USA > Nebraska > Sarpy County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 21
USA > Nebraska > Saunders County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 21
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When Mr. Keetle had saved, by hard labor, sufficient money to invest in a home he looked about for a location. Having friends in Saunders county, Nebraska, who urged him to come there, he acted upon their advice, and went to see the country. He was so well pleased with it that on April 10, 1880, he purchased of L. K. Bell a quarter section of land in Ashland precinct, and took his family there. At that time there was only a small wooden building upon it, which is now used as a cow shed. Mr. Keetle built a fine new house, barns, and other buildings. He also set out fine orchards of fruit and berries, not omitting to plant an abundance of shade trees.
Some time later Mr. Keetle purchased the Calhoun farm of 1871/2 acres, also the H. C. Henry farm of 80 acres, and the S. Bryan
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farm of 80 acres. These farms all adjoined his own, and are beautifully situated. He keeps 50 head of fine cattle and 100 head of hogs, besides which he raises some very fine horses. Mr. Keetle is a Republican, and has served twelve years as supervisor, and member of the school board. He joins his family in worship- ing at the M. E. church. He ranks among the most progressive farmers of Saunders county.
OHN H. MOTT, a standard farmer of Green precinct, Saunders county, Ne- braska, is an Ohioan by birth. He was born in Adams county, in that state, in 1858, and is a son of James and Ellen (Cunningham) Mott. His parents left Ohio in 1882 and went west to Saunders county, Nebraska, where they followed farming the remainder of their lives. His father died in 1890, aged eighty years, and his mother died seven years later, aged seventy-two years. Nine children were born to them, namely : Mary E., deceased; John H., who is the subject hereof; William C., whose sketch is also found in this volume; James D., a resident of Ohio; Emma S., wife of E. Gordon, of Saunders county, Nebraska ; Charles R., deceased; and three who died in infancy.
William C. Mott was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1860. He was reared and schooled in his native state and accompanied his parents to Nebraska in 1882. He rented different farms until 1890, and then purchased 80 acres, known as the Loomis farm. Some time later
he bought an adjoining 80-acre tract, known as the Sutton farm, and upon the latter he now resides. This farm contained a small frame house when purchased by Mr. Mott, who has added an elegant new residence, large barns, granaries, sheds, corn-cribs, etc. He also has improved the land, and now owns one of the best grain and stock farms in Saunders county. The quality of the grain raised and of the stock he has upon his farm is not surpassed in the state. He keeps 50 head of choice Here- ford and Shorthorn cattle and about 150 head of the best kind of hogs. His principal grain product is corn. He married Saloma Colbert, a daughter of John Colbert. Mrs. Mott died without issue in 1897, aged thirty-seven years. Mr. Mott is a member of the M. E. church, and is a Republican in politics.
John H. Mott, the subject hereof, was reared and schooled in his native state while working upon his father's farm. On February 21, 1879, he went west to Saunders county, Nebraska, to see the country. He worked on a farm in that county one year and spent the following year working in Saline county. In 1880 he bought 80 acres of railroad land in Green pre- cinct, Saunders county, and upon this tract he still lives. This land was then new and un- cultivated, but was promising for the future. Mr. Mott's experience enabled him to choose the best. The first building he erected upon his farm was a corn-crib to hold his first year's crop. Afterward he built a house 16 by 24 feet in dimensions, and 12 feet high. In later years he remodeled and enlarged this into a fine residence. He also built large barns, ex-
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tensive corn-cribs and granaries, hog-pens and all of the necessary buildings used by a pro- gressive farmer of today.
Mr. Mott did not neglect to plant both fruit and shade trees. He now enjoys an abundance of fruit-not least among his trees being 56 fine bearing apple trees. He devotes his whole time to raising stock and grain, of which he raises only the best. John H. Mott married Flora C. Matheson, a daughter of John and Marietta Matheson, who reside on a farm in Green precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Mott have two children, namely : Hugh F., and James Donald. Mrs. Mott died at her home May 1, 1900, aged thirty-nine years. Like his father and brother, Mr. Mott is ·a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Brethren church.
BRAHAM B. MILLER, one of the most prosperous and progressive farm- ers and stock raisers in the western part of Ashland precinct, is a splendid manager, and is looked upon as a model farmer in Saunders county. Mr. Miller is the owner of one of the most productive and highly culti- vated farms in the state of Nebraska. He is a native of York county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1847. He is a son of John S. and Maria (Britton) Miller. His father followed agricultural pursuits in the Keystone State.
Abraham B. Miller was reared on his father's farm and attended public school until he at- tained the age of eighteen years, when he
started out to make his own way in life. He had learned no trade, and only knew what belonged to the sturdy farmer's vocation. Hav- ing heard of the advantages of the West he left home and ventured into the state of Ohio, where he worked for some time.
There it was that he made the acquaintance of Sarah Helmley, a daughter of Christian and Christiana Helmley, of Adams county, Ohio. That young lady afterward became his wife, and shared alike his joys and sorrows. They started on life's journey together without cap- ital, but with sturdy constitutions, a deter- mined will and hands that were willing to work. They went further west, to Illinois, where they accumulated some money, and de- termined to go still further west, where they could invest their small capital to the best ad- vantage.
In 1879 they located in Saunders county, Nebraska, little of which was then under culti- vation; it was, however, very fertile and prom- ising. Mr. Miller purchased 160 acres of choice land, which was just a little rolling and in a favorable location. This claim was taken up by Dr. Simongton, but Mr. Miller pur- chased it from Samuel Fales, who had previously acquired it. The farm con- tained only a small house, which is now used as a kitchen for the magnificent residence now located there. Upon this farm Mr. Miller and his faithful wife battled with all their strength, and their success is well deserved. Besides put- ting his land into a state of high cultivation he built the present residence, which is one of the most beautiful in Saunders county. He
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also built new and spacious barns, granaries, machine sheds, and other buildings. He set out evergreen and other lovely shade trees, planted orchards, and improved his farm in every conceivable way. Besides carrying on general farming he has a large and well as- sorted stock of cattle, horses and hogs.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two sons living, and have lost one son. Their names are : Ray- mond, Ernest E. (deceased), and Talmage E. Raymond and Talmage E. are a source of great pride to their parents. They own in partner- ship a fine horse and buggy, in which they drive to Ashland, where they both attend high school.
Mr. Miller is not only a model farmer but is a model citizen as well. He is strictly a temperance man, has served on the school board in his district many times, favors the Congregational church, and is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. In his political views he is in accord with the policies of the Republican party. Such men as Mr. Miller make any community prosperous.
OSIAH J. DECH, one of the early set- tlers of Clear Creek precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, where he still tills the soil, is also manager of the Railsback Brothers' elevator, at Memphis, in the same precinct. This elevator was built by Railsback & Mitchell in 1888. It then had a capacity of 7,000 bush- els. In 1889 it was enlarged to a capacity
of 14,000 bushels. It was run by horse power until 1889, when steam power was put in. In 1898 a gasoline engine was also added. About 6,000 bushels of corn are handled per day be- sides large quantities of oats and wheat. Mr. Dech was born in Monroe county, Pennsyl- vania in 1839. He is a son of Elijah H. and Hannah ( Heller) Dech.
Elijah H. Dech was a native of Northamp- ton county, Pennsylvania. In April, 1857, he went to Lee county, Illinois, where he culti- vated a farm, having previously been a miller by trade. In the spring of the year 1868 he went farther west to Ithaca, Saunders county,
Nebraska, which was then comparatively un- settled. He homesteaded So acres, upon which he built a house of the dimensions of 16 by 24 feet, upon the same site now occupied by Barney Schroeder's house. Ithaca was after- ward laid out on his farm, and in 1869 he also built a mill there. He enjoyed the distinction of being the first postmaster of Ithaca, the post- office being opened in his house in 1869. He died in 1870, aged sixty-eight years. He was survived by his widow until 1892, when she passed away at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The following children were born to thein : Josiah J. (the subject hereof) ; John, of Antelope, Nebraska; George, of Colorado; William E., a farmer, of Ithaca; Susan, de- ceased; Mary Ann, wife of Alfred Eyer; Martha, wife of A. Roberts; and Helen, wife of B. Parks.
At the age of seventeen years Josialı J. Dech began to learn the carpenter's trade. In August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company D,
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34th Reg. Il1. Vol. Infantry, and was honor- ably discharged from service as a corporal July 12, 1865. He took active part in the conflicts at Shiloh and Stone River, and served through- out the Atlanta campaign. Returning from the war he spent the following two years drilling wells in various parts of Illinois. Later he fol- lowed farming in the same state, and in 1866 went to Clear Creek precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska. Upon his arrival there with team, wagon and family, he had but $15 in money, but was determined to gain a foot- hold. He homesteaded 80 acres of land near Memphis, which is still his home. Some time afterward he added 80 acres to it. There, by hard work, and his wife's assistance, he reared a large family, and improved his farm. Their first house was 12 by 20 feet in dimensions, but they now have a fine residence, and a good set of buildings. Besides raising grain, large num- bers of cattle, horses and hogs are raised by Mr. Dech every year.
The subject of this sketch married Margaret Eyer, a daughter of Philip Eyer, of Dixon, Illinois. Mr. Eyer was among the early set- tlers of Clear Creek precinct. He homesteaded what is now the Noah Wilhelm place. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dech, namely: Grace, Cora, Maude, Ora, Norma, Frank, Charles, Ralph, and Ida, who died young. Grace was born in Illinois, married L. A. Camp, of Saunders county, and their children are : Ray, Howard, Amy, Flora, Bessie, and Earl. Cora married Eli Kiser, of the same county, and their children are : Mabel, Zelma and Elma, twins, Ira, and Victor. Maude became the
wife of John Archer, of Pierce county, Ne- braska, and they have two children: Roy and Pearl. Ora married James Brown, and they have two children : Joe, and a baby daughter. Norma married O. D. Marks, and has one child, Genevieve. Frank married Pearl Marks, and they have two children: Elmer and Ruth. Charles and Ralph are still at home.
Mr. Dech was engaged in teaming during the first years of his stay in Nebraska. While thus occupied he had the distinction of hauling the first load of lumber ever drawn from Platts- mouth to Saunders county. In politics, he is a Republican. He has served on the school board a number of times, also five years as road com- missioner, and five terms as constable. Fra- ternally, he affiliates with the G. A. R., the K. of P., and the Woodmen of the World. His ideas on religion are broad and liberal.
AMUEL MERRIMAN, a highly re- spected and retired citizen of Memphis, Saunders county, is one of the pioneer settlers of Nebraska. He is a native of La- grange county, Indiana, where he first saw the light of day in 1845. He is a son of William and Mary (Smedley) Merriman. His parents both died young, and he began working as chore-boy on a farm at the early age of nine years.
July 14, 1862, Mr. Merriman enlisted in the Union army as a private in Company D, 8th Reg. Minn. Vol. Infantry. He enlisted under Captain Samuel McLarty, and was honorably
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discharged July 11, 1865. He participated in many different engagements along the frontier, among themBirch Cooley, Butte Hill, and Fort Ridgely, and the battle of Redwood Lake, and that spot where the Indians surrendered, 1,500 in number, they named Camp Release. In that campaign Mr. Merriman assisted in the funeral of 40 women and children mas- sacred by the red demons. He afterward, in the fall of 1862, assisted in taking 1,500 prison- ers to Fort Snelling, Minnesota. One trip necessitated going 800 miles on a flat boat down the Missouri River under a broiling sun. He also saw active service at Antietam and Fortress Monroe.
May 29, 1870, Mr. Merriman married Jemima Miller, a daughter of James and Mary (Baker) Miller, of Indiana. Soon after mar- riage, the young folk went west, and took a homestead claim of 160 acres in Oak Creek precinct, Butler county, Nebraska. After build- ing a sod house he began to till the soil. One day while away from home a prairie fire con- sumed all their belongings. They built another and smaller house, 10 by 12 feet în size, in which they lived for three years, enduring many privations.
In those days it was not uncommon to find huge rattlesnakes on the floor of their sod house when they awoke in the morning. Upon one occasion, when Mrs. Merriman was alone, she stepped on a rattlesnake but was quick enough to avoid being bitten. Reaching for her hoe, which was kept handy, she proceeded to kill the snake, and afterward killed its mate also. She is one of the nervy little women who
helped to settle Nebraska, and many things may be said in her praise. .
In 1876 Mr. Merriman purchased a farm in Clear Creek precinct, Saunders county. This farm was homesteaded by Mr. Chamberlain, and contained 80 acres. After living there eleven years he sold out and moved to Mem- phis, Nebraska, where he followed blacksmith- ing for years. He is now practically retired from business pursuits.
Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mer- riman, namely: Eugene Harvey, James Gar- field, and Roy, who died when nine months old. The oldest son is manager and purchasing agent for Duff's elevator, at Memphis, Ne- braska. The younger son works on the county grader. Mr. Merriman is a stanch Republican. He has served on the school board, and is the only Republican ever elected in his precinct to the office of road supervisor. He also served as constable for two years. Fraternally, he affiliates with the G. A. R., the K. of P., and the Woodmen of America.
The subject of this sketch is reaping the just rewards of honest toil. He entertains liberal ideas on the subject of religion, and is a public- spirited citizen in every respect.
HARLES F. KIRKPATRICK, M. D., a promising young physician and surgeon of Ashland, Saunders county, Ne- braska, is up to date in his profession, and en- joys a good practice not only in Saunders county but in surrounding counties as well.
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Dr. Kirkpatrick was born in Decatur, Ohio, where he was also reared and educated. His father, Cyrus B. Kirkpatrick, is now a resident of Kansas. After leaving school the Doctor entered the office of Dr. William K. Coleman, of West Union, Ohio, as a medical student. Subsequently, he attended Columbus Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in the class of 1882.
Shortly after receiving his diploma, Dr. Kirkpatrick opened an office at Youngsville, Ohio, where he practiced his chosen profession until April, 1886. He then came west to Ash- land, Saunders county, Nebraska, thereby choosing a progressive center in which he has built up his present large practice. He has a fine office, and parlors centrally located on Silver street.
Dr. Kirkpatrick married Eliza Shofstall, a daughter of John Shofstall, one of the pioneer settlers of southern Ohio. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born and reared in the same neighborhood as her husband. They have one child, Louise A., who is a promising student.
Fraternally, our subject is a member of Pomegranate Lodge No. 110, F. & A. M., of Ashland, Nebraska ; and of the K. of P., of which he is a past chancellor. He is also a member of the Nebraska State Medical Society. The Doctor is a great student, and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times. He is well posted upon all the modern methods and appliances used in advancing the interests of medical science, and thoroughly familiar with the best and safest methods of relieving pain and treating chronic diseases. Each and
every case receives his most careful considera- tion and attention. In fact, he studies each case closely, and to this fact he attributes his unbounded success. As a citizen he is highly esteemed by all who know him.
OHN C. RAILSBACK, present mayor of Ashland, Saunders county, Nebraska, was first elected to fill that office in 1891, re-elected in 1892 and 1893, and again in 1897, 1898, 1899 and 1900. He is a stanch Repub- lican, and has also served the Ashland public in the council and as treasurer. Mr. Railsback thoroughly appreciates the honors of his pres- ent position as mayor of one of the finest busi- ness centers in Saunders county. It was at Ashland that civilization in the county had its beginning, and there the first business places were built. The locality contained the only ford on Salt Creek, and over this ford all trans- portation was carried on. It was a frequent camping ground for Indians, and is quite a his- toric spot-as many Indians and whites also have been slain there. Civilization began in the latter part of 1850, when a dam was made at the ford and the mill was erected there. Stores were also built, and the place was called Salem Ford for a short time. Flora City sprang afterward into existence. These places were subsequently consolidated and called Ash- land. In 1879 the county seat was established there, but was transferred later to Wahoo, which is more centrally located. Although much of its glory was taken away, Ashland is
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still a fine business center, nearly all kinds of trade being represented there. The place con- tains three hotels, numerous churches and good schools.
John C. Railsback was born in Tazewell county, Illinois. His father, J. E. Railsback, has been in the grain business in Tazewell county since 1869. In the fall of 1882 he went to Ashland, Saunders county, Nebraska, and purchased an interest in the grain business of Railsback, Mitchell & Company. He succeeded that company and carried on business there and at his home until 1891. At that time his sons, John C. and Gifford, succeeded him at Ashland, and have since conducted the business there.
The plant at Ashland was erected in 1872 by John P. Palmyston. It was run by horse power, and on a small scale. In 1876 James H. Snell and N. A. Saunders bought it and, two years later, they were succeeded by Mr. Snell, who put in steam power. In 1882 the plant became the property of J. E. Railsback, father of the subject hereof.
Mr. Railsback enlarged the plant until it had a capacity of 25,000 bushels. He also in- creased the steam power to 20 horse-power, put in a steam corn-sheller and made other ini- portant improvements. In those early days the grain was all drawn to market by horses. This was continued until after the railroad was built. Elevators were then built at Memphis and Ithaca, Nebraska, by Mr. Railsback. He also purchased an elevator at Greenwood, Ne- braska, which was built by J. N. Brown, and one at Malmo, Nebraska, built by a stock com- pany. One man is employed at each of these
places and the grain is all shipped to Ashland, where they have a track built to the elevator. There the wheat is unloaded and cleaned by machinery, and is then shipped to the markets. About 300 carloads of grain are shipped from Ashland per year.
John C. Railsback was reared in his native place, where he followed the grocery business for some time. He subsequently went west, locating in Ashland. Since then he and his un- married brother have devoted their time and attention principally to the grain business. The subject of this sketch married Susan Manard, a native of Tazewell county, Illinois. They have one daughter, Vera.
Mayor Railsback is an influential man in his locality. He fills the mayor's chair with con- scientiousness and dignity. The firm of Rails- back Brothers, of which he is the senior mem- ber, are among the most extensive grain dealers in Saunders county.
OHN WESLEY HORN, a retired farm- er and extensive fruit grower of Yutan, Union precinct, is a self-made man, and has helped to make Saunders county, Nebraska, what it is today. Mr. Horn was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 29, 1845. He is a son of Martin L. and Julia (Hellman) Horn. His parents moved to Fulton county, Illinois, when he was nine years old. His father was a farm- er, and died in that state, at the advanced age of seventy-two years.
John Wesley Horn was reared on his father's
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farm near Astoria, Illinois. In early manhood he was joined in marriage with Minerva Bias, a daughter of Obadiah and Jane (Shields) Bias. After marriage, the young folk went to Kansas, and looked for a suitable location. They did not like that state, however, and re- turned. Having friends who praised Saunders county, Nebraska, Mr. Horn decided to locate there. On March 13, 1872, he went to the lat- ter place and rented land for two years. By that time he was satisfied to locate there, and purchased 80 acres of school land in section 16, at $7.50 per acre. He also purchased 80 acres of railroad land in section 15, for $11 per acre.
Mr. Horn then built a house on his farm, paying $30 per thousand feet for lumber. He also built a straw shed, for use until he could do better. In this way he obtained a start, and by degrees he fenced in his entire farm and got it under cultivation. Among the most notable improvements of his property are his shade trees and orchards. These trees he set out in a large circle, enclosing on three sides, his resi- dence, barn, and several acres of land. By this arrangement he secured the finest fruit display in his section of Saunders county. He has 125 choice apple trees, now bearing; 25 pecan trees; 800 fine peach trees; 50 grape vines ; 75 persimmon trees ; 100 plum trees, and a great variety of pear and cherry trees, besides all kinds of berries. Being on a high rise of land, his beautiful place can be seen and ad- mired for many miles by travelers.
Mr. Horn's land is of the best kind. He raises grain, cattle, horses, hogs, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Horn have been blessed with five chil-
dren, namely : Elza L., a drug clerk; Carl C., a jeweler, now deceased; Blanche M., deceased ; James R., deceased; and Lewis M., a student of music.
In 1899 Mr. Horn retired from farming, and since then has rented his land. He has plenty to do, however, in looking after his fruit, berries and a large colony of bees, in which there are more than forty hives. In his political views Mr. Horn favors the Dem- ocratic party. He is a member of the Christian church, and belongs to the A. O. U. W.
A LEXANDER S. VON MANSFELDE, M. D., one of Saunders county's most distinguished citizens, has been lo- cated at Ashland since 1878. He has con- ducted a sanitarium there, known as "Quality Hill," and has established a solid reputation as a practitioner, being undoubtedly the most prominent member of the medical profession in the county. He has made a specialty of the treatment of women's diseases, and his success has resulted in many calls in consultation at distant points.
Alexander S. von Mansfelde was born in the Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, December 21, 1845. His father was at one time owner of large estates there, but meeting with reverses he immigrated to America with his family in 1861, locating first in Chicago, but later at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he died in 1865, at the age of fifty years.
Our subject attended the Friedeberg schools
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in Germany until he came to America, in 1861. In 1863 he accepted a position with H. B. Reed & Co., a large wholesale drug house of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and won the favor of his em- ployers at the start, receiving encouragement from them to enter the field of medicine. Dur- ing this time, therefore, he read medicine with Drs. B. S. Woodworth and A. H. Hunt, of the same place, the latter of whom still resides at Wooster, Ohio. Although a part of his wages went to the support of the family, he saved what he could, and in the fall of 1866 was possessed of sufficient means to permit of his entrance at Rush Medical College, at Chi- cago, Illinois. During his years of work with the drug house, he made the most of his oppor- tunities and studied drugs and medicine in the morning before work, and in the evening after his work had been completed, and as a result he was made a prescription clerk before others who had served a longer time than he. He en- tered into the work at college with the same spirit and energy,-his one object being the mastery of the science of medicine. His funds became exhausted before he had completed his course of study, and upon the advice of some of his professors he entered upon a practice, attending class during the winter. He was very successful and acquired a clientele which he was reluctant to leave to complete his course, but he returned and was graduated with the class of 1872, known as the "fire class," the first after the great fire of Chicago. On March · 9, 1875, he was called to Lincoln, Nebraska, to perform an operation, and was so delighted with the country he decided to locate there.
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