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 83

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 83
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 83
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 83
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 83

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John T. Mollyneaux, owner and proprietor of the Oakland Hotel, at Sutton, was originally from the Blue Grass State, his birth occurring in Camp- bell County, on November 5, 1850, and is a son of Dr. James K. and Harriet (West) Mollyneaux. The father was born in Ohio in 1828, and for many years, or since 1854, has been a prominent and successful physician. The mother was born in Richmond, Va., in 1832. Their family consisted of eight children, and of these John T. was the eldest. He was educated at Lexington, Ky., Transylvania University, and in 1871 came to Nebraska, where he spent three years at Crete, one year at Beatrice, and later, for four years, was in the hotel business at Lincoln. He came to Sut- ton in 1879, and for eleven years had charge of the Occidental Hotel in that place, but in July, 1889, he became the owner of the Oakland Hotel, one of the best on the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. Mr. Mollyneaux has spent altogether eighteen years in the hotel business, and is emi- nently qualified as proprietor and owner to look after the wants and comfort of the traveling public. He was married in February, 1879, to Miss Mar- garet A. Allen, a native of Canada, born December 11, 1856, and to them have been boru two chil- dren: Maud and Buford A. In politics Mr. Mol- lyneaux is an uncompromising Democrat. He is a member of the K. of P., Sutton Lodge No. 75; and I. O. F. No. 53, in which he takes an active part.

Joseph Myer, farmer and stock-raiser. Glen- ville, Neb. Of those persons of German nativity mentioned in this volume, none are more deserving

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

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of special remark than Joseph Myer, who is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Inland Township. He owes his nativity to Baden, Ger- many, where his birth occurred in 1843, and is the youngest in a family of five children born to Jacob Myer. The father was a tailor by trade, and left his native country (Germany) to come to the United States in 1848. He settled in Philadelphia, Pa., and later moved to Freeport, Ill., where he died in 1883 or 1884. The mother died in the old country in 1843. Joseph Myer came to Philadelphia when he was only nine years of age, received his educa- tion in that city, and when yet a small boy started out for himself by learning the barber's trade, which he followed until 1861. In April of that year he enlisted in Company I, Twenty sixth Penn- sylvania Infantry, in May, 1864, being transferred to Company F, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, and took an active part in the following bat- tles: Williamsburgh, Fredericksburgh, and in the battles of the Eastern army, thirty three in all. In July, 1864, he was taken prisoner at Deep Bot- tom, Va., and was confined at Libby Prison about six week. He was also retained at Bell Isle for two or three weeks, and at Salisbury, N. C., being in prison altogether seven and one-half months. He received a gun-shot wound in his right side at the second battle of Bull Run, and was in the hospital for about six weeks. His wound dis- abled him from active work, and he was discharged in July, 1865. After returning home Mr. Myer worked at his trade until 1871 in Carroll County, Ill., whither he had emigrated after the war, and was married there in 1866 to Miss Mary M. Eisen- bise, a native of the Buckeye State, born in Miami County in 1848, and the daughter of William and Rosanna (Walters) Eisenbise, who are now residing in Carroll County, Ill. Mrs. Myer was the fifth in a family of nine children: Peter, Nicholas, Han- nah, Levi, Mary, Sarah (deceased), George, John (deceased) and Frank. To Mr. and Mrs. Myer were born ten children: Fay W., Charles E., William J., Rosa May, Arthur, Joseph, Jr., Ernest A., Hattie J., Dicy B. and James. Mr. Myer and fam- ily emigrated to Nebraska in 1872, and there took up 160 acres of land. He now has three quarter-

sections and 160 acres in the home tract. He has a nice place, well improved, and is deeply interested in the raising of stock. Mrs. Myer is a member of the Evangelical Church, and in his political views Mr. Myer is a Republican. He was elected county commissioner of Clay County in 1885, and held this position with credit to himself and the people until 1889, when the township was organ- ized. In 1873 he was one of the first men elected on the school board in District No. 51, and has been one of the members, more or less, since its organ- ization. He has ever been a warm friend of edu- cation, taking active part in all movements tending to benefit or encourage school facilities in the com- munity, and is anxious that his children should have every opportunity for an education. He is a man of marked character, and more than ordinary prominence in the material affairs of Clay County, having as a result the respect and esteem of all acquainted with him. He has two sisters, Cordelia (residing in Philadelphia, Pa.) and Catherine (re- siding in Freeport, Ill.).

Louis M. Nelson, farmer and stock-raiser, In- land, Neb. In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closely associated with the farm- ing and stock raising interests of Clay County, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Nelson, for it is one which has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic men of Swedish nativity who have risen to prominence in different portions of this country. He was born in Sweden in 1852, and there received a fair education. He emigrated to the United States in 1873, settled in Whiteside County, Ill., and there cultivated the soil. He started to farm for himself in 1875, and the same year was wedded to Miss Nellie Johnson, a native also of Sweden and the daughter of John Kullburg, also of that country. Mr. Nelson emigrated to Clay County, Neb., where he now resides, and he there pur- chased eighty acres of railroad land, which he has since increased by adding sixty acres. The im- provements on this place are complete, and the neatness and order noticeable about the home indi- cate the progressive agriculturist that he is. He also handles stock to some extent. When he first

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CLAY COUNTY.

came to Nebraska he had but $20 and four horses. Since then success has followed his efforts, and he is one of the substantial men of the county. To his marriage were born eight children: Selma, Andrew, Inga, Oscar, Ella, Anna, Mary and Louie.

Hon. Daniel M. Nettleton, farmer and stock- raiser, Spring Ranche, Neb. Clay County is acknowledged by all to be one of the best agri- cultural portions of the State, and as such its citi- zens are men of advanced ideas and considerable prominence. A worthy man among this class is found in the person of Daniel M. Nettleton, who owes his nativity to County Antrim, Ireland, where his birth occurred November 3, 1840, and is the youngest of eight children born to Benjamin and Maria J. (English) Nettleton, natives also of Ireland. The father came to the United States ahont 1843, settled in Lee County, Ill., near Paw Paw, and there entered 140 acres of land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a man noted for his great piety and zeal in religious work. He died March 3, 1852. The mother was of Scotch descent, her ancestors having settled in Ireland about 1600. She died at Paw Paw, Ill., in 1873. Hon. Daniel M. Nettleton spent his school days at Paw Paw, Lee County, Ill., and his early life up to sixteen years of age was divided between assisting on the farm and in attending the public schools. After this he began teaching school, followed this profession in the winters and attended La Clare Academy during the summer months until the summer of 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. He par ticipated in the following battles: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Coffeeville and many others. He was wounded at Cross Bayou, Miss., July 22, 1864, which resulted in the permanent injury of his left leg, and he was discharged November 3, 1864, after being in service for three years and two months. After returning from the war he engaged in farming in Lee County, Ill., and thus continued until the spring of 1872. He was married in 1868 to Miss Henrietta Davenport, of Bureau County, Ill., the daughter of William and Marga- ret (Phillips) Davenport. In the spring of 1872

Mr. Nettleton and family emigrated to Spring Ranche, Neb., and homesteaded a quarter section of land, to which he has since added one-half sec- tion, and now has a good farm of 480 acres. He has been very successful in Nebraska, and is satis- fied to make that State his permanent home. He has made a decided success of fruit-growing, and has one-half acre in small fruit and seven acres in apples, peaches, pears, cherries, etc. He is engaged in raising horses, hogs and cattle for the general market, and is one of the progressive farmers of the county. He is a Republican in politics, and has served frequently as a delegate to the connty and State conventions. He has served two terms as a member of the Legislature with perfect satisfaction to his constituents. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and of the G. A. R.

Hon. William Newton is a prominent farmer and stockman of Clay County, Neb., and was born in London, England, December 31, 1845, being a son of Clement and Mary A. (Nattrass) Newton, who emigrated to America with their family in 1847, first locating in New York City. where the father engaged in contracting and building; in 1852 moving to Staten Island, N. Y., where he cou - tinned the same business until his death, in 1872, at the age of forty-nine years. His wife died in Iowa, in 1858, aged thirty-nine years. William Newton learned the mason's trade of his father. and at the latter's death he assumed control of af- fairs until 1878, then sold out to come west, and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 15, Township 7, Range 7 west, and has since pur- chased an adjoining quarter section of land, and has it all fenced and well improved. His buildings are all substantial and commodious, and he has an excellent young orchard and a great number of forest trees. All his operations have been carried on according to the most advanced and progressive ideas, and have resulted to his own good and to the benefit of those with whom he has come in con- tact. He has gained the reputation of being one of the foremost tillers of the soil in the county, and as a man has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. In 1869 he was married to

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

Miss Elizabeth Hartley, of England, she being a daughter of Richard and Ellen (Sutcliff) Hartley, of that country. Mr. and Mrs. Newton have five children: Alice Maria (born in 1871), Susannah (in 1873), Elizabeth (in 1875), Mark Hartley (in 1880) and Beatrice (in 1883). Mr. Newton and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church; in his political views he is a Republican, and for three years served as county commissioner. In 1887 he represented his connty in the State Legislature and discharged the duties of this responsible posi- tion in a highly creditable manner and to the satis- faction of all concerned. He has also recently filled the position of township supervisor for Lynn Township.

Flavius Northrop came to Clay County in July, 1872, locating in Marshall Township (being the first settler in this township), where he took up a homestead of eighty acres (the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 34), and here has since resided, successfully engaged in tilling the soil to the present time. He was born in Litchfield County, Conn., December 30, 1828, a son of Lord W. and Cornelia (Bulkley) Northrop, natives of Connecticut. He was reared to manhood in his native State, securing a common-school education, and learning the hatter's trade, and afterward fol- lowed this trade and farming. He was married in Ohio, November 22, 1849, to Miss Almira E., daughter of Stephen and Laura (Cochran) Cannon, natives of Massachusetts, born in Aurora. Portage County, Ohio, March 15, 1829, and immediately after his marriage took up his residence in Con- necticut. In 1853 he moved from Connecticut to Portage County, Ohio, and resided there for two years, then emigrated to Johnson County, Iowa, where he farmed until 1856; then went to Buffalo Connty, Wis., and farmed until 1873, when he came to Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Northrop are the parents of seven children, all living, viz. : Welton. Stephen, Clayton, Walter, Doctor, Laura and Frederick Mr. Northrop has been a life-long Republican, but is now an anti-Monopolist, and is an enthusiastic member of the Farmers' Alliance. He and wife are comfortably situated in their pleasant country home, surrounded by several sons

who own land adjoining and near them, and are justly recognized as one of the respected and pio- neer families of Clay County.

John O'Brien, farmer and stock-raiser, Glen- ville, Neb. (postoffice, Spring Ranche). Among the many enterprising and respected citizens of foreign birth now residing in Clay County, none are more deserving of mention than the subject of this sketch. Mr. O'Brien was born in County Meath, Ireland, June 22, 1835, and is the eldest in a family of four children born to Thomas and Margaret (Bennett) O'Brien, natives of the same county as our subject, the father born in 1809 and the mother in 1804. The family came to the United States in 1846 and lived for a while in the city of New Orleans, afterward in St. Louis, Mo., where they remained for two years, moving from there to Logan County, Ill., and settling on the broad prairies, five miles southeast of the city of Lincoln. There they tilled the soil for many years. John O'Brien, by careful management and econ- omy, saved sufficient means to purchase a farm of eighty acres, which he cultivated until 1885, when he sold out for $65 per acre, and emigrated to Clay County, Neb. There he purchased his pres- ent farm, consisting of 320 acres of as good land as is to be found in the county. The farm lies on both sides of the road, in the southern part of Glen- ville Township, and is well stocked and improved. Mr. O'Brien was married January 6, 1867, to Miss Anna Nolan, daughter of John and Mary (Kearns) Nolan, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. By this union there were born five sons and two daughters: Thomas R. (born January 18, 1868), J. William (March 28, 1869), Maggie A. (April 29, 1871), James E. (February 10, 1873), Peter C. (October 22, 1874), Patrick H. (October 8, 1877) and Mary E. (February 21, 1880). Mr. O'Brien is a Demo- crat in his political principles, and his boys are all strong adherents to that party. The family believe in the Roman Catholic religion. Being one of the progressive farmers, Mr. O'Brien has all the latest improved machinery to aid him in his work in the fields. He has a handsome residence, substantial outbuildings, etc., and is one of the county's best citizens.

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CLAY COUNTY.

John L. Oliver, editor and manager of the Fairfield "Herald," was born in Lewistown, Pa., May 10, 1849, and is a son of George W. and Margaret (Jackson) Oliver, who were also born in Pennsylvania, and were of Irish and (possibly) Scotch descent, respectively. About 1864 John L. Oliver removed with his mother and the remainder of her children to Illinois, and took up residence in Piatt County, Ill., in which State and in Indiana he finished his literary education, being an attend- ant at the Illinois College at Jacksonville for two years, and Wabash College of Crawfordsville, Ind. After following agricultural pursuits in Illinois, and later in his native State until 1874, he emi- grated to Nebraska and purchased a good piece of land near Spring Ranche and was a worthy tiller of the soil for several years. In 1881 he pur- chased a controlling interest in the Fairfield " Her- ald," and has been its editor and manager ever since. Under his able management it has come to be regarded as one of the representative journals of this part of the State, and he has proven him- self to be a man of excellent judgment in manag- ing the editorial policy of the paper. He has ever been an earnest advocate of all public enterprises calculated to benefit the county, and through the columns of his paper has wielded no slight influ- ence in directing the proper steps to be taken for their successful promotion. Mr. Oliver is inde. pendent in politics, although formerly a Repub lican, and especially espouses the cause of the agricultural classes. He was married in February, 1879, to Miss Nellie C. Harrington, a native of Lockport, N. Y., and by her has one child, Gracie M. The family attend the Baptist Church.

Nathan A. Overturf. In the brief sketch of this useful and well-respected citizen may be seen how it is possible for a young man to rise in the world through individual efforts, when not in pos- session of the means other than natural ones. He has been familiar with the details of farming from his earliest youth, but since 1877 he has resided on a farm of his own, comprising 160 acres, in Clay County, Neb., and in addition to following the plow has given his attention to stock raising. in both of which enterprises he has been quite suc-

cessful. He was born in Davis County, Iowa, April 26, 1852, being a son of John M. and Cath erine (Shadley) Overturf, natives of Tipton County, Ind. The father, who is now a prominent citizen of Clay County, Neb., emigrated west from his native State some forty years ago and was one of the very first settlers of Davis County, Iowa. He made that county his home until September, 1876, when he with his family, which consisted of William A., Angeline (now the wife of John Ber- Jochen) and Flora E. (wife of Frederick Geis), came to Nebraska and settled in Clay County, where he is now living. George F., the eldest son, had arrived here in 1872, and as above stated Nathan A. came in 1877. The latter deserves much credit for the interest he has taken in the material affairs of the county and as a citizen he . is held in high esteem by all. He has always sup- ported the principles of the Democratic party, and from 1885 to 1889 he was justice of the peace in his district. November 21, 1874, witnessed the celebration of his marriage to Miss Margaret Clark, a native of Tipton County, Ind., by whom he has the following family: Allen L., Mary M., Genevra J., Malinda P., Samnel A. and Flora A.

William L. Palmer, editor and proprietor of "The Sun," Clay Center, Neb. This paper is re- garded as the best-paying newspaper of Clay County, and the progressive ideas of its editor and proprietor are reflected in every corner of its pages. Mr. Palmer was born on Long Island, N. Y., March 13, 1843, and is the son of Benjamin H. and Mary (Wells) Palmer, also natives of that State, and both born in Southold, Suffolk County. The father and family emigrated to Iowa in 1844, located where Muscatine now stands, and later moved to Wapello County, being one of the pio- neers of the same. There he resided until 1873, when he moved to San Jose, Cal., and from thence to Humboldt County, Cal., and there he now makes his home. To his marriage were born six children: William L., Benjamin F., John C., Harriet M. (wife of John McGonigal), Esther (wife of W. L. Cross), and another, the eldest daughter, who died at Muscatine, Iowa. In February, 1869, W. L. Palmer established the "Eddyville (Iowa) Advertiser,"

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

a weekly paper, which he conducted successfully in Wapello County until 1884. He then moved to Clay Center, Neb., and established "The Sun," which he has since conducted in an able manner, it being the official organ of the Republican party in Clay County. He has always been a stanch Re- publican in politics, and is and was a warm advocate of high license, having gone through the Iowa cam- paign an advocate of this principle. He has ever been an earnest supporter of all public enterprises calculated to benefit Clay County, and through the columns of his paper has wielded no slight influ- ence in directing the proper steps to be taken for a worthy movement. He was married to Miss Fannie I. Hamilton, a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, August 1, 1867, and two living children have been the result of this union: Hattie Fay and Clarence H. Mr. Palmer is a member of the G. A. R. and K. of P., and is recognized as one of Clay Center's success- ful business men and citizens. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, and served as private and non commissioned officer for nearly three years.

John Peterson, farmer and stockman, Sutton, Neb. This name is not unfamiliar to those in the vicinity of Sutton, as well as to others in the coun- ty, for he who bears it is numbered among the most substantial and progressive citizens. Born in Denmark, June 15, 1849, he is the only child born to the union of Peter and Elsie C. (Hendrick- son) Peterson, natives also of Denmark. John Peterson received a common-school education, and emigrated to the United States in 1871 to escape enlistment. He located in Grand Haven, Mich., where he worked in a brickyard for a few months. He then got sick, and went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he tilled the soil for two years, and was then in the pineries for two more years. After this he was in Chicago, Ill., for a year, and was married to Miss Cora Anderson. He then went west, home- steaded a farm, and later purchased 130 acres. He has been very successful since coming to Ne- braska, and likes the State. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party. He and Mrs. Peterson are worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Their family consists of three children:

Anna Christina. Elsie and Peter Andrew. Mr. Peterson's farm is all under fence; he has a nice residence, complete sheds for his stock, and has ninety acres under cultivation. He is thrifty and enterprising, and the future is bright before him.

John Peterson, farmer and stock-raiser, Inland, Neb. This esteemed resident of Clay County, a man who has an extensive acquaintance, was born in Northampton County, Pa., in 1845, and is the sixth in a family of seven children, the result of the union of John and Hannah (Daily) Peterson, natives of Denmark and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born about 1803, came to the United States when but a boy, and settled in the Keystone State, where he was engaged in the manufacture of furniture. He was married there to Miss Hannah Daily, and to this union were born the following children: Sabina, Aaron, Maria, Hannah C., Emma, John and Julia. Mr. Peterson died in Northampton County, Pa., in 1848, and his wife in the same State in 1873. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. The maternal grandparents were named John and Elizabeth Daily. John Peterson received a good practical education in his native State, and when sixteen years of age enlisted in Company E, Forty- seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in the Eastern army. He participated in the following engagements: Sabine Cross Roads, Berryville, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, at which place he was wounded in the neck and had his collar bone fractured, and was in the hospital for about five months. He was in service four years and five months, and was a brave and fear- less soldier. He received his discharge in January, 1865. After the war Mr. Peterson returned home, and entered a sash and door factory, where he worked for seven years. He was married in 1868 to Miss Martha Thomas, the daughter of William and Lydia Thomas, and to them were born five children: William, Grace (now Mrs. Palmer, of Denver, Colo.), Frank, Ella and Royal. The mother of these children died in Nebraska in 1877, to which State Mr. Peterson had emigrated in 1873, settling in Clay County, on land in Section IS. Mr. Peterson was married in 1879 to Mrs. Char-

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CLAY COUNTY.

lotte Ingalsbe, widow of Willard Ingalsbe, by whom she had these children: Nellie (wife of Mr. Taylor, of Clay County), Charles, Alice, Lottie and Vinnie. By her marriage to Mr. Peterson she became the mother of one child, Florence. Upon coming to Nebraska Mr. Peterson took up a claim of 160 acres, improved it, but in 1882 he sold this, and settled on a place owned by his wife, where he now resides. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, ·has been a member of the G. A. R., and votes with the Republican party. He is interested in churches, schools and all matters pertaining to the good of the county, and is one of its best citizens.

James H. Phelps, one of Clay County's (Neb.) well-known farmers and stockmen. is a native of Washington County, Ind., born August 28, 1842, being a son of William B. Phelps, a native of New York, who moved to the " Hoosier State" with his parents when a lad, and was there reared to manhood and educated, learning the carpenter's trade in his youth. He was also married there to Miss Lu- cinda C. Thomas, a native of that State, and in 1844 they moved to Iowa and settled in Davis County, where he made a farm and there resided until his death in 1869. His wife survives him, and resides on the old homestead in that State. James H. Phelps was the third of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living and all married with the exception of two, and in Davis County, Iowa, he grew to manhood, and from there enlisted, in the month of Angust, 1862, in Company F, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry. He took part in the battles of Haines Bluff, siege and sur- render of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Mission- ary Ridge, Ringgold, Atlanta, and was in all the engagements in which Sherman participated on his march to the sea, the siege of Savannah and Goldsboro, besides numerous skirmishes, On the Sth of January, 1863, he was wounded at Fort Hindman by a piece of shell, but considering the number of engagements in which he participated he was quite fortunate to escape so easily. He was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C., and after receiving his discharge at Daven- port, Iowa, on the 15th day of June, 1885, he returned to his home in Davis County, Iowa, but

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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