HISTORIC
PHOTOS

HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN

HISTORIC
LANDMARKS REGISTRY

HISTORIC
TOURS

http://www.newashcohist.org/biographies.asp

1860 Nebraska Territorial Census
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ne/state/census/1860/f0016.txt

• John I. Blair
• Crowell Family
• Thomas M. Carter
• J.Tinus Christiensen
• O'Hanlon Family
• Warrick Family
• Haller Brothers
• Jipp

FRANCIS M. CASTETTER
The Castetter family is one of the oldest and most prominent in the history of Washington County, where they have lived since almost the first dates of pioneer settlement. Many of the important interests of the family are associated with the banking house of A. Castetter at Blair, an institution that has enjoyed the highest financial standing in the county for years and in the management of which the heirs of the bank's founder are still active.

The founder of the family in Nebraska was the late Abraham Castetter, who came to Washington County about 1856. He was one of the first county clerks of the county, and for a number of years lived at De Soto. He owned and operated one of the first flour mills in that section of the state and in 1869 founded the Castetter banking house, an institution which has now rounded out a full half century of service as a factor in the business and financial community. This bank was originally conducted at De Soto, and subsequently at Blair.

A son of Abraham Castetter was the late Francis M. Castetter, who was born in De Soto, Nebraska, in 1858 and died at Blair in 1912. He was reared and educated in Washington County, and as a young man became actively associated with his father in the banking business, and served as president of the bank at Blair for a number of years prior to his death. He was prosperous and a highly regarded business man, showing a keen interest in everything that concerned the welfare of his community. He was a republican in politics and a member of the Woodmen of the World.

August 5, 1884, Francis M. Castetter married Anna Caiharine Noble, who during the life of her husband and since has been leader in the social affairs of her community. She is also a director of the Castetter banking house. Mrs. Castetter was born in Sharon, Canada, daughter of Hiram and Jane Ann (Thompson:) Noble, also natives of Canada. Her father was a physician and surgeon, having been educated for his profession in McGill University. He practiced for several years in Canada and in 1870 moved to Onawa, Iowa, where he practiced for a decade, and about 1881 established his home at Blair, Nebraska, and devoted his professional service to that community the rest of his life. He died at eighty-two and his wife at eighty-seven, they having celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Doctor Noble was a Universalist and his wife a Congregationalist. Mrs. Castetter, who is an active member of the Episcopal Church at Blair, is the mother of three daughters. May Noble is at home. Shirley is the wife of George W. Donaldson, a business man of Omaha. Frances Marion was graduated from Brownell Hall in Omaha in 1919 and also from Lincoln School at Providence, Rhode Island.
from:  History of Dodge and Washington Counties Nebraska and their People.   Editors:  Rev. William H. Buss, Fremont & Thomas T. Osterman, Blair.  page 610 & 611

THEO. HALLER was born in East Troy, Wisconsin, August 10, 1842. He came to Blair, Nebraska, in 1874 and has been engaged in the general merchandise business for thirty years. Jacob Haller, his father, was a tanner. Mr. Haller was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin and in Quincy College, Quincy. Illinois. He has been Mayor of Blair, sixteen years Secretary of the Board of Education and County Commissioner. He was appointed Clerk of the District Court to fill an unexpired term and has been elected to the office once since. In 1874 he married Miss Grace Morgan. They have two daughters and two sons living, having lost two daughters.          from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

GEORGE FABER was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 13, 1860. His father, George L. Faber, was a brick mason. He moved to Auburn, Nebraska, in 1887 and to Blair in 1891. He received his education in New Orleans and has been engaged in the marketing of meat. He married Miss Elizabeth Bohs in 1895. Mr. Faber is a Democrat and has served two terms as County Treasurer, being now the County Clerk of Washington County.         from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

CLAUS MENCKE, an old settler of Washington County, having taken a homestead there, was born April 7, 1850, in Germany. He came to Washington County, Nebraska, in 1869, where he engaged in farming. His father, Henry Mencke, was a tanner. He attended the public and private schools of Germany. Mr. Mencke is a Democrat, has been Deputy Sheriff of Washington County, and is now serving his sixth term as Sheriff of the county. He was married in 1874 to Miss Tina Rathman. They have seven children, five boys and two girls.         from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

G. C. MARSHALL, a Democrat, now serving his second term as Judge of Washington County, and also served two terms as County Superintendent, was the son of John Marshall, a farmer and stock dealer. He was born in Ohio, September 15; 1858, and came to Washington County in 1896. He married Miss Sadie M. Williams, February 5, 1891, and they have two daughters. Mr. Marshall, a lawyer, was educated in Northern Ohio University at Ada, Ohio, graduating from the scientific course in 1892 and from the law course in 1895.          from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

A. L. COOK was born January 5, 1875. in Clayton County, Iowa; and came to Washington County, Nebraska, with his parents in the same year, where he has since resided. His father, E. M. Cook, was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Washington County, al though he did not take a homestead. Mr. Cook attended the Fremont Normal College and graduated from the law school of the State University in 1895. Mr. Cook is a Republican and was elected for the second time as County Superintendent of Washington County.          from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

E. B. CARRIGAN was born in De Soto, Washington County, Nebraska, November 5, 1867. His father, John Carrigan, a lawyer, came to Nebraska in 1867, and located in Washington County, remaining there until his death in 1880. Mr. Carrigan was educated in the Blair high school, and at Shenandoah, Iowa, in the Western Normal College. He has served three terms as Deputy Sheriff, as City Attorney, and five years as County Attorney, which office he is now occupying. He was married to Miss Frances Lawson and they have three children, one son and two daughters.         from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

W. H. HILL, who has been surveyor of Washington County since 1882, was born in Osceola, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1846. E. R. Hill, his father, was a farmer. Mr. Hill moved to Newman County, Indiana, in 1863 .and came to Nebraska in 1868. His schooling was received in Osceola, Pennslyvania (sic) and the Commercial College of Oberlin, Ohio. He is a Republican and has been city engineer. Washington and Dole are towns laid out by him while serving as County Surveyor. In the spring of 1874 he married Miss Lizzie Wentworth and they have five children.          from:  History of Nebraska: Historical Sketch, by A. E. Shelton,  1904  [Link]

Dr. Stewart

Stewart Family Page

 http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/richardson/richardson-p9.html

C. H. WILLARD, agent Missouri Pacific railroad, was born in Grafton, Vt., October 19, 1843. In 1853, he left home and located in Stark County, Ill., from there moved to Wisconsin. Enlisted in 1861 at Milwaukee, Wis., in the Seventh Wisconsin Battery, Light Artillery. Was discharged in 1863, on account of disability caused by wounds received at Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn., December 31, 1862. He returned to Wisconsin and located in Waukesha County. In 1869, he moved to Nebraska and located at Blair, as agent of the S. C. & P. R. R. About 1878, he accepted the position of agent at Omaha, for the C., St. P. M. & O. R. R Was appointed to present position December 1, 1881. He was married in Blair, Neb., November 5, 1872, to Miss A. A. Carson of Blair. They have one child, Lulu Mabel. Mr. W. is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity, Lodge and Chapter in Blair Commandery of Omaha, is "P. W. M." and "P. H. P."

 http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/   (Douglas County – city of Omaha.)

HENRY VOSS, architect. Was born in Germany in 1843. He studied architecture and draughting in Switzerland for five years. Was then engaged traveling and perfecting himself at his profession seven months. Then built a railroad in northern Russia. Afterwards engaged at his profession for several years in Germany. During 1870 and 1871 he served as an infantry officer in the German army, engaged in the Franco-German war. Came to America in August, 1871. Was employed for a few months in New York City as a draughtsman. Then engaged at his profession in Chicago, Ill., for over a year. Afterwards employed as a draughtsman at Rock Island, Ill., until he came to Omaha, Neb., in 1873, and has followed his profession here since. He built a public school building at Blair, Neb., in 1880 and the county jail, at Kearney, Buffalo County in 1875, besides prominent breweries and other buildings at Omaha.

MR. AND MRS. PETER BONDO  [source]

Peter was the oldest child of the L. C. Bondos. He was born in West Hazel Dell April 24, 1869. He married Alvina Rasmussen on February 17, 1897. She was born in Denmark August 23, 1878 and came to Council Bluffs with her parents when 3 years old. Her parents had a farm just west of St. Paul's Church.
Peter and "Winnie' established a home in Hazel Dell Township and were parents of 4 daughters and 1 son.
Many young immigrants worked as farm hands for them. During the winter months they went to Hazel Dell School #1 to learn some English. The teachers roomed and boarded in the homes in the district.
Mr. Bondo served in many capacities in the community and St. Paul's Church where he served as chairman for 25 years. He was instrumental in getting the first telephones in the area. Their phone was under the Boomer Central. He also worked to bring electricity to the farms in 1930.
After his father's death in 1907, he administered the estate and supervised the erection of a home for the President of Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. To do this, he drove his team to Council Bluffs, put them in a livery stable, took the street car to the Webster Street Station in Omaha, from there the train to Blair. Coming home the procedure was reversed.
In 1930 they moved to an acreage on the next hill west of St. Paul's Church, where he died in 1939. During this period the area suffered a severe drought and low prices. Corn sold for .10 a bushel. Many farmers lost their farms.
Mrs. Bondo lived to be 97 having never been a patient in a hospital until 3 days prior to her death in December 1975.

Sas Brothers Store Corn of 17th & Washington Streets Link for more about Sas Building

THE SAS STORE-Blair

There's a lot of Blair history back of this store and its location. The oldest part of the history goes with the location  for the first store on the corner now occupied by the large, two-story brick occupied by The Sas Store was started by J. W. Newell and George Smith, whose widow still lives here in Blair, in 1869. Later it passed into the hands of Ed Cook and his son-in-law, O. V. Palmer. After the death of Mr. Palmer Ed Cook, sr., and his two sons, Chas. and Ed, Jr., ran it until it burned down.

William F. Sas, who had been in the harness business at Woodbine, Ia., came over here in the late 80s and worked for J. Estaque in a general store. In 1891 his brother, Rudolph, who had been on a farm near Logan, sold out and the two brothers bought out Haller Bros., Frank and Theodore, who were located in the building now occupied by the Larsen Bros. store.

In 1897 the large store building now occupied by The Sas Store was built by John, Fred and Rudolph Sas, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Sas Bros. William F. left Blair at that time and located at Wisner. John left the partnership in 1900 and went to Pender.

After the death of Rudolph on Aug. 9, 1910, his son, William J. took his place in the firm with Fred, and in 1921 Fred retired and William J. Sas has since conducted the business.

He was born near Logan, Ia., Feb. 4, 1884, and his father moved to Blair before he was of school age, so he attended the grade schools here and spent three years in high school, completing his schooling with one year at Dana college.

He was married June 15th, 1910, to Della Henderson, daughter of J. W. Henderson, formerly county superintendent of the schools of this county, and they have two daughters, Marie and Kathryn. Miss Marie is now the very efficient bookkeeper for her father in the store, and Kathryn is now at home.

A History of Washington County, Nebraska, by Forrest B. Sharder, Magic City Printing Co. Omaha, Nebraska. 1937.   Page 345-346

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/Legislature/1897/lybp039.htm

SENATOR W. D. HALLER.

FORMER residents of the "Badger state" are many in Nebraska, and among these is numbered W. D. Hiller, senator from the tenth district. Mr. Haller's parents were Swiss and came to America in 1833, settling upon a farm near East Troy, Wisconsin, where, on April 27, 1846, he was born. He grew to young manhood on the farm, and at the age of twenty found himself possessed of good health, an ambition to strike out for himself, and equipped to do life's battle with such education as usually falls to the lot of a farmer's son, topped out with a college course at Berea, Ohio. He entered the employ of J. H. Cooper, at Burlington, Wisconsin, the leading druggist. His companion clerk was the doctor's son, Henry A. Cooper, present congressman from first Wisconsin district. After four years of close application to business he ended his engagement with Dr. Cooper, possessed of a thorough knowledge of pharmacy and no inconsiderable learning of the physician's art. In 1871 he established himself in the drug business at Blair, Nebraska, and which he has since followed. Liberal in his dealings, fair and honest in his daily walk, and progressive in all matters relating to the public weal, he has never failed to win friends and hold them. The Nebraska druggists insisted that he should serve as a member of the state board of examiners, and, beginning in 1891, he creditably filled this position for five years. Mr. Haller was married at Blair, November 24, 1885, and has two children. In politics Mr. Haller is a staunch republican. In the state legislature, sessions of 1893 and 1895, he represented his home county, Washington, comprising the eleventh representative district. His popularity with the general public is emphatically attested by the gratifying majorities by which he has been selected in every instance where he has asked the people for support. Of the fraternal organizations, he has attached himself to none except the Masonic order. Senator Haller is a member of the following committees: State prison, medical societies, manufactures and commerce, and claims.

more:  http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/who1940/co/washgton.htm

Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska
WASHINGTON COUNTY   Produced by W. Ross Yates.

M. BALLARD, attorney at law, is a native of Grayson County, Ky., and came with his mother to Mason County, Ill., when a child. At the age of nineteen he commenced the study of law, and at the age of twenty-one years was admitted to the bar; he then commenced practicing in Macon County, and afterwards removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he continued in practice three or four years. He then married, and settled in Iowa County, continuing the practice of his profession till September 13, 1869, when he came to Blair, where he has since resided. Mr. Ballard held the office of School Fund Commissioner in Iowa County, Iowa, eight years; he was a delegate to the Constitutional State Convention convened at Lincoln, Neb., in 1871. Mr. Ballard derives much pleasure in cultivating a fruit garden of twenty-five acres near town, which he has owned since residing here.

JOHN CONNELL, meat market, is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, and was raised in Missouri. October 1, 1872, he came to Blair, and opened a harness shop; carried on this business till 1878, when he commenced h is present business. He served during the war as a member of the Home Guard, and enlisted in 1865 in Co. F. Fifty-first Volunteer Infantry, and served one year. When in Albany, Mo., he was City Marshall and Constable, in all about five years. Married in 1852 to Rebecca Scrivner, of Coles County, Mo. They have two children--one son and one daughter.

H. CASTETTER, banker, is a native of Akron, Ohio. In the spring of 1857 he came to Nebraska; was elected County Clerk in 1859, held that office eight years, as well as Recorder. In 1869 he engaged in the banking business, which he has since continued.

L. S. COOK, engineer, Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, is a native of Washington County, Ohio. Came to Harrison County, Iowa, in 1865, with his parents, and assisted on their farm till 1871, when he secured employment with this company as fireman on the Iowa Division. June, 1879, he removed to Blair, and was promoted to his present position. Married in 1878 to Hannah E. Magner, of Woodstock, Ill. They have one son--Arthur C.

E. COOK, firm of O. V. Palmer & Co., general merchandise, hardware, etc., is a native of Champaign County, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he removed to Kentucky, and engaged in merchandising and other business pursuits till 1861, when he was commissioned Captain of Co. H, Twenty-second Kentucky United States Infantry; remained in the service one year. In the fall of 1862 he returned to Ohio, and in the spring of 1865 removed to Harrison County, Iowa, and followed milling and farming. In 1872 he opened a general store at California Junction, Iowa, in company with his son-in-law, the late O. V. Palmer, who died June 5, 1881. In 1874 they closed out their business, and came to Blair, opened a store, firm of Palmer & Cook, and later Palmer, Dexter & Cook. In about 1876 the firm changed to O. V. Palmer & Co. Married in 1852 to Julia F. Downs, of Greenup County, Ky.; have four children--Emma L., now Mrs. Palmer, Charles, Welsey J. and Edwin F.

C. C. CROWELL, lumber, grain and banking, is a native of Cape Cod, Mass. In the spring of 1869 he came to Omaha, and in the fall of that year he removed to Blair, and run a flour mill a short time at De Soto. In 1870 he engaged in the grain business on the Sioux City & Pacific railroad. A year or two later he engaged in the lumber trade, which he has since continued, as well as at other points on this road. Married December 5, 1867, to Miss P. D. Foster, of Cape Cod, Mass. They have five children--three sons and two daughters.

G. P. De TEMPLE, formerly engaged in livestock, is a native of Buffalo, N. Y. Enlisted in 1864 in Company I, Seventy-eighth New York Infantry, and served three years. Was clerk in Gen. George H. Thomas' Division. In 1867 he was appointed Special Agent of the Treasury Department, and held this position one year. September, 1868, he came to Cleveland, and in July, 1869, removed to Blair, where he has since resided, engaged principally in the livestock business.

J. H. DICK, foreman of the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad round house, is a native of Chautauqua County N. Y. Came to Chicago in about 1866, and was employed with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad two years. He then came to Plattsmouth, Neb., and was five years foreman of the Burlington & Missouri shops; he then returned to Chicago, where he remained three years. October, 1880, came to Blair, and has since held his present position.

H. GRIMM, farmer, section 12, post office Blair, is a native of Germany, and was born May 5, 1841. Came to America in 1865, and located in Douglass County, Ill. The following year he removed to Nebraska City, and thence to Omaha, where he remained till 1869, when he came to Blair. He owns 152 acres of land. Married June 12, 1869, to Elizabeth Hather, of Germany. This was the first marriage ceremony performed in Blair. They have seven sons and one daughter.

[Portrait of Jesse T. Davis.]


JESSE T. DAVIS, attorney at law, is a native of Marion County, W. Va. Came to Nebraska in 1854, and located at Omaha; April 17, 1855 he removed to Washington County, and worked at the carpenter trade about four years. In 1859 he was appointed Clerk of the District Court, and held this position four years; in 1863 was elected Probate Judge, and has held the office of the Probate and County Judge in all eight years. He was elected State Senator in 1866, and served one term. When in the Senate he procured the land grant and was mainly instrumental in getting the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad through Washington County. Was admitted to the bar in 1864, and has since been in constant practice. Was United States Assessor from 1867 to 1870; has been for four years County Attorney, and still holds this position.

E. B. HAMILTON, farmer, Section 3, Town 18, Range 11 east, post office Blair, was born September 19, 1822, in Washington County, Ind. In the spring of 1857 he came to Nebraska, and located at Cuming City, and has since been in this locality. He owns 115 acres of land. He enlisted in 1863 in Co. F, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and served to the end of the war. Mr. Hamilton has been the recipient of many public offices, amongst which may be mentioned County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Assessor nine years, and has always taken an active part in the educational interests in his district; he has also been Deputy County Clerk two years. Was married October 19, 1843, to Miss Drusilla Rice, a native of Fayette County, Ky.

FRANK HARRIHAN, Station Agent Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, is a native of Niagara County, N. Y. Came to Milwaukee when a boy, with his parents, and has been engaged in the hotel business thirteen years in Milwaukee, Wis., Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo., and in Colorado till 1872, when he came to Blair, and was appointed to his present position, which he is about to resign, having been elected in the fall of 1881 County Treasurer. He had formerly held the position of train master two years.

E. HEINZERLING, saddles and harness, is a native of Prussia. At the age of fourteen he commenced to learn this trade, which he has since followed. In 1866 he came to New York, and worked there till 1869, when he came to Omaha. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Blair, and at once commenced this business. Married in 1868 to Anna Loechel, of Prussia. They have four children--Edward, aged thirteen years; Frank, aged eleven years; Louis, aged nine years, and Rudolph, aged seven years. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.

L. F. HILTON, , Postmaster and editor of The Pilot, is a native of Maine, and came to Wisconsin with his parents when a child. He removed to Nebraska in 1869, and at once engaged in the newspaper business. The Pilot was established September, 1874, by J. Y. Lambert. The following year Mr. Hilton purchased this paper, and has since conducted it. Was appointed Postmaster February, 1879.

J. H. HUNGATE, of Hungate & Crowell, Washington County Bank. Established June 1, 1881.

K. S. JOHNSON, milk dairy, is a native of Erie County, N. Y. In about 1852 he was employed by the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, assisting in its construction; continuing in the employee of this road about nine years; he then bought a farm of sixty-four acres in Erie County; engaged in farming pursuits till 1878, when he came to Blair; he owns the property where he resides, which he has had constructed since coming here; married in 1854 to Mary Finger, of Lawrence County, Ind. Their family consists of five sons.

WILLIAM KRULL, meat market, is a native of Prussia; came to Philadelphia in 1867; soon after removed to Omaha; carried on a meat market about two years; he then went to California, where he remained about four years; returned to Nebraska and settled in Blair in 1879; married in 1870 to Agnes Hatten, of Germany. They have three children--two sons and one daughter.

THOMAS P. LIPPINCOTT & Co., farm machinery, corn meal, ground feed, etc., is a native of Washington Co., Ind.; came to Washington County, Neb., with his parents in 1857, where he has since resided. In 1874, he, with James Foley, commenced the agricultural and livestock business. This partnership continued till 1877, when Mr. Foley retired from the business. Mr. Lippincott was elected County Clerk in the fall of 1881. Assumed the duties of the office January, 1882.

J. W. HAYLE, confectionery, books, stationary, &c., is a native of Philadelphia; came to Omaha in 1875; soon after removed to Blair and commenced this business; from a small beginning he has worked into a prosperous business; he is about constructing a brick store 24x100 feet, to cost about $5,000; when completed he will fit up a first class restaurant which will not be surpassed by any in the State; married in 1877 to Mattie McCloud, of Newport, Ky. They have two daughters.

MATTHIESEN BROS., general merchandise. They are natives of Schleswig Holstein, Germany; came to Nebraska in 1869. Mr. F. H. Matthiesen came to Blair in 1870, and with Mr. Logan established this business in 1873; they continued till 1880, when Mr. Logan retired from the business; his brother then became a member of the firm. This store was opened with a stock of about $6,000. They are now carrying a stock of about $15,000.

CHAUNCEY F. M'COY, Superintendent Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, is a native of Cambria County, Pa. At the age of fifteen he removed to Pittsburgh; was in the employ of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad. Was appointed to his present important position November 1, 1881.

M. M. M'KENNEY, firm of Tyson & McKenney, live stock, is a native of York County, Maine. In 1854, he came to Minnesota ; engaged in farming there till 1860, when he removed to the Wood River, Nebraska; in the fall of 1864 came to Washington County, where he has since resided; he owns 740 acres of land, 260 acres of which are well improved. All of which he has accumulated since coming to Nebraska.

H. W. M'BRIDE, general merchandise, is a native of Orange County, N. Y. In 1865, in company with Mr. Wood, they opened a general store in Pennsylvania; continued there in businoss two years. In 1867 he came to Monticello, Iowa; was there in business two years. In 1869 he removed to Blair, where he has since resided. November, 1875, Mr. McBride bought out this business, formerly conducted by B. Rosa, which he has successfully carried on since, doing a business of about $72,000 a year, and employing six clerks.

J. MILLER, boots and shoes. Born in Hessen, Germany, Dec. 8, 1842; at the age of fourteen years he came to St. Louis, Mo. There he commenced to learn this business; he enlisted in 1864 in Company F, Forty-First Missouri Infantry; served to the end of the war. In 1866 he came to Leavenworth, Kas., thence to Omaha, where he worked at this trade about nine years. In 1875 he came to Blair and at once established this business; married in 1868 to Malessa Graham, of Missouri. They have five children, three sons and two daughters.

SOLOMON MYERS, farmer, Section 10, post office Blair, was born November 5, 1819, in Oswego County, N. Y. In 1844 he came to Jo Davies County, Ills.; followed farming there till 1865, when he came to Burt County, Neb.; ran a store in Decatur about three years; he took up about 400 acres of land and followed farming; in 1873 he came to Blair; in 1877 he removed to his present farm; has been Assessor three years, Justice of the Peace one year; married in 1843 to Phebe Williams, of Oswego County, N. Y. They have five children--two sons and three daughters. Is a member of the Seventh Day Adventists.

[MONROE BLOCK.]

E. H. MONROE, firm of Monroe & Hayes, drugs and jewelry, was born in 1839 in Burlington, Vt., and raised in Fon du Lac, Wis., In 1868 he came to Ames, Iowa, and in company with Soper & Thomas, opened a dry goods store. They continued the business six years. Mr. Monroe then came to Blair, Neb. In 1879, this business was established under the firm name of E. H. Monroe & Co., which continued until March, 1881, when the firm changed to Monroe & Hayes; he enlisted in the fall of 1862 in Company A, Second Wisconsin Cavalry; was mustered out as sergeant, November 17, 1865, at Austin, Texas.

W. W. NOYES, engineer, Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, is a native of Monroe, Mich. In 1869 he came to Blair, where he has since resided. In 1871 he commenced working for this company, first as fireman, and now as full charge of a locomotive; married October, 1879, to Johanna Carter, of Ohio. They have one daughter--Eugenia.

S. E. OMO, agricultural implements, is a native of New Berlin, Pa.; came to Nebraska, September, 1874, and located at Scribner; engaged in the grain trade, also at Elkhorn Valley; there he remained about eight months; he then removed to Plum Creek, Dawson County; there engaged in merchandising a short time. In 1875 he came to Blair, where he has since resided, and engaged in his present business.

L. W. OSBORN, attorney-at-law, is a native of Corning, N. Y. In 1869 he came to Blair, and has since been engaged in the practice of this profession; was a member of the State Senate in the winter of 1873-4; was Chairman of the Republican County Committee from 1874 to 1877, and a member of the National Republican Central Committee from 1876 to 1880; he is Commander of John A. Dix Post No. 52, G. A. R.; also Colonel of the Washington County Veteran Association. Is Senior Vice-Commander of the Department of Nebraska, G.A.R.

F. R. PATTERSON, freight agent, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad, is a native of Boone County, Mo. When a boy he commenced working in railroad offices as operator and in other capacities, and has since followed this business; he has been in the employ of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; Burlington & Missouri and Chicago & Alton railroads; July 1, 1881, he came into the employ of this company and has recently been promoted to his present position.

ALONZO PERKINS, County Judge, is a native of Waterloo, N. Y.; came to La Salle County, Ills., in 1844; came to Nebraska in 1856 and brought a portable saw mill, which he run six or seven years; he then removed to the Pawnee Reservation; ran a mill there three years; then removed to Omaha and was engaged in the hotel business about one year; he then removed to Fontenelle, where he followed farming till 1877, when he was elected County Judge ; he represented this county in the Territorial Legislature in 1857; was elected County Commissioner in 1867, and served three years; he has also held the office of Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, and various other offices. Mr. Perkins also served twelve months in the Mexican War.

E. C. PIERCE, furniture and undertaker, is a native of Ulster County, N. Y. In 1867 he came west, settled in Blair in 1869, and opened this business in 1871; commenced in a limited way, and by strict attention to business has succeeded in working up a very prosperous trade; he now carries everything used in the undertaking business, and a full line of furniture which he is prepared to sell as reasonably as any house in this State.

ALEX REED, real estate, is a native of the State of New York; came to Nebraska in 1857, and settled on a farm west of Fort Calhoun, where he remained six years; he then was elected County Treasurer, and held that office twelve years, and has since been engaged in real estate.

W. S. RICHARDS, grocer, is a native of Boston, Mass.; he enlisted in 1861 in Company E, Third Connecticut Infantry; served about four months; removed to Pittsburgh in 1864, where he held a position as clerk in a store; remained there till 1867, when he came to Washington County, Neb.; followed farming a few years; he then opened a general store in Herman, where he continued in business about four years; his son, J. H. Richards, opened this store, August 8, 1881; it is now being conducted by his father.

DR. A. J. RYAN, firm of Palmer & Ryan, physicians and druggists and jewelry, is a native of St. Joseph County, Ind.; commenced the study of medicine in Illinois; in the fall of 1872 he came to Blair and continued his studies; graduated at the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1875; he then removed to Hooper, Neb., where he practiced about two years; October, 1877, he removed to Blair, and with Dr. Palmer bought out the business of J. H. Post, which they have since continued.

T. B. SEELEY, train dispatcher and superintendent telegraph Sioux City & Pacific Railroad Company, is a native of DeKalb County, Ind.. When a boy he came to Harrison County, Iowa, with his parents; there he assisted on their farm; in 1875 he came to Dodge County, Neb., and with the exception of one year has worked for this company since; in 1878 he removed to Sioux City, where he remained one year; September, 1879, came to Onawa, Iowa; was appointed station agent and soon after removed to Missouri Valley; there held the position as train dispatcher; March 1880, came to Blair and has held his present position.


E. L. SHARPNECK, firm of Sharpneck & Majors, manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of mining machinery, and sole manufacturers of Sharpneck's patent pony stamp mill, was born near Wheeling, Va.; came to Harrison County, Iowa, in 1857 with his parents, where he assisted on a farm; in about 1876 he came to Blair and started a machine shop; they now give their entire attention to the manufacture of their celebrated pony stamp mill which is used in crushing rock and separating gold; two of these machines are now in operation in Montana, and one in Wyoming; others are being shipped to the various mines as soon as completed.

HENRY SIERT, saloon and billiards, is a native of Schleswig, Germany; came to Scott County, Iowa, in 1866; worked there one year on a farm; came to Nebraska in 1867; two years later he came to Blair, and has since been engaged in this business; married in 1868 to Anna Satorius, of Germany. They have eight children--five sons and three daughters.

G. C. SMITH, firm of Smith & Wilson, livery, is a native of Jackson, Mich. In 1854 he came with his parents to St. Louis. Mo.; this was his home till 1863, when he removed to Davenport, Iowa; in 1869 came to Nebraska, and has been engaged in the live stock business most of the time since; he was also engaged in pork packing with Herman Bros.; he engaged in the livery business, October 1881.

JOHN GEORGE SMITH, firm of Smith & Blaco, live stock, is a native of Germany. In 1848 he came with his parents to Ohio; in 1864 came to Harrison County, Iowa, clerked in a store till 1869, when he removed to Blair, and with Mr. Dexter opened a general store which they continued about three years; he has since then been engaged in live stock and farming; he owns 400 acres of land, 140 of which are improved; married in 1870 to Ollie J. Flinn, a native of New York. They have six children--three sons and three daughters.

JUDGE J. W. TUCKER, attorney at law, is a native of Crawford County, Ind.; he enlisted June 8, 1861, in Company B, Twenty-Fourth Indiana Infantry; served until 1862, when he returned home and recruited two companies, and was commissioned Captain Company D, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, and served to the end of the war; was mustered out of his regiment as Lieutenant Colonel; on his return he commenced the study of law; was admitted to the bar in 1868 in Orange County; has since been following this profession; he was elected in 1873 prosecuting attorney of the Tenth District; held that office two years; in 1877 he came to Blair, and was elected County Judge, November, 1881.

F. S. TUCKER, Superintendent County Poor Farm, post office Blair, is a native of Jersey County, Ill.; came to Blair in 1876, followed farming and was appointed to the above position in 1879; he owns a house and three lots in Blair; he is now serving his second term as Assessor; married August 1869, to Mary Lorain, of Washington County, Ohio. They have four children--one son and three daughters.

EDWIN K. TURNER, farmer, Section 13, post office Blair, is a native of Calhoun County, Ill. Since a boy he has always been engaged in farming. In 1875 he came to his present farm; he owns 830 acres, about 225 acres of which are improved; he built his house in 1875; cost about $1,400; married in 1866 to Miss Martha A. Tucker of Madison County, Ill. They have four children--three daughters and one son.

L. H. TURNER, proprietor Blair Mills, is a native of Culpeper County, Va. When a year old his parents removed to Clark County, KY. At the age of thirteen he came to Missouri; in 1837 came to Calhoun County, Ill.; there followed farming and lumbering till 1870, when he came to Blair. He owns the Blair Mills, which he assisted in building; he also owns five acres and seven lots with his residence, and other property in town; also 500 acres of land, part of which he cultivates; he has three children by a former marriage, and one child by his present marriage.

J. E. WEST, livery, is a native of Fulton County, N.Y.; came to Illinois in about 1852; in 1860 he removed to Washington County, Neb., where he has since resided; followed the carpenter trade and farming, and has cradled wheat where the town of Blair now stands; he commenced the livery business September, 1878; enlisted in 1862 in Company B, Second Nebraska Cavalry, served about eleven months; married in 1848 to Jane A. Snell, of Fulton County, N. Y.; had ten children, seven living--Josephine (now Mrs. Lewis). Justus F. (now carrying on the livery business in Oakland). Amy A. (now Mrs. Wild), Starr King, Mary J. (now Mrs. Monahan), Katie and Jennie.

W. M. WILKINS, farmer, Section 17, post office Blair, is a native of Somerset County, Pa. At about the age of twenty-two years, he came to Iowa; there he remained till 1869, when he came to Washington County, Neb.; he owns 360 acres of land three miles west of Blair, a large portion of which he has improved, except hay ground; married in 1871 to Sarah J. Allen, of Indiana. They have four children--three sons and one daughter. He is a large stock raiser, and is owner of several new and improved machines. Crossed the River in 1869 opposite Blair.

M. V. WILSON, livery and live stock, is a native of Alleghany County Md.; came to Nebraska in 1864, and has been engaged in live stock most of the time since, he commenced the livery business with Mr. Smith in October, 1881; he owns one farm of 240 acres and one farm of 160 acres, both of which are largely improved; he has been engaged in banking and real estate about two years; has been Deputy County Treasurer with Mr. Hungate and other officers.

1890-1891 Business Directory and Farmer List Published in the Nebraska State Gazetteer,
[source]

Blair is at the junction of the C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. and the F. E. & M. V. R. R., 25 miles north from Omaha, and has a population of 2,500. It is in the eastern part of Washington county, of which it is the judicial seat. The city is supplied with water works capable of meeting any emergency, which cost $20,000. There are two flour mills, a canning factory with a capacity of 25,000 cans per day, a horse collar factory, with a capital of $30,000, which employs over 100 men, among the industries of the place. The Blair State Bank is the monied institution. The Pilot, Courier, Advertiser and Republican are the weekly newspapers. The churches of the city are the Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Congregational, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran.

Acme Roller Mills, Edgecomb & Kellogg props.
Anderson & Rathmann, saloon.
Arndt B, cigar mfr.
Ballard Hattie Miss, millinery.
Baltrusc? Charles, genl mdse.
Bedal M D Dr, drugs.
Blair Advertiser, David Myers prop.
Blair Building & Loan Assn, capital $200,000, Hon F W Kenny pres, J H Stewart vice-pres, L H clow sec.
Blair Canning Co, T C Rutter supt.
Blair Pilot (weekly), Selden & Allberry publishers.
Blair Republican, C B Sprague prop.
Blair Separable Horse Collar & Mfg Co. J W Wambold pres, W A Bennett sec.
Blair State Bank, capital $100,000, F W Kenny pres, A P Howes vice-pres, T E Stevens cashier.
Boggs J W, postmaster.
Bolt Emmet, carpenter.
Bonine Wm, blacksmith.
Boyle Margaret Miss, millinery.
Brenbarger Isaac, sewing machines.
Brooks W F, second hand goods.
Bump Newell E, blacksmith. Casteller A, banker
Catherwood W, county surveyor.
Clark E H, at'y.
Clow L H, sec Patrons Lumber Co,
Cohen B, dry goods.
Commercial Hotel, George D Moore prop, Frank S Moore mgr.
Conner Esther, restaurant.
Cook W J, abstracts, ins.
Courier (The), B C Maynard mgr.
Crabill S W, meat market.
Crowell Lumber & Grain Co, A P Howes genl mgr.
Davis Jesse T, atty.
Dixon James M, barber.
Dixon James W, barber.
Dunn C, groceries.
Dunn C Mrs, millinery.
Edgecomb & Kellogg, props Acme Roller Mills
Eller I C, clerk dist court.
Eller W H, atty.
Erikson & Thompson, genl mdse.
Evans Jacob, flour & feed.
Farr Edward J, agt Wells, Fargo & co and American ex.
Fawcett S H, phys.
Flinn Nelson, wagonmaker.
Franz Geo, prop Blair House.
Fuller B F, harness.
Garretson C H, groceries.
Garske A, merchant tailor.
Gaylord E S, horse breeder.
Gilliam E, feed stable.
Gray W H, florist.
Gross Wm, livery.
Gutshow Joseph, prop Merchants Hotel
Haller Bros, genl mdse.
Haller S A Mrs, restaurant.
Haller S C, meat market.
Haller W D, drugs.
Hammang Peter, county judge.
Harriman Frank, sheriff.
Harris C H, photographer.
Harrison W G, livery.
Heenzerling E, harness,
Heimann Theo, cigar mfr.
Henderson J W, supt of schools.
Higley Harry, confectionery.
Higley S E Mrs, millinery.
Hilton T C, dry goods.
Hornes & Son, bakery.
Howes A P, vice-pres Blair State Bank, mgr Crowell Lumber and Grain Co.
Humphries W H, saloon.
Irwin Charles, broom maker.
Jackson E C, county treas.
Jensen Hans, blacksmity.
Jensen Soren, billiards.
Johnson Neils, machinist.
Kay H, shoemaker.
Kemp S E, drugs.
Kenny F W, pres Blair State Bank.
Lamb H P, groceries.
Lantry L L, meat market.
Leverkus R, saloon.
Lippincott Thomas P, agl implts.
Londelius Martin, carpenter.
Lothrop J, atty.
Lundt & Arndt, hardware.
Lutz J E, marble and granite.
McBride M C, dry goods.
McCrumber F, wagonmaker.
McMenemy Charles, real estate, broker.
McQuarrie & Wiseman, lumber.
Maher James E, genl Mdse.
Maley J W, books, stationery and notions.
Matthiesen Bros, genl mdse.
Maynard B C, mgr The Courier.
Merchants Hotel, J Gutshow prop.
Meservey H E, genl mdse.
Michael & Ridler, contractors.
Milestone F J, fgt agt F E & M V
Monroe B F, phys. [R R.
Moore Frank S, mgr Commercial Hotel.
Moore George D, prop Commercial Hotel.
Myers David, prop Blair Advertiser.
Nash & Boyd, livery.
Naudain T N, broker.
Nelson C Mrs, restaurant.
Nelson Samuel, barber.
Nestl Charles, bakery.
Neve Samuel, jeweler.
Newell & Jackson, flour and feed.
Noble H Dr, importer and breeder Clydesdale and English coach horses.
Nordby J C, genl mdse.
Osborn & Farnsworth, attys.
Osterlund N M, clothing, etc.
Palmer E A, dentist.
Palmer O V & Co, genl mdse.
Palmer & Ryan, drugs.
Palmer W H, phys.
Patrons Lumber Co, L H Clow sec.
Peavey F H & Co, grain.
Pelle D H, tailor.
Perkins Alonzo, justice.
Peterson Chris, blacksmith.
Pierce E C, furniture.
Pounds Ella Mrs, dressmaking.
Pratt A M Mrs, dressmaker.
Pratt A W, painter.
Rathmann Chris, abstracter, notary.
Reed Alex Co (The), real estate.
Reed H H, groceries.
Rhoades E J, atty.
Riker George B, city ticket agt f E & M V R R, C St P M & O Ry, and S C & P Ry.
Ritcher John, Brick mfr.
Rosenbalm M H B, genl mdse.
Rutter T C, supt Blair Canning Co.
Ryan B W, boots and shoes.
Sas & Estague, genl mdse.
Aauer & Franzenburg, meat market.
Selden & Allberry, pubs Blair Pilot.
Siert Henry, choice wines, luquors and cigars.
Siert Peter, saloon.
Smith Geo W, laundry.
Smith James R, blacksmith.
Smith J H, blacksmith.
Smith John, barber.
Sprague C B, prop Blair Republican.
Stanfield & Schweinebert, saloon.
Stevens T E, cashier Blair State Bank, notary
Stewart E A, groceries.
Stewart J H & Co, hardware.
Stinson & Riker, photographers.
Strobe M, jeweler.
Struve Henry, saloon.
Taylor S B Dr, drugs.
Tebury Isaac, hardware.
Tew John W, blacksmith.
Verlautz August, harness.
Walton W c, atty.
Wadsworth & Co, hardware.
Wild Edward, veterinary surgeon.
Wil??s & Son, sale stable.
Willsey & Smith, agl implts.
Wulff Bros, agl implts.

Among the outstanding business concerns of the earlier period of Blair's history was the flouring mill which was built by H. B. Dexter, Eli H. Turtun, B. G. Lantry, T. M. Carter, and Mr. Wortendyke in the year 1875. This mill today is one of the principal industries of Blair.

In the year 1870, Chris Andreason operated the first brickyard in Blair. In the next few years three additional brickyards were operated by D. M. Rhoades and Sons, Bendorf Brothers, and the fourth was conducted in Weimerville.

The first horse collar factory was started in the spring of 1888 as a stock company, by Jake Waumbald, Theodore Haller, and W. A. Bennett. The plant burned in the early  nineties but another company was incorporated with Charles Ross as president but this company has ceased operation.

W. D. Haller founded the Haller Proprietary Company in 1888. The company was incorporated under the laws of Nebraska in 1897. This company continues to do business at the present time, supplying many households with useful remedies.

Blair's Canning Factory first started business in the late eighties. It has continued to grow and with the efficient management is now one of the outstanding canning factories in this part of Nebraska. The factory contracts many acres of corn and considerable employment to families of Blair.

In 1885 a municipal election was held for the purpose of voting twenty, thousands dollars in bonds for the installation of a system of waterworks. These bonds were to be made in five hundred dollar denominations and bear 7% interest and could be paid in full or in part after five years from the time of their issuance. Blair's present water system consists of a Henningson aereator, settling basin and filtration plant. A large elevated storage basin is located on the hill south of the city limits. There are three deep well pumps in the system with a total capacity of 700 gallons per minute; and two booster pumps with a total of 600 gallons per minute. One of the wells is of the centrifugal type, the other two are of the plunger type. All are motor-driven.

Figures as of January 1, 1936, show that Blair's waterworks have an estimated value of $80,000, divided as follows:  real estate value at present, $3,550; distributing system, $39,910; water treating plant, $13,935; reservoir, $6,000; wells and pumping equipment, $10,643; inventories and incidental equipment, $5,962.

In 1912 the fire department together with the city, erected the present city hall. It is one of Blair's most outstanding buildings and the city and fire department may well feel proud of this structure.

Blair is very proud of her light and power company which dates back to 1889 when A. P. Howes, Dr. W. H. Palmer, F. W. Kenny, Frank Castetter, W. C. Walton, and F. H. Matthiesen formed a stock company and incorporated with twelve thousand dollars of capital stock. This company operated until 1900 when it was sold to E. V. Capps for the sum of $6,250. Mr. Capps sold the plant to Bullock Public Service Company on June 1, 1910. W. Johnson acted as a receiver for the company when it failed. Henry Maxwell succeeded W. Johnson and operated the plant under the name of the Nebraska Gas and Electric Company. In October, 1914, the plant was purchased by the Continental Gas and Electrical Company but this company gave such poor service that a special election was called for the purpose of voting bonds in the amount of $35,000 to purchase the plant. The election carried and contracts were let for the erection of a new building and the installation of machinery Twenty thousand dollars in bonds were voted upon at an election in March, 1921, for the purpose of erecting  an eight-ton ice plant. The election carried and Blair today has a very efficient plant.

On January 1, 1936, Blair's municipally-owned electric plant had steam power. However, new Diesel equipment was installed during the summer of 1936.

Estimated light plant value as of January 1, 1936, (under steam power set-up) : buildings, $20,979.70; machinery and equipment, $80,696.14; distributing system, $57,322.74; truck, $446.35; total, $159,394.93. Less reserve for depreciation, $86,415.80; balance, $72,979.13. On January 1, city's net  equity in the plant was $159,334.58.

Blair received a new Post Office building in 1901 through the efforts of David Mercer, who was the congressman from this district at the time.

The Blair Public Library is one of the outstanding institutions in Blair. The citizens of Blair, having taken advantage of the Andrew Carnegie gift, made application for a building which was granted in December, 1916. The library at the present time has 6,344 volumes and 3,200 borrowers in 1935. The annual circulation of books is 25,232 and the annual circulation of magazines is 4,668. Miss Mae McQuarrie is the librarian.

Blair has three parks, North, Railroad, and Castetter. A. Castetter deeded this park to the city in August, 1887, with the understanding that the city spend $500 during the next five years on its improvement. This park was not used much until the completion of the municipal swimming pool, built in 1931 at a cost of nearly $25,000. An athletic field has been laid out for baseball, track, and football. The present park board members are Reed O'Hanlon, M. R. Lippincott, and Ed Matthiesen.

North park, located near Walker avenue on Nebraska  street in north Blair, is used extensively by tourists and by picnickers.

Railroad park, which was given to the city by the railroad company in an early day, is not used or maintained at the present.

Blair has splendid transportation facilities. There are two north bound and two south bound passenger trains daily and two north and two south, one east and one west bound freight trains daily. Mr. C. H. Koepke is the agent for the Northwestern Railroad Company in Blair:

There are three highways running through Blair. Federal Highway number 30 runs east and west, which is paved, and State Highway number 91, which is graveled, also runs west. Federal Highway number 73 is a paved highway running north and south through Blair. There are four north and four south bound busses daily.

Blair has 80 city blocks of paved streets, of which 64 are of concrete topped with brick, and five others are of asphalt.

In other chapters will be found a complete account of the schools of Blair, churches, civic organizations, and the courthouse. The following is a complete list of the business organizations which are in Blair at the present writing (1936).

Grocery and meat stores: Dexterville store, Gilbertson grocery, North Side store, Wolff's Checkerboard store, Safeway store, Larsen Bros. grocery, Blue Goose store, Bertlesen grocery, Thornburgh store, H. Nielsen grocery, Lundt store, and Kirby Coffee House; General Merchandise: J. Sas and C. J. Beekmann; Eating Establishments: Bohs Place, North Side Lunch, Budweiser Cafe, Si's Hamburger Shop, Eat Shop, Rainbow Cafe, Nellie Anderson's Eat Shop, Kobinson's Cafe, Blue Ribbon Lunch, and Art's Coffee Shop; Smokehouses, Liquor Stores and Dispensers: Victor Wolff  Smokehouse, Jim Andreasen Smokehouse, Bcb Andreasen Smokehouse, Robinson Liquor Store, Compton Liquor Store, and Stricklett Beverage Co. (beer distributing) ; Auto Service and Handling: Art's Auto Parts, Arndt-Snyder Garage, Walter Larsen Service, Haynes Welding Shop, North Side Garage, Petersen Machine and Motor Service, Blair Top and Tire Co., Chris Zander, Vinton-Evans Chevrolet Co., Shell Super Service, Bohs Service Station, Ole Jensen, Oscar Jensen, George Corson; Implement Houses: Tyson-Long, Hancock Farm Equipment Co., Rasmus Johansen; Hardwares: Arndt Hardware, Farnberg Hardware, Gamble Store; Ice Cream Companies: Superior Ice Cream Company and Carter Ice Cream Company; Newspapers and Printing Establishments: The Pilot-Tribune, The Enterprise, Danish Lutheran Publishing House; Rendering Works: Blair Rendering Works and Washington County Rendering Works; Elevators: Holmquist Elevator, Rivett Elevator, and Farmers' Elevator; Real Estate, Insurance, Abstracting and Financing: Grange and Farmers Mutual Insurance Co.; Ove T. Anderson, Abstracting; Blair Abstract and Title Co.; G. L, Dixon Go. (real estate and insurance) ; D. Z. Mummert (real estate and insurance); Clarkson Haller (real estate and insurance) ; N. T. Lund (real estate and insurance) Blair Building and Loan Association; Lumber Companies: Rivett Lumber and Coal Company and Christensen Lumber Company; Plumbing Companies: Blair Plumbing Co., Arndt Hardware Plumbers, Farnberg Plumbers, Moore Plumbing Co.; Produce Companies and Hatcheries: Blair Incubator Co., Blair Hatchery, Blair Produce Co., Armour Cream Station, Mundorf Cream Station; Apparel Shops: J. L. Pounds, J. D. Garrison, Fashion Center, A. F. Garske, Tailor, J. Cronstrom, Tailor; Bakeries: Home Bakery, Oscar Holmes Bakery; Drug Stores: Stewart Pharmacy, Blair Drug Co., Wolff Drug Sstore; Undertakers: Campbell Mortuary, Bendorf Funeral Home; Shoe Stores: Brenholdt Hansen, Fischer's Bootery, H. C. Sorensen, W. J. Sas, C. J. Beekrnan, Fashion Center, J. D, Garrison; Miscellaneous: Bross Auction House, H. J. Cooke Cigar Store, Home Theater, Blair Racket Store, Scheffler Harness Shop, DeBolt Electric Co.Unruh Furniture Store, Kuhn's Studio, Kenneth Pounds, Photographer, Advance Cleaners, Miller Munk, Blacksmith, Ed Hovendick, Blacksmith, Clifton Hotel, Johnson Second Hand Store, five barber shops, seventeen gasoline stations, several dairies, several transfer companies; Factories and Industries: Blair Feed Mill, Blair Flour Mill, Blair Nursery, W. J. Rodgers Greenhouse, Blair Canning Factory, Haller Proprietary Co., Schmidt Monument Works, Beaty Contracting Co., H. H. Brown, Well Drilling Co., Blair Horse Collar Factory, Iowa-Nebraska Light and Power Co. (branch office), Municipal Light and Ice Plant, Blair Telephone Co., Iowa-Nebraska Oil Co.; Professional Men: Lawyers; John A. Carrigan, county judge, Grace Ballard, county attorney, A. C. Debel, B. F. Lundt, William J. Maher, Henry Mencke, Clark O'Hanlon, Reed O'Hanlon, Philip O'Hanlon; Banks: Washington County Bank; Doctors, M. D.'s: Dr. Morris Nielsen, Dr. Raymond Burr, Dr. Robert Donley, Dr. C. D. Howard, Dr. R. J. Murdoch, Dr. E. R. Stewart, Dr. D. W. Bell; Osteopath: Dr. E. M. Moats; Optometrist: Dr. N. K. Rathmann; Dentists: Dr. E. T. Jipp, Dr. W. F. Hemphill, Dr. C. R. Mead, Dr. H. S. Tripp; Veterinarians: Dr. W. D. Hammond, Dr. R. E. Tilden, Dr. C. T. Swisher.

Fire Destroys Dexterville Store

Blair, Neb., March 5 – (Special) – Dexterville’s store in the northwest part of the city was destroyed by fire at 4 o’clock Tuesday morning. The building was insured for $1,400, the stock for $3,200 and the store fixtures for $800.
 

The Bee: Omaha

Thursday, March 1918, Page 4.
------------------------------------------------

1954 Lest We Forget: a history of Washington County Nebraska, by Rhoades, John A. 1954   ?? 59 pages, Binder format.  Blair Public Library: REF 978 Les

CHRIS K. BENDORF-Blair

This undertaking business was started in Blair by John I. Unruh in connection with his furniture business in the fall of 1901. The firm made several changes, M. A. Sams. W. H. Epling, Elmer Gaines and E. R. Haggard being connected with the business for a time, Mr. Unruh taking the business back and then sold it to Haggard & Bendorf in July of 1923. In Feb. of 1925 Mr. Bendorf bought Haggard out and has conducted the undertaking part of the business ever since, selling the furniture part to his brother, M. R. Bendorf in 1927.

Mr. Bendorf started in the profession as an apprentice to E. R. Haggard and later took a course of study at the Worsham Training School of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and Embalming, of Chicago, Ill. With it he took a course in plastic surgery and restorative art.

In 1931 Mr. Bendorf bought and remodeled the W. H. Belknap residence property on west Grant street, opening it on January 16 and 17th, 1932, as a funeral home, with a chapel seating 200 people. In a large addition to the building he carries a large selection of caskets and draperies. He also has a public address system for overflow crowds at funeral services.

Mr. Bendorf has up-to-date equipment in every way, with grass blanket and tent at cemetery, late model hearse equipment and conducts an ambulance service at all hours of the day or night.

Mr. Bendorf was born in Blair April 26, 1899, and when four years of age his parents moved to a farm near Herman. He attended the Hillside school and completed the 10th grade there. He then took a business course at the Gaydou Commercial College here in Blair to better fit himself for his business and professional career.

He was married to Julia Jackson, of Herman, October 23, 1927, and they have two children, Thamasine, aged 7, and Charles K., aged 2 years. Mr. Bendorf is a member of Washington Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., of Adoniram Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons, of Blair Lodge No. 14, I. O. O. F., of Welcome Rebekah Lodge No. 27, of the Blair Rotary club, and of the Nebraska Funeral Directors and Embalmers association and of the National association. He is now Senior Deacon in the Masonic Lodge and has gone through all the chairs in the Odd Fellow's Lodge.

THE BLAIR BRIDGE

The Lincoln Highway Association was organized in 1913 to promote and develop a national highway between New York and San Francisco on the most direct and desirable water level route, to be not only the first great national highway, but to be a model for others to follow. This highway came to Missouri Valley, Ia., directly east of Blair, but then had to dip down through Omaha to get across the Missouri river, then back up to Fremont, almost west of Blair.

The railroad bridge supplied this need for a more direct route for rail transportation, but only a ferry that could operate only when the river was free from ice sufficed for public road vehicles. The organization of the Lincoln Highway Association and the fact that Blair was the geographical and logical route for the highway stimulated efforts to get a bridge across the Missouri at this point.

In 1925 a franchise was secured from the congress for the construction of a free bridge, but all efforts of the Blair Chamber of Commerce and other interested agencies, were unable to bring this about. The committee of the Chamber of Commerce consisted of Reed O'Hanlon, chairman, with the late Thos. T. Osterman and C. O. Dawson as his able and enthusiastic assistants. When it was found impossible to get a free bridge they found it possible to get a private bridge, and a corporation was formed known as the Nebraska-Iowa Bridge Corp., of which Reed O'Hanlon was made president, and is still president of the company.

A franchise was secured for the construction of a private toll bridge and in the summer of 1928 Woods Bros., of Lincoln, agreed to finance and build a bridge, promising to start work thereon within ninety days. Work was actually started August 1, 1928, and the handsome new bridge was opened for traffic with elaborate ceremonies on June 29, 1929.

Shortly after the bridge was opened the Lincoln Highway was routed through Blair, to be followed by the location of U. S. Highway No. 30, it being in a direct route between Mo. Valley and Fremont. The entire distance between these two cities was soon gravelled and is now almost a11 hard surfaced, and that is to be completed next year.

The building of the bridge has meant much to Blair and Washington county, for traffic over the more direct route has gradually increased as the road's surface has been improved. It is a favorite route for caravans of new cars and trucks being towed across the state from the factories in the east. Through the purchase of a state license and the pay

Page 340
Beatrice, Neb., where he had formed an unsatisfactory partnership in a law firm, and was first employed by Col. Osborn and shortly after was made a partner.

Herman Aye, who had also read law with this firm, was taken into the firm in 1896, making it Osborn, O'Hanlon and Aye. Upon the appointment of Col. Osborn as Consul-General to the Samoan Islands he dissolved his relations with the firm and later, Clark O'Hanlon, having been elected county attorney, withdrew and set up an office of his own over the Castetter bank building. He associated himself with James H. Gilmore for some years, when he was appointed county judge in 1908, Judge Marshall having resigned, where he served until Feb. 20, 1911, when he, too, resigned, having bought out the law practice of his former partner, Mr. Aye having moved to Omaha.

The next change made in the old firm was made by taking George A. Doll into partnership, and in August of 1916 Wm. Maher had completed his law course at Creighton University School of Law, was made a partner. In 1920 his son, Reed, had completed his law course and was taken into the firm then called O'Hanlcn, Maher & O'Hanlon.

In Sept. of 1920 Clark O'Hanlon was appointed general counsel for the Commonwealth Life Ins. Co., of Omaha, he moved to Omaha but still kept his connection with the law firm here. He sold out his interest in the life insurance business he had successfully conducted for several years and returned to Blair and on Jan. 1, 1926, the old firm dissolved, Maher withdrawing, and the new firm was known as O'Hanlon & O'Hanlon, as it is today. When another son, Philip, was graduated from the Mich. St. Uni. Law department he was employed by the firm for five years and was made a partner in August of 1932.

In 1927 the firm moved from the old State bank building to the Pilot building, where they are now located. They have recently purchased and remodeled the building into one of the finest law offices in the state.

THE PILOT-TRIBUNE-Blair

The Pilot-Tribune is the oldest newspaper published in Washington county, being the successor to The Times, which was founded in June, 1870, by a stock company whose first editor was J. C. Lillie, later succeeded by General John S. Bawen. In August, 1880, The Times was purchased by C. B. Sprague and was renamed The Republican. Upon Sprague's death in 1904 it was purchased by Thomas T. Osterman, who called it The Democrat and later The Tribune; and upon his death in July, 1931, sole ownership passed to Alfred O. Sick, the present owner.

By still another route this paper dates back to the founding of The Pilot in Tekamah, Nebraska, by J. N. Lambert. The paper was moved to Blair in 1874 and in the following year was sold to George Sutherland and edited by L.F. Hilton. In 1879, B. F. Hilton & Son (L. F.) purchased The Pilot and still later Perry Selden became its owner. Upon Selden's death, his son-in-law, L. A. Williams, took charge of the publication. It was sold to Don C. Van Deusen July 1, 1907, and he published the weekly until February 1, 1929, when he retired from journalism, selling the plant to Thomas T. Osterman and Alfred O. Sick, who combined it with The Tribune to form The Pilot-Tribune.

Alfred O. Sick was born at Fontenelle, Nebraska, where his father, the Rev. Christian Sick, now a Fremont resident, was pastor of the German Lutheran church there. Following his graduation from high school in 1921. Mr. Sick attended the University of South Dakota, being graduated from the law department in June, 1926. He hung out his shingle in Blair three months later, but on January 1. 1927,
took a position with Thomas T. Osterman on The Tribune as a reporter. When the two purchased The Pilot in 1929, Mr. Sick held a one-third interest in the consolidated paper.

Mr. Sick has taken an active interest in city affairs, serving as vice-president of the Blair Chamber of Commerce for one year and as its president for four years. He is a member of the Rotary club, of the Masonic lodge, the Eastern Star and LO.O.F. He was married June 26, 1930, to Miss Gussie Scheffler, and they have one son, Gordon Alan, aged three.

Reed O'Hanlon, Jr., is associate editor, while Miss Helen Scheffler is society editor. William K. Strode, who started as a "printer's devil" for Don C. Van Deusen in April, 1896, at the plant of the old Courier, is foreman of the mechanical department. In April, 1936, Mr. Strode completed his 40th  year of continuous work as a printer. George C. Rathman has charge of the linotyping work.

The Pilot-Tribune, located in a modern plant, is equipped with two linotypes, a new flatbed press and two job presses. A seven-column newspaper of from 10 to 16 pages is produced weekly.

 

RIVETT LUMBER & COAL CO.-Blair

This popular grain and lumber company is owned by Mr. Rivett of Omaha, who bought the business in 1925 from the Crowell Lumber and Grain Company, and continues its  operation under the management of Mr. M. R. Lippincott, who began his business career under its former owners and was local manager for them for many years. The business is continuous with the history of Blair itself, having been founded by the late C. C. Crowell, Sr., a lifelong resident of this city. He was born in East Dennis, Mass., on May 19, 1844, a son of Prince S. Crowell, New England capitalist, who was interested in the construction of what is today the Chicago and Northwestern system of Railways in this section of the country. Christopher C. Crowell, Sr., came to Nebraska in 1869, the year that Blair was founded. He lived for a
short time in Omaha; then rented what was known as the De Soto grist mill, and later moved this mill to Blair, where it has been in operation ever since, being known today as the Blair Milling Company.

After operating this mill for one year, Mr. Crowell entered the grain business, and, in 1870, Mr. A. P. Howes, also a native of East Dennis, Mass., came to Blair and associated himself with Mr. Crowell in the lumber and coal business, there being demand for building material in the surrounding territory. The grain business was operated by Mr. Crowell, under the name of C. C. Crcwell, Grain; and the lumber
business as C. C. Crowell and Company until the year 1885, when a corporation was formed under the name of Crowell Lumber & Grain Company with Mr. Crowell as President and Mr. Hewes as Vice-President. This corporation made its headquarters in Blair, operating not only the Blair elevator and lumber yard, but numerous stations in Nebraska, and continued this operation at Blair until the local business was sold to the Rivett Lumber & Coal Co. Also associated with the Crowell Lumber & Grain Company, were Mr. J. B. Adams, who came to Blair in 1882, serving for nearly thirty years as Treasurer of the Company, and Mr. J. A. Linderholm, who in later years became Secretary of the Corporation and still holds that position.

The President of the Company today, C. C. Crowell, Jr., was born in Blair on July 6, 1874, and after completing his education, took charge of the Newman Grove, Nebraska, elevator and lumber yard, marrying Miss Augusta Saare of that City. From Newman Grove he moved to Blair in 1901, taking active charge of the grain business for the Crowell Lumber & Grain Co. and in 1908, when its headquarters were moved to Omaha, he made that city his residence. His father moved to California in 1906 to make his permanent residence there, died in 1910, at which time Mr. C. C. Crowell, Jr., became president of the Corporation. The name of the firm however, was, by amendment of its charter, changed to Crowell Elevator Company in the year of 1927.

WM. 3. RODGERS, Florist-Blair

William J. Rodgers was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Feb. 18, 1865, and at the age of 16 started to learn the florist's trade in a greenhouse on a private estate in Ayrshire. When he was 24 years of age he came to Blair, where his brother, John, had been for four years.

His first job in this country was helping landscape the grounds at the A. P. Howes residence. Later he was emplayed in the C. C. Crowell greenhouse, where John Reid was also an employee. When the Crowell family left for California John Reid bought the greenhouse and started in the business at his home en west South street.

territory we serve. We affiliate with various horticultural societies, cooperate with the experiment stations and in every way do everything we can to keep up to the minute in our business.

We want to help every customer to get the kinds of trees and plants that will produce the best results for his particular needs. Many customers leave it to us to select the varieties for their plantings.

By taking the propagating wood from bearing mother trees, we deliver "true-to-name" varieties and every tree and plant is "better-built".

Our packing building contains 25,000 square feet of floor space. It is constructed of brick and tile with insulated walls 18 inches thick. The roof is also insulated against heat and cold. This provides unexcelled facilities for handling and packing out of nursery stock Moist, cool cellar conditions prevail and there is no chance for stock to dry out or be injured in any way from the time it is dug until it is delivered to the planter. Trees must be handled properly when out of the ground.

With a record of 49 continuous years of service and growth, Marshalls Nurseries today are Nebraska's oldest and largest nursery institution and the largest and best organized retail nurseries west of Chicago. Naturally we are proud and jealous of the reputation all these years of satisfactory service have built up. More than ever, then, today do we recognize that the confidence of our customers in us and our products means more to us than do immediate profits.



O'HANLON & O'HANLON-Blair

This law firm, now composed of Clark O'Hanlon and his two sons, Reed and Philip, is the oldest law firm in Blair and probably the oldest in the state, having been started by Osborn & Hilton in 1869, the year Blair was born. Col. L. W. Osborn came to Blair from New York and formed a partnership with B. F. Hilton, father of the late Frank Hilton. Col. Osborn continued the successful practice of law with varying partners until he was appointed Consul-General of the Samoan Islands by President Wm. McKinley in 1897, where he died in the fall of 1901.

Mr. Hilton withdrew from the firm after six months and John B. Carrigan joined with Cal. Osborn in the firm of Carrigan & Osborn, which lasted until the death of Mr. Carrigan in the summer of 1880, when J. W. Barger was taken in as a partner for a short time. Then Wm. H. Farnsworth, who had been studying law with the firm, was taken into the partnership after his admission to the bar in 1882. At that time Lee S. Estelle, of Omaha, was taken into the firm and retired from it when he was elected as prosecuting at-
torney for this judicial district.

Frank W. Blair was a member of the firm for a short time, when he moved to Broken Bow, Nebr. In 1890 Mr. Farnsworth removed to Sioux City and Col. Osborn associated himself with E. C. Jackson in March of 1892. Then Clark O'Hanlon, who had read law with the firm, returned from

http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/Nebraskana/pages/nbkalbumc.htm

Grace Ballard

A distinguished woman lawyer of Nebraska, Grace Ballard was born in Washington County, August 12, 1877, and has lived in this state most of her life. Her father, Martin Ballard, who was born in Grayson County, Kentucky, November 6, 1824, and died at Chadron, Nebraska, February 7, 1889, was a leading lawyer of Blair, Nebraska. He served as county attorney of Dawes County, and was engaged in practice at Blair from 1877 to 1885. Her mother, Sarah Darinda (Strong) Ballard, was born at Batemantown, Ohio, November 17, 1840. She was descended from Elms Rano and David Keyes who assisted in establishing American independence; they were natives of New Hampshire and Vermont.

Miss Ballard was graduated from Blair High School, received her degree at Dana College in 1904, and from 1911 to 1914 was a student at the University of Nebraska College of Law where she was president of the senior class, 1913-14. She was engaged in secretarial work for the Bell Telephone Company at Omaha, 1907-10, and for the Lincoln Safe Deposit Company, 1911-14. In 1915 she took a prominent part in the Woman's Suffrage campaign in Pennsylvania and New York, in 1916 carried on the same work in Iowa and Nebraska, beginning the practice of law in 1918.

As a Republican and one of the few women lawyers of Nebraska Miss Ballard has taken an active part in the political life of her state. She served as county attorney of Washington County in 1918-22, and since 1922 has been secretary of the Republican county central committee.

Miss Ballard is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, former chairman of the local Red Cross at Blair, and holds membership in the Methodist Church. She is affiliated with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, and the Nebraskana Society. Residence: Blair. (Photograph in Album).

Harry Herbert Brown

Harry Herbert Brown, son of Hugh Clark and Mary Almyra (Goff) Brown, was born at Fremont, Nebraska, July 15, 1882. His father, who was born in Fairfield, Iowa, September 9, 1850, settled in Fremont, in 1870. He engaged in farming and stock raising for many years, and later engaged in the machinery business in Fremont. He is descended from early settlers in America. Mary Almyra Goff was born in Augusta, Oneida County, New York, October 19, 1849, and came to Nebraska in 1869, where she was one of the state's first school teachers. Her death occurred at Lincoln, June 6, 1928.

Educated in the public and high schools of Fremont, Harry H. Brown was graduated from the latter in 1900, and attended the University of Nebraska 1905 and 1906, during which time he was a member of the Glee Club. On October 22, 1914, he was married to Edna Mae Woods, daughter of James Edward and Artie (Trailer) Woods at Walnut, Iowa. Mrs. Brown was born at Marne, Iowa, February 5, 1889, of American descent for several generations. There are four children, Herbert E., born March 30, 1916; Dorothy L., born April 1, 1917; Evelyn M., born December 30, 1919, and Ralph W., born July 28, 1923.

A well driller since leaving school, Mr. Brown operated at Fremont several years, moving to Knox County in 1913, where wells were from 600 to 1000 feet deep. In 1916 he removed to Lincoln, where he purchased an interest in the Plattner Yale Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of windmills and water supplies. In 1919 he came to Blair, where he has since engaged in business. He now operates several machines in Northeastern Nebraska.

Mr. Brown is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. During the years 1928, '29, and '30, he was president of the Nebraska Well Drillers Association, and assisted in organization of the association. He belongs to Washington Lodge No. 21, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is associate patron of the Eastern Star, and is a member of the Blair Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraskan Society and the Blair School Board, of which he is now president. Residence: Blair. (Photograph in Album).

Samuel William Chambers

Samuel W. Chambers, one of Nebraska's leading executives, was born at Peru, Nebraska, February 18, 1859, the son of James and Ann (Davidson) Chambers. His father, who was a retired farmer for several years before his death, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 4, 1828, and died at Peru, April 4, 1891; his ancestry was English. His mother, who was of Scotch descent, was born at Cincinnati, August 11, 1826, and died at Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana, February 18, 1871.

Mr. Chambers has lived in Nebraska practically all his life. For over 20 years he served as a railroad agent and operator; and for the past 30 years has been in the real estate loans, banking and building and loan association businesses. He is now secretary-treasurer and director of the Blair Building & Loan Association, at Blair, Nebraska, and is a member of the Blair Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraskana Society, the Masons, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is affiliated with the Episcopal Church at Blair; is a member of the Red Cross; and holds membership in the Democratic Party.

His marriage to Gertrude Emma Beals was solemnized at Geneva, Nebraska, September 10, 1887. Mrs. Chaimbers was born at Geneva, September 10, 1870, and died at Blair, January 2, 1930. Her parents were born in Massachusetts. Two children were born to them: Lloyd, born September 2, 1888, who married Bertha Moore, and Mona M., born August 26, 1899, who married Ross E. Deets.

His grandchildren are Dorothy Deets, born January 26, 1920; Dolores Deets, born July 20, 1922; and Billy Chambers nine years of age. Residence: Blair. (Photograph in Album).

Rev. George Fedilis Lonaitis Major’s uniform of United States Army

Erland N. P. Nelson

Born at Ruskin, Nebraska, July 28, 1897, Erland N. P. Nelson is the son of Hans and Frederikke (Olsen) Nelson. His father, who was born at Odense, Denmark, died in 1912, and his mother, born at Borhholm, Denmark, is living.

Erland Nelson was graduated from Ruskin High School, attended Hastings College, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Peru State Teachers College. His Master of Arts degree was awarded by the University of Nebraska. His post graduate work was taken at the University of Nebraska where he will take his doctor's degree.

Mr. Nelson's fraternities include Phi Delta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta and Alpha Sigma Phi. While at Peru he was a member of the debating team in 1921. He is a member of the Nebraska State Teachers' Association, and at the present time is chairman of the research committee of the National Lutheran Educational Conference.

A rural school teacher in Dundy County, and superintendent of schools at Comstock from 1922 to 1924, he was superintendent at Juniata, 1924-26. Since 1926 Mr. Nelson has been associated with Dana College, as head of the department of commerce until 1929, and is acting president 1929-31. For the past year he has been president of the college.

Among his contributions to literature are Success of Students Who Transfer from College to College (1930); and How to Improve The College Teacher (1981).

On August 6, 1924, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Naida Editha Randall at Juniata. Mrs. Nelson, who was born at Sitka, Kansas, October 27, 1896, is an educator of English descent. There are two children, Isabelle Frederikke, born July 23, 1925; and Erland Randall, born June 4, 1928.

Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. His religious affiliation is with the First Lutheran Church of Blair. Residence: Blair. (Photograph in Album).

Grandparents on my Dad’s side:
    Lars Larsen
    Lora (Miller) Larsen (she lived and worked at the Crowell Home when the Parduns and Laakers were the administrators.)

Grandparents on my Mother’s side:
     Frank S. Lutz (His Father was J.E. Lutz who ran the Lutz Monument)
     Kate (Pfaff) Lutz (These are the grandparents that lived in the Napolini House, next to Bob’s Mom)

Alma Miller (she was my Grandma Larsen’s sister) worked at Lutheran Publishing House - not sure the years or how long, maybe 50’s & 60’s maybe even before the 50’s. She was always old to me.

My Uncle John Lutz, who lives in Blair, worked there after he got out of the Navy, probably the 50’s or so. He might even remember when Aunt Alma worked.