CHAPTER 15.
Ponca City - Its past and present
In the preceding pages, the gradual growth of Ponca from a houseless town site to a brisk business town is seen. As previously stated, the location is most favorable for a large place, being at the junction of the valleys of South Creek and Aoway, and surrounded by a rich agricultural country.
The proprietors of Ponca were not only wise in making its location near the timber and at the confluence to two such fertile valleys as Aoway and South Creek, thereby to a great extent commanding the trade of both and of their tributaries, but they showed good judgment in the selection of a place where is a water power which surpasses any on this side of the Missouri within a hundred miles. With these natural advantages, a prosperous future was reasonably expected.
Its growth was slow for many years. Its plat of 320 acres looked forlorn in its solitude, and though big in its framework was most lean and lank in its filling. It did indeed move ahead slow. So slow that for several years it required a marvellous imagination, to see that it moved at all. In 1873 seventeen years after it first saw light, Ponca had a population of possibly 200. At that length of time ago, a Sabbath day quiet brooded over the town, which was then a mere hamlet compared with what it is now. Then, what little there was of it, was quickly seen. As you crossed the bridge, comming from Sioux City, you saw Mr. Bigley's hotel, (the Valley House) and Stough & Brothers' grist mill, and as you passed on you came successively to F. Gould's grocery, the county clerk's office, the stores of S. Gamble and Stough & Mikesell, the which, together with two or three shops, comprised the business part of the place. Its dwelling houses were few, and all its business establishments from its stores down to its blacksmith shop could be counted on the fingers of two hands.
From 1873 to 1876 the town improved a little faster than before. Another blacksmith shop was started. Somebody also built a barn. A lean-to was added to the town grocery. One man built a new fence and painted his house. ANother proposed, in the bright near future, to build a hog house. Thus enjoying present prosperity and anticipations of the future, Ponca drifted along the stream of time.
When the narrow gauge railroad arrived, the town moved a little faster than before, though not as rapidly as it would with a more desirable road. When that road, after a few years, fell into the hands of a rich and energetic company and was built over and given standard gauge, new iron and better cars. Ponca really had for the first time, the prosperity which a good road brings. Its growth, hitherto slow, rapidly increased, and new enterprises and new arrivals of people became frequent.
From year to year its energy and good fortune continued. Old business houses and residences surrendered their locations to thosewhich were more commodious and elegant. The spacious brick store which Stough & Mikesell built in 1877, established the popularity of brick for buildings and such within a few years took the place of many of the humble business structures of earlier days.
Now, the four corners at the intersection of East and Third streets, are adorned by large blocks, fully equal to what are usual in very much larger towns. From that intersection west along Third street, and south on East street, business buildings thus elegantly constructed, are with few exceptions general.
The first brick store built by Stough & Mikesell, has doubled its former size. From there along the north side of Third street, is almost a continuous line of elegant business houses to Ionia street where S.P. Mikesell's palatial establishment is located. The same splended array of buildings is seen on much of the opposite side of Third street and on East street. This part of town where the Stoughs, Mikesell, Davey and Gamble do bussiness, is nearly every day a crowded scene of activity.
At the foot of East street stood the great mill built by Stough and Mikesell, and which was burned nearly three years ago. It was a imposing structure, and added greatly to the business and business look of the place. With so fine a waterpower it is likly that another mill will, ere long, be built there.
Outside the business part of town many fine residences claim attention. Good taste has generally prevailed in building them and in the arrangements around them. Twenty five years ago the entire town could not boast of more than a score of trees; now it has at least ten thousand. They fill most of the lots which are occupied and beautify the sides of nearly every street. These, with the shrubbery, vines, gardens, and flower beds, and the neatness displayed in all, have made Ponca homelike and enjoyable. Pictures of a few such fine residences are seen in this book and each tells a story of refinement.
The same good taste is displayed in the building and adornment of the churches, in the school houses and grounds around them., in the grading of the streets, in the building and repair of sidewalks and crossings, and in the clean and orderly methods by which the whole are supervised. All this has been the gradual outcome of a slow growth of twenty five years. The other fine towns of the county will in a short time enjoy the same attractive adornments, indeed, with the energy and ambition of the residents, the question of trees, vines, flowers and shrubbery is only one of the time required for their growth.
Let us briefly glance over the business men in Ponca. It will be seen that they cannot be counted on the fingers as in 1873.
The general stores are those of Stough Bros., S.P. Mikesell, J.M. Davey, M.F. Gamble and Drager Bros.
Of these, the Stough Bros., Mikesell and Davey have been in business many years. Stough and Mikesell commenced as partners in 1869 in the store on Third street now occupied by Eames & Searing, and removed in 1877 to their brick store then recently finished. They dissolved in 1886, Mr. Stough retaining the location and soon after Mr. Mikesell built the fine place he has since occupied. Mr. Davey has been in the mercantil business twenty years, and has a large establishment on East street, Mr. Gamble came here in 1872 and was clerk for S. Gamble and Stough & Mikesell until January, 1881, and has since been in business for himself. He has a commodious store on East street. Drager Bros. occupy the store on the southwest corner of East and Third streets.
Eames & Searing, R.P. Armstrong, A.O. Bladen, I. Conner and A.W. Beeson have well stocked stores for groceries, notions, etc. Eames & Searing commenced in 1890, and now do a large business. Mr. Bladen opened his store in April, 1895, and Mr. Beeson in Februrary, 1894. Mr. Armstrong came to Dixon county in the fall of 1870 and located on a homestead in Clark township, and several years later removed to Ponca, and in September, 1883, opened his present store. Charles Schroer commenced with a bakery in 1885, and in connection has now a restaurant and a good business and location.
Ponca's has three good hotels, viz; The Valley House, the "Hotel Rakow" and the Merchants. The Valley House is the oldest hotel in town. It was bought of Leander Davis many years ago by Wm. Bigley and kept until his death in 1878, and since by his widow Mrs. Bigley. Mr. and Mrs. Bigley were among the early settlers and their hotel was a prominent and popular stopping place. The "Hotel Rakow" is a large and elegant brick building on Third street, bought by A.F. Rakow in April 1895, of J.F. Smith. The Merchants Hotel was built nineteen years ago and is now owned by Geo. Bolton, formerly of Daily Branch. There was a fourth hotel, The Central House, a commodious and popular establishment, built by S. Gamble in 1877. It was burned in January, 1895, and Mr. Rakow, the proprietor, afterwards purchased the "Hotel Rakow" as above stated.
Among its prosperous institutions, Ponca has three drug stores, two millinery establishments, two hardware stores, a furniture store, a harness shop, two markets, etc.
The oldest drug store in town is that of T.R. Orr. It was started in 1876 by L. Kryger and afterwards sold to M.O. Ayers, and by him in 1878, disposed to Mr. Orr who came from Chicago a short time before. With the exception of about two years, he has continued the business ever since. Another drug store is that of J.D. Forbes who bought it in the spring of 1893 and has since continued it. Another popular drugist is W. M. Mahoney who purchased in October, 1893, the drug stor of N. Hamm. These three establishments are large and well managed.
The oldest millinery store is that of Mrs. M.B. Higgins who commenced about nineteen years ago, and another store of the kind has been kept by Miss Rogers several years.
As to the hardware stores, that of Wm. Auge is the oldest in town. Mr. Auge came to Dixon county in November, 1867, and located on a farm in Silver Creek. From there he moved to Ponca eighteen years ago, and engaged in the hardware business with James Hobbs. Seven years afterwards Mr. Hobbs retired, and Mr. Auge, (with an interval of one year,) continued the business from that time to this with great success. Mr. Auge is president of the Security Bank of Ponca and is a prosperous and reliable citizen. Mr. Hobbs came to Ponca about twenty-four years ago and was in the hardware business most of the time until he sold out to Mr. Auge. He went to Gilroy, Cal., since then, and is engaged in fruit raising. The other hardware store in Ponca, is that of L.Baltzly who has had it for several years.
The furniture store is that of J.A. Mohr who commenced that business in the spring of 1886 with James Hobbs, and since 1887 has continued it alone and with prosperous trade.
Ponca's harness establishment is owned by E.J. Berry, who with his father, came here from Illinois in March, 1873, and commenced that business in 1882. For that purpose he had a fine building on East street, which in January, '95 was burned with most of its contents. He has since rebuilt. Mr. Berry was mayor in 1888 and has served as councilman several terms. He is now supervisor of the first district of the county.
The oldest market in town is owned by Lister & Logan who have been together in business since 1887. J.H. Logan came here in 1878 from Dakota county, and has been engaged in buying grain much of the time. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison and gave entire satisfaction during his term of four years. His partner Wm. Lister came from Illinois in May, 1875, and has been in the market business most of the time since 1879. Has been mayor of the city two terms and is a reliable and much esteemed citizen. Speaking of the mayorality we will state that his next door neighbor in business, Mr. Searing, of the firm of Eames & Searing, also was one od Ponca's most popular and efficient mayors, his term ending in May, 1895. The most prominent dealer in farm machinery is August Bauer who came to Ponca in 1881 and commenced business the same year. He has two large buildings on Third street (115 by 25 feet and 70 by 28 feet,) both of which are occupied by an extensive stock. Has been councilman of the Third ward for two years, and is a good business man.
Wm. Groth, commenced in 1883 in the business of making cigars and has been prossperous and successful. His building is on East street.
Ponca's jeweler is E.W. Gray, who first came here in 1883, was absent from '84 to '91, since when he has had a successful business in his line.
The two barber shops are those of A.M. Coats, commenced in 1883, and G.P. Kauffman in 1892. Both are good citizens and shave with keen razors. Mr. Coats does business in a large brick building which he built on Third street a few years ago.
Ponca had three banks, the First National, Dixon County and Security, up to 1893 when the First National bank went up the spout to the distress of depositors and the disgrace of its managers. The bank of Dixon county was started in 1881 and the Security bank in 1890.
One of Ponca's prominent younger men is T.A. Berry who came here in 1890 and has since been manager of the Edwards and Bradford Lumber Company at this place, and in the large business he transacts has become very popular.
H.C. Howe, who came here in 1881, and M.I. Mellon in 1886, the former the cashier of the Dixon county bank and the latter filling a similar position in the Security bank, are among Ponca's progressive young men of business.
G.C. Hamilton, the photographer, located here in 1888 and has since remained. A number of his excellent pictures are seen in this history.
The lumber dealers are Edwards & Bradford and Francis & Son. An advertisement for Edwards & Bradford is on one of the last pages of this book.
The music store is kept by E. H. Dierenfield and was started by him two or three years ago.
The livery stables are those of H.C. Fields and C.E. Paull, who have been thus engaged several years.
The principal flour and feed store is that of Wm. Sheffel who came here with his father, Emanuel Sheffel, from Germany in 1868. His brother, Peter Sheffel came in 1864. The Sheffels have most of the time since then been in the mill business, and from 1877 to 1882 were the owners with Julius Drager of the mill built by Stough Brothers in 1860.
Ponca has three newspapers. The oldest is the Northern Nebraska Journal which was started January, 1873, by Wm. Huse and has since been continued by him, a part of the time in partnership with his son, W.N. Huse, now of the Norfolk Daily News. The present owners of the Journal are Wm. Huse and his son, E.W. Huse. The Journal was the first paper ever published in the county and for several years was the only one. In 1877 the Ponca Courier was commenced by Smith Brothers and afterwards passed through the hands of various proprietors, intil it was removed to Wayne soon after that town was born. Since then there have been several papers published in Ponca, some of which have had encouraging success. Those in town now, aside from the Journal, are the Gazette and Leader.
There are many other branches of business carried on in Ponca, aside from the above named. Gustav Franz has a shoe shop. There are also several blacksmith and wagon shops, a tailor shop, and the billiard halls of Trimborn & Higgins and McManus & Keefe.
H.E. Smith has for several years had a prosperous business in buying and shipping butter and eggs. M.M. Myres, Daniel Donlin, Michael Donlin, F. Conrad and C.H. Marble do the draying and do it well.
Near the south end of East street is the store of John Green who came a few years ago from the Black Hills where he was extensively engaged in mining. His father was one of Dixon county's pioneers.
On East street also, P.E. Rush has a notion store. Mr. Rush is a very skillful brick-layer as many of Ponca's fine buildings illustrate.
Speaking of brick, the brick yards of the Nelsons and that of Gen. Harrison a short distance north of town, manufacture all that are needed.
Ponca's postmaster is R.R. MacMullen, who was appointed by president Clevland about a year ago. Major MacMullen is an old army officer with an honorable record and is an excellent postmaster. Among the postmasters in the past have been N.S. Porter, E.D. Higgins, A. Reynolds, Harry Dorsey, W.T. Chapman, I. Conner, J.H. Logan and after him the present incumbent. The office has in the past twenty years increased largely in business and is now a presidential office.
This being a county seat, it is the natural home of attorneys. Among the first were Barnes Brothers and W. E. Gannt, who did a leading business for several years. The present attorneys are J.J. McCarthy, A.E. Barnes, J.M. Hench, A.G. Kingsbury, C.A. Kingsbury, J.V. Pearson and T.J. Welty.
Concerning J.J. McCarthy a more extended notice is given elsewhere. A.E. Barnes came here in 1877 from Ohio: studied law in the office of his brother Judge Barnes and was afterwards one of the firm. He is now one of the most prominent and successful lawyers in this part of the state. J.M. Hench, a well-read and able lawyer, came to Allen from the east in 1893 and from there to Ponca in 1894, since when he has been in the office with Mr. Barnes and has had a first-class practice. A.G. Kingsbury has been in practice since 1877 except one year while at Ann Arbor law school, where he graduated in 1895. C. A. Kingsbury studied law with A. G. Kingsbury and was admitted a few years ago. T.J. Welty, also became an attorney several years ago, and has recently opened an office. John V. Pearson, who graduated at the Ann Arbor law school a year ago, was in the office of J.J. McCarthy until August, 1895, when he became one of the teachers of the Ponca high school. The most prominent of those in the insurance business in Ponca are C.J. Story, R.R. MacMullen and W.W. Cooper.
Here are the names of a few of the old settlers, most of whom are not elsewhere mentioned. Nearly all were identified with Ponca village, though a few resided in Ponca township:
Joseph Walters, elected by accident to legislature in '76.
C.W. Todd, machinist and builder, '58 to '90. Helen M. Todd, sister, of some literary ability and teacher in music, now in Vermont; C.W. is in Wyoming. James Rucker, father-in-law to John Enders, came here in '67, now in Washington. C.M. Drake, '70 to '74, had a collegiate course given much to music, natural philosophy and evolution, is now in California and is devoting his time to study. Dr. J.K. Addis, '69 to death in '74. John Lawrence, '69, now in Wayne county. Oliver Baltzley, member of legislature '68, carpenter and builder, now in southern part of Nebraska. Kreiger, druggist. Avery Barber and family, '67, died in '92. LaFollette. M. Wigton. W.B. Douthit. Mr. Fero, first harness shop, '70, returned to New York in '74; his son John now here. C.W. Smith, '69, resides here now. W.C. Smith, former county judge. Wesley Mattison, came in '65, died in '93, wagon maker and mechanic. J.W. Jones, real estate agent, '79, now in Missouri. Frederic Higgins and family, '70, died in '88. Geo. Russel, from Independence, Iowa, '70, died in '94. J. McQuaid, '70, died in '91. William McDonald, '70, died in '77. B.O. Smith, '68, died in '87. James Smith, his son, now resides in Dakota county. Geo. Conrad, '76, died in '93; his wife still living. Charles B. Conrad, '67, moved to Iowa in '94. Wm. Henchbarger, '64, to '89. A.G. Wheeler, '68, went to Australia in '95. Joseph Porter, '76, died Februrary, '68; wife, Martha, died in '70. W. Freeburn, '69, moved to Washington territory in '77. Rev. Walter Clark, '71. J. Peters, '71 to '92. Lorenzo Smith, '67 to present time. James Hammell, mason and bricklayer, '60. J. Perrigone and J. Brewer, philosophers and explorers. Dr. Hughes and family, '75 to '77. Ed. Healy, lawyer. A.A. Porter, furniture store and builder, '68 to '95.
In addition to the above, some of those doing business here during a part or all the time since 1870, but now dead, moved away or gone into other business, were: J.P. Hingtgen, merchant; F.M. Hewett, bricklayer; F. Pletsch and J. Volkmar, boots and shoes; Mr. Gallagher, tailor; J.U. LaFollette, wagon maker; C.W. Bates, G.D. Russell, F.N. Johnson and W. Hunter, blacksmiths; J. Krause and Cahs. Metz, harness makers; Dean Palen, John Lawrence, A.A. Thompson and Mr. Green, livery; H. Ernst and A. and F.A. Porter, furniture; S. Gamble, Fred Gould, C.S. Ford and J.A. Mikesell, merchants; T.C. West, Rose and Potter and Dr. Wyckoff, druggists; A.H. Gould, hardware; E. and E. Harding, B.W. Powers, E.D. Higgins, O.M. Childs, Miss West, groceries and restaurants; Stough Bros. & Welty, bankers; O. P. Sullenberger, Central House; J. F. Myers, Valley House; Jones and Moore, W.P. Haydon, J. Leach, D. Hurley and J.W. Radford, farm machinery; C.L. Parke, musical instruments, Mrs. Addis and Miss Feauto, millinery; Leach and Drew, wheat buyers; the Hurley Bros., lime burners, Guy R. Wilbur and W.E. Butler, lawyers; Dr. Rowe, physician; etc., etc.
We have been able to obtain brief histories of a few of the pioneers who first settled in Ponca and vicinity and also of some of the later generation.
Among them was Wm. Bigley Jr., who lived in Ponca and vicinity twenty-one years and died here, March 27, 1878. He was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, and came to Philidelphia, Pa., when he was nine years old and remained there until he came to this county. He and his brother, James Bigley, (an account of whose murder at Sioux City has been given in a preceding chapter) were men of activity and push, and greatly helped the growth of the town and county. At his death Wm. Bigley left a wife and three children, and James Bigley a wife.
Another early settler was Edward Serry. He came from Iowa in 1856 and first located on a claim (near John Roden's place) five miles from Ponca. He was the first clerk of the squatters Club and court, which ruled this part of the country for several years. One of his duties under squatter rule was to allot half a section of land to every new settler. This held good only until the land was surveyed and brought into market in 1857. Mr. Serry was county clerk several terms and in that office became very popular. He died about twenty-five years ago leaving a wife and several children, the oldest of whom, John Serry, now lives in Vermillion, S.D.
H.A. Fuller and Frank West have been briefly mentioned in a previous chapter. Fuller went in '61. The Stough Brothers, viz: John Stough, Dr. S.B. Stough and Jacob Stough came here, the first two in '56 and latter in '57.
John Stough was born in Westmorland county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 12, 1828. He was raised on a farm, and in 1852 moved to Ohio. In '54 and '55 he taught school in Tuscaroras county, that state. In 1856 came to Ponca where he has nearly all the time since been one of the most prominent of the business men in farming, merchandise, milling, building and various other useful enterprises, among which, during a few years past he has had a large interest in an extensive cold storage establishment in Sioux City. As a matter of course, good management has given success and he is now considered one of the wealthiest citizens of the county. Mr. Stough was married in 1862 to Elisabeth Ernst. Have had seven children, three of whom are now living. In county and city affairs, Mr. Stough has been safe and reliable in the matters intrusted to his care. He was one of the county commissioners for five years, (1865 to and including 1869), and was mayor of Ponca for two years.
S.B. Stough, born September 13, 1826, and like his brothers, was raised on a farm. He came to Nebraska in 1856, a few months before his brother John. Like him he has been engaged in various pursuits and with profitable results. Across the Missouri in Dakota he had for several years a large mill which did an extensive business. He was also connected with a bank at Elk Point and until a year ago was president of the Security bank at Ponca. In company with John and Jacob Stough, he has been in the mercantile and milling business in Ponca. All these with farming, building, and his duties as surveyor for the county most of the time, have given him active life. Dr. Stough was married in 1861 to Helena Ernst. They have had five children, four of whom are living. They live in a fine house on Third street, a picture of which is given herein.
Jacob Stough, born in 1832, came here in 1857 and has been identified with his brothers in business most of the time since. Like them he is wealthy and is one of the heavy stockholders of the Security bank. He was married to Anna Sheffel, and has two children.
J.D. Stough and Wm. Stough, the sons of John Stough, ably manage the large store of Stough Brothers. J.D. Stough has a fine business education and is very popular in the county. For two years he has been chairman of the board of supervisors, and was this fall, 1895, elected county treasurer.
Judge Edward Arnold was born near Cork, Ireland, May 1, 1822. Came to New York in 1845, and soon after moved to Massachusetts, where for several years he was engaged in cotton manufacturing. Came to Ponca in spring of 1857. At the time he came, Ponca was a part of Dakota county, and he was elected in the fall of 1857, superintendent of public instruction for that county. Was first clerk of Dixon county after its organization in 1858. In 1862, enlisted in Company I, First Nebraska Cavalry, and served twelve months. In 1876 and 1877, was the first judge under the new constitution. Was a man of fine education and ability, and was prominent in county and town affairs. Had a large farm where he resided many years and up to the time of his death, about a mile west of Ponca. He died in 1893, greatly respected and regretted by the citizens of the county. He left a wife and two sons.
Francis Freeman, came to Ponca in '57, and lived there to the time of his death, May 5, 1886. Age, 73 years. He was a worthy and honest citizen with many friends. Two of his daughters now live in the residence he built on Front street.
Wm. Long, formerly a soldier, came to Ponca about 1865 and became clerk for Wm. and James Bigley in their hotel and store. He was a good penman and was well acquzinted with western business, and was clear headed and influential helper in building up the place. He moved away in 1870 and now lives in the southern part of the state.
Another of the first settlers of Ponca and Dixon county was E.M. Bisbee. He was born at Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York, and lived there and at Jamestown, N.Y., until in company with N.S. Porter and C.W. Todd, he came to Ponca, arriving in 1858, where he resided most of the time until his death, March 27, 1893, aged about 61 years. When he first came here he found few white people and towns, and generally an uncultivated country. It was the home of Indians and buffaloes and remote from eastern civilization and society. For a number of years he was a farmer and also worked at his trade of millright. He gradually saw the country around him settle up and improve, saw the Indian and buffalo disappear, farms opened and cultivated, and houses, churches and towns built. In 1863, he was unanimously elected county clerk and held the office until 1865, and afterwards from October, 1870, to October, 1871, and from 1876 to 1885. It was not a very lucrative office at first, and the records required no safes or vaults, and in fact needed no other office than his hat; hence, as it was a frontier custom to wear one's hat during all walking hours, it could be safely said that "Honest Old Ned," as he was called, was always in his office and ready for business. At his death he left a wife and six sons and daughters, of whom five are now living, viz: Mrs. J.N. Hoskinson, Mrs. E.C. Ollerman and Mrs. F. Hebron, and Carl and Clarence Bisbee.
John M. Davey, now and for many years an honorable merchant and citizen of Ponca, was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, in 1845 and lived in that state until his twenty-eighth year. He then came to Nebraska, and located on Elk Creek, Dakota county. After two years, he removed to Ponca, (1875,) where he has been in the mercantile business most of the time since. His large store, (25 by 90 feet,) is on East street, and from the first he has had a large patronage and a wide circle of friends. Mr. Davy married thirty-three years ago a lady who died at the end of six years. His present wife, to whom he was married nineteen years ago, was Mary McCormick whose parents resided in Dakota county. He has had ten children, three by his first wife and seven by his second. Mr. Davey has an attractive and homelike residence just outside of Ponca. In financial affairs he has been very successful and is now a large land owner in Dakota and Dixon counties.
N.S. Porter was born in 1832 in the town of Poland, Chautauqua county, N.Y. Lived in that county until 20 years old, and then with his father went to Pennsylvania to build mills. Stayed there three years and returned to Jamestown and was foreman in the mill business until 1857. Then with E.M. Bisbee and C.W. Todd came west. They spent the winter of 1857-'58 in Wisconsin, and in '58 came to Ponca, and soon after he bought the claim he now lives on. From '58 to '70, worked mainly at mill building. Was married in 1868 to Louisa Tiffany of Jamestown, N.Y. Have had four children, three sons and one daughter, two of whom, Albert and Joseph are now living. His wife died November 16, 1883. In '62 and '63 he enlisted and helped to recruit and organize Company I of the First Nebraska Cavalry. Was mustard out in fall of '63. In '64 was a member of the territorial legislature, and in '66 was elected senator to the state legislature and re-elected in '68. Was in the mercantile business with S. Gamble or alone, in '69, '70, '71. Was county commissioner four years and was elected inspector of prisons for two year. From '79 was agent at the Fort Peck Indian Agency, Montana, for four years; was appointed by President Cleveland, in 1886, to allot lands to Indians on Indian territory and re-appointed by President Harrison and served three years. Has since remained at Ponca. Mr. Porter has had a busy and responsible life.
Samuel Gamble, was one of the early settlers of Northern Nebraska. First residing in Dakota county and afterwards and up to the time of his death in Dixon, he was in both for many years a prominent citizen, closely connected with their history, enterprise and business. He was born August 8, 1817, in Westmorland county, Penn., gre to manhood there, and lived in that county more than half his life. Was married April 22, 1842, to Mrs. Eleanor McCauley Adair, with whom, sixteen years afterwards, in 1856, he removed to Dakota county, this state. At the time of his death, September 2, 1888, he had been a resident of Nebraska for over thirty-one years, and it may be assumed that like all first settlers of a new country, he and his wife endured for a time, perhaps for years, the privations and hardships incident to frontier life. In 1866 he was afflicted by the death ef his wife, who died on the 20th of April of that year, after a married life of about twenty-four years. During his residence in Dakota county, Mr. Gamble's correct business methods and merits in whatever position he was placed, gained him from the first, the confidence of the citizens. He was for several years a county commissioner, and afterwards was sheriff for six years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I of the First Nebraska Cavalry, and as quarter-master served thirteen months. During his service his regiment was most of the time on the western frontier assisting to quell the Indian outbreak which was then so desperate, especially in Minnesota and parts of Dakota, and which occasioned the wildest terror and panic in the then sparsely settled counties of North Nebraska. In 1867, Mr. Gamble married Miss Celestie Manard. In that year he removed to Ponca and engaged in the mercantile business which he continued until 1877.
R.H. Pomeroy, was born in Steuben county, N.Y., September 19, 1844. Landed in Dixon county, September 19, 1868. Located on the southwest quarter of section 21,,township 28, range 5. (Springbank township.) The 160 acres he first took he still retains. Was county commissioner three years, ('81, '82, '83) and has been county treasurer two terms, his present term ending in January, 1896. Mr. Pomeroy has been an influential and useful citizen for the county. Mainly through his efforts, the attempt to rebond the county to pay the old narrow gauge railroad bonds was defeated, thereby saving the county near $100.000. He was married, March 15,, 1868, to Agatha D. Chapel, of Spring grove, Wis. They have had five children, four of whom are living.
Harriet A. Pomeroy, daughter of R.H. Pomeroy, was appointed deputy treasurer, January 7, 1892, and has held it four years, fulfilling the duties with entire success.
John McKinley was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1833. He came across the ocean in '51, and for awhile was at Williamsburg, N.Y., where he shoveled dirt and graded streets. From there he went to Connecticut, near New Haven, and worked on a farm and in a saw mill. Returned to New York again and quarried stone one winter. Then went to Philadelphia; worked at various things there and out in the country until 1857, when he came to Dixon county. First took claim on the Jourdan branch (in the South Creek region), and held it down a year, and then went to St. Louis, Mo., and from there to New Orleans and other places in Louisiana. Returned here and entered 160 acres seven miles from Ponca, up West Creek, and lived there four or five years. Then traded that place for the one he now lives on adjoining Ponca. He has 280 acres. He was a reliable and efficient county commissioner and held that office thre years, '77, '78, '79. He was married in 1861 and has one son and three daughters.
J.J. McCarthy was born in Dane county, Wis., 1857, and lived on a farm except when at school. When 19 years old he commenced teaching mathematics in the Albion (Wis.) Academy, where there were fifteen teachers and 300 scholars. Taught two years. When 21 years old he came to David City, Neb., and taught school and studied law. In 1882, came to Emerson and went into the law and real estate business. Built a residence and store, and Emerson's first newspaper office, and was connected with its first paper, the "Emerson Echo." Has been in the mercantile business at Emerson, with Theodore Kuntz for several years past, and president of the German American Bank since it started in 1892. Married June, 1884, to Nelly McGowan of Seward county, Neb. Have five children, all living. Elected county attorney in 1890 and has held it ever since, his present term expiring a year hence. Removed to Ponca in 1889. As county attorney he has been thorough and successful, and has given excellent satisfaction.
John A. Mohr was born in Clayton county, Iowa, and in Clayton and Delaware counties lived twenty-six years, during the last few years of which he was largely engaged in manufacturing and bridge building. He removed to Ponca in September, 1881, and has remained here, actively occupied since then. He was engaged in merchandise three and one-half years, and afterwards in 1886, went into the furniture business with James Hobbs. In 1887, he bought out Mr. Hobbs, and has since continued in the same business. During the time, he also built a great number of the excellent bridges which the board of supervisors have wisely supplied the county. Mr. Mohr was mayor of Ponca during one year, from May, '93, to May, '94, and has been on the school board seven years, (all of the time except one year as director,) and his present term exspires two years hence. He was married in February, 1885, to Maggie J. McKinley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McKinley of Ponca, and has two children-boys. Mr. Mohr has been very popular with the citizens by reason of his efforts in advocating improvements and enterprises which were beneficial to the city and county. He has done a large and honorable business and his store has an immense stock of goods and a great community of patrons.
Asa W. Rose was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1847. His parents removed to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1854, where they resided for one year when they removed by team to what is now Rock Falls in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, and two years later settled upon their farm near Plymouth in same county until 1866. The subject of this sketch enlisted in Company M, 1st Iowa cavalry and served two years and eight months and was discharged at St. Louis at the close of the war, when he returned home, and the next year with his parents removed to Union county, Dakota, where they settled upon homesteads in the western part of the county on the banks of the Missouri, opposite the town of Ionia. In 1868, he was married to Almira J. Bishop, who died a few months later. In the winter of 1869 he removed to Ionia, where he with a Mr. Leavens opened a general store. In December, 1870, he was married to Carrie L. Hill, daughter of L.T. Hill of Ionia, where they resided until until 1889, when they removed to Ponca township, where they have since resided. In January, 1893, Mr. Rose was appointed county judge pro tem, by the board of county supervisors during the illness of Judge Reynolds, and in July of the same year upon the death of Judge Reynolds was appointed county judge. In the fall of the same year was elected to the same office and in November, 1895, was again elected, breaking the record and receiving the largest vote ever cast for any one man in Dixon county.
Carrie L. Rose, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Hill, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1853. With her parent, came to Davenport, Iowa, in '56 and to Ionia in '59, where in '70 she was married to Asa W. Rose. In the spring of 1892, Mrs. Rose with her children removed to Soquel, Cal., in the hopes that the health of their eldest daughter Alice E. Rose might be benefitted. Their hopes were not realized, for in October of the same year she died at that place, aged 20 years. Mrs. Rose and children remained at Soquel until the fall of 1894 when they returned to Ponca.
M.F. Richards came here from McHenry county, Mich., in 1885, and is a most reliable resident. He has been city marshal, and for a year past deputy sheriff, and has been appointed deputy by Sheriff Hart for the term commencing Jan. 1, '96.
W.W. Cooper was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, July 8, 1860. His father owned a large farm on which he worked until the age of 21. He attended common school winters and worked on the farm the balance of the year, till 17 years old, when he finished the "Course of Study for Country Schools" and attended Spring Green high school one term. In the following spring he attended teachers' examination and secured third grade certificate and the following winter taught his first term of school. He continued to teach in winter and work on farm in summer until spring of 1882, when he, with two other brothers, went west and settled in Spink county, S.D., and took claim and remained there two years, when, owing to complete failure of crops, he returned to his home in Wisconsin and again taught school in winter and worked at other work in summer. In 1886 he again came west and accepted a position with his brother in the office of county auditor at Canton, S.D., which he held two years, when he resigned to accept the position of deputy treasurer, which he held till spring of 1893, when he resigned the position and came to Ponca and opened a real estate and abstract office. August 1, 1892, he was married to Miss Eva A Prince at Canton, S.D. Mr. Cooper was elected in the fall of 1895 to the office of clerk of the district court for Dixon county, commencing his duties in January, 1896.
W.P. Logan, a prominent young business man, now of New Castle, was born at Troy, Kansas, Nov. 29, 1868, and came to Nebraska at an early age with his parents and to Ponca a few years ago. Was employed in the Farmers and Merchants bank and First National of Ponca from 1885 to 1893, and was city treasurer in 1892. In March, '93, was elected cashier of the Farmers State bank at New Castle, of which he was one of the organizers and stockholders, and to which place he removed. Mr. Logan was largely instrumental in the building of the new $4,000 school house there recently, while director of the district. He is now serving his second term as village treasurer of that place. Mr. Logan is a young man of fine attainments which are shown in his efforts for the up-building of New Castle. He was married, December 23, 1890, to Gail Conner, of Ponca, and now has two children.
S.P. Mikesell was born in Indiana county, Penn., June 14, 1839. Received a preparatory education for college, at Eldersridge Academy, and entered the Sophomore class, Pennsylvania College, in 1861. Left the junior class in 1863 and joined the 26th Regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, commanded by Col. Jennings.
After the battle of Gettysburg he was appointed clerk in the ordinance office, war department, Washington. Resigned this position in the fall of 1865, and came to Nebraska in March, 1866. Was a resident of Dakota City and Sioux City three years. In June, 1869, located in Ponca and entered the mercantile business with John Stough under the firm name of Stough & Mikesell. On January 1, 1886, the firm was dissolved, and in September of the same year, Mr. Mikesell opened a large store (38 x 100 feet) which he had previously built and which he has occupied from that time to the present. Mr. Mikesell is one of the most successful and reliable merchants in the county, and in other pursuits as well as merchandise, has a immense business. In education and executive ability he probably has no superiors in the county. At New Castle, Mr. M. has another extensive mercantile establishment of which J.M. Hoskinson is manager. Mr. Mikesell has a wife and three grown up sons. A view of his large residence, as well as his portrait, are seen here.
P. McCabe has been an excellent and popular sheriff four years, his term ending January 1, 1896. He came to this country at an early day, and has a large and valuable farm on which as in other business he has been successful.
J.D. Harris, who has been the clerk of the district court for several years, resides a stone's throw outside the city limits, where he and his family have a pleasant home. Mr. Harris has also been deputy county clerk several terms, and in official business of that kind, it is not likely he can be excelled.
Dr. Stevenson, a reputable dentist, recently located in Ponca, taking the place of Dr. Wasson, who removed to Sioux City.
Dr. J.M. O'Connell has been a successful physician at this place for the past fifteen years, and has the confidence of the people and a large practice.
Bion H. Culver was born in Granby township, Oswego county, N.Y., in 1857. In 1860, his parent's removed to a farm near Dixon, Ill., where his father died in 1865. In 1870, he and his mother came to Nebraska and lived on a homestead near Pleasant Dale, in Seward county, till the fall of 1875. While living here he attended school in district No. 17 about eight months, the only public school he ever attended. In the spring of 1875, passed examination before the county superintendent of Lancaster county and received his first teacher's certificate. In September, 1875, he entered the State University as a student. He worked his way through an eight- year course at the University by occasionally teaching, and graduated with the class of 1883, receiving the degree of B.S. After graduating he was elected principal of the public schools at Rulo. He served a short time, and was then called back to his alma mater, the State University, to take the responsible position of instructor in modern languages. He held this position for three years after which he went to Denver to take a position as teacher but failing health compelled him to abandon school entirely for some time. In 1888, he went to Europe to complete his studies in the languages. While there he attended a post-graduate course of lectures at the Bavarian Royal University at Munich, Germany. Since returning to America has been constantly engaged in school work and is now serving his fifth year as principal of the Ponca public schools. Prof. Culver was married Aug. 9, 1893, to Miss Cynthia J. Culp of Constantine, Mich., who for several years has been the efficient assistant principal of the Ponca high school.
Dr. J.W. Porter was born in Chautauqua county, New York, and came to Ponca in 1868. He was elected county judge in October, '71, and held that office until January 1, 1876. Since then he has had a very successful practice as a physician. He has a wife and four children.
T.J. Welty came to Ponca in 1869. Was a farmer at first, then a merchant, and afterwards gave excellent satisfaction as county clerk for five years.
J. Hewett came to Dixon county at an early day. First settled in Silver Creek and afterwards removed to Ponca, where he now resides. Has had various city offices and is much respected by the citizens.
T.J. Sheibley, was born in Duncannon, Perry county, Pa., July 12, 1845. Was raised on a farm and lived there till April 19, 1861, when he enlisted at Duncannon in Company B of the First Pennsylvania Rifles, (Bucktails,) and was discharged, November 19, 1864, at Harrisburg, Pa. During all the time he was in the army, he was in active service and in many engagements. He participated in the battles of Mechanicsville, Va., June 26, 1862; Gaines Mill, Va., June 27; Charles City Cross Roads, Va., June 30; the second battle of Bull Run, Va., August 29, and 30; South Mountain, Md., September 14; Antietam, Md., September 16 and 17; Fredericksburg, Va., December 13; all of the above being in 1862. In 1863 he was in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 3, where he was slightly wounded. Was in the Mine Run campaign in December, 1863, and in the battle of Spottsylvania Court House May 8 and 9, 1864, where he lost a leg. That ended his military career. He was discharged in the November following. The "Bucktails." celebrated as among the bravest troops on the northern side, were skirmishing and scouting nearly all the time and at the end of the war over three-fourths of them had been killed or wounded. Mr. Sheibley on his discharge, returned to Duncannon, where, from June, 1865, he was postmaster until May 15, 1869. He was elected register and recorder of Perry county in October, '69, and held the office three years. In June '73, removed to Dixon county and settled on the southeast quarter, section 8, township 28, range 6, (Otter Creek township.) He now has 320 acres there. In October, 1885, on account of ill health of wife, removed to Florida and returned to Ponca in June, 1887. Was elected county clerk of Dixon county, November 5, 1889, and was re-elected in '91 and '93, during the six years, holding the office with ability and to the entire satisfaction of all, being, indeed, one of the most thorough officers the county has ever had. He was married July 6, 1872, to Sarah Wertz of Landesburg, Pa. They have one daughter, Miss Anna Sheibley, who has been deputy county clerk for four years, and who, in knowledge of the office and in business accomplishments, has few superiors.
Mark Brown, another worthy citizen, honorably served in the war four years, and was sheriff of the county two terms.
There are a great many more citizens of Ponca who are deserving of special notices, but the extraordinary length of this chapter requires that the list be abridged.
Of those residents of Ponca not thus far mentioned but deserving of it and only lack of room preventing, are J.W. Armstrong, Wm. Austin, J.H. Cole, F. Conrad, E.B. Campbell, L.J. Coyle, (the agent at the railroad depot.) Thomas Crew, Daniel and Michael Donlin who are further mentioned in the part relating to Ponca township, Wm. Dullaghan the present efficient city marshall, A.J. Deal, Nate Heyden, O. Myers, M.M. Myers, Albert Meyer, John McClary, P.J. Morris, A.J. Phillips, J.N. Peel, James Rush, Mr. Rogers, W.E. Pogue, Henry Sheffel, Jacob Sailor, Lee and Cy, Sincenbaugh, J. Thompkins, J.P. Travis, etc., etc.
Combined, the citizens of Ponca form a community which in intelligence, enterprise and morals is not surpassed by any town in the state.
Ponca has five churches, viz: The Luthern, which has had the following pastors, Dr. W. Kuhns of Omaha came in 1865, followed in '67 by Prof. Samuel Aughey a short time and after him Rev. J.F. Kuhlman from '73 to '78, followed by Revs. G.H. Schnur, A.B. Schrader, Samuel Smith and W.C. McCool. An elegant church, one of the finest in this part of the state, was erected in 1892.
The Presbyterian church, organized in 1871, has had the following pastors in the order here given: Revs. W.H. Clark, Chapman, R.L. Wheeler, (12 years,) Smith, Graves and Young. The society has a fine church well fitted up and furnished.
The Methodist church, has had the following pastors: Revs. J.B. Leedom; W.J. Barger, '76; F.H. Calder; Joel A. Smith, '79, '80; J. Fowler, '80, '82; J.B. Priest, '82, '85; C.F. Haywood, '85; J.H. Keeley; J.L. St. Clair, '88; J.H. Frazer; W.P. Kingsbury; J.H. Johnson; W.H. Linn, '93; J.M. Bothwell, 94; and F.G. Perry, '95. The Methodist society have a large and well arranged church, built in 1885 to take the place of the one blown down.
The Baptist church was organized in 1880, and has since had the following pastors: Revs. J.B. Ward, J.R. Wolf, F.G. Boughton and D.W. Bouck. The church building is like the others, tastily built and comfortably arranged.
A large and commodious Catholic church was built in 1890, and its pastors have been, Fathers Schmit, Hanley and Geary. This and the other churches named have large congregations, and are prominent in good works and in the promotion of morals.
As has been previously mentioned, Ponca's large school building was built and took the place of the old one, in 1878. It has since been doubled in size, and a smaller school building erected on another street. For several years past, from six to eight teachers have been employed nine months in the year. The school is graded and the teachers are well skilled, and with the large number of scholars, improvement is rapid and satisfactory.
The lodges and benevolent societies in Ponca are the following: A. F. & A. M., I. O. of O. F., Knights of Pythias, Woodmen, Workmen, Daughters of Rebekah, Knights of the Maccabees, Women's Relief Corps, G. A. R., W. R. C. and W. C. T. U.
All the above have large memberships. The Masons, "Odd Fellows and G. A. R. have large halls appropriately fitted up and furnished.
The city council for this year are G.L. Wood, mayor; W.W. Cooper, clerk; and M.M. Sencenbaugh, A.J. Phillips, M.I. Mellon, E.E. Halstead, E.J. Berry and Julius Drager, councilman.
Ponca has a fine system of waterworks at present under the superintendency of O.P. Sullenberger.
John Austin and sons at Ponca landing have a ferry so that those who so desire, can without much exspense escape into South Dakota.
Copyright (C) 1998-2001 Robin Mosier
Copying is permitted only for noncommercial, educational, and genealogical research use by individuals. This message must appear on all copied material. All commercial or use for profit requires written permission.
