebel."

BROWN'S DRUG STORE - "H.E. BROWN, Proprietor."  "China Ware Silver Ware
     Cut Glass Jewelry Fine Lamps Crape Paper"  "Paints Oils Varnishes 
     Brushes Wall Paper Glass Stationery Books School Supplies"  "Patent
     goods and all first-class medicines always in stock. Prescriptions
     carefully and promptly filled."  "Louisville, Nebraska."

DIERS BROTHERS & COMPANY - "Dealers in General Merchandise"  "Everything
     usually found in an up-to-date store may be seen here. Ladies' fine
     goodsand[sic] tailor made Suits."  "A COMPLETE LINE OF GENTS' 
     FURNISHINGS HATS, CAPS, BOOTS AND SHOES"  "GROCERIES A full and 
     complete line of the best"  "When in need of anything in ourline 
     give us a call."  "Louisville, Nebraska."

R.C. HUBERT - "Represents the Cheapest and Best Guaranteed Tailoring 
     Work ever put before the people"  " A Complete line of Tailor Made 
     Garments For Ladies, Gents and Children"  "Cleaning, Dying and 
     Pressing a Specialty."  "Louisville Nebraska"

HOTEL SPEAKER - "JOHN SPEAKER, Proprietor"  "RATES $2.00 PER DAY"
     "Special Attention Given to Commercial Trade"

STANDER & ESMAY -  "Dealers in HARDWARE FURNITURE UNDERTAKING"  " A nice
     line of hardware tinware, cutlery."  "Our funiture is up-todate and 
     can supply you with anything from a foot stool to a flemished oak
     side board."  " A full line of Undertaking Supplies, with hearse in
     connection."  "Louisville, Neb."

FRED GORDER & SON - "Are the owners of three large stores at Plattsmouth,
     Weeping Water, Louisville"  "THEIR STOCKS CONSISTS OF Farm Implements
     Wagons, Harness, Etc."

THOS. JOHNSON, JAS. ALLOWAY - "THE STAR LIVERY STABLE"  "Rates Reasonable. 
     Good Teams. Good Service."  "Cive[sic] us a trial"  "Main Street"

E.H. WORTHMAN - "Physician and Surgeon"  "Calls answered day or night."
     "Louisville Nebraska"

GEO. M. SPURLOCK, A.L. TIDD - "SPURLOCK & TIDD ATTORNEYS AT LAW"  
     "DOVEY BLOCK"  "Plattsmouth, Nebraska."

H.E. PANKONIN - "MAKES Tubular Wells"  "PUTS UP Windmills, Tanks, Pumps"
     HANDLES Woven Wire Fencing"  "LOUISVILLE, NEBRASKA"

CHARLES SCHLAFLI - "Dealer in MEATS"  "A nice line of fresh and salt
     meats always on hand., Also all kinds of sausages. A share of your
     patronage solicited."  "Main St. - Louisville"

BANK OF COMMERCE - "TOM F. PARMELE  PRESIDENT"  "GEO. H. WOOD  CASHIER"
     "Capital Stock $10,000"  "Surplus and Profits $4,000."
     "Louisville, - Nebraska"

CITY BOWLING ALLEY AND POOL ROOM - "L.F. HADDON  PROPRIETOR"  "First-
     class alley and billiard tables. A nice quiet place of amusement 
     to spend an hour or two. A nice line of candy, tobacco and 
     temperance drinks in stock."  "Louisville, - Neb."

J.L. BURNS - "PROPRIETOR OF THE HOME RESTAURANT"  "CARRIES IN STOCK PLAIN
     GROCERIES, CANDIES, FRUITS, NUTS, CAKES, PIES AND A FULL LINE OF 
     TOBACCOS"  "Board by the Day or Week"  "Louisville Nebraska"

DR. M. TRITSCH - "REFRACTING OPTICIAN AND JEWELER"  "Main St. - 
     Louisville"


J.A. PETERS - "Physician and Surgeon"  "Office at Frater's Drug Store."
     "Calls answered day or night."

S.W. DAVIS - "Proprietor of City Barber Shop"  "The place to get the 
     neatest hair-cut, the smoothest shave and best of everything."
     "Agent for Lincoln laundry, basket leaves Tuesdays, returns Friday"

JESSE L. ROOT - "ATTORNEY-AT-LAW"  "Plattsmouth NEBR."

WM. DELESDERNIER - "ATTORNEY-AT-LAW" "Makes a specialty of settling
     Estates"  "ELMWOOD, NEBRASKA"

OSSENKOP & METZ - "Proprietors of GOLD DUST SALOON"  "A fine line of
     Wines, Liquors and Cigars always on hand Fresh beer always on tap"

F.H. NICOLS - "FOR  Dry Goods, Notions  Shoes, Chinaware and Tinware
     GO TO  F.H. NICHOLS"  "Fine Premium With Each Purchase"

W.A. CLEGHORN - "For anything in the line of GRAIN, HAY, CHOP-FEED, 
     BRAN, FLOUR OR ALL KINDS OF FEEDS GO TO W.A. CLEGHORN."

PERKINS HOUSE - "While at Plattsmouth The Perkins House"  "Rates $1.00
     Per Day."  "Is a good place to stop."  "E. GUTHMAN Prop."

THE COURIER - "THE COURIER DOES FINE JOB PRINTING"

OTTO BECKER - "PROPRIETOR Elkhorn Saloon"  "A complete line of fine 
     wines always on hand. The best grades of old Kentucky whisky.
     Pop, beer and cigars. We make a specialty of jug and Bottle trade
     for family use."  "Louisville, Nebraska"

LOUISVILLE MILLING CO. - "MILLERS OF The Best Flour"  "No Better 
     Equipped Mill In the State."  "Custom Work a Specialty"  
     "F.J. TAPPER, Manager."  "Louisville, Nebraska."

                           __________________