Biographies - Adams County, Nebraska

Biographies

Born in Burbank, Wayne County, Ohio in 1847. His parents both died when he was only nine years of age, at that time he was on his own. In October, 1863, he enlisted in the First Michigan Sharp Shooters, attached to the ninth corp at Coldwater, Michigan.

At the battle of Mine Run, Virginia, in November, he was wounded in the right leg. In June 1864, at the attack on Petersburg, he lost his right arm, and was discharged in the following December.

Mr Smith was not actively engaged for several months. He then was employed by the United States Express Company, acting as a messenger between St. Louis and Cincinnati for a year. In the fall of 1866, he attended school in Angola, Indiana, and taught school five years in the vicinity

, during which time he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1869.

Mr. Smith came to Nebraska in 1872, where he took up 160 acres of land in Adams County, under the soldier's homestead act, and lived on the land for two years, during which time he practiced law in Juaniata.

He then moved his residence to that place, and continued to practice until 1877, when he associated himself with a Mr. James S. Laird. In 1879, the firm of Laird and Smith moved their office to Hastings.

Mr. Smith was Justice of the Peace from the fall of 1872 to 1873. He was the first attorney located in the county. He was elected Probate Judge of Adams County in the fall of 1873, and re-elected in 1875-77-79.

Mr. Smith was married in Angola, Indiana in 1868, to Sarah Bigsby, a native of that state. They have two children: Benjamin F., Jr. and Phillip Sheridan.

Past and Present of Adams County, Nebraska (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916)

Doede Smith

Is now living retired in Hastings but in former years was prominently identified with commercial and industrial pursuits, his business affairs being of a nature that contributed to public progress as well as to individual benefit. A native of Germany, he was born on the 7th of January, 1848, and is a son of Engelke and Tomke (Jansen) Smith, the former a blacksmith by trade.

Doede Smith spent his youthful days in his native country and, while he did not have unusual opportunities, he attended the public schools and received thorough training in work that brought to him a knowledge of the value of industry, perseverance and economy as factors in the attainment of success. At length he determined to try his fortune in American and when a young man of nineteen years sailed for the new world, attracted by the opportunities offered on this side [of] the Atlantic. It was in 1867 that he came to the United States, making his way to Pekin, Illinois, where he remained for three years. In 1870 he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and soon afterward secured a homestead claim in Lancaster county. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon that place, but with characteristic energy he began its development. Later he removed to Nebraska City, where he remained for a year and a half, and on the expiration of that period took up his abode at Crete, Nebraska, where he took up the business of plow manufacturing. He also engaged in the implement business and in merchandising and remained a very prominent and active factor in the industrial and commercial circles of that city for an extended period. Gradually he worked his way upward, his success resulting from unfaltering industry and capability. In 1904 he disposed of his business and came to Hastings, where he erected a beautiful residence, in which he is now living retired, enjoying a rest that he has truly earned and richly deserves. After coming to Hastings, however, he purchased an interest in the Polinske Schellak & Company brickyard, but takes no active part in the management of the business, his investment, however, bringing to him a good financial return.

On the 28th of August, 1871, Mr Smith was united in marriage to Miss Franke Wilts, a daughter of Frederick and Tetta Wilts, and their children are: Engelke, now living in Omaha; Tetta, the wife of William S. Schellak; and Fred D., who is a traveling salesman and resides in Norfolk, Nebraska. There are also eight grandchildren. Having lost his first wife, Mr Smith was married again, his second union being with Sophie Onken, of Peoria, Illinois. Mrs Smith has been very prominent as a leader among the ladies of Hastings. She belongs to a family that has been represented her for thirty-four years and has been closely associated with public interests of the city. In his political views Mr Smith is a republican thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and both he and his wife are connected with the Congregational church. He is likewise identified with the German Congregational Seminary of Crete, of which he was a trustee for a quarter of a century, while for seven years he has been president of its board. His interest centers in all those things which work for the development and up building of the community along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. He is a representative of our best type of American manhood and chivalry. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action.

Past and Present of Adams County, Nebraska (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916)

Contributed by: Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Arend R. Junker

Who owns and operates an excellent farm on section 17, Highland township, ranks among the most efficient and progressive farmers of his township and has gained a gratifying measure of financial success. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 18th of November, 1841, a son of Roelf and Hilke (von Marck) Junker, who about 1866 came to the United States and settled in Adams county, Illinois. Subsequently they lived in Petersburg, Menard county, that state, and in Livingston county, and at length removed to Adams county, Nebraska, where the father passed away about 1892. The mother had previously died in Illinois. Our subject has two brothers living: Harm, a resident of Illinois; and Roelf, who is living in Dawson county, Nebraska; and has also a sister, Lina, who is now Mrs Cornelius Johnston and resides in Menard county, Illinois.

Arend R. Junker came to the United States in 1866, preceding his parents in his emigration to this country, and settled in Adams county, Illinois, where he worked out by the month for about fourteen years. He subsequently farmed in that state on his own account, but in 1894 he came to Nebraska and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm from Jake Evens. He has since added to his holdings until his farm comprises four hundred and eighty acres, and the excellent condition in which things are kept testifies to his thrift and good management. He grows wheat, corn and some oats and also raises stock for his own use, and his well directed labors yield him a handsome income. He has enlarged the residence, which is now modern in its appointments, and has added needed buildings to the farm equipment so that the improvements upon his place compare favorably with those on other farms in the locality. He is up-to-date and progressive in his work and is contributing to the agricultural advancement of his township.

In 1874, in Petersburg, Illinois, Mr Junker was united in marriage to Miss Albertina Dallmann, a daughter of Chris and Maria (Tesloch) Dallmann. Mrs Junker was born in Germany, but was brought to this country by her parents when but two and a half years old. After living in Wisconsin for a time the family removed to Illinois, and there both of her parents passed away. She has three brothers living: Herman, who resides in Franklin county, Nebraska; and Fred and Ernest, both residents of Petersburg, Illinois. There are also two sisters: Matilda, the wife of Will Carroll, of Petersburg; and Amelia, who married Harm Weremeson.

Mr and Mrs Junker have had eight children. Christopher Friedrich, who was born in the 5th of November, 1874, died when almost four years of age, on the 2d of November, 1878; Rudolph Arend, who was born January 29, 1877, owns an eighty acre farm in Highland township, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time. He married Miss Lulu Morgan, by whom he has a daughter, Irene, who was born February 18, 1909. Hilke Maria Friederike, who was born on the 16th of May, 1879, married Albert Morgan, a farmer of Logan township, this county, by who she has four children, Lily, John, Tena and Albert. Herman, born December 22, 1881, is living at home, as is his twin brother, Christian Friedrich. Each owns an eighty acre farm in Highland township and both are progressive and successful young farmers. Tena, who was born on the 14th of February, 1884, died at birth. Albertina Matilda, who was born on the 7th of June, 1886, married John Warrings and resides in Clara City, Minnesota. Carl Wilhelm, who was born on the 9th of January, 1889, John, born on the 14th of July, 1891, and Albert, born April 3, 1894, are all at home.

Mr Junker and his family attend the German Lutheran church in Verona township and give their support to its work. He casts his ballot in support of the republican party, but has never been an office seeker. Neither does he belong to any lodges or societies, preferring to spend his leisure time at home. Sound judgment and well directed industry have enabled him to gain more than a competence, and his sterling integrity and genuine worth of character have won him the respect of those who have been brought in contact with him.

Past and Present of Adams County, Nebraska (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916)

Contributed by: Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Dirk H. Stromer

Was one of the pioneer settlers of Hanover township, Adams county, and, although he had many obstacles to overcome, he persevered and succeeded in gaining financial independence. His demise, which occurred in Hastings, October 24, 1913, was deeply regretted by his many friends. A native of Germany, he was born in 1846 and remained in that country until 1866, when he accompanied his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Stromer, on their emigration to the new world. They located in Woodford county, Illinois, where the father rented land, and Dirk H. Stromer worked as a farm hand for three years, after which he was married and began farming on his own account, renting land for six years. In 1875 he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and the following year his parents also removed here and from that time until their deaths made their home with him. He purchased railroad land in Hanover township and at once began its cultivation and improvement. There were the usual hardships of pioneer life to be encountered, conveniences were few and there was much hard work to be done, but as the years passed he had the satisfaction of seeing his farm brought to a higher state of development and of knowing that its value was constantly increasing. From time to time he purchased other land, owning in all one thousand five hundred acres. He followed general farming, raising both grain and stock, until January, 1906, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in Hastings, where his demise occurred on the 24th of October, 1914.

Mr Stromer was married May 3, 1868, in Illinois to Miss Johanna Williams, a daughter of John and Mattie Williams, natives of Germany, where the father passed away. The mother subsequently removed to the United States and died in Woodford county, Illinois, where she is buried. Mr and Mrs Stromer became the parents of eight children. Alma, who was born on the 23d of November, 1870, in Illinois, gave her hand in marriage to Wyatt Meester, a son of John and Jennie Meester, of Hanover township, and they have five children. Eliza, who was born on the 12th of February, 1873, in Illinois, is the wife of Sam Yeatman, who is farming in Hanover township, Adams county, and they have three children. Johann, who was born in Adams county on the 15th of February, 1876, and is now living in Home City, Kansas, married Matilda Arnast and has two children. George was born on the 7th of October, 1878, and is now engaged in farming in Hanover township. He married Anna Kohl, by whom he has three children. Henry, who was born on the 17th of September, 1883, and is now a resident of Hastings, married Lulu Kohl. William was born on the 26th of December, 1885, and is engaged in farming in Hanover township. He married Sarah Hardenstein and they have five children. Edward, who was born on the 14th of November, 1888, married Elsie Sabbal and resides in Hanover township.

Mr Stromer supported the democratic party at the polls and served acceptably in a number of township offices. His religious faith was that of the Evangelical Lutheran church and he helped to build the house of worship. His success was due to his determination, his untiring industry and his good management and all who knew him recognized in him a citizen of sterling worth. His widow, who is well and favorably known in Hastings, resides at No. 310 West Fourth street.

Past and Present of Adams County, Nebraska (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916)

Contributed by: Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Georg Uden

Among the successful farmers of Verona township who have earned the title of self-made man is Georg Uden, who owns valuable land on sections 14 and 21. He is a native of East Friesland, Germany, and his natal day was the 1^st of October, 1850. His parents, John B. and Anna (Mangela) Uden, were lifelong residents of the fatherland. To them were born six children, namely: Henry, deceased; Georg; John, also deceased; Onno, a resident of Adams county; Fred, of Hall county; and Kathrina.

Georg Uden is indebted for his education to the common schools of his native land and he remained at home until 1871, when, having attained his majority, he started out in life for himself. He had heard much concerning the superior advantages offered by the United States and, desiring to take advantage of them, emigrated to this country. He made his way at once to Secor, Woodford county, Illinois, and after working by the month for some time rented a farm. In 1880 he came to Adams county, Nebraska, and purchased the land on which the town of Prosser now stands but which he sold after the railroad was built through that section. Subsequently he purchased his present home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Verona township, and he has since acquired title to an eighty-acre tract on section 14. He has erected excellent buildings and otherwise improved his farm, which is in a high state of development and which returns him a good income. He engages in general farming, raising both grain and stock, and is at once practical and progressive in his methods.

When thirty years of age Mr Uden was united in marriage to Mrs Augusta Summerfeldt, and they have become the parents of seven children, namely: Adolph, who is farming near the home place; John B. and Fred A., both of whom are following agricultural pursuits in Verona township; and Walter, William, Emma and August, all of whom are yet at home.

Mr Uden takes a keen interest in the questions and issues of the day and is independent in the exercise of his right of franchise. Both he and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran church near their farm, which they aided in organizing. They also contributed generously to the building fund and have always taken an active part in the work of the church. Although Mr Uden had no capital when he came to this country, he possessed energy and sound judgment and as the years have passed his industry and good management have enabled him to gain a competence. He has discharged to the full all the obligations resting upon him, and his genuine worth is recognized by those who have been associated with him.

Past and Present of Adams County, Nebraska (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916)

Contributed by: Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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