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

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

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

[An effort has been made to reproduce this work in a way that as closely approximates the original as possible. This includes maintaining the spelling found in the original.]

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HISTORY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF LOUISVILLE NEBRASKA; continued

CHAS. H. PHELPS

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

H.E. PANKONIN

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

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

LEONARD F. HADDON

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

JAMES P. ELLIS

JAMES P. ELLIS was born in Putman county, Illinois, on the 9th day of April,1855. His parents lived on a farm where he spent his boyhood days working for them in the summer and attending school in the winter months. He also attended the high school in Granville, Illinois. In 1871, when he was sixteen, his parents moved to the state of Iowa, settling on a farm, where James spent the next five years with the family. In 1876 he started out for himself, coming to Blair, Nebraska, as helper in station office work, and afterwards become agent on the S.C. & P. railway at different points on that road during the five years he stayed with them. He then took a position with the St. P.R.R. and served one year as station agent at Oakland, Nebraska. He then served six months with the Western Union Telegraph company at Omaha. After spending two months as express agent on the St. Paul R.R. he removed to Louisville where he has been employed as station agent, commencing duty on April 21, 1882.

This is a record for trust, earned by years of toil under disadvantages, with all kinds of people to deal with on one hand and the railroad company on the other. Mr. Ellis' services are appreciated by his employers as is proven by his being stationed at a place like Louisville with two competing roads, for so long a time.

Mr. Ellis is a man whose influence for good will always be felt wherever he may live, not from any motives or policy, but from principles born of high character. As a citizen among his neighbors and townspeople, he is looked upon with respect, a man who is at all times ready to give and assist any worthy cause or person, without praise or reward.

J.P. Ellis was married January 14, 1880 at Scribner, Dodge county, Nebraska, to Miss Mary J. Rochford of that city. Nine children have been born to them, six boys and three girls, eight of whom are living, one son, Freddie, having past to the better world when three years of age.

J.P. WOOD

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

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

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

C. SCHLAFLI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HON. MARTIN FRIEDRICH.

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

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

GEORGE L. SHELDON

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

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

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

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

H.E. BROWN

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

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

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

C.J. GAEBEL

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

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

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

JESSE L. ROOT

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

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

R.C. HUBERT

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

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

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

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