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father was a successful farmer of his locality where he is still residing engaged in the management of his farm. JOHN I. FILER, who is one of Kimball county's representative citizens, substantial farmers and highly respected men, was brought to Nebraska in childhood and has spent his life in this beautiful western country. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, April 26, 1876, the first born in a family of six children. His parents were Joshua O. and Lusetta (Morgan) Filer, natives of Illinois. Their other children were as follows: Joseph L., Asa L. and George, all of whom are living; Myrtle, who is the wife of Fred McBride; and Bessie, who married John Carston, both of whom are deceased. In 1880 the parents of John I. Filer moved to Nebraska, settling at Gibbon, in Buffalo county, remaining there seven years. They then moved to Brady Island, from there going to a place on Pumpkin Creek, then in Cheyenne county but now Kimball. There the father homsteaded (sic) a quarter section timber claim and proved up on 320 acres as his homestead. He then went to Colorado and died there in 1899 but the mother of Mr. Filer survives, making her home with her youngest son, George. John I. Filer attended school during boyhood and then worked for the Brown Iliff Cattle Company until 1896, when he went into the cattle business for himself, branding three calves the first year. He continued in this business and in recent years has branded as many as two hundred and fifty calves. At the present time he has seven hundred head of cattle, owns nine hundred acres of land and leases a large acreage, carrying on both dry and irrigated farming, also a cattle ranch of about seventeen hundred acres in Carbon county, Wyoming. Mr. Filer has additional business interests as he is a stockholder and a director in the Bank of Kimball, at Kimball, Nebraska, and is also a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers State Bank at Dix, Nebraska. In March, 1895, Mr. Filer was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Lingelbach, and they have had five children, three daughters, Maria, Helen and Mildred, and two sons, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mr. Filer has never felt inclined toward political activity but has always been known as a sound, sensible, upright citizen, ever ready to do his full duty in a public way. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. CLAUDE E. GRISHAM. -- The power of the press is recognized throughout the length and breadth of our fair land, and today we are fully aware of the power yielded by newspapers of the nation. One of the strong resourceful young men who is doing his part in connection with the civic and industrial development of Cheyenne county is Claude E. Grisham, the owner and editor of the Lodge Pole Express, one of the progressive publications of the Panhandle, which under his careful guidance plays a large part in shaping opinion in this section and in formulating the policy of the voters of the Lodge Pole District. Mr. Grisham is a Missourian, born in Lowndes, Wayne county, September 25, 1892, the son of Thomas and Ellen Grisham, both of whom were natives of the state. Thomas Grisham was accidently (sic) killed in 1920 and his widow, Ellen, lives in the southeast part of the state. Claude Grisham was reared in his native state and there received the advantages of the excellent public schools. After reaching manhood's estate, he determined to establish himself in business and with the idea of an independent career he went to St. Louis, believing that there were many opportunities for a young and ambitious man in a large city. After looking around for some time he entered a newspaper office where he began to learn the practical side of journalism as he first became a printer, which today, with the highly technical work required on the presses which print a whole neswpaper (sic) at one time, color cuts as well, required time, concentration and many long hours of hard work, but he persevered and within a short period became an efficient pressman. As there seemed to be no opening in this city, at that time, Mr. Grisham decided to start west, but going no farther than the Panhandle as he stopped in Scottsbluff where he entered the office of the Star-Herald as foreman of the composing room, being an expert printer. For three years he held this position. and then resigned to accept a similar position on the Republican force in that city. After four years in that city on the North Platte, he left to accept a position as foreman of the York New Teller, but remained there but four months before he was offered a still better opening in Potter. He leased the Potter Review for one year in 1918. He then came to Lodge Pole on March 1, 1919, and purchased the Lodge Pole Express, a weekly paper, formerly owned by James C. Wolfe, who had published it for thirty-three years. Under Mr. Grisham's efficient guidance and the new policies inaugurated by him, the paper |
has increased in volume, the circulation is much greater than he believed it would become in so short a time, and today is one of the well known newspapers of the Panhandle. In connection with the paper he has established a job printing business with which he is meeting with well earned and deserved success. The southeastern part of Cheyenne county had long been in need of an up-to-date printing establishment and the citizens of this section owe many thanks to this progressive business man who is now supplying this long felt want. Mr. Grisham is largely the architect of his own fortune, for while his parents gave him the educational advantages they could, he has made his way since graduating from the high school, and today is one of the promising younger generation of the "Knights of the Quill" who are spreading the gospel of improvement, modern methods and intensive farming throughout the middle west. By his paper he enables the busy agriculturist and stock-raisers to keep in touch with the many important questions of the day. That he has won success at such an early date with the greater part of his life still before him, augurs well for him and his family in both material and intellectual happiness. June 21, 1914, was solemnized the marriage of Claude E. Grisham and Ida Mae Osborne, who is also a Missourian, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Osborne, prosperous farmers of Fredericktown, Madison county, Missouri. Mr. Grisham has never sought public office though he takes keen and active part in all civic public affairs pertaining to the welfare of Lodge Pole and his status in the community is that of a reliable, constructive and public spirited, citizen. He is an independent in politics, allowing no strictly drawn party lines to prevent him casting his vote for the best man. While living in Potter, he served as City Clerk of that village, and ably discharged the duties of that office. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. NOTE: None of the newspaper titles are in italics in this article. MARSHALL L. BIGLER, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Morrill county and a most worthy citizen in all that statement implies, has been a resident of Nebraska since boyhood and obtained his education at Hastings in Adams county. Marshall L. Bigler was born in La Salle county, Illinois, February 19, 1873, a son of Logan and Etta (Ferguson) Bigler. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Canada. She still resides in Illinois but the father is deceased. During his active years he was a railroad man. It so fell about that Marshall L. Bigler came to Nebraska in 1886, and this state has been his chosen home ever since. He grew up a reliable, industrious, intelligent youth and for a time worked in a bank at Hastings. In 1904, he acquired a farm of a hundred and sixty acres in Scottsbluff county, on which he carried on general farming but mainly stockraising, until 1911, when he came to Morrill county and acquired another farm of a quarter section, situated just north of Bayard. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres and makes a specialty of fine livestock. On October 4, 1899, Mr. Bigler was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Nowlan, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, October 25, 1874. She is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Perry) Nowlan, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1841, and settled first in Knox county, Illinois. The father of Mrs. Bigler was a merchant but is now deceased. The mother is living and resides at Hastings, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Bigler have three children: Lawrence, Francis and John. As a citizen interested in the public welfare, Mr. Bigler favors many public-spirited movements and encourages worthy enterprises. He is secretary of the Bayard school board, and in politics is a Republican. GEORGE MAX HANNA, whose enterprise along agricultural lines has resulted in profit to himself, has also brought credit on Morrill county, because increased agricultural production is one of the greatest needs of the country. A hardworking, intelligent farmer and stockraiser of today, giving close attention to his own business no matter what turmoils may agitate the country, is nobly performing a duty that deserves recognition and praise. George Max Hanna is a native son of Morrill county, born August 3, 1888. His parents were John and Martha Jane (Bower) Hanna, the latter of whom lives in Clark county, Illinois. The father, John Hanna, was born in Illinois. He came to Nebraska in 1884, and homesteaded a quarter section and also took a tree claim and was one of the earliest settlers in Morrill county. He met with many hardships during his earlier years, but persevered and became independent. His death occurred October 13, 1905, at the age of fifty-two years. In the public schools of Morrill county, George M. Hanna secured his education, and on his father's land his farm training. In 1912 he homesteaded for himself in Morrill county |
and now owns six hundred and forty acres of fine land. He runs about a hundred head of cattle, and his well cultivated land make his home surroundings comfortable and convenient. Mr. Hanna was married to Miss Gertrude L. Imus, who was born in Greeley county, Nebraska, October 21, 1895, a daughter of Leslie and Mary (Horn) Imus, the latter of whom was born in Greeley county and still survives. The father of Mrs. Hanna was born in Iowa and when he came first to Nebraska settled in Greeley county, but later came to Morrill county and homesteaded north of Bayard, where he and wife still live. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are members of the Christian Church. They have had three sons: Max Elwood, born June 8, 1916; John Raymond, born April 17, 1918, was drowned August 23, 1919; and Elden Leslie, born April 10, 1920. Mr. Hanna is a good citizen, interested in all that concerns the best interests of Morrill county, but he has never taken any very active part in politics. He votes according to his own judgment. PRICE P. WAITMAN, deceased, was one of Morrill county's best known citizens. For some time before his death he had practically retired, but for many years was extremely active here as a raiser of cattle, horses and mules, his land affording fine pasturage. He came with the settlers of 1888, and passed through the hardships that brought discouragement and ruin to many of the pioneers of that period, escaping many of these himself through good management and former experience. Price P. Waitman was born in Henry county, Iowa, March 4, 1853. His parents were Washington and Susanna Waitman, who were born in Ohio. The father was a farmer in Iowa at the time of his death, when but thirty-five years old. The mother lived to the unusual age of ninety-one years, passing away in Iowa. Neither parents (sic) ever came to Nebraska. Mr. Waitman was only six months old when his parents moved to Benton county, Iowa, where he attended the country schools in boyhood and remained on the farm. In 1888, he homesteaded in Cheyenne county, now Morrill, shipping his goods to Sidney and freighting the forty miles from there to his homestead on section thirty-two. As soon as he had proved up on his homestead, Mr. Waitman proved up on a tree claim. Later he owned two thousand acres, all in Redington precinct. While he raised some corn for many years, he gave but slight attention to small grain, devoting himself mainly to livestock, in which line he met with much success. His homestead was well improved and he said that for thirty-one years since he came here, there has never been twenty-four hours of that time that some one of his family has not been on the place. Mr. Waitman was married in Iowa, in 1877, to Miss Mary Kelty, who was born in Ohio, and the following children were born to them: William, who lives in Morrill county; Pearl, who is Mrs. Limberg, lives at Bridgeport; Dale W., who lives at home; Vernon, who lives in Morrill county; Mrs. Grace Wyatt, who lives in Banner county; Mrs. Bessie Wyatt who lives in Banner county; Mrs. Hazel Eaton, who lives in Wyoming; Bryan, who enlisted in the United States navy at Denver, Colorado, July 28, 1918, is now at home; Freda, who is Mrs. Ray Morrison, lives at Denver, Colorado and John, at home. Mr. Waitman was a Democrat in politics but has never sought public office. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Waitman died at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, September 19, 1919, from the effects of an operation. GEORGE R. SICKELS, who belongs to that group of early settlers who came to Morrill county in 1885, and through hardships and crop and stock losses, courageously persevered and is now able to enjoy the fruits of hope and toil. Mr. Sickels has long been a representative citizen of his section of the county and took a useful part in its development. He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, July 9, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Sickels, neither of whom ever came to Nebraska. George R. Sickels was five years old when his parents moved from New Jersey to Iowa, in which state he grew to manhood as a farmer. In 1880, he was married in Taylor county, Iowa, to Eva L. Drake; who was born and reared in New Jersey, a daughter of Owen and Martha Drake, who later were farming people in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Sickels have six children: Homer W. S., who lives in Banner county; Guy W., who lives near his father in Morrill county; Glenn G., who lives in Morrill county; Warren L., who lives in New Mexico; Mrs. Clara M. Skinner, who lives in Morrill county; and Roland O., who assists his father. When Mr. Sickels and his family came to this section they traveled in a covered wagon and brought household goods with them. |
Their first home was a dugout with a sod roof. The range was free then and the settlers with unfenced land had little chance to get ahead with crops while cattle and antelope ran wild over the country. On many occasions Mr. Sickels hunted antelope and deer and it was fortunate at that time as provisions were hard to secure and money was hard to earn. Many times has Mr. Sickels hauled a load of wood after cutting it, a distance of forty miles to Sidney and selling it for two and a half dollars, and has hauled post to Julesburg, Colorado. Mr. Sickels still lives on his homestead and also has a Kinkaid claim, eight hundred acres in all, of which he devotes eighty acres to alfalfa. He has mainly devoted himself to general farming and has done well. He has substantial buildings and a productive orchard and a grove he set out makes an attractive background for the comfortable farmhouse. In politics he is a Republican, and he is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America. HERMAN RINNE. -- Among the many good farmers highly respected citizens of Morrill county, none can show more evidence of prosperity than Herman Rinne, who owns a large body of land here and carries on general farming and stockraising. He is a native of Nebraska and was born at Steinauer, in Pawnee county, January 7, 1875. His parents were Henry and Annie (Kamen) Rinne, who were born in Germany and died in Nebraska. Of their four children Herman is the only survivor. Herman Rinne attended the country schools near his fathers (sic) farm and remained at home until prepared to undertake farming on his own account. He remained in Pawness (sic) county until 1916, and still own (sic) three hundred and sixty acres of fine land there. When he came to Morrill county he bought more than fifteen hundred acres of ranch land and is an extensive breeder of white face cattle and Percheron horses. He makes use of modern farm machinery and all his farm industries are carried on with the good judgment that many years of practical experience have given him. There are few farms in the county better improved than Mr. Rinne's, all the farm buildings being substantial and well kept, the family enjoying many modern comforts and conveniences in the farm home. Mr. Rinne was married to Mary Albers, who was born in Germany and was brought to the United States when two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Rinne have children as follows: Ernest, Otto, Walter, Ida and Wilber. Mr. Rinne and his family belong to the Evangelical church. A hard working man all his life, Mr. Rinne has never been anxious to serve in public office. He keeps well informed on all public questions however, and cast and (sic) intelligent vote according to his own judgment. CHARLES J. CADWELL, a representative of one of the early settler families of Saunders county, Nebraska, has been a resident of Morrill county since 1905, owns a large body of valuable land but rents out the greater part of it. Mr. Cadwell is giving a part of his attention to duties pertaining to several public offices. Charles J. Cadwell was born at Ashland, Nebraska, March 8, 1880. His parents are John Thomas and Sarah L. (Gilbert) Cadwell, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Illinois. For many years they have been highly respected resident (sic) of Saunders county. Charles J. Cadwell grew up on his father's farm and attended the public schools. In May, 1905, he came to Morrill county and homesteaded. He now owns a hundred acres of land, ninety-one acres being ditched and very valuable. While Mr. Cadwell. operated his land himself and grew alfalfa, beets, oats and corn with great success and continues to operate a small body of land, he is not interested as formerly. Mr. Cadwell was married to Miss Grace M. Wireman, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one son Francis Wireman. Her parents were F. E. and Mary (Rarick) Wireman, of Toulon, Illinois, who never came to Nebraska. Mrs. Cadwell was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Cadwell belongs to the same. He has always been an active citizen, although an independent voter, and has been called on several times to accept public office. At present he is moderator of school district number fifty-eight, and also is serving in the office of road overseer in town twenty-two, showing much efficiency in both capacities. FRANK DEAL, an enterprising and successful general farmer and stockraiser of Morill (sic) county, was born in Grundy county, Iowa, March 28, 1883. His parents are Milton and Jane Deal, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They came to Nebraska in 1887, purchased farm land and still live in Aurora, Nebraska. They have a family of fourteen children, the fourth in order of birth being Frank. It is not often that the biogapher (sic) has |
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