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 112

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 112
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 112
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 112
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 112

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James W. Modesitt is the postmaster and a successful general merchant at Alda, Hall County, Neb. He was born near Indianola, Iowa, Septem- ber 6, 1860, being a son of James and Nancy (Judy) Modesitt, natives, respectively, of Indiana and Illi- nois. The father was married twice, his first union taking place in Indiana, and his second, to Miss Judy, in Illinois. He died in Iowa in 1861, and his widow afterward moved to Illinois and lo-

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cated in Tazewell County, where she still resides. James W. Modesitt was reared to manhood and received a good common-school education in Illi- nois, and up to 1886 was engaged in farming. He came to Nebraska in 1884, and after following the plow for two years and clerking for about two years longer, he opened his present establishment, and has since been doing well. His stock of goods is well selected and fairly large, and as he sells at reasonable rates he commands a large and lucra- tive trade. He was appointed postmaster of Alda by President Harrison in May, 1889, and has since discharged the duties of this position in a very effi- cient manner. Jannary 16, 1889, he was married to Miss Orilla Fleisher, a danghter of John Fleisher, of Hall County, in which county Mrs. Modesitt was reared to womanhood. Mr. Modesitt belongs to the A. O. U. W., and has held a number of official positions in his lodge.

Peter Mohr, farmer and stockman, was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1833, and is a son of Peter and Lucy (Mein) Mohr, also natives of that province, the father a farmer by occupation, who made his home in his native land until his death, which oc curred in 1836. His excellent wife survived him until 1868, when she, too, passed away. Peter Mohr, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared to a farm life in his native land, and ob- tained a fair education in the schools of that coun- try. Upon reaching a proper age he entered the German army, but only served a short time,, and after purchasing his discharge set sail from Ham- burg March 17, 1869, for the United States, and landed at Hoboken, N. J., and came direct to Grand Island. After working as a farm hand for one year he rented land, and in 1882 settled on his present property, which embraces 160 acres. He soon set out a good orchard, and in addition to his farm work he is now engaged in feeding fifty head of cattle yearly. He was one of the first settlers of Prairie Creek Township, and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted State and county. He was married in Hall County, in 1882, to Mrs. Wilhelmina (Hasenger) Kinkle. She was born in Germany, and after coming to the United States was married to Dr. Kinkle and moved

to Grand Island, Neb., where the latter died in 1880. By the Doctor she became the mother of two children: Wilhelm and Otillie. Her union with Mr. Mohr has resulted in the birth of a son, Carl P. Mr. Mohr votes with the Democratic party and was the first supervisor iu his township, and has been a member of his district school board for twelve years.

Orrin D. Montgomery is engaged in tilling one of the neatest and most fertile farms in the county, it comprising 400 acres of land. He was born in Saybrook, Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1830, being a son of Robert and Charlotte (Gillet) Montgomery, the former of whom was born in the Black River country, New York, and died in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1850, aged seventy two years. The pa- ternal grandfather was born in Ireland, and at an early day emigrated to Scotland. The maternal grandfather was born in Scotland. Mr. Mont- gomery is proud of his Scotch blood, and with the characteristics of his race worships Scotland's national bard, Burns. The subject of this sketch was reared in Wisconsin, and was married in Michigan, October 28, 1855, to Miss Louisa A. Larrabee, the result of this union being five chil- ren, of whom four are living: Arthur, Homer, Josephine and Ada. After having traveled around for some time Mr. Montgomery was at length at- tracted by the apparent possibilities of Nebraska, and considering the land fertile as well as beauti- ful, and believing that his industry would receive a rich reward, he settled in Hall County in 1865, and the result of his labors has proved his judg- ment to be correct. His means were very limited on locating here, but he was blessed with good health, energy and strength, and is now one of the prosperous men of the county. Mr. Montgomery was called upon to mourn the death of his wife February 15, 1887, she having been a true help- mate to him and a most devoted wife and mother.

Patrick Moore, a prominent pioneer of Hall County, Neb., was the first settler on Wood River. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1835, and until the year 1847 was an attendant of the national schools, but at that date was brought to American shores by his parents, and in time be-

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came a settler of the State of Illinois. He was soon placed in the Academy at Joliet, where his advantages were improved to the utmost, and upon leaving that institution he became one of the pop- ular and successful local educators of Will County. After a residence of about one year in the State of Iowa he came to Omaha, Neb., and in the spring of 1859 settled in Hall County, having previously pre-empted a claim, and during his early residence passed through the various experiences of the pi- oneer settler. The county was very sparsely set- tled until after the completion of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1868, and the families of the settlers very often had narrow escapes from death from marauding bands of Sioux Indians. In February, 1862, a man by the name of Smith, his two sons, a neighbor's son, all neighbors and friends of Mr. Moore, were slain during one of the attacks. This caused great alarm to the remaining settlers, and for many nights afterward they would assem- ble at some one house and keep guard throughout the night. By 1864 many of the settlers had re- turned to their former homes, but Mr. Moore, with the perseverance and determination which have ever characterized his efforts, determined to "hold the fort," and is now enjoying the fruits of his early years of anxiety and toil. He is the owner of a fine tract of land comprising 320 acres, well im- proved and every acre of which is tillable. His career is well worthy the emulation of the rising generation, for to the pluck and intrepidity of just such men the present admirable state of civilization is due. He is a man of more than ordinary intel- ligence, and his business capabilities are of a high order. He is a Republican in his political views, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and is now vice-president of and a heavy stockholder in the First National Bank of Wood River. His par- ents were Patrick and Anastasia (Collins) Moore, and the former died on the voyage to America His wife and a daughter died of typhoid fever soon after landing.

Charles A. Moore was born in North Bend, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1839, a son of James and Margaret (Finley) Moore, the former of whom was also born in that county, a farmer by occupa-

tion and a soldier in the Mexican War. His father, James Moore, was a native of Ireland, a farmer and gardener, and upon coming to the United States settled first in New York State and then in Mahoning County, Ohio. The wife of James Moore was a daughter of John Finley, also a native of Ireland. James Moore removed to Portage County, Ohio, with his family, at an early day, and here Charles A. Moore grew up. When fifteen years of age he and a brother, Jamnes A., left their parents' roof and went to Chicago, in which city they had their home for about two years, being engaged in shipping horses. They next went to Pike's Peak, where they were en- gaged in the stage business for a few years, but in 1863-64 they resided on a ranch on the Overland Stage Line, the place being known as Moore's Ranche. They were actively engaged in the stock business until 1868, when they abandoned their ranch and Charles A. Moore settled in Sidney, Neb., with the interests of which place he was identified for some years, coming to Grand Island in 1890. He was married in Freeport, Ill., in 1871, to Miss Mary A. Tarbox, she being born in that place, a daughter of Horace and Mary (Van Pelt) Tarbox, natives of York State. Mr. Moore and his family worship in the Presbyterian Church, and he and wife have an interesting family of two sons and one daughter: Horace G., Washington C. and Gracie. While a resident of Cheyenne County, Neb., Mr. Moore served for one term as county commissioner, the duties of which position he discharged in a very efficient manner.

John Moore is a successful farmer of Hall County, Neb., and since the year 1880 has been engaged in tilling the soil on his own respon- sibility, and is the owner of 160 acres of excellent farming land in Hall County, his original purchase being eighty acres. The year 1889 he tilled 130 acres of corn, and as his farm is conducted in a very thorough manner he is compelled to employ assistance throughout the year. He is a son of Anthony and Mary (Collins) Moore, and was born in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1857, but with his parents was among the early settlers of Hall County, Neb. In this county he received a thorough common-

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HALL COUNTY.

school education, and he is now considered a young man of far more than average intelligence, and has proved to be a valuable citizen in the com- munity in which he resides, especially in connec- tion with the farming interests. He has always supported the Democratic party and has served two terms as a member of the board of county commis- sioners. His worthy wife, before her marriage, which took place in January, 1880, was a Miss Mary A. Ryan, a native of Wisconsin, born in 1858, her parents being among those who early sought a home in Hall County, Neb., coming here in 1871. This young couple have had a family of four children born to them: Annie, Johnie, Mamie and Willie. Mamie died when about eleven months old. Mr. Moore resided with his parents until his marriage. He and wife are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Charles Moritz is a German by birth, and this fact alone is enough to assure one that he is up- right in all his dealings, thrifty, industrious, aud consequently successful. He has been a resident of Nebraska since 1878, and his farm, which com- prises 280 acres of fine land, nicely improved, is admirably adapted to the raising of all the cereals, as well as to the propagation of fine stock, to which Mr. Moritz gives a great deal of his time and attention. Since locating here he has proved a valuable citizen in the community, especially in the direction of fine stock interests, and on his farm is an exceptionally fine lot of Holstein-Friesian cattle and Poland China swine. At the early age of thirteen years he bade adieu to home and friends and for six years followed the sea, after which he came to America and engaged in tilling the soil, an occupation to which he has since successfully . given his attention. He has always taken an act- ive interest in the political affairs of his adopted country, more especially of Nebraska and Hall County, and has supported the men and measures of the Republican party, serving in a number of local positions. He was married, in 1885, to Miss Lena Jost, whose place of birth was Germany, where she was born in 1863, and their union has been blessed in the birth of two bright little chil- dren: Martha and Otto F. Mrs. Moritz is a daugh-

ter of Valentine and Sophia (Hartenbach) Jost, who were born in Germany in 1830 and 1835, respect- ively. Mr. Moritz's parents, Carl and Mary (Stahl- hut) Moritz, were born in 1827 and 1830, respect- ively, and in 1885 they emigrated to the United States, settling in the State of Nebraska, and are at present living near their son, Charles.

Joseph H. Mullin, book seller and paper dealer, Grand Island, was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, February 24, 1851. His father, Bernard Mullin, is a native of Adams County, Ohio, and his paternal grandfather, Thomas Mullin, was born in Pennsylvania, and is of Irish American stock. His mother, Mary (Brennan) Mullin, is a native of West Meath, Ireland, whence she came to America with her parents, Thomas and Bridget Brennan, when sixteen years of age. Joseph H. Mullin is one of a family of four sons and two daughters. He grew to manhood in Iowa, where he received the advantages of an academical education. He took a course in the law school of the State Univer. sity of Iowa, from which institution he graduated in 1876, and was admitted to practice in the courts of the State. In the same year he opened a law office at Iowa City, but was not long in discovering that, while he enjoyed the study, the practice of law was not to his taste. Early in the spring of 1879 he came to Nebraska and established the business which he conducts at the present time. He was married here, October 15, 1884, to Miss Alice E. Hooper, a native of the State, and a daughter of Hon. Edward Hooper [see sketch ]. They have two sons: Bernard Edward (born September 26, 1885) and Wilfrid Cecil (born August 18, 1887). Mr. Mullin and family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of which he is one of the trustees. He is a stockholder in the Grand Island Improvement Company, and is well and favorably known in Hall County. In the spring of 1889 he was elected police judge of the city, which office he holds at present.

Hon. Michael Murphy is the efficient postmaster of Grand Island, Neb., and is a member of the board of supervisors of Hall County. He was born in Mayglass, County Wexford, Ireland, March 15, 1835, and is a son of James and Ellen (Howland)

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Murphy, the former of whom was a carpenter and builder by trade. He and wife reared a family of four sons, all of whom found homes in Amer- ica. Michael Murphy came to America with his uncle, William Howland, and settled with him near Galena, Ill., where he remained until fifteen years of age, having by that time completed his school- ing and worked for some time at the printer's trade. He first started out in life for himself as a printer in Lafayette, Ind., but afterward went to La Porte, Ind., where he learned photography. This occupation he followed in Maquoketa, Iowa, whither he went in 1855, but after spending about a year in St. Louis during war times, be returned to Maquoketa, and engaged in merchandising there five or six years. In 1870 be removed to Nebraska, and first took up his abode in Dixon County, but after a year or two of farming he gave up this occupation, returned to his camera, and in 1875 moved to Plattsmouth, where he opened a photograph gallery, and remained until 1877. He had in the meantime paid Grand Island a visit on two different occasions, and liking the city, he chose it as his future home, and accordingly moved here in 1877, and again opened a gallery, which he has since successfully managed. While a resi- dent of Maquoketa, Iowa, he was married to Miss Eliza Humphrey, who was born near Buffalo, Erie County, N. Y., a daughter of Arthur King Hnm- phrey, by his marriage to a Miss Orentt. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have a son and daughter: Eva (a teacher in the public schools of Grand Island, an intelligent and estimable young lady) and Earl (a lad of eleven years). Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Episcopal Church. He is a Scot. tish Rite Mason, a K. of H., and belongs to the Grand Island Improvement Company. He has served as mayor of the town on two different occa- sions, and has been a member of the school board four years.

A. C. Murphy, hardware merchant, Wood River, Neb. Prominent among the successful business men of Wood River stands the name of the above mentioned gentleman, who owes his nativity to Hampstead, Va., where his birth occurred October 13, 1850. In April, 1857, he came with his par-

ents, Pendleton and Eva (Cline) Murphy, to Coles County, Ill., and thence to Douglas County, of the same State, where he grew to manhood and received the rudiments of an education. He was thrown on his own responsibility at an early age, and farmed in Illinois until 1884. He owned about 300 acres of land, and was, engaged in rais- ing stock, grain, etc. In 1885 he sold his farm, and emigrated to Nebraska, where, in September, 1887, he located in Wood River, and has since been engaged in the hardware business, with a stock valued at $5,000, and with annual sales that equal about $20,000. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank, and is one of the substantial men of the county. He is a member of Lodge No. 22, I. O. O. F., of Grand Island. His parents were both natives of Virginia, and the father died in Illinois at the age of sixty five years. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living. A. C. Murphy is a fine specimen of phys- ical manhood, standing six feet in his stockings, and proportioned accordingly. He is a typical Virginian, and is the truest of friends, but an enemy to be dreaded.

John Myers, farmer and stock-raiser, Wood River, Neb. Among the residents of this town- ship who are accorded a worthy place in the re- spect of its citizens is John Myers, originally from Butler County, Pa., where his birth ocurred in 1828, he being the son of John and M. (Sti- cale) Myers, natives also of the Keystone State. There he was left motherless at the age of two years, and two years later his father married Miss Hannah Morrison, also a native of Pennsylvania. John Myers, Jr., began fighting life's battles for himself when but fifteen years of age, and in 1846 came to Hancock County, Ill., where he remained two years. After that he removed to Calhoun County, where in 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Frances Turner, of Calhoun County, Ill., and the fruits of this union were seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Nancy A., when over two years old; four are still living: William W., Sarilda, Edward N. and Bertie O. Mr. Myers came west in 1869, settled in Washington County, Neb., and there

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HALL COUNTY.

remained until the spring of 1874, when he came to Hall County, Neb. He was three times eaten out by grasshoppers, but was not discouraged, and is to-day one of the substantial farmers of the county. Aside from this his house with all its contents was destroyed by fire in 1886, but he has since rebuilt, has good outbuildings, etc., and a No. 1 farm of 320 acres, every acre of which is tillable. He has good stock, fine groves, and has only to dig about eighteen feet to get abundance of water. He has twenty-five acres of timothy and clover which is doing finely. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his political views affiliates with the Democratic party.

Lafayette Myers, Grand Island, Neb. Since locating in Grand Island in 1876 Mr. Myers has identified himself with every interest of the place, and is now considered one of its leading business men. He was born in Hughsonville, Dutchess County, N. Y., June 26, 1844, and is a son of Abraham and Lucretia (Brinkerhoff) Myers, who were also natives of the "Empire State." The father was a passenger on the first vessel leaving New York City in 1849 for the California gold fields, but died while crossing the Isthmus of Panama the same year, at the age of thirty-eight years. He had been a merchant in good standing in the above-named city. His wife was born in 1815 and died in 1873. Lafayette Myers is the fourth of their six children, and was educated in the ward schools of New York City. He then was indentured, served his time and received from the Governor of New York by consent of the Senate his full branch papers as pilot of the port of New York by the way of Hell Gate. In the spring of 1876 he came to Grand Island, Neb., and was here actively engaged in the coal and ice business, but on March 31, 1887, being a Democrat, he was appointed to the position of postmaster of Grand Island and entered on his duties May 1, receiving his appointment from President Cleveland. As an official he was efficient and popular, but con- scientiously believing that "to the victor belong the spoils," on December 1, 1889, cheerfully re- signed the position in favor of his successor. He was married in Washington, D. C., in August,

1874, to Miss Fannie A. Campbell, who was born. in New York City in 1849, and by her has a family of four children: Lafayette, Elsie, Bessie and Emma. Mr. Myers was made a Mason when about twenty-one years of age.

Thomas A. Oakes is alderman from the Fourth Ward of Grand Island, Neb., and his name is identified with the material and social happiness of Hall County. He was born in Baltimore, Md., March 20, 1849, and is a son of James and Mary (Nugent) Oakes, worthy people who were born in Derry, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in early life. The father was a coppersmith by trade and for many years worked in the car shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company at Baltimore. He died in 1865 at the age of forty- seven years, and his worthy wife followed him to the grave some two years later. The youth and early manhood of Thomas A. Oakes were spent in his native city, and there he learned the painter's trade, and after reaching his twenty-first year he Jeft home and worked at his trade in different parts of the United States for several years, being prin- cipally engaged throughout the West. In 1881 he settled at St. Panl, in Howard County, Neb., with the interests of which place he was identified until 1885, when he came to Grand Island and began working in the Union Pacific car shops, which has been his principal occupation ever since. He is a steady, painstaking workman, and as a citizen com- mands the respect of all who know him. He is a member of the K. of L., and is now serving his first term as alderman for his ward. He was mar- ried in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Miss Annie A. Cosgrove, by whom he bas a son and daughter: Walter C. and May H. Mr. Oakes and his wife are regular communicants in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

D. O'Kane. The mercantile interests of Hall County, Neb., have been ably represented since March, 1880, by Mr. O'Kane, who has also been successfully engaged in grain-dealing. Upon first locating in the county, in January, 1880, he was the ticket agent at Alda for the Union Pacific Rail- road, and held this position until he established his present business. He was born in Ogle County,

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

Ill., in 1855, and was the fourth of nine children born to Joseph and Mary (Davy) O'Kane, natives, respectively, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Ireland, their nnion taking place in the State of Indiana. Soon after this event they settled in Illinois, and here the father was engaged in farming until 1874, when he moved to Nebraska, where he resided until his death in January, 1887, his wife dying in December, 1889. D. O'Kane received the advan- tages of the common schools of Ogle County in his boyhood, but in 1874 left his parents' home and settled in Dawson County, Neb., where he carried on stock-raising for some time. He then took up the study of telegraphy at Willow Island, and about 1876 became an operator and entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad, and during a service of thirteen years he only lost about five weeks. He has been engaged in general merchandising for a number of years, and as he carries a large and varied assortment of goods which he sells at very reasonable rates, he has obtained a large share of public patronage. He was married in Alda in January, 1882, to Miss Anna Mitchell, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Thomas Mitchell, who came to Nebraska in 1870. He is now a widower and makes his home with Mr. O'Kane. To the union above mentioned two interesting children have been born: Mabel and Josie. Mr. O'Kane casts his vote with the Democratic party, and has served as justice of the peace of Alda Township, and has been a delegate to different county con- ventions. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., Alda Lodge No. 165, and is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, interested in all good works.

Amajiah D. Owens. Among the people of Hall as well as surrounding counties the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one, for ever since locating here he has been closely con- nected with the progress and development of the community. His birth occurred in Wirt County, W. Va., February 27, 1847, and he was the fifth of eleven children, nine of whom are living, born to Luther and Mardulia (Lott) Owens, who were born within the limits of Old Virginia. A. D. Owens, the immediate subject of this memoir, was reared on a farm in his native county, and in 1871

accompanied the family of Joseph H. Trout from West Virginia to the city of Indianapolis, Ind., and in the fall of 1872 he came with the same family to Hall County, Neb., and made his home with them for six months. The two following years he spent in Wyoming Territory and Colorado, then returned to Nebraska, and engaged in farming in Centre Township of Hall County. On November 4, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie S. B., the daughter of Joseph H. and Amelia E. Trout, which family was the one Mr. Owens ac- companied from West Virginia. Mrs. Owens was born in Frederick County, Md., January 30, 1856, and immediately after their marriage she and Mr. Owens settled in Grand Island, where they have since made their home. During the first few years of his residence here Mr. Owens was employed in different ways, and after working in an elevator for two years he spent two more years as clerk in a grocery store, and the following year was an em- ploye of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company. In December, 1885, he bought a dray line in Grand Island, and has very successfully owned and operated it ever since. His line now consists of four teams, and he is doing a prosperous business. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., the K. of L., and in his political views is a Republican. He and wife are the parents of the following chil- dren: Myrtie A., Clyde L., Byrel M. and an in- fant daughter unnamed. Clyde and Byrel are de- ceased.

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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