Richardson County Archives – Page 2 of 4

Biography of Leander C. Prichard of Arago

Leander C. Prichard, a prominent farmer and stockman in Arago precinct, Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on January 15, 1854, in Boyd County, Kentucky. He was the son of William and Caroline (Newman) Prichard, both from Kentucky. In 1880, Leander moved to Nebraska and acquired a 150-acre farm in Arago precinct. He married Laura L. Vaughan on February 21, 1881. Laura, born on January 24, 1864, in Lawrence County, Ohio, moved to Nebraska with her family in 1865. Leander was a Democrat and focused on progressive farming practices, including breeding Duroc-Jersey hogs. The Prichards were well-regarded in their community for their contributions to local development.

Biography of John C. Helfenbein of Arago

John C. Helfenbein, a lifelong resident of Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on February 22, 1866, in Arago precinct. His parents, John and Lena (Buck) Helfenbein, emigrated from Germany and were among the earliest settlers of the county. John C. Helfenbein grew up on the family farm and later established his own 110-acre farm in Arago precinct, where he made significant improvements. On April 21, 1892, he married Mary Miller, with whom he had four children: Leila, August, Edna, and Ernest. Active in his community, Helfenbein was a Republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Biography of Daniel B. Ratekin of Rulo

Daniel B. Ratekin, born on October 2, 1881, near Rulo, Nebraska, served as sheriff of Richardson County following his election in 1914. He was the son of William L. and Mary Ann Vaughn Ratekin, who settled in the county in 1864. Daniel grew up on the family farm and later engaged in various business and public service roles in Rulo, including assessor, school treasurer, and mayor. He moved to Falls City in 1912 to enter the automobile business before becoming sheriff. He married Minna A. LaBlanc in 1904, and they had one daughter, Mary H., born in 1905.

Biography of Charles Henry Thornton of Humboldt

Charles Henry Thornton, a notable commercial photographer in Humboldt, Nebraska, was born on October 17, 1868, near St. Joseph, Michigan. His parents, John M. and Jane (Brady) Thornton, originally from England, moved the family to Iowa in 1874 and later to Nebraska in 1880. Charles transitioned from farming to photography after a stint in Kansas. He established a successful photography studio in Auburn before relocating to Humboldt in 1904. Married to Grace Elliot in 1899, they had two sons, Dale and Leland. Active in the Christian church and local fraternities, Thornton was a prominent community member and Democrat.

Biography of Daniel Riley of Rulo

Daniel Riley, a prominent and well-known farmer in Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on January 6, 1855, in New Jersey. His parents, Michael and Mary (O’Brien) Riley, emigrated from County Tipperary, Ireland, and settled in Nebraska Territory in 1859. Daniel spent his entire life in Richardson County, contributing significantly to its development from its pioneer days. He married Mary Elizabeth (Wheeler) Whitney in 1912 and owned a substantial 800-acre farm. Known for his community involvement, Daniel Riley was an influential figure in local politics and agriculture until his death in 1884.

Biography of Joshua S. Lord of Salem

Joshua S. Lord, born November 11, 1865, near Rushville, Illinois, was a notable figure in Richardson County, Nebraska. A son of Joseph and Anna (Boyd) Lord, he moved to Nebraska at age three and witnessed the area’s development from pioneer days. His father, originally from England, became a successful farmer in Richardson County before his death in 1874. Joshua, after initially helping on the family farm, ventured into the drug business and later into politics, serving as a state legislator and county treasurer. Beginning in 1910, he served as the cashier of the First National Bank of Falls City. He married Eliza P. Boyd in 1884, and they had three children: Vera, Harold, and Mildred. The family was active in the local community and social organizations.

Biography of Frank Kotouc, Jr. of Humboldt

Frank Kotouc, born September 20, 1875, in Jitkov, Bohemia, is a notable businessman in Humboldt, Nebraska. The son of Frank and Mary (Hon) Kotouc, he emigrated to the United States in 1882, settling in Humboldt. Frank, along with his brothers, founded Kotouc Brothers, a successful general store in Humboldt, which expanded to include a branch in New Raymer, Colorado. Their business is known for its extensive and high-quality inventory. Frank, an active community member, has also invested in substantial land holdings in Colorado. Politically a Democrat, he is engaged in various fraternal organizations and supports local churches.

Biography of William C. Oswald of Falls City

William C. Oswald, born May 28, 1843, in Saxony, was a respected retired farmer and Civil War veteran residing in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. Emigrating to the United States in 1858 at age 15, he worked in Ohio before enlisting in the Union Army in 1861. After serving with the Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Cavalry, he moved to Nebraska in 1867, homesteading in Johnson County. Despite early hardships, he prospered and eventually purchased a farm near Salem. In 1892, he retired to Falls City. Oswald married Christina Hasenyager in 1868, and they had six children. The family was active in the German Lutheran church and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of Gustav William Duerfeldt of Barada

Gustav William Duerfeldt, born June 21, 1864, in Barada precinct, Richardson County, Nebraska, was a prominent farmer and community leader. He managed the 290-acre “Catalpa Lane Farm,” served as vice-president of the Barada Bank, and managed the Barada branch of the Southeast Nebraska Telephone Company. Son of German immigrants Gustav C. and Louisa (Parchen) Duerfeldt, he spent his early years improving the family farm before working in Helena, Montana, during the early 1890s. Returning to Barada in 1894, he focused on farming and livestock. Duerfeldt married Elizabeth C. Adami in 1892, and they had four children. He was active in the Lutheran church and local civic affairs.

Biography of Herman Tiehen of Salem

Herman Tiehen, a prominent pioneer and substantial landowner in Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on July 15, 1829, in Hanover, Germany. He emigrated to the United States in 1851, initially settling in St. Genevieve, Missouri. After working various jobs and journeying to the California gold fields, he returned and settled in Otoe County, Nebraska, before moving to Salem precinct in Richardson County in the mid-1860s. There, he expanded his holdings to 1,900 acres and became a respected community figure. Married to Catherine Agnes Rothenburger in 1863, he passed away on March 4, 1911.