USA > Nebraska > Sarpy County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 13
USA > Nebraska > Saunders County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 13
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BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
$4 per acre. The other 40 acres had been set- tled upon, and cost $5 per acre. Upon this lat- ter 40 acres his residence stands. Philip Thom- as first owned the land, which was a wild tract with no trees or fences.
Mr. Duerrbaum built a small frame house, 14 by 26 feet, and a pole and straw barn. In 1874 he moved upon the place, and has since added 80 acres to it. This addition was pur- chased from John F. Hayes, and was first set- tled by Stephen Lindenfeller. A large number of shade trees of all kinds, including apples, plums, pears, peaches and cherries, were set out by Mr. Duerrbaum. Grapes and small fruits were also set out in abundance.
In 1885 the house was enlarged and remod- eled into a handsome modern residence. Two years later a large barn, 40 by 48 feet, was built, and also corn-cribs and other smaller buildings. This fine farm with its many buildings and shade trees in the center is a pleasing sight to look upon and attracts the eye for many miles. All this is but the fruit of the toil of both Mr. and Mrs. Duerrbaum. They have 40 head of choice cattle and the same number of hogs.
The subject of this sketch married Julia Mer- tens, a daughter of William and Wilhelmina (Werths) Mertens. Mrs. Duerrbaum was born in Obernau, Germany. Her parents came to the United States in 1865. They settled on a farm in Cass county, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Duerrbaum have two children living, both of whom are daughters, namely : Wilhelmina Au- gusta, a teacher in the Yutan school, and Julia Henrietta, who is still at home. They lost their only son in infancy. Mr. Duerrbaum is a
staunch Republican. He has served two years as assessor and about fifteen years as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed church and are highly esteemed as citizens.
GILKESON, who has attained nota- ble success in the practice of law, is now serving his second term as county attorney of Saunders county, Nebraska. He was born in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, January 14, 1853, and is a son of James and grandson of Andrew Gilkeson.
Andrew Gilkeson, grandfather of the subject hereof, spent most of his life as a farmer, in Allegheny and Washington counties, Pennsyl- vania. James Gilkeson was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. He also adopted the occupation of a farmer and followed it throughout his life. He moved to Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1884, where he died in 1897 at the age of eighty-four years.
H. Gilkeson, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, received an excellent educa- tional training. He attended a Baptist college at Des Moines, Iowa, and, in 1870, went to Nebraska. He soon after returned to Des Moines and again entered college, but later matriculated in the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City. He again went to Nebraska, in 1874, locating in Sarpy county, and there taught school until 1879, at the same time pur- suing the study of law. He was admitted to
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the bar in 1878, and elected to the office of jus- tice of the peace in 1879. In the latter year he moved to Saunders county, settling in Wahoo, where he has since lived. In 1881 he was elected county judge for a term of two years and served with satisfaction to all. He was elected county attorney in 1896, and in 1898 was re-elected, being the present incum- bent of that office. Politically he is a firm sup- porter of the Democratic party, but in his last election he was the candidate of the Fusionists. Mr. Gilkeson has also served many years as a member of the school board. He has filled all offices to which he has been chosen with credit to himself and honor to his constituents.
In 1880 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Alice E. Flor, a daughter of John C. Flor, of Fremont, Nebraska.
HARLES H. ADAMS, an enterprising and progressive citizen of Wahoo, Saun- ders county, Nebraska, was appointed superintendent of the Wahoo waterworks in 1890, and has filled that position very credita- bly ever since. The Wahoo waterworks were built by the American Waterworks & Guarantee Company of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at a cost of $65,000, and are still owned by them.
The Wahoo waterworks are considered among the best in the state, and were ready for operation in January, 1888. Four streams can be thrown at the same time from a one-inch nozzle to the height of one hundred feet. The main building is a brick structure, 35 feet wide
by 58 feet long. The adjoining coal shed is 30 feet wide by 40 feet long. The plant is equipped with two 30-horsepower engines and two 40-horsepower boilers.
The supply of water is obtained from wells on the bank of the Wahoo Creek, at the south- western part of the city. The water is supplied to the city by direct pressure. Besides two public fountains the city has 41 hydrants, and water is furnished to 276 business places and residences. The plant is a model of neatness.
Mr. Adams was born in Rotherham, Eng- land. He was reared and schooled in his native country, where he remained until he attained the age of eighteen years. He then came to the United States, landing in New York City, where he followed the trade of an architect for some time. Subsequently he spent several years in the Southern and Western states and afterwards returned to England. But America possessed charms for him and in the United States he again took up his residence. In March, 1869, he went to Saunders county, Ne- braska, and took up a homestead claim about one-half mile from the present site of Wahoo. After putting up some buildings and otherwise improving his land he sold it. The same farm is now owned by Abel Leese. In those early days the city of Wahoo was unheard of, and Mr. Adams shot antelopes where it is now located.
After he had been engaged in farming in that vicinity about eight years, Wahoo was founded, and the subject of this sketch removed there, erecting a building 24 by 24 feet upon the same ground occupied later by the old Opera House.
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In this building Mr. Adams started the first furniture store in the place and conducted busi- ness there for three years. He then sold out and took another trip to Europe, combining business with pleasure. Upon his return to America he followed farming one year, but discontinued that occupation to accept a position as assistant cashier in the State Bank with W. H. Dickinson.
Three years later Mr. Adams again estab- lished a furniture store, this time on the corner of Fourth and Linden streets. He carried on a successful business there for three years, and then purchased an elevator on the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad, and em- barked in the grain and live stock business. This occupied his time for three years, or until 1890, when he was appointed to his present im- portant position as superintendent of the Wa- hoo waterworks.
Mr. Adams married Mary Jane Dickinson, who was a native of England, and was reared in the same vicinity where Mr. Adams also grew up. Her father was John Dickinson. Seven children blessed this union, viz : John C., Hubert A., Percy, Wilhelmina, Florence, Mar- jorie, and Pauline. The eldest son is an en- gineer of the waterworks at Wahoo. He mar- ried Annie Hughes. The second son is also an engineer, while Florence and Percy both fol- low the profession of teaching.
In politics Mr. Adams is a Republican. He unites with his family in worshiping at the Epis- copal church. He has been active in building up the city of Wahoo, and has dealt quite ex- tensively in real estate. He has built several
fine residences, each of which he sold and there- by added to his bank account. His present resi- dence is a model of neatness and convenience. Such citizens as Mr. Adams have not only as- sisted the growth of Wahoo, but have made Stocking precinct what it is today.
INCENT L. HAWTHORNE, a prosperous attorney-at-law, has been lo- cated at Wahoo, Saunders county, Ne- braska, since June, 1885. He is a general favorite in Stocking precinct, and is regarded as one of the leading attorneys of the county.
Mr. Hawthorne is a son of Samuel J. Haw- thorne and grandson of William Hawthorne. The last named was a native of the north of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish descent. On coming to America he settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, about 1784, and was a pioneer in that county. In 1809 he went to Jefferson county, Ohio, and bought 300 acres of forest land in the northwest corner of the county. Most of this land he cleared, and made additional purchases, including a large brick residence. The residence is now owned by Oliver Hendon. Upon this farm William Hawthorne spent the remainder of his life. Samuel J. Hawthorne also spent the greater part of his life there. They were both known as progressive farmers of their day. Later in life Samuel J. Hawthorne moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where he died.
Vincent L. Hawthorne was born forty-one years ago in Jefferson county, Ohio. He at-
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tended the public schools of Mount Pleasant, and subsequently graduated from Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio. Having decided to fit himself for the profession of law, he ac- cordingly became a student under Hon. Loren- zo Danford, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. After three years of hard study he was admitted to the bar, June 3, 1884. During this time he had taken but one vacation, and then he had made an extended trip through the Southern and Western states. He was so favorably im- pressed with various places, especially in the West, that he decided to locate in that region when he had finished his law studies.
Soon after his admission to the bar, much to the regret of hosts of friends, he packed his trunk and started west, not knowing exactly where he would settle. He visited various places, and finally went to Hastings, Nebraska, where he arranged some property affairs for friends in the East. The same business also called him to Grand Island, Nebraska. While there he met W. H. Stoddard, who was also seeking a location. They finally decided to settle in Wahoo, Nebraska, which was one of the most progressive towns they had visited. Opening an office, they began practice together, but continued for a short time only, as Mr. Stoddard went east and is now in Buffalo, New York.
Mr. Hawthorne continued practice alone and in a comparatively short time his ability and shrewdness had established for a him a good business. His practice has ever been on the increase and his winning ways have gained for him many friends. He was elected city attor-
ney of Wahoo, on the Republican ticket, and served three years.
Mr. Hawthorne married Jessie M. Reid, a daugliter of Rev. David Reid, a Presbyterian minister. Mrs. Hawthorne was reared in the same vicinity as her husband. They have two promising sons-Raymond L. and Herbert R. The subject of this sketch is prominently con- nected with many fraternal organizations. Be- fore leaving St. Clairsville, Ohio, he took de- grees in the F. & A. M., R. A. M. and the K. T. After locating in the West he obtained a demit and his membership was transferred to lodges in his own locality. He assisted in instituting the chapter in Wahoo, and joined the Knights Templar of Fremont, Nebraska. He served
as high priest of the latter and in various other offices. He also affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the A. O. U. W. He has served in minor offices of the last named organization.
Mr. Hawthorne is also chairman of the con gressional committee and is quite a political leader. In his profession he is not excelled by any one in Saunders county. Among those who have studied law in his office are attorneys J. Yager and Kert Perkey, both well known as men of ability.
M. BENNETT, a prosperous farmer, of Rock Creek precinct, Saunders county, ·Nebraska, was born July 24, 1848, in Ritchie county, West Virginia, and is a son of Patrick and Nancy (Smith) Bennett.
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Patrick Bennett was from Vermont and after his marriage moved to West Virginia. In the fall of 1865 he moved with his family to Davis county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1872, when he moved to Saunders county, Nebraska. He homesteaded 80 acres in section 22, town- ship 13, range 6, and afterward bought 80 acres in section 23, upon 40 acres of which Mr. Lambert's home is now located. It was Burlington & Missouri River Railroad land, and Mrs. Bennett still owns the other 40 acres, upon which she lives, but spends some months of each year in visiting in the East. Mr. Bennett is now deceased. Their children were as follows: William, Celestia A., Mrs. Lambert, Armeda A. (Beelan), Hen- rietta (Evans), Euphrasia (Hagerman), Ida (Sidwell), John, and F. M.
William Bennett served in the army during the Civil War, went to Saunders county, Nebraska, from Davis county, Iowa, in 1871, and owns a comfortable home farm in the southern part of Rock Creek precinct, which was patented by Mr. March. He married Sarah E. Ethel, a daughter of Benjamin Ethel, and they have seven children : Arthur, a book- keeper of Lincoln, who married Ellis Sears; Oliver, David F., Marietta (Scanlon), of Cer- esco, Nebraska; Lucy E., Estella, and J. E. Celestia A. is deceased. Mrs. Lambert's hus- band's life is recorded elsewhere in this work. Armeda A. is Mrs. Beelan, of Rock Creek pre- cinct. Henrietta is the wife of Alfred Evans, of Rock Creek precinct. Euphrasia is Mrs. Hagerman, of Rock Creek precinct. Ida is
Mrs. Sidwell, who lives with her father-in-law in Iowa. John, deceased, lived in West Vir- ginia, and F. M. is the subject of this writing.
F. M. Bennett worked in a saw mill for some years, in Iowa, and in the spring of 1872 moved to Saunders county, Nebraska, with his father, homesteading the west half of the northeast quarter of section 22, where his home is now located. He was married in 1879, and then built a small house, 10 by 14 feet, on a knoll south of his present house, hauling the lumber from Lincoln. He afterward added a larger part to it, which is now used as a granary. In 1883 he built his present house, which is L- shaped and has one and a half stories, the main part being 14 by 24 feet. In 1898 hie built an ad- dition, 18 by 12 feet. He used a sod barn for one year and then built a barn 24 feet long with a thatched roof. In 1894 he built his present barn, 32 by 36 feet, and a granary, 10 by 16 feet, with 8-foot posts, together with other out- buildings. His home is surrounded by a four- acre grove of willows and cottonwoods, and he also has a large orchard. He has a good well and wore out one mill, which was replaced re- cently by a new one. He is engaged in general farming, and raises about 100 hogs yearly, hav- ing Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle of high grade. He has good horses of English Shire stock. His place is highly improved and in excellent condition. He is a man of good business ability and strict integrity, and is everywhere held in the highest esteem.
In 1879 Mr. Bennett was united in marriage with Rachael Miller, a daughter of Sebastian Miller, who was an early settler of Saunders
MR. AND MRS. LAVE ISAACSON.
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county, and they are the parents of three chil- dren : Ada, who went through school and is a dressmaker at Wahoo; Mary Alice, who lives at home, and Charlie L., who also lives at home. Politically the subject of this sketch is a Popu- list and serves on the school board. Religiously he is a member of the First Baptist church, and his oldest daughter is a Methodist. He assists in sustaining the Methodist church, which is located near his father's first farm.
AVE ISAACSON, who is now living in retirement in his beautiful home in Malmo, Saunders county, Nebras- ka, was the first Swedish settler of that locality and was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Mariposa precinct for many years.
Mr. Isaacson was born in Sweden in 1839, and is a son of Isaac and Chaste (Laveson) Nelson, being the oldest of four children, as follows: Lave, the subject hereof ; Margaret, deceased; Peter, who died at Galesburg, Illi- nois; and Ellen, who also died in America. Lave Isaacson came to America in 1868, and for one year was located at Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed in the Union Pacific Railroad shops. On April 5, 1869, he arrived in Saunders county and homesteaded the south half of the southwest quarter of section 8, township 15, range 6. About fifty others filed claims at the same time, but he was the first of the Swedish settlers to locate there, being about three weeks ahead of Mr. Ekdahl. He immediately set about breaking the sod and,
about two years later, erected a large frame house, the only frame house at that time for many miles around. He hauled the lumber for it from Fremont, Nebraska, under great difficulties, fording the Platte River or patron- izing the ferry, and these trips made the house a very expensive one. He lived upon the old homestead for thirteen years, and then sold out to Peter Hanson, deceased, whose son still owns the place. The land was sold at that time for $22 per acre. He then purchased 120 acres of railroad land, including the east half of the northwest quarter of section II, township 15, range 6, and the northwest quar- ter of the southeast quarter of the same sec- tion. It was a slightly improved farm and had a few shade trees, and also a good stream of running water supplied by springs. He greatly improved the farm in every respect, setting out an orchard of three acres of all kinds of fruit, and building a large and sub- stantial eleven-room house. He also built a barn, 24 by 40 feet, and other necessary out- buildings, including cattle sheds and a granary. He left the farm in 1885, and spent the sum- mer of that year in the old country, and upon returning, he located at Wahoo, and engaged in the implement business. There he con- tinued for two years, after which he returned to his farm and conducted it until 1891. Since that time his adopted son has had charge of it. Mr. Isaacson is living, virtually, a retired life, although he buys and ships some stock. He is a good business man and has always handled his affairs in a most successful manner. He is a man of many pleasing characteristics, and
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enjoys the friendship and respect of a large cir- cle of acquaintances.
Mr. Isaacson was united in marriage with Anna Sorenson, a daughter of Soren Ander- son. Her parents came to America, where they remained until their decease. Besides Mrs. Isaacson, they had the following chil- dren: Hannah (Johnson), who lives in Mari- posa precinct, and has two children, John and Annie; Andrew, who is deceased; and Nels, who is also a resident of Mariposa precinct. The subject of this sketch and his wife have an adopted son and daughter : Nils and Han- nah. Nils Isaacson was joined in marriage with Ida Nistrom, and they have two chil- dren, Lave and Edna; he is now upon the old home farm, and is a very successful busi- ness man. Hannah is at home. Lave Isaac- son is a Populist, in politics. He is a member of the Lutheran church. The town of Malmo, where his handsome residence is located, was first established in 1888, and Mariposa pre- cinct derived its name from Mary Posa, a daughter of one of the earliest settlers. A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Isaacson is shown on a preceding page.
ELS J. ANDERSON, the popular and leading photographer of Wahoo, Nebras- ka, is an artist of considerable skill. His studio is located at the corner of Fifth street and Broadway. He has fine parlors and operating rooms there, and employs two assist- ants. His works are found in most of the
homes of Wahoo and vicinity. His success both in cabinets and enlarged photographs has been unqualified, and he has received various prizes in contests. All has not been smooth sailing for our subject, however, as he has ex- perienced his quota of discouragements. But he surmounted difficulties and obtained new starts, allowing no calamity to dissuade him from his determination to be the leading pho- tographer of Wahoo.
Mr. Anderson was born in Onnestad, Swe- den. His father, John Anderson, came to America and located in Omaha, Nebraska. He had formerly followed agricultural pursuits. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Swenson, is still living, and resides in Omaha.
Nels J. Anderson was joined in marriage with Sophia Nelson Carlson, a daughter of Nelson P. Carlson, of Kalmar, Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children : Hildur J., wife of Ed Killian, of Wahoo; Ar- thur L., who is his father's assistant, and Nels Rudolph, a student.
Mr. Anderson attended school in his native country. In 1869 he came to America, settling in Princeton, Illinois, where he followed farm- ing for some time. He then went to Omaha, Nebraska, and became a student of photog- raphy under E. L. Eaton. In 1879 he went to Wahoo and built a studio on Linden street. There he began the pursuit of his chosen call- ing, and having served under a superior in- structor he was soon able to establish a fine trade. He was the third artist to locate in Wahoo, Mr. Benjon being the first and J. B. Sturdevant the second.
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In a short time after settling in Wahoo, Mr. Anderson was enabled to purchase the business of Mr. Sturdevant, and for some time con- ducted two photograph galleries. Later he sold one of these to Mrs. Perkey. Soon afterward the fire fiend paid him an unwelcome visit. The building he occupied was burned to the ground and he sustained heavy losses. Although some- what discouraged, he did not give up, and was soon able to see what course was best to pursue. He repurchased the gallery previously sold to Mrs. Perkey, which is the same now occupied by him. He has enjoyed an excellent patron- age ever since, which goes to prove that his works possess real merit.
Mr. Anderson is in sympathy with the Re- publican party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization, of which he is a past grand. He also belongs to the Rebecca encampment and to the Modern Woodmen of the World. The subject of this sketch has a fine residence, which he built on Tenth street. He located in Wahoo twenty-one years ago and is among the most popular citizens of the place.
STILLMAN HILLS, a gentleman who bears an honorable record for service in the Civil War, is a prom- inent representative of the agricultural class of citizens of Saunders county, Nebraska, owning large landed interests in Mariposa precinct.
Mr. Hills was born near Marengo, Illinois, in 1840, and is a son of Calvin and Anisteen V. (Mead) Hills. His father was a native of Ver-
mont and his mother of New York. The sub- ject hereof is one of nine children born to his parents, as follows : F. M., M. Stillman, E. J., Ann Amelia, L. J., Helen E., John F., Walter, and Phebe. F. M. married Mary E. Allen and lives in Villa Grove, Colorado. He has three children, Ina, Izzie, and Calvin; two others died. He is a well-to-do ranchman and mining expert. M. Stillman is the subject of this sketch. E. J., who is interested in mining at Poncha Springs Colorado, married Emma Sprague and has six children : Willie, Estella, Jessie, Helen, Lora, and Everill. Ann Amelia married F. L. Dodge, a retired editor of Col- grove, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. They have two living children: Mrs. Susie Bryan, a widow, and Eva Dodge. L. J., living at Marengo, Illinois, is a dealer in agricultural instruments. He married Anna Pringle, by whom he had two children: Roy and Edna (deceased). Helen E. married R. G. White, of Hanford, California, who is a ranchman and also interested in the sale of gasoline engines. They adopted a daughter, Margaret. John F., of Centralia, Wisconsin, is engaged in farm- ing; he married Helma Anderson, and they have five children : Harry, Clarence, Helen, Clifford, and Gusta. Walter and Phebe died in childhood.
M. Stillman Hills was reared on a farm and received his educational training in the district schools of Illinois. He was just past twenty- one years old when he enlisted, in August, 1862, in the 95th Regiment, Illinois Vol. Inf. He served three years in the Western Army, being under General McPherson, in the 17th Army
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Corps, and under General A. J. Smith, in the 16th Army Corps. He participated in many of the most prominent battles fought along the Mississippi River, including that of Vicksburg. Upon returning home in 1865, he learned the harness-maker's trade, at which he worked for five years. In June, 1870, he removed to Saun- ders county, Nebraska, filed a claim, and, one year later, homesteaded the south half of the north half of section 2, township 15, range 6, exercising his soldier's right. E. P. Grover, a partner of Mr. Hills, filed a claim on the north half of the north half of section 2, and together they built a house in the corner of their four "eighties." They lived together one year, and then Mr. Hills sold out his interest in the house and built, on the present site, a house 14 by 20 feet, the boards of which ran up and down and were banked up with sod. When he began farming in Nebraska he had but a team of horses, an old wagon and $125 in money. Dur- ing the second year there his best horse was killed by lightning. He worked the first fall in a grist mill, making $50, and thus had the $100 necessary to buy lumber at Fremont for erect- ing a new house, which his wife papered with newspapers. He also built a sod stable and later on purchased three 40-acre tracts of the Green claim. He set out his first forestry in the spring of 1871, and now has an elegant grove and a fine row of trees along the west front of the farm. In 1872, or 1873, he set out 50 or 75 fruit trees, which he got at Greenwood, and thus started his fine orchard. In 1889 he built his present fine home, the main part being 16 by 24 feet and 16 feet high, and
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