USA > Nebraska > A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 40
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Dr. Reed was reared to the life of the Ohio farmer, and received
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his education in the common schools, and the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity. He studied medicine in Middleport. Ohio, and graduated in medicine at the medical department of the Iowa State University. He began his practice in Madison county, Iowa, in 1857, and from there came to Rock Bluff, Cass county, Nebraska, in 1859, where he was engaged in practice until his removal to Peru in 1876. In 1862 he entered the Union army as a private in Company I. First Nebraska Infantry, but was taken sick and served most of his period of enlistment in the hospital, suffering from lung trouble.
Dr. Reed was married in Warren county, Iowa, in October, 1854, to Miss Mary Ross, of Brown county, Ohio. Three children were born to them: Franklin Barstow died at the age of two years; Major Francis was a student in the state normal and is now general manager and superintendent of the firm of Van Horn, Miller and Company, large contractors in mining and railroad construction work, at Laramie, Wyoming, and his wife is serving as postmistress; and Eleanor C., the wife of J. D. Graves, in the lumber business in Peru, is herself a reg- ular practicing physician, being a graduate of the Woman's Hospital Medical College in Chicago, and having taken a post-graduate course in Baltimore, and she has been in constant practice with the exception of one year. This daughter has a large practice, and she and her father have a large library of professional and general works. Mrs. Reed has been an invalid for the past five years, suffering with paralysis. Dr. Reed and his wife and daughter each own a quarter section of land in Nemaha county, and he has country and city property in Colorado. He has always been Republican in politics, and is prominent in the Grand Army circles, having been post commander several times. He and his family are Methodists, and are held in the highest esteem in Peru and the surrounding country.
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CARLTON K. CHUBBUCK, M. D.
Carlton K. Chubbuck, M. D., the pioneer physician of Tecumseh, Nebraska, who has been a resident of this city since 1871 and has built up a large and lucrative practice here, is a son of James and Par- melia (Keeney) Chubbuck. James was a native of Tolland county, Connecticut, but later he removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and there died in December, 1873, aged seventy-two years. During his residence in Pennsylvania he became a very prominent man and held the offices of register of deeds, associate justice and supervisor. His religious home was in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which lie was class-leader, as well as a Sunday-school teacher for. thirty-five years. His wife was born in Black Walnut, Pennsylvania, March I, 1807.
Dr. Chubbuck was the youngest of a family of four children, and he was born at Orwell, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1837. He received an excellent literary education at the seminary at that place. He began his medical studies at Binghamton, New York, and was graduated from the Susquehanna Medical College of that city in 1857. Follow- ing his graduation he was in a dry-goods store in New Orleans for two years, and then for some years practiced successfully his profes- sion throughout Illinois, residing at Lyndon, and Dixon, that state. While living in the latter city he was married at Frances E. Lawton, a member of one of the leading families of that place, who came from Ohio in 1860. Both the parents of Mrs. Chubbuck are now deceased.
In 1871, as before stated, Dr. Chubbuck located in Tecumseh, where he has firmly established himself in the confidence of the people. For thirteen years he has been treasurer of the school board and for many years one of its representative members. Fraternally he is a prominent Odd Fellow, representing his lodge at the grand lodge
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of Nebraska ; is past great sachem of Nebraska, and has been the rep- resentative of the grand lodge of Nebraska at various grand lodges at Washington, D. C., and other cities, and he has held all the offices of honor in his home lodge. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. For many years he has served as trustee of the Methodist church, of which he is now a deacon.
His children are as follows, namely : Jennie, wife of Rev. Johnson, a well known Methodist divine of Nebraska, and they have two daugh- ters, Mary and Nellie; Bessie, second daughter of Dr. Chubbuck, who died in 1894 aged twenty years, a most sweet and accomplished girl whose noble Christian life is an example to others.
REV. PORTER C. JOHNSON.
Rev. Porter C. Johnson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Holmesville, Nebraska, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on the 14th of July, 1836, and comes of a family who were in humble circum- stances but industrious and honest. His father, Thaddeus H. Johnson, was a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, his ancestors being of Scotch origin and early settlers of the old Bay state. A great-uncle of our subject fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. Thaddeus H. Jolinson spent his early life upon a farm in his native state and from there removed to Brooklyn, New York, where he con- ducted a cafe or eating house. Politically he was identified with the Whig party. Although liberal in religious faith, he never wavered in his allegiance to what he believed to be right and was strictly honor- .ably in all his dealings with his fellowmen. He died at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann
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Rhone, and was of German descent, departed this life at the age of thirty-two. To them were born three children, namely : Porter C., Edward R., and Mary L., now deceased. The second son, who is now living at North Platte, Nebraska, served with distinction in the United States army for some years and was engaged in Indian warfare.
Porter C. Johnson was principally reared in the city of his birth, though much of his early life was spent upon a farm, where he devel- oped his muscle in the work of the fields. He is practically a self- educated as well as a self-made man, and although he attended school to some extent he acquired most of his knowledge by reading and study at home. For several years he successfully engaged in teaching school and in 1867 entered the Methodist Episcopal ministry, being connected with the New Jersey conference for eight years. His first pastorate was at Heading, that state. At the end of eight years he came to Nebraska and joined the conference here. He has had several charges, including the churches at Tecumseh, Omaha, and Grand Island and served as presiding elder for five years, from 1883 to 1888. He is now giving much of his attention towards the raising of an endowment fund for the benefit of the superannuated ministers of Ne- braska conference.
When the country became involved in Civil war Mr. Johnson offered his services to the government as a defender of the Union cause, enlisting at Easton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1861, as a member of Company B, Third Pennsylvania Reserve Vol- unteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Curtis and Colonel H. G. Sicks, of Philadelphia. Mr. Johnson was in the service for fourteen months and seven days and took part in several battles and skirmishes. He received a skull fracture and was confined to the hospital for two and a half months.
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In 1863 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Frances Vorhees, who died in New Jersey, and at Tecumseh, Nebraska, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie Chubbuck, a daughter of Dr. C. K. Chubbuck, a pioneer physician of Tecumseh, Johnson county, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Rev. Johnson has two children : Mary C., now the wife of Fred Nor- ris, of Table Rock, Nebraska; and Nellie, wife of L. Reid, of Ohiowa, this state.
In his social relations Mr. Johnson is a Knight Templar Mason and is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to which fraternity his father also belonged. Our subject has served as grand master of the grand lodge of Nebraska. He is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. Being a man of pleasing address and good delivery, he has been called upon to dedicate fifteen churches in this state, and he is an untiring worker in the Master's vineyard, his time and energies being at the service of the church whenever needed in any capacity. He is progressive and public-spirited and has been an important factor in the upbuilding of this state both morally and socially.
MOSES LANGLEY.
Moses Langley, a leading farmer of Vesta township, Johnson county, is an old settler of the state, having located in Nebraska in 1866, when it was still a territory. He has been in Johnson county for over a quarter of a century, so that he has witnessed its greatest growth and development into one of the principal divisions of the commonwealth. He has enjoyed a prosperous career, has gained a
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comfortable share of this world's goods, and as a citizen has won the esteem and respect of his friends and associates. He responded to his country's call only a few weeks after the fall of Fort Sumter, and gave most loyal service during the terrible conflict that followed, a veteran's record being one of his highest marks of honor.
Mr. Langley was born in Scott county, Illinois, April 9, 1839. His grandfather, Joseph Langley, was born of Irish parents. His father, John W. Langley, was one of the early settlers of Illinois, com- ing before it was admitted to the Union. He was a carpenter by trade, and was a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. He died in Dallas, Texas, at the age of sixty-seven years. He mar- ried Elizabeth Nelson, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Nelson, of English ancestry. At her death she left nine children, six sons and three daughters, three of the sons being soldiers in the Civil war, namely: George, of Company K, Fourteenth Illinois, died in Andersonville prison; James was in the Twenty-first Illinois, General Grant's regiment ; and Moses was in the Fourteenth Illinois.
Moses Langley was reared on a farm in Scott county, Illinois, and gained some literary education in the schools but more practical training in the duties at home. In 1861 he went to Missouri, and while in St. Louis saw the rebel flag floating in some of the streets. He then hastened back to Illinois, and on May 5, 1861, enlisted in Company K, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, his captain being W. Cam. The colonel was John M. Palmer, who was later a general and for years United States senator from Illinois and one of the state's most prominent public men. The regiment went into camp at Jacksonville and later at Quincy, and their first battle was Shiloh. They were then at the siege of Corinth. After the siege of Corinth he went to Memphis. He marched all over that part of the country. At this time
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the regiment belonged to the Fourth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, commanded by S. A. Hulbert. They were at the siege of Vicks- burg, at Jackson, and were then assigned to Sherman's army. Mr. Langley was soon afterward taken prisoner by the enemy, and was transferred from one prison to another and languished in the pen at Andersonville for one year. He was a large man of two hundred pounds when he went in, but weighed only ninety-seven on his final release. He was then sent north to Annapolis, from there to Benton barricks in St. Louis, and received his honorable discharge at Spring- field, Illinois, April 26, 1865. He then returned home, but in the fol- lowing year came west to Nebraska and settled in Otoe county, where he lived for ten years, and since 1876 he has been engaged in farming Johnson county land.
Mr. Langley was married in Johnson county, in 1870, to Miss Lucy Dorsey, who was born and reared in Indiana, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Esther (Ramsey) Dorsey. The former was a native of Kentucky, and died in Johnson county, Nebraska, in 1900, at the age of eighty-one years. He was a carpenter and builder, and in politics a Republican. His wife, a native of Ohio, is now living in this county at the age of eighty. They had six children, and two sons and three daughters are living, and one daughter is deceased. W. C. Dorsey, the prominent attorney of Beatrice, is Mrs. Langley's nephew. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langley : Mary Trueman, of Iowa; John, at home; Edith Lewis, of Portland, Oregon; Frank, a railroad man of Iowa; Ernest, in Johnson county ; George, at home; Cora, in school; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Langley has always voted the Republican ticket. He is a well known Grand Army man, and popular in that organization as well as with all his associates.
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S. P. DAVIDSON.
S. P. Davidson, attorney-at-law at Tecumseh, Nebraska, is one of the leading representatives of his profession in Johnson county, and he has been a resident of this city since 1872. His birth occurred in Macon county, Illinois, October 8, 1847, and he is a son of John Davidson, a native of South Carolina who settled in Macon county, Illinois, in 1821, being one of the early settlers of that part of the state. John was a son of Andrew Dividson, who was a brave soldier in the war of 1812. John Davidson married Mary Campbell, who comes of one of the best families of Kentucky. His death occurred when he was seventy years of age, while his wife died at the age of forty; both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which they took an active part. Five sons and five daughters were born to this worthy couple. During the Civil war one of the sons, James C. Davidson, was a gallant soldier in the Union army, serving in the One Hundred and Sixteenth regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mortally wounded at Vicksburg and died.
S. P. Davidson was reared in his native state and received his literary education in the public schools of his locality and at the Lincoln University. His law studies were pursued under Judge W. E. Nelson, of Decatur, Illinois, and he was admitted to the bar of Ill- nois, May 4, 1870. Two years later he came to Tecumseh, Nebraska, where he has since built up a large and lucrative practice. Mr. David- son has always taken an active part in the deliberations of the Republi- can party, and has been honored with positions of responsibility and trust, and served as chairman of the state Republican convention upon several occasions. Fraternally he is one of the most prominent Masons in the state of Nebraska and is a Past Grand Master, a Past Grand High
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Priest, Past M. I. Grand Master of Royal Select Masters, and Past Grand Commander.
In Lincoln, Illinois, Mr. Davidson married Mattie E. Houser, a daughter of John Houser, and by this marriage Mr. and Mrs. David- son had three children, namely : Jessie, Nelson and Roscoe B. Mrs. Davidson died in 1886, and in 1889 Mr. Davidson married Sidna J. Houser, his sister-in-law, by whom he has four children, namely : Robert H., Lytha M., Melissa L., and Sidna Ruth.
In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and are very highly esteemed by a wide cir- cle of friends.
GEORGE J. RUBELMAN.
George J. Rubelman, M. D., physician and surgeon of Tecumseh, Nebraska, and one of the popular members of his profession in that locality, was born in Linden, Tennessee, May 17, 1854. and he is a son of Jacob Rubelman. The latter was born in Germany of a good, substantial family noted for its integrity and uprightness of purpose and action, and he married Regina Rentz, also a native of Germany. The father died February 26, 1898, aged seventy years, and the mother died in 1895. The father was in the wholesale harness and saddlery business, and being a good business man succeeded very well, and in 1898 he came to Nebraska, on a visit to the Doctor, where his death oc- curred. A good many years of his life were spent in Iowa.
Dr. Rubelman was reared and educated in Iowa, and graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago in the class of 1880. He then located in West Branch, Iowa, from there to Saline county, Nebraska, then to Santa Ana, California, then back to Saline county,
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Nebraska, and then to Tecumseh, Nebraska, where he located in 1899, and where he has built up a large and lucrative practice.
In 1884 Dr. Rubelman married Miss Kate Smith, of Des Moines, Iowa, daughter of A. E. Smith, who served in the Mexican war, and died in March, 1863, in Iowa. Her mother also passed away in that state, in 1894. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Rubel- man, viz .: Julia, Harrison, George and Lanore. In politics Dr. Rubel- man is a Republican and takes an active part in local matters. Fra- ternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, being connected with lodge and chapter of Tecumseh, and with Commandry No. 36 of Santa Ana, California. Dr. Rubelman is a man of fine physique, standing six feet two inches high, and weighing two hundred and forty pounds. He is genial and courteous in manner and has made many friends among the people of Tecumseh, although he has only resided in the city for five years.
TRUMAN E. FAIRALL, M. D.
Truman E. Fairall, M. D., a physician and surgeon of Tecumseh, Nebraska, has been identified with this prospering city since 1879, and is one whose skill and professional ability have gained him prom- inence in the profession. He was born December 13, 1851, at Accident, Maryland, of a family noted for its connection with public affairs and social standing in that state. He is a son of Richard Fairall, who served as a soldier during the Civil war, a member of the celebrated Black Horse cavalry of Maryland. He was wounded in the service, and died at the age of fifty-five years, a man who was respected by all who knew him. His widow survived to the age of seventy-three years, dying in 1885, mourned by a large family of children and a
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wide circle of friends. The children are: Dr. Truman E., Martha, Mary, Harriet, Rachel, Richard and William, all of whom, except our subject, are residents of Maryland.
Dr. Fairall was reared in Maryland and there received a good education, and was a successful teacher in Maryland for some years. He then engaged in the study of medicine with Dr. Carr, of Cumber- land, Maryland, also Dr. Bartlett and Dr. Welfley, all brothers-in-law. He then entered the University of Maryland, at Baltimore, where lie was graduated in the class of 1873, bearing off the honors. Dr. Fairall first located at Western Port, Maryland, then located for practice at Thurman, Fremont county, Iowa, where he remained until 1879, when he became a pioneer physician at Tecumseh. His faith in the growth and development of this region has been justified, and he has done his part in the development of this community.
In 1873 Dr. Fairall was united in marriage with Mary S. Jenkins, and three children were born to this union, namely: Minnie Mary, wife of Harry West, of Maryland; Richard R. and Charles. On No- vember 28, 1900, Dr. Fairall was married (second) to Miss Hattie V. Draucher, who was born in Lothersburg, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of A. M. and Mary (Breon) Draucher. In politics _Dr. Fairall is a Democrat. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow of thirty years' standing.
C. D. BARNES, M. D.
C. D. Barnes, M. D., of Tecumseh, Nebraska, is one of the best known and most successful physicians and surgeons of Johnson county. He was born at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, on August 12, 1866, and is a
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son of Hon. J. W. and Martha (Gage) Barnes, both residents of Te- cumseh.
Hon. J. W. Barnes is a prominent citizen of southeastern Ne- braska and a pioneer settler. He was born in Kentucky and came to Nebraska in 1853, since which time he has been identified with the leading interests of this part of the state. He has been United States collector of internal revenue, has twice been state senator and has ably filled many positions of trust and responsibility. In Masonic cir- cles he has long been conspicuous and in every relation of life has proved himself a man of sterling character and natural ability. He is a stalwart Republican and has been a leader of his party in this sec- tion. Seven children were born to him and wife, three sons and four daughters, namely : Mrs. D. A. Campbell, a resident of Lincoln, Ne- braska ; Dr. C. D .; Mrs. C. M. Carpenter, of York, Nebraska ; Maggie, wife of C. L. Jones, with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Omaha; E. M., a well known physician of Plainview, Nebraska; Mrs. Charles Boyle, of Pawnee city, Nebraska ; and Wesley W.
Dr. C. D. Barnes was reared in Cass county, Nebraska, and was educated at Plattsmouth, graduating at the high school there at the age of fourteen years. He then entered the Wesleyan University of Ne- braska and graduated at the age of twenty, and from there went to Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated at the age of twenty- three. Dr. Barnes had enjoyed a large experience prior to locating at Tecumseh in 1898, having practiced at the Cook County Hospital, at Chicago, and the Jefferson Insane Asylum, being a member of the board of physicians and surgeons for that institution. He then located in DuPage county, Illinois, and successfully engaged in practice there until 1898, when he returned to his native state and became a resident of Tecumseh. . His practice is large and satisfactory and is constantly
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growing as citizens realize the true value of an experienced practi- tioner.
At Maywood, Illinois, in 1890, Dr. Barnes was married to Miss Frances O'Neill, who is a daughter of P. G. and Sarah ( Hill) O'Neill, of Chicago, Illinois. The children born of this marriage are five in number, namely: John Wesley, Janet, Chester D .. Jr., Ruth and Willis. The religious connection of the family is with the Episcopal church. Mrs. Barnes being actively identified with charitable and guild work. In politics the Doctor is a ardent Democrat. Personally he is affable and genial, while professionally he honors his class in this section of the state.
E. M. CRAMB.
E. M. Cramb, osteopath of Tecumseh, Nebraska, and one of the leading men of that city, is a graduate of the Still School of Osteopathy of Kirkville, Missouri, in the class of 1901, at which time he received high honors. He located in Tecumseh after his graduation and has been very successful in his work and is well worthy of the confidence reposed in him.
Dr. Cramb was born at Polo, Ogle county. Illinois, and is a sou of the Rev. J. O. Cramb, a native of Maine. The Rev. Cramb came from his native state to Illinois, locating at Galena. being a member of the Rock River conference, and was very prominent among the Methodist ministers of that locality. He married Lydia A. Kelsey, and she bore him eight sons and two daughters.
The education of Dr. Cramb was acquired first in Illinois, he graduating from high school in 1894, and then he attended the Uni-
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versity of Nebraska, at Lincoln, from which he was graduated in 1899, with the degree of A. B., following which he took up the study of osteopathy. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, and he is very active in that body. Possessed of a fine physique, pleas- ing manner, and being thoroughly versed in all the topics of the day, as well as matters pertaining to his profession, Dr. Cramb makes friends wherever he goes, and has a very bright future before him.
HON. JOSEPH B. McDOWELL.
Hon. Joseph B. McDowell, one of the most honored and respected of Nebraska pioneers and influential residents, has been in the state since 1869, almost the entire period of its statehood, and his career of enterprise and public-spirited endeavor has redounded not only to his own credit and advantage but to the lasting welfare of the commonwealth and especially of the city of Fairbury, where he has made his home since the year 1880. While in years almost an octogenarian, Mr. McDowell retains much of the vigor and insight of a hardy youth, and in his age is honored and esteemed as a Nestor of wisdom and wise counsel among the younger men of affairs. He has always been a leader in his com- munity, has prospered in business, has been prominent in political mat- ters, and in citizenship and at home has fittingly performed the duties and upheld the responsibilities which are the lot of all true-hearted menl.
Mr. McDowell was born near Portsmouth, Ohio, September I, 1825. His grandfather, James McDowell, was a Revolutionary soldier and also a participant in the war of 1812, so that his honored descendants are entitled to membership in those patriotic orders and
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societies which exist to commemorate the patriots of the war of inde- pendence.
Mr. McDowell was the youngest of the nine children of William and Sarah (Deaver) McDowell. 3 The former was a native of Ken- tucky, and died in 18344 while a resident of Illinois. The latter was a native of Virginia, of a family that settled and was prominent in that commonwealth before Revolutionary days. She survived her liuis- band a number of years and died in 1858.
Mr. McDowell was reared to farm life, and from Ohio moved with the family to Indiana and thence to Illinois. In 1869 he removed from Illinois and located in Beatrice. Nebraska, where he resided about six years. He was then appointed registrar of the land office and for the following six years held that position and made his home in Lin- coln. He located permanently in Fairbury in 1880, and has since been prominently identified with many of its important enterprises. Since 1874 he has been connected with the Fairbury Roller Mills, which were erected in 1872 and now forms one of the oldest landmarks of the city. The mills now have a daily capacity of one hundred barrels of flour, are running night and day, with six men engaged in their operation, and the product is in constant demand both locally and abroad. Mr. McDowell has about four hundred acres of land in connection with the mill property, and this is utilized as pasture and feeding ground for live stock, in which he is one of the prominent dealers of this part of the state.
Mr. McDowell has always been a stanch and steadfast Republican. and has been of great assistance to his party in the last thirty years. He was elected to the state legislature in 1872, and served two terms.
August 3. 1850, Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Katherine Campbell, of Ohio, and by this marriage there were three children :
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Nelson; Frances N., now Mrs. Edward L. Hart; and Josephine, the wife of J. R. Crump. On July 6, 1865, Mr. McDowell married Harriet Packer, also of Ohio, and they had three children, Frederick F., Wood- ford P. and Jay B. February 7, 1875, Mr. McDowell was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Mckenzie, and they have two children, Cora G., at home; and Clyde C., who is completing a course in electri- cal engineering at the State University.
Mrs. McDowell, who stands high in the social circles of Fairbury and is a lady of broad culture and intelligence, is a native of New Brunswick, and a daughter of Joseph and Kathrine (Young) Mcken- zie, who came to Illinois in 1849 and to Harvard, Clay county, Ne- braska, in 1882, where the former died May 7, 1903. For some ten years Mrs. McDowell was engaged in teaching school at Lamoille, Bureau county, Illinois, and was highly esteemed as an educator in that one of Illinois' most progressive counties in matters of education. She is a consistent member of the Methodist church. She has been espec- ially prominent as an upholder of women's rights in this state, inter- ested in woman suffrage and in all social questions and work. She was a member of the school board for four years, is a member of the state board of charities and was president of the state suffrage association ; was a member of the board of lady managers at the Omaha exposition and was a delegate to the National Council of Women at Washington. D. C., in 1889. She has filled the presidential chair of the Women's Club of Fairbury, and has ably represented her sisters in many of their important councils. She is a lady of modest but enterprising char- acteristics, is a lover of home and a maker of one that is ideal, and has been helpful in many things that make for the betterment of her city and community.
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