Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska, Part 227

Author: Alden Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1402

USA > Nebraska > Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska > Part 227

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standing for the best interests along educational and moral lines.

He is a member of the Christian church. In political affiliations he is a populist and fraternizes with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order United Workmen. With Mrs. Hather he is a member of the Rebeccas and the Degree of Honor.

GEORGE B. HOVLAND.

George B. Hovland, formerly a real estate, loans, and insurance agent, in Newman Grove, Nebraska, was one of the well-known and influen- tial citizens of that community. He resided in Madison county for many years, during which time he was engaged in farming for some years with pronounced success, now being owner of con- siderable valuable property in the eity in which he made his home for so long, and also the surround- ing country.

Mr. Hovland was born on the island of Utsire, Norway, on September 20, 1846, and was the second in a family of six children, born to Mikkel and Lavina Hovland. He received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen years struck out for himself, going to sea and working on sailing vessels. He came to the United States on a trader prior to 1870, and was in the Boston harbor and also Philadelphia, returning on these ships to Norway. He left his native land for good in 1870, taking passage on a ship having three hundred passengers aboard, and while in the open sea off the coast of Newfoundland the ship came in contact with icebergs, and sprung a leak but by energetic work in using the pumps they were successful in landing on a small island on the coast of Canada. After this incident our subjeet took an active part with the ship's crew, and worked with them the remainder of the trip. They had a severe experience, being compelled to remain on the island for eleven days, when they were picked up by a small steamer and landed at Quebec.

From the latter place Mr. Hovland went by train to Port Huron, Michigan, thence to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, landing in the latter place in May, 1870. From there he went to Dane county, accompanied by Chris Simonson and secured farm work, following the same for several months, then went to Chicago, and obtained a job as a sailor on the great lakes during the summer season. In the fall he took a drove of stock from Wisconsin to Minnesota for Knut Nelson, and after arriving at his destination built the homestead shanty on the farm of Senator Nelson, remaining until the spring of 1873, then returned to his work as a sailor. He left the vessel in June, 1874, at that time going to Madison county, Nebraska, pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres on section twenty-four, township twenty-one, range four, and started in as a pioneer. In those days the people

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

of that vicinity received their mail at Farwell, it coming by way of Columbus, and to avoid going so far after it, he succeeded in having the postof- fice established at Newman Grove, in a small store of Gunder Hamre, who was appointed post- master. In a few months our subject purchased the store and laid with this the foundation for a growing business, supplying the early settlers who came to this point for their groceries, etc. Ile became postmaster in 1877, and from the time of first settling here Mr Hovland did much toward helping the newcomers, relieving hardship and suffering in hard times, furnishing seed, grain, and the necessaries of life to the less fortunate home- steaders, he being one of the committee appointed to aid those in need. He continued in the general merchandise business, also bought and sold land, and dealt in the stock. In 1888 he settled on a farm, and two years later, on account of failing health, went to the state of Washington, remain- ing for four years, then returned to Nebraska, and was afterwards engaged in different enterprises, finally becoming interested exclusively in the real estate, loan and insurance business.

Mr. Hovland was married on April 23, 1876, to Miss Tina 'Simonson who was the eldest daugh- ter of Simon Christianson, and to them were born four children; Louis, Annie, Lavina, and George, all married ad living in different parts of the west. Mrs. Hovland died in Newman Grove on November 9, 1886.

Our subject has held different local offices, be- ing deputy sheriff of Madison county in the early eighties, and was county surveyor during 1882 and 1883. He has also been for many years con- nected with the schools of his locality.

THOMAS W. EDWARDS.

Thomas W. Edwards, of Custer county, Ne- braska, the owner of one thousand acres of farm land, is pre-eminently a self-made man and widely and favorably known in his 'part of the state. In the early years of his residence in Custer county he met and overeame the trying experiences and incidents of pioneer existence and he is a good ex- ample of what a man may become through energy and perseveranee. Ile is a native of Hereford- shire, England, born August 28, 1843, youngest of the four children born to William and Elizabeth (Farr) Edwards. He has a brother in Australia and the other two children are deceased. The father, a native of Warwiekshire, England, died in Wales in April, 1844. The mother, a native of Herefordshire, died in Wales in the latter part of the 'eighties.

Mr. Edwards reached manhood in his native country and engaged in farming there. He later se- cured the position of farm bailiff over a large es- tate. He was married in Wales in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Wheelding, a native of that country, who died in 1880, leaving four children : Elizabeth,

wife of Drapper Tappin, of Logan county, Ne- braska, has six children ; 'William also lives în Lo- gan county ; Thomas, of Los Angeles, California, has one child; Charles is married and living at Broken Bow, Nebraska.

In 1881 Mr Edwards came to America, and after spending .. few months in Ohio, came to York county, Nebraska, two years later removing to Custer county. In January, 1883, he secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land on the northwest quarter of section twenty, township seventeen, range twenty, where the family resided many years, and which is still in his possession. In 1901 he, retired from farm life and purchased a comfortable home in Broken Bow, which has since been the family residence. He is a prosperous and successful man of affairs and at one time owned eighteen hundred acres of stock and grain farm land in Custer county ; besides the farm land now in his possession he owns consider- able desirable city property. He won the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and takes a com- mendable interest in the affairs of his county and state.

On March 28, 1885, Mr. Edwards was married (second) at'Broken Bow, to Mrs. Jene Hutchison, the ceremony being performed by Judge John S. Benjamin. Mrs. Hutchison, whose maiden name was Anderson, was born in Paesley, Scotland, and came to America in June, 1880. She was the youngest of ten children born to George and Jessie (Thompson) Anderson, the former a native of Carlisle, Scotland, and the latter of Glasgow. The father died in Scotland in August, 1867, and the mother died in her native country in March, 1869. Mrs. Edwards enjoyed excellent education- al advantages and has traveled extensively. She is a woman of culture and high character, and has many warm friends. There are no children by the second marriage of Mr. Edwards.

They are both identified with the Presbyterian church, Mr. Edwards being the ruling elder of the First Presbyterian church of Broken Bow. Mrs. Edwards' connection with church dates back to early girlhood days.

GEORGE S. GRAVES.

The versatility of the westerner is well illus- trated in the life of George S. Graves, one of Butte's most prosperous merchants. His is a truly varied career, combining that of ranchman, land- lord, judge and merchant, filling each with success, while he is still in the prime of life and capable of enjoying every good gift that falls to his lot.

Mr. Graves was born in Tilskwa, Illinois, on March 28, 1861, where the family lived until he was three and a-half years of age, then removed te Iowa county, Iowa, driving to their new home through the country, and camping out on the trip. They settled on a farm near Marengo, remaining up, to 1868, then again fitted up their old covered .

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

wagon and set out for a new location, going to Guthrie county and farming there for fifteen years, at which time they came to Nebraska. The old "prairie schooner" was again called into service in removing here, the trip being a long and hard one. They arrived in Fort Kearney in April, 1883, and after a few months at that place, not being entirely satisfied with their surroundings, they again started out, Long Pine, Brown county, being their mecca. landing at that point in the spring cf 1884. Here, the father and two sons filed on homesteads.

Our subject lived on his claim for five years, then took up a timber culture and lived on it two years, then moved to the town site of Naper, in Boyd county, there opening a hotel, the building having been built in Brown county, and later pur- chased by Mr. Graves, taken apart and hauled in wagons across the river and through the rough country to its new location, where it was placed on a solid foundation and stood as a landmark for many years, still being in good condition. The postoffice building of the place was obtained in the same manner, and the entire town at that time con- sisted of four buildings, Mr. Graves owning three of them. As there was no lime to be had for use in plaster, etc., Mr. Graves followed the western custom in making the country furnish a substitute for the real thing. They secured a supply of the magnesia rock found in the locality, pulverized the same and mixed it with Buffalo grass in place of hair, and with this material the new hotel was plas- tered throughout, proving a most satisfactory substitute.

Alr. Graves was elected county judge in 1894. and re-elected in 1896, serving up to 1899. At the expiration of his term of office, he opened a gen eral store on Main street in Butte, and has been exceptionally successful in his business career. His stock included a complete line of dry goods, clothing and groceries, and has the patronage of many throughout the country, as well as a large town trade.

Mr. Graves has lived through every phase of Nebraska life, experiencing all the discomforts of pioneer existence, enduring hardships, suffering blizzards, drouths, Indian scares, etc., but through it all has never felt like giving up and moving to any other part of the country. To one at the present time riding through the highly developed farming surrounding Butte, dotted with fine big residences, beautiful groves and meadows, it is hard to realize that this wonderful change has been brought about in the short space of a score of years, more or less.

Our subject was married in Ainsworth, Decem- ber 31, 1885, to Miss Mary Jamison a native born Nebraskan. They have five children, as follows: Oscar A., employed as salesman with Armour & Company, covering the territory through northern Nebraska; while Eva, Everett, Beatrice, and Ber- nice, remain at home, the last three still at school.

Politically Mr. Graves is an independent. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Modern Woodmen, and with his family, attends divine worship at the Congrega- tional church.

WILLIAM E. DOLL.

William E. Doll, devoted to agricultural pur- suits, is owner of a fine home on section twenty- six, in Warsaw precinct, where he has made his name and influence felt as a capable and reliable citizen of Howard county.

Mr. Doll was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, May 29, 1867, and grew to the age of six years in that vicinity, then with his parents came into Howard county, settling here about April, 1873. The father homesteaded and William helped de- velop the land into a good farm, remaining at home until about twenty-three years old, and then began working on farms, and the railroad.

He was married on October 25, 1905, to Stena Sorensen, daughter of J. C. Sorensen, who is an old settler in these parts and has a fine estate near Boelus. There were eight children in the Sorsenson family, Mrs. Doll being the fifth in order of birth. After his marriage Mr. Doll took the management of the home farm, which is situated on section twenty-six, township fourteen, range eleven, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, with good buildings and improvements. A brother of our subject, Carl H. Doll, lives on the farm ad- joining the homestead to the west, and is, really a portion of the original home farm. He is mar- ried and has a family of four children.

Joachim F. Doll, father of our subject, was born in Germany in 1826, and came to America in 1856, locating in Iowa, where he spent about one year, then settled in Hall county, Nebraska. He remained there for fifteen years, built up a good home, and then came on to Howard county, pur- chasing some land on sections twenty-six and twenty-seven, township fourteen, range eleven, and after putting up a rough shanty, sent 'for his family and together they worked hard to build up a good home. There were eight children, only the youngest born in Howard county, but all grew up there, and are well-known and highly respected. Mrs.'Doll died in 1886, and her husband survived her until 1898. One son, August, lives in Seattle, Washington, Fred in Grand Island, three dauglı- ters, Minnie, Sophia, and Carolina, reside in How- ard county, and Emma, in Hall county, while Carl H., and William E., are on the home farm.

G. E. VAN EVERY.

The lives of some fler7 in even channels, other through diverse, tortuous courses; that of G. E. Van Every, of Butte, being of the former deserip- tion, with little divergence from his chosen career, that of electricity, devoting his entire time, prac- tically to its study. However he has considerable

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

knowledge of photography, which proves an inter- esting topic of conversation between himself and friends, and many a pleasant hour is spent in viewing his artistic collection and discoursing on the incidents of obtaining them. He has secured negatives of some of nature's wonderful phe- nomena in the west that from a scientific view- point are 'invaluable.

Gordon E. Van Every was born at Youngstown, New York, near the mouth of the Niagara river, on March 12, 1861, and is a son of Peter M. and Al- mira C. (Haskel) Van Every, the former a native of Canada, and the latter of New York state. Our subject made 'his home in his native state until he reached the age of about nineteen years, then came to Lincoln, Nebraska, following farming for a time. He was joined by his father in the fall of 1880, who remained for a year with his son, and they secured the contracts, under John Fitzgerald, in the Kenneson cut-off between Holdrege, and Oxford, which occupied his time during the sum- mer of 1882. G. E. Van Every secured a position with the Nebraska Bell Telephone Company at Lincoln, and after three months in their office, was sent to Plattsmouth to take charge of the of- fice of the company, remaining at that point for about three years. He was then offered a position with the Western Union Telegraph Company as lineman, and worked for them six months. He then went with the Baltimore & Maryland Railway Company, under B. F. Pimms, in the detective service, filling the same for one year. His next move was to Omaha, where he found work on the traction lines owned by Dr. Mercer, and worked as conductor on the street cars running the first elec- tric car to Hanson Park when that line was con- verted from mule power to electricity. He was afterwards employed by the Omaha Street Rail- way Company for four years and a half, finally resigning to accept a position as conductor, run- ning between Omaha and Portland, making three round trips per month. He remained in this posi- tion for two years, then became motor inspector for the Thompson-Houston Electric Company at Pueblo, Colorado, where a street railway was being installed. In the spring of 1894 he returned to Nebraska for residence, filing on a homestead in Cnster county, which he farmed, in addition to some leased land adjoining his original tract. Af- ter sixteen months of uphill work, fighting against drouths, etc., he became discouraged. Ile kept at it for some little time longer in the hope that con- ditions would change, but in 1897 quit farming and returned to his former occupation as an electrician.

Mr. Van Every was the pioneer in installing country telephone lines in that section, purchasing from the Chicago Telephone Company necessary instruments and began putting up lines through the locality. Up to this time phones were not for sale and could only be secured by lease, making farm telephones impracticable, but he organized several lines in Custer county, using barbed wire

to carry the current, and becoming so successful in the venture that he soon widened his field of operations by organizing other companies in the northern part of the state.

In 1892 he established the Basset and Spring- view line, the Newport, Hammond and Northern, the following year, and in 1904, the Farm & Home Telephone Company, the latter in partner- ship with C. M. Thompson, of Newport. His next venture was the Keyapaha county, Butte and Anoka, of which he was president until 1909. In the construction of the various lines, Mr. Van Every did most of the work himself, including erecting the poles, stringing the wires, and install- ing the exchanges. He also established the Rose- bud line in South Dakota, which was absorbed by the Bell Company in 1906.

In 1907 Mr. Van Every opened the Home Bak- ery and Restaurant in Butte, in the office adjoining the central exchange of the Independent Telephone Company. In the management of these various interests he has become prosperous, and is now looked upon as one of the leading business men of his section, taking a deep interest in its progress and lending his aid in promoting every worthy movement. He is a republican in politics. For many years he has been a member of the Masonie lodge, serving as Junior Warden in 1910. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Pythias, and Modern Woodmen of America, and with his wife is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, of which he is Worthy Patron, and the Re- bekah Degree of the Odd Fellows.

Mr. Van Every was married at Broken Bow, July 31, 1895, to Miss Hattie C. Milburn, whose parents were among the early settlers on the Mid- dle Loup, the postoffice of Milburn being named after them.

CONRAD EVERS.

Among the prosperous and successful farmers of eastern Nebraska, the gentleman above named occupies a leading place. He came to Howard county during the earliest years of its settlement and has remained to see the wild prairie region changed into a thriving agricultural and commer- cial center, having the'pleasure of knowing that a goodly part of this success has been due to his own efforts and good management.

Conrad Evers was born in St. Libory, Illinois, March 25, 1847, where he resided until, coming to Howard county, Nebraska, in the spring of 1877. IIe purchased land and first located on northeast quarter section twenty-one, township thirteen, range nine, living in a sod shanty at the first. Mr. Evers still lives on this farm and owns over five hundred acres of choice land in this vicinity. His land adjoins the little village of St. Libory, Ne- braska, which was named for his old residence place in Illinois.

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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

Ilis wife and two children joined Mr. Evers during the summer season of 1877, as he had come out 'some few months in advance of his family.

Mr. Evers was married to Miss Elizabeth Buhr- man in- St. Libory, Illinois, in April, 1869, and they lived in that place for eight years, three of their children being born there, one of whom died before they moved into .Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Evers have nine living children and ten grandehil- dren, their children being named as follows: Con- rad, L., who is married and resides in St. Libory precinct ; Theodore, also married and living near Conrad L., Rosa, wife of Joe Turk, lives in St. Libory village; John, married and lives near by ; IIenry, married; Mary, wife of Frank Boehle, both live in St. Libory precinct : Anton, Alphonse, and Elizabeth, remaining at home.

Mr. Evers has been quite prominent in his county and is widely known, enjoying the confi- dence and esteem of many friends. He served his county in the capacity of commissioner about the year 1895, and has filled the office of school treas- urer of the St. Libory precinct for a number of years.

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Buhrman lived with their son-in-law, Mr. Evers, for a number of years, and Mr. Buhrman died June 9, 1897. Mrs. Buhr- man died January 30, 1911, being in her eighty- ninth year.

JOIIN JASPER.

Prominent among Antelope county citizens who has made this region his home for many years and has done his share in the development of the agri- enltural resources of this county, may be mentioned the name of John Jasper. Mr. Jasper lived in sec- tion seventeen, township twenty-three, range six, where he located on first coming to Antelope county.

Mr. Jasper is a native of Germany, born in Muenster province, March 17, 1861. His father, B. II. Jasper, was also a native of Germany. In 1867 Mr. Jasper, the subject of our sketeh, came to America by the way of Hamburg, landing in New York, and from there went to the state of Iowa, remaining there. twenty-seven years. In 1896 he came to Antelope county, settling there, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. He began at once to improve this land, building a good house, and fencing and eross fene- ing the farm. Ile now owns four hundred acres, and devetes a good deal of attention to stock rais- ing.

Mr. Jasper was united in marriage in 1889 to Miss Agnes Wilbereing and to this union seven children were born, whose names are as follows: Henry, Mary, Anna, Joe, Agnes, Katie, and Francis. In 1899 Mrs. Jasper died deeply mourned by her husband and family. Mr. Jasper was again married in 1905, his bride being Anna Williams, and Mr. and Mrs, Jasper are the parents

of four children, named as follows: Gertrude, Christian, John, and Lanrence. They are a fine family. and Mr. and Mrs. Jasper enjoy the respect and high regard of all who know them.

ISAAC NEWTON SIMMS.

Isaac Newton Simms, who has a well located and handsome residence on seetion ten, township nineteen, range twenty-one, Custer county, has a well equipped and improved stock and grain farm and is highly respected as an able business man and as a publie spirited citizen. He has succeeded through perseverance and thrift and in promoting his own interests. and has assisted 'in une develop- ment and upbuilding of the community. He was born sixteen miles north of Galesburg, Knox conn- ty, Illinois, September 19, 1847. and was the eight !! born child of George and Hester (Jones) Simms, parents of seven sons and six daughters. The fath- er was a native of North Carolina and the mother of Kentucky. Both the Simms and

Jones families had

been living in the

southern states for many generations be- fore the birth of the individuals mentioned. The grandfather Simms was an early settler near Springfield, Illinois, and the father early located in Knox county, where he was living at the time of the Black Hawk war. He worked several years for Peter Cartwright, the honored pioneer preacher of Illinois. He erected the first log house in Mercer county, was married in Illinois and passed through the experiences of frontier life, being honored by the personal friendship of Abraham Lincoln, of whom he was an ardent admirer, and for whom he gave his services during his first campaign for the office of president. George Simms died in Illinois in 1865.

Isaac N. Simms was reared in his native state and lived there until his twenty-sixth year, re- ceiving the usual educational advantages of farm- ers' sons and early helping with the work on the home farm. Ile was married at Knoxville, Illinois, September 19, 1872, to Miss Clarinda Chilson. daughter of William and Harriet (Potter) Chilson, her father a native of New Jersey and her mother of Ohio. Her grandfather Potter erected the first saw and grist mill in Warren county, Illinois, and his daughter' (Mrs. Chilson) was in Chicago when there were but three log houses in the town. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Simms spent one year in Illinois, and then moved to Kansas, where he lived five years. in Shawnee county, and a like period in Wabaunsee county. In the fall of 1883, he came by prairie schooner, over the "overland trail" to Custer county, with his wife and their two sons. Theodore N. and George. They reached their destination in November and purchased the Temp Merchant homestead on section ten, township nineteen, range twenty-one, which was one of the original homesteads on Victoria creek. Isaac Mer- chant had come there with his family in the early

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Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska, Part 227

Author: Alden Publishing Company Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1402

Author: Alden Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1402