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 38

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 38
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 38
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 38
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 38

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Alexander H. Cramer is an excellent example of what can be accomplished in life when thorough de- termination to succeed is coupled with energy, per- severance and close application, and he is now un- questionably one of Adams County's most puh- lic spirited citizens. He was born in Utica, N. Y., January 31, 1852, but his primary education was received in Oneida, Ill., after which he was engaged in farming, and later clerked in the store of Pratt & Lawson; and in this capacity remained with the firm after their removal to Hastings, Neb., October 1, 1872. However, in the spring of 1873, he entered the employ of A. W. Cox, a lumber dealer, but the same year, being a stanch supporter of the Republican party, he was elected on that ticket to the office of clerk of Adams County, and served by re-election three successive terms, later serving four years as clerk of the district court. In 1877 he purchased a set of abstract books and engaged in that business, making the first complete set of abstract books in Adams County, all of which are now the property of the firm of Cramer & Rohrer. In 1881 Mr. Cramer formed a partnership with H. Bostwick, and opened what was then known as the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, which was located where the City National Bank now stands. In De- cember, 1885, Mr. Cramer sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the abstract, loan and in- surance business, at the same time dealing exten- sively in real estate. In July, 1886, he became one of the organizers of the Western Loan and In- vestment Company, of which he was chosen vice- president, and the same year the firm of Cramer,

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Rohrer & Robinson was organized and continued two years, when Mr. Robinson withdrew, and the firm now stands as Cramer & Rohrer. They are safe, thorough and reliable business men, and without doubt de- serve the large patronage which they command. He belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 50 of the A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of Hastings Lodge No. 28 of the K. of P. His marriage to Miss Ella Cox, daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth Cox, was solemnized in October, 1884. Mrs. Cramer was born in Henry County, Ind., and is the mother of two children, Edna and Mabel. Mr. Cramer is a son of Alexander and Cynthia (Harris) Cramer, who were born in New Jersey and New York in 1810 and 1822 respectively, and the former's death occurred in the State of Iowa in February, 1874. In 1856 be removed with his family to Wiseonsin, but thirteen years later settled in Illinois, and finally in Iowa. The mother is still living, and resides at Indianola, Neb.

E. N. Crane, merchant, Kenesaw, Neb. Prom- inent among, and one of those citizens of Kenesaw who have held the advancement of the town and Adams County above all personal interests, and who have devoted years of their time and labored assid- uously for its advancement, is the subject of this artiele. He owes his nativity to Hillsdale County, Mich., where his birth oceurred on March 14, 1853, and is a descendant of one of the old Puritan fam- ilies, his ancestors coming to Ameriea long before the war for independence, and some of them partie- ipated in that memorable struggle. His paternal grandfather died from the effects of a wound received in the War of 1812. Mr. Crane is a worthy repre- sentative of this old family, and sound Puritan. ieal traits of integrity and industry have character- ized his snecessful eareer. His parents, Daniel C. and Lney (Benedict) Crane, were both natives of New York State, were married in that State, and in 1840 emigrated to Michigan, being among the first settlers of Hillsdale County. They resided there until 1878, when they removed to Hastings, Neb., and there Mr. Crane died in 1877, at the age of sev- enty-one years. His widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gen. A. V. Cole, at Juniata, Neb. Young Crane grew to manhood in

that newly developed country, when the district school was the Alma Mater of many, and naturally received a better practical than literary educatior. It is very probable that there he developed the true business principles which have characterized his success so far. He early aspired to a mercantile life, and in order to better qualify himself for such he entered Mayhew Business College, of Detroit, Mich., from which he graduated in 1875. Soon after leaving college he accepted the position of book-keeper for the firm of Smith Bros., an exten- sive mereantile firm of Addison, Mieh., and remained with them until the spring of 1876, when failing health compelled him to resign. In the hopes of regaining his health he began traveling in the West, and spent a part of the time at Juniata, Neb., after which he went to Philadelphia to attend the Centen- ial Exposition. He then returned to Juniata, but later engaged as a traveling salesman, which occu- pation he followed until 1883, when he came to Ken- esaw and established himself in the general mercan- tile business. In 1883 he ereeted his present business block, the largest and finest business house in Ken- esaw. He has always taken an active interest in the general welfare of the place, and has been prom- inently identified with all movements tending towards its improvement. He is a charter member of Kene- saw Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M., also a member of Mt. Nebo Commandery No. 11, Hastings, Neb., and takes a deep interest in political matters, being chairman of the Adams County Republican con- vention in 1887. On July 26, 1878, he was united in marriage, at Juniata, Neb., with Miss Ella V. Light, a native of Angola, Ind., and their union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Susan Agnes and Daniel C. Mr. Crane is a man of genial disposition, courteous and charitable, and enjoys with his family the respeet and esteem of all.

William S. Crow, ex-county treasurer of Adams County, and now actively engaged in farming and stoek raising, was born in Fayette County, Pa., August 2, 1835, being a son of Alexander and Christina (Sadler) Crow, who were born in Mary- land and Fayette County, Pa., and died in Vinton County, Ohio, aged fifty-seven and sixty-two, re- spectively. The paternal grandfather, John Crow,

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was a German who came to the United States at an early day, and died in Licking County, Ohio. William S. Crow is the fourth of nine children, five now living, and when about one year old was taken by his parents to Guernsey County, Ohio, and was there brought up to the life of a farmer, learning during his youth many lessons of industry and per- severance, which have since stood him in good stead. After acquiring a fair knowledge of the English branches in the district schools near his home, he entered the scientific course in Witten- berg College, Springfield, Ohio, in which institution he graduated in the commercial department, after which he spent nearly fifteen years in teaching in the public schools in Southern Ohio. In 1864 he served for one hundred days in the United States service, doing duty at City Point, Va. , during the siege of Richmond. In the fall of 1875 he emi- grated to Nebraska, and in 1876 he homesteaded his present property, and has since given his attention to tilling the soil and raising stock, and the success which has attended his efforts denotes him to be a thrifty and intelligent agriculturalist. His farm of 280 acres is one of the best improved in the county, and being a natural mechanic, all his buildings have been erected by himself. He has always been a Republican in politics, and his first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont. In 1881 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Adams County, and for two years discharged the dnties of this re- sponsible position in a manner highly complimen- tary to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is one of the substantial men of the connty, is thoroughly practical, and does not use tobacco or intoxicants in any form.

James B. Dallas, hardware merchant, Hastings, Neb. No better proof of the advancement of Hast- ings within the last ten years can be shown than the dimensions which the hardware trade has assumed. Among others, one of the largest is the well known house of James B. Dallas, who established his busi- ness in 1883. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, January 20, 1859, and is the younger of two children born to the union of James B. and Sarah E. (McClellan) Dallas, natives of Ohio. The father was born in 1829, and died in his native county in Ohio, in

1860. He was a farmer by occupation. The mother was born in 1831, and now resides in Frank -. lin, Ohio. James B. Dallas was reared in Middle- town, Ohio, and there attended school. He emi- grated to Hastings, Neb., in 1877, was for some time in the employ of Phillips & Hamot in the grocery business, and then began the hardware business in the employ of Lawson & Hamot. In 1883 he began the business for himself in partnership with C. H. Dietrich, and about one year later changed to Dallas & Litton, which continues at the present time. They are doing well and are enterprising business men. Mr. Dallas was united in marriage in 1884 to Miss Amelia Litton, a native of St. Joseph, Mo., born in 1865, and the daughter of William and Elizabeth Litton. To Mr. and Mrs. Dallas has been born one child, Joseph D., whose birth occurred January 4, 1888. Mr. Dallas is an uncompromising Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Hancock. Hs is a prominent young business man of the city.

Nicholas F. Damron keeps a livery sale stable at Hastings, Neb., which from the large business done, not only exemplifies the importance of the town, bnt reflects credit upon his management also. He has been a resident of Adams County since November 4, 1877, but was born in Pike County, Mo., Decem- ber 4, 1838, and is one of eight children born to James T. and Martha J. (Thurman) Damron, who were native Virginians. The father died in Minne- sota, in 1861, and his wife in 1887. Nicholas F. Damron, owing to the early death of his father, was compelled to fight his own way in the world, and after acquiring such education as could be obtained in the public schools prior to his thirteenth year, he began driving a peddling wagon in Southern Wis- consin, and then followed the occupation of mer- chandising until his removal to Hastings at the above named date. For two years after his arrival here he conducted the Commercial Hotel, which stood on the present site of his livery stable, but in 1889 the building was consumed by fire, and a short time after he erected the present Commercial Hotel. He has been engaged in the livery and sale business for the past eight years and has bought and sold as many horses as any other man in Nebraska, and is

James Sauce

( DECEASED )

ADAMS COUNTY, NEBRASKA

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ever ready to purchase good animals, guaranteeing a ready sale of any stock placed in his hands. In point of convenience and in regard to the animals and vehicles which he owns, his establishment is second to none in the State. Ilis residence is one of the finest in the city, which with all its improve- ments cost about $12,000. He was married in 1861 to Miss Frances V. Jefferson, a native of the " Em- pire State," who is well known as an admirable housekeeper and a worthy and intelligent lady. They have three children: Edith, James F. and Birdie. Mr. Damon belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 50, of the A. F. & A. M.

Walter P. Davis is a proper representative of the energetic and prosperous agriculturists of Adams County, Neb., which element has done so much to advance the interests of the State. He was born in Dearborn County, Ind., January 30, 1839, and re- ceived early and careful training in the mysteries of farm life from his father, Nieholas Davis, who was a well-to-do agriculturist. The latter was born on Blue Grass soil, but was reared in the " Hoosier State," and was there married to Rachel Randall, a native of Rush County, Ind. In 1857 he moved with his family to Cumberland County, Ill., but in 1861 he settled in Mattoon, where he made his home until after the war, then located on a farm in Coles County, and at a still later period took up his abode in Clark County, where he continued to till the soil until his death in August, 1879. His wife survives him and is a resident of Omaha, making her home with a son. Their family, consisting of five sons and one daughter, grew to mature years, and all are now living and are the heads of families. Walter Davis was sixteen years of age upon his removal to Illinois, and there, in September, 1861, he and two brothers enlisted in Company I, Fifth Illinois Cav- alry; he served his country faithfully until mustered out of service at Vicksburg, November 17, 1864, at which time he was promoted" from a private to the position of sergeant. He was in the engagements at Pocahontas and Cotton Plant and in the siege and battles around Vieksburg, besides many small en- gagements and skirmishes. After receiving his dis- charge he returned to Illinois, and until 1872 was engaged in farming in Coles and Cumberland

Counties. In 1873 Nebraska became his home, and after farming on land near where he now lives about one year he homesteaded his present property, which consists of 160 acres, all of which is fine farming land and well fenced. His residence is a substantial frame, one and a half stories in height, and all his out-buildings are commodious and in good re- pair. He has eight acres of timber land and a well selected fruit orchard of four acres, and his property is well improved in other ways. He has always been identified with the Republican party, and has served as magistrate for nine or ten consecutive years. He has been a delegate to county, State and National conventions, and has always taken an active part in the campaigns of his party. He is now a member of Geary Post No. 180, G. A. R., and he and wife belong to the United Brethren Church. He was married in Cumberland County, Ill., in August, 1859, to Mariah Needham, a native of that county, and a daughter of P. D. Needham, by whom he has the following family: W. E., Lorena (wife of II. K. Brown), James N. , George, Charles, Lucy, Nettie, Denison D. and Minnie.

J. K. Dean, farmer and stoek raiser, Pauline, Neb. Mr. Dean emigrated from Livingston County, Ill. , to Adams County, Neb., in September, 1877, and was one of the pioneers of Little Blue Town- ship. He was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1822; was the third in a family of five children born to the union of Joseph and Elizabeth (Barrows) Dean, natives of Connecticut. The father in his younger days followed the cooper's trade, but later was a successful agriculturist. He was married in his native State in 1812, and emigrated to New York at a very early date, where he continued to cultivate the soil. He died in that State on Feb- ruary 6, 1842, and the mother died in October, 1861. Grandfather Levi Dean was a Revolutionary soldier, and died from the effects of service in that war. Grandfather Aaron Barrows was also in the Revolu- tionary War, and the families on both sides were early settlers in the colonies. J. K. Dean was taught the rudiments of farm life by his father at an early day, being educated in the subscription schools of New York. His brother and sisters were named as follows: Sarah, now Mrs. Wolcott, of Wayne

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County, N. Y .; Hester, died February 2, 1884, in Adams County, Neb .; Levi W., was born July 18, 1817, and died December 3, 1838, at Butler, Wayne County, N. Y. Our subject was married in the last named county on October 25, 1843, to Miss Mary Ann Post, a native of Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y., and the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Cronk- hite) Post, natives also of New York. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and in 1852 moved to La Salle County, Ill. , and thence to Miami County, Kan., in 1873. His wife died in Illinois in 1867, and his death occurred in 1885. After his marriage Mr. Dean remained in New York until 1857, when he emigrated to Illinois and engaged in farming. In 1863 he moved to Livingston County and settled in Sunburg Township. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in -La Salle County, but was taken sick. In 1863 he went into service in Company D, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and was on duty for six months, when he was promoted to the ordnance de- partment. He was at DeVall's Bluff, Helena, Saline Cross Roads and others. He kept charge of the books, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Ill., in 1865. After returning to Livingston County he followed agricultural pursuits, and was for some time in the hardware business. In 1877 he emi- grated to Adams County, Neb., and purchased 160 acres of land in Little Blue Township, which he immediately commenced improving. He has always taken an active part in politics, and his vote is cast with the Republican party. He has been justice of the peace of his township for eleven years, and has filled that position in different places for the past thirty years. He is a member of Huron Post No. 151, G. A. R., and is Senior Vice Commander of the same. To his marriage have been born seven children: Huldah, now Mrs. Miller, of Adams County; J. W., enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry in 1864, and was at the battle of Peters- burg; he was taken sick, and is still suffering; he was honorably discharged in 1865, and resides in Adams County; George, married and resides in Kansas; Medora, now Mrs. Sherman, of Adams County; J. M., married and a resident of Adams County; Lucien and W. H., also both living and in Adams County.

Lucien Dean. Although a young man Mr. Dean has labored earnestly as an agriculturist, and his energy, coupled with strict integrity and honesty of purpose, has placed him among the leading farmers of Adams County. He was born in La Salle County, Ill., June 21, 1861, and was one of a family of 7 children born to James K. and Mary A. (Post) Dean, who removed from La Salle to Liv- ingston County in 1862, where Lucien was reared and educated, and learned the intricacies of farm work on his father's land. The family removed to the State of Nebraska in 1877, and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Little Blue Township, Adams County, but Lucien only remained with his father until he was eighteen years of age, then began working for himself by the month, continuing for five years, then began tilling the soil on his own responsibility, purchasing land in Section 6, Town- ship 5, Range 9, to the amount of 167 acres, the property being partly improved. He is much inter- ested in stock raising and has a large and valuable drove of cattle and hogs. His enterprises in Ne- braska have met with excellent results, and he has done his full share in developing Adams County, and here he expects to make his permanent home. So far as his means will allow he contributes to the building of churches and schools, and he is other- wise interested in the improvement of the county, and is ever ready to assist all feasible enterprises. In his political views he is a Republican, and in 1886 and 1887 was elected town clerk. His mar- riage, which occurred on October 21, 1882, was to Miss Mary A. Palmer, the adopted daughter of Wil- liam H. Palmer, of New York State. Mrs. Dean was born in that State, July 12, 1855. Mr. Dean's father and mother were born in New York in 1823 and 1822, respectively, and after their marriage, in 1857, removed to Illinois, and since 1877 have re- sided in Nebraska, where they have become well and favorably known

Jacob DeWester, farmer, Hastings, Neb. The County of Adams is indeed fortunate in having among her foreign-born element men whose indus- try, strict attention to business, economy and perse- verance have produced such substantial results in the different affairs with which they have connected

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themselves. Mr. DeWester belongs to this class, for, originally from Germany, his location in this county dates from 1872. He was born on the Rhine Province in 1840, and was second in a family of five children born to John and Mary (Leopold) DeWester, also natives of the Rhine Province, Ger- many. The parents left their native country in 1853, crossed the ocean to the United States and located in Rush County, Ind. Here the father fol- lowed farming and made that county his home until his death in 1882. The mother died two years later. Jacob DeWester was partly reared on the farm in Rush County, although up to thirteen years of age he resided in Germany and was educated in the schools of that country. In August, 1862, he en- listed from Rush County in Company H, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis. He participated in the battle of Rich- mond and Vicksburg, was in the Red River expedi- tion, Pleasant Hill, and numerous other engage- ments. He had the buttons shot from his clothing, but was never wounded. He was discharged at New Orleans in 1865, after which he returned to Rush County, Ind., where he tilled the soil. He was married in Indiana in 1862, to Miss Martha Norton, a native of North Carolina, and the daugh- ter of George and Harriet Norton, also natives of North Carolina. At an early day, 1853, her par- ents settled in Indiana, where the mother died in 1883. The father resides in Iowa and is a success- ful tiller of the soil. In 1872 Mr. DeWester came to Adams County, Neb., entered 160 acres which he improved, but which he afterwards sold, and now owns eighty acres, all under a good state of cultiva- tion. Mr. DeWester is not active in politics, but votes with the Independent party. He is a member of Strickland Post No. 13, G. A. R., at Hastings. To his marriage were born these children: Jacob, married and resides in the township; John, Lizzie, now Mrs. Ale, of West Blue Township; Fred, Hattie and Minnie. Mr. DeWester was one of the first settlers of Adams County, and has been a wit- ness of the wonderful growth of the same. He passed through the three seasons of grasshopper raids, the largest and hardest in 1874, and still thinks there is no State like Nebraska. He was

road overseer for a number of years, and aids with a ready hand and willing heart all laudable enter- prises.

Ira G. Dillon (deceased). Nature seems to have intended Mr. Dillon for a long and more than ordi- narily useful life, but alas for human hopes and ex- pectations, while just in the meridian of life his career was closed forever. Ile was born in Hudson, Mich., August 26, 1836, and was a son of Michael and Margaret Jane (Griswold) Dillon, who were pioneers and farmers of Michigan. Ira G. Dillon's youth was spent on his parents' homestead, he re- ceiving favorable opportunities for obtaining an education in the public schools of his native State, which opportunities he did not fail to improve. At the age of twenty-four years he was united in mar- riage to Miss Cornelia Davis, but their wedded life was of short duration, for she died August 25, 1868, leaving two children: Ina May, wife of John P. Doar, a prominent lawyer of Lincoln, Neb .; and Flora, who is now deceased, her death occurring July 27, 1865. Soon after his marriage Mr. Dillon went to Saginaw, where he was engaged in the lum- ber business until his removal to St. Louis, Mich., where he followed the calling of an architect and builder. Here on July 20, 1867, he espoused Miss Laura P. Brudige, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of M. and Harriet (Parmelee) Brudlige, the father a native of York State, and the mother of Ohio. Mrs. Dillon is a very finely educated lady and is a grad- uate of Oberlin College, Ohio, and finished her musical education in Pennsylvania, in which State she spent two years perfecting herself in this art, following it as a calling several years prior to her marriage. Eight of her aunts were graduates of Oberlin College, and one, Eliza Parmelee, is a wealthy and talented lawyer of New Portage, Ohio. In 1871 Mr. Dillon came to Nebraska, and being. possessed of great energy and mneli ability, he was not long in securing a comfortable competency in his new location. Ile first settled on a homestead one and a half miles east of Juniata and after erect- ing a good residence, setting out orchards and other- wise improving his property he, at the end of five years, moved to Juniata where he bought property and built him a comfortable residence. He was first

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engaged in contracting and building after coming to the county, and erected many of the principal dwell- ings of the town. In the occupation of handling grain, lumber and coal, he was in partnership with J. M. Sewell for some time, and during this time they erected the first grain elevator of the place. Later he was associated in business with a Mr. Cole for about two years. He was an active politician and was the first marshall of Juniata, always ready to promote the interests of the town and county. He was in every respect a self-made man and his death, which occurred March 12, 1884, was universally regretted. He left an estate for his family valued at some $25,000, and in every way was a most worthy man, a kind father and a considerate hus- band. He was a member of the Baptist Church and his widow belongs to the Congregational Church. To them were born the following family: Lorena Mary, born September 15, 1869, is a teacher of music at Crete; Margaret Jane was born March 23, 1872, and is attending Doane College at Crete; Grace Wilber was born January 12, 1879; Herbert Michael was born February 6, 1881, and an infant daughter who died unnamed.

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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