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 88

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 88
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 88
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 88
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 88

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west quarter of Section 34, Town 5, Range 5, and built thereon a pole and sod structure 12x14 feet, the first of anything inhabitable in the south- eastern part of the county. His nearest trading point was thirty-five miles. He homesteaded where he now lives in 1872. He is now the owner of 160 acres, all fenced, principally by hedge, and all in a good state of cultivation. He has a neat residence, good substantial outbuildings and a fine orchard of 500 trees, select varieties of fruit just beginning to bear. Mr. Stacy has been handling and feeding some stock for a number of years, and is one of the prominent and substantial citizens. He is a Republican in his political views. He was married in Jefferson County, Neb., Octo- ber 3, 1877, to Miss Ruth Cole, a native of Sank County, Wis., and the daughter of Asa and Jane Cole, of Jefferson County, Neb. Mrs. Stacy was principally reared in Allamakee County, Iowa, and taught in the schools of both Jefferson and Clay Counties, Neb. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stacy was born one child. Ward A., June 18, 1883. Mr. Stacy is a member of the M. W. A., and he and wife are official members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and Sunday school.

Samuel W. Stephenson, grain dealer, Inland. Prominent among the commercial resources of the town of Inland must be included the trade car- ried on in grain, etc., and among those most prom- inently engaged in it is Mr. Samnel Stephenson. He was born in St. Joseph County, Mich., in 1852, to the marriage of John and Mary (Holland) Stephenson, both natives of England. The father was born about 1808, was married in his native country, but later emigrated to the United States, and located in New York State. Afterward they moved to Michigan, and in 1887 the father came to Nebraska, settled in Inland and engaged in the hotel business. He is a Democrat in politics. The mother died about 1865. The five children born to their marriage were named as follows: Jane (now Mrs. G. W. Ablott, living in Clay County), Maria (deceased), Samnel, John (de- ceased), and Sarah (residing in Michigan, and now Mrs. Schafer). Samnel Stephenson began for himself by farming in Michigan about 1873, emi-

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grating to Inland, Neb., in 1880. In 1884 he took charge of the grain business of Cochraine & Co., which he carried on for four years. In 1888 he followed the same business for L. Butterfield & Co. He was married in 1887 to Mrs. Mary Kerr, step-daughter of Fedde Fixsen, of Inland [see sketch]. To Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson was born one child, Flossie. By a former marriage Mrs. Stephenson became the mother of one child, Mandie. Like his father, Mr. Stephenson affili. ates with the Democratic party, and takes consid- erable interest in political matters. He has been successful, financially, since coming to Nebraska, and is the owner of a house and lot besides other property in Inland. He was elected to the office of town clerk, and held this position until 1889, when he was re-elected for 1890-91.

Prof. Alexander Stephens, superintendent of Sutton schools, Sutton, Neb. Since his residence in this county Prof. Stephens has been very prom- inently identified with the material affairs of this community, indeed, far more so than the average man. Particularly in the direction of educational matters is this true. He was born in Perry Conn- ty, Pa., December 16, 1840, and his parents, Will- iam L. and Margaret (Elliott) Stephens, were also natives of the Keystone State, the former born in Perry County, August 18, 1808, and the latter in Cumberland County, in 1810. They were married June 2, 1835, and became the parents of three children: James (born March 23, 1839), Alexander (subject) and Elizabeth (born December 31, 1842, and died in Perry County, Pa., in 1870). The Stephens family trace their ancestry back to three brothers, viz .: Andrew, Robert and James, of Irish descent, who emigrated to the United States in the latter part of the seventeenth century from the Emerald Isle, and effected a settlement in Juniata County, Pa. One of these brothers, James (the grandfather of the subject here treated), died in Perry County. Pa., in 1850, and was eighty years of age at that time. He and the father of Alexander H. Stephens were brothers, and, there- fore, Prof. Alexander Stephens and Alexander H. Stephens are second cousins. The maternal grand- father, James Elliott, was born in County Kent,

Ireland, and died in Cumberland County, Pa., about 1850. Prof. Stephens remained on his fath- er's farm until fifteen years of age, and after first attending the district schools, in 1854 entered Markelville Academy, from which institution he graduated two years later. The succeeding two years he was professor of mathematics in that academy, and in 1859 he entered Bloomfield Col- lege, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in the classical course in 1862. He then spent some time teaching, and in 1863 attended the State Normal School. From 1863 to 1872 he taught in Pennsylvania, and was principal of the South Ward school at Washington, Iowa, from 1872 to 1875, where he had many warm friends who, to- day, speak of Mr. Stephens as one of the best educators ever in the county. [The writer of this sketch is from Washington County, Iowa, and knows. ] From 1875 to 1886 the Professor was superintendent of the public schools at Aledo, Mercer County, Ill., and in October of the last- named year took charge of the schools of Sutton. He is pleasant and agreeable in his manner, firm and decided in his views, and no better man could be found for educational work, having devoted his life to it. Since his residence in this State he has each year attended the institutes here, and in 1888 was appointed a member of the State board of education, having been twice reappointed to the same position. He was the first to take charge of the new school building (which then had eight teachers, but now has eleven), and to this they

have added two more rooms. They have an excel- lent library and good furniture in the school. It is hardly necessary to speak of Mr. Stephens' reputation as an educator, for he is known all over the State as one of the best and ablest instructors in the same. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Mary Leonard, a native of Perry County, Pa., born in 1839, and the daughter of George W. and Matilda (Wiseman) Leonard. To Prof. and Mrs. Stephens has been born one child, W. Logan, whose birth occurred July 16, 1866, and who is now a professor in Union Seminary, in Lancaster County, Neb. Prof. Stephens is a Republican in politics, and religiously a Presbyterian.

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

Herman E. Stein, county clerk, Clay Center, Neb. The subject of this sketch needs no intro- duction to the people of Clay County, for though yonng in years he has become well known through- out the county. His public services thus far have been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of this county, and his ability and fidelity in his present position have made a very favorable impression upon all. Mr. Stein was born in Bloomington, Ill., on July 19, 1861, and is the son of Louis and Caroline (Frey) Stein, the father a native of Prussia and the mother of Allentown, Pa., though of German descent. The mother died in Illinois, and in 1872 the father and family em- igrated to Nebraska and located at Harvard, where the father is living at the present time. Herman E. Stein received a good English education in the public schools. After this he followed the grocery and agricultural implement business with his father, and in January, 1881, entered the employ of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, as traveling salesman in Nebraska. He remained with this company until the summer of 1885, and in Jannary of the following year he came to Clay Center as deputy county clerk, serving in that ca- pacity until November, 1889, when he was elected county clerk. This position he now fills in an efficient and capable manner. He has always been a stanch Republican in his political views. On August 8, 1888, he married Miss Jennie F. Shane, a native of Eddyville, Iowa, and to this union has been born one child, Helen L. Mr. Stein is a Mason, being master of Clay Center Lodge No. 139. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of P., and is recognized as one of the repre- sentative young citizens, and a careful and capa ble public officer.

James N. Stockham is a native of the "Buck- eye State," born in 1853, being one of twin chil- dren born to William and Sarah (Fields) Stock- ham, the former's birth occurring in Ohio in 1815. After obtaining a fair English education he began life for himself as a farmer, and was married at the age of twenty-two, the fruits of his union being nine children: Catherine (Mrs. Giles, living in Ohio), Joseph (of Stockham, Neb.), Martha (Mrs.

Elbin, of Ohio), Rachel (Mrs. Toland, of Hamil- ton County, Neb.), Lewis (of Clay County, Neb.), James N. and William J. (twins), Ruth (Mrs. Shonkwiler, of Ohio) and David (deceased). The father of these children lived in Ohio until about 1878, at which time he moved to Stafford County, Kas. His wife died in December, 1872, and after remaining a widower for about a year he married Miss Jane Martin, of Ohio. He is an active Dem- ocrat, and is ever found ready to support worthy enterprises. James N. Stockham spent his school days in Ohio, but received rather limited advan- tages, and began his own career at the age of twenty- one years. In the month of September. 1873, he espoused Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Elijah and Esther Southworth, of Ohio, and to their union a family of three children have been born: George E., Elijah and William A. In 1873 Mr. Stock- ham came to Clay County, Neb., and homesteaded eighty acres of land, to which he has since added eighty acres more, which makes his one of the best farms in the county. His farm is excellently improved with buildings, fences, etc., and in his enterprises he fully holds his own with his sur- rounding neighbors. Like his father before him he is public-spirited and a Democrat politically, and is now holding the position of assessor in his precinct.

Spencer Taylor, farmer and stockman, Inland, Neb. The career of Mr. Taylor illustrates to a marked degree what can be accomplished when in- dustry and close application are supported by a willful determination to move forward in the affairs of the world, and a willingness to do himself what others might leave for some one else to perform. Mr. Taylor was born in Windham County, of the Green Mountain State, in 1840, and is the fourth of five children born to the marriage of Alfred and Martha (Hammond) Taylor. His paternal grandparents were named Ebenezer and Polly (Spencer) Taylor. The maternal grandparents, Peter and Charlotte (Holdbrook) Hammond, were natives of Massachusetts, and the grandfather was a miller by trade. He was born in 1776, and died on the anniversary of his birth in 1878, making him one hundred and two years of age. He was

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made a Mason in 1789. His father was a mom- ber of the " Boston Tea Party." Peter Hammond's wife died on the road from Vermont to Illinois in 1858. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Alfred Taylor (father of our subject), was born in 1806, in Windham County, Vt., and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He was married to Miss Martha Ham- mond in 1833, and reared four children: Caro- line (now Mrs. Miner Freeman, of Iowa), Spen- cer, Martha (now Mrs. Dr. P. L. McChesney), and Peter H. (who resides in Illinois. ) The father of these children died in Illinois in 1877, Ent the mother is still living and makes her home in Henry County, Ill. She is a member of the Congregational Church. The father was a Demo- · crat in politics, and a successful business man. Spencer Taylor moved with his parents to Illinois in 1856, and settled with them in Henry County, where he engaged in farming. He started ont for himself in 1860, and was married the same year to Miss Ursula Carpenter, daughter of L. M. B. and Sally (Giles) Carpenter, both natives of Plymouth, Vt., the father born in 1808. The mother died in Iowa in 1880. They were the parents of these children: J. B., Ursula, Eleanor and Emma. Mr. Taylor farmed first in Illinois, but in 1871 emi- grated to Iowa and settled in Jasper County. In 1880 he emigrated to Clay County, Neb., and set- tled in Inland Township on the place where he now lives. He bought 160 acres of land, which he has improved very materially by setting ont groves and orchards, erecting buildings, etc. He devotes a great deal of his time to the raising of stock, and carries on farming on a very large scale, culti- vating from 400 to 600 acres. To his marriage have been born five children: Alfred (born in 1863, and married to Miss Ida Lamp), Shirley (married to Miss Nellie Ingalsbe), Giralda (married to W. Woodard, who died in 1889), Clinton and Spencer. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in politics. and is a mem- ber of the Farmers' Alliance. Benjamin Carpen- ter, the grandfather of Mrs. Taylor, was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was of English descent.

R. M. Thompson, real-estate agent, Sutton, Neb. 33

The constant change in the ownership of property in this growing city, and the amount of land still unpurchased in the county, makes the real estate business a paying one in Sutton. Among those who have been successful in this pursuit is the firm of Thompson Bros. R. M. Thompson was born in Scotland, and is a son of James and Mar- garet Thompson, the latter's maiden name being Eadie. The parents were both natives of Scotland, and the father died in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1848, two days after the family arrived in this country. Then the mother with her children removed to Dane County, Wis., settled on a farm near the city of Madison, and were pioneers of that county. The mother died in Sutton, Neb., in 1874. In Sep- tember, 1864, R. M. Thompson enlisted in Com- pany B, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly one year, being discharged at. Mobile, Ala. He came to Sutton, Neb., in 1872, has resided here ever since, and is now engaged in the loan and real-estate business. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and one of the first-class citizens of the county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Evening Star Lodge of Sutton. His brother, W. E. Thompson, was born and educated in Scotland. During his residence in Wisconsin he was engaged in farming, and for eight years was town treasurer of Verona and precinct in Dane County. He came to Sutton in the fall of 1874, and in 1888 was elected tax collector of the city of Sutton and precinct, and in 1889 was re-elected to the same position. He is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the Congrega- tional Church, of which he is treasurer. Another brother, James Thompson, died at Collinsville, Pa., February 20, 1881, while on a business trip to that State. A sister, Margaret Thompson, who married Daniel B. Lester, died in Wisconsin. To her marriage were born three children: Arthur, John and Eveline.

Griffith J. Thomas, editor of the Harvard Courier, is a newspaper man of long experience, his connection with his present paper dating from May 6, 1889. He was born in Harlech, Wales, January 20, 1847. being a son of John G. and Mary (Williams) Thomas, with whom he came to

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America when he was but four years old. On reaching this country the family first located at Remsen, N. Y., and subsequently settled at Utica and Frankfort Hill, the mother dying at the latter place in the month of April, 1854. In September, 1855, the father, accompanied by the subject of this sketch, went to Berlin, Wis., where the latter spent his boyhood, youth and early manhood. He attended school until he was twelve years of age, after which he attended a district school a portion of each winter and labored upon a farm each summer, continuing this until he enlisted in the Union army Angust 20, 1862, becoming a member of Company C, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, acting in the capacity of drummer boy for one month. July 17, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, with which he served until August 30, 1865, being mustered ont of service at Lexington, Ky. A part of this time he was on detached duty as chief clerk of the First Division, Department of Kentucky. He made a brave and loyal soldier and was honorably discharged. He then returned to his home at Berlin, Wis., but April 1, 1866, he went to Detroit, Mich., where he reported for dnty on board the United States revenue steamer "John A. Dix." He served as quartermaster on board of her until April 1, 1867, then returned to Berlin and entered the office of the Berlin Cour- ant, and remained connected with that paper until April, 1876, discharging, during the last two years, the duties of editor and publisher. He then severed his connection with the Courant to accept the office of city clerk, to which he had been elected by a handsome majority, in which capacity he served until May 1, 1877, when he resigned to take charge of the Berlin post-office, having been appointed postmaster by President Hayes. He made an efficient officer until August 16, 1886, when his snecessor was appointed at his request, and in the fall of that year he removed to Clay County, Neb., and located on a farm which he had previously purchased in Harvard Township. In the fall of 1888 he removed to the city of Har- vard, and May 6, 1889, he purchased the Harvard Courier, a six-column quarto weekly newspaper,

which he has owned and ably edited since, it being one of the spiciest and newsiest journals in the West. Politically he has always been a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., the A. O. U. W., and the G. A. R. He served as commander of John H. Williams Post No. 4, of Berlin, Wis., one year, but prior to this he had served as department commander of the State of Wisconsin during the years 1879, 1880 and 1881. In the K. of P. Lodge No. 7, of Ber- lin, he served as keeper of records and seal from 1874 until 1879, and for about eight years he served as deputy grand chancellor, and for five years as master of exchequer in the same order. He is now a member of Harvard Lodge of Masons, and Harvard Lodge, K. of P., but retains his membership in the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. at Berlin, Wis. He was married November 1, 1874, to Miss Anna E. Griffith, daughter of Richard and Anne Griffith, of Seneca Township, Green Lake County, Wis. Two sons, George Henry and Harrie Griffith, have been born to them, and they are regular attendants upon the Harvard High School.

W. Riley Thurber, farmer and stock-raiser, Edgar, Neb. Mr. Thurber is numbered among the younger of the successful and rising agriculturists of this county, but none have a brighter future or will make better use of their advantages. He was born in Lake County, Ohio, on October 26, 1850, and is the son of Frank and Orcelia (Harris) Thur- ber, natives also of the Buckeye State. William R. Thurber was left fatherless when but four years of age and was reared and educated by an uncle until the latter's death, which occurred when Riley was thirteen years old. He remained in Lake County until twenty years of age, and in April, 1871, homesteaded an eighty-acre tract, where he now lives, which he has since increased by adding 160 acres, all adjoining. He was the first to settle on the prairie with his brother-in-law, Wright M. Stacy, and at that time there was not a neigh- bor within fourteen miles. Mr. Thurber now has one of the best-improved places in the precinct. He has his farm of 240 acres all fenced, has a large

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two-story house, a new barn, one of the best in the county, and is also engaged in raising stock. He has a fine orchard of about 400 trees, some now bearing, and take him all in all, is one of the most enterprising and wide-awake farmers to be found. He has been engaged in feeding and handling stock for about twelve years, and has been very successful in this business. When first coming to this State he had but $300, and has made what he has by industry and economy. He was married in Lake County, Ohio, on February 15, 1871, to Miss Ella Stacy, a native of Lake County, Ohio. where she was reared and educated, and the daughter of Abyram Stacy, now a citizen of Jeffer- son County, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Thurber are the parents of seven children: Ida, Ada, Frank, Anna, Burt, Vern and Clifford. Mr. Thurber is a Re- publican in politics, has held the office of magis- trate, and is now serving his fourth term as justice of his township. Mr. Thurber is also a member of the A. O. U. W. Mrs. Thurber is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Alvin Timmerman is a representative farmer and stock- raiser and dealer of Clay County, Neb., and since locating here he has become well known to the citizens of the county. He was born in the Mohawk Valley, in Montgomery County, N. Y., January 5, 1838, a son of Abram I. and Maria (Defendorf) Timmerman, who were born in the same State and county. The father's death oc- curred there in 1882, but his widow still survives him and is now making her home with her young- est danghter. Alvin Timmerman grew to man- hood in his native county, and in his youth re- ceived the advantages of the common schools and an academy, improving his time to the utmost dur- ing his attendance. After teaching in New York for quite a period he went to Illinois and there followed the same occupation for some time, his labors as a pedagogue comprising in all about fif- teen years. He took up his abode in Illinois in 1866, and moved from there to Nebraska in 1884, settling in Clay County, and purchasing the farm where he now resides, which amounts to 160 acres of fertile land, the buildings on which are fair. He has been quite extensively engaged in the stock

business for some time, and each year disposes of some fine stall-fed steers. His marriage to Miss Mary J. Phillips took place March 12, 1862, and to them a family of eight sons and five sons have been born: Birdella (wife of Arthur Matthews, of Clay County), Lincoln A. (who is attending the Normal College at Peru. and will graduate this year), Van D. (who is at home, a teacher by pro- fession), A. I., Harry, Jay, Fred, Madge, Gracie, Wade F., Rollo, Faye and Edith. Since locating in Clay County Mr. Timmerman has done his full share in advancing every interest of the county, and his endeavors toward promoting this end have been recognized by a host of acquaintances, among whom he stands high as a man and citizen. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, being secre- tary of his lodge, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Ira Titus, cashier of the First National Bank of Fairfield, Neb., and one of the prominent business men of that city, owes his nativity to MeHenry County, III., where his birth occurred December 18, 1846, and is the son of Starr and Elsie (Hickox) Titus, natives of New York State. In 1855 the parents removed to Richland County, Wis., where Ira Titus was reared and educated. In 1864 the latter enlisted in the Union army, Company F, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and served as a private until December, 1865. In the spring of the fol- lowing year. he went to Polk County, Iowa, and followed farming there and in Jasper County, Iowa, until March, 1883, when he removed to Fair- field, Neb. The following December he accepted a position as book-keeper with the Fairfield Bank, and was later made assistant cashier. Upon the organization of the First National he assumed the same position with this institution, and in Janu- ary, 1888, was elected cashier, which position he has since filled in an active and reliable manner. In October, 1872, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Crooke, a native of Martin County, Ind., and to them have been born seven interesting children: Burdett, Audrey, Carl, Grace, Beryl, Bertha and Clara. Mr. Titus is a Prohibitionist, and in his political views generally affiliates with the Prohibi tion party. He and Mrs. Titus are members of the

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Christian Church, and he is recognized as one of Clay County's most enterprising and successful citizens.

William Wakelin has devoted bis attention to farming and stock-raising the greater portion of his life, and as a result is one of the well-to-do residents of Clay County, Neb. He was born in Muskegon County, Mich., January 16, 1863, being a son of James and Rosamond (Heaton) Wakelin, both of whom were born in England. ' The father came to the United States when a young man and married and located in Muskegon County, Mich. From there he moved to Clay County, Neb., in 1880, and died on his farm in Section 21, Lone Tree Township, on October 17, 1889. His first wife died about 1869 or 1870, leaving three chil- dren: Mary R., William and Richard. His second marriage was to Mrs. Rachel Trask, who still sur- vives him, having borne him one child, a son. She has two children, Albert and Jane Trask, who were born to her first union. William Wakelin was reared in the lumber regions of Michigan, but came to this State with his father and three years later began farming for himself, purchasing his present excellent farm in the fall of 1888. He was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Nettie McFarland, a daughter of Archie McFarland of Clay County. Mr. Wakelin is a Democrat in his political views and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He is one of the wide awake and enterprising young farmers of the county, and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done no little for the farm. ing interests hereabouts.

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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