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 107

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 107
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 107
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 107
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 107

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Charles Guenther is a skillful contractor and builder, residing at Grand Island, Neb., and pos- sesses many of the sterling qualities which are characteristic of his nation. He was born at New Brandenburg, in the Dutchy of Mecklenburg-Stre- litz, December 5, 1853, and is a son of Carl Johan Andreas and Fredericka (Liermann) Guenther, and spent their lives in their native land, the father being a farmer. Charles Guenther was the third of four children, three sons and one daughter, and until he attained his fifteenth year was a resident of Germany. He then concluded to seek a home in the New World, and bidding adieu to home and friends he came to the United States, and first located at Syracuse, N. Y., where he learned the trade of carpentering and building. At the end of

634

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

two years he came to Grand Island, Neb., and subsequently spent seven years as a journeyman throughout the South, West and East, picking up a great deal of useful information. In 1878 he returned to Grand Island and has since been prom- inently identified with the building interests of this place, some of the structures which he has erected being the finest in the city. He was mar- ried in 1881 to Miss Margaretha Siek, who blessed their union with a son and daughter: Herman and Lily, but left them motherless in 1885, being buried in the Grand Island Cemetery. In 1886 Mr. Guenther wedded Miss Margaretha Eggers, of Holstein, Germany, and their union has re- sulted in the birth of a son, Carl. Mr. Guenther is a member of the A. O. U. W., the Liederkranz, and for some time has been treasurer of the fire department.

J. M. Guy, farmer and stockman, Wood River, Neb. Mr. Guy occupies an advanced position among the representative farmers and stock men of Harrison Township. He is an Eastern man by birth and bringing up, but has been a resident of this Western country for many years. Born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1837, he is the son of Willis and Jane (Hankins) Guy. The father was born in the Old Dominion in 1800, and settled in Madison County, Ohio, at an early date. He was a farmer and followed this occupation the principal part of his life. The mother was also a native of Virginia, born in 1803. To their marriage were born eight children, four of whom grew to maturity. The maternal grandfather was Asa Hankins, and the maternal grandmother was Nancy Lee, from the same part of Virginia as Gen. R. E. Lee, and related to him. J. M. Guy has two brothers liv- ing: Samuel, residing in Wood River, Neb., and Asa H., who is in Danville, Ill., and he has one half brother living, Joseph Guy, who is farming in Cameron Township, Hall County, Neb. Another brother, John, was killed in California in 1853. J. M. Guy remained in his native State until six. . teen years of age, after which he went to Illi- nois and located in De Witt County, Ill. He worked by the month on a farm and entered the Union army August 9, 1862, Company D, One

Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, and served three years. He was hurt at Munfordsville, Ky., and did no more active service. He returned to De Witt County after the war, engaged in tilling the soil, and in 1871 was married to Miss Mary S. Frazier, a native of Maryland, born in 1850. To this union were born six children: Sarah J., .Susan M., Anna L., Martha E., Nellie F. and John Willis. Mr. Guy continued to farm in Illi- nois until 1873, when he came west and settled on his present farm, taking a soldier's homestead, and now has 480 acres of as good land as is to be found in the county. He raises and feeds stock, and is a prominent agriculturist of the township. He has received a pension of $4 per month since 1875, and this has since been increased to $10 per month. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, chaplain of Plainview, and in politics is a Republican. Mrs. Guy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Perry Hack, farmer and stock raiser, Alda, Neb. Hall County is acknowledged by all to be one of the best agricultural portions of the State, and as such its citizens are men of advanced ideas and considerable prominence. A worthy man among this class is found in the person of Mr. Hack, who settled on a farm in Nebraska in 1867, and homesteaded 160 acres in Section 30, Alda Township. He was born in Fountain County, Ind., in 1841, and is the son of George and Rhoda (Her- ald) Hack, natives of Kentucky. The father left his native State at an early day, settled in Indiana, Chicago being their nearest market, and there tilled the soil until his death, which occurred in 1862. The mother survived him a number of years. Perry Hack was reared to the arduous duties of the farm, received his education in the schools of Indiana, and in 1861 went to Shelby County, Iowa, where he engaged in farm labor. The following year he enlisted at Council Bluffs, Iowa, for three years in Company A, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and was mustered into service at that place. He was in the trans-Mississippi department, and par- ticipated in the battle of Helena, Little Rock, Sa- line Cross Roads and Jenkins' Ferry. He was wounded at Jenkins' Ferry and left on the battle-

635

HALL COUNTY.

field. Mr. Hack remained at the Ferry for some time, and was then taken to Camden, Ark., Shreve- port, La., and thence to Taylor, Tex. He was paroled and honorably discharged June 7, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. He came direct to Omaha, Neb., and there engaged as a teamster for William Palmer, or in team transportation, freighting from Omaha to Julesburg for one year. In 1867 he took his claim, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and, although at this early period wild animals were numerous and Indians scoured the plains in numbers, Mr. Hack was unmolested. He was one of the very first settlers in the township and assisted in the organization of the county, of whose rapid development he has been a witness. He is not active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party, and is a man whose energy and persever- ance would carry him through any and all diffi- culties.

Josiah Hall is one of the oldest, best-known and most highly respected residents of Hall County, Neb., and is a man whose life has been an active one, not without the substantial rewards of success. He was born in Stenben County, N. Y., May 4, 1836, and is a son of John and Betsey (Rarick) Hall, who were also born in the "Empire State," moving from there to Pennsylvania, thence to Michigan (about 1855), locating in Tuscola County, of the latter State. Mr. Hall resided on a farm in that county until his death, in 1863. His wife died in Pennsylvania about 1843. Josiah Hall is the elder of two children, the other mem- ber of the family being a sister, now the wife of John Morgan, residing in Tuscola County, Mich. Mr. Hall was reared principally in Pennsylvania, and upon attaining manhood moved to Michigan, and from there enlisted in June, 1861, in Company A, Eighth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and served until he was discharged for disa- bility, in September, 1862. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and participated in a number of important engagements and some sharp skir- mishes. After receiving his discharge he returned to Michigan and was there engaged in farming un- til his removal to Nebraska, in April, 1879. He is now the owner of 160 acres of fertile land, on

which is a good grove and fair buildings. He has always been a Republican in politics and in the fall of 1889 was elected township supervisor, serving as one of the county supervisors. He has been married twice: First, in Tuscola County, to Miss Elizabeth Case, who died some three years later, his second marriage taking place in Washtenaw County, Mich., August 12, 1869, to Amanda Mor- gan, a daughter of Charles and Lydia Morgan. Mrs. Hall was born in Ypsilanti, and was reared and educated there. She and her husband are the parents of two children: Chester J. (who died January 6, 1889, at the age of fourteen years) and Stephen J. (a lad of twelve years). Mr. Hall is a member of the G. A. R., the Masonic frater- nity, and is one of the county's honored and re -. spected citizens.

A. B. Hankey, manager of the White River Land & Cattle Company, Meeker, Colo. This com- pany purchased 386 acres of land from Mr. W. Pow- ell, of Alda Township, Hall County, well watered by the north channel of the Platte River, on which they located a cattle-feeding ranch in September, 1887. The company has a ranch in Rio Blanco, Colo., consisting of 800 acres under fence. They feed from 600 to 1,000 cattle yearly on the ranch in Hall County, and buy from 60,000 to 70,000 bushels of corn, and from 300 to 400 tons of hay yearly, thus making a good market for the farmers. Mr. Hankey was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1856, was the youngest in a family of three chil- dren born to the marriage of J. B. and Isabella (Peel) Hankey, natives of England. The father died many years ago. The mother is still living in England. A. B. Hankey was educated in England and in 1883 came to British America, prospected for some time, and finally engaged in the stock business, which he has since continued. He sold cattle for export from England to America, and is one of the live business men of the county. The company for which he works is composed of Eng- land shareholders, of whom two are in Colorado.

John W. Harrison, Harrison Township, post- office Alda, Neb. It is well known over the county that he whose name heads this sketch is among the most influential and public-spirited citizens of Har-

636

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

rison Township. He was born in Ohio April 4, 1839, and is the son of John and Grace (Lonsdale) Harrison, the formier being a native of Yorkshire, England, and the latter a native of the low lands of Scotland. The father was born at Thursk near Leeds, April 4, 1806, grew to manhood there, and was there married to Miss Lonsdale. One month after his marriage he emigrated to America, drifted to Cincinnati, and thence to New Burlington, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was born, engag- ing in the merchandising business, laying the foun- dation for a fortune, but lost it all in the pork business in the crash of 1840 to 1843. He is still alive and resides in Richmond, Ind. Of the seven children born to his marriage four are still living, · one in Illinois, two in Ohio, and our subject. The mother died in 1843. She was a member of the Methodist Church. The father of late years has been an active minister of the Methodist Episcopal conference of Indiana, until superannuated a few years ago. He was an active politician during the stirring time preceding the late war-anti-slavery from a deep conviction of justice and right, and Re- publican when that party was formed, and is still a prominent man of his county. He. had two sons in the United States army, John W. and his brother. The latter enlisted in the Forty- fourth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. He was forage master of his regi- ment, was taken prisoner at Nashville, Tenn., was in Andersonville prison eleven months. He says he owes it to the Masons that he got through. He is now a physical wreck from exposure in the prison. John W. Harrison was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards. In 1864 he was in the one hundred days' service, and participated in the battle of New Creek, W. Va. He was a Douglas Democrat in the exciting campaign that ushered in the late war, believed in squatter sovereignty, but during and since the war has been a Republican. He attended Linden Hill Academy, New Carlisle, Ohio, in 1859 and 1860, commenced the study of the law, but owing to close application became a physical wreck. He began teaching in the public schools of Greene County, Ohio, and continued in that profession until he was thirty nine or forty years of age, ex-

cepting a few terms. He was a very successful teacher, having taught five years in one school in Harrison Township, Hall County. He was elected justice of the peace in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio, for two consecutive terms, and at the election for the last term that he served out of the 303 votes cast he received 300, with the township strongly Democratic. He located here in 1872, and with his uncle (Peter Harrison) and his uncle's three sons, William, Richard and Charles Harri- son, took land, 160 acres each, but becoming dis- satisfied returned to Ohio in the spring of 1873, but returned to this State in the spring of 1883. The Harrisons at once took an active part in the settlement and formation of township and county. the township being named in honor of them. Peter served as county commissioner and represented the county in the Legislature one term, and his son, T. O. C. Harrison, filled the position of county jndge, member of Legislature, and is now district judge of this district. William and Richard are known all over the county for their sterling worth. William served two terms as commissioner or super- visor. Charles having returned to Ohio, is living there now. John since his return has filled the office of county supervisor (or county commissioner) for two terms, and is now filling his third. He is now farming and raising stock. He was married in 1862, to Miss M. E. Louek, a native of Fairfield, Greene County, Ohio, born in 1843, and to them have been born two children: Eugene and Jose- phine (now the wife of C. A. Wheeler). Eugene married C. A.'s sister, Miss Rena Wheeler, mem- bers of a highly respected family originally from Ohio. Mrs. Harrison's parents, John Louck and Elizabeth (Burk), were born in Pennsylvania in 1811 and 1805, respectively; both are living. The grandfather of Mr. Harrison was born near Leeds, England, and had seven sons and one daughter; of the boys there were four ministers and one lawyer, the Hon. R. A. Harrison, of Columbus, Ohio, who refused the supreme judgeship, when tendered him by the (then) Gov. Ben Foraker of Ohio. The great-grandfather was born in England, was a sea captain, owned and navigated his own ship, was lost at sea. The Harrison family trace their line-

637

HALL COUNTY.

age back to the same ancestors as President Har- rison, Gen. Harrison, Cromwell's right hand bower, Cromwell the English liberator.

Hon. T. O. C. Harrison, judge of the Ninth judicial district, is a man whose public services have been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of Hall County and the common- wealth, and he is also noted for his ability and fidelity in all positions of public trust, which have made a lasting impression upon those with whom he has come in contact. He was born in Clinton County, Ohio, May 22, 1849, being one of eight children born to the marriage of Hon. Peter Harrison and Sylvania Lovekin, who were born, respectively, in England and Frederick City, Md. The father emigrated to the United States at the early age of eighteen years, and in 1872 settled in Hall County, Neb., where he became exceptionally well and favorably known. His many sterling qualities were soon recognized by the people, and he was at one time elected to represent Hall Coun- ty in the State Legislature, and for several years was a member of the board of county commis- sioners, and was president of the Hall County Agricultural Society, in each and all of which positions he discharged his duties in a very effi- cient manner. His death occurred in Hall Coun- ty, but his wife passed from life in Ohio. Judge T. O. C. Harrison first attended the public schools of Chester County, Ohio, and was subsequently a student in the Lebanon (Ohio) National Normal School. In 1870 he began the study of law in the office of his uncle, R. A. Harrison, at London, Madison County, Ohio, and continued his study of Blackstone until March, 1873, when he came to Grand Island, Neb., and in the following June was admitted to the Hall County bar. The win- ter of 1875-76 he spent in California and Oregon, and upon his return to Grand Island was elected to the position of deputy county treasurer for one year, and in 1877 was appointed judge of Hall County, which position he held by re-election for two succeeding terms, being judge of Grand Island for the same length of time. For a number of years subsequent to his retirement from office he was engaged in the active practice of his profes-

sion, and displayed much ability and sagacity in the management of his cases, so much in fact that his worth and excellence soon became well known, and in 1882 he was elected on the Republican ticket, to represent Hall and Hamilton Counties in the Nebraska Senate. In 1887 he was appointed district judge, and was elected at the succeeding election, the district being composed of the coun- ties of Hall, Howard, Greeley, Valley, Garfield, Loup, Blaine, Thomas, Boone and Wheeler. His associate is Judge F. B. Tiffany, of Albion. Judge Harrison was united in marriage in 1879 to Miss M. Camille Laine, who was born in Madison Coun- ty, N. Y. He belongs to Lodge No. 33, of the A. F. & A. M .; Mount Lebanon Commandery No. 11, K. T., and also the K. of P. and the A. O. U. W. Judge Harrison is thoroughly posted on the tech- nicalities of law, is popular in his district, and is in every respect a representative citizen, and one who would give prestige to any community in which he resided.

James N. Harrison, M. D., is one of the fore- most of the professional men of the county, and is acknowledged by all to be a physician of more than ordinary merit. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1859, and since quite a young boy has made his own way in the world, and through his own unaided ef- forts has acquired a good literary and professional education, receiving his knowledge of books in gen- eral in the Pittsburgh Academy, and his medical education in the Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia. Pa. For one year after graduating he practiced his profession in a hospital in that city, and then determined to take the advice which Horace Greeley gave to young men and "go west and grow up with the country." He at once entered upon a career of distinction and success at Wood River, Neb., and the large and paying prac- tice which he now commands is fully deserved, for he is thoroughly versed in medical lore, puts his knowledge in practice and is cheerful and encour- aging in the sick room, inspiring his patients and those about him with confidence in his skill and judgment. In truth, he possesses all the requis- ites which go to make an eminent physician.

William Harrod, farmer and stock-raiser, Don-

638

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

iphan, Neb. Born in the city of London, England, in 1842, Mr. Harrod was one of a family of twenty- two children, the result of the union of James Har- rod and Sarah (Barnes) Harrod, natives also of London, England, born in 1801 and 1819, respect- ively. The parents emigrated to America in 1857, settled in Rockford, Ill., and there followed agri- cultural pursuits and the dairy business. He is still living and makes his home with our subject. The mother died in Illinois in 1869. William Harrod was reared to farm life, seenred a fair edu- cation in the schools of London, and was fifteen years of age when he emigrated to America. He first worked on his father's farm, and in 1862 en- listed in Company D, Seventy-fourth Illinois In- fantry at Rockford, for three years, or during the war. He was mustered into service at the above- mentioned place and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky., Stone River, and was taken with lung trouble, on account of which he was honor- ably discharged, at Murfreesboro, in 1863. He then engaged in farming and was married in Rock- ford, Ill., in 1867, to Miss Eldora Hilton, a native of Rhode Island, and the daughter of Robert Hil- ton and Harriet (Barningham) Hilton, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Hilton came to America in 1839, settled in Rhode Island, moved from there to Illinois at an early day, and there the mother died in 1866. The father still resides in Illinois. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Harrod moved to Missouri, thence to Jasper County, Iowa, and in 1874 to Hall County, Neb., where he now has 200 acres in a good state of cultivation. He first lived in a large dug-out for a number of years and then erected a good honse and barn. He has a fine orchard, and everything comfortable about his place. He is a Republican, and socially is a mem- ber of the A. J. Smith Post No. 65, Doniphan. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and Mr. Harrod is superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which he takes a very great interest. He is a member of the Farmers' Alli- ance and a worthy man in every particular. To his marriage have been born eleven children, nine now living: Hattie, Susan (now Mrs. Coon, of Don-

iphan Township), Dora, William, James, Charley, Joseph, Edwin and Bertha. Mr. Harrod came to Nebraska, in 1874, during the grasshopper raid, had limited means, and consequently experienced many hardships. He, however, was not the man to be so easily discouraged, and is to-day one of the substantial men of the county.

Roger Hayes is a son of Dennis and Margaret (Sullivan) Hayes. who was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1843, and when four years of age was taken to Canada by his parents, in which country the father died soon after their arrival. The mother afterward married Michael McNamara, and in 1864 they moved to the United States, and until 1870 were residents of Pennsylvania, then removed to Hall County, Neb., and located on a farm which now joins Wood River, and there they are still re- siding. Roger Hayes began doing for himself at an early age, working as a ship carpenter in On- tario, Canada, but in 1866 came to Wood River, Neb., and in the fall of 1868 took up a claim of which he is still the owner. His property is valu- able, for it is well watered by Wood River, which runs through it, every acre is tillable and it is en- closed by a good fence and is well stocked and im- proved with first rate buildings. In the month of May, 1869, Miss Ellen Neville became his wife, her birth occurring in Ireland in 1842. Owing to the early death of her parents, Michael and Mary (Cavanah) Neville, she was obliged to earn her own living when she was but a child, and at the age of thirteen years came to the United States to join her brothers and sisters, who had preceded her to this land, she being one of a family of seven: John, Mary, Patrick, Michael, Ellen, Margaret and Thomas. All are residents of the United States with the exception of John, who lives on the old homestead in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have become the parents of the following children: Mary B. (born February 29, 1870), Margaret (born November 14, 1871), Dennis (born March 3, 1873), Alice E. (born January 9, 1875), Stella A. (born December 14, 1876), Francis R. (born October 27, 1878) Delia E. (born May 24, 1883),and Katie (born June 17, 1886), all of whom are living and in good health. Mr. Hayes has given his children good

639

HALL COUNTY.

common-school educations and his daughter Mary has taught two terms of school. The family are Roman Catholics and in his political views Mr. Hayes is a staneh Democrat.

John J. Heden, farmer and stock-raiser, Shel- ton, Neb. The estate upon which Mr. Heden now resides, and to which he is giving such close atten- tion in its cultivation, embraces 160 acres, a well improved farm, substantial and convenient build- ings being a leading feature of these improvements. He is numbered among the thrifty foreign-born residents of the county, having been born in Meck- lenburg, Germany, in 1834. His parents, Peter and Maria Heden, were natives of the same place as their son, and the father served as a soldier. John J. Heden emigrated to the United States alone, landed in New York, and later went to Michigan, where he remained some time. From there he went to Illinois, where he was engaged in various pursuits, and subsequently moved to Pike County, Mo. He then returned to Illinois and was married to Miss Black, a native of Pike County, Ill., and the daughter of W. G. and Mary Black, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, and early settlers of Illinois. After his marriage Mr. Heden settled in Champaign County of that State, but two years later they returned to Pike County, and there remained until 1873, when he located in Hall County, Neb., tak- ing a soldier's homestead. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, Company G, and served in the Union army for over four years. He was in the following battles: Cotton Plant and Helena, Vicksburg, Memphis, and later went to Texas under Gen. Custer. This was about the close of the campaign, and he was mustered out in the Lone Star State. Mr. Heden does a general farm- ing and stock-raising business, and is prominently connected with the agricultural affairs of the com- munity. To his marriage were born six children: William J., Nellie F., Ethel D., Reuben P., Ed- ward S. and Mary M. Mr. Heden is a member of and an officer in the Farmers' Alliance.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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