This brief descriptive history was transcribed from Goodspeed’s Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties. It contains only the history found in chapter 26.
How blest is he who crowns, in shades like these,
A youth of labour with an age of ease!-Goldsmith
Grand Island takes its name rom the older settlement opposite the Grand Island of the Platte. Here is the seat of justice for the county and the center of commercial and manufacturing enterprise. Its location on one of the prairie ridges affords natural drainage; while its elevation of 1,860 feet above sea level renders it free from malarial influences and denies it the rigorous winters of higher altitudes. The population is estimated at 12,000, but without the census returns of this year it is impossible to estimate closely. The directory, published September 1, 1889, credits 14,958 inhabitants. The city is one of the great railroad centers of the State, and holds substantial claims to recognition as a city of the first class which go unchallenged. Many of the graces of culture give a charm to social life and a spirit of hospitality and friendliness mark distinctly the character of the citizens. The most amiable relations exist between merchants and manufacturers, agriculturists and bankers, the trades and the profession and the religious elements. It is a great community, grown up on the free prairies of the State, and, like the land, broad in everything. A thousand happy homes, modern in equipment, bear testimony to what future years will bring-the signs are brightening with the colors of a fair destiny.
Dr. J. P. Patterson, in his Centennial sketch, stated that the city, as it now stands, was located by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, in the spring of 1866, and received its name from a large tract of land of the same name located south of the city, and surrounded by the channels of the Platte River. The first track of the Union Pacific Railroad was laid here July 8 of the same year, and the first construction train run in. This train was drawn by the locomotive Osceola, in charge of George Loomis. The engine was captured in 1868 by the Indians, six miles west of Plum Creek. The first building was erected by W. Stephens, on Locust and Front Streets. During the fall the railroad house was erected, which was used until the completion of the present railroad house in December, 1875, when part of the old building was purchased by Fred Hedde and removed to the southwest corner of Locust and Third Streets, while another part was converted into a dwelling by P. Touhy, and occupied in 1876 by C. W. Thomas. The post-office was established in November, 1866, with D. Shuller, postmaster, and about this time the store of M. S. Hall, a railroad contractor, was opened, and the O. K. Store was moved into the new town early in 1867, by Koenig & Wiebe, who also established the State Central Flouring Mills, and the pioneer lumber yard. William R. McAllister and C. W. Thomas opened their stores the same year. The United States land office was opened here December 6, 1869, and on January 1, 1870, the Platte Valley Independent was founded by Mrs. M. T. G. Eberhart and Seth P. Mobley. The State Central Bank was established in 1871 by H. A. Koenig, with Dorr Heffleman, cashier. The capital stock was placed at $45,000. The first church was the Catholic. The building was blown down during the storm of 1870. In 1869 the Presbyterians organized. The Protestant Episcopal society completed a building in the fall of 1871, at a cost of $2,5000; while the Baptists, who organized in 1870, erected a house at a cost of $2,8000. In 1874 the Methodist Church was erected, but the class was organized in 1872; and on July 2, 1876, the United Brethren dedicated their house of worship. In October, 1870, the first Masonic lodge was organized; i 1871 the A. & A. S. Lodge of Perfection; in 1872 Deuel Chapter; in April, 1872, Grange No. 6 was organized with S. P. Mobley, master, and on August 2, 1872, the State Grange was organized in the Independent Building. In November, 1870, the Liederkranz was organized; Protection Fire Company on June 8, 1874, and he Ladies’ Society in September, 1875. In 1876 there was but one brick dwelling, that of R. C. Jordan, on the corner of Second and Locust Streets. Contemporary with settlement was the school house. The old building is now a part of Windolph’s tenement house. In 1876 there were three teachers employed. the court-house was erected in 1872-73, as told in the transactions of the commissioners, and completed June 28, 1873, the brick being freighted from the East.
The original plat of Grand Island was filed for record September 29, 1866, and recorded in Book B, page 13, by Clerk Fred T. Evans. The document was found by Abstractor William Frank, at Omaha. Prior to this time Grand Island had nothing to show title to streets and alleys, beyond twenty-one years’ possession of same, the county records showing title only in the Union Pacific Railroad Company.
In 1872 several meetings were held to discuss matters relative to town organization. A final meeting to consider the question was held November 25, 1872, when the committee previously appointed reported in favor of presenting a petition to the commissioners. George H. Thummel, O. A. Abbott, A. Thorspecken and Henry A. Koenig were the members. The persons appointed to circulate the petition were W. A. Platt, A. Thorspecken and W. C. Buderus. On December 10, 1872, the petition for imcorporation was granted, and John Wallichs, R. C. Jordan, A. Thorspecken, H. N. Chapman and Christian Wasmer named as the first board of trustees. The elections of 1873 resulted in the choice of John Wallichs for mayor; W. H. Platt, police judge; J. O. Adams, marshal; Jay E. White, clerk; H. N. Chapman, L. Engel, H. P. Handy and J. C. Cornelius, councilman, and J. C. Cornelius was elected school director, vice F. A. Wiebe resigned.
In April, 1874, W. A. Platt was nominated for mayor; W. H. Platt for police judge; W. A. Deuel for marshal; N. P. Kelley for marshal; James Cleary for treasurer and N. Harris and R. S. Van Wie for councilmen. Republican and Democratic tickets were also in the field, and the contest was one of the warmest known in the early days of the city.
The elections of April, 1876, show 115 votes for Ed Hooper and 72 for T. J. Hurford, candidates for mayor; 112 for W. H. Platt and 71 for William Kelley, for the office of police judge; William A. Deuel was chosen marshal; John Wallichs, clerk; William Hagge, treasurer; Joseph Killiam and W. C. King, councilman. The members of the board of education then elected were H. A. Koenig, E. R. Wiseman, R. C. Jordan and Joseph Fox.
In April, 1876, James Cleary was elected mayor by 125 votes, against 114 recorded for Ed Hooper; William Hagge was chosen treasurer; John Wallichs, clerk; John D. Hayes, chief of police; Joe Jenneman, marshal; Charles Rief, engineer; W. C. King and P. Dunphy, councilmen; R. C. Jordan, Joseph Fox, T. J. Hurford and W. C. King were chosen school trustees; W. H. Platt was director. The two notorious ordinances of this year were met by strong protests.
The city officials chosen in April, 1877, were: W. H. Platt, mayor; John Wallichs, clerk; William Hagge, treasurer, T. O. G. Harrison, judge; P. D. thomsen, marshal; William Wasmer, assessor; Charles Rief, engineer; P. Dunphy, George E. Wilson, D. Morgan and Chris Wasmer, councilmen.
C. D. M. Washburn was chosen mayor in 1878; T. O. C. Harrison, pokice judge; G. H. Bush and Chris Wasmer, councilmen; William Hagge, treasurer; John Wallichs, clerk; P. D. Thomsen, marshal, William Wasmer, assessor, and Charles Rief, surveyor.
In April, 1879, C. D. M. Washburn was elected mayor; George E. Wilson and Ed Hooper, councilmen; T. O. C. Harrison, judge; C. W. Thomas, treasurer; Christian Schlotfield, clerk; C. L. Howell, marshal, and S. E. Reaugh, engineer. A vote of thanks to John Wallichs for efficient service as clerk was adopted.
In 1880 Messrs. Washburn, Harrison and Schlotfield were re-elected; Charles Rief was chosen engineer; C. Wiltse, councilman to fill vacancy in First ward, and P. Dunphy and James Michelson for the First and Second wards.
The elections of 181 resulted in the choice of John L. Means for mayor; Charles Milisen and Ed Hooper, councilmen; C. F. Bentley, treasurer; Joseph H. Mullin, clerk; T. O. C. Harrison, judge, and C. E. Hart, engineer. The board of education then elected comprised S. H. Wolbach, B. C. Howard, C. P. Handy, J. P. Kernohan, O. A. Abbott and T. J. Hurford.
In 1882 Michael Murphy was chosen mayor; D. Ackerman, clerk; C. F. Bently, treasurer; H. Hald, engineer; James Cleary and O. A. Abbott, councilmen.
The elections of April, 1883, show 393 votes for M. Murphy and 7 for John Fonner, candidates for mayor; 414 votes for David Ackerman, clerk; 414 for Jay E. White, treasurer; 368 for John W. West and 40 for George H. Caldwell, candidates for police judge; 368 for H. Hald and 43 for Charles Rief, for city engineer; Charles Milisen, Eli A. Barnes, C. L. Howell and W. R. McAllsiter were elected councilmen, and C. J. Fetherstonhaugh, C. F. Bentley, H. C. Held and J. P. Kernohan, members of the board of education.
The city election of 1884 was a civil war between the people’s and the opposition’s tickets. J. E. White (P.) was elected mayor; Lederman (P.), treasurer; D. Ackerman (P.), clerk; Bogden (P.), Vieregg (P.), Jordan (P.) and Veiths (P.) were elected councilmen; Platt (P.), Murphy (P.), Howard (O.) and Bush, members of the school board.
The election of April, 1885, resulted in he defeat of J. W. West, for mayor, by J. L. Means; N. T. Estes was elected to the council from Ward 1, James Heisch from Ward 2, John Fonner and S. H. Veiths from Ward 3, and M. Taylor and C. Milisen from Ward 4; H. E. Clifford was chosen city clerk; H. B. Wilson, police judge; A. C. Lederman, treasurer, and Messrs. Murphy, Ball and Martin, members of the school board.
In September, 1886, Water Commissioner Wilhelm and Councilman McAllister reported on the several water-works systems examined by them. A resolution endorsing A.A. Richardson as a competent engineer, and pointing out that the works gotten up for this city by him were satisfactory, was carried. A. L. Strang & Co., the contractors for the water-works system, made a final settlement with the council, on report of W. R. McAllister, F. W. Talmage and Henry Vieregg, a committee of he council who reported the works complete.1 In December the question of voting on the matter of granting a franchise to the street railroad company was presented. An election was called for January 15, 1887. Of 497 votes cast, 482 favored the proposition, and City Clerk H. E. Clifford was instructed to give official information to the company.
In February a petition was presented by the saloon keepers remonstrating against the issue of druggists’ permits for 1887. The protest entered by B. C. Howard, president of the school board, against the proposition of the council to levy an occupation tax of $500 on liquor dealers, was considered. Mr. Howard stated “so large a tax would decrease the number of saloons and deplete the school fund. He considered that a deficiency of $5,000 would result. Several liquor dealers also protested against the tax.
The election of April, 1887, shows 650 votes for W. H. Platt and 354 for Ed. Hooper, candidates for mayor; 1,002 votes for C.W. Brininger, clerk; 991 for J. W. West, treasurer; 701 for Henry Garn and 298 for George J. Spencer, candidates for police judge; 215 for Charles Wasmer,* 216 for H. J. Palmer,* 186 for J. W. Liveringhouse,* 186 for Charles Jervins, 119 for J. Y. Alexandr* and 71 for E. Sarenson. The members of the school board chosen wre Nathan Platt and George A. Mohrensticher. R. P. O’Niel was appointed chief of police; C A. Leake, Jacob Barnett and Peter Braised, policemen; John A. Matthews, chief of fire department; Ralph Horth, attorney; George Loan, Sr., water commissioner; D. Morgan, weigh master; George Clark, street commissioner; W. C. Van Pelt, engineer of water-works, and W. Ensign, city engineer.
In May, 1887, the questions of extending the water-works system and building a city has were presented, and Messrs. Wasmer, Vieregg and Liveringhouse appointed a committee to learn the opinion of the people on the subjects. This committee reported in June, showing that $22,000 would be required to extend the water-works and $18,000 to erect a city hall. At this time Messrs. T. O. C. Harrison, J. P. Kernohan, H. E. Clifford and W. H. Michael ended their terms as directors of the city library. Mrs. Harrison was reappointed, with George B. Bell, D. H. Vastine and Charles Rief to fill vacancies. The revenue for the year ending July, 1887, was $8,265, while that for the ensuing years was placed at $20,000. August 12 there were 231 votes cast in favor of issuing water-works bonds, third series, while 80 were cast against the proposition. In April $3,409 was received as proceeds of sale of such bonds. The order to place flagmen at several street crossings of the Union Pacific Railroad was issued in October, and in December of that year C. W. Scarff and others were permitted to construct a system of sewerage through Blocks 68, 69, 70 and 71. In April, 1888, W. F. McLaughlin, W. M. Geddes, W. R. McAllister and W. F. Banks were elected councilmen. Charles Rief and G. H. Geddes were elected members of the board of education; Chief O’Niel and Peter Braisted were retained on the police force, and Henry Cook, Joseph St. Germain and Joel Andrews appointed members of the force. The other city officers appointed in 1887 were re-appointed. The total receipts of the city for the year ending April 30, 1888, were $71,348.59, and the expenditures, $50,546. The bonds and interest then due amounted to $86,742.50, including $1,250 10 per cent water-works bonds of 1874, $2,500 10 per cent water-works bonds in 1879, $40,000 6 per cent water-works bonds in 1885, $8,000 refunding 6 per cent bonds in 1885, and $3,000 6 per cent water-works bonds in 1887.
At the beginning of 1890 W. H. Platt was mayor; C. W. Brininger, clerk; J. W. West, treasurer; William Ensign, engineer; George P. Dean, marshal; R. R. Horth, attorney; J. H. Mullin, judge; George Loan, Sr., water commissioner; John A. Matthews, chief of fire department; W. F. McLaughlin, James F. Rourke, William M. Geddes, George Bartenbach, W. R. McAllister, Charles Rief, Thomas A. Oakes and George Reaugh, councilmen. The board of education comprised Nathan Platt, president; G. A. Mohrenstechr, secretary; Charles Rief, vice-president, and Robert J. Barr, superintendent. What changes subsequent elections will effect in the personnel of the board must be imagined; but no one will deny the fact that, in addition to the improvements completed under the present council and authorized by them, other improvements could be easily effected, and what is now immoral in the city removed or regulated, even though it may be thought that hypocrites are the principle sinners.
In the pages of the general history and in this chapter, particularly, very many names connected with the settlement and progress of the old and new towns of Grand Island find mention. the progressive spirits of the city of 1881-82, however, should be especially noticed, and thus, largely from contemporary newspaper reports and the valuable personal sketches published in the State history of 1882, the following brief notices are abstracted: O. A. Abbott came here late in 1867, and was State senator in 1872, having previously been a member of the convention of 1871; he was elected lieutenant-governor in 1876. He was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1842; in 1857 moved to Illinois with his parents, enlisting in 1861 in the Union service. He was one of he first members of the Hall County bar, and is said to have taught the first school at Grand Island.
William L. Arnold established his livery and sale stables in October, 1881. He settled in Nebraska about 1861.
Eli A. Barnes may be considered among the pioneers, as he participated in many if not all of those affairs connected with the city’s growth. F. M. Bacon established his lumber yards in September, 1878. Early in 1873 he purchased lands near the city. Grover E. Barber, who was superintendent of city schools in 1881, reported ten schools, eleven teachers and 900 pupils. He came to Grand Island that year. Adam Blunk, who erected the Platte Valley Grist-mill in 1877, came from Germany to Hall County, in 1871. Henry D. Boyden established his drug and paint store here in 1881. He settled in Nebraska in 1879. H. L. Burket established a furniture store in 1878, and continued in this business until 1882, when he established a stock ranch in Howard County.
George H. Caldwell came to Grand Island in May, 1877, and in partnership with O. A. Abbott opened a law office. In 1881 he was first elected county judge. James Cleary established his hardware house here in 1870. He came from Ireland in 1859, served in the Union army and after the war settled in Hall County. F. D. Collins established his clothing house in September, 1881, and with King & Kerkenbuel owned the brick yards near the city at that time. George Cornelius came to Hall County in 1864 and entered upon farming. In January, 1880, he qualified as county treasurer, and was elected that fall. A. J. Cushman opened a furniture store here in December, 1880. H. C. Denman, who settled in the State in 1859, located ten miles south of Grand Island in 1871, and in 1881 was elected sheriff. John Eggers & Bro. opened a meat market in the fall of 1874.
Henry Elsner (Conley & Elsner) came from Germany to Grand Island in December, 1881, and opened a grocery, tobacco and crockery store. James Ewing, who located at Wood River in May, 1871, taught school there until 1877, when he was chosen superintendent of schools for this county, was re-elected in 1879, and in 1881 was appointed deputy-treasurer. He issued the first number of the Wood River Gazette in March, 1882. Dr. M. J. Gahan, born in Ireland, came to Grand Island in March, 1875, and has practiced medicine here to the present time. Henry Giese settled at Grand Island in 1860, and H. H. Glover, of Wiebe & Glover, opened a dry goods house in 1879. Charles Guenther came in 1869, and in 1876 established his building office. William A. Hagge appeared in 1857; was appointed treasurer in the fall of 1871 and elected in 1872 and 1874. In 1881-82 he was collecting agent for the State Central Bank.
T. O. C. Harrison settled at Grand Island in March, 1873, taught school a few terms, and was admitted to the bar that year. In the history of the county and city Judge Harrison’s dealings in public affairs are related.
Fred Hedde, the present owner of the Independent, came with the pioneers in 1857. He was engaged in farming until 1869, when he went to Hamburg, Germany, as immigration agent of this State. In 1873 he opened a general store at Grand Island, added a lumber yard in 1874, but in 1880 gave his sole attention to the agricultural implement trade and real estate. About six years ago he purchased the Independent.
H. C. Held established his jewelry store in September, 1872. Henry W. High, who located at Alda in 1873, was engaged in farming there until 1878, when he engaged in the live-stock trade. Edward Hooper opened a blacksmith shop on the bank of the Platte in 1861, moved to the new town in 1866, and engaged in selling agricultural implements until 1879, when he aided in establishing a foundry here. John L. Houck was foreman of the blacksmith department of the Union Pacific shops in 1881. M. B. Hoxie was appointed register of the United States land office her in September, 1878. He secured the division of Platte County in 1868-69, and organized Colfax County. Christian Ipsem established his drug business here in March, 1882. Charles Ivers came to Grand Island in 1871, opened a grocery store in June, 1881, and completed a store building in May, 1882. G. T. Jordan opened a hardware store in March, 1880, in partnership with E. W. Justice.
James P. Hernohan, who, on October 1, 1878, opened a bank at Edgar, Clay County, in partnership with C. P. Packer, moved to Grand Island in 1880, and in 1882 suggested the building of the Grand Island Banking Company’s brick office. Henry A. Koenig located here in 1862, and at once became the founder of many or the city’s principal industries and business enterprises. Dr. H. B. Lashlee settled here in June, 1881, and A. C. Lederman established his hardware business in May, 1879. W. R. McAllister opened a general store in 1867. In 1858 he located two miles west of Fort Kearney, was freighting for a time, and later worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. From 1868 to 1878 he was the postmaster at Grand Island. Henry P. Makely was foreman of the car repair shops in 1881-82. In December, 1866, he settled at Grand Island. James Martin, who settled at Grand Island in 1877, opened a meat market here in 1880. James Michelson came in 1860, and kept a ranch for travelers, as well as a wagon shop on the old California trail. In 1866 he moved into the new town, built the Nebraska House (the first hotel), and in 1872 entered the mercantile circle.
Dr. Howard C. Miller may be called the pioneer dentist of the city, having located here in October, 1881. Seth P. Mobley is noticed in the chapter on journalism. John D. Moore was agent of the Union Pacific Railroad service in 1868. M. Murphy settled here in 1877 and established a photograph gallery. James B. Murray & Co. established their grocery house in March, 1882. Mr. Murray opened a store at Edgar in 1879. James C. Pederson opened his grocery store August 1, 1879. Rev. Richard Phelan had charge of St. Mary’s Church at Grand Island and the missions attached to it. W. H. Platt came early in 1866, opened a drug store and law office, and continued the former business until 1870, when he was admitted to the bar. He assisted in building the first business house on the town site in July, 1866. John G. Raine opened a jewelry store in 1877. Matthew Riefers opened the State Central Brick yards in May, 1878. James R. Reniff came in December, 1881, and took charge of the car department of the Union Pacific shops.
Charles Rief settled here early in 1868, and taught school until 1874. He served as justice for five years, was appointed city engineer repeatedly, was county surveyor, and in 1879 was elected county clerk. D. H. J. Ring, who located at Hastings in 1879, moved to Grand Island in December, 1881. George F. Ryan moved from Merrick County to Grand Island in 1877. In 1881-82 he was a member of the produce firm of Thomas & Co. A. A. Sawyer opened his grocery house December 1, 1878. Frank Sears, who was clerk of Hall County in 1882, was land agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company here, at Kearney, Hastings and other localities. Fred A. Sears was he owner of the grain warehouse and elevator at Grand Island, and representative of the county in the Legislature.
Dr. A. L. Stevenson became a citizen early in 1877. William Stolley, one of the pioneers and leading farmers of Hall County, is referred to in other pages. Gen. John M. Thayer was one of the pioneers of Omaha in 1854. In 1855 he raised the volunteers who were sent against the Indians at Fontanelle, and inn 1859 was commissioned to raise another force to subdue the Pawnees. In 1859-60 he was a member of the State Senate, and of the convention of 1860. In 1861 he organized the First Nebraska Volunteers, and as colonel commanded this regiment in Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. He was elected United States Senator in 1866; appointed Governor of Wyoming in 1875, and afterward located at Grand Island.
C. W. Thomas established his grocer and boot and shoe house here January 1, 1868, but sold to W. R. McAllister, September 1, 1869. On October 19 that year he purchased the Koenig & Wiebe grocery house and erected a store-house in 1871. He purchased a stock of dry goods and clothing from R. C. Jordan, agent, and Peterson & Ruelberg, but sold this department to H. H. Glover in 1879. In August of that year he, with Gregg Bros. and F. A. Sears, erected the grain elevator, but the latter purchased his interest therein in 1880. H. Thomas came her in 1871 and a few years later, with Hall, established a meat market. Later he established a grocery store at Alda and in 1880 joined his brother in the produce trade. Patrick Yuohy located here in 1868. Later he was road master of the second division of the Union Pacific including the St. Paul branch road.
D. H. Vantine located at Alda, Hall County, in 1880. He taught school five terms and was elected county superintendent in 1881. In 1882 he reported seventy school buildings in the county. O. U. Wescoatt opened his livery stable in December, 1878. J. W. West established a grocery store in March, 1874, in company with his brother. IN 1877 he was elected justice and held that office in 1882. Charles A Wiebe came with his parents in 1862, and located on the O. K. farm, one-half mile south of Grand Island. His father, Fred A. Wiebe, established the first lumber yard there, and for him Charles A. worked for some time. In January, 1882, he joined H. H. Glover in business. A. W. Wilhelm purchased Burkett’s furniture store in April, 1882. In May, 1871, he opened a grocery store at Alda. In 1876 he engaged in the agricultural implement business at Grand Island. Chauncey Wiltse, an old-time surveyor, came in 1874 and leased the Grand Island House. E. R. Wiseman opened his grain and lumber business in 1873. James H. Woolley established his law office here in September, 1878, having been admitted to the bar June 3, that year.
A few of the individuals mentioned have disappeared under the stormy waves of life, but the majority still reside here and many who left the young village returned after a little while to find the place a pretentious little city.
During the fall of 1870 the following improvements were made: Dwelling houses —— H. P. Handy, $3,500; E. W. Arnold, $1,500; Mrs. Brewster, $1,300; C. W. Thomas (2), $1,600; Peter Petersen, $1,500; William Spiker, $1,200; J. D. Moore, $1,200; H. Bauman, $1,000, and J. Heeb, $500. Business houses —— Koenig & Wiebe’s wardhouse, $3,600; school-house, District 2, and furniture, $4,000; Baptist Church, $3,000; the Platte bridge, $15,000; Nelson & Hooper’s blacksmith shops, John Kraft’s ice-house, H. N. Chapman & Co’s meat, slaughter and ice-houses, Tout & Baylor’s carpenter shop, Spiker & Petersen’s improvements on store, Walther’s barber shop, and “Independent” office improvements. In 1872 work on the court-house, the first brick building in the county, was commenced, and the building era was introduced. The panic of 1873 stopped the wheels of progress for a time, but Grand Island not only held the position reached before the panic, but improved that position during the years of disaster. The business circle of the place in 1876 comprised those citizens whose substantial character left no doubtful uncertainty as to Grand Island’s future. Among the lawyers then were O. A. Abott, W. H. Platt, Henry Nunn, John D. Hayes, W. C. Buderus and Loring Gaffey; and the physicians, J. R. Laine, M. J. Gahan, J. P. Patterson, Henry Bruhns and A. T. Thorspecken. the population at this time was 1,204. In 1878 the shadows of the panic began to disperse and people from the East fled to the prairies to avoid a repetition of such troubles. In 1880 steps were taken to build the Union Pacific shops at this point, and work was entered upon. The opera house block was erected in 1882 by George Bartenbach. Prior to this time music and the drama held court in the Liederkranz or Berth Halls. In 1889 the opera house proper was refitted and refurnished. In October of that year it was opened by Keene. by May, 1884, there were six dwellings completed, each costing over $2,000; the Koenig brick block, $15,00; the Cleary, Berth, Berkenbuel & Conner block, $30,000; Mayor White’s dwelling, $3,500, and Lamkin’s dwelling, $2,000. There were no less than 110 other buildings in course of construction. The Jamieson building on the Sass corner, front Street, was commenced in August, 1885. The cost was estimated at $12,000. During the week ending August 2, 1885, the following business houses were completed: Meyer Bros.’ liquor store, F. Pahl’s saloon, Adam Windolph’s livery, James Michelson’s jewelry store, H. D. Boyden’s drug store, Harrison & Rief’s law and real-estate office, W. H. Michael’s store, Prof. Berth’s music hall and two stories, D. Jamieson’s building and the Sister’s hospital. Five frame business houses were also completed. The Scarff building and the Kurka block on Third Street were commenced later. Late in the fall of 1885, Brewster Bros. and P. Touhy’s mercantile buildings, the Curtis Laundry and the Hall County umber Company’s office were erected. Gus Koehler’s fish pond, a novel industry in the southern part of the city, was stocked with German carp in 1885. This pond covers about three acres and is six feet in depth. Ott’s ice house and fish and ice pond embraces ten acres near the Lehman Brewery; the brewery and the Wasmer ice pond were constructed in 1886.
In August, 1886, the Independent block was commenced for Fred Hedde, and the William & Kerr building commenced. The buildings and improvements of 1886 were valued at $640,000, while in 1887 the estimated value of buildings and improvements was placed at $855,000. The hospital of the Sisters of St. Francis was opened this year, and many old forms and methods of the “wild and woolly West” gave place to modern forms and methods. Free letter delivery was established October 1, and during the month ending November 1 the carriers delivered 29,904 pieces of mail.
The corner-stone of the Soldiers’ Home was placed October 20, 1887. John D. Moore was president of the day; Gov. John M. Thayer presided over the ceremony of placing the corner-stone; the Germania band and the drum corps furnished the music. A most attractive procession was had. The improvements under way or projected for 1888 amounted to over $1,000,000. The greater number were brought into existence. In 1889-90 there were erected the following named large buildings: City hall, three-story, stone front, $40,000; A. O. U. W. Temple and John Wallichs’ block, brick $35,000; Bockovern & Connell’s block, wholesale fruits, three stories, $20,000; Security State Bank, five stories, $35,000; additions to school-houses, $35,000; State Soldiers and Sailors’ Home improvements, $125,000. In addition to these a system of sewerage, seven miles in length, was constructed, and the street railroad system doubled in mileage. In December work on the sugar factory was commenced and pushed forward without intermission during the winter.
In 1884 the bill providing for the establishment of a soldiers’ home was passed. the first meeting to secure the location of the home for Grand Island was held in September, 1884, George Cornelius presiding, with S. P. Mobley secretary. J. O. West and Rev. P. C. Johnson, with Col. Leib and Rev. Williams as alternates, were appointed a committee to wait upon the locating commissioners at Dayton, Ohio, and Gen. John M. Thayer was invited to accompany them. They were authorized to offer 320 acres for a site. In April, 1887, the home was located three miles north of Grand Island on lands purchased by the citizens. The sum of $22,000 of the $25,600 paid for such lands was contributed within thirty-six hours. The State appropriated $30,000. Charles Rief, then Representative, was one of the leading workers in securing the location for this city. The corner-stone was placed October 20, 1887, by Gov. Thayer, as related in subsequent pages, and the building was dedicated June 26, 1888. The first visiting and examining board of the Soldiers’ Home was appointed in April, 1887: Samuel B. Jones, Omaha; Ezra S. Howard, Edgar; W. S. Webster, Central City; Mrs. B. P. Cook, of Lincoln, and Mrs. L. A. Bates, of Aurora. John Hammond, of Columbus, was appointed commandant.
For the past eight years Grand Island had enjoyed the advantages of a free public library, with a large number of well-selected books. the library is supported by a tax levied upon city property. As in most cities the use of books is open to all, and the records show that the citizens July appreciate and patronize the public library. In August, 1885, C. F. Bentley was elected president of the library board. During the year then ended $895.98 was received from the 1-mill tax, and 649 volumes were on the shelves. The officers controlling this useful city department are named in the transactions of the city council.
In the records of county and city many references are made to that excellent Christian institution, St. Francis Hospital. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased two acres from Charles Wasmer in May, 1885, in he western part of the city, and located their hospital there. The work of building was at once entered upon, and on August 22 Messrs. Hedde and Cleary reported $422 received for the hospital fund, which was paid over to Sister Mary Magdalena. Early in 1887 a present of drugs and medicines was made by Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, to this hospital. Dr. Gahan and Dr. Poe attended the patients without charge, and C. W. New superintended the construction of a laboratory. In May there were twenty-eight patients in the house. The new hospital building was dedicated June 29.
In the early years of the town, the local Grange or the immigration society of 1871-72 carried out many of the objects of a board of trade, and did much to point out the resources of the county and the opportunities of the town. The merchants club was organized in February, 1876, with Fred Hedde, president; R. C. Jordan, vice-president; H. A. Koenig, treasurer; and T. J. Hurford, secretary. A mercantile association, in one form or another, had existed here since centennial year-the board of trade being the present name of the organized merchants and traders. This board elected the following-named officers in January, 1885: C. W. Thomas, president; Fred Hedde, J. P. Kernohan and J. W. West, vice-presidents; Chris Schlotfeldt, correspondent; Frank Sears, recorder; James Cleary, treasurer; H. A. Koenig, C. F. Bentley, John G. Schaupp and S. N. Wolback were chosen directors, while Edward Hooper was appointed to the vacancy in the vice-presidency, caused by the death of E. R. Wiseman.
At this time (1885) twenty-one through trains on the Union Pacific, four on the Grand Island & North Loup, six on the St. Joseph & Grand Island, and four on the Burlington & Missouri River-a total of thirty-five trains, arrived and departed daily; 328 railroad employees receiving $19,934 per month resided here, and of this number 121 men were employed in the car and machine shops. In 1886 there were 3,384 cars shipped, and 7,071 cars received over the Union Pacific and St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroads. There were 389 cars of coal, lumber and cattle, and 1,185 cars of miscellaneous goods received over the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, while 201 cars of grain, 138 of live stock, and 1,139 of miscellaneous goods were shipped over the same road.
The total tonnage reported for the year ending October, 1888, was 455,456,780, of which the Union Pacific carried 422,717,761 tons and the St. Joseph & Grand Island 32,039,019 tons. This tonnage was largely increased in 1889, and will, it is thought, be doubled in 1890.
The officers of the board of trade in 1887-88 were J. W. West, president; H. A. Koenig, Charled Wasmer, Edward Hooper and J. D. Moore, vice-presidents; C. W. Scarff, secretary; Charles A. Wiebe, treasurer; M. Murphy, S. N. Wolbach, L. A. Pease and C. P. R. Williams, directors.
The Grand Island Improvement Company, referred to in other pages, is a branch of the board of trade.
The first post-office was established in 1866, with D. Schuller, master. W. R. McAllister, who in 1867 established his business at Grand Island, was appointed postmaster in 1868 at a salary of $1 per month. When he resigned the office in 1878 it was paying him $1,400 per annum.
C. P. R. Williams succeeded Mr. McAllister July 1, 1879, followed by C. L. Howell April 1, 1883, and he in turn was succeeded by Lafayette Myers May 1, 1887. Mr. Myers brought the office to a high state of efficiency. On October 1, 1887, the free letter delivery system was introduced. During the last three months of that year there were 98,378 pieces delivered and 19,191 pieces of mail matter collected. The revenue for the year was $11,260.82, and the expenses of the office $4,167.03. Four carriers were employed, making three deliveries of mail each day in the business portion of the city and two in the residence part.
In January, 1890, M. Murphy succeeded Mr. Myers. His bond for $24,000 was signed by S. N. Wolbach, J. M. Marsh, George H. Thummel, J. D. Moore, Patrick Dunphy and C. W. Thomas.
The assistants in the office in January, 1890, were F. O. Roeser, assistant postmaster; Chris Woelz, mailing clerk, and Miss Tonie Wasmer, delivery clerk. The letter carriers are G. A. McConnell, Levi Matchet, William Ivers and B. F. Gardner.
The pioneer banking house of this section of Nebraska was the State Central Bank, the history of which is given on other pages. Henry A. Koenig, the founder, settled here in 1862, and in 1867 erected the State Central Flouring Mills, opened the first lumber yare in the village, and in 1871 established this bank. The Citizen’s National Bank is the new name of this old institution. Henry A. Koenig is president; George A. Mohrenstecher, cashier; William A. Hagge, vice-president, and W. M. Geddes, assistant cashier. They, with John L. Means, O. W. Abbott, Gustave Koehler and A. H. Baker, form the board of directors. The capital is $60,000.
The Grand Island Banking Company was organized in 1879 and incorporated in January, 1880, with S. A. Peterson, G. A. Parker, C. P. Parker, J. P. Kernohan, J. G. Glazier and J. E. Hopper, stockholders. C. P. Parker was succeeded as president of the company by S. A. Peterson, and J. P. Kernohan, the first cahier, by George B. Bell. The present number of members is twenty-seven. The cash capital is $110,000.
The private banking house of C. F. Bentley was established early in 1880.
The First National Bank was founded in 1882, articles of association executed July 14, and a United States charter issued September 23, 1882, with S. N. Wolbach, president; C. F. Bentley, cashier, and D. H. Vieths, assistant cashier. The capital was placed at $100,000. The directors are John Reimers, Patrick Dunphy, Hiram J. Palmer, William J. Burger, C. W. Thomas, Samuel N. Wolbach, Charles F. Bentley.
The original stockholders were S. N. Wolbach,* Patrick Dunphy,* Fred Hedde, John L. Means, Patrick Touhey, Henry Mayer, W. J. Burger,* C. F. Bentley,* Richard Phelan, G. H. Andrew, J. N. Murphy, J. D. P. Hutchins, N. J. Palmer, C. W. Thomas,* Charles Milisen, A. Stewart, H. C. Held, J. R. Thompson, A. L. Stevenson, M. Horn, A. D. Dears and James Hall.2
J. M. Marsh returned in February, 1890, from Chicago, Omaha and Kansas City, where he had been securing bank stock for the American National Bank to be erected here within the next four months. It will consist of an iron front, and be built of sandstone from Colorado. It will be located on the corner of Locust and Third Streets, now occupied by Tucker & Brown’s drug store.
The first meeting of the Grand Island Building & Loan Association, August 29, 1881, was held at the office of Jay E. White. At this meeting a committee was appointed to draft a constitution for the association, which was adopted. The first regular meeting was held January 9, 1882, when the following officers and board of directors were elected: J. D. Moore, president; B. C. Holward, vice-president; J. E. White, secretary; M. Murphy, treasurer; M. J. Gahan, L. M. Bryan, C. L. Howell, D. Ackerman, William Anyan, H. L. McMeans and Frank Guenther, directors. The original members were L. M. Bryan, W. W. Smith, M. J. Gahan, B. C. Howard, Frank Sears, Clara A. Sears, A. A. Sawyer, A. D. Sears, C. L. Howell, M. Murphy, A. H. Wilhelm, A. Humphrey, C. B. Handy, D. Ackerman, John Ris, C. E. Schanlan, P. D. thompson, Frncis Lang, Frank Guenther, Jay E. White, H. L. McMeans, J. D. Moore, William Anyanm, B. Berry, O. A. Abbott, H. O. Brown, H. D. Boyden, E. W. McAllister, John Henderson, Emiline Henderson, Peer Janss, G. H. Thummel, F. C. Collins, E. F. Kerr, G. H. Caldwell, C. E. Lykke, J. H. Wilsey, Monroe Taylor, Jacob Giese, E. A. Richardson, S. B. Reynard, H. L. Burket, F. M. Bacon and C. P. R. Williams.
The profits reported in the first annual statement, January 6, 1883, amount to $7,123.23; in the second, $7,538.50; in the third, $7,620.20; in the fourth, $7043.80; in the fifth, $8,070.05; in the sixth, $11,044.30; in the seventh, $9,240.80, and in the eighth, published January 1, 1890, $13,602.15. The total receipts for 1889 amounted to $33,723.20, and the total expense to $398.30, including secretary’s salary. B. C. Howard was president in 1886, and W. E. Robinson, secretary. In 1888 S. D. Ross was secretary. In 1889 Frank Sears succeeded M. Murphy as treasurer, and on January 13, 1890, Henry A. Koenig succeeded M. Murphy. The directory comprises D. Ackerman, C. W. Brininger, W. B. Carey, C. B. Handy, G. H. Geddes, James Cleary and A. C. Lederman.
The Security State Bank ranks among the first financial houses of the city. H. A. Pike, of Boston, is president; F. W. Barber, vice-president and acting president, and O. B. Thompson, cashier. They, with T. R. White, Jr., of New York, W. R. Bacon, P. Janss and J. F. Zediker, are directors. The new building erected in the winter of 1889-90 for this company is metropolitan in character. The estimated cost in $35,000.
The People’s Building & Loan Association was organized in June, 1885, with W. R. McAllister, J. G. Raine, J. H. Mullin, J. Withers, W. H. Thompson, E. W. McAllister, W. T. Chapin, J. C. Pederson and George E. Winn, directors.
The Bank of Commerce was incorporated April 1, 1887, with a capital stock of $50,000. T. P. Lanigan was elected president; J. D. Moore, vice-president; J. M. Marsh, cashier, who has held that position to the present. The corner room in the Scarff building was leased for the purpose of the business, and he bank was opened May 4 that year. J. D. Moore was chosen president to succeed Mr. Lanigan, and he was succeeded by E. L. Dodder, Sr. F. B. Tiffany is one of the directors. The Scarff building was subsequently purchased by the banking company. the present number of stockholders is fifty-two, comprising a number of the best citizens. The capital is $150,000.
The Grand Island Savings & Loan Association, the Union Investment Company, the St. Joseph Loan & Trust Company, the National Building, Loan and Protective Union, the American Investment Company of New Hampshire (J. F. Zediker, agent), the American Investment Company of Emmettsburg, Iowa (R. C. Glenville, agent), and the Anglo American Loan & Trust Company (D. C. Zink, agent) all do a large business here.
The United States Investment Company was incorporated April 18, 1887, with H. A. Koenig, A. H. Baker, O. B. Thompson, William Hagge, O. A. Abbott, C. A. Van Wasmer and Gustave Koehler, stockholders. The capital stock was placed at $250,000.
H. E. Clifford, Dill & Huston, W. R. Bacon, Ross & Brininger, W. A. Heimberger, J. H. Wilsey, Thummel & Platt, Dings & Reaugh, Charles Rief, Thompson Brothers, T. A. Hathaway, Frank & Williams, W. S. Hayman, L. J. Traynor, W. A. Whitney, C. H. Baily and others are engaged in the money-loaning trade.
Protection Fire Company No. 1 was organized June 8, 1874, with C. P. Henderson, foreman; N. P. Kelly and T. C. McCoy, assistants; E. Tomlinson, secretary, and James Cleary and J. B. Davis, with the officers named, were chosen trustees. the constitution was signed by thirty-three members. The Hook and Ladder Company was organized August 1, 1874, with W. J. Cuddy, foreman; P. Dunphy and H. Bauman, assistants; W. F. Dering, treasurer; Joseph Jeneman, secretary. In 1876 there were twenty-five members, with John Kraft, chief. The voluntary system was carried on for some years until the city exercised control. In March, 1884, Ch. Nielson, W. Cornelius, Ch. Guenther, Th. Zimmerman, H. Henk and F. Kruse were elected officers of the Hook and Ladder Company. John Riss was captain, succeeding Millisen. The fire department was then presided over by Nabel, with C. L. Howard, assistant. W. R. McAllister and A. C. Lederman were members of Pacific Hose Company. The Fireman’s Tournament was held here in August, 1885. The Fitzgeralds, of Lincoln, almost won the prize, as they did in Omaha in 1884, but the Fremonts carried it. The officers of the fire department elected in March, 1886, were John Matthews, chief; A. C. Lederman, assistant; J. H. Mullin, secretary, and John P. Voitle, treasurer.
Protection Hose Company No. 2 completed organization in June, 1886, with E. C. McCashland, president; W. F. McLaughlin, forman; D. C. Zink, H. B. Groff, assistant foremen; C. Milisen, secretary; S. Elliot, treasurer; E. Dawson, George Hunter and G. H. Geddes, trustees. In March, 1887, H. C. Miller was chosen president of the ire department; John A. Matthews, chief; William McLaughlin, assistant; John Voitle, second assistant; J. W. Bartholomew, secretary, vice Charles L. Haux, and David Zink, treasurer. In 1889 W. R. McAllister was president; D. C. Zink, secretary; J. A. Matthews, chief. Pacific Hose Company No. 1 was presided over by Geoge Furstenhofer; Protection Engine Company by D. C. Zink; Protection Hose Company by John Randolph; Ott Hose Company by William Cornelius, and Hook and Ladder Company by Fred Bohan.
The first destruction of property by fire was that of the old Grand Island settlement, referred to in the chapter on pioneers. Engel & Siegmund’s pearl barley mill was erected in 1875 at a cost of $5,000. With the exception of the Union Pacific Railroad water tank structure, this was the first conflagration since the town was founded in 1866. An attempt to burn West’s store and the Grange Hall at this time was frustrated by James Cleary. The fire of December 11, 1884, originated in the basement of James Cleary’s store. the thorough work of the fire department saved the block owned by Cleary and the Grand Island Banking Company. Schaupp’s mil was burned to the ground June 3, 1886. Wilsey’s barn and five blooded horses, the property of George Cudney, were destroyed by fire in November, 1887. A fire at the car shops was controlled. The fire of March, 1888, originated in the Wiebe store. the fire apparatus of the Independent building was brought into action, with the result of saving much property. The Touhy building on West Third Street, occupied by I. H. Waldron, was destroyed by fire April 29, 1888. Rollins’ feed-mill, built in July, 1888, was destroyed by fire July 29, that year. The creamery building was struck by lightning and destroyed. With the exception of the Sass Hotel, Englel’s mil, Schaupp’s mill, Rollins’ mill, and the creamery, Grand Island may be said to be free from fires. The Douglass & Cass lumber yard was burned September 29, 1888. Four horses and other property with $7,000 worth of lumber were reduced to ashes.
The city now boast of the car and machine shops with a pay roll of between $20,000 and $30,000 per month, a canning factory built entirely of brick and employing from 300 to 400 hands during the season, and consuming the products of about 2,500 acres of ground, three flouring-mills, one brewery, five cigar factories, employing about sixty hands the year round, a foundry, the capacity of which is just now being doubled, two gas works, electric light works, one of the finest creameries in the state with permanent brick buildings, sash and blind factory, a broom factory, two soda water factories and bottling establishments, three of the finest ice lakes in the State, two machine shops and a number of smaller manufacturing institutions, supplemented by the most extensive beet sugar manufactory and refinery in the United States.
The pioneer milling industry west of Fort Calhoun (except the old water-mill) was the State Central Flouring Mill, established in 1867, by H. A. Koenig, which in February, 1884, became the property of Henry Glade.
In 1870 the Hurley & Jones brick yards, on Prairie Creek, five miles north of the city, were opened and the poor brick produced sold at $15 per 1,000. The yards do not appear to have been in existence when the court-house was built, for the brick used in that structure were freighted from Omaha.
In October, 1878, a wagon shop and foundry were established by Hooper & Ferguson, and purchased by the former in 1881.
In 1880 the Union Pacific shops were located at this point, and the work of building at once entered upon. By the close of 1881 the machine, blacksmith and car shops were finished. These shops are the most valuable and extensive in the State. The three buildings, together with their machinery, cost $350,000. In them about 400 men are employed. A description of the shops is as follows: Car shop-Material, stone; roof, slate; size main building, 100×162 feet; size of L, 100×127 feet; size of engine room, 50×50 feet; height, 22 feet; tank, 7×12 feet and an eighty-horse-power engine. Machine shop-Main building, 100×150 feet; engine room, 50×50 feet; height, 22 feet; tank, 7×12 feet and an eighty-horse-power engine. Blacksmith shop-Size, 75×150 feet; height, 22 feet; 24 forges. The Union Pacific rail mill, located in this city, works over damaged steel rails. It has two stationary boilers, with a combined capacity of 211-horse-power and an 80-horse-power duplex Corliss engine. This plant cost $80,000, employs from twenty-four to thirty-six men, and is he only mill of the kind in the State of Nebraska. Here are fitted up all the rails for the branch lines of the Union Pacific system.
The Grand Island Creamery Company was organized in March, 1884, with J. W. Liveringhouse, president; J. P. Kernohan, vice-president; J. E. Jewett, secretary, and J. H. Wethers, treasurer.
The Gas and Electric Light Company was organized in July, 1884, with George H. Thummel, president; H. A. Koenig, vice-president; Dr. M. J. Gahan, secretary, and Chris Wasmer, treasurer. Henry Miller is now superintendent.
The manufacturing industries employing steam-power in 1885 were Schaupp’s Planet Roller Mills, Glade’s mill, Peterson’s mill, Gardner’s feed-mill, Merrill’s feed-mill, Union Pacific rail mill, Union Pacific machine shops, Union Pacific car shops, sash factory, Hooper’s foundry and State Central Brewery. In Wasmer’s and in Wiseman’s elevators steam-owner was also used as well as in the electric light works, bottling works, Independent office, Week’s job office and the city laundry. Blunk’s flour and meal mills, south of the city, were operated by water-power.
Boehm’s State Central brewery is operated by Andrew Ott. It is one of the leading industries of this class in the State.
The Grand Island Canning Company filed articles of incorporation March 14, 1887. the subscribers were O. B. Thompson, C. W. Scarff, William A. Hagge, C. A. Van Wasmer, T. J. Hurford, Charles Wasmer and J. D. Moore.
The corporations of the Street Railroad Company were O. A. Abbott, I. R. Alter, Henry A. Koenig, William Hagge, A. H. Baker, O. B. thompson and c. W. Scarff.
The Grand Island Gas Company was incorporated March 21, 1887, with A. S. Maxwell, Samuel N. Wolbach and John L. Means, stockholders. Mr. Maxwell is managing director.
The Grand Island Light and Fuel Company also manufacture gas.
In the line of manufacturing industries Grand Island had he following named industries in 1887:
| Industries | Cost of Plant | No. of Men Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Union Pacific car shops | $350,000 | 500 |
| Union Pacific steel rail mill | $80,000 | 36 |
| Canning factory | $30,000 | 250 |
| Two roller flour-mills | $60,000 | 40 |
| Creamery | $25,000 | 16 |
| Brewery | $50,000 | 16 |
| Blank book making, printing, etc. | $60,000 | 21 |
| Furniture factory | $5,000 | 11 |
| Steam dye works | $2,000 | 6 |
| Soap factory and rendering | $2,500 | 5 |
| Bottling works | $10,000 | 10 |
| Two brickyards | $30,000 | 100 |
In addition to the industries shown above there are numerous smaller manufacturing industries in the line of broom factories, planing-mill, cigar factories, bottling works, etc., giving remunerative employment to a number of men. An extensive business is also done in ice industry, which employ during the season 300 men and 100 teams; twenty acres of spring lakes give a capacity of 100,000 tons annually.
The manufacturing industries proposed comprise a glucose factory, a starch factory, a paper mill, a chewing gum factory and a mammoth distillery and packing house.
For some years past the few citizens of Hall County acquainted with the success of the beet sugar industry in Europe considered the question of establishing such and industry here. In February, 1873, there was published in the Independent a description of the beet sugar industry in Europe, and some reference to the growth of beets in Nebraska was made, but not until 1887 was there any practical action taken in the matter. The leading citizens at that time went about it in a sensible way to fully, thoroughly and satisfactorily test the feasibility of the undertaking. They had he soil of various sections of this and adjoining counties analyzed, and the analysis demonstrated its adaptability to the culture of sugar beets in various section of the county, in the season of 1888, and had these beets carefully analyzed at Lincoln, at Washington and at other points, which tests were very satisfactory. thinking the season of 1888 might have been an exceptionally favorable season, seed was again imported and planted upon a still more extensive scale in 1889, and an expert chemist, familiar with the culture and manufacture, as well as with analysis of he sugar beet, was brought here from Germany, to oversee the planting, culture and growth of the beets, as well as to examine the character of the soil and attend to the analysis of the beets, etc. These tests showed still more satisfactory results, the percentage of saccharine matter reaching eighteen per cent.
The subject of the location of a beet-sugar factory at Grand Island was considered, practically, in November, 1889, when the leading citizens decided to raise $100,000, and did raise about $60,000, before the question was formally submitted to the people. The subscriptions were voluntary, and ranged from $100 to $1,000 each, and in the aggregate amount to $100,000, while the capital stock of the beet-sugar company is as stated, $1,000,000, and will no doubt at an early day be increased to double that amount.
During the time that the experiments were being made negotiations were also in progress to enlist gentlemen with the necessary capital and experience to take hold of the enterprise and build and operate the factory, which, when it is understood that half a million dollars are required for buildings and machinery alone, and as much more for land to make the company independent of individual farmers who might not choose to furnish a regular supply adequate to keep the factory in operation, was no easy task. Difficult as it was, however, the energy and stick-to-it-iveness of the Grand Island gentlemen who had the matter in charge proved equal to the emergency and their efforts were at last crowned with success and on Friday, December 7, 1889, the site for the factory buildings was selected, and on Monday, December 9, ground was broken and work commenced. The dimensions of the principle factory building, the concrete foundations of which were completed by January 19, 1890, and upon the brick walls of which all the masons that can be had in the city were at work, are as follows: Length, 292 feet; width, eighty-five feet; height, four stories, fifty feet. The structure is being built of stone, iron and brick, in such a substantial manner that it will stand for hundreds of years. This does not include the boiler house nor the engine house, which will be separate and apart from the principal factory building. There are to be a lime house, beet sheds and a system of smaller buildings extending north from the principal building to the stock-yards, a distance of nearly half a mile.
The site selected for the factory buildings comprises fifty acres, and is taken off the east ends of two tracts of land, one belonging to the United States Investment Company nd the other to Messrs. Thummel & Platt, situated along the west side of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad, and extending north to the Union Pacific stock-yards, thus touching both the union Pacific and St. Joseph & Grand Island tracks, and also to be reached by the beet-sugar factory belt line, to be built at once by the Burlington & Missouri River, for which the right of way has already been secured. The northeast corner of the site is within a stone’s throw of the new fair grounds, and the south line of the Packer & Barr, Shoemaker and Wasmer additions, so that within a few years the factory will be in the heart of the city, as it were.
The situation is an admirable one, the drainage being excellent, and the location both beautiful and convenient, and as to railroad faculties unsurpassed.
During the week ending January 20, 1890, the street-car line was extended to the factory grounds, and the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railway company’s track extended along the principal factory building, from which about sixty cars of brick and other material are unloaded each week, and will be until the entire system of buildings is completed.
The machinery for he manufactory and sugar refinery is already on the way from Germany, France and Australia, and will be all placed and in percent running order for the most advanced portion of the crop of the season of 1890.
H. F. Oxnard, at the head of the syndicate who has his manufacturing industry in charge, and at the head of which he will be resident manager, is a man of rare business qualifications, and is possessed of thorough knowledge of the manufacture of beet-sugar; associated with him is M. Disprez, an expert in the raising of sugar beets and beet-sugar seed.
There have been many days when it looked dark, but there were few men who never gave up hope, and at the head of these stood the quiet, sturdy, conservative, yet tenacious Henry A. Koenig, who had wonderful faith in sugar from the start.
From the best figures obtainable the mercantile business of Grand Island shows a magnificent trade done in 1887, and an increase in volume of business of nearly 40 per cent over that done in 1886. The appended statistics are not accurate, as it is an impossibility to procure strictly reliable information, but from a careful canvass of the business houses of the city the following figures can be relied upon as approximately correct.
The amount of business done in 1887 was: Jewelry and silverward, $60,000; books and stationery, $32,000; hardware, wholesale and retail, $300,000; dry goods and clothing, $545,000; groceries and provisions, $840,000; liquors and cigars, wholesale and retail, $300,000; furniture and household goods, $230,000; agricultural implements, $248,000; lumber, $314,000; miscellaneous, $400,000; total, $3,269,000. These figures do not include manufacturers’ products manufactured and shipped from this point. Were these items added, the grand total would exceed the sum of $5,000,000, a showing that speaks volumes for the trade and commerce of this pushing, thriving city. In 1888 an increase of about fifteen per cent on the above figures was noticeable, with a lighter increase in 1889 over that of the former year.
The amount of money paid the general government at Grand Island amounted in 1887 to nearly $200,000. The need of a suitable building for transacting the business was so manifest that a bill providing for the erection of a federal building at this point has been introduced.
The source of revenue and the amounts received in 1887 are as follows: Brewers’ stamps, $4,428.40; cigar manufactories, $1,575.20; wholesale beer, $200; wholesale liquor, $200; retail liquor, $602.40; drug stores, $224; manufactured tobacco, $240; United States land office receipts, $173,302.80; post office receipts, $11,260.82, for a total of $91,933.62. In 1888 and 1889 the total revenue was found to warrant the erection of United States offices here.
The business of he railroads entering Grand Island is annually growing larger and more profitable. Although wholesaling and manufacturing are yet in their infancy, the receipts of freight for 1887 show an increase of 19,686 tons over those of 1886, and he shipments an increase of 10,755 tons, making a total increase in the year’s business over 1886 of 30,441 tons. The total receipts and shipments of freight in 1887 amounted to 11,295 car loads. This extensive freightage has been exceeded during the last two years, and the prospects for 1890 are still more flattering.
The hotels of the city were very modest in the days of 1866. The Nebraska House was built that year by Michelson. The first depot was a large canvass building, and near by was the small boarding house for railroad men. In the fall of 1866 the old railroad eating-house was erected, and, with some additions, continued in use until 1875, when it was moved away in two sections by Fredde Hedde and P. Touhy and the Union Pacific Hotel erected. This hotel is the first large structure ever erected in Hall County. IN 1869 or 1870 the Tremont was opened. In 1878-79 Hugo Hald was proprietor of the Travelers’ Home. The hotels of Grand Island in 1885 were the Pacific, 40 rooms; the Jordan, 35; the Commercial, 30; the Estes, 30 (opened in 1880); the National, 22 ; the Clarendon, 20, the Colorado, 18, the Omaha, 14, the Farmers’ 14; the City 12; and Power’s, 10. the New England was re-opened in November by Jordan. Since 1885 the Cottage House on Plum Street, and the Wisconsin House on Front Street, have been opened. The old Grand Union Hotel was refitted in February, 1885, and opened by Mr. Baker, under the name of Commercial Hotel. The brick house erected by Mr. Dunphy is known as the Dunphy House. The Palmer House, on Second Street, is now the leading hotel. It was built in 1887 at a cost of about $80,000, and is conducted by Eno & Moulton. This house is an index to the progress of he city. It is modern in arrangement and equipment, and well managed.
The Grand Island land office was established December 6, 1869. The first receiver appointed in 1869 was followed by Jesse Turner, who was accidentally shot December 18, 1872. Joseph Fox was appointed to succeed, who served until Mr. Anyan was appointed April 23, 1877. He was re-appointed July 7, 1882, and served to July, 1886, when the present receiver, A. H. Baker, qualified.
Eward W. Arnold was appointed first register in 1869, succeeded by M. B. Hoxie, now of Omaha. Christopher Hostetter was appointed to succeed Mr. Hoxie, and served up to August 15, 1885, when John G. Higgins was commissioned.
Elbert P. Brewster has been clerk in the register’s office since April, 1888, succeeding S. R. Crego, who held the office for only a few months. Miss Higgins and Frederick Conrad held the positions for some time, the latter succeeding Charles Brininger, who was register’s clerk for about five years. William Campbell preceded Mr. Brininger and succeeded Jay E. White, the first clerk.
The clerks in the receiver’s office were H. J. Gorman in 1869, succeeded by Frank Sears, David Ackerman, Jr., followed Mr. Sears, whose successor, Eli A. Barnes, was appointed in March, 1886.
The first office was built in 1869 by E. W. Arnold for the purpose of United States land office. The house is on the south west corner of Third, and this land district embraces the following named counties and parts of counties: Colfax, Platte, south part of Boone and Township 20 in the north part, Greeley, Nance, Merritt (sic), Howard, Sherman, Valley, Buffalo, Hall north of Platte River, Custer as far as Range 20, Dawson as far as Range 20 and part of Polk. The area unsold is about 30,000 acres.
Grand Island is singularly well endowed in religious societies. there are no less than twelve distinct organizations here, and unorganized representatives of others. The Catholic, Presbyterian, German Lutherans, German Evangelical, Methodist Episcopal, Trinity Methodist, First Baptist, Immanuel Baptist, Congregational, Christian and Liberal Association.
The Catholic Church, the early history of which is given in the sketch of Wood River, was the first established at Grand Island, in 1866 or 1867. the old building was destroyed in the storm of 1870 and never rebuilt. In 1876 the congregation numbered about thirty persons and Father Ryan was pastor.
On December 23, 1876, a meeting was held to consider the question of building a new Catholic Church. Joseph Jeneman presided, with James Cleary, secretary, and P. Dunphy, treasure. they with Messrs. Kraft, Windolph, McCarty and Doberstein were appointed a building committee. In July the building was completed and dedicated. The new church, one of the largest church buildings in the State, was dedicated July 7, 1889, by Vicar-General R. Shaffel, representing the bishop. Dr. E. S. O’Callaghan preached the sermon. the ceremonies of dedication were participated in by Revs. Wolf, the pastor; Davos, of Spaulding; Daxacher, of Omaha; Walshe, of Lexington; Lynch, of Wood River; Mueller, of St. Libory; Stuer, of Cognice, and Horek, of Kearney.
In April, 1876, the work of building a Catholic Church in Howard County, near the line of Hall County, on the St. Paul road, was begun.
Rev. Richard Phelan, who on July 4, 1880, took charge of St. Mary’s Parish, Grand Island, found fifty-two families belonging to the congregation, while at St. Mary’s, near Wood river, were seventy-two families. Rev. W. Wolf, V. F., is pastor. The churches at Doniphan and at Kearney belonged to St. Mary’s parish in 1889, and are in the diocese of Omaha. The hospital of St. Francis is mainly supported by the congregation of St. Mary’s, who also maintain the denomination schools, while contributing a full share to the support of the common-school system.
The Presbyterian Church was founded August 12, 1869, by Rev. Sheldon Jackson, with five members. Robert Mitchell and Samuel Hindman were elected ruling elders. Occasional services were held until February, 1875, when Mr. Griffes gave revival services and added five members to the society, and R. Mitchell, B. G. Rice and S. D. Rannels were elected ruling elders. In August of this year, Rev. George Hutchinson came as stated supply and remained nine months. Rev. Samuel Wyckoff is the present pastor.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1870 by Rev. J. N. Webb, State missionary, with five members, increased to forty members in 1876. The first Baptist Church building, dedicated September 16, 1888, stands on Seventh and Sycamore Streets. It is built in the form of a Greek cross, showing four gables, a tower 103 feet in height and a minaret 71 feet. The main audience room, an amphitheater 54×43 feet, may be connected with the Sunday-school rooms. The building is 54×72 feet, and claims a seating capacity of 750. Rev. L. W. Terry is the present pastor.
Immanuel Baptist Church is a modern organization-an outcrop of the first Baptist society. No sooner was organization completed, than the work of church building was entered upon, and to-day a very neat structure, modern in style, exists. The pastor is Rev. Fred. E. Britten; clerk, E. E. Cole; treasurer, L. M. Bryan; deacons, N. T. Estes and W. A. Whitney; trustees, J. F. Baillie, C. J. Keith and S. C. Shipman; superintendent of Sunday-school, J. F. Baillie; secretary of Sunday-school, Clarance Stevens; president of missionary circle, Mrs. E. Stearns, and president of aid society, Mrs. W. J. Estes.
St. Stephens’ Protestant Episcopal Church was organized in 1871, and a church building completed and dedicated September 3, that year, by Bishop Clarkson. R. C. Jordan was warden; D. T. Jamieson, junior warden; C. W. Thomas, George E. Wilson and Frank Ingram, vestrymen. In the five years ending July, 1876, the membership increased from ten to sixty-five. In 1888 the project of erecting a new church house was considered and approved. Work was at once entered upon, and the building dedicated in July, 1889. The material is red Colorado sandstone, with gray Kansas stone in foundation. Rev. John Lyon, who was nominated for school superintendent in early years, was one of the first preachers of this society.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in February, 1872, by Rev. J. S. Smith. The class worshiped in the Baptist Church until March, 1874, when they obtained permission to worship in the court-house. On September 27, of this year, Bishop Bowen dedicated the first house of worship. James Hall, H. J. Miller, Dorr Heffleman, W. H. West and J. W. Irwin were elected trustees. Reb. J. S. Donaldson was pastor in 1876 when the class comprised thirty-five members. The class has not made the same progress here as have other denominations; yet it is strong in numbers and very aggressive. Few if any strangers arrive in the city, who do not receive a cordial invitation to attend services on Sunday. Rev. C. W. Savage, the pastor in 1889, was succeeded by Rev. W. H. H. Pillsbury.
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the recent additions to religious societies. Their new church on the corner of sixth and Sycamore Streets speaks plainly of the earnestness of this society. The church was organized August 7, 1887, with 132 members and 19 probationers, with Reb. H. L. Powers, pastor. C. H. Bailey, president of the Epworth League; Lenora Birney, secretary; J. W. B. Brown and A. A. Linn, committeemen, are active workers in this society.
The United Brethren Society may be said to date back to 1872, when Rev. Joseph Wesley came to Grand Island and organized a class here, one at Alda and one near the village of Cairo. Among the first members at Grand Island were Mr. Wesley, wife and son; A. B. Vider and wife, Wesley Miller and wife, Eugene Miller, Charles Ridell and wife, and others. The united Brethren Society completed organization in 1876, and their house of worship was dedicated July 2, that year, by Bishop Glossbrenner and Rev. Joseph Wesley, the pastor. the work of building was begun by Reb. Jacob Bremser in 1875. In 1886 the society at Cairo erected a church house. The pastors who attended here in the order of service are named as follows: Joseph Wesley, Charles Ridd, J. J. Lohr, C. C. Kellogg, J. T. Squires, J. M. Witters, D. W. Smith, ———— Jones, ———— Dean and Jacob Bremser. The names of many connected with this society in early years are not now remembered.
The Congregational Church reported eighty members in January, 1890, or an addition of thirty-nine members during the year 1889. T. C. Shaw was chosen clerk; Andrew Cosh, treasurer; J. W. Alden, deacon; Thomas Robinson, trustee; T. C. Shaw, chorister, and Mrs. Shaw, organist. The present officers are B. F. Merrill, A. H. Bock, I. M. Ridlon, F. Randall and J. W. Alden, deacons; Gavin Geddes, Mrs. E. A. Stevens, Thomas Robinson, F. W. Barber, H. E. Clifford and Andrew Cosh, trustees; T. C. Shaw, clerk; Andrew Cosh, treasurer; T. C. Shaw, chorister; Mrs. T. C. Shaw, organist; John Doane, Sunday-school superintendent; E. A. Stevens, assistant superintendent; James Nicholson, secretary; Miss a. Geddes, assistant secretary; Robert Geddes, Jr., treasurer. Rev. W,. L. Demorest, pastor in 1889, was succeeded by Reb. John Doane. The church building was erected in 1888.
St. Paul German Lutheran Church may be said to date back to 1884. In May of that year Rev. William Rosentengle, of the Lutheran Church of Nebraska City, was called to Grand Island as first pastor of the St. Paul German Evangelical Luther Church. Mr. Lenker was then preacher in English. On July 6 the house of worship, 30×40 feet, was dedicated.
The Salem German Lutheran Church on the east side was struck by lightning July 15, 1888. The spire was shattered and some damage done to the main building. Reb. A. Baumhoefner is pastor.
St. Paul English Evangelical Lutheran Church was completed and dedicated March 14, 1886. The building committee of the Lutheran church in August, 1885, comprised George H. Thummel, W. A. Heimberger, C. E. Lykke, George H. Hunter, Benjamin O. Anderson and J. N. Lenker. The corner-stone was placed October 3, 1885. Rev. A. B. Schrader was the last pastor. In January, 1890, the church was without a supply.
The Fifth Street German Evangelical Church is presided over by Reb. O. Radinski.
The North Sweden First Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Howard County (eighteen miles northwest of Grand Island), was dedicated in January, 1885.
The Salvation Army had headquarters in the old Baptist building at the close of 1888.
Ben Hogan, of Allegany Valley notoriety, preached here in November, 1885. Revs. J. C. H. Reed, Williams, Smith and Rhone supported Mr. Hogan, joined in the services and welcomed the repentant sinner. The earlier life of this evangelist was anything but godly, as the records of Tarport, Bradford, Oil City and other Pennsylvania oil centers point out.
In the pioneer history of Grand Island City a few of the early school teachers are named and something said of their lives in Nebraska. Shortly after the town was platted a small school-house was erected, which continued in use until late in 1870. The new school building was opened September 19, 1870, and the dedication took the form of a ball or dance, with supper at the Railroad Hotel. The schools of the city in 1876 were presided over by B. F. Bellows, assisted by Miss Meth. The students examined in the high schools were H. P. Clark, H. C. Howard, C. G. Hurford, S. C. Huston and F. W. Cramer; and the female student, J. L. Bacon. J. Heffleman, A. E. Hooper, E. E. Howard, A. M. Hurford, M. C. Hurford, H. Shoemaker, H. K. Van Pelt, E. L. Watson and A. Wiseman. The city teachers employed in August, 1877, were Henry Garn, Mellie Butterfield, Belle Ferguson and Mrs. Cammeil Ballou Laine. O. A. Abbott, C. E. Lykke and John Wallichs were elected trustees in April, 1878, and William Anyan, T. J. Hurford and B. C. Howard were appointed to act with the trustees as school building committee. The proposition to build a school-house received 141 votes, and was opposed by five votes. The contracts for the new house were sold in June for $17,000, and the beginnings of the city school system, as it now is, were made.
The enumerations of school membership at Grand Island in 1879 was 525; in 1880, 667; in 1881, 835; in 1882, 938; in 1883, 1,074, and in 1884, 1,313. There were five distinct buildings devoted to school purposes and one school-house completed that year. In 1885 there were 1,515 children enrolled.
When the south side school-building was erected in 1878, it was supposed that the requirements of education here would be fully met until 1888. The supposition was erroneous. Before the close of 1886 and addition to the old building, a new eight-room building on the north side, a two-room building on the west side and the old school-house in the eastern part of the city were all in use. Twenty-five teachers were employed. In 1884 the first high-school class of five graduated, and in 1885 and 1886 there were seven graduates. The total enrollment in 1886 was 1,116, and the estimate of expenditures for school purposes in 1887 was placed at $25,000. In June, 1887, a committee of the Liederkranz Society was appointed to prepare and obtain signatures for a petition to the school board, asking for the teaching of German in the public schools. L. Veith, H. C. Held, Ad. Egge, Frederick Hedde, George Cornelius and Henry Viergg formed this committee.
The first annual commencement of the high school was held in June, 1883, and the fourth in June, 1886. In 1887 a small class graduated, while the class of June, 1888, comprised Kate A. Hurley, Clara D. Pierce, Mary E. Brennan, Hattie M. Clendenin, Carrie L. Fraser, Nellie M. White, Nellie M. Serviss, Ada C. Laine, Jennie Oppenheimer and John F. Mathews. The present school buildings are the Dodge, Howard, Platt, Wasmer and Evans. The Catholic schools here claim a large enrollment. The Grand Island Business College, A. M. Hargus, principal, is carried on in the Academy of Music building.
The social advantages of Grand Island are all that could be desired, and to a great extent the line between rich and poor is very lightly drawn. There are social and literary clubs, and civic and benevolent societies, which are all well supported and attended. The Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Labor, Grand Armey of the Republic, Brotherhood of Railroad Engineers, Modern Woodmen of America, Good Templars, and Bricklayers, all have organizations here.
Ashlar Lodge No. 33, A. F. & A. M., the first lodge of that order, was organized October 5, 1870, with R. C. Jordan, W. M.; O. A. Abbott, S.; G. E. Wilson, S. W.; S. J. Saxe, S. D..; G. H. Thummel, J. W.; Elias Munch, J. D.; P. H. Baylor, treasurer, and W. Lloyd, tyler. The charter was granted June 26, 1871, when George Thummel was master; George E. Wilson, S. W., and P. H. Baylor, J. W. At this time the number of members was seventeen, increased to sixty-one by July, 1876. The office of worshipful master has been filled by the following named members: R. C. Jordan, one year; George H. Thummel, tow years; George E. Wilson, one year; O. A. Abbott, one year; William A. Deuel, two years; W. H. Platt, one year; O. A. Abbott, one year; R. C. Jordan, two years; D. Ackerman, Jr., one year; C. L. Howell, one year; B. C. Howard, one year; M. Murphy, one year; Charles F. Rollins, three years; John D. Moore, one year, and Charles Schlotfeldt, two years. O. A. Abbott served as secretary for three years; C. W. Thomas, one year; H. P. Makely, one year; W. H. Platt, one year; C. L. Howell, one year; D. H. Veiths, three years; Nathan Platt, one year; E. A. Barnes, two years; Oscar Wells, one year; J. B. Ferguson, one year, and C. W. Brininger, three years. The membership in January, 1890, was 162. Six deaths had been reported up to January 23, 1890-those of Abel Parkhurst, H. N. Chapman, Edward B. Hirst, George E. Wilson, A. L. Stephenson and David Baillie.
Deuel Chapter No. 11, R. A. M., was chartered November 14, 1873, with R. C. Jordan, P. G. M. and P. G. H. P., as high priest; W. A. Deuel, K.; George E. Wilson, scribe, and sixteen members. In 1876 there were twenty-seven members. An organization existed before charter, with E. B. Wood, H. P., and B. C. Howard, scribe. At the beginning of 1890 B. Berry was H. P., with Ed Hooper, B. C. Howard, J. D. Moore and Monroe Taylor filling the other offices in chapter order.
Kilwinning Lodge No. 1, A. & A. S. R., dates back to 1871, when G. H. Thummel was chosen T. P. G. M., and B. B. Kelley, grand secretary. Many of the pioneer Masons of the city belong to Kilwinning Lodge, and among the officers at the beginning of 1890 were C. F. Rollins, Lafayette Myers, M. Murphy and D. H. Vantine.
Mount Lebanon Commandery No. 6, K. T., was organized in 1874, with R. C. Jordan, commander; George H. Thummel, Eli A. Barnes, B. C. Howard, G. P. Dean, C. C. Robinson, C. W. Thomas, J. D. Moore, A. C. Lederman and others hitherto named, are still members of this organization.
Grand Island Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., dated back to 1871. Louis Engel was then noble grand and Edward Hooper, secretary. In 1872 R. Frohberg and Edward Hooper filled the noble grand’s chair, with J. Edward Meth, secretary for the first half year, and George G. McKenzie of the second. In 1873 J. E. Meth presided, and P. Petersen was secretary. At the beginning of 1890 John Alexander was D. D. G. M.; S. J. Bateman, N. G.; C. F. Lebatt, V. G., and John Nicholson secretary.
An encampment of Odd Fellows was founded here and work carried on regularly for some time. The officers of the Encampment elected in February, 1886, were Henry Renting, C. P.; C. Rief, S. W.; John Murray, J. W.; R. H. McAllister, H. P.; C. L. Haux, scribe; H. D. Boyden, treasurer; W. R. McAllister, N. H. Hurford and C. W. Best, trustees. The Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. met at Grand Island in October, 1889. Of the 159 lodges in the State, or 7,030 members, 134 lodges were represented.
The Knights of Pythias organized November 17, 1885, with G. B. Lannius, P. C.; H. B. Wilson, G. C.; V. Taylor, V. C. C.; Dr. E. Stringfellow, prelate; W. N. Peterson, secretary; A. C. Lederman, treasurer; E. W. Justice, M. F.; James Ferguson, M. A.; Elmer Gaylord, J. G., and H. C. Miler, I.G. The name given to the lodge is Nysian Lodge No. 46. At the close of 1889 W. H. Hooper was P. C.; A. C. Lederman, C. C.; J. H. Wilsey, V. C.; A. B. Harriot, prelate; C. T. Watson, K. of R. and S.; W. Dickerson, M. F.; C. T. Watson, M. E., and John Bingman, M. A. this lodge to-day comprises many leading citizens and is reported to be enjoying more than usual prosperity.
The officers of Concordia Branch 512, C. K. of A., elected December 28, 1888, were James Cleary, president; W. R. Stevens, V. P.; J. J. Klinge, R. S.; T. P. Lanigan, S. at A., and Geroge Eberl, sentinel; Rev. W. Wold was spiritual director.
Grand Island Lodge No. 1, A. O. U. W., was instituted July 12, 1882, by G. M. W. Sackett, of Missouri. The carter members were A. S. Combe, Henry Wood, F. A. McElroy, A. S. Patrick, E. M. Miles, R. D. Muton, E. Weil, D. E. Bauder, George Fleming, George W. Ecker, J. H. Fowler, Dr. H. J. Ring, Dr. A. L. Stevenson and H. J. Hill. At the close of 1889 David Alexander, George C. Roys, W. A. Heimberger and Andrew Cosh were the leading officers of this lodge.
Grand Island Legion No. 9, Select Knights, A. O. R. W., is made up from the membership of the lodges. The official list at the close of 1889 embraced the following-named officers: G. P. Deam, J. W. Liberinghouse, G. Roys, O. H. Tracy, J. F. Holliwell, J. Waters, H. Wheeler, S. Kent and Robert Geddes.
Harmony Lodge No. 37 (German), A. O. U. W., elected the following-named officers in December, 1886: Fritz Kruse, H. Juergens, D. Heuck, Henry Elsner, R. Freitag, George Bartenbach, H. Hehuke, F. Lohmanm, H. Besheld, H. Kreuger and J. C. C. Hann. At the beginning of 1890 Henry Garn, H. D. Hennings, Petet Windolph, D. Mathiesen, and August Meyer were the officials.
Charity Lodge No. 91, A. O. U. W., was presided over by J. W. Freeman, P. M. W.; J. F. Holliwell, M. W.; William B. Coggeshall, recorder, and Andrew Cosh, receiver.
The A. O. U. W. Building Association was organized in June, 1889, with J. D. West, president; John Wallichs, vice-president; D. C. Zink, treasurer; George B. Bell, secretary; A. H. Baker, G. H. Caldwell, D. C. Zink, G. P. Dean, George Bartenbach, H. D. Hennings and the officers named, directors. The resolution to erect a building 44 x 110 adjoining a building of similar size and architecture, to be erected by Wallichs, was carried.
The resolution to erect a building 44×110 adjoining a building of similar size and architecture, to J. D. Moore Lodge No. 134, Brotherhood of Railroad Brakemen, was organized in September, 1885.
Lyon Post No. 11, G. A. R., Department of Nebraska, was organized August 29, 1877. The following roster in January, 1890, comprised the following names:
Past Dept. Commander General
Gen. John M. Thayer, 1st Neb. Inf.
Past Post Commanders
Giles H. Bush
D. C. Crawford, 14th Pa. Inf.
J. O. West, 20th Ind. Inf.
Henry Harrison, 10th Ill. Inf.
John M. Thayer, 1st Neb. Inf.
N. H. Hurford, 62nd Ohio Inf.
George F. Ryan, 60th N.Y. Inf.
J. W. Liveringhouse, 30th Ind. Inf.
J. W. Freeman, 12th Pa. Cav.
Present Officers
Chester L. Howell, P.C., 13th N.Y. Inf.
David Ackerman, S.V.C., 28th Pa. Inf.
George P. Dean, J.V.C., 10th Mich. Cav.
W. H. H. Pillsbury, Chap., 17th Me. Inf.
Ed. Searson, Adj’t, 148th Pa. Inf.
George F. Ryan, Q.M., 60th N.Y. Inf.
David Bowen, Surg., 139th Ill. Inf.
F. P. Cowee, O.D., 36th Ohio Inf.
Frank Gardner, O.G., 100th Ill. Inf.
C. C. Dodson, S.M., 74th Ill. Inf.
F. G. Lockwood, Q.M.S., 13th Ia. Inf.
Members
Abbott, O. A., 9th Ill. Cav.
Alter, I. R., 8th Ohio Inf.
Andrews, J. H., 76th Ind. Inf.
Atkinson, Thomas, 2nd Ill. Cav.
Avery, Z., 23rd Mich. Inf.
Ball, W. J., 87th Ind. Inf.
Becker, Herman, 3rd Wis. Inf.
Beemer, J. W., 10th Minn. Inf.
Bennett, Wm., 3rd Mich. Inf.
Bentley, C. F., 142nd Ill. Inf.
Bevier, H. K., 72nd N. Y. Inf.
Bohne, A. H., 33rd Ill. Inf.
Burcher, Tho. B., 50th Pa. Inf.
Burke, Martin, 27th Wis. Inf.
Burket, H. L. ,13th Ill. Inf.
Caldwell, Geo. H., 140th Ohio Inf
Chamberlain, C. J., 34th Ill. Inf.
Clark, James, 10th Mich. Art.
Connell, J. T., 1st Ill Art.
Corbin, E. Countryman, E. H., 14th Wis. Inf.
Currier, W. C., 4th Mich.
Curtis, E. L., 75th Ill. Inf.
Custard, D. C., 166th Ohio Inf.
Davidson, M. A., 108th Ill. Inf.
Davis, J. W., 89th Ill. Inf.
Davis, W. D., 13th Ia. Inf.
Dennon, G. W., 149th Ohio Inf.
Depue, J. D., 105th Ill. Inf.
Depue, N. M., 13th Ill. Inf.
Deuel, Wm., 121st Mich. Inf.
Dings, David, 191st N. Y. Inf.
Dobson, David, 66th Ind. Inf.
Drew, F. L., 1st Me. Inf.
Evansizer, R. D., 196th Ohio Inf.
Everett, Geo. E., 44th Mass. Inf.
Flottman, August, 1st Mo. Art.
Foutz, W. P., 5th Ia. Cav
Frey, Geo. W., 93rd Ill. Inf.
Gahan, M. J., 13th N. Y. Art.
Gardner, B. F., 15th Ill. Inf.
Gilchrist, Wm., 2nd Ill. Cav.
Gillette, H. J., 21st Ind. Cav.
Grabach, John, 3rd Ohio Cav.
Greul, Paul, 44th Ill. Inf.
Halstead, Jonathan, 99th Ill. Inf.
Halstead, Wm. J., 26 Ill. Inf.
Hamilton, D. R., 38th Ohio Inf.
Handy, C. B., 14th Mich. Inf.
Harris, J. A., 123rd Ind. Inf.
Harris, R. B., 10th Ky. Inf.
Harrison, R. L., 2nd Ohio Art.
Harrison, W. H.
Heidman, Henry, 176th N. Y. Inf.
Henderson, A. J., 9th Mo. Cav.
Henderson, C. P., 37th N. Y Inf.
Hensley, J. P., 28th Ill. Inf.
Hindman, Sam’l, 100th Ind. Inf.
Hogg, Adam, Navy
Holingshead, W., 1st Cal. Inf.
Jackson, C. C., 72nd Ind. Inf.
James, G. A., 1st Ohio Art.
Job, S. E., 33rd Ill. Inf.
Kent, E. D., 9th Ill. Cav.
Kent, H. E., 3rd Pa. Art
King, Benj., 6th Ia. Cav.
Leake, C. A., 46th Wis. Inf.
Lewis, James, 85th N. Y. Inf.
Linden, J. P., 25th Ohio Inf
Locke, J. E., 1st Vt. Cav.
Mann, W. W., 12th Ia. Inf.
Marquisse, P. O., 47th Ia. Inf.
Matthews, John A., 71st N. Y., Inf.
McCutchen, R. P., 42nd Ind. Inf.
McLaughlin, W. F., 9th Ohio Cav.
McMaster, W. R., 9th Ia. Cav.
Milisen, Chas., 1st Pa. Rifles
Mitchell, R. S., 13th Ind. Inf.
Mitchell, W. W., USS “Oriole”
Mobley, S. P., 7th Ia. Cav.
Moore, J. D., Miss. Squadron
Morgan, David, 140th Ind. Inf.
Mullen, W. C., 14th Ill. Cav.
Murphy, C. H., 13th Ia. Inf.
Norris, C. B., 19th Me. Inf.
Otto, Fred, 43rd N. Y. Inf.
Pearl, S. E., 13th Wis. Inf.
Pemberton, W. D., 1st W. Va.
Peterson, M. J., 75th Ill. Inf.
Pierce, C. C., 100th Ind. Inf.
Powell, U., 100th Ind. Inf.
Powers, M. C., 134th Ill. Inf.
Pridmore, Theo., 97th Ill. Inf.
Pue, A., 3rd Mich.
Purdy, J. D. 47th N. Y. Inf.
Redlon, J. M., 25th Mich. In.
Renling, Nicholas, 17th Wis. Cav.
Rice, W. H. H., 11th Mich.
Richter, August, 24th Ill. Inf.
Ridge, John, Knapps Ind. Pa. Art.
Riss, John, 1st Wis. Inf.
Roberts, Charles,
Rosswick, Henry, 5th N. Y. Inf
Ryan, A. W., 18th N. Y. Cav.
Sacks, B. F., 15th Ill. Inf.
Seivers, Chas.
Skelton, Jos., 7th Ind. Cav.
Smith, Jos., 2nd US Cav.
Spencer, Geo. J., 137th N. Y. Inf.
Stott, J. H., 1st PRVC
Swazey, W. A., 22nd Ia. Inf.
Taylor, T. A., 8th Pa. Reserves
Tegmeyer, Henry, 119th N. Y. Inf.
Thorne, B. F., 30th Ia. Inf.
Tidball, D. A., 3rd Ia. Cav.
Tiedermand, C. A., 153rd N. Y. Inf.
Tompkins, Chas., 5th Ia.
Tracey, W. H., 7th Ohio Inf.
Troyer, J. C., 112th Ill. Inf.
Varney, Ransom
Veasey, J. H., 33rd Ia. Inf.
Veenker, Henry, 12th Ind. Inf.
Watson, George, 5th Ia. Inf.
Watts, J. H., 116th Ill. Inf.
Wear, James N., 1st W. Va.
Welch, F. P.
West, Frank, 50th Ill. Inf.
Wheeler, H., 145th Pa. Inf
Williams, Geo., 10th Me. Inf.
Winslow, Chas. F., 48th Ia. Inf.
Wright, Fred, Frigate “Minnesota”
Young, Jas. F., 12th Ia. Inf.
Charter Members
S. P. Mobley, 7th Ia. Inf.
W. M. Ogle
S. W. Smith, 73rd N. Y. Inf.
G. H. Bush
W. P. Foutz, 5th Ia. Cav.
O. J. Riley
Garrett Segar, 17th Mich.
W. H. Harrison
C. B. Lewis, 85th N. Y. Inf. & 5th NY Cav.
O. A. Abbott, 9th Ill. Cav.
S. D. Rannells
T. C. McCoy
N. H. Hurford, 62nd Ohio Inf.
H. M. Burcher
James Lewis, 85th N. Y. Inf. & 5th NY Cav.
The adjutants have been: 1877, A. O. Abbott; 1878, George F. Ryan; 1879, George F. Ryan; 1880, C. B. Lewis; 1881, O. A. Abbott; 1882, C. L. Howell; 1883, N. H. Hurford; 1884, J. W. Liveringhouse; 1885, W. D. Pemberton; 1886, George F. Ryan; 1887, J. W. Freeman; 1888, J. W. Freeman; 1889, George F. Ryan, and in 1890 Ed Searson was commissioned.
The G. A. R. Building Association was incorporated April 1, 1886, by O. A. Abbott, O. C. Hall, C. L. Howell, D. Ackerman, James O. West, John M. Thayer, George F. Ryan, J. W. Liveringhouse, Seth P. Mobley, I. R. Alter and Charles Milisen, all members of Lyon Post No. 11, G. A. R.
April 10, 1886, the following-named stockholders were elected as a board of directors, viz.: O. A. Abbott, O. C. Hall, J. O. West, J. W. Liveringhouse, Charles Milisen, N. H. Hurford and George F. Ryan, and April 16 the following officers were chosen: O. A. Abbott, president; O. C. Hall, vice-president; J. W. Liveringhouse, secretary, and George F. Ryan, treasurer.
The corner-stone of the building was laid June 26, 1886, and the G. A. R. Hall dedicated December 29, 1886.
The original board of directors and officers were re-elected in 1887. January 16, 1888, the directors elected were: O. C. Hall, J. O. West, N. H. Hurford, C. Milisen, W. C. King, George F. Ryan and J. W. Liveringhouse, who elected the following officers: O. C. Hall, president; C. Milisen, vice-president; J. W. Liveringhouse, secretary, and George F. Ryan, treasurer.
January 14, 1889, George F. Ryan, Charles Milisen, J. O. West, J. W. Liveringhouse, J. W. Freeman, Z. Avery and N. H. Hurford were elected as a board of directors for the ensuing year, the officers elected being Charles Milisen, president; Z. Avery, vice-president; J. W. Freeman, secretary, and George F. Ryan, treasurer.
January 13, 1890, Charles Milisen, J. O. West, David Ackerman, John Matthews, A. H. Bohne, H. K. Bevier and George F. Ryan were elected as directors; Charles Milisen, president; H. K. Bevier, vice-president; D. Ackerman, secretary, and George F. Ryan, treasurer.
Lyon Post Cemetery Association was formed December 13, 1884, and duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Five acres of land were purchased by the association, situated on the north half of the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 29, in Township 11, north of Range 9 west, of the sixth principal meridian, which was surveyed and platted and the plat placed on file in the county clerk’s office of Hall County. Each member of Lyon Post No. 11, G. A. R., is a member of the association and lots in the cemetery can be sold only to such members. The first officers were W. B. Larabee, president; James A. Wear, vice-president; O. C. Hall, treasurer, and O. A. Abbott, clerk. The present officers are George F. Ryan, president; Ed Searson, vice-president; J. W. Freeman, treasurer; James O. West, clerk; trustees, George F. Ryan, J. H. Andrews, N. H. Hurford, Frank Gardner, James A. Wear and Ed Searson.
A military company was organized at Grand Island in February, 1888, with the following-named officer: Captain, Mr. John D. Moore; first lieutenant, M. J. Durkin; second lieutenant, J. W. Liveringhouse; orderly sergeant, E. O. Green; quartermaster sergeant, J. W. Freeman; first duty sergeant, Thomas Oakes; second duty sergeant, George F. Ryan; third duty sergeant, W. N. Peterson; fourth duty sergeant, W. A. Heimberger; first corporal, John Alexander; second corporal, G. W. Williams; third corporal, James Austin; fourth corporal, W. C. Murray; bugler, Al Beers. The original roster comprised the following names: John Alexander, Martin H. Bird, W. C. Murray, George L. Flemming, George F. Ryan, James Austin, J. W. Liveringhouse, E. F. Bagley, G. W. Williams, John D. Moore, H. M. Willman, J. W. Freeman, Frank P. Hall, Al Beers, H. B. Holtz, Peter Boekhoff, W. G. Hirshberg, William Johnson, Fred Snowden, J. F. Dawson, Thomas Oakes, John Nicholson, Bert Cole, D. S. Hendricks, W. N. Peterson, W. H. Evans, George Roys, W. H. Kline, L. F. Hall, O. R. Perry, W. S. Hayman, S. A. Ewing, E. O. Green, Walter Appledorn, George Seifert, D. C. Zink, G. C. Mann, T. M. Hamilton, E. D. Hendricks, R. H. Heinzle, H. J. Mayer, R. H. McAllister, J. A. Costello.
The original roster comprised the following names: John Alexander, Martin H. Bird, W. C. Murray, George L. Flemming, H. C. Miller, W. A. Heimberger, M. J. Durkin, George F. Ryan, James Austin, J. W. Liveringhouse, E. F. Bagley, G. W. Williams, John D. Moore, H. M. Willman, J. W. Freeman, Frank P. Hall, Al Beers, H. B. Holtz, Peter Boekhoff, W. G. Hirshberg, William Johnson, Fred Snowden, J. F. Dawson, Thomas Oakes, John Nicholson, Bert Cole, D. S. Hendricks, W. N. Peterson, W. H. Evans, George Roys, W. H. Kline, L. F. Hall, O. R. Perry, W. S. Hayman, S. A. Ewing, E. O. Green, Walter Appledorn, George Seifert, D. C. Zink, G. C. Mann, T. M. Hamilton, E. D. Hendricks, R. H. Heinzle, H. J. Mayer, R. H. McAllister, J. A. Costello.
The central location of Grand Island renders it a favorite camping ground for veterans of the G. A. R., and in February, 1890, a meeting of delegates from the various poats of the State was held here to fill a place for the reunion of 1890.
The Son of Temperance organized October 2, 1873, with fifteen members, of whom Horatio Thomas was W. P.; Alice Odell, W. A.; J. J. Cosh, R. S.; B. F. Odell, A. R. S.; Byron Beal, F. S.; James H. Jenkins, C.; Flora Thomas, A. C.; Ella Warner, I. S., and John Shoemaker, O. S. This society met in the Baptist Church until permission was granted to meet in the I. O. O. F. Hall, over Wasmer’s store. In 1876 there were fifty members.
Grand Island Camp No. 408, M. W. A., is a modern secret organization. D. A. Finch is V. C.; A. B. Harriott, W. A.; J. A. Brent, E. B., and D. C. Zink, C.
The Temple of Honor was organized May 4, 1878, by A. H. Bowen, with James H. Burlison, Robert S. Buchanan, George F. Ryan, William T. Hamilton, I. L. Meseraul, Giiles H. Bush, Harry Buchanan, W. P. Foutz, Amaziah D. Owens, D. M Buchanan and Aaron B. Veeder, officers.
The Knights of Labor is a strong orgainzation in this city. W. F. McLaughlin was M. W. at the close of 189; L. L. Hall, W. F.; David Bown, W. R.; T. A. Oakes, R. C.; W. C. Bowen, D. S.; G. H. Geddes, V. S.; G. F. Ryan, treasurer; James Balcom, I. E., and Samuel Elliott, O. E.
Fidelity Lodge No. 935, K. of H., elected the following-named officers in December, 1885: George E. Winn, William Barrett, O. J. Winn, Charles Milisen, John W. West, M. Murphy, J. P. Hernohan, John VanWie, John Murray, J. G. Raine, A. J. Sander, W. H. West, Z. B. Partridge and C. F. Bentley. The officers at the close of 1889 were Z. B. Partridge, dicctator; B. C. Howard, P. D.; James Wear, F. R.; M. Murphy, treasurer, and G. H. Caldwell, secretary.
In October, 1888, the W. C. T. U. elected the following-named officers: Mrs. L. M. Böhne, president; Mrs. W. J. Davis, V. P.; Mrs. W. Bacon, C. S.; Mrs. E. B. Smith, R. S., and Mrs. N. H. Hurford, tresurer. The vice-presidents or representatives of the various Protestant societies were: Mrs. A. B. Shrader, English Lutheran; Mrs. L. M. Bryan, Immanuel Baptist; Mrs. Jennie Glanville, Presbyterian; Mrs. C. D. Irving, Methodist; Mrs. E. A. Stevens, Congregatonal; Mrs. E. E. Everett, First Baptist; Mrs. Radinsky, German Evangelical. At the close of 1889 Mrs. Böhne was president; Mrs. C. Irvin, vice-president; Mrs. E. Hall, secretary, and Mrs. J. W. Davis, treasurer.
The Women’s Christian Temerance Unon of the Ninth sidtrict, presided over by Mrs. E. B. Smith of Grand Island, since its organization, elected the following named officers October 16, 1889: Mrs. Libbie Reynard, president; Mrs. Viola Richardson, vice-president; Mrs. K. A. Cook, treasurer; Mrs. Hascall, recorder, and Mrs. J. H. Wooly, corresponding secretary.
Perseverance Lodge No. 14, I. O. G. T., was organized March 5, 1889, with the following-named members: Margaret Tyne, D. M. Sweeden, D. N. Conrad, E. C. McCashland, R. S. Ryne, T. Hart, W. Smth, A. Sage, Mrs. T. R. Throles and Josie E. Throles. At the close of 1889 Frank Bartle presided over this lodge, with E. Loomis, secretary. There were forty-five members reported. The old lodge, No. 60, passed out of existence years ago, and with it almost every memory of the old Temperance Hall vanished.
The Y. M. C. A. was organized in Dr. Hawk’s office February 28, 1885, with C. W. Scarff, president; H. E. Cliffore, vice-president; J. W. Bartholomew, secretary, and J. W. Liveringhouse, treasurer. In 1885 C. F. Scarff, president; E. Dill, secretary, and Fred Irving, treasurer, were elected.
The Ladies’ Relief Society was organized December 7, 1886, in the interest of the destitute of the city. Mrs. Juline Smith was chosen president; Mrs. T. J. Hurford, vice-president; Mrs. C. F. Bentley, secretary, and Mrs. T. O. C. Harrison, treasurer. The committee to repot on cases of destitution comprised Mesdames Estes, J. T. Connell, W. J. Davis, N. Platt, Wall Estes, L. Harvey, E. B. Smith, C. W. Scarff, J. Fonner, O. D. Goodrich, H. L. Burket, S. N. Wolbach, F. Hedde, W. W. Riner, C. A. Wiebe and D. R. Eastiday.
The Liederkranz or Song society was organized by John Wallichs in November, 1870, and the hall completed in August, 1871, on two lots donated by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Peter Heintz is president; P. B. Peters, vice-president; George Bartenbach, treasurer, and Frank Koss, secretary. The Eintacht (Concordia) was formed September 26, 1875, with Prof. Carl C. Zeus, director, who had previously established the Zeus Academy here. The Plattdeutch Verein is presided ovr by G. M. Hein, with Claus Theissen, vice-president, and H. Schlechting, secretary. The old Turnverein was organized in October, 1874, and was incorporated January 15, 1878. In 1881, this German association had ceased from active work.
The St. Cecelia Musicale was organized in June, 1885, with Mrs. Barr, leader, and Mesdames W. E. Robinson, Hilliker, Fisher and Reynard, and Misses Emman and Maggie Howard and Ida Heffleman, members.
The Grand Island Social Club was organized April 15, 1887, with J. D. Moore, president; W. H. Michael and A. B. Perkins, vice-presidents; W. M. Geddes, recorder; E. W. Justice, correspondent, and W. B. Carey, treasurer.
The Grand Island Dramatic Company was orgaized May 10, 1889, with E. O. Green, president; Mrs. William Murr, vice-president; Dr. H. C. Miller, secretary; J. H. Gorman, manager, and Ralph Platt, agent and master of properties. Directors Mullin, Cowie and Lanigan were elected. Among the unofficial members were Misses Loan, Franklin and Petty, and Messrs. Ryan and Geddes.
The Bartenbach Opera House, built in 1882, was reopened October 12, 1889, by Keene, in “Julius Caesar.” The Academy of Music was erected a few years later.
The Union Cornet Band completed organization in June, 1874, with S. S. Naylor, director; S. P. Mobley, Joseph Fox and George E. Wilson, trustees, and N. P. Kelley, secretary. This organization was the result of the old Grand Island band refusing to play on July 4. D. G. Phimister was director in September, 1874. The organization continued in existence for over a year, when it went the way of all cornet bands.
The Cornet Band organized in June, 1876, with J. W. West, president; J. W. Rogers, treasurer; Jay E. White, secretary, and C. B. Lewis, H. O. Brown, James Lewis, F. M. Claflin, Frank Nuss, and H. S. Elkins, unofficial members, rendered effective service for some years. The Germania Band has taken the place of the pioneer bands, and in 1887 the McCadden Cornet Band was organized.
In July, 1870, the Platte Valley and the Dirty Stockings base-ball clubs of Grand Island were organized. The first challenge was accepted July 19, and that evening the last-named club won, the score being fifty-nine to twelve. The Central Base-Ball Club in 1876 comprised Wilson, Waters, Voitle, White, Probstle, Buchanan, King, Leake, and Landis. They defeated the Kearney club in June of that year. Since that time base-ballism has been enthusiastically carried on here, victory often perching on the banner of the home club.
Source: Goodspeed brothers. Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state: a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties… Chicago: The Goodspeed publishing co., 1890.
Back to: 1890 Hall County History
Back to: Hall County Nebraska History and Genealogy Project
- The stand-pipe was completed September 17, 1886. This pipe is 116 feet high, with a capacity of 85,000 gallons. The pumps are capable of filling it nine times per day, thus giving 765,000 gallons. The pipe was constructed by Mohr & Sons, of Chicago. [↩]
- The directors include the members marked * and John Reimers. [↩]