Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties, Part 105

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820

USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 105
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 105
USA > Nebraska > Hall County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 105
USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 105

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Z. H. Denman has long been noted for his skill in farming, and for the success which has attended his efforts in the stock-raising industry. He comes originally from a State well known for its intelli- gent, progressive and enterprising agriculturists, Ohio, which is his place of birth, his arrival on this " mundane sphere" being in the year 1844. He is the fourth of eight children born to W. H. and Mary (Brown) Denman, who were born in Ohio and Virginia, respectively, their marriage taking place in Licking County, Ohio. Soon after their union they moved to McLean County, Ill., and from there moved to Nebraska in 1855, and settled in Nemaha County, where he opened up several good farms. In 1868 he took up a residence in Hall County, Neb., and started a stock ranch, and after he had put things in good working order he brought his family thither (in 1871). He died on this farm in December, 1886, his wife still surviving him. Z. H. Denman was educated in the subscription schools of Nemaha County, and after assisting his father on his different farms and stock ranch nntil he reached manhood he began farming for himself in Nemaha County, and in 1871 came to Hall County, which has since been his home. He was married in Nemaha County, Neb., in 1866, to Miss Margaret E. Lowry, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Clark) Lowry, of Ohio, who came to Nebraska about 1857, settling in the above-named county. Here the father died in 1858, but the mother is still living and resides in Hall County. In 1871 Mr. Denman bought eighty acres of railroad land, but has since in- creased his acreage to 280, all of which is under

cultivation. He usually feeds from sixty to seventy-five head of cattle throughout the year, and finds this business very profitable. He always supports the Republican party, but is not an office- seeker, although he has been a delegate to the county conventions. A family of eight children have been born to himself and wife, six of whom are now living: Clara (Mrs. Park of Reno County, Kan.), Nellie F., Sarah, George S., Charley and Daisy.

Joseph A. Denman, farmer and stock-raiser, Grand Island, Neb. It has long since been ac- knowledged that no matter what a man's occupa- tion in life may be, two very necessary elements to his success are industry and perseverance. This doubtless is the cause of Mr. Denman's success in life. He was originally from Lieking County, Ohio, where his birth occurred on November 24, 1846, and he came to Nebraska with his parents in 1856. They settled in Nemaha County, and there our subject grew to manhood and received his education. He was early taught the duties of farm life by his father, and after attaining his ma- jority he came to Hall County, where he purchased a fine tract of land. Two years later, or in 1874 he located on his farm and began improving the same. He has a good residence, a substantial barn, out- buildings, sheds, etc., and has a fine young bear- ing orchard. He has 120 acres of land, and all is under cultivation. Mr. Denman was married in this county on October 29, 1873, to Miss Maria Bell Creason, a daughter of John Creason (now deceased), who was one of the early settlers of Hall County. Mrs. Denman was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, but was reared in Hall County, Neb. To her marriage have been born four children, Lulu, John, Lama and Robert, all attending school. Mr. Denman is a progressive and enter- prising citizen, and is liked by all acquainted with him.

J. W. Denman, farmer and stock raiser, Grand Island, Neb. On his present homestead of 160 acres of good tillable land, eighty acres in Alda and eighty acres in Washington Township, Mr. Den- man is actively engaged in stock raising in connec- tion with farming, and is one of the substantial

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HALL COUNTY.

and enterprising men of the county. He owes his nativity to McLean County, Ill., where his birth occurred in 1854, and is the youngest in a family of eight children, born to the union of W. H. and Mary (Brown) Denman, the father a native of the Buckeye State and the mother of Virginia. The parents were married in Ohio, moved from there to Illinois, and in 1856 came to Nebraska, settling in Nemaha County, where he opened up a farm. In 1871 he moved to Hall County, settling on Sec- tion 12, Alda Township, where he purchased land and began improving the same. His death oc- curred in 1887. The mother is still living and makes her home with her son, J. W. The latter . energy, progressive spirit and clear perception,

was taught the duties of the farm in boyhood, and received his education in the schools of Ne- maha County. In 1880 he became convinced that it was not best for man to live alone and was mar- ried to Miss Ida Huhn, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Jacob and Martha (McGee) Huhn, na- tives of Pennsylvania Her father died years ago but the mother is still living, and resides in Doni- phan Township. After his marriage, Mr. Den- man settled on his present property and is one of the progressive citizens of the county. In pol- itics he votes with the Republican party, but is not very active in political affairs. To his mar- riage were born three children: Bertie, Willie and Minnie. The family were among the early set- tlers of the county, and Mr. Denman has ever taken an active interest in all laudable interprises for the good of the same.

Willie C. Denman comes from that land of pro- gressive and enterprising farmers, the " Buckeye State," his birth occurring in Licking County, August 20, 1858, and since his residence in Hall County, Neb., he has been accounted one of the successful young agricnlturists of this region. He came with his parents to Hall County, Neb., in August, 1871, and here received a fair knowledge of the English branches in the common schools near his home. He worked for his father until he attained his majority, then continued to till a por- tion of the home farm for himself, and was married November 14, 1888, to Miss Mary, a daughter of Charles Fuller, of Hall County. Mrs. Denman

was born in Iowa, but was reared and educated in Hall County, Neb., and her union to Mr. Denman has resulted in the birth of one child, an infant daughter, whom they call Bessie Mada. Since his marriage Mr. Denman has resided on his present farm, his home farm consisting of eighty acres of fertile and well-improved land. He has a nent one-story residence, and fair barns, granaries, etc. He also has 160 acres of grazing land, and seventy acres of meadow, in the Platte bottom, on which is a large herd of high-graded and some thorough- bred animals. He devotes his time to stock-raising and farming, and is considered a young man of and gives every promise of becoming a wealthy citizen.

James Dermody possesses those advanced ideas and progressive views necessary to successful agri- cultural life, and his time, since starting out in life for himself, has not been uselessly or idly spent. He was born in County Tipperary, Ire- land, in 1819, and is a son of Timothy and Mary (Clancy) Dermody, and grandson of Thomas and Julia (Kelly) Dermody and James and Julia (Ren- ohan) Clancy. James Dermody removed to Can- ada in 1846, locating in Ottawa, and here two years later he was married to Miss Mary Watters, a daughter of John and Catherine (Gavin) Watters, and granddaughter of James and Mary (O'Don- nell) Watters, and and Barbara (Kennedy) Gavin. To their union a family of eight children have been born: John (deceased), Thomas, Michael, Mary A., William, Barbara, Timothy and Martha. Mary A. is the wife of John Roach, a prominent | young ranchman, of Custer County, Neb. Mr. Dermody has spent his life in farming and stock raising, and since the year 1872 these occupations have received his attention in Hall County, Neb. His farm is one of the finest and best improved in the county, and is especially adapted to the propagation of stock, and every acre is capable of tillage. Mr. Dermody's sons are now grown to manhood, and do the active part of the farm labor.

A. De Witte, well known to the citizens of Hall County, Neb., as an active, successful farmer and , stockman, has been a resident of Alda Township

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

since 1884, coming from Harrison County, Ohio, to Grand Island. He was born in that county in 1849, and was the eldest of three children born to John and Rachel (Turner) DeWitte, who were also born in Harrison County, Ohio, and of Irish descent. The father was a farmer by occupation, and made the "Buckeye State" his home until his death, which occurred when the subject of this sketch was a small lad. The mother died in the year 1872. A. De Witte received the early education which usually falls to the lot of the farmers' boy, but possessing a naturally quick intellect he made good use of his opportuni- ties and was soon able to make his own way in the world. His first venture for himself was as a farmer, and the result of his labor was so satisfac- tory that he has made it his calling through life, but came to Hall County, Neb., in the year 1884, and purchased 120 acres of land in Harrison Township, Hall County. He immediately began stocking his land, and has since been actively engaged in buying and feeding stock for the market. He is an active Republican in his political views, held the office of township supervisor dur- ing 1888-89, and has been a member of the school board of his district. He contracted to take charge of the county infirmary, his duties com- mencing in March, 1890, and he now receives a fixed salary. He has always been a public spirited citizen, and socially is a member of the A. O. U. W., Charity Lodge No. 91. Miss Emily Wharton became his wife in 1871, and by her he has three children: Sophronia, Nellie I. and Lillie L., who are now attending the school at Alda, which is in charge of an excellent teacher. Mrs. De Witte is a daughter of Daniel and Patty (Strode) Wharton, who were born in Pennsylvania and belonged to the Society of Friends. At an early day they moved to Ohio, and Mr. Wharton purchased 640 acres of land at $25 per acre, improved it and here died in 1881, the mother's death occurring six months later.

J. Elmer Dill is an active partner in the well known and reliable real-estate and loan firm of Dill & Huston, of Grand Island, Neb. If indus- try, bard work and ceaseless activity can accom-

plish any thing in this world, then Mr. Dill is bound to succeed, for in him are to be found all the characteristics mentioned, and indeed he is de- serving of more than ordinary credit for his career thus far in life. He is a native of the " Blue Hen State," his birth occurring in Kent County, No- vember 3, 1863, and he is the eldest of five chil- dren born to the marriage of Robert U. Dill and Anna E. Griffith, also natives of Delaware, the former of whom was born May 14, 1837. The mother died February 20, 1879. The paternal grandfather, James W. Dill, was born in Delaware and died in that State about 1866. J. Elmer Dill received the advantages of the common schools only in his boyhood, but, possessing a quick intel- lect and being fairly studious, he made rapid prog ress, and at an early age was perfectly capable of "hoeing his own row." The month of March, 1879, found him in Grand Island, Neb., and here for six years he was engaged as a clerk in the store of J. W. West, but in the spring of 1885 he determined to start in business on his own respon- sibility, and accordingly opened a confectionery and fruit store, and in 1887 admitted Mr. Huston as a partner. They did a thriving business for two years, but since July, 1889, they have been real-estate and loan agents, and with two such in- telligent and enterprising young men at the helm, they are sure to become wealthy. March 15, 1888, witnessed his marriage to Miss Jessie Gardner, who was born in Meigs County, Ohio, in 1861, a daughter of Albert and Lucy Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. Dill have a daughter named Lucy A., who was born August 25, 1889. Mr. Dill is a Repub- lican, but cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a charter member of Nysian Lodge No. 46, K. of P.

F. C. Dodge, stock-raiser, Wood River, Neb. A person who devotes almost a lifetime to any one calling is reasonably expected to achieve a thorough and accurate knowledge of the details connected with every branch of his business. The reputation which Mr. Dodge enjoys as a stock- raiser and feeder is not a local one, as may be seen by perusing this sketch. He was born in Sul-

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HALL COUNTY.

livan County, N. H., in 1840, and there received a good education in the common schools. He first started out for himself by working in a mill, then drove teams and was engaged in different occupa- tions until 1865, when he started for the far West. He came through in a wagon, and was obliged to stop and work on the way to get money to go on. He left his native State a week before Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and reached Hall County, Neb. , in 1866. He was then the possessor of $35, which he kindly loaned to a man whom, it is needless to say, he has not seen since. 'He went to work on the grade of the Union Pacific Railroad, received $40 per month for his services, but later bought a team and worked for a Mr. J. Jackson, who paid him $1.50 per day. He still continued to work and economize until he was the possessor of ten teams, after which he contracted on the railroad. Here he made considerable money and invested in land, 3,700 acres in all, and began raising stock. He is now one of the largest feeders in the State, and feeds annually over 10,000 sheep, 1,000 head of hogs and 260 head of cattle. He milks sixty cows and makes a large amount of butter. He was married in Hall County to Miss Ellen A. Abbott, a native of Canada, and the fruit of this union has been one child, Ger- trude, who is now fifteen years of age. Mr. Dodge shipped the first cattle, hogs and grain that were ever shipped out of Wood River, that is from old Wood River. He has one of the finest farms in the county. He is the son of William and Lu- cinda (Stockwell) Dodge, the father a native of New Boston, Mass., and a shoemaker by trade.

William Dudley, a well-known citizen of Hall Connty, Neb., is an influential resident of Grand Island, and is quite extensively engaged in the real- estate business. He was born near Plattsburg, Clinton County, N. Y., February 25, 1849, and possesses those attributes of energy, enterprise and intelligence which have ever characterized those born and reared in the "Empire State." He is a son of Francis and Sarah (Santwire) Dudley, the former of whom was born in Berkshire, England, and came to America with his parents, locating in Montreal, Canada, when he was a small child. The

paternal grandfather, Andrew Dudley, was a British officer and died shortly after his arrival ut Montreal, his wife dying about the same time, so that Francis was left an orphan when between two and three years of age. Ho was adopted by n Frenchmen by the name of Julius Burissis, and with him he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, being engaged in farm labor up to that time. On becoming his own man he con- cluded to locate in the United States, and his home during the balance of his life was in Clinton County, N. Y. For a great many years he was engaged in boating on Lake Champlain in the capacity of first mate and pilot, but during the lat- ter part of his life he gave his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. He was quite successful in all his enterprises and before his death had acquired considerable means. He was married at about the age of twenty eight years to Miss Sarah Santwire, who was born in Clinton County, N. Y., September, 1820, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Laplant) Santwire, who were born, reared and married in Paris, France. Mr. and Mrs. Dudley became the parents of nine children, two sons and three daugh- ters now living, William being the third of the family. The father passed from life March 17, 1880, and the mother June 5, 1883. William Dudley was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the age of twenty-one years he entered the employ of the Wood Machine Company, and acted as their traveling salesman for about twelve years throughout the United States and Canada. In 1882 he resigned his position and located on a farm seven miles northwest of Grand Island, Neb., and there founded a nursery which he conducted several years, but in March, 1887, he removed to Grand Island, and his whole attention since that time has been given to real-estate business, in which he is meeting with the best of success. A fact that should be stated is that he deals in no lands except his own, and is now the owner of some 35,000 acres, 6,000 being in one body in Washington County, Ga., 10,000 acres in one body in McDow- ell County, W. Va .. and 5,600 acres in one body in Clay County, Ky., besides large tracts in Tennes- see, and $10,000 worth of residence property in

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Dudley is a pleasant- spoken and agreeable gentleman, and in his busi- ness operations has always been found to be the soul of honor and has done well by those who have had dealings with him. He has always been a stanch Republican in politics, and socially is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married No- vember 14, 1878, to Miss Colista M. Taylor, who was born in Essex County, N. Y., August 7, 1850, and by her is the father of two children: Frank Nathan (born September 3, 1882), and Florence (born January 3, 1889). He and wife are highly respected by all and have many warm personal friends. Mrs. Dudley is a daughter of Nathan and Susan (Bull) Taylor, who were born in Ruport, Vt., December 25, 1811, and Essex County, N. Y., December 4, 1813, respectively. The father is still living in Essex County, N. Y., but his wife died August 2, 1876. Mrs. Dudley's grandfather, William Taylor, was born in Vermont and was there married to Rhoda Harmon, also a native of that State. The maternal grandparents were Ben- jamin and Sally Bull, also born in the "Green Mountain State."

Charles Dufford, another pioneer of Doniphan Township and one of the foremost citizens of the same, emigrated to Hall County, Neb., in the spring of 1871, and homesteaded 160 acres on Section 4. He was the first to erect a frame house on the table lands south of the Platte River. Mr. Dufford was born in Northampton County, Pa., in 1839, and was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Kelley) Dufford, natives also of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer, and in 1854 removed to Wisconsin, where he continued his former pursuit, and where his death occurred in 1864. The mother died in Michigan about 1875. Charles Dufford assisted his father on the farm, and received his education in the schools of Penn- sylvania. At the age of fifteen years he went to Wisconsin, and in 1864 began farming for himself. Previous to this, in 1860, he crossed the plains overland to Southern Oregon, and drove an ox- team. In 1861 he enlisted in Jackson County, Ore., in Company A, First Oregon Cavalry, and went into service at Jacksonville of that State. He

then wintered there, and in 1862 went to Walla Walla, where he took part in the Indian warfare in the Northwest Territory. He remained on the plains until 1863, when he was honorably dis- charged at Fort Dallas, Ore. He then worked on a farm, and in 1863 returned by the overland stage to Wisconsin. He was married in Green County of the last named State, on December 3, 1863, to Miss Addie Shultz, a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter of John R. and Eliza (Arm- strong) Shultz, natives of North Carolina and New York, respectively. Mr. Shultz settled in Wiscon- sin at an early day, and in 1872 emigrated to Ne- braska, where he closed his eyes to the scenes of this world in the same year. The mother died in 1874. After his marriage Mr. Dufford farmed in Wisconsin until 1871, when he moved to Nebraska. He is now the owner of 160 acres of good arable land, and has followed agricultural pursuits ever since coming to this State, with the exception of two years, when he was in the furniture business in Doniphan. He is now engaged in farming, and a glance over his place indicates the kind of farmer that he is. He is active in politics, and his vote is cast with the Republican party. He is a member of A. J. Smith Post No. 65, G. A. R. He has no children of his own, but has an adopted child, Stella. Mr. Dufford has seen the complete growth of the country, and was one of the original settlers of the township. Grand Island's popula- tion numbered not over 600 souls at that date, and all was wild and unbroken. Although he has experienced three grasshopper raids, and was through the April storm of 1873, he still likes the State, and expects to make it his permanent home. During the years 1871 and 1872 his principal occupation was in hunting, as wild game was numerous, and he kept his family and relatives in . meat. He still has the old shot-gun with which he scoured the country.

John and Mary Dunn, prosperous agricultur- ists of Hall County, Neb., are engaged in tilling the soil on the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 14, Township 10, Range 12 west, and are justly ranked among the respected residents of this section. Mrs. Dunn was formerly Mrs. Ma-

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HALL COUNTY.

riah McNutt, and was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1845, in the fall of 1859 emigrating to the United States with her parents, but in 1861 her father died and left three brothers and herself to fight the battle of life as best they could. Being possessed of an original and vigorous mind she came to the conclusion that Horace Greeley's ad- vice would apply to young women as well as young men, and in 1872 came West, settling at Grand Island, and two years later took up the claim of 160 acres, upon which she is now living. Her marriage to Mr. Dunn was consummated soon after, and they have since held their own with the farm- ers in their vicinity, and are very comfortably and pleasantly situated. Their farm is well stocked, and is nicely improved. Mr. Dunn is a son of William and Rose (Brady) Dunn, who were born on the "Emerald Isle," and emigrated to the United States at an early day. locating in Wau- kesha County, Wis., where their son, John, was born May 30, 1847.

Alvin Eager was a successful merchant and stock-dealer of Prairie Creek Township, and since locating in Hall County, Neb., in 1874, has done his full share in advancing every interest in the county, and his endeavors toward promoting this end have been recognized by a host of acquaint- ances, among whom he stands high as a man and citizen. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., April 19, 1842, and is a son of William and Caro- line Eager, both natives of York State, who moved to Wisconsin in 1854, locating in Rock County on a farm, on which the father died in the month of February, 1871, his wife having died in York State in 1850. Alvin Eager attained manhood in Rock County, Wis., and was energetically at work when the war broke out. In the month of May, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Infantry, and after serving three years was discharged at Madi- son in June. 1864, having participated in the first and second battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, Wil- derness and Spottsylvania Court House. He was wounded at the Second Bull Run by a gun-shot in the face and was taken a prisoner at Gettysburg, and after being held in captivity for one month was paroled. He was also wounded in the hand

by a gun-shot at Spottsylvania. After the close of the war he returned to Rock County, Wis., nud after following the occupation of farming there until 1868, he moved to Chickasaw County, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming six years. In 1874 he settled on a farm near Grand Island, Neb., but in the fall of 1888 he moved to the station, where he has since been engaged in merchandising, giving also a considerable portion of his attention to stock-dealing. He has held a number of posi tions of trust in the county, and socially is a mem- ber of the A. O. U. W. He was married in Iowa Jannary 1, 1868, to Miss Julia Pheban, a native of York State, reared and educated in New York City, and their union has resulted in the birth of five children: Melvina (wife of Abe Leicer), Frank, George, John and Minnie,

Michael Ellington was born in Madison County, Ohio, September 19, 1826, being a son of David and Catherine (Hoffman) Ellington, the former's birth occurring in the " Blue Grass State," August 22, 1797; he died on his birthday in 1883. He grew to manhood in Ohio, but in 1829 moved to Illinois, and died in De Witt County of this State. He was a Democrat and a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. His wife was born in Ohio, her birth occurring a few years later than his, and their union resulted in the birth of twelve children, seven of whom grew to maturity and are still living. The paternal grandfather was born in Kentucky in 1773, and was one of the early pioneers of Ohio. He spent rather a roving life wandering over Missouri and Arkansas, and passed from life in the State of Indiana. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. Michael Ellington grew to manhood in De Witt County, III., and obtained a common-school edu cation. In the month of April, 1850, he went West and traveled throughout California, Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Ne- braska, and in 1866 entered the regular service of the United States army, and was a soldier on the frontier for five years, during which time he had many thrilling encounters with the Indians. Upon receiving his discharge in 1871 he went to St. Louis, Mo., theuce to Illinois, where he pur.

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Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co. Number of Pages: 820

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820