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 37

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 37
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 37
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 37
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 37

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J. H. Coffman, live stock auctioneer, and one of the well-known men of this part of Nebraska, was born in Harrison County, Ky., on April 29, 1838. He is the son of Judge Henry Coffman, a native of Jessamine County, Ky., born in 1809, and the grand- son of Abraham Coffman, who was born in Strath- burg, Germany, and who came to the United States prior to the Revolution, in which he was a soldier during the entire war. He was honorably dis- charged at Redstone, Pa., and subsequently went „to what is now Fayette County, Ky., where he died at a ripe old age. Judge Henry Coffman was mar- ried to Miss Eliza Harrison, a native of Kentucky, born in the year 1814, and who now resides in In- dianapolis. She is the daughter of Robert Harrison, who was a cousin of William Henry Harrison. Judge Coffman died in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1875. He was the father of fifteen children, J. H. Coffman be- ing fifth in order of birth, and twelve of whom are now living. The latter was reared in Cynthiana, Ky., and began life for himself by ringing an auction bell for some auctioneer. For thirty-one years Mr. Coffman has made auctioneering a busi- ness, and is one of the most popular and thoroughly efficient representatives of that calling in Nebraska or the entire West. During 1889 he held 110 pub- lic sales. He came to Hastings in 1885, and has since been a resident of that city. During the late war he was captain of Company B, Forty-second Kentucky Volunteers, of the Union troops, and served four years. He was married in 1861 to Miss Latitia Patch, who died in Pennsylvania in 1869, leaving two children: James and Lydia. His second marriage occurred in 1881, to Miss Maria J. Gaddis, of Columbus, Ohio, and to them have been born six children: Adda, Roy, Earl, Dee, Ray and Grace. In politics he is an Independent Republican. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are mnch esteemed and respected citi- zens. Notwithstanding the exposure he has under- gone in carrying on his business, he is a well pre- served man and strictly temperate. He is enter-

prising and progressive, and has made his own way in life.

John M. Cole (deceased). It would seem that nature had intended Mr. Cole for a long and more than ordinarily useful life, but while in its meridian his career was closed forever. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 9, 1838, and died February 6, 1880, mourned not only by his imme- diate family, but by his numerous friends and acquaintances, by whom his many sterling social and

business qualities were seen and recognized. Ile remained with his parents in the State of his nativity until he attained his majority, receiving a common school education, and in 1881 enlisted in the Thirty- eighth Illinois Infantry, and was a faithful Union soldier for three years, or until the term of his enlist- ment had expired. He was in the engagements at Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Perryville, Freder- icksburg, besides numerous engagements of equal note, or perhaps of even greater importance, and for nine months previous to receiving his discharge was sick in the hospital. He soon after went to Illinois, and was married in Stark County of that State November 17, 1864, to Christina A. Peterson, a native of Sweden, but who was reared and educated in Illinois. She was a daughter of Jonas Peterson, and after her marriage to Mr. Cole they settled down to farming in Stark County, continuing until 1872, at which time they moved to Nebraska and took up a homestead claim in Adams County. By industry and good management he increased his farm to 320 acres, but did not live to carry out the plans he had made concerning the conduct of his farm. Ilis wife has since taken charge of affairs, and how well she has succeeded is evident in looking over her property, for the buildings are all in excellent condition and well kept up. She is, as was her husband, an earn- est member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has reared her children in that belief. Their names are Flora, wife of Harvey Walters; William Austin, a young man, and John G., a lad of twelve years.

Hon. H. V. Cole is Adjutant-General of the State of Nebraska, and his career through life has been one of more than usual interest, for he is enter- prising and progressive in his views, honorable and upright in his dealings, and is thoroughly posted on

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all matters of public interest. He owes his nativity to Huron County, Ohio, his birth occurring there in 1842, he being the only child born to Vanransellar and Nancy J (Barnes) Cole, who were born in Ver- mont and New York, respectively. The father died at the untimely age of twenty-five years, and his widow afterwards married again, and with her hus- band moved to Canada, where her demise occurred years afterwards, the subject of this sketch being eight years of age at the time. After the death of his mother he returned to Ohio, where he made his home with friends until he arrived at his tenth year, and was then sent to an uncle in New York, with whom he made his home for five years, the summer months being spent at farm labor, and the winter months in attending the district schools. In 1857 he determined not to be longer dependent on any one for his living, but decided to carve out his career for himself, and thinking the West afforded better opportunities for a young man to rise in the world than the East, he emigrated to Michigan and settled in Lenawee County, where his time was divided between farm work and attending school. This State continued to be his home until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Mich- igan Infantry, and served in the Fifth Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the battles of Yorktown, New Bridge, Hanover, Gaines Mill, New Market, Malvern Hill, Harrison's Land- ing, Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and numer- ous others. He was discharged for disability on May 21, 1863, but by December had recovered suffi- . ciently to re-enlist, and this time became a member of Company G, Sixth Michigan Cavalry, Custer's Brigade, and was with Kilpatrick on his raid of 1864, and took part in the Battle of the Wilderness. He was also with Sheridan on his raid and partici- pated in many sharp skirmishes, being wounded in an engagement at Haws' Shop, May 28, 1864, which resulted in total disability for further service. After remaining in the hospital at Washington, D. C., for thirteen months, he received his discharge on July 6, 1865, whereupon he returned to Michi- gan. In the fall of that year he entered Eastman's College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., but in the spring of the following year he returned to Michigan, and

continued his studies in a school of that State for six months longer. From 1867 until the spring of 1871 he was engaged in business at Addison, Mich., but prior to this on September 6, 1869, he was mar- ried to Miss Susan P. Crane, a native of Hillsdale County, Mich., whose parents were pioneers of that State. In October, 1871, he came to Adams County, Neb., located the fourth homestead in what is now Highland Township, bored the first well in that township, and broke the first prairie sod in that section. He proved his claim in August, 1873, but on account of wounds received during the war, had to give up farming, and moved to Juniata. After following the occupation of clerking for about a year, he engaged in the grocery business in Juniata, but later became associated with I. G. Dillon, and the firm took the name of Dillon & Cole, their house then becoming a general mercantile establishment. Their connection continued until January, 1879, when Mr. Cole purchased Mr. Dillon's interest, con- tinuing in business alone until January, 1883, when a fire destroyed the most of his stock, and the bal- ance he sold to E. N. Crane. Mr. Cole then began dealing in real estate, and was also actively en- gaged in the insurance business. In 1880 he was elected county commissioner, in which capacity he served by re-election four years. In 1884 he was elected to the State Legislature from Adams County, and so ably did he discharge the duties incumbent on this office, that he was re-elected for a second term in 1886, and in 1887 introduced a bill for the erection of an insane asylum at Hastings, which bill passed, and that fine structure stands to-day as a monument to his credit. He was chairman of the committee which introduced a bill to build a sol- diers' home at Grand Island, and on April 11, 1887, he was appointed Adjutant-General on the Governor's staff. Mr. Cole has been quite success- ful in the accumulation of worldly goods, and owns property in various townships of the county and in other places also. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, and his example of industry, earnest and sin- cere endeavor to succeed in life, and the admirable manner in which he has surmounted all difficulties, are well worthy of imitation. He belongs to Geary Post No. 81, G. A. R., at Juniata, and has

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served as Post Commander and Junior Vice-Com- mander of the Department, and Department-Com- mander in 1885. Socially he belongs to Juniata Lodge No. 79, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Ile is a patron of education and all worthy enterprises. To Mr. Cole and his wife a family of five children have been born, four of whom are living: Lucy J., Ely, Mabel and Chester Arthur. Albert Daniel died in infancy.

George Colling, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. The same peculiarities which seem to distinguish others of German nativity from those American born, are noticeable in the career of Mr. Colling since his settlement in this country-indus- try, close application to his chosen calling, economy and perseverance. An intelligent application of these principles have resulted in giving him an excellent estate of 340 acres, which he is now im- proving and cultivating to good advantage. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1874, and was fourth in a family of children born to the marriage of Theodore and Elizabeth (Schadeck) Colling. The father was a native of France, born in 1803, and lived in a portion of that country taken by the Prus- sians in 1813. He was a contractor and builder by trade, and in 1861 emigrated to the United States, settled in DuPage County, Ill., near Warrenville, and here followed the stone mason's trade for a num- ber of years. He was married in his native country in 1831 to Miss Elizabeth Schadeek, a daughter of Peter Schadeck, a native of Rhine Province, Prus- sia; and the following children were born to this union: Henry, married and resides in Indianola, Neb .; Mary A. (deceased), Nicholas, married and resides in Indianolia, Neb .; William, married and resides at the same place; John (deceased), Peter (deceased), George and Charles, who reside at Indianola, Neb. All were born in the Old Country. The mother died on February 5, 1879, in Illinois, and the father died June 21, 1880, in the same State. Both were members of the Catholic Church. George Colling spent his boyhood days in the Old Country, and was thirteen years of age when he came to the United States. He attended school in Illinois, and when starting

out for himself engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in Illinois on March 9, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Kinnear, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Cline) Kinnear, natives of New Bruns- wiek, born in 1816 and 1821, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Kinnear moved to Illinois in 1847 and settled in Kane County, near St. Charles, and there Mr. Kin- near received his final summons in 1867. His wife is still living, and resides at St. Charles, Ill. George Colling emigrated to Nebraska in September, 1872, settled where he now lives, and took up 160 acres of government land, to which he has since added eighty acres, and has one of the finest farms in that portion of the county. The country was all in prairie at that early date, but since then Mr. Col- ling has witnessed many improvements and changes. He was in the county before Hastings was thought of, and when Juniata was the county seat; was there during the grasshopper season, and witnessed the heavy, snow storm of 1873. The result of his marriage has been the birth of five children: Elizabeth Mary, born in DuPage County, Ill., on January 25, 1870; Bertha Jane, born in Adams County, Neb., on December 31, 1874; Anna L., born in Adams County, Neb., on July 12, 1878; Edward George, born in Adams County, December 30, 1881, and Etta Nathelia, who was born January 10, 1885, and died February 3, 1887. Mr. Colling has been justice of the peace of his township for eight years, and has lately been re-elected for two years more. He has been a member of the school board a number of times, and is a man who has the respect and esteem of all who know him. In 1864, during the late war, he and his brother William enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Infan- try, and participated in the battles of Resaca, At- lanta, and a number of skirmishes. He was in Gen. Sherman's army, Fifty-second Illinois, Com- pany A, First Brigade, of the Sixteenth Army Corps. In the fall of 1864 the Sixteenth was con- solidated with the Fifteenth Army Corps, after which it was called the Fifteenth. Mr. Colling and his brother were discharged on July 12, 1865. He then went to Illinois.

A. Coltrin, farmer and stock raiser, Pauline, Neb. Originally from the Buckeye State, where his

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birth occurred in 1845, Mr. Coltrin is now success- fully following agricultural pursuits, a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He was one of a large family of children born to E. C. and Elizabeth (Sinclair) Coltrin, the father a native of New York, born in 1799, and the mother of Vermont. The father was a carpenter by trade, and was married in 1825 to Miss Sinclair. Their children were named as follows: Sylvester, C. W., Edwin, Dollie A., Sarah, Mary, Eliza (one died in infancy), William H., A., Frances and Ellen. The parents of these children moved to Illinois in 1852, settled in Jo Daviess County, and there the father followed his trade. He died in that State in 1882, and the mother in 1886. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The father was a good Republican and was a public spirited citizen. A. Coltrin received his education in the schools of Illinois, attained his growth there, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-third Ilinois Infantry, for three years, under Col. Mulli- gan. He was in the battles of Kingstown, Peters- burg, Sailor Creek, and was in numerons severe skirmishes. In July, 1864, he was wounded by a shell in the right leg, and was in the hospital for a number of months. He again entered the service in November of the same year, and was discharged in 1865. Returning to Illinois, he worked at the stone mason trade for some time, and in 1873 he emigrated to Nebraska and located where he now lives. He entered 160 acres of land, and this he now has well improved. He was married in 1882 to Miss Lizzie R. White, daughter of John White, of Hanover Township, this county, and to them has been born one son: Ray, whose birth occurred in 1883. Mr. Coltrin was elected justice of the peace when the town was organized, and has held the place ever since. He is a Republican, and is interested in political matters, being chairman of the township committee. He is interested in the upbuilding of schools and churches, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to all laudable enterprises. He is a self-made man, and all his property has been the re- sult of honest endeavor and many hard days' work. James Cooper, farmer and stock raiser, Holstein,

Neb. This much respected and enterprising citizen was born in Bartholomew Connty, Ind., May 6, 1833, and is the son of William Cooper, a native of Kentucky. The elder Cooper was reared in the Blue Grass State, and went to Indiana when a young man, where he was married to Dulcina Batey, a native also of Kentucky. He followed tilling the soil in Bartholomew County, then Tipton County, where his death occurred in 1854. His wife sur- vived him until 1868. James Cooper moved to Tipton County with his father in 1849, and there passed his boyhood days. His health was quite poor while growing up, and the principal part of his education has been received since attaining his majority. He received a good common school edu- cation, and after finishing the same engaged in agri- cultural pursuits on a farm in Howard County, Ind., in 1861, continuing at this for a number of years. He then returned to Tipton County where he tilled the soil until coming West in 1883, and then settled on his present property in December of that year. He has 320 acres of land, all in a good state of cul- tivation and nearly all fenced. He has good and substantial buildings on the same and an excellent orchard. Mr. Cooper was married in Howard County, Ind., August 9, 1864, to Miss Rachel Mc- Graw, a native of Shelby County, Ind., and the daughter of John McGraw. To this union were born four children: Sarah, wife of N. J. Fuel; Martha, wife of William A. Gullion; Charles C., and Mary, wife of C. T. Gates. Mr. Cooper is a Republican in politics, and has always adhered strictly to that party. He was elected magistrate of Logan Township in 1884, and so well was he liked that he was re- elected at the expiration of his term, having served six consecutive years in that capacity.

J. W. Coulter, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. Few who have moved to Nebraska have better improved the meager advantages offered by the State in its infancy than J. W. Coulter. Born in Washington County, Ill., in September, 1830, he spent his boyhood days in assisting with the duties of the home farm, together with attendance at the public schools, and in 1849 was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret (Armor) McDill, daughter of John and Harriet Armor, natives of South Carolina, who

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had moved to Illinois in 1822. To Mr. and Mrs. Coulter were born six children: Hattie (now Mrs. Hensign, of Nebraska), Robert (married, and resides in Colorado), James (married, in Nebraska), Milton and Addie (twins), Adelia (now Mrs. Carlile) and Fred. Mr. Coulter began the study of medicine in 1858, and commenced practicing in Illinois in 1860. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, and the principal battles in which he en- gaged are as follows: Island No. 10, Shiloh, Nash- ville, Corinth, Murfreesboro; was eight months at Nashville, Missionary Ridge, and was from Atlanta to the Sea. He was in service three and a half years, and was promoted from a private to the rank of second lieutenant. He was discharged in August, 1865. In 1871 Mr. Coulter emigrated to Nebraska, settled in Lincoln, where he remained until 1872, and then moved to Blaine Township, Adams County, settling on his present land which was then all prairie. He now has 160 acres, splendidly located, and it is considered one of the finest places in the county. Being one of the pioneers he has exper- ienced many trying times, and has seen some of the terrible snow storms that have visited that region. He has witnessed the entire growth of the country and the marvelous changes that have been made. Robert and Isabella (Wiley) Coulter, his parents, were natives of Tennessee and Pennsylvania, re- spectively. The father was born in 1809 and moved to Illinois in 1820. He was a son of Robert Coulter, and his wife was a daughter of John Wiley, a native of Pennsylvania. Robert Coulter and wife became the parents of nine children: J. W. , James, Robert, Arthur, Martha, Samuel, Sarah, Philip and Lizzie. The father of these children died in 1851. He was a successful farmer and was a member of the Pres- byterian Church. He was first a Whig in politics, then a Republican, and was a strong anti-slavery man. The mother is still living, and makes her home with her children. She is a member of the same church.

John H. Coulter, farmer, Kenesaw, Neh. A glance at the lives of many representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal sketches of some honored, influential citizens, but none more worthy or deserving of mention than Mr.

Jolin H. Coulter. This gentleman resides six miles northeast of Kenesaw, three miles southwest of Pros- ser, and has eighty aeres of excellent land, all well improved. Ile was born in Canada, near Stratford, Ont., January 24, 1854, and is the son of Robert and Louisa (Hunter) Coulter. Robert Coulter is a native of Tyrone County, Ireland, and came to America when but four years of age, locating in County Perth, Canada. There he grew to manhood, married Miss Hunter, and in 1879 he and family moved to Michigan, and, in 1880, from Port Huron to Nebraska, locating on Section 12, Kenesaw Town- ship. Hle and wife now reside near the village of Kenesaw. Their family consisted of eight children, four sons and four daughters, John H. Coulter being third in order of birth. He attained his growth on the home farm, received the rudiments of an educa- tion in the common schools, and moved with his parents to Nebraska in 1880, passing through the pioneer period of this region. On January 13, 1889, he married Miss Leona Chambers, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Nebraska, and located near Juniata at an early date. In 1889 Mr. Coulter was elected assessor of Kenesaw Town- ship, and has also served as supervisor of the public highways, and has been a member of the school board. He is a first class agriculturist and a man much respected by all.

A. W. Cox, of the house furnishing and under- taking establishment of Cox & Reed, was born in Indiana, July 10, 1837, and is the son of Bennett and Elizabeth (Kindley) Cox, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The father died in Nebraska at the age of seventy-three years, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Hastings. A. W. Cox first attended the common schools, but later entered Earlham College at Richmond, Ind., and from there went to Indianapolis, where he was en- gaged in the forwarding and commission business. In 1871 he emigrated to Nebraska, and for a year and a half was a member of the firm of Cox, Kingman & Ballard. January, 1873, he came to Hastings and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued for about a year and a half, after which for four years he was in the hardware business. Since that time, and for about ten years, he has been in

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his present business. He built the fourth honse in Hastings and has seen that settlement grow to its present dimensions, with a population of 15,000. He is a Republican in politics, and was a member of the first city council of Hastings. He was united in marriage, in 1863, to Miss Ellen Ballard, who was born in Indiana in 1844, and to them have been born two children: Lneva, now the wife of A. Yeazel, of Hastings, and Mary, wife of Edward Allen, cashier of the First National Bank at Ottawa, Ill. For about one year after Mr. Cox came to Hastings his were the only female children in the town.

George Crafford, agricnlturist and stockman, of Zero Township, Adams County, Neb., was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1828. Harriet S. Dunbar, his wife, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1834. George Crafford was the tenth of twelve children born to Joseph and Deborah (Jack- son) Crafford, both of whom were born in Pennsyl- vania, the former in 1780 and the latter in 1785. They were married in Washington County, Pa., in 1803. The following are the children given them: Elisabeth, Elijah, Rachel, Frances, Rebecca, Ruth, Joseph, John, Thomas, George, Martha and Mary. Mr. Crafford removed with his family to MeDonough County, Ill., at an early day, and was there engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1863. He was a Republican, a public

spirited citizen, and was deeply interested in the welfare of his adopted country. He was postmaster of Raccoon, Pa., for years, and while in Illinois was postmaster of a town there also. His wife died in Illinois in 1859, both being members of the Pres- byterian Church. Their son, George Crafford, started out in life for himself in 1851, and two years later was married to Harriet S. Dunbar, a daughter of Noah W. and Sarah (Hops) Dunbar, both of whom were born in York State. He farmed in Illinois until 1868, then removed to Lucas County, Iowa, where he made his home until 1870, then went to Kansas, and a short time later came to Cass County, Neb. This county continued to be his home until 1873, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Adams County. He is the owner of one-half section of land-160 acres in Adams County and a like quantity in Webster

County. £ He is an enterprising citizen, is a Repub- lican in his political views, and on this ticket was elected to the office of county supervisor in 1884, and he has also been a member of his local school board a number of terms. He is one of the wealthy farmers of the county and his farm is well stocked, his cattle and sheep being of an especially good grade. His children's names are as follows: Joseph M., who died in 1879; Noah W., who is married to Mary E. Nichols, their union taking place in 1878; George C., Leonia E. and Mable M., who was born in Cass County, Neb. The four first named were born in McDonough County, Ill.

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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