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 87

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 87
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 87
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 87
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 87

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John O. Shelp, farmer, Harvard, Neb. This respected and highly esteemed resident of Harvard Township, is not unknown to the many citizens of this portion of Clay County, among whom so many years of his life have been passed. Origin- ally from Montgomery County, N. Y., he was born in May, 1827, and is the son of Hugh Shelp. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the age of seventeen years he became a clerk in a grocery at Fort Plain, of Montgomery Coun- ty. That position he held for five years and then went to Utica, N. Y., where for one year he was a clerk in a hotel. After that he went to Tona- wanda, in the western part of New York State, and there he was employed for five years in a ship chandler's establishment. About 1859 he went to Allegan County, Mich., where, until the war broke out, he followed farming. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Forty-fourth Illinois Regiment, with which he served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Murfreesboro, Perryville, the siege of Cor- inth and Chickamauga. He was captured at the last-named battle September 20, 1863, and was first imprisoned at Richmond. Six months later he was transferred to Andersonville, where he re-

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mained thirteen months, making a total imprison- ment of nineteen months. He was released on the same day Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. From Andersonville he went via Savannah, Ga., to Jacksonville, Fla., and thence he proceeded by vessel to Annapolis, Md. From there he went by rail to Springfield, Ill., where he was dis- charged June 30, 1865. After that he located in Iroquois County, Ill., and resumed farming. He was married there in March, 1866, to Miss Isabella Lower, a native of Huntingdon County, Pa., born in April, 1827. In 1867 Mr. Shelp returned to Allegan County, Mich., and in 1869 removed to La Porte, Ind., where for four years he followed the hardware business. He then came to Ne- braska, and located in Fillmore County, where he tilled the soil. For the past eight years he has re- sided in Harvard, a retired citizen. He and wife have an only son, James L. Shelp, a young man of nineteen, who is a telegraph operator by profession. Mr. Shelp is a member of the Christian Church, the G. A. R., and is a Republican in politics. He is an honorable, upright man and a worthy and loyal citizen.

Henry O. Shike, a prominent farmer and stock- raiser, was born in Linn County, Iowa, August 29, 1850, a son of John and Mary E. (Bodenhofer) Shike, natives of Virginia. He was reared to man- hood in his native State. At the early age of twelve years he commenced the struggle of life, assisting in the care of his family. At the age of twenty-four he commenced farming on his own account. In 1875 he purchased a farm compris- ing 160 acres of land, on which he remained nntil 1880, when he moved to Washington Territory and took up government land, which he exchanged in 1882 for 160 acres of land adjoining his home- place in this county, moving here the following year. He now owns 320 acres, which is under an excellent state of cultivation (all fenced), a good, comfortable dwelling, large barn, granaries and shedding for his cattle, of which he keeps on hand about 250 head. March 11, 1875, he was married to Mary E. Walters, daughter of Myron C. and Maryett (Hall) Walters, natives of New York. Mrs. Shike was born July 16, 1855, in Jones

County, Iowa. The result of this union has been the birth of two children: Myron G. and Walter D. Mr. Shike is a Prohibitionist in politics; he was formerly a Republican. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clay Center, and he is a member of the Harmony Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Shike has done wonder- fully well since his residence in this connty. He is largely interested in cattle, being one of the largest dealers and feeders in this section of the country. He is energetic, industrious and enter- prising, always ready to assist his needy neighbors when in distress, and is looked upon as a repre- sentative citizen.

Jacob Shively, president of the First National Bank, Fairfield, Neb. Modern banking dates from the revival of civilization in Italy, first came into prominence in Venice, and was the main cause which made the Queen of the Adriatic the mistress of the world's commerce. The history of trade through these succeeding centuries has shown the bank to be the first and most important thing to give impetus to business. It is the lubricant of the engine of mercantile life, and when properly managed is also the governor and safety-valve. A fine example of this is seen in the First National Bank of Fairfield, of which Mr. Shively is presi- dent. He was born in Monongalia County, W. Va., June 9, 1837, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Pickenpaw) Shively, natives of the same county. Jacob Shively, Jr., was early taught the duties of farm life in his native State, and secured but a limited education, such as was accorded to the youth of ante-bellum days in the primitive log school-houses, where but three months' session was held in a year. He was there during the war and espoused the Union cause, being called into the service as a member of the State militia. In 1870 he emigrated to Henry County, Ill., and fol- lowed farming and stock-raising successfully until November, 1886, when he removed to Fairfield, and there he has since resided. Having given his attention to stock-raising and farming, he became the owner of 420 acres of good land in this county, and makes a specialty in the stock line of Polled- Angus cattle. He has been a stockholder of the

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First National Bank of Fairfield for three years, was vice-president of the same during 1889, and in 1890 was elected its president. On January 9, 1862, he was married to Miss Emily J. Snider, a native of the same State and county. They have nine living children: Effie D. (wife of Charles Glaspie), Mary G. (wife of James Taylor), James R., Laura A. (wife of Henry Showalters), Fannie B., Thornton P., Lidia May, William Ray and Gertrude. Mr. Shively was formerly a Repub- lican in politics, but since the temperance question has come so strongly before the public he has been a Prohibitionist in his political views, and was elected by that ticket in November, 1889, to the office of county supervisor to represent Fairfield City. He is a member of the Royal Templar fra- ternity, and he and Mrs. Shively are members of the Christian Church.

J. P. Skow, farmer and stock-raiser, Verona, Neb. This successful and efficient agriculturist owes his nativity to Denmark, where his birth occurred in 1852, and is the son of Peter and Kirs- len (Peterson) Skow, the father a carpenter by occupation. J. P. Skow attended school until fourteen years of age and then herded cattle for two years. After this he worked by the month on a farm, and when eighteen years of age took pass- age on a vessel for America. He landed at Que- bec, Canada, and later came to Wisconsin, where he worked at farm labor for a Dutchman, and learned that language. He then went to another county in the State, worked in a saw-mill in the summer and in the woods in the winter; continued this for four years, and then, April 15, 1875, he emigrated to Nebraska, where he and his brother purchased a right to a soldier's homestead, a quar- ter section. This has since been improved very much, and is now worth more than $30 per acre. In addition to this he has also purchased eighty acres of Burlington & Missouri River Railroad land, worth $25 per acre. Mr. Skow has learned the English language since coming to Nebraska, and is an intelligent and well-posted man. The Verona Farmers' Alliance was organized in January, 1890, and he was made president of the same. He was active in its organization and was chairman of the

first meeting. He is chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of the township and takes a leading part in public affairs. He was a Repub- lican until Cleveland took his stand on tariff reform, when he changed his views and now affiliates with the Democratic party. He was married in Nebraska to Miss Anna Paulsen, a native of Denmark, and five children are the result of this union: Martin, Peter, Pauline, Lyda and Grover, named in honor of ex-President Cleveland.

Edward J. Smith, a native of England, born in London, November 24, 1838, has been a resi- dent of the United States since 1857, and is now engaged in farming and stock raising, although he learned the cooper's trade in his youth and worked at it for some time after becoming a subject of "Uncle Sam." His parents, who are now hoth dead, were born in England, their names being E. J. and Mary Ann (Berry) Smith, and, although the father was a cooper by trade, he followed the sea as a steward for a great many years, being in the employ of an East India Company. Edward J. Smith, the immediate subject of this sketch, after working as a journeyman at his trade in the United States for some time, settled down to tilling the soil in Illinois, but left the plow in the month of August, 1861, to enlist in the First Missouri Cavalry, and served faithfully and well until he received his discharge in October, 1864, partici- pating in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and a great many skirmishes. After receiving his discharge he made his home in Morgan County, Ill., until he came to Nebraska, arriving here in the spring of 1873, and since that year he has resided on his present homestead in Clay County. He has since made purchases of land and is now the owner of 240 acres of good tillable land in a fair state of improvement. He has an excellent young orchard. consisting of select varieties, and is considered one of the prosperous farmers of this section of the country. On first locating here the prairie swarmed with buffalo, antelope and wolves, but these places now know them no more, being devoted to the culture of corn, wheat, oats, etc. Mr. Smith was married in Macoupin County Ill., September 9, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth J. Evans, a native of Mor-

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gan County, Ill., and a daughter of William M. Evans. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters: Charles E., Amy A., John F., Mattie F., William H., Mary E., Eliza L., George W. and an infant son un- named. Mr. Smith and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the G. A. R.

Neri Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, Inland, Neb., was born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1844, and is the eldest of six children born to Morgan and Elizabeth (Martin) Smith, natives of Pennsyl- vania, who were born in 1826 and 1827, respect- ively. Morgan Smith was the son of James and Sarah Smith, and was a farmer by occupation. He was married in 1843 to Miss Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Isaac and Mary Martin, and became the father of the following children: Neri (sub- ject), Daniel, Mahala, Mary and Sarah (twins) and Nancy Jane. Daniel married Miss Eddy, a native of Ohio, and now resides in Nordhoff, Cal .; was in the service four years and twenty days, in Com- pany E, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry. Mahala mar- ried John Gallentine, a native of Pennsylvania, now resides in Missonri. Mary married William Shepard, a native of Ohio. Sarah married H. C. Mathews, of Noble County, Ohio; he died in 1875. She married the second time, G. V. Cope, in 1877, and died in 1879. Nancy J. married P. K. Miller, of Hastings, Neb., now resides in Nordhoff, Cal. The father of these children died in 1854, and the mother married George Carroll, of Hast ings, Neb., in 1875; he died the same year. She is a widow and now resides in Inland Township. Neri Smith's school days were spent in Morgan County, Ohio, whither he had moved with his par- ents when quite young. At the early age of ten years he started ont for himself (the death of his father having divided the family), and worked on a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Forty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years and seven months, participating in some of the principal battles-New Madrid, Mo., Island No. 10, Corinth, Miss., Iuka, and was in the At- lanta campaign, Sherman's march to the sea, and np through North and South Carolina, and on to

Washington, D. C., passing in grand review with Sherman's army. He was always with his regi- ment, and was only excused from duty eight days during his entire time of enlistment. He is at present a member of the G. A. R., Richardson Post No. 60, at Harvard. He received his discharge in July, 1865, and went to Ohio, where he followed farming for some time. He went to Cedar County, Iowa, in 1870, continued his former pursuit there, and the same year was married in that county to Miss Esther Faires, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, born in 1852, and the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gifford) Faires. Mr. Smith emigrated to Inland Township, Clay County, Neb , in 1872, where he now resides, and entered 160 acres of gov- ernment land. This he has improved, and now has one of the best farms in the township. He is also the owner of considerable town property. He is interested in political matters, has always been a Republican, and is now with the Prohibition party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. To his marriage have been born five children: Ezra (born in 1873), Nona (born in 1875), Rilla (born in 1880, and died in 1882), Rollo (born in 1883) and Rena (born in 1888). Ezra and Nona are mem- bers of the Christian Church. The father of Mrs. Smith, Thomas T. Faires, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1809, and was the son of John and (Hagerman) Faires; his wife was the daughter of Abram and P. Bessie Gifford, and was born in Maine in 1815. Mrs. Smith was the young- est but one of nine children: Lydia, Charity, Joel, Ruth (deceased), Pearly (deceased), Patience J., Olive A., Esther and Manly. Lydia married S. Os- born, a native of Ohio; after his death married a Mr. Kolbrenner, of Savannah, Mo., where they now re- side. Charity married I. Murphy, of Morgan Coun- ty, Ohio, where they now reside. Joel married Miss S. Murphy, of Ohio, now residing in Cedar County, Iowa. Patience J. married T. Chappelear, of Ohio; she died in 1868. Olive A. married L. W. Hunni- cutt, a native of Ohio; now resides in Clay County, Neb. Manly married Miss E. Burnes, of Andrew County, Mo., where they now reside. The father of these children died in Andrew County, Mo., in 1887, and the mother at the same place in 1889.

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Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was a Republican in politics, and a public-spirited citizen.

George F. Smith, farmer and stockman, In- land, Neb. The father of the subject of this sketch, David Smith, was a native of the Pine Tree State, born about 1802, was reared on a farm, and after growing up embarked in the livery busi- ness in Boston. He was married in that city to Miss Roxanna Newell, and to them were born six chikren, five of whom grew to maturity: Charles, John, Stephen, Jacob H., George F., and one daughter who died in infancy. The father died in Boston, in about 1855, and the mother in the same city, in 1859. She was a member of the Baptist Church. George F. Smith was born in Boston, Mass., in 1846, and there received a good prac- tical education. At the age of twelve years he went to Maine, where he finished his schooling and started out for himself in 1865. Previous to this, however, in the winter of 1864, he enlisted in Company C, First Maine Regiment Infantry, and served about thirteen months, receiving his dis- charge in 1866. Returning to Maine he engaged in farming and was married in that State in 1867, in Kennebec County, to Miss Mary V. Frost, a native of Maine, born in 1845, and the daughter of Allen and Nancy (Hersom) Frost. Mr. Smith emigrated West in 1871, settling in Poweshiek County, Iowa, where he remained for one year, and in the spring of 1872 emigrated to Clay County, Neb., where he was among the first set- tlers. He took up 160 acres of land, began im- proving, and now has a nice place with a good orchard and grove. He affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. His success in Nebraska is chiefly owing to honest endeavor and good business abil- ity. To his marriage have been born two chil- dren: Allen and Maude.

David L. Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, In- land, Neb. A stranger who may be passing over this portion of Clay County can not but admire the many beautiful places to be seen on every hand, places which indicate by their appearance the abode of men leaders in matters pertaining to husbandry. Mr. David L. Smith is of this class.

The owner of sixty acres of land, he is actively and successfully engaged in farming, conducting all his operations according to the most advanced ideas. Mr. Smith came originally from New Lon - don County, Conn., where he was born in 1855, and is the son of Henry N. and Lydia L. (Lath- rop) Smith, the latter a daughter of Simeon and Phobe (Peckhan) Lathrop, who died in Connecti- cut. Henry N. Smith was born in New London County, Conn., in 1827, and was a farmer by occupation. He was married to Miss Lathrop about 1852, and reared eight children: Miron, Horace, David L., Louis, Julius, Anna (now Mrs. Grow, of Boston), Everett and Bertha. The father died in Connecticut, in 1883, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Franklin, New London County, Conn. She is a member of the Congregational Church, of which the father was also a member. He was a successful business man and in his political views affiliated with the Republican party. He was the son of Prentice P. and Maria (Avery) Smith. David L. Smith spent the early part of his life in attending the schools of New London County, Conn., and in 1873 started out for himself as a farmer and school- teacher. In 1879 he emigrated to Illinois, set- tled in Boone County, and was there engaged in farming and teaching school for some time. He was married in that State, in 1884, to Miss Mary B. Williams, a native of Illinois, born in 1857, and the daughter of J. R. and Tabitha (Doolittle) Williams, the mother a native of Vermont. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith was born one child, Ada Helen. Mr. Smith emigrated to Nebraska in 1884, settled in Clay County, and bought sixty acres of land, which he has improved very mate- rially since. He has been very successful since coming here, and his property is the accumulation of many days of hard work. He is a member of the school board of his district, is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in politics affiliates with the Prohibition party. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Walter E. Spicer. Although a young man, there is probably no one within the limits of Ne- braska who is as extensively engaged in the breed-

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ing of fine stock, especially Berkshire hogs, as Mr. Spicer. His farm is an especially fine one for the successful conduct of this enterprise, and the manner in which he manages his affairs shows with- out doubt that he is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the business. He was born in McDonough County, Ill., September 14, 1863, a son of Thomas H. and Arminta (Kerby) Spicer, the former of whom was born in Delaware in April, 1828, being a son of James H. and Priscilla (Ralph) Spicer. Thomas H. removed with his father to Illinois at an early date, landing at Quincy in 1835, and moved to McDonough County in the spring of 1850. He afterward engaged in fine stock breeding which resulted in Walter acquiring a thorough knowledge and liking for the business. He came to Nebraska in 1884, and engaged in the breeding of Berkshire hogs, and has gained a widespread reputation as a stockman. He has taken more premiums than any man of his age on record and has purchased the highest priced hog that was ever brought west of the Missouri River, with the exception of Model Duke. The following is a list of some of the prizes taken by him in 1889 at the Omaha (Neb.) Fair and Exhibition: Berk- shire boar, over two years old, first prize on Stumpy Duke III, 15,889, weight 705 pounds; Berkshire boar, one year and under two, first prize on Hand- some Prince, 21,147, weight 700 pounds; Berk- shire boar, six months and under twelve, first prize on Royal Duke, weight 400 pounds; Berkshire boar, under six months, first prize on Artful Duke, and second prize on Romford Duke; Berkshire sow, over two years, first prize on Romford, 15, 790; Berkshire sow, one year and under two, first prize on Queen III, 19, 774, and second on Romford VII; Berkshire sow, six months and under twelve, first prize on Romford XI; Berkshire sow, under six months, first prize on Beauty; Berkshire boar, any age, first prize on Handsome Prince, 21,147; Berksbire sow, any age, first prize on Lucy Gentry IV, 18,823; Grand sweepstake herd of one boar and four sows over one year old, of any breed, first prize on Handsome Prince, 21,147, with Romford 15,790, Romford II, 15, 791, Lucy Gentry IV, 18,- 823, and Sallie Thompson II, 15,602. Here Mr.

Spicer took first prize for everything he competed for over very strong competition. The weight of the four last-named sows was 661, 630, 532 und 514, respectively. Queen III. 19,774, weighed 538 when less than seventeen months old; Romford VII weighed 420 when less than thirteen months old; Romford X, 363, at a few days over eleven months old, and Romford XI weighed 371 at abont the same age. At the Nebraska State Fair, beld at Lincoln, he took the following premiums: For Berkshire boar, over two years old, first prize on Stumpy Duke III; Berkshire boar, one year and under two, first prize on Handsome Prince; Berk- shire boar, under six months, first prize on Rom- ford Duke and second prize on Artful Duke; Berk. shire sow, over two years old, second prize on Sal- lie Thompson II; Berkshire sow, six months and under twelve, second prize on Romford X; Berk- shire boar, any age, first prize on Handsome Prince; the pork packers' prize, "best fat hog of any age, sex or breed," first prize on Romford XI, and for the best show of any of the pure breeds of swine, first prize. This last prize was a special pre- mium, given by the " Nebraska Farmer," Lincoln, Neb., which is one of the best life-stock journals in the West, the following item being taken from its columns. "And for the best show of pure bred swine, any breed in Nebraska, the prize went to W. E. Spicer, who has without doubt the best herd of Berkshires in the State, and it also seems that he is fully able to compete with the best herd in Amer- ica and come out with as many prizes as it, viz. : N. H. Gentry, of Sedalia, Mo., after which Mr. Gentry pays a long price for a half interest in Mr. Spicer's boar, Stumpy Duke III." ` J. W. Patter- son, of Craig, Neb., whose integrity and ability as an expert judge of swine is well known and above suspicion, tied the ribbons with much satisfaction to the exhibitors, the pork packers' prize being de- cided by a committee of three men. This prize was hotly contested as other breeds were strongly represented, but by a unanimous vote of the com- mittee, the ribbon went to Romford XI. At the State Fair at Topeka, Kas .. many prizes were taken by the animals exhibited by Mr. Spicer, but space forbids a detailed mention of them, suffice it

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to say that they were spoken of very highly by "The Breeder's Gazette," of Chicago, Ill., and the prize given to boar over two years old was taken by Stumpy Duke III. This animal also took the first premium at the Illinois State Fair at Peoria, notwithstanding the fact that he had many com- petitors, and won again at the New Era Exposi- tion at St. Joseph, Mo., and St. Louis, Mo. Hand- some Prince also won first in class and sweepstakes at Peoria, Ill., also first at New Era Exposition, St. Joseph, Mo., and was placed second at St. Lonis, Mo .- the only time he was ever placed second in his class. Mr. Spicer has very seldom met with defeat on prizes contended for, for his herd of swine is unsurpassed, and the example he has set in this direction has served as an impulse to others to follow him in this industry, and he has thus proved of great benefit to the community in which he resides. He is a man of energy, pro- gressive spirit and perseverance, and his many worthy qualities have placed around him a host of friends and acquaintances. He has been married since 1886 to Miss Helen M. Bayles, of Harvard, and by her has two children: Guy E. and an infant unnamed. He and his wife are members in good standing in the Christian Church.

Wright M. Stacy, farmer and stock-raiser, Ed- gar, Neb. This young but enterprising citizen is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Ashtabula County, January 15, 1850, and is the son of Aby- ram Stacy, who went from New York to Ohio when a young man and was there married to Puah Stevens, a native of Vermont. Mr. Stacy was a farmer by occupation, and continued this pursuit in Lake County, Ohio, for many years. He moved to Nebraska in 1872, settled in Jefferson County, and there he now resides. His wife died in 1885. They were the parents of five children. three sons and two daughters, of whom Wright M. is the third in order of birth. He attained his growth in his native State, received the advantages of a good common-school education, and emigrated to Ne. braska when a young man, or in March, 1871, ar- riving with abont $250. He (in company with his brother-in-law, W. R. Thurber) located in the county, pre-empted the west half of the sonth -

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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