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Burton Whitford Christie

Burton W. Christie, physician and educator is a native of Creston, Iowa. He was born August 22, 1877, son of William Henry and Sarah Maria (Whitford) Christie. His father, also a physician, was a veteran of the Civil War. He came to Omaha in 1887, and was professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical college. He also served as president of the Omaha School Board. His ancestors came to America prior to the Revolution and were represented both in that war and the Mexican War. William Henry Christie died at Omaha, June 10, 1909.

Sarah Whitford Christie was born in Johnsons Grove, Illinois, March 7, 1848, and taught school in Illinois before her marriage. She was president of the Omaha Women's Relief Corps for many years prior to her death on January 5, 1905. She was of English and Scotch descent, her ancestors having come to the United States prior to the Revolution. She was descended from the well known Carpenter and Conklin families.

Upon his graduation from Omaha High School in 1895, Dr. Christie entered the University of Nebraska, receiving his B. Sc. degree in 1899 and his M. D. in 1902. He ranked first in scholarship in his medical graduating class in 1902. While at the university he was active as a tennis player. He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Rho Sigma.

On June 24, 1902 he was married to Florence Lois Gridley at Omaha. Mrs. Christie was born at Friend, Nebraska, May 17, 1879, and is descended from the noted family of Admiral Gridley. There are four children, Page, born October 25, 1903, who married Marguerite Tamisea; Barbara, born December 27, 1905, who married Eldon Kiffin; Florance, born October 29, 1907, who married Dale Thornton Segrist; and Billy Burton, born July 19, 1915.

Dr. Christie has been in practice since 1902. He is the author of a monograph Anterior-polio-myelo-encephalitis (1917). From 1902 to 1922 he was assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Nebraska, and in 1913 was president of the Omaha-Douglas County Medical Society. He is a director of the Lininger Implement Company. He is a Republican.

He served as a corporal in Company M, 2nd Nebraska Volunteer Infantry in 1898, and is a member of the United Spanish War Veterans. From 1920 to 1928 he was a fellow in the American College of Physicians. He has been a member of the American Medical Association since 1922. A member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, he was a member of the executive committee 1917, 18 and 19. He has belonged to the Rotary Club since 1902, and to the Masonic lodge since 1902. He is a member of the Omaha Humane Society. His sport is golf. He is a member of the Omaha Field Club. Residence: Omaha. (Photograph on Page 238).

George Christopher

George Christopher, farmer and rancher, was born at Lincoln, Nebraska July 2, 1876, son of James and Marie (Hanson) Christopher. The father, a native of Jutland, Denmark, was born April 13, 1832, and came to the United States in March, 1864. He was a Republican, active in politics and engaged in farming until his death at Lincoln on October 11, 1918.

Marie Hanson Christopher was born in Jutland, Denmark, November 16, 1843, and died at Lincoln, Nebraska. February 14, 1900. She was a professional mid-wife of Danish ancestry.

Mr. Christopher attended public schools, and is now a partly retired rancher and farmer. He is a partner with his son in business, and for three years was president and general manager of the Douglas Motor Manufacturing Company of Lincoln, Nebraska. A Republican in national politics, he is independent in local and state Politics.

On December 23, 1896, he was married to Almina A. Ellis at Panama, Nebraska. Mrs. Christopher was born at Panama, Nebraska, October 31, 1872, and died at Lincoln, Nebraska, December 26, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher had the following children, Paul M., born July 3, 1897, who married Chloe Morey; Raymond J., born December 31, 1899, who married Almira Bachelor; George E., born June 4, 1904; Roy M., born May 8, 1909, who married Elmira Tate.

On June 30, 1915, Mr. Christopher was married to Mabel E. Slawson, graduate nurse at Omaha, Nebraska. They have two children, Merritt J., born June 25, 1918; and Robert D., born July 27, 1927. Paul is a salesman. Raymond is a storekeeper, while George, Jr., and Roy M. are ranchers.

During the late war Mr. Christopher was active in all civilian projects. He is a member of the Methodist Church at the present time although he was born and raised a Lutheran. He is a member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Kiwanis Club, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Odd Fellows and the Masons. He enjoys hunting and fishing while his hobbies are his home and his business. Residence: Valentine.

James Baird Christopher

James Baird Christopher, county commissioner of Thayer County since 1924, was born in Jersey County, Illinois, September 16, 1858, the son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Baird) Christopher. His father was a native of Ohio, born August 9, 1832. He was a farmer, whose ancestors came from Germany. Mary Elizabeth Baird was born in New Jersey, September 13, 1836, of English and Scotch extraction. She died at Albia, Iowa, October 8, 1908, her husband having died at Carleton, August 28, 1902.

Educated in the public schools, Mr. Christopher has farmed continuously since youth. For the past forty-five years he has been a resident of Thayer County, where he has extensive agricultural interests. He is a member of Carleton Methodist Episcopal Church, and Gavel Lodge No. 199 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Republican.

On November 2, 1881, Mr. Christopher was married to Nora Mignon Palmer at Kemper, Illinois. Mrs. Christopher was born at Kemper, August 10, 1862. There is one son, Rei, born January 9, 1884, who is married to Martha Chaffee, of Warren, Ohio.

Rei Christopher is superintendent of a band and orchestra at Pueblo, Colorado, which position he has held for the past eight years. He is a graduate of Dana Institute at Warren, Ohio. He also taught at Dana Institute for about six years. At the time he graduated from this school it was the only one of its kind in the country. Mr. Christopher was also a member of Sousa's band prior to the World War, They have two daughters Residence: Carleton.

John J. R. Claassen

John Ciaassen, master farmer near Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska, has lived in this state all his life. He was born at Beatrice, October 23, 1885, the son of Aaron E. and Anna (Jansen) Claassen. His father, who was also a farmer, was born in Germany, May 28, 1850, and died at Beatrice, September 8, 1929; he was the son of Johann and Katherine (Enns) Claassen. His mother, the daughter of Cornelius and Helena (von Riesen) Jansen, was born in Germany, March 23, 1856, and died at Beatrice, October 16, 1924.

Mr. Claassen received his education in Kansas, and in 1910 was graduated from the School of Agriculture at Lincoln, Nebraska. He holds membership in the Farmer's Union, is a director in the local school, and is a member of the Nebraskana Society. He is affiliated with the Second Mennonite Church at Beatrice.

His marriage to Christine Catharine Penner was solemnized at Newton, Harvey County, Kansas, March

14, 1914. Mrs. Claassen was born at Lehigh, Marion County, Kansas, September 12, 1889, the daughter of Heinrich D. and Katharine (Dalke) Penner. Their children are: Anna Dorothy, born January 24, 1915; Paul Gerhard, born May 10, 1917; John Carl, born July 7, 1919; Donald Aaron, born January 27, 1923; and Waldo Frederic, born July 11, 1926.

During the World War Mr. Claassen was a member of the Liberty loan drive committee in Gage County. Residence: Beatrice.

Jason Lewis Claflin

Jason L. Claflin was born at Coudersport, Potter County, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1858, the son of Rufus Tingley and Lavina Margaret (Lewis) Claflin. His father, who was a pioneer clergyman in Pennsylvania, served as superintendent of schools in Potter County in 1865. He was born in Rhode Island, May 22, 1820, and died at Fremont, Dodge County, Nebraska, March 4, 1893. His Scotch ancestors came to America about 1620. Lavina Claflin, mother of Jason, was born near Buffalo, New York, October 22, 1835, and died at Lincoln, June 28, 1918.

Mr. Claflin received his education in the public schools of Coudersport. He was editor of the St. Paul Phonograph, 1885-93; was editor of the Ord Journal, 1894-1904; and has been engaged in the active printing business in Lincoln and its vicinity since 1904. He published a newspaper in Lincoln for 10 years; in 1909 he organized the Claflin Printing Company, of which he is now president.

He is a member of the Lions Club of Lincoln, and the Young Men's Christian Association. He is an honorary member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. He is interested in all public questions, and is especially interested in having an unbiased and fair outlook on all moral and religious questions, and is affiliated with the First Methodist Epscopal Church of Lincoln.

His marriage to Mamie Mildred Perkins was solemnized at Cairo, Hall County, Nebraska, February 10, 1886. Residence: Lincoln.

Henry Luther Clapp

Henry L. Clapp was born at Elmwood, Cass County, Nebraska, August 29, 1888, the son of Henry L. and Sarah Jane (Conn) Clapp. His father, who was born at Watertown, New York, November 2, 1840, and died at Elmwood, March 13, 1921, was a farmer who owned large tracts of land.

His mother was born at New Castle, Indiana, September 7, 1848, and died at Elmwood, February 8, 1922.

Mr. Clapp was graduated from the Elmwood High School in 1906, and from 1906 to 1908, was a student at the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. A lifetime resident of Nebraska, he is a farmer and stock raiser, and is a director in the Elmwood State Bank.

At Lincoln, Nebraska, February 28, 1920, he was united in marriage with Grace Ellen Bailey, who was born at Alvo, Cass County, Nebraska, November 3, 1892. Mrs. Clapp was a teacher in the Cass County schools and an assistant in Lincoln postofflee before her marriage. There is one son, Robert, born November 13, 1925.

Mr. Clapp served in the World War in Company F, 350 Infantry, 88th Division, and today is a member of the American Legion. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Elmwood, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. His social club is the Revelers Dancing Club, of Lincoln. Residence; Elmwood.

Hiram Cornell Clapp

Hiram Cornell Clapp, merchant and executive, was born in Allegan, Michigan,, May 11, 1878, and for the past thirty years has resided in Nebraska. He is the son of Irving Fletcher and Delora Alvira (Sherwood) Clapp, the former born in New York State, June 10, 1838. He was a merchant at Allegan, Michigan, and died at McCook on February 27, 1910. Delora Alvira Sherwood was born in Otsego, Michigan, October 28, 1843, and is still living.

Mr. Clapp was graduated from high school at Allegan in 1895 and started as a bookkeeper and merchandise salesman in a drygoods store. Later he accepted a managing position in Stuart, Iowa, and from there came to McCook as manager of a drygoods store. In November, 1905, he started in business for himself, retiring in 1926. In 1929 he opened a store for women, which he still owns. He is vice president of the McCook Trust Company.

Active in every civic and community project, Mr. Clapp is a former president (1925-26-27) of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of its board of directors; is vice president of the Kiwanis Club; a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association; a Mason (Tehama Shrine of Hastings), and a member of the local and national Red Cross organizations.

During the World War period he was a participant in all civilian activities. He is a member of the McCook Country Club, is affiliated with the First Congregational Church, and is a member of The Nebraskana Society, the Nebraska State and McCook Historical Societies. As a sport he prefers golf, while his hobbies are business, bridge and reading.

On August 22, 1900, he was married to Cora Earl Born at Allegan, Michigan. She was born at Coopersville, Michigan, and died at McCook, June 30, 1924.

On November 10, 1927, Mr. Clapp was united in marriage to Bertha Asten Lussen in Brooklyn, New York. There are two children, Elsie Asten, born September 29, 1928, and Patricia Ruth, born November 11, 1930, of whom their parents are justly proud. Residence; McCook.

Raymond Gustavus Clapp

Raymond Gustavus Clapp, educator and physician, was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, May 31, 1875. He is the son of Willis Warner and Luanna Allen (Blood) Clapp, the former, born at Easthampton, Massachusetts, in July 1844. A traveling salesman for many years, he died at Northampton in November 1910. On the maternal side he was descended from General Seth Pomeroy. Luanna, his wife, was born at Westfield, Massachusetts, December 10, 1845, and is of early New England ancestry.

Dr. Clapp was graduated from the elementry schools of Northampton in 1891, and attended Northampton High School one year. Thereafter he was a student at Williston Seminary three years, but did not graduate. He received his Ph. B. from Yale University in 1899 and his M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Iceokuk, Iowa. At Yale he held a varsity letter in track and gymnastics, and was captain of the gymnastic team in 1899. From 1898-1904 he held the world's record for pole vault, and was individual inter-collegiate gymnastic champion in 1899. His fraternities are Theta Delta Chi and Phi Epsilon Kappa.

On August 19, 1903, he was married to Anne Louise Barr at Jamestown, New York. Mrs. Clapp was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1871. There are two daughters, Catherine, born November 20, 1909, who received her A. B. from the University of Nebraska in 1930, and is an instructor at Brownell Hall; and Margaret, born June 27, 1912. The family attends the First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln.

From 1899-1903 Professor Clapp was physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association at Keokuk, and from 1900-1902 was coach of track at Iowa State College. In October, 1902, he came to Nebraska as professor of physical education at the University, and has

since continued. For a number of years he was also coach of basketball, track, gymnastics, fencing and wrestling. From 1899-1914 he was instructor in physical education at the Chautauqua, New York, Summer School of Physical Education, and dean of same 1909-14. During the summers of 1919 and 1920 he was instructor of hygiene and medical advisor at the University of Chicago. From 1927-29, inclusive, he was instructor of physical education at Cornell University.

During the World War he was director of first aid, Lincoln chapter of the American Red Cross, and still retains his membership in the organization. His professional memberships include the Society of Directors of physical Education in Colleges, the American Association of University Professors, the American Medical Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He is a member of the Nebraskana Society and the university Club of Lincoln. Residence: Lincoln.

Anna Gray Clark

Anna Gray Clark was born at Oxford, in Butler County, Ohio, daughter of Richard and Mary Milligan (Webb) Gray. Her father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. November 15, 1815, and died at Ogallala, Nebraska. September 24, 1896.

Richard Gray was Scotch, the son of William Gray, who was the son of Robert Gray, who served seven years in the Revolutionary War under Putnam, Washington and others. He made three enlistments, went up the hill at Stony Point and often made up regimental acceunts by the dim light of Tories' windows. As commissinoed officers were not paid at the close of the war, he received no remuneration until years afterward, when he was allowed to purchase land between Cincinnati and Hamilton at the rate of $1.25 per acre. The transfer was signed by the president of the United States. This land is still retained in the family and the buildings have been preserved. He married a woman of the same name, but no relation, making the subject of this sketch related to two families of Revolutionary fame. Ex-congressman Gray and Judge George L. Gray, both of Indiana, and W. C. Gray, a prolific writer, now deceased, of Chicago, were paternal relatives of Richard Gray. He was also connected to Whitelaw Reid and Congressman Woods of the early history of Indiana and Ohio. Richard Gray's father was a lawyer and his great grandfather one of the earliest teachers in Cincinnati, after he purchased land there in 1804.

Mary Milligan Webb was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, October 23, 1824, and died at Pleasant Plain, Iowa, on August 18, 1860. She was the daughter of Peter Webb, a Baptist minister of much respect in the South. Her family has become almost extinct since the Civil War. Two of her uncles served in the War of 1812. Mary M. Webb was an educator, especially strong in English and technical grammar. She was educated under the governess regime of the South, and spent much time aiding students in Ohio University. She died in 1865.

Anna Gray Clark began her education with her mother after the southern system and knew but little of public school life until she began to teach which was at a very early age. Thereafter she took post graduate work in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, languages in Howes Academy and Science in Wesleyan University. College societies were little known when she made her greatest efforts. Through life she has held positions usually filled by men. she as studied hard to attain them and keep abreast of the age. She has had charge of Madrid, Grant, Big Springs and other schools. While supervising the Stromsburg schools she observed the rapid advance in Nebraska land and through a syndicate formed by C. H. Morrill of that city she aided in selling large tracts of Union Pacific lands, in the mean time she taught in Summer Schools and Normal Institutes. Before leaving Polk of County she served two terms as County Superintendent of Schools after which she joined the western procession and located in Keith County where she followed the advice she had given others and filed on a Homestead. Since that time she has served two terms as County Superintendent of Schools of Keith County after which she purchased and operated the Keith County News for nearly five years. She is a Jefferson Democrat and has been honored on State Committees. She served as Chairwoman on the Tax Revision of Woman's League Voters. In faith she is a United Presbyterian, but has worked with the Congregational Church in later years. She has enjoyed aiding and fostering a Woman's Library Association of which she became a charter member twenty-seven years ago when women drove over ungraded roads for twenty miles to attend a meeting. The activities of this little band of women were far reaching in their results. At first they organized as a Woman's Club for mutual improvement and a closer relationship between neighbors and friends. They were cultured women and soon planned a course of study. Mrs. W. A. Paxton, a woman whose generosity was only equaled by her ability to organize, gathered the young girls of these families into a King's Daughters Circle, and the foundation of a prosperous village was established. A postoffice. church, and library building which is now supplied with nearly 2600 books with a paid librarian, and many other accessories which pertain to the public good have put the village of Keystone on the map. Aside from other duties of a business life; Mrs. Clark has written for Short Story Magazine, also Poetry Daily Drift and old time history of life on the plains. Though practically retired she continues to write of the West as she saw it first before it was despoiled by civilization. Residence: Ogallala. (Photograph in Album).

Benjamin Franklin Clark

Born in Washington County, Kentucky, September 11, 1891, Benjamin Franklin Clark is the son of Ben and Martha Frances (Blackerby) Clark. His father, who was interested in music and was a vocal instructor for many years, was born at Danville, Kentucky, August 17, 1859, and died at Ainsworth, Nebraska, December 15, 1923. His ancestors originally settled in Virginia, and later established homes in Kentucky where they were forced to live in forts as protection from the Indians. The grandfather of Benjamin Clark was a slave holder at the time of the Civil War but was a union sympathiser.

His mother was born at Stanford, Kentucky, June 6, 1865, and died at Ainsworth, Nebraska, August 5, 1911. Her ancestors came to this country from England where the family estate still is held intact by the heirs. Her father was an inventor and held many patents recorded in Washington, D. C.

Mr. Clark attended the elementary schools of Illinois. He has been a rancher and farmer near Ainsworth for a number of years, and is director of the Ainsworth Creamery Company. He is appraiser for the South Pine Local and the National Farm Loan Association.

He is a director in the local school board, is affiliated with Highland Grove Church, and holds membership in The Nebraskana Society. His hobby is mechanics.

On November 25, 1917, he was married to Ethel May Morrow at Johnstown. Mrs. Clark, who taught school before her marriage, was born at Modale, Iowa, December 25, 1895. To them were born two children: Evelyn, February 5, 1919; and Wayne, February 1, 1923. Both the children studied music. Residence: Ainsworth.

Byron Clark

On April 24, 1856, Timothy Byron Clark was born at Spring Lake, Illinois. His parents were Timothy and Anna (Benninnger (sic)) Clark, the former born near Amity, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1820. Orphaned at an early age he became apprenticed to a tailor, and later became a pioneer farmer in Nebraska Tradition in the family is to the effect that his ancestry goes to Abra Clark, one of

BYRON CLARK

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