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 52

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 52
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 52
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 52
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 52

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Ohio, and finished his literary education in Heidel- berg College, Tiffin, Ohio. After being in the drug business in Fostoria, Ohio, twelve years he, in 1881, began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Henry & Meyers, and thus favored with excellent preparatory training, he entered the Jefferson Medi- cal College, of Philadelphia, Pa., graduating as an M. D. in 1884. After practicing in Fostoria, Ohio, for two and a half years, he, in October, 1886, came to Hastings, Neb., and here his professional career from the first has been one of gratifying results. The Doctor is a Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. He is a member of all the Masonic bodies, belonging to the York Rite of Masonry in Hastings, Neb., and is the present T. I. M. of Hastings Council No. 8. He is also a Past Master of Fostoria Lodge No. 288, A. F. & A. M., Fostoria, Ohio. The Doctor was married October 9, 1877, to Eva J., daughter of Jacob J. and Rachel A. (Harsh) Myers. Mrs. Schaufelberger was born in Fostoria, Ohio, December 8, 1853. They have one child, Frederick J., who was born February 9, 1881.

B. F. Schlegel, hardware merchant, Kenesaw, Neb. Prominent among the commercial resources of the town of Kenesaw must be included the trade carried on in hardware, etc., and among those who hold a responsible position in this line may be mentioned the name of Mr. B. F. Schlegel, one of the successful business men of the place. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumer- land County, February 3, 1840, and is one of the early settlers of Western Adams County, Neb. His parents, Peter and Susannah (Bohner) Schlegel, were both natives of the Keystone State, where they passed their entire lives, and where the father car- ried on agricultural pursuits. The Schlegel family is of German descent, and have long been residents of Pennsylvania, the paternal grandfather being a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War. B. F. Schlegel's time was divided in early life in assisting his father on the farm and in getting a meager education in the common schools. When about seventeen years of age, he went to Erie County, Ohio, where he en- gaged as a farm laborer. In 1861 he enlisted for three months in Company E, Eighth Ohio Volun-

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teer Infantry, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to his home, and later enlisted in Company H. Forty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, re-enlisting in the same company three years later. He participated in the engagements at Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg, Peach Tree Creek, and several other prominent battles. He was in Sherman's march to the sea, and at the time of his discharge, which occurred at Harrisburg on July 22, 1865, was serving as first sergeant. Soon after the close of the war he went to Ohio, and the following spring eame to Nebraska, locating in Dakota County, where he remained two years. After spending the following year in Iowa, he returned to his Eastern home and later traveled extensively in the Northern and West- ern States, finally seleeting Kenesaw as his place of residence, locating there in 1878. He purchased a farm one mile east of the town, and devoted his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He remained on his farm until 1888, when he moved to the town of Kenesaw, where he purchased his present hardware business in partnership with S. H. Smith, the present firm. In 1867 he married Miss Eliza Combs, a native of Ohio, who died in 1868. In 1871 he mar- ried Miss Rosa A. Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, and the fruits of this union have been one son and three daughters. Mr. Sehlegel is a Republican in his political views, and his first presidential vote was east for Abraham Lincoln, at Atlanta, Ga. , in 1864. He served as treasurer of Kenesaw Township for three years, and has also been a member of the school board a number of times. He is a member of the G. A. R. , Kenesaw Lodge No 144. and is also a member of the Kenesaw Building and Im- provement Association.

P. J. Schmitz is accounted a prosperous agrieul- turist and stockman of Adams County, Neb., and like the majority of the natives of Wisconsin he is progressive in his views, and possesses original and excellent ideas regarding the management and con- duct of his farm. He was born in 1861, and is the third ehild born to Henry and Catherine (Barbian) Schmitz, the mother a native of Germany. Henry Schmitz, also a native of Germany, was born in 1839, and in 1852 eame to the United States, and

settled near Janesville, in Rock County, Wis., where he married and followed cabinet making for a living. In 1861, however, he took up farming in Grant County, Wis., and in 1874 moved to Adams County, Neb. , and in addition to taking up a home- stead claim also purchased land, and now has a val- uable farm amounting to 560 acres, which is finely improved. Ile and wife are members of the Catho- lie Church. P. J. Schmitz spent his school days in Grant County, Wis., but upon his father's removal to Nebraska he came also, and in 1881 began farm- ing for himself, continuing three years, after which he followed the carpenter's trade five or six years; then again resumed farming, which he expects to make his calling through life. He settled on his present farm in 1888, and has it well improved and stocked, and is considered one of the enterpris- ing young farmers of the county. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Aircie Lawhead, a daughter of Al- fred and Catherine (Flint) Lawhead. Mr. Schmitz' brothers and sisters are as follows: Jolin HI. (who resides in Roseland, Adams County, Neb. ), Mary (Mrs. Derricks, living in Adams County), Minnie (wife of G. M. Gafford, of Roseland), and Albert, Annie and Eva, at home.

Henry Schnuelle, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. In Sheboygan County, Wis., in 1854, was born to Fredrick and Riekie (Boedieker) Schnuelle, a son, who is now taken as the subject of this sketch. The father was a successful agricul- turist, is a Republican in polities and a public spirited citizen. He is a member of the Reformed Church. His wife, who was also a member of that church, died in 1880. They reared ten children to maturity: Fredrick, Rickie, Sophia (deceased), Henry, Simon, August. William, Anna, and Her- man and Caroline (twins). Henry Schnelle was the fourth in order of birth, and as he grew up re- ceived instruction in the district schools of his native State. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Iowa, where he remained for three years, and then in 1877 he emigrated to Nebraska, where he bought 160 acres, where he now lives. It was all prairie at that time, but this he has improved. and now has a fine farm. He was married in December. 1881, to Miss Minnie Haubrock, daughter of Charles and

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Louisa Hanbrock, and a native of Illinois. Her parents moved to Nebraska in 1878, settled in Han- over Township, and there they are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Schnuelle were born five children: Charley (born October 31, 1882), Clara (born March 30, 1884), Willie (born December 26, 1885), Martha (born August 6, 1887), and Dora (born February 22, 1889). Mr. Schnuelle is deeply interested in the upbuilding of churches and schools, and the wel- fare of the county. He is honest and industrious, and all his property is the result of hard work. He was elected supervisor of the town in 1885, and since then has held the office of town clerk, filling this position with credit and satisfaction. He is a Republican in politics.

S. V. Scott has been identified with the farming interests of Adams . County, Neb., since 1873, and since his first entry of 160 acres he has become the owner of 240 acres of well improved and well stocked land. He was born in New Brunswick in 1844, and was the fifth in a family of children raised by Thomas W. and Anne E. (Floyd) Scott, the former a native of Maine. His early life was spent in that State, but he was married in New Brunswick, and a family of eleven children blessed his union: John, Emmaline S., William (deceased), Lydia (deceased), S. V., Thomas, David V., Wil- liam Z .. James (who died in infancy), Ida S. and Sarah A. Mr. Scott moved to Princeton, Ill., in 1855, and in 1869 emigrated to Poweshiek County, Iowa, settling on his farm of 300 acres of land. His wife's death occurred ou August 11, 1880. She was an earnest member of the Baptist Church at the time of her demise. Mr. Scott then lived with his youngest daughter until his death, April 1, 1888. S. V. Scott was reared in New Brunswick, and in 1855 emigrated to Illinois and settled near Princeton, in Bureau County, but moved in 1867 to Iowa, and settled on a farm in Poweshiek County, remaining here until 1879, since which time he has been a resident of Adams County, Neb. His farm is one of the best in the county, and is well adapted to stock raising, which industry receives consider- able attention at Mr. Scott's hands. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man. and the valuable property of which he is now the owner has been

acquired by hard and persistent endeavor. He is liberal in the support of worthy causes, is a Repub- lican in his political views and belongs to the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 50. He is unmarried.

Henry Shedd, furniture dealer of Hastings, Neb., is one of Adams County's oldest residents, having come here in 1872. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., October 13, 1813, being a son of Dyer and Lydia (Pratt) Shedd, who were born in Connecticut and died in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1848 and 1846, respectively. Henry Shedd at- tended the schools of his native county, and while still a youth began life for himself, and the first year clerked. in a store in Utica. After spending some time learning the carpenter's trade he became a contractor and builder, and this occupation he followed for three or four years. In 1862, full of zeal and enthusiasm for the cause of the Union, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Seven- teenth New York Volunteer Infantry, and went out as second lieutenant, and a few months later was detailed from his regiment for special service, and at the end of two years was honorably discharged. In 1865 he came to Illinois and made a location in Woodford County, where he was engaged in farm- ing, merchandising and carpentering until 1872, at which time he came to Adams County, Neb., and homesteaded about four miles northeast of Juniata. In 1875 he came to Hastings, and that year and 1876 were devoted to the grain business, but in 1877 he formed a partnership in the sale of agricul- tural implements with Charles L. Stone, the firm name being Shedd & Stone, which connection lasted until 1884, at which time Mr. Shedd turned his at- tention to the stock business. From April 2, 1886, to September, 1889, he was assistant cashier of the Adams County Bank, and in October of the latter year he opened a furniture establishment in Hast- ings, and has a wholesale and retail stock, very com- plete and of the best quality. He is a Prohibition- ist, and on that ticket was elected, in 1885, to the position of mayor of Hastings. He was married in 1866 to Miss Jennie Sandford, who was born in 1838. and their union has been blessed in the birth of two daughters: Addie E. and Fannie. The mother of these children died on June 23, 1875, and Mr.

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Shedd espoused his present wife in October, 1887. She was a Mrs. Rose E. Fisher, born in Iowa in 1856, and is an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church.

John D. Shellhamer, farmer and stoek raiser, Holstein, Neb. The success which seems to attend Mr. Shellhamer's efforts in the farming and stock raising industry is well merited, for no one is more thoroughly interested in this calling or gives it greater attention. He was originally from Colum- bia County, Pa., where his birth occurred on Octo- ber 30, 1855, and is the son of E. C. and Eliza (Heavner) Shellhamer, natives of Pennsylvania, and both born and reared in Columbia County. Mr. Shellhamer was a contractor on public works in Pennsylvania for a number of years, and being of a roving disposition moved to Wisconsin about 1859. He lived there for two years, then moved to Virginia and resided in Fairfax for four years, after which he returned to Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County. Two years later he sold out and moved to Iowa, resided in Howard and Mitehell Counties for about ten years; and then again sold out, and in 1873 emigrated to Nebraska. He followed farming in Adams County for some time, and then moved to Iowa, where he resided for four years. He is now residing in Arkansas. He was magistrate while in Adams County, Neb. John D. Shellhamer grew to manhood in Iowa, and came with his parents to Ne- braska in 1873. He located on his present property in 1874, and now has 160 acres of land all in a good state of cultivation. Like the majority of the farmers of Adams County, he has good substantial buildings; has set out a small orchard, etc .; has an acre of timber, and is in comfortable circumstances. By his marriage, which occurred in Kearney County, Neb., November 15, 1885, to Miss Lnella Wood, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, there have been born two children: Ross and Stella. Mrs. Shell- hamer was the daughter of Abram Wood, of Kearney County, and previous to her marriage was a successful teacher in Kearney and Adams Coun- ties for a number of years. Her home is decorated with numerous evidences of an artist's handiwork. and the massive organ responds to her skillful touch. She is a member of the Christian Church, and an active Sunday-school worker.

John Shierman, farmer and stock raiser. Hast- ings, Neb. There are many citizens of foreign birth represented within the pages of this volume, and among those deserving of mention is John Shier- man, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1836, and who was the third child and only son in a family of five children born to Andrew and Mary A. Shierman, both of whom are now deceased, the mother dying in 1869 and the father in 1872, and both being members of the Catholic Church. The father was a prominent agriculturist. Their children were named as follows: Mary J., Creseinth, John, Maggie and Catherine. John Shierman's time was divided in early youth between assisting on the farm and in attending the schools of his native country. Later he learned the carpenter trade, and in 1854 emigrated to the United States, settled in Pennsyl- vania, and there remained eighteen months. He then moved to Illinois, settling in Douglas County, where he worked in a grist-mill and saw-mill for a few years. He was married May 17, 1859, to Miss Maggie Malone, and to them was born one son, William A. Mrs. Shierman died April 8, 1860. William A. died October 8, 1860. After losing his family Mr. Shierman was engaged in farming until 1861. when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Illinois, Grant's regiment, and participated in the battles of Fredericktown, Perryville, Winchester. Tullahoma, Tyron Gap, Pine Mountain, Chattanooga, Stone River, Chickamanga, and was with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. He was also at Corinth, and participated in a great many skirmishes. He was discharged in 1864, and returned to Illinois. where he engaged in carpenter work. He was mar- ried, in 1865, to Miss Jennie R. Low, daughter of Rev. Samnel and Catherine Low, the father a native of Maine and the mother of New York State. The former died in 1840, and the latter in 1861. Mrs. Shierman was born in Indiana in 1837. and was the youngest of the following children: Samuel, Mary. Catherine, Ann. William. Henry. Adelia and Jennie. To Mr. and Mrs. Shierman were born four children: Elton E., John W., Katie O. and Nettie A. John Shierman emigrated to Nebraska in March. 1873. and settled in Hastings, where thirty days after ar- riving he experienced the terrible blizzard mentioned

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elsewhere. In 1874 he was also in the grasshopper scourge. After following the carpenter trade un- til 1882 he located on his present farm. He took a homestead in Little Blue Township in 1873, and in 1882 he traded this for the 160 acres where he now lives. He has been successful, and now has a com- fortable home, all the result of honest endeavor. In his political views he is a Republican, but in local politics he votes for principle and not for party.

David Shook, farmer and carpenter, Holstein, Neb. Mr. Shook is a native of Indiana, born in Dearborn County on November 11, 1820, and is the son of John and Sarah (Harper) Shook, both natives of Maryland. Mr. Shook was a contractor and builder, and moved from his native State to Indiana at an early day, being one of the earliest settlers of Dearborn County. He served in some of the Indian wars in Indiana, and afterward moved to Ripley County, where he cultivated the soil until his death, which occurred in 1841. His wife died in August, 1860. David Shook was early taught the duties of farm life in Ripley County, Ind., and was married there March 1, 1840, to Miss Indiana Deal, a native of the Keystone State. After farming there for several years Mr. Shook moved to Iowa (1855), located in Fayette County, and there continued his agricultural interests, but in connection followed contracting and building, which trade he had learned in Indiana. In 1870 he moved to Guthrie County of that State, resided there until 1884, when he moved to Nebraska and located on his present prop- erty on election day of that year. He has improved his property; has 160 acres under cultivation and fenced; has a good house, substantial ontbuildings, good orchard; and, in fact, is a first class farmer. In connection with his farming interests he has also carried on the carpenter trade to some extent. He lost his first wife in Fayette County, Iowa, on No- vember 18, 1859, ten children having been born to this union, seven boys and three girls: Jacob D., Charles W., William, Ezra, Gramdville L., Albert W. , James P., Mary J., Louisa A. and Isabell. Mr. Shook's second marriage occurred in Fayette County, Iowa, on July 12, 1860, to Miss Eliza Moffitt, a native of Ohio, born March 19, 1829, in Coshocton County, and the daughter of James and Mary Mof-

fitt. To this union were given three children, all born in Fayette, Iowa: Robert A., Josephine and David M. Mr. and Mrs. Shook and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are much respected citizens.

William J. Shriver is one of the intelligent and enterprising agriculturists and stockmen of Adams County, Neb., and has been very successful in the conduct of his farm, which comprises 160 acres in Denver Township. His native birthplace is Noble County, Ohio, where he was born in 1848, the eldest child of Michel and Mary A. (Hughes) Shriver, and grandson of Amos and Caroline Hughes. Michel Shriver was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, but re- moved to Ohio in early life and settled in Noble County, where he married and reared a family of six children, four sons and two daughters: William J., John S., Michel E., Mary E., Amos E. and Lucy E. Mr. Shriver removed to Iowa County, Iowa, in 1867, and is still making his home there, being a Democrat in politics. William J. Shriver was married in the State of Iowa in 1873 to Miss Harriet J. Misel, a daughter of David and Martha (Trimble) Misel, all natives of the " Buckeye State." David Misel was born in 1823, his wife in 1827, and the latter's death occurred in August, 1889. Mr. Shriver and his wife have three children: David Russell, Amos Emanuel and John Wesley. In 1883 he removed with his family to Adams County, Neb., and settled on his present farm, which is situated about three miles from Hastings, it being well improved with good buildings, or- chards, etc., and well stocked, his cattle being of the Short-horn breed. He has always supported worthy and feasible enterprises, and being enterpris- ing and industrious, he is an acquisition to the com- munity in which he resides. He is a member of his local school board, is a Democrat in his political views, and he and wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church.

Joseph R. Sims is one of the leading contractors and builders of Hastings, Neb., and in speaking of his life occupation, perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid him would be to point to the many fine edifices which he has erected. His parents, William and Louisa (Stokes) Sims, were born in Eng-

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land, but crossed the ocean to seek a home in the New World in 1848, settling in Seranton, Pa .. where they were accidentally killed on July 3, 1861, before their plans for the future had fully matured. Joseph R. Sims received the advantages of the com- mon public schools in his youth, and although he was anxious to join the Union army during the late Rebellion, his extreme youth prevented the carrying out of his wishes until 1864, when he enlisted in Company C, Two Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and he did faithful service until June 26, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Re- turning from the War, he located in Scranton, Pa., where he entered upon a three years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and after completing his term of service he worked at his trade in the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys until 1872, when he re- moved to Chicago, and here and at Grand Rapids, Mich., he continued to work at his trade for two years. The four following years were spent in his native State, and after a short residence in Iowa, he came to Hastings, Neb., in the summer of 1878, and since has been connected with the building interests of the city. Some of the finest residences and pub- lic buildings of the place were erected by him, and he is, all will acknowledge, an adept at his trade. He has ever been an ardent Republican, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is the present recorder of Mt. Nebo Commandery No. 11, of which he is a member.

A. P. and Will A. Slack are prosperous general merchants of Juniata, Neb., and each of the mem- bers of this firm is an honored representative of the old and respected family whose name they bear. Their parents, A. W. and Nancy (Wheelock) Slack, were natives of New York, and the father was for a long time a carriage maker of Felts Mills, but is now retired. A. P. and W. A. Slack were born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1858 and 1861, and were attendants at the common schools until thirteen and fourteen years of age, respectively. The former after starting out in life for himself began clerking, which occupation he followed seven years, but in 1880 he came west, imbued with the idea that better opportunities were offered here for a young man of push and enterprise, and subsequent events have

proved that his suppositions were correct. After following the plow in Hall County for one and a half years he came to Juniata, and the same length of time was spent in clerking for Mr. Bun, at the expi- ration of which time he entered the Bank of Juniata, and for five years acted as clerk, bookkeeper and teller. In February, 1888, he opened a grocery store, which he conducted until October, 1889, then was joined by his brother, W. A. Slack, and J. R. Van Houten, and they put in a stock of general merchandise valued at $7,000. Although this firm have only been in business a short time they have succeeded in establishing a safe and renumerative trade, and their close attention to business, com- bined with a large and well selected stock of goods of the most reputable manufactures, together with rea- sonable prices at which they are disposing of them, have contributed largely to their success. In 1884 A. P. Slack purchased property in Juniata, and on one of his lots built him a good residence. He also owns a good farm in Dakota. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Ida Rhiner, a native of New York, and a daughter of C. B. Rhiner, who is at present in business in Juniata. Two children have been born to Mr. Slack's marriage: Albert and Walter. Both Mr. Slack and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and politically he is a Republican, and in 1888 was appointed notary public. Will A. Slack began his career as a farm hand, but later fol- lowed the occupation of pedagoguing until he attained his majority. Shortly after his marriage he removed from his native State to Dakota, where he home- steaded 320 acres, but after proving up on his claim he came to Adams County, Neb., in 1885, and for some time was bookkeeper for W. D. Sewell, and afterward for D. H. Freeman. In 1887 he became associated with Mr. Freeman in business, the firm taking the name of D. H. Freeman & Co., but at the end of about two years, in October, 1889, he joined his brother in the above named store, under the firm name of A. P. Slack & Co., and as stated above they have become well known in business circles. Mr. Slack's wife, formerly Miss Hattie E. Smith, was born in York State, but her parents are now residing in South Dakota. Mr. Slack and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal

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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