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 111

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 111
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 111
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 111
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 111

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).

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has few equals. Her parents, Patrick and Cath- erine (Kane) Matthews, were born in Longford, Ireland, and after their marriage came directly to America, and located in Brooklyn, N. Y., where the mother died in 1870, aged fifty-six years. The father afterward came west with Mrs. Mankin, and died in Nebraska, aged about sixty years. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic Church.

Martin V. Marsh, farmer and stock-raiser, Doniphan, Neb. To the stock industry of the va- rious townships of the county must be given a large share of credit for the reputation which Hall County enjoys as a wealthy progressive community. And to those leading men who have contributed so materially in the building up of this reputation, should be extended the sincere thanks and good will of the persons who have been benefited by their course. Prominent in all .movements relat- ing to agricultural pursuits or stock-raising, Mr. Marsh has become so well known that nothing need be said by us as to his reliability and responsi- bility. He was born in Somerset County, Me., in 1837, and is the third in a family of eight, born to Edward E. and Almeda (Young) Marsh, natives also of the Pine Tree State. The father was a tiller of the soil, but in connection carried on the cooper trade. He emigrated to Wisconsin in 1852, settling in Waukesha County, but in 1854 settled in the town of Berry, Dane County, Wis., where he pur- chased a good farm and made many improvements on it. In October, 1877, he came to Doniphan, Neb., and here his death occurred in January, 1878, at the home of his son, Bradford A. Marsh, when in his seventieth year. The mother still survives. Of their children, William H. resides in Hall County, Lafayette Y. married and resides in Hall County, Martin V. is our subject, and Lucy is the wife of Oliver Fenner. She died in 1886. Josephus enlisted at Fort Wayne, Ind., in the Eigh- ty-eighth Indiana Infantry, Company D, for three years, in 1862; he was in the Army of the Cumber- land and was taken prisoner September 19, at the battle of Chickamauga; he was in Libby Prison, Belle Isle and Andersonville for fourteen months; his death occurred in June, 1864, in Anderson- ville. Eli E. enlisted in Dane County, Wis., in

Company D, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, in 1862, for three years, and was along the Missis- sippi as far as Vicksburg; he was taken sick and returned to St. Louis, Jefferson Barracks, where he died June 9, 1863. Bradford A. married and resides in Hall County, where he settled in 1874. Carroll M. married and resides in Chase County. Neb. Martin V. Marsh received his education in the schools of Maine, and early became familiar with the duties of the farm. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Oconto County, Wis., in Company H, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, and the last two years was in the cavalry. He enlisted as a private, and was mustered into State service at Green Bay, and the United States service at Racine. He was taken directly to the front, was in the Eastern department and was under Gen. Butler at New Orleans. He was promoted from time to time, and was commis- sioned captain in 1866. He was on the transports at the siege of Fort Jackson and St. Phillips, and thence to New Orleans. His regiment was one of the first to march in the streets of that city. From there they went to Vicksburg, taking part in the battle of Baton Rouge, La., August 5, 1862; siege of Port Hudson, La., 1863, and was wound- ed at Clinton, La., June 3, 1863; Fort Blakely, Ala., April, 1865. In January, 1864, he veteranized in the same company and regiment. He was at Shreveport, La., Marshall and San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Texas, and down the Rio Grande to Brown- ville. He was honorably discharged on May 28, 1866, at Brownville, Texas, and returned to Dane County, Wis. He was married in that county in March, 1868, to Miss Emma Stephens, a native of New York, but who was reared in Dane County. Wis., and the daughter of Leander and Julia (Rose) Stephens, natives of New York. Mr. Stephens was a farmer, and settled in Dane County in 1855, where he took up good land. In con- nection with agricultural pursuits he was also engaged in milling. He is still living and resides in Dane County, Wis. The mother died in that county in June, 1886. Mr. Marsh cultivated the soil in Wisconsin until 1877; then he emigrated to Nebraska. He bought a partly improved farm of 160 acres, has good buildings, etc., and is one of

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the foremost farmers in the county. He is a Re- publican in politics, and was town assessor in 1884. He was a member of the school board for about eight years, and is interested in all educational mat- ters. Socially he is a member of A. J. Smith Post No. 65, G. A. R., Doniphan, Neb., has been commander and is now quartermaster. To his marriage have been born the following children: Edward L., Flora, A., Sarah E., Adelbert and Chancy.

Henry N. Martin, farmer and stock-raiser, Doniphan, Neb. Throughout the county, and es- pecially over this portion of it, the name of Henry N. Martin is very well known, for, one of the oldest citizens of the community in point of settle- ment, he is at the same time recognized by all as one of its solid, substantial and thoroughly reliable residents. His birth occurred in Yorkshire, Eng- land in 1848, and he was the eldest son born to George and Anna (Hours) Martin, natives of the same place as their son. The father was a horse- trainer in the racing stables, and in 1850 left his native country to try his Inek in the United States. He first went to Ohio, thence to Elgin, Ill., where he followed farming, and later to Fremont County, Iowa, where he tilled the soil for one year. In 1862 he moved to Nebraska and freighted from Nebraska City to Denver until Angust of that year, when he settled on his claim of 160 acres on Platte River. His children consisted of three sons and three daughters, although he had a stepson, John Weavers, who was in the service from 1862 to 1865, Company A, Fourth Iowa Infantry. He came to Nebraska abont 1868, but now resides in Iowa. The other children were named as fol- lows: Eliza (died in 1885), Hepizipbah (now Mrs. Masterson, of Ellsworth, Ellsworth County, Kas.), H. N., Robert (married and resides in Ellsworth County, Kas.), William E. (married and resides in Hall) and Anna (now Mrs. Huffman, of Rice County, Kas). At the time of Mr. Martin's settlement in Hall County Indians were plenty, and in 1863 they began their depredations. In 1864 they made an attack on the south side of Platte River. Mr. Martin and his sons, Henry N. and Robert, were hauling hay and were about three miles from home. Mr. Mar-

tin was on the first load, had a six-shooting rifle and being first attacked could do but little on ac- count of being on the hay. He was wounded severely. The spy on the bluff then pointed out the boys, who were following on the second load of hay drawn by a yoke of oxen, with a horse in the lead behind the load. When the attack was made on the boys they unhitched and turned the oxen loose, and our subject put his brother, Robert, on the horse and then got on behind. They then started for the house, which was their only refuge, there being no other settlers near, and when about a quarter of a mile from the house the Indians closed up on them. Our subject received an arrow between the shoulder blade and back bone, which came out on the right side of the breast and pen- etrated his brother. He then received an arrow shot in the right arm, and his brother, Robert, was shot in the hip and thigh. They rode until our subject became dizzy, fainted and fell from the horse which also becoming tangled in the lines came to the ground. The Indians struck Robert and finding that he did not move supposed both were dead, and spoke of scalping them but changed their minds and said " Pappoose's scalp no good." Finally they left. When the arrow was drawn from Henry's arm he fainted and did not come to himself until en route with the family for York, they having im- mediately started for that place. He refused to go farther and after remaining there one week re- turned to the ranch, driving a team back. Inside of two weeks he was again at work. Robert has the arrow still stained with their blood, that penetrated his brother and himself. The father remained in the county until his death which occurred in 1884, and the mother died the same year. In 1864 Henry N. Martin was again attacked by Indians, or rather they attacked up and down the Platte River and stole two horses and a pony from our subject's father, after which they went to the latter's son-in-law's house, took a horse and cleared the ranch of everything. However no lives were lost. Again in 1865 they made a raid along the Platte River, took two girls, eighteen and nineteen years of age, and two twin boys four years of age belonging to Peter Campbell. They then shut

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Mrs. Owens, who was watching the course they were taking, while she was standing at the door with a baby in her arms. When found in the evening the baby was playing in her blood. This child was cared for by A. Graham and grew to manhood. In 1866 the savages made a raid along the Platte River and attacked the home of Mrs. Wall and Flemming Maloney, bright and early one Monday morning, but with poor result. They stole two horses but one escaped from them and the father of our subject re-captured it. This was the last of the Indian attacks. Henry N. Martin received bis education in Hall County, Neb., and began farming for himself where he now resides. . He now has 1,200 acres of land in a good state of cultivation and some in pasturage. He has two good barns and is engaged in raising Durham cattle, Poland-China hogs, and a good stock of horses. He feeds about eighty to eighty-five head of cattle yearly. He is not active in politics but votes with the Republican party. His marriage occurred in Hall County, Neb., in 1873, to Miss Lititia Donald, a native of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill .. who died in Hall County on January 3, 1877, leaving two children as a memento of this marriage: Arthur and Viola. Mr. Martin's second marriage occurred on January 2, 1879, in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., to Miss Sarah M. Donald, a native of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are Baptists in their belief. Mr. Martin has been a member of the school board and moder- ator since 1873. He is one of the first settlers of the county or State south of the Platte, and has seen the complete growth of the country. Socially he is a member of Doniphan Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M.

Thomas P. Matthews, confectioner of Grand Island, Neb., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 1, 1868, being a son of John A. and Agnes (Con- nelly) Matthews, the former a native of Brooklyn and the latter of Ireland. She was brought by her parents to America when five years old and was here reared to womanhood. In 1870 she and her husband, Mr. Matthews, emigrated from Brooklyn to the State of Nebraska, and first located in Cum- mings County, but after residing on a farm there

for one year they removed to Lincoln County, Neb., and here the father gave his attention to railroad. ing for four years. In 1876 they came to Hall County, and after making their home in Schaupps- ville until 1880 they removed to Grand Island and here still reside. The father is now in the employ of the Union Pacific Railway. When twelve years of age the subject of this sketch entered the em- ploy of S. N. Wolbach, of Grand Island, and clerked in his clothing establishment for a period of nine years. On May 1, 1889, he engaged in the confectionery business, to which his attention has since been given, and he is now the owner of a well-stocked establishment and is in the enjoy- ment of a lucrative and rapidly increasing trade. He has connected with his establishment a candy kitchen, and manufactures all his own candies. He is a young man of push and enterprise, and being agreeable and accommodating to his patrons he gives every promise of becoming a wealthy citizen. He is a member of the Catholic Church, the A. O. U. W. and the Catholic Knights of America. He is a Democrat in his political views.

John Maughan was born in County Mayo, Ire- land, January 25, 1856, being a son of Patrick and Ellen (Flynn) Maughan, who were also born in the "Emerald Isle" in 1833 and 1835, respectively. After their marriage they emigrated to America to seek their fortune, and after a ten-weeks' ocean voyage they landed in New York City, and, after making their home in York State for eight years they went to Pennsylvania, and are now residing on a farm. John Maughan received a good common- school education in his youth, and after assisting his father on the home farm until 1881 he came to Wood River, Neb., and after tending bar for a short time opened a retail liquor establishment in 1885, and has been in that business ever since, his house being quiet and orderly. He is a member of the Building and Loan Association of Wood River, and is the owner of some good business buildings and a comfortable residence in the town. On June 12, 1888, he was united in marriage in the Wood River St. Mary's Catholic Church by Father Lynch to Miss Katie Brett, who was born in the State of Nebraska in 1865. They have one

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child, John P. The paternal grandfather, Edward Manghan, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and there followed the occupation of farming.

Henry J. Mayer is a skillful marble and stone- cutter, of Grand Island, and ever since his resi- dence here, June, 1884, he has identified himself with nearly every enterprise of note. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, January 26, 1858, being the son of Michael and Catherine Mayer, who were born, reared and married in Germany, and emi- grated to the United States in 1857, locating in Burlington, Iowa, where the father followed the trade of a stone-cutter until 1860, at which time he moved with his family to Nauvoo, Ill., where they made their home until 1877. Henry J. Mayer, at the age of nine years, began working for a farmer near Nauvoo, receiving $5 per month for his services. As his first wages he accepted two pigs from the farmer at $7.50, and these he car- ried home in his pockets. He remained with him two years, and in time had his wages increased to $8 per month. From eleven to fourteen years of age he remained at home, his time being spent in attending school, working in a vineyard and learn- ing the stone-cutter's trade of his father. At the end of this time he began learning marble cutting with George W. Rose, of Sonora, Ill., with whom he remained five years. He then went to Waco, Tex., to which place his parents also removed shortly after and are there still residing. Being unable to secure employment at his trade in that vicinity, he began working on the Houston & Texas Central Railway and acted in the capacity of bridge carpenter for nineteen months. In 1859 he gave up this employment and went to Leadville, Colo., be- ing lured thither by the silver excitement. He remained there for nearly four years, engaged in prospecting, and during this time he met with many interesting and exciting adventures. In August, 1882, he returned to Sonora, Ill., and for about one year worked at his trade in the shop of his old employer, Mr. Rose. In the fall of 1883 he again went to Waco, Tex., and during the winter which followed he secured employment at his calling. Since the month of June, 1884, he has been a resident of Grand Island, and his entire

attention has been given to his trade, and here he has built up an enviable reputation as a first-class workman, and a reliable, upright man of business. In 1885 he engaged in business for himself, and is now one of the leading marble and stone-cutters in this part of the State. He is an agreeable and sociable gentleman, and has made many warm friends since locating here.

August Mieth. The principal events of Mr. Mieth's life might be separated into three divis- ions or periods: From his birth until his marriage, from that time until his removal to the State of Nebraska, and the last, from that date to the pres- ent time, and doubtless all would be willing to concede that the last period has been by far the most enjoyable, as he himself would admit. Al- though he learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth, nature seems to have intended him for a farmer, and to day he is the owner of a landed estate numbering 320 acres, all well improved with a good bearing orchard and excellent buildings. He is also the owner of two other farms -one com- prising 160 acres, and the other 120 acres, near his home farm, and both places are improved with buildings, etc. He first purchased 161 acres, then as his means would permit made other purchases, and is now one of the extensive real-estate holders of the county. He was born in Prussia, Germany, April 5, 1829, and is a son of Christian and Anna Mieth, who died in their native land. August received a fair education in his native language, and after serving a four-years' apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, he came to America and located first at Falls Village, Conn., but after- ward went to Buffalo, and from there to Chicago in 1855, and in this city followed his trade for about fifteen years. He then located in Burling ton, Ill., and in connection with his trade was engaged in farming until 1880, at which time he moved to Hall County, Neb., and purchased his property as above stated. He was married in Prussia, but his wife died in Chicago, and after- ward married in that city in 1860, Mary Pingel, a native German, but he was called upon to mourn the death of this wife also, her demise occurring in Burlington, Ill., in,1872. Five children were born

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to his last union: August (married, and residing on one of his father's farms), Emma (wife of John Ruhsen, of Venango, Neh.), Fred E., Bertha and Ida (the last three at home with their father).

C. W. Mercer is the editor and proprietor of the Wood River Gazette, and through its columns wields a potent influence in the public affairs of Hall County. Although a man young in years he is intelligent and enterprising, and has gained the esteem and approbation of all who know him. His paper commands a good patronage, and some use- ful and interesting information can always be gleaned from its columns. He was born in Ohio in 1861, and is a son of V. T. and N. R. (Wagner) Mercer, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The father was a soldier in the Federal army during the Rebellion, and in 1871 removed with his family to Nebraska, and is now engaged in farming near Gibbon. He is a member of the Odd-Fellows' fraternity. C. W. Mercer is the eldest of their five children, and since nine years old has resided in Nebraska. His early youth was spent in following the plow and attending school, but in March, 1882, he dropped farm work to enter the printing office of the Beacon, of Gibbon, and there served his apprenticeship as a printer. In 1884 he came to Wood River and went to work on the Wood River Gazette, and remained in the office until the death of the former proprietor, and in July, 1889, purchased the establishment, and as above stated has conducted the paper successfully. Its editorial policy has been directed by a man of sound judgment, and its reputation as a repre- sentative journal of this portion of the State is well established. Mr. Mercer is unmarried.

I. L. Meseraull, grain buyer and farmer, Doni- phan, Neb. In writing of Doniphan its interests would be incomplete did we not mention Mr. Mes eraull, who is one of the foremost business men of the place. He first located in Hall County in 1871, on the bank of Prairie Creek, Section 22, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land, and this he sold in 1877. In 1884 he erected a good elevator at Doni- phan and engaged in the grain business the follow- ing year. He owes his nativity to Oakland County, Mich., where his birth occurred in 1845, and is the

son of Peter B. and Rachel (Drake) Meseranil, na- tives of New Jersey. At an early day the parents settled in Oakland County, Mich. (1828), and fol lowed farming in that State until the death of the father, which occurred in 1865. The mother died in 1859. I. L. Meseranll was early tanght the du- ties of farm life and received his education in the schools of Michigan. He was married in Lapeer County, of that State, in 1865, to Miss Frances Smith, a native of Michigan, and the daughter of Orlando and Mary E. (Fuller) Smith, natives of Connecticut. The father is deceased, but the mother is now living. Mr. Meseranll lost his wife in Nebraska in 1876. Two children were born to this union: Samuel I. (in Doniphan) and John F. (in Michigan.) At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, Mr. Meseraull enlisted in Oakland County, Mich., for three years, in Company I, Tenth Michigan Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Thomas. He was in the battles of Farmington, Corinth, Iuka, Mis- sionary Ridge, Stone River, Buzzards' Roost, Res- aca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek, Sandtown, Jonesboro, and on to Savannah. He established the first picket placed on the Augusta road, at the siege of Savannah, and was in the battles of Black River, Bentonville and Raleigh. He was at the grand review in Washington, D. C., and was discharged at Jackson, Mich , in June, 1865. He was mar- ried in Hall County, Neb., in 1878, to Miss Esther L. Fry, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Charles Fry. Miss Fry was married previous to her marriage to Mr. Meseraull. To her marriage there were born two children: Ella and Edward. Her father enlisted in the Union army in In- diana, and was killed while in service. The mother and children and grandfather emigrated to Hall County, Neb., in 1862, and settled near Wood River. The grandfather, Capt. Joseph Smith, was in the Mexican War. He preceded his daughter westward some two years, and in 1861 was killed by the Sioux Indians, as were also two uncles. The mother still resides in this county, and is the wife of Mr. Daniel Baker, of Alda Township. Mr. Meseraull moved to Grand Island in 1868,

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and there remained until coming to Doniphan in 1887. He purchased a good farm of eighty acres, erected a good residence, substantial outbuildings, etc., and has a very nice place. He is a member of Doniphan Lodge No. 186, A. F. & A. M., and was also a member of the G. A. R. He has been a member of the school board in his district. To his marriage were born the following children: Morris, Blaine, Francis, Claude, Maria and Katie.

Dr. Howard C. Miller. Among the inventions of the nineteenth century, none are of more im- portance than those that pertain to dentistry, and among its most able practitioners may be men- tioned Dr. Miller, who by the superior class of his work, his reasonable prices and his genial manner, has won a very large patronage. He was born in Lewis County, N. Y., January 15, 1859, and is a son of Isaac S. and Sarah A. (Stone) Miller, who were born and are now living in the "Empire State." Dr. Miller attended school at Rome, N. Y., and in 1879 began the study of dentistry at Camden, N. Y., in the office of Dr. A. T. Van, and continued to pursue his investigations in this science in the office of Dr. G. W. Wertz, of Oma- ha, Neb., having come here in 1879. He remained in the city of Omaha until his removal to Grand Island, October 1, 1881, and here has since prac- ticed his profession with the most flattering re- sults. He has thoroughly prepared himself for this calling, and is the oldest dentist in Hall Coun- ty, in point of years of continued practice, and May 20, 1888, his ability was recognized by his being elected president of the Nebraska State Dental Society. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican, and socially belongs to the K. of P., being a charter member of Nysian Lodge No. 46, and is also a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married November 9, 1881, to Miss Ida V. Wickwire, who was born in Stephenson County, Ill., in 1860, and by her has two sons: Guy T. and Ralph I.

W. W. Mitchell is a prosperous general mer- chant of Hall County, located at Wood River, and by his excellent management and good commercial ability has built up a commendable business. He was born in the "Buckeye State" in 1846, and

in that State made his home and received his edu- cation until 1860, when he went to Michigan and was engaged in lumbering in the central and west- ern portions until 1864, when he joined the Federal Navy and served on a gun-boat up and down the Mississippi River. Upon the close of the war he returned to Michigan and remained in the lumber business until 1871, when he came to Nebraska and settled on a soldier's homestead in Hall Coun- ty, near Alda. In 1873 he opened a general mer- cantile establishment on a small scale, and also bought grain and sold farming implements. He did well and still owns a grain house there. He bought the elevator in Wood River before moving to the town, which is the only steam elevator, and he now ships from one to five car loads of grain per day. He recently completed "a fine brick store building, at a cost of $4,000, and has a stock of gen- eral merchandise valued at $10,000. As a man of business his fame is co-extensive with the surround- ing country, and every step of his financial and commercial career has been illustrated with acts of liberality. His success has been remarkable, and the confidence the people have in him in all respects is well deserved. He was for some time one of the county commissioners, is now vice-president of the board of the Building and Loan Association, and belongs to the town council. Socially he is a mem- ber of the A. O. U. W., the I. O. O. F., and he is a stockholder and director of the Wood River Bank. Politically he is a Republican. He was married in Michigan to Miss C. Morrison, by whom he has seven children. His parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Crumbaker) Mitchell, were born in Ohio, and were farmers by occupation. The Mitchells are of Irish descent, and were among the earliest settlers of Virginia.

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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