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 71

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 71
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 71
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 71
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 71

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

420

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

F. M. Brown, publisher, Sutton, Neb. Mr. Brown, born in Clark County, Ill., December 20, 1840, was early initiated in the duties of farm life, receiving his education in the common schools. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, in the spring of 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fourteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a pri- vate, and served his country faithfully and well for more than three years in the Army of the Potomac until the investment of Petersburg and Richmond, when he was discharged by reason of expiration of term of service. He then engaged in farming, teaching school and railroad building. In April, 1871, he located on a homestead four miles north of Sutton, and in the fall of that year, at the first election in Clay County, he was elected county clerk for two years, at the expiration of which time he was re-elected to a second term. At the close of this term he removed to his farm, and was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880, when he removed to Sutton and was occupied in the live stock and shipping business until June, 1886, when he purchased the "Sutton Register," and has since been engaged in the newspaper business. Mr. Brown has always taken an active part in local and State politics, and has filled many positions in local and municipal affairs. He is at present police judge of the city of Sutton, and a man univer- sally esteemed and respected. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R. Mr. Brown's ancestors on his father's side were natives of Virginia, and on the mother's side of Kentucky.

E. A. Brownell, liveryman, Sutton, Neb. Among the active enterprises of a city like Sutton the livery business occupies necessarily an impor- tant place, contributing, as it does, to the pleasure, convenience and actual necessities of the com- munity. The most prominent establishment of

this class in the city is that conducted by Mr. Brownell, which business was entered into by that gentleman, in partnership with A. F. Brownell, February 10, 1890. They purchased a livery sta- ble in Sutton, and now are doing a good business, having good horses and stylish outfits. Mr. Brownell was born in Otsego County, N. Y., May 26, 1860, and is the son of George and Mary E.

(Lyon) Brownell, both natives of the Empire State. Of the eight children born to their marriage five are still living, and E. A. Brownell is the young- est. He was early taught the duties of farm life and received his education in the Sutton schools. He came to Clay County with his parents in 1872, and here the mother died December 26, 1888, at the age of sixty-five years. The father still lives and resides in this county. He is sixty-eight years of age. At the age of twenty-three years our sub- ject began farming, and this continued until 1890, when he purchased the livery stable, as above men- tioned. He is a live business man and is bound to make a success of whatever he undertakes. He was married July 10, 1883, to Miss Julia B. Tar- box, a native of New York State, born in 1858, who died December 8, 1889, leaving two children: Eunice D. and Frank E. In politics Mr. Brownell is a Republican, and he is a member of the Con- gregational Church. He has been a resident of this county for seventeen years and is an honorable man and a creditable citizen of Sutton.

A. F. Brownell, liveryman, Sutton, Neb. The well-equipped and well-conducted stable of the firm of Brownell Bros. is one of the best in the county, and not only exemplifies the importance of the town, but reflects credit on its management. A. F. Brownell is a native of York State, born July 12, 1857, and is the son of George and Emily (Lyon) Brownell. He is the second eldest of eight children, five of whom are still living, and was reared to farm labor, receiving a fair education in the common schools. He came to Clay County, Neb., in the fall of 1872, and assisted his father in agricultural pursuits until 1879, when he began tilling the soil for himself. He continued this pursuit until February 10, 1890, when he engaged in the livery business in Sutton, and started out with unusually fair prospects. He is one of the old settlers of Clay County and is a man univer- sally respected. He selected for his companion in life Miss Jennie Todt, a native of Germany, born August 18, 1863, whom he married September 15, 1879, and who bore him four interesting children: George, Albert, Arthur and Mabel. Politically Mr. B. affiliates with the Democratic party.

421

CLAY COUNTY.

Hudson H. Burt is residing on an excellent farm in Linn Township, Clay County, but was born in Meigs County, Ohio, October 11, 1862, he- ing a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Gray) Burt, both of whom were born in the "Keystone State." but removed with their respective parents to Ohio at an early day. Upon reaching manhood and womanhood in this State they were united in mar- riage, and after making their home in Ohio until 1863, they removed to the State of Iowa, the mother's death occurring in Fremont County. Here Mr. Burt and his son, Hudson H., continued to reside, the latter receiving the advantages of the common schools, but in 1882 they determined to seek a home among new faces and in a new State, and accordingly came to Clay County, Neb., and purchased the farm on which Hudson H. is now living. Here the father died in 1885, having been throughout life a most worthy man, a kind father and a considerate husband. Hudson H. Burt is the third of his eight children, and in the month of December, 1885, was united in the bonds of matri- mony to Miss Ella Finch, of Douglas County, Neb., and by her he has become the father of two bright and interesting little children: Leal H. and Pearl. Mr. Burt is engaged in general farming, is well pleased with the State of Nebraska, and although he has only lived here a few years, wherever he is known he stands high as a man and citizen.

Charles A. Bush, farmer and stock-raiser, Ong, Neb. Mr. Bush is another of those of foreign birth who have come into this county and made for themselves a comfortable home, becoming respected citizens of the community. He was born April 29, 1835, in Uslar, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, where also his parents, Louis and Caroline (Burch- ard) Bush, first saw the light. There they passed their entire lives. Mr. Bush was a pensioner, hav- ing served in both the German and English armies. and lived a retired life. Charles A. Bush remained in his native country and the town of Uslar, Han- over, until seventeen years of age, or until 1852, when he emigrated to the United States, settling first in St. Louis, and after a residence there of three years, where he followed his trade of baker, he removed to Jersey County, Ill. There he tilled

the soil up to the breaking out of the war. In Angust, 1862, he enlisted in the Ninety seventh Illinois Infantry. Company K, and served his adopted country faithfully and well for three years. He participated in the first and second battles and the entire siege of Vicksburg, in the battles of Port. Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River, Miss., siege and surrender of Jackson, Miss., and Blakely and Mobile, Ala. He was wounded in the right leg and left hip by a shell at Blakely and was perma- nently disabled. He received his discharge May 22, 1865, in the general hospital at Sedgwick, La., and then returned to Jersey County, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits until 1872. In the spring of that year he moved to Nebraska, arrived in Clay County in April, and homesteaded 160 acres. Since then he has purchased eighty acres, and now has 240 acres of excellent land near Ong, all well cultivated. He has a comfortable house, a good new barn, substantial outbuildings, and a wind pump. He has a small grove on his place, two orchards, both bearing, about 200 trees, and has all conveniences. In his political views he is a Republican and has held several local positions. He was first road supervisor of the township and served as justice of the peace for about seven years. He is now serving two years as supervisor of his township, and also served seven years as a member of the school board. Mr. Bush was mar- ried in St. Louis December 4, 1855, to Miss Lena Kleinhouse, a native of Hanover, Germany, where she was reared. To this union were born five liv. ing children: Orleana (wife of William Hulburt, of Nebraska), Charles F., John N., Roy A. and Ora A. Mr. Bush is a member of the G. A. R., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are highly esteemed and respected by all who know them.

Dr. Fletcher A. Butler is a well read and highly successful physician of Harvard. Clay Coun- ty, and was born near Jacksonville, Morgan Coun- ty, III., January 22, 1854, being a son of James L. and Oletha P. (Sargent) Butler, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. James L. Butler was a son of Levi Butler who was born at Alexandria, Va., and was educated in the School

422

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

for Orphans, founded by George Washington. The mother of Dr. Butler was a daughter of Will- iam M. and Melinda (Moss) Sargent. with whom she removed to Morgan County, Ill., when a little girl, and there met and married Mr. Butler. Her father was born in Mason County, Ky., November 21, 1799, being taken to Brown County, Ohio. when a lad of ten years, there making his home until twenty five years of age, at which time he re- moved with his family to Illinois, his residence be-

ing in Morgan County until in April, 1866. He

then took up his abode in Savannah, Andrew Conn-

ty, Mo., and here died April 3, 1882. He repre-

sented Morgan County, Ill., in the State Legisla-

ture for two successive terms, Abraham Lincoln

at that time representing Sangamon County,

and during the late Civil War he was appointed as

Tenn., in 1863. He was a member of the Method- agent to the sanitary department at Nashville, ist Episcopal Church for sixty-one years and was of Dr. Butler were married about 1845, and reared loved and esteemed by all. The father and mother a family of twelve children, of whom he was the

fifth. Nine of the family are now living and two

sons became physicians: Thomas, whose residence

years. He is at present vice-president of the Illi- ent of the city schools at Beardstown, Ill., ten sketch. Another son, A. C., has been superintend- and lucrative practice, and the subject of this is at Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he has an active

nois State Teachers' Association.

Another son,

was in Libby Prison, in Richmond, when Gen. Grant W., was in the Twenty-second Illinois Artillery, La Moure County, N. Dak. Another son, Charles John T., is at present county clerk in La Moure,

ent of a coal mine at Mckeesport, Pa., owning eldest son. William, another son, is superintend- the service at the age of twenty years, being the came home on a fnrlongh, returned and died in with the Union forces captured the city. Charles

the farm on which the coal mine is located. The

moved with his parents to Macon County, Ill., and subject of this sketch was eight years of age he re- home being in Neosho County, Kas. When the parents of these children are both living, their

at the age of sixteen went with them to Vernon

County, Mo., and two years later to Bourbon County, Kas. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching school and followed this occupation in connection with attending a normal school at Fort Scott, Kas., until he had completed a full course in that institution, after which he took up the study of medicine, but continued to teach dur- ing the time he was pursuing his studies, and thus acquired an excellent knowledge of medicine and

surgery. He then successively attended the Rush

Medical College of Chicago, Ill., the College of

Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, and

the Louisville Medical College, from the two lat-

June, 1885, located in Harvard, Clay County, Neb., idan, La Salle County, Ill., April 1, 1879, and in tion. He began practicing his profession at Sher- ter institutions possessing certificates of gradna-

two years has mastered the German language, spare moments to literary pursuits, and in the last medical journals but he also devotes much of his and careful student and a liberal contributor to gaged ever since. Dr. Butler is not only a close where he has been actively and successfully en-

professor of modern language, Buchtel College, under his efficient instructor, Prof. C. F. Kolbe, Akron, Ohio, so that he can read, write and speak

it. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O.

U. W., the Nebraska State Medical Society, the

Medical Society of the Missouri Valley, in all of

insures success at whatever he may undertake. He superior ability and he possesses an energy that which he is an honored member. He is a man of

is in possession of a lucrative practice and is very pleasantly and comfortably situated, and has one of the most attractive homes in Harvard, also own- surgery and his reputation in this branch of the in Western Nebraska. He makes a specialty of ing other town property, and a half section of land

County. He is a popular and agreeable gentle- science extends far beyond the limits of Clay

man, and he and his estimable wife are highly re-

Clay County's most efficient teachers, and both are 1, 1887, to Miss Emma Keebler, who was one of spected and esteemed. He was married September

consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss Keebler's father and mother came

423

CLAY COUNTY.

to America from Wurtemberg, Germany, in the year 1844. Mrs. Keebler's maiden name was Web- ber, a descendant from the family of Webbers renowned the world over as among the great mu- sicians of modern times. Mr. Keebler has been a mechanic of no ordinary degree, having invented several useful articles pertaining to mechanics and mining. The Doctor has always been a stanch Republican in his political views. In July. 1889, he had the degree of bachelor of science conferred upon him by the Correspondence University, a branch of the Chicago College of Science, a title he well deserves. The Doctor is pursuing other studies in the National University of Chicago, which when completed will entitle him to the de. gree of master of arts. These studies will be completed in June, 1891.

Barton W. Campbell, farmer and stock-raiser, Clay Center, Neb. Since his residence in this county Mr. Campbell has been very prominently identified with the material affairs of this com- munity, indeed far more so than the average man. Particularly in the direction of agricultural affairs is this true. He was originally from Scott County, Ill., where he was born May 27, 1838, and is the son of Joseph and Sophia (Kennedy) Campbell. The father was a Kentuckian and one of the early settlers of Illinois, where the mother of our subject died when he was quite young. Barton W. Campbell was early initiated into the duties of farm life, and received an ordinary English education in the com- mon schools. In the fall of 1860 he removed to Macon County, Ill., where he followed agricultural pursuits, and was also engaged in merchandising at Maroa, that county, for a number of years, meet- ing with moderate success. In September, 1884, he emigrated West, stopping three months at Seb. etha, Kas., and in December eame to Clay County, Neb. He rented a farm in this township, and three years later removed to his present farm, on the northeast corner of Section 2, Town 6, Range 7, and is now the owner of 240 acres of good farm land, well improved with comfortable resi- dence and substantial outbuildings. Mr. Camp- bell is a decided Republican in his political views, and has taken an active part in the affairs of his

township and county. He was township assessor in ISSS, and in the fall of that year he was elected supervisor for Lone Tree Township, a position he has held by re-election to the present time, having discharged its duties in a highly satisfactory man- ner. On October 8, 1862, Miss Mary Cooper, a native of the Buckeye State, became his wife, and to them have been born the following children: Joseph . W. (deceased), Charles H., Lillian W .. Emma Etta, Hugh B., Clande C., John M. and Ella. Mr. Campbell and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is justly regarded as one of Clay County's most enterprising and respected citizens.

Charles E. Canfield, a farmer and stock-raiser, living on Section 14, Township 8, Range 7, Har- vard Township, Clay County, is one of the very earliest settlers of this county, and has seen its growth and improvement from the start. He came to Nebraska in 1871 and homesteaded bis present farm of 160 acres in Harvard Township, and has ever since been engaged in farming, at which he has been eminently successful. He was born in Lewisborough, Westchester County, N. Y., in 1824, the second in a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to Daniel and Sarah (Nash) Canfield; the latter, a daughter of Samnel and Sarah (Northrop) Nash, was born in Ridgefield, Conn., in 1799, and married in 1818. Mr. Canfield was a son of Cornelius and Rebecca (Don) Can- field, and was born in Westchester County, N. Y., November 19, 1795, and was reared, educated and married in that county. Their children were: Sarah (born in 1821, and died in Connecticut in 1887), Charles E. (the subject of this sketch, was born March 12, 1824), Samuel O. (was born Jann- ary 30, 1827), William H. (was born October 21, 1831), Annaliza (born July 12, 1833) and Joseph (born December 14, 1838). Mr. Canfield died in New York State in 1879, and his widow is still snr- viving and resides in Fairfield County, Conn., at. the advanced age of ninety one years. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in York State and attended school at Lewis- borongh. In 1845 he started ont in life for himself

424

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

by engaging in agricultural pursuits, and later entered the mercantile business. In 1851 he was married, choosing as his companion in life Miss Car- rie L., daughter of Charles and Mary (Olmstead) Osborn, the former born in 1809 and died Decem- ber 14, 1867, and the latter born in 1809 and died in January, both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was born November 21, 1831, in New York City, one of six children, viz. : Carrie L., David (born in 1834), Clara E. (born in 1837), Kate (born in 1840). Mary (born in 1846), Libbie K. (born in 1849). After his marriage Mr. Canfield re- mained in New York State for about five years and then went to Bridgeport, Conn., where he engaged in the mercantile business and reared his family. In 1871 he immigrated to Clay County, Neb., set. tling in Harvard Township on 160 acres of land. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Canfield resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom are still living. They are: Charles S. (born November 29, 1852, who is married and has a family, and lives in Bridgeport, Conn. ), William E. (born June 14, 1856, is married and has one child, and lives at home with parents) and Jennie L. (born November 20, 1859, and died February 7, 1883). Both Mr. and Mrs. Canfield are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially Mr. Canfield is an Odd Fellow, and politically an Independent, and is actively in- terested in all enterprises for the good of his com- munity.

Lorenzo R. Chapman. This prominent farmer and stock-raiser is a native of Ohio, born in Wind. ham Township, Portage County, January 25, 1834, a son of Chauncey and Martha (Maynard) Chap- man, both natives of Connecticut. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in Paris and Windham Townships, county of his birth. He was given a good English education, taking two terms in the academy of his native town. At the age of seventeen years he commenced learning the trade of a blacksmith, entering the shop of Wilson Messenger, in the center of Windham. He stopped here for two years when he started out as a jour- neyman, working at first under instruction, finally settling in Ravenna, same State, in the carriage fac- tory of N. D. Clarke & Co. Here he remained for

two years when he went to Trumbull County, working in another carriage factory for a short time. In 185S he made a trip to Michigan and Wisconsin looking for farm land, but returned home without purchasing, and in the fall of 1859 he came west to Missouri with his brother, Charles H., settling in the then village of Macon City, where he followed his trade until the spring of 1860, when he went to Kirksville, Adair County, and worked at his trade. In the fall of the same year, becoming alarmed at the hostility evinced by the sympathizers of the Southern cause, he re- moved, going to Palmyra, same State; after stay- ing there but a short time he went to Adams County, Ill., where he enlisted in the Union army, May 4, 1861, and on the 24th was mustered into the United States service by Capt. Pitcher, in Company H, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, Capt. William Petrie, commander, under Col. C. F. Smith, serving in the Western division, chiefly in Missouri. While in this State he engaged in sev- eral hard skirmishes: They were under fire of the Southern force at Monroe Station while guarding bridges in that locality. They quartered in St. Joseph and fortified the city until January 24, 1862, then went to Cairo, Ill. In March they commenced operations for the capture of Island No. 10, under the command of Gen. John Pope; moved upon Island No. 10 in the night by attack- ing its flanking position, New Madrid. The place was defended by strong earth works, one heavy fort and six gun-boats in the river. "The Union force in front, Tenth and Sixteenth Illinois In- fantry, were under a furious cannonade from day- light until dark of that day, and the bursting of the heavy shells close to our heads deafened me so I have never fully recovered. The following night the rebel forces defending the town and island promptly evacuated both places and tried to escape down the river but were overtaken and about 8,000 of them were captured at Tiptonville. The Tenth and Sixteenth Illinois Regiments of Infantry were in advance in all these movements for the capture of Island No. 10. They then has- tened to re-enforce Gen. Grant at Shiloh, and were under the command of Gen. Halleck during

425

CLAY COUNTY.

the siege of Corinth. In the fall of the same year, under Gen. Palmer, we marched around from Missacro Settlement, Ala., to Nashville, Tenn., and remained there during the winter of 1862-63, and fortified and held the place while Gen. Bnell fell back with his main army to the Ohio River, and were there withont outside communication until Gen. Rosecrans returned from the North in com- mand of Buell's army in the spring of 1863. We were on the left flank of the army, guarding a ford across Duck River at the battle of Stone River, in hearing of the guns, but were not engaged. We then took part in the Chattanooga campaign, and after the battle of Chickamauga were on the flank of the army. Abont this time Wheeler's cavalry (rebel) captured and destroyed a whole supply train and for about four months we were on quarter rations and nearly starved ont. In the fall of 1863 Gen. Grant took command and drove the enemy from Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. We went into winter quarters at Ross ville, Ga. I was then sent back to Quincy, Ill., to recruit for Company H, Sixteenth Illinois Infan- try. Soon the whole regiment came back on thirty days' veteran furlough. I returned to the front with the regiment and re-enlisted at the old camp, Rossville, and went home to Ohio on thirty days' furlongh. On expiration of my furlongh I overtook the regiment at Big Shanty, Ga., on the Atlanta campaign. While at Kenesaw Mountain lying on the ground in front of our brigade bat- tery of six ten-pound Parrott guns, battery firing over our heads, the sharp crack of the guns hurt my hearing for the second time and I am slightly deaf in both ears at present. While Sherman was moving on Hood's rear at Jonesboro I went to a spring outside the lines with canteens and a coffee can for water. The spring was between the steep banks of a willow . fringed run I filled my vessels with fresh, pure water and came up in sight, through the bushes a short distance from me, of a squad of rebel cavalry waiting for me to come up. They called for me to halt and surrender, but, as I was nearer our lines than they, it did not snit my complexion to do so. I started for camp with the best speed I could muster, swinging my hand hold-

ing the coffee can vigorously in my haste to get farther away from them. The water flew in spray all over me from the open can, while the rebel squad all discharged their rifles at me at short range, but dare not pursue as I was so near camp. Our pickets were just being put on post and they commenced firing on the rebels who got ont of range in as much haste as I had done a moment before. I was not hit by any of their shots and I think now it must have been dne to the dust from my heels and the spray of water from the coffee can that hid the target to such a degree that they didn't have a fair chance to aim. In a short time I arrived safe in camp, clear out of wind, covered with water and dust, my canteens all right, but coffee can empty. If captured I should have been obliged to board with Jeff Davis a while at some of his health resorts, such as Andersonville, Libby or Bell Isle, and I was never willing to accept his hospitality. We were in the charge of the Four- teenth Corps at Jonesboro and ronted Hood's forces and compelled the evacuation of Atlanta by Gen. Hood's force, then went into camp near the city of Atlanta, while the army refitted for the march to the sea. We arrived at Savannah, Ga., in December, 1864, went into camp a short time, then started on the return march across South and North Carolina to Goldsboro, N. C. On the way we had a sharp skirmish at Averasboro, N. C., and a severe fight between the enemy and the Fourteenth Army Corps, where two brigades of the Second Division were charged by the enemy and nearly surrendered, but drove the enemy back on all sides with heavy losses. In this engagement the writer had two men shot by his side, Samuel A. Metcalf killed and Peter Hines wounded, of Company H, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. We lay that night in the thick pine woods, with the rebel wounded between the lines calling and pleading in a pitiful manner for water and help. The fol- lowing night Johnston withdrew his force from our front and we went on to Goldsboro and formed junction with the Twenty third Army Corps. We followed Johnston's retreating army slowly toward Rolla, N. C. While here news reached us of the surrender of Lee's forces and a grand jollification

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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