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 41

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 41
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 41
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 41
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 41

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Politically Mr. Fleming's vote is cast with the Re- publican party. His marriage has been blessed by the birth of four children: Liew (a native of Illi- nois, who was but a year old when his parents moved to Nebraska, but is now married and resides at Ayr), Ross, Harvey and Agnes.

M. J. Fonts, farmer. This gentleman was born in Hancock, Ill., in 1848, and is the eldest in a family of seven children born to the union of Dan- iel Perry and Emaline Perry Fouts, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Maine. The father went to Illinois when a young man, was there married, and in 1852 went overland to Cali- fornia, driving three yoke of oxen. He made a settlement at Cloverdale, Cal., and in 1879 went to Seattle, Wash., where he now resides. His wife died in California in 1877. M. J. Fouts was reared to farm life until fifteen years of age, and in 1863 enlisted at Virginia City, Nev , in the First Ne- vada Cavalry, which was mustered into service at Churchill, Nev. Upon being sent to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., he remained there engaged in the Indian warfare. He was in service for two years and eight months, and was honorably discharged at Camp Douglas, Utah Ter., in 1866. He then came to Cheyenne, where for a number of years he was engaged in teaming from that city to Salt Lake, and thus has been on the plains from early boyhood, seeing frontier life in all its phases. He commenced farming for himself on his present property at an early day, has hunted buffalo all over Adams County, and has trapped all over this vicinity. In his early farming days Mr. Fouts was obliged to go sixty miles to get his plows sharpened. He was married in Adams County, Neb., in January, 1876, to Miss Maria Wiswell, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and the daughter of G. W. and Maria (Watson) Wiswell, natives of Vermont and Ireland, respect- ively. Her parents were married in Wisconsin, and the father was a railroad engineer on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, running from St. Louis to Pilot Knob, In 1869 he came to Thayer County, Neb., entered land, but later went to work for the Union Pacific, running from Rawlins and Green River. The parents are both living at the present day, the mother on the homestead and the father in

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Oregou. After his marriage Mr. Fouts began farm- ing on his present property, which consists of 160 acres under cultivation. He was among the first to erect a frame house in the township. He is not active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party, although in local matters he votes for the best interests of the county. He is a member of the G. A. R. Mr. Fouts has seen the entire growth of the county, and has assisted in all laudable enterprises for the good of the same. At the time of settle- ment there were no railroads nor towns, but now the country is thickly populated. He was a great hunter for many years, and continued this pursuit up to the time he was married. He is deeply interested in educational matters and assisted in organizing the school district. To his marriage have been born six children: Henry Ashley, Frances Grace, Laura Ellen, Daniel Wolf and Don Carl (twins) and Nora Irene.

F. M. Frink, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. One of the young but successful agricul- turists of Adams County is he whose name appears above, and who has borne an influential part in pro- moting the various interests of the county since 1874, when he first located here. He was born in New York, in 1852, and is the second of a family of five children born to the union of Sewell and Mariah (Tilley) Frink, natives respectively of Con- necticut and England. The father was engaged in farming in Illinois, and there he remained until 1856 when he moved to La Salle County, Ill., where he continued that occupation. In 1880 he moved to Adams County, Neb., and there he and his wife now reside. F. M. Frink was reared to farm labor and received his education in the schools of La Salle County. In 1874 he came to Adams County, Neb., purchased 160 acres of prairie land and commenced improving the same. He was married in Mills County, Iowa, in 1878, to Miss Florence Mellinger, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Henry Mellin- ger, a native also of Ohio. Mr. Mellinger moved to Michigan, thence to Iowa and from there to Mis- souri, where he now resides. The mother died years ago. After his marriage Mr. Frink settled on the farın where he now lives, and engaged in raising corn and oats. He is also interested in raising a

good grade of Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs. In his political views Mr. Frink votes inde- pendently. He is a member of the Farmers' Alli- ance and takes a deep interest in all matters relating to the good of the county. He is active in school matters, and has given his children good educational advantages. His children are named as follows: Ray M. , Earl M., Fred and Albert.

H. A. Fyler, merchant, of Hastings. As a man of business Mr. Fyler's name and fame is co-exten- sive with Adams County and the surrounding country. Every step of his financial and commer- cial career has been illustrated with acts of liberal- ality, and with every step taken by the county towards higher development he has been closely identified. Ile possesses all the attributes necessary for a man of business, and especially a merchant, for the suc- cessful merchant, like the artist or poet, is born, not made. Possessing taste, discrimination and an aptitude for correctly reading human nature, he has been very successful aud stands on a sound basis among the business men of Hastings, by whom he is regarded as one of the pillars of the city. He was born on a farm near Syracuse, Onondaga County, N. Y. , January 31, 1848, being a son of Alfred and Ruth (Gaylord) Fyler, and at the early age of twelve years was compelled to take up the battle of life for himself, and for this purpose left home and went to Michigan, where for a number of years he spent the summer months in clerking for a small salary, and in the winter attended school. He continued thus to live until eighteen years of age, aud by strict economy had contrived to save enough of his earn- ings to defray his expenses at a first-class commer- cial college for one term. At the end of this time he returned to his former position, where he remained five years longer, theu accepted a position as com- mercial traveler, and for sixteen years was on the road, representing during this time some of the lead- ing wholesale houses in New York City, Chicago and Boston. In 1878 he engaged in the dry goods bus- iness at Three Rivers, Mich., taking as a partner Charles Starr, of that place, but for five years longer continued to travel, Mr. Starr conducting the store at Three Rivers. This enterprise proved a success, and at the end of the five years Mr. Fyler came to

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Hastings, Neb., and in the spring of 1886 opened a large dry goods store, his store building being ereeted under his own personal supervision, and in dimen- sions being 44x135 feet. His stock comprises the best goods to be found in the New York market, is of the latest style and is disposed of at very reason- able prices, and his is an establishment in which the people of Hastings feel much pride, for it is one of the most extensive of the kind in the West, and with the exception of Omaha is the finest in the State. The office work and accounting are in charge of II. A. Chapman, and he reports a business of $175,000 done during the year 1889. J. H. Beifuss has the management of the dress goods department, and is an artist in store and window decorating, and both these gentlemen have been in Mr. Fyler's employ since the business was established. He also has fifty-seven other employes. His business success has been remarkable, and the confidence reposed in him by the people, and the interest he takes in the advancement and welfare of Hastings and Adams County, are rarely equalled at the present day. He has always been a Republiean in politics, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On June 12, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Arnold, of White Pigeon, Mich., a daughter of Oliver Arnold.

Edward F. Gettle is a proper representative of the energetic young business men of Juniata, which element has done and is doing so much for the advancement of the material interests of the place, and is one of the foremost hardware merchants of the county. He was born in Michigan in 1857, and is the only child of John H. and Adelaide (Cutter) Gettle, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, the former a tailor by occupation. In 1860, they removed to the State of Illinois, and here the father still resides, the mother having died in 1883. The former served three years in the Army of the Cumberland in the late Civil War, and was a true and trusty soldier to the cause he espoused. Edward F. Gettle was reared in town and attended the public schools until he attained his fifteenth year, at which time he dropped his books to learn the tinner's trade in the town of Lena, working as an apprentice for three years. He then followed his

trade in various places for a year or two, and the year 1879 found him in Juniata, Neb., which place has since been his home. He first worked for a Mr. Pickard for a period of three years, and after spend- ing a short time in Kansas, he returned to Nebraska and worked one year in Hastings, after which he established his present business. He earries a full stock of shelf and heavy hardware, and manufac- tures a great deal of his own tinware, his stock of goods being valued at $3,500. He is a Mason, belonging to Juniata Lodge No. 42, and is also a member of James Laird Camp, Sons of Veterans. Although not an active politician he was elected, in the fall of 1888, to the office of township supervisor, and was re-elected in the fall of 1889. In 1882 he was married to Miss Ada D. Allen, a daughter of Col. E. M. Allen, and by her has two children: John Edwin and Fannie A.

John C. Giddings is a representative agricul- turist of Adams County, Neb., and acquired the principal part of his knowledge of the calling from his father, Rev. Uriah J. Giddings, who, in addition to being a tiller of the soil for some time, was a Methodist Episcopal minister. The latter was mar- ried to Miss Amanda Stafford, a daughter of Jona- than Stafford, their union taking place in 1838, and by her he became the father of eight children: Moses, residing in California; Sophronia (Mrs. Dress- back, of Lanark, Ill.), William (in Hale, Jones County, Iowa), Mary (Mrs. Chase, of Chicago, Ill.), John C., Frank (living in Hale, Iowa), Luey (Mrs. Shannon, of Bloomington, Ill.), and Fred (who died in 1857). Rev. Giddings was born in New Hamp- shire, being a son of Fetus Giddings, of Connecti- ent, but afterward moved to Pennsylvania with his parents, and spent the early part of his life in that State. He settled in Warren County, Ill., in 1836, and for five years followed farming, after which he entered the ministry, becoming a member of the Canton, Ill., conference, and was engaged in preach- ing the Gospel the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1883, and his wife's in 1858. He was first an old line Whig in politics, but later became a Republican. After the death of his first wife he married Martha E. Rose, daughter of Matthias Rose, of Illinois, and by her reared a son and daugh-

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ter: Frederick (at Normal, Ill.), and Josephine (Mrs. Jones). John C. Giddings, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Kickapoo County, Ill., in 1849, and was the fifth child born to his father's first union. His school days were spent in his native State, and in 1863 he started out to fight the battle of life for himself, and farming has been his princi- pal occupation ever since. He was married in Rock Island County, Ill., in 1872, to Livona C. Philleo, a daughter of Addison N. and Mary (Rosenberg) Philleo, and by her has the following family of children: Clarence, Charles, Jennie, Frank and Emmet. After farming in Illinois until 1880, he worked in the lime kilns of Port Byron, Ill., for two years, after which he came to Adams County, Neb., and purchased eighty acres of land, which he has since increased to 160 acres. His land was per- fectly wild at the time of his purchase, but he now has it well improved and stocked and makes a specialty of raising short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs. Like the majority of Adams County's citizens he is public spirited, and assists all good works, not only by his influence but also financially. He is a Republican in his political views, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and attend services at Ayr.

J. Goding, farmer and stock raiser, Pauline, Neb. The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the well known residents of Little Blue Township, who, like many other settlers of the county, came originally from Illinois, where his birth occurred (in Adams County) in 1840. His parents, Parker and Laura (Ross) Goding, were natives of Maine, and were married in that State in 1837. From there they moved to Adams County, Ill., settled on a farm and there resided until 1856, when they moved to .Jo Daviess County, Ill., where the father was engaged in merchandising at Warren. He died in 1867, and his wife in 1879. Of the four children born to their union, Henry is baggage master at Warren, Ill. , J. is our subject, Marcellus resides in California, and Luther, who started west in 1878, was murdered at Council Bluffs, Iowa. J. Goding's youthful days were passed in assisting on the home place, and in attending the common schools of Adams County, Ill. Later he attended

school at Warren, and there finished his education. At the age of nineteen years he started for Pike's Peak, going overland, and in 1859 came to Ne- braska, and thence to Galveston, Tex. From there he went to New Orleans and back to Warren by the Mississippi River, traveling 3,000 miles that year. . Later he commenced tilling the soil in Illi- nois, and in 1862 was married in Jo Daviess County, of that State, to Miss Sarah Ann Conley, a native of Oneida County, N. Y., and the daughter of James and Sarah (Loveland) Conley, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of New York. Mr. Conley was a farmer by occupation and in 1861, at the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, but on account of fail- ing health was discharged at Fort Donelson, and re- turned to Illinois. He came to Nebraska in 1873, settled in Adams County, Little Blue Township, and there his death occurred. The mother died some years ago. Mr. Goding tilled the soil in Illinois until 1873, when he came to Nebraska, entered eighty acres of land, erected at first a sod house, and later a good frame building. Hastings was then a small hamlet, and Juniata was the county seat. Mr. Goding had to go to Hebron to mill, a distance of sixty miles. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party; has been township con- stable for one year, and has also filled the office of road supervisor. He is a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in educational matters. To his marriage have been born seven living children: Laura, now Mrs. Parkins, of Pauline; Henry, married and resides near by; John, resides in Hastings; Eva, now Mrs. Smith, of this township; Jonas, Mattie and Luther. Mr. Goding experienced the grasshopper raids of 1874, and lost his team; but in spite of all drawbacks, he has been quite successful.

John Gordon, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. The subject of this sketch, well and favor- ably known to a host of acquaintances in this com- munity, was born in Scotland in 1840, and was one of six children, the result of the union of Robert and Martha (Pollock) Gordon, both of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in Scotland, was married there and there passed his last days. The

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mother died in Nebraska in 1880. Both were mem- bers of the Episcopal Church. Their children were named as follows: Mary A., James, in Nebraska; Robert (deceased), Matilda J., in Canada; William (deceased) and Johu. The latter when a small boy came to this country with his mother and settled in Massachusetts. He learned the tailoring trade while young, and followed it for a number of years. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary Thompson, a daughter of John Thompson, of Ontario, Canada, and nine children were the fruits of this union: Jane, now Mrs. McNeal, living in Hanover Town- ship, Adams County, Neb .; Robert William, died in 1889; John, at home; Matilda, at home; Addie, at home; Martha M. , Freddie, died in 1881; Charles E., and Henry A. Mr. Gordon emigrated to Hast- ings, Neb., in 1875, took up the land where he now lives, it being a timber claim, and now has a fine farm. He has been in the State about seventeen years and has seen many changes during that period. He had some experience with the grasshoppers, and has been through some of the severe storms of that State, but for all that thinks that Nebraska cannot be beaten. On first coming to Nebraska Mr. Gor- don worked at the tailor's trade in Hastings for a few years, but later settled on his farm. Hastings at that time consisted of only a few honses. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are members of the Episcopal Church. He has been a member of the school board of the district and was elected as supervisor of Hanover Township in 1890. He is a Republican in politics and a public spirited citizen.

Charles Grebe, farmer and stock raiser, Juniata, Neb. In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closely associated with the farming and stock raising interests of Adams County, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Grebe, for it is one which has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic men of Prussian nativity, who have risen to promi- nence in different portions of this country. He was born December 4, 1845, attained his growth in his native country, and remained with his father until reaching mature years. He served for two years, from 1864 to 1866, in the German Army, and after being discharged came to the United States. He

resided in Illinois in the spring of 1867, working on a farm in Logan County, and there remained for about five years, when he moved to Nebraska. Ile entered a farm in Adams County, in the year 1872, commenced improving the same, added to it, and now has 320 acres of as good land as is to be found in the township. IIe served as magistrate one year and for two years held the position of supervisor in Roseland Township. When Mr. Grebe came to this country he was in debt one hundred dollars and had nothing but his clothing. He now has an ex- cellent farm and is considered one of the most suc- cessful agriculturalists of Roseland Township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1883 Mr. Grebe returned to Prussia, visited his parents, Fred and Lonisa (Landau) Grebe, both natives of Prussia, where the father died in 1885, and spent the sum- mer in visiting different portions of the old country. His mother is still living.

Peter Griffith. Adams County, Neb., has long had the reputation of being one of the best agricul- tural regions in the State, and not only do the farmers here give much attention to this industry, but devote much of their attention to stock raising also, and are usually men of enterprise and intelli- gence. Prominent among those who have done their full share in advancing every interest of the county is Mr. Griffith, who has resided here since March, 1874. He was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., September 15, 1836, and is a son of Asoph and Elizabeth (Granger) Griffith, who were born, reared and married in the " Empire State " The father was a carpenter by trade, but his career was brought to a close quite suddenly in Pennsylvania, where he was residing with a son, in April, 1856. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man who possessed many sterling traits of character, strict integrity being one of his principal characteristics. His wife died in April, 1853, having borne him six sons and three daughters, one of the daughters dying at the age of eighteen years and one in infancy. Peter Griffith is the youngest of the family, and un- til nineteen years of age resided in his native county, receiving the advantages of the common schools (as well as private instruction). He removed to Mercer County, Ill., and after attending school at Rock

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Island for some time engaged in teaching school, which occupation continued to be his principal means of livelihood until his removal to the State of Nebraska in the year named above. His homestead consists of 160 acres of excellent land, well im- proved with good buildings, orchards, etc., and for some time in addition to tilling this land he was en- gaged in " teaching the young idea." He was mar- ried in Mercer County, Ill., October 15, 1869, to Miss Jennie Eckley, a native of Fulton County, Ill., who was reared and educated in Mercer County, a daughter of George Eckley. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have a daughter, Amna May, who is one of the connty's most successful educators, and are rearing two orphan children: Lloyd B. and John W., who take the name of Griffith. One is now ten years of age and the other, two years. In 1862 Mr. Griffith joined Company K, One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, but was on detached duty most of the time, acting as clerk at Gen. Harrison's headquar- ters. He received his discharge at Chicago in June, 1865, being now a member of the G. A. R. He is a Republican in his political views, but latterly has acted and voted for Prohibition. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an active worker for the cause of Christianity.

H. C. Hansen, Hastings, Neb. There are times when glancing over the life records of persons that it seems absolutely necessary to use that often abused phrase, " self-made man," and this is true of Mr. Hansen. He is of foreign birth, a native of Denmark, born March 31, 1852, and the son of Anderson and Sophia Hansen, both natives of Den- mark, where the mother died. The father is still living, and is a resident of that country. H. C. Hansen crossed the ocean to the United States when fifteen years of age, located at Omaha before there were any railroads, remained there for a short time, and then went to Iowa, where he remained for two years. After this he returned to Omaha and farmed for one year. For nearly twenty years Mr. Hansen has been manager for some of the best business houses in the different cities; was seven years with Van Brant & Sons, of Council Bluffs, and for six years he has represented F. H. Pugh in Hastings. Mr.

Hansen, the youngest of nine children, came to the United States without money, relatives or acquaint- ances, and had but ninety cents when he reached Omaha. He is a first class business man, and manages the large establishment of Mr. Pugh with ability and wisdom. He is very much pleased with Hastings and the United States, and has no desire to return to Denmark. He was married in 1877 to Miss Emma D. Niemann, a native of Madison, Wis., born October 2, 1862, and the danghter of Henry A. and Dora (Meyer) Niemann, who are now resid- ing in Irwin, Iowa. In politics Mr. Hansen is Democratic. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., and a member of Uniform rank. He is one of the popular men of Hastings.

Michael E. Hargleroad, farmer and stock raiser, Holstein, Neb. This honored and respected resident of Adams County is accorded a worthy place in this volume, for he is one of the representative men of the county. His occupation during life has been that of a farmer, and he is now living on his fine farm of 320 acres, one mile from Holstein. Mr. Hargleroad was born in Franklin County, Pa., on November 18, 1824, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Etter) Hargleroad, both natives of Penn- sylvania, the former born in Lancaster County. The elder Hargleroad was a cooper by trade, but in con- nection carried on farming, and resided in his native State until 1833, when he received his final summons. Michael E. Hargleroad was reared in Franklin County, Pa., and was early initiated into the duties of farm life. In 1874 he moved to Hunting- ton, Ind., and came west to Nebraska the same year, where he entered land. He settled on his present property, and has one of the finest farms in the connty, on which are a neat frame building, good barn, sheds and outbuildings. He has about two acres in orchard and has an excellent variety of fruit. He was married first in Pennsylvania, in 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Brongh, a native of Penn- sylvania, born in Adams County. She died on July 8, 1882, leaving ten children: Christian P., Michael A., John C., William B., Frank E., Harvey B., Katie (wife of George Coover), Susannah B. (wife of August Hohlfeld), Sarah (wife of Sol. Martin) and Elizabeth (wife of Jacob Evans). Mr. Hargleroad

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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