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 131

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 131
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 131
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 131
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 131

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Christopher Short, farmer and stock-raiser, Phillips, Neb. The entire life of Mr. Short has been one unmarked by any unnsual occurrence ontside of the chosen channel to which he has so diligently and attentively given his time and atten- tion. He was born in Germany in 1826, emi- grated to the United States in 1853, settled in New Jersey, and in 1856 moved to Illinois. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Georgia (Cranis) Short, a native of Tennessee, born in 1828, and the fruits of this union were two chil- dren, Henry and Frank, both of whom reside in Monroe Township, and are engaged in tilling the soil. Mr. Short enlisted in the army in 1861, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Chicago in 1865. He was with the Eastern army all through the war and served his adopted country faithfully and well. In 1872 he came to Nebraska and homesteaded 160 acres of the northeast quarter of Section 32. Since then he has bought eighty acres of railroad land, and is one of the most successful farmers of the county, as a glance over his well-kept farm will show. He

has made a complete success of farming in Ne- braska, and is one of the largest frnit-growers in the county. He takes quite un active interest in politics, is a Republican, and is a member of the G. A. R. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1884.

Judge Jerome H. Smith, of the Sixth Judicial District of Nebraska, was born at Waterford, Westmoreland County, Pa., March 2, 1853, being a son of Thomas and Permelia (Hill) Smith, the former a mechanic by occupation and a native of Westmoreland County. His grandfather, Samuel Smith, was an artisan (which was the chief occu- pation of the family), and a man of large stat- ure and of a fine constitution, characteristic of his race. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Hill, was a farmer. In 1855 Thomas and Permeliu (Hill) Smith removed from their Pennsylvania home to Arlington, Ill., and later to Princeton, Ill., from which place the father enlisted for the Civil War, in Company A, Sixty-ninth Illinois In- fantry. In 1868 he removed with his family to Osceola, Iowa, where Jerome H. Smith worked at his trade for five years, reading law in the mean- time. He afterward entered the office of Chancy & Temple, and on June 2, 1875, was admitted to the bar. He immediately began practicing his pro- fession, continuing there until March, 1879, when he came to Aurora with his wife and one child. The first position of trust he held here was county prosecutor, for which he qualified in January. 1889. He has also served as a member of the city council. He is a social gentleman, has a firm hold on public esteem, and is considered by his friends peculiarly qualified for the office which he is now filling. He was married in Osceola, Iowa, to Miss Roseltha F. Likes, a daughter of Philip Likes, a sketch of whom appears in this work, and by her he has five sons: Herbert, Harry, Roscoe, Fred and Jerome H.

Samnel Stalnaker is the proprietor of a well- equipped and well-conducted livery stable ut Mar- quette, and is now doing a profitable business. He was born near Philippi, W. Va., November 10, 1830, and is a son of William and Nancy (Digman)

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Stalnaker, who were also born in Virginia. The settlement of the Stalnakers in America antedates the Revolutionary War, in which members of the family did active service, as well as in the War of 1812. The Digmans also trace their family back to a very early settlement in this country. Samuel Stalnaker grew to manhood in Virginia, and in 1854 left that State and went to Iowa, and was engaged in tilling the soil in Mahaska County un- til 1874 or 1875, when he came to the fertile prairies of Nebraska, and farmed in Cass County until 1881. At that date he removed to Hamilton County and made a home in South Platte Precinct, being engaged in farming here also, but since 1889 he has been engaged in the livery business in Mar- quette, and is accounted one of the leading business men of the place. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Ryan, a daughter of Felix Ryan, of Edgar, Neb., and by her he is the father of five sons: Absalom (who is engaged in farming in Otis Precinct), John (who is farming in Cedar Valley Precinct), Dean (who is in the livery business in Osceola, Neb.), Charley (who is associated in business with his father) and Ryan (a farmer of Otis Precinct). Mr. Stalnaker has served faithfully in many local of- fices, and as a man and citizen commands the re- spect and esteem of all who know him.

Dr. Edward Arthur Steenburg, physician, Au- rora, Neb. Among the many rising men of Ham- ilton County, prominent as enterprising and pub- lic-spirited citizens, is the subject of this sketch, whose pushing and active mind has placed him in the front ranks of professional men at this place. He is a native of Canada, but his progenitors be- long to the old Knickerbocker stock of the State of New York, the original name being Van Steenberg. and their early history in this country being cotem- poraneous with and similar to those thrifty Amster- dam merchants, whose early settlement at New York City and along the Hudson have made for them a reputable name in the commercial and pro- fessional life of this fair Union of States. Their settlement in America antedated the Revolution, in which they bore an important part, and branches of the family are to be found in almost every State in the Union. A family of them settled in Canada,

prior to the War of the Rebellion in that country, from whom comes our subject. His parents were Benjamin Steenburg and wife, nee Bennett, worthy people, who gave to their family as good educa- tional advantages as their circumstances would per- mit. Dr. Edward A. Steenburg grew to early man- hood at Trenton, his natal place being the township of Murray, Northumberland County, and he re- ceived a good education in the common schools. His early predilections turned to the study of med- icine, and as he grew to manhood he foresaw that he must adapt himself to some business to procure means whereby he could go through a regular course of training at some good school. His early training at his father's home and under the princi- ples of monarchical government was of such a char- acter that it early and indelibly impressed itself upon his mind that he must become a thoroughly educated man whatever profession he would choose. He had about $600 to apply. The amount was too small for a regular course in the medical schools there, but it would tide him through veterinary study, and to this he bent his energies and com- pleted a thorough course in that study, being reg- ularly graduated for the Toronto school of veteri- nary study. He followed successfully the practice of this profession for a few years and soou obtained means to complete a regular course of study in his chosen profession. His veterinary practice had brought him to this Western country and to Aurora, which place he left to complete his medical studies, being a graduate from Rush Medical College, Chicago. After graduating in medicine he located here and by his pleasing address and most agree- able manners has built up a good practice.

Jacob W. Swearingen, proprietor of feed-mill, Stockbam, Neb. Mr. Swearingen is one of the pioneer settlers of Hamilton County, and is a man who has won the respect and esteem of all by his honesty and perseverance. He was originally from De Witt County, Ill., his birth occurring February 21, 1847, and is the son of Abram and Amy (Crumb) Swearingen, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Both are now deceased, the father dying November 5, 1887, aged ninety-one, and his wife September 28, 1886, aged seventy-

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nine years. Jacob W. Swearingen was early ini- tiated into the duties of farm life in his native county, and on January 5, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Volunteers, serving in this company until the close of the war. He then returned to De Witt County, Ill., and in 1866 began learning the blacksmith trade, after which he spent some time in the study of dentistry. This he practiced in Champaign County, Ill., until 1868, when he resumed farm- ing and blacksmithing in De Witt County. He se- lected for his companion in life Miss Martha Ellen Elzey, a native of Ohio, born October 10, 1849, and the marriage ceremony was celebrated in De Witt County, August 20, 1867. Her parents were Jacob and Mary Elzey. In 1871 Mr. Swearingen removed to Hamilton County, Neb., located in Orville Township, and since then he has followed farming and blacksmithing. In connection for several years he has also condneted a feed-mill, and owns a splendid one near Stockham, having purchased the Stockham Creamery Building and converted it into a feed-mill in the early part of 1890. On January 15 of that year he removed from his farm to Stockham, where he will also es- tablish a tank factory and carry on blacksmithing. He still owns his farm in Orville Township, and it now consists of 320 acres, 160 acres of which he proved up as a homestead. To his marriage have been born seven children: Luella M., Noah W., Roxy Ann Eliza, William F., Mary A., Charlotte I. (deceased) and Isaac S. Mr. Swearingen and wife are members of the Christian Church, and the former is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Farm- ers' Alliance and the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.

Alexander Napier Thomas, mayor of Aurora. Neb., was born in the city of "Brotherly Love" July 5, 1839, his parents being Fred J. and Ann (Napier) Thomas, the former of whom was a min- ister of the Christian Church. Alexander Napier Thomas resided in Philadelphia until he was four- teen years of age, after which he moved west with his parents, and finally located in South Bend, Ind., where he grew to manhood, and was attend- ing college when the war broke out. In August,

1862, he put aside his books to take part in the struggle that was then going on, and enlisted in Company C, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and did active service until July, 1865, taking an active part in many important engage- ments. On May 3, 1863, he was taken prisoner, and remained in rebel prisons until November 30, 1864, when he made his escape near Columbia, S. C. After the war he returned to South Bend, Ind., and for eight years served as recorder of St. Joseph County, two years as a member of the city council and two years as mayor. Having become thor- oughly familiar with legal lore, he was here ad. mitted to the bar, and practiced his profession, coming west in 1882, loenting in Aurora the fol- lowing year. He is now serving his first term as mayor, but is proving a trusty and efficient official, and has been president of the city school board. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1865, and is a member of Chandler Post No. 44, G. A. R., and has served as commander for two years. He was married December 5, 1865, to Miss Addie V. Hodgkinson, who was born at Niles, Mich., a daughter of James and Margaret (Fussel) Hodgkinson. Three sons and a daughter have blessed their union: Horace N. (a printer by occu- pation, and a resident of Chicago, the father of one son, Floris A.), Addie Margaret, Freddie A. and James O.

Gustave L. Wagner, dealer in hardware, tin- ware, harness, etc., at Hampton, and one of the first-class business men of the city, is a native of Prussia, born on February 15, 1863. He came with his parents to the United States in 1866, first settling in Milwaukee, Wis., but later moved to Henry County, Ill., and in 1872 to Hamilton County, Neb., where he tilled the soil on his father's farm until twenty-two years of age. He pur- chased an interest in Lowman's general merchan- dise store and continued at this for two years, when he engaged in the business of stock-buying, after selling his interest in the store to O. B. ErImborn. March 15, 1888, he purchased the hardware store of E. D. Foster, has added to the stock until he now carries about $3,500 worth of stoves, general hardware and tinware, also harness and saddlery.

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He has a well-equipped work-room, making it pos- sible for him to do any and all kinds of job work. He handles the Union Sewing Machine in which he makes a special run, giving his patrons the advan- tage of cash purchase money. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Miss Ada H. Logan, daugh- ter of Robert D. and Harriet (Rhoods) Logan, natives of Indiana. Mrs. Wagner was born on Au- gust 5, 1868, in Illinois. To this union has been born one child, Gustave Ernest. Mr. Wagner is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, and is one of the charitable and public-spirited citizens of the county. Mrs. Wagner is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Wagner was the second of three children born to Christian and Caroline (Klawon) Wagner, both natives of Prussia. The parents are now residing in Hamilton County, Neb., and the father is engaged in tilling the soil.

John A. Whitmore, the present prosecuting attorney of Hamilton County, Neb., is one of the brilliant lawyers of the same and does credit to the bar of this State. He was born in Northville, La Salle County, Ill., July 20, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Betsey Ann (McNett) Whitmore, the former of whom was a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, and is supposed to have lost his life in Arizona about 1871. He was a son of John Whitmore, a contractor and builder by occupation of Western New York, and a grandson of John Whitmore, who was one of Gen. Wolf's soldiers at the battle of Quebec, and afterward settled in New York State. Betsey Ann (McNett) Whit- more was a daughter of Alexander McNett, whose family were of the name McNair, and many of her ancestors served in the Revolutionary War, seven sons out of one family leaving their York State home to espouse the American cause. Both the Whitmores and McNetts were very hardy people and long lived. John Whitmore, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was at Hull's igno- minious surrender. He afterward settled in Ohio and his son, Joseph, in La Salle County, Ill., in 1836. ` Here John A. Whitmore grew to manhood, and from his earliest recollections he has been

familiar with the details of agricultural life. After reaching a suitable age he engaged in teaching school, after which he took a thorough course in law, and was admitted to the Indiana and Illinois bars. After practicing at Ottawa, Ill., until 1886, he came to Nebraska and located at Hampton, where he made his home until July, 1889, at which time he was appointed to his present incum- bency. He has already proven that he has few equals in the management of the cases that come under his jurisdiction, and has gained the just distinction as a strong, clear and forcible speaker, a well-read lawyer and a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence. During business hours he is ever to be found at his post, and a bright future is before him. He was married in Illinois to Miss Maud L. Jenks, a daughter of Franklin Jenks, who was born in York State. She was born in Missouri, and in 1886 passed from this life and lies buried in the cemetery at Hampton, Neb., leaving besides her devoted husband a family of three daughters, Laura E., Maud E. and Norma E., to mourn her loss. In his social relations Mr. Whit- more is a member of the K. of P.

Dr. Daniel S. Woodard, physician and surgeon, Hampton, Neb. Not only as a physician, but as a leading exponent of general surgery in its many various branches, Dr. Daniel S. Woodard is worthy of mention iu a review of our foremost profes- sional men. He was born in Rappahannock Coun- ty, Va., November 26, 1848, and is the second in a family of three children born to James M. and Frances (Driver) Woodard, natives of the Old Do- minion, the father born in Rappahannock County in 1814, and the mother in Rockingham County in 1823. The former followed farming and was also engaged in school-teaching for many years. Dr. Woodard had very limited educational advantages while growing up, his mother being left a widow when he was but five years old, but by hard labor and perseverance he was able to fit himself for his profession. He worked upon the farm until he commenced the study of medicine (1874) and read for several years. February 23, 1882, after tak- ing the usual course, he graduated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, now known as the

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HAMILTON COUNTY.

St. Joseph Medical College, in St. Joseph, Mo., and then came direct to Hampton, where he opened his office and has built up quite a large practice. In 1867 he married Miss Sarah A. Cas- teel, daughter of William P. and Margaret (Owen) Casteel, natives of Pennsylvania, and by this union became the father of seven children: Cora (now the wife of George E. Lane), Samuel F., John A., William A., James M., Maud and D. S., Jr. Dr. Woodard is a Democrat in his political views. He was elected a member of the town council in 1883, of which body he is still a member and chair- man of the same. In 1886 he ran as Representative to the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by a small majority. This county being strongly Republican, it was quite an honor even in defeat. The Doctor is a member of Star Lodge No. 112, I. O. O. F., of Hampton, and he is secretary

of the same. He is also a member of Hampton Lodge No. 167, A. O. U. W., in which he is finan- cier, and he is a member of the State Medical So- ciety and Hamilton County Association. He has met with nousunl success during his residence here, and his time has been almost entirely de- voted to the relief of suffering humanity. He is of pleasing address and most agreeable manners, possessed of a mind clear, penetrating and com- prehensive, thoroughly posted in his profession, and a practitioner of decided merit. He owns a comfortable residence and two fine lots on which he resides. His office is supplied with a very large library filled with the choicest medical works. He was one of the foremost settlers in this city, and by his push and enterprise has won for him- self and family a place among the foremost citizens in the county.

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

ERRATA.

Correction of sketches received too late for proper insertion :

Page 256: Sketch of S. L. Heaps. 29th line, after Adams County add: (Teaching, also, the first school in Fillmore County, Neh.)

40th line, after State add: To this union was given one child, Ollie Irvin.

7th line, second column, after hall add: butcher shop and blacksmith shop. Page 278: Sketch of E. E. Merritt. 5th line, Crittenden should read Chittenden.

Page 279: Same sketch. 22d line, after printing add and. 26th line, after assistant add secretary.

20th line, second column, Creath should read Creeth. 25th line, second column, Creath should read Creeth. 34th line, second column, Maude should read Maud. Page 297: Sketch of W. W. Philleo. 36th line, 1879 should be 1779.

Page 431: Sketch of John II. Croft, Jr.

7th line, change name of wife to read: Miss Isadora F. Masterson.

11th line, Croft should read Masterson.

Page 482: Sketch of H. L. MeKibben.

9th line, after farming add: hauling the lumber for his house 113 miles (from Chicago), and also his furniture.

10th line, three horses instead of a yoke of oxen. 12th line, Mc Cormick instead of J. P. Manney. Page 486: Sketch of Joseph F. Megrue. 8th line, five should be six.

21st line, brother should be oldest son, Charles.

7th line, second column, 1870 should be 1869.

13th liue, second column, 1872 should be 1871, and 1874 should be 1873.

14th line, second column. 1876 should be 1878, and 1878 should be 1880.

The Publishers will cheerfully correct by spec- ial errata sheet to be sent to every subscriber any error in the book, upon notification of the same.

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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