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 34

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 34

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

souri, where he had resided for some years prior to his demise.

H. A. Skelton was born in Princeton, Indiana. on May 16, 1867, and there attended the city schools from which he graduated in 1883.

Instead of following the lines of least resis- tance and adopting his father's profession, the boy had a strong bent for the art of healing, and wisely yielded to the impulse, as after events proved. He began the study of medicine in 1886 under the tutelage of Dr. J. E. Shore, remaining with this precepter for five years. He then at- tended the lectures in Drake university at Keo- kuk, Iowa, graduating in 1891, after which he im- mediately began his practice at Page, Nebraska. He continued at that point up to 1902, then came to Spencer, being received with favor from the first, since which time he has enjoyed a wide and lucrative patronage. One secret of his success is the fact that he has not allowed himself to stag- nate, being ever on the alert to absorb new ideas in recognized medical therapy, thoroughly fa- miliarizing himself with advanced science through a course in the Chicago Clinic in 1899, and again in 1900 and 1901. In 1904, 1907, and 1909 he took up a higher course of study in the Polyclinic college, and it is his intention to spend some time each year in the famous medical schools of the country, to better fit himself for coping with the ills flesh is heir to.

Dr. Skelton has in his office equipment one of the largest static electrical machines known to the medical profession, including all of the latest attachments and improvements. In 1909, feeling that there was great need of a place where spec- ial cases might be under the constant care of a physician, Dr. Skelton established a hospital in Spencer, which is the only one along the line of the Northwestern, north of Norfolk, and to show that his judgment is correct, it is interesting to know that there is seldom a vacant bed in the in- stitution, which is a boon to suffering humanity. along the borders of the two states and a source of gratification as well as revenue to the physi- cian.

Dr. Skelton is descended from a long line of patriotic ancestors, his father serving during the entire period of hostilities in the civil war, while his maternal grandfather, Colonel Duncan, was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and located in Evansville, Indiana, in 1813. He was a kins- man of the Logans in the old north state, ances- tors of the famous cavalry officer, "The Black Eagle," whose father moved further west and settled in Jackson county, Illinois. Colonel Dun- can fought in the battle of Tippecanoe in the war of 1812, and drew a pension for his services un- til 1898, when he died, having almost attained the century mark. On his paternal side, a great- great-grandfather was a colonel in the Revolu- tionary war, also the war of 1812, besides serving in the famous battle in northwest Ohio. He was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, passing away, at

157

COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

an advanced age, in Ohio, where for many years prior to his death he had resided.

Dr. Skelton was married at Page, Nebraska, January 1, 1896, to Miss Ruby Chase, a native of Iowa, daughter of Perry and Della (Hanley) Chase, who were early settlers in Page. Two chil- dren were born to Dr. and Mrs. Skelton, Perry and Harold, both intelligent and sturdy young westerners, and the pride of their parents' hearts,

Dr. Skelton is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Politically, he is a staunch supporter of republi- can principles as expounded by Roosevelt and Taft.

WALTER HAVENS.

Walter Havens, a capable and successful busi- ness man of Loretta. is one of the earliest settlers in Boone county, and has passed through all the trying experiences and hardships incidental to pioneer life in the west.

Our subject is a son of William and Mary Ha- ven, and was born in McLain county, Illinois, on October 19, 1848, he being the eldest of three chil- dren. When he was an infant of two years of age his parents moved to Delaware county, Iowa, where he received his education and grew to manhood, following farming with his father there up to 1877. On October 1 of that year, Mr. Ha- vens came into Nebraska, locating on a homestead on section thirty-four, township twenty-one, range seven, and begun to develop a farm. He passed through pioneer experiences on that place, and

succeeded in improving his homestead in good shape, remaining on it up to 1892, at which time he sold the same and moved to Boone, making that his home for a number of years, still farming in the vicinity on rented land. In 1905 he in- vested in the hotel and livery business in Loret- ta, and has carried this on since that time-also dealing in real estate and buying, selling and ship- ping stock.

Mr. Havens has one brother, William, who also resides in Loretta, and a sister married and liv- ing in Albion. His father died here in March, 1907, while his mother makes her home in Albion, the entire family being well known throughout this part of Nebraska.

On January 1, 1867, Mr. Havens was married in Iowa, to Miss Nancy Wheelus, and of their un- ion three children were born, Fred, who died in 1881 ; Minnie, wife of Fred Barnes, and mother of three children, they living in Loretta, and Wil- liam A. Havens, also married and living with his family of three children, one mile west of Loret- ta. Mrs. Walter Havens died in 1875, and four years later our subject was married the second time. to Miss Leora Galyean, also of Iowa, they being the parents of two children, J. Ernest Ha- vens, married and living in Loretta, and Gertie L .. who is now Mrs. Harry E. Williams, also living in Boone county.

Mr. Havens has been active in local affairs in

Boone county since settling here. He has held different township offices, and was for a number of years director of school district number seven- ty-two.

WILHELM SPLITTGERBER.

Prominent on the list of prosperous and suc- cessful farmers of Wayne county, is the above named gentleman, who has for many years occu- pied the valuable farm located on section twenty- two, township twenty-five, range three. For more than a quarter of a century, he has been as- sociated with the agricultural interests of this re- gion and has accumulated his property by per- sistent and, honest labor. He is well known throughout the locality, and has gained the high- est esteem of all with whom he has had to do.

Mr. Splittgerber was born in Prussia, Ger- many, in 1831, and is the son of William and Christna Splittgerber. He grew up in his native land, received his education there, and was mar- ried there in 1852. His first wife died and he was again married in 1874.

It was not until he was nearing middle age that he came to America, on account of the op- portunities that it offered his family. He came by way of Bremen to Baltimore in 1881, and at once came to the west, where he bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which has been his home since that date. He has added to it, un- til he now owns one thousand, one hundred and twenty acres of land. He has made extensive im- provements since that time, and the comfortable home and well-equipped farm now speak elo- quently of thrift and good management.

In 1874, long before he left Germany, Mr. Splittgerber was united in marriage to Miss Al- bertina Falk. They were the parents of a large family : five boys and three girls. There were two children by the first marriage, whose names are: Emil and Helen.

Those born of the second marriage are: Hugo, Hulda, William, Emma, Agnes, Bernhard, Carl and Gustave.

The family attend the German Lutheran church, and Mr. Splittgerber is a democrat.

WILLIAM BUCKLEY.

William Buckley, a typical pioneer of north- eastern Nebraska, who is respected and esteemed as a public-spirited and upright citizen, is hon- ored as a veteran of the civil war. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born March 8, 1846, a son of James and Hannah (Sanford) Buckley, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather came to America from England as a young man. The parents spent their lives in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Buckley spent his boyhood and early youth of Pennsylvania. His grand father came to cation, and being reared to the occupation of me- chanic. He enlisted in 1863 in Company K, One

158

COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

Hundred and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under General Carl Warren, command- er Fifth army corps, and received his honorable discharge in 1865. He participated in many im- portant battles and was wounded two times in the battle of Five Forks, Virginia. He was wounded once previously. Upon leaving the army he re- turned to his former home and engaged in black- smithing.

In 1880, Mr. Buckley brought his family to Ne- braska, and took up a homestead in Stanton coun- ty. They lived a few years in a "dug-out," then he erected a comfortable frame house. He has made all needed improvements, and has developed a good stock and grain farm, at the same time do- ing his share to aid in the upbuilding of his com- munity, and the advancement of educational measures and other movements for the general welfare. He is one of the substantial men of his region, of unquestioned integrity and reliability, and has many warm friends.

In 1877, Mr. Buckley was united in marriage with Miss Anna Landies, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and daughter of William Landies and Re- becca June (Beck) Landies. One child has been born of this union : Hannah Jane, now Mrs. William Mabe.

The family reside on section twenty-eight, township twenty-four, range one.

James David Mabe, his grandson, makes his home with Mr. Buckley during such times as he is not in attendance at school.

H. P. LICHTY.

H. P. Lichty, an agriculturist of prominence in Antelope county, Nebraska, resides in Eden precinct and is one of those substantial citizens whose integrity, thrift and economy have added so much to the material growth and wealth of Ne- braska. Agriculture forms the basis of wealth in that part of the country, as indeed in most sec- tions of the United States. It is therefore of great importance that the class of people who inhabit the great farming regions of the country should represent those elements of sterling worth so prominently displayed by the majority of the ear- ly settlers and their descendants.

Mr. Lichty is a descendant from Switzerland, his father, George Lichty, having come from that country to America when but a small boy, and, with his parents, settled in Pennsylvania.

Our subject's parents were George and Mary (Blair) Lichty, the father was born in 1813. and the mother was a native of Pennsylvania, being born in that state.' They came to Iowa in 1854. Our subject's brother was in the civil war, enlist- ing in 1861 in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Regiment, and was wounded twice.

Mr. Lichty was joined in holy matrimony to Miss Jane Miller, and seven children have been born to them whose names are as follows: Jane, who is the wife of Mr. Swan, and has two chil-

dren; Alexander, who is married to Lizzie Hie- ter and has three children; David, who married Hattie Napier, has two children; John, married Mable Clifton and has one child; Walter, who married Lulu Bledsoe, and Robert and Flossie. Mrs. Lichty's people were early settlers in Ne- braska.

Mr. and Mrs. Lichty first lived on the Otto reservation where Mr. Lichty bought one hundred and twenty acres of land, and while residing there they were hailed out twice. Mr. Lichty with his family then came to Antelope county and took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and built a good frame house in which he now lives, and has added to his possessions until now he owns nine hundred and sixty acres of fine land, twenty acres of which are given over to trees.

Mr. Lichty is affilliated with the Workman and I. O. O. F. lodges, and enjoys the highest re- spect and regard of the community.

JAMES T. BUCHANAN.

James T. Buchanan, since 1883 a resident of Pierce county, Nebraska, has identified himself with the interests of the eastern part of the state, and by building up a fine farm and lending his influence for good citizenship, he has become one of the deservedly successful and prosperous citi- zens of his locality.

Mr. Buchanan is a Virginian by birth, having been born in Smyth county, June 18, 1857. He is the son of James L. Buchanan, who was born in 1818; the mother was Nancy H. Buchanan, who was born in 1820.

During the civil war, Mr. Buchanan's father enlisted in the confederate army, serving three years and was promoted to a captaincy, which office he filled creditably to the cause.

In March, 1884, our subject moved to Boscow county, Texas, and in 1888 to Ellis county, where he remained four years, coming to Pierce county Nebraska, in October, 1891, where he rented a farm. He continued to rent until 1908, when he bought one hundred and twenty-two acres of good land, being that part of the southwest quarter of section twenty-four, township twenty-eight, range two, which lies south of the Burlington railroad.

Among other misfortunes Mr. Buchanan lost all his crops by hail in 1905.

Mr. Buchanan was married October 4, 1874, to Miss Betty Kincanon, and seven children have been born to this union: Ollie, wife of B. A. Thompson; Maggie, wife of Albert Parsons; Leonard, who married Susan Hughes; William Jackson married Verna Moore; Nancy, wife of Luther Bolen; Ernest, died in 1901, and Clarence, who is the youngest of the family.

Mr. Buchanan takes an interest in local affairs, at all times lending his aid and influence for good government and the bettering of conditions in his community. He is a democrat.

159

COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

ENEVOLD NIELSEN.

Enevold Nielsen, a prominent farmer of How- ard county, is one of the men who carries on a di- versified system of agriculture in a most success- ful manner, with results that richly reward his thrift and industry.

Mr. Nielsen was born in Denmark, November 16, 1866, and was the eldest child in the family of Niels and Mariane Envoldsen, consisting of four boys and three girls. When Enevold was a lad of six, the father came to America, going first to Chicago, where he secured employment at his trade as a carpenter, remaining there for a few months, then came on to Howard county. Here he took a homestead on section twelve, township thirteen, range twelve, proved up on an eighty-acre tract, and made it his home until his death, in 1906. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Enevold Nielsen, the mother and his brother and two sisters, left Denmark ahout a year after the father had come to this country, intending to join him in his new home. One daughter died on the trip across, and the others arrived safely at Grand Island in the spring of 1873.

Our subject spent his boyhood on the home- stead, assisting his father until he was twenty- one years of age, then returned to Denmark for a visit. He spent four months there and upon his return to Nebraska purchased eighty acres of land adjoining the home place, and started to de- velop a farm for himself. He succeeded in build- ing up a comfortable home, adding to his acreage as he became more prosperous, and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land on section twenty-four, township thirteen, range twelve. His farm is one of the best equipped and most productive in the locality, supplied with all good, substantial farm buildings, and he is re- garded as a progressive and up-to-date agricul- turist.

Mr. Nielsen was married at his father's home on September 10, 1889, to Annie Petria Petersen, who was born in Denmark and came to this coun- try the year previous to her marriage. To them have been born six children, five of whom are now living. They are named as follows: Chris- tina, Mary, Niels, Martin and Inger, all residing on the homestead and forming a most interesting family group. Niels (1) died when about two and one-half years old.

Mr. Nielsen has been active in local and coun- ty affairs, helping in every way possible to ad- vance the best interests of his community. He has for a number of years been a member of the school board in district number twenty-eight.

JAMES A. BRANNON.

Although still a young man, the gentleman whose name heads this personal history has ac- complished much in the way of securing for him-

self a good home and competence, gained through strict attention to his duties in carrying on suc- cessfully a thirty-acre farm on section two, town- ship seventeen, range thirteen, in Valley county Nebraska. The greater part of his life has been spent in that state, and he has become well and favorably known to all residing in the vicinity of his home.

James A. Brannon was born in Fairfield, Iowa, on December 18, 1868. His parents died when he was but eighteen months old, and he was adopted at that age by Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Cross, who came into Hamilton county, Nebraska, in 1879, bringing our subject with them, and his early education was acquired in the schools of that county, later attending the Valley county schools, as the family moved to the latter county in 1884. At the age of twenty-one James went into Custer county and pre-empted eighty acres in Sargent township, although he still made his home a part of the time in Valley county with his foster parents.

Mr. Cross served all through the civil war. He was a member of Company E, of the Second Iowa Infantry, and achieved considerable distinction as a brave soldier. He died in July, 1881, and left behind him many sincere friends in Hamilton county. His widow now resides at Comstock, Nebraska.

On April 19, 1893, Mr. Brannon was married to Sylvia E. Green, who was born and raised in Valley county, a daughter of Joseph and Emeline (Van Horn) Green, they being early settlers in the locality. The father was a native of New York, while the mother was born in Ohio, her parents moving to Clinton, Iowa, while she was a girl. Mr. and Mrs. Brannon have one son, Riley U. Brannon, who lives at home, and also Elsie M., an adopted daughter.

The family have a very pleasant and com- fortable home, consisting of thirty acres of the original Green homestead, the estate lying one and a half miles south of North Loup. Mr. and Mrs. Brannon are members of the Seventh Day Baptist church. He affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a populist and prohibitionist in political views.

LEVI GUTRU.

The gentleman above mentioned has the dis- tinction of being one of the very earliest settlers in the town of Newman Grove, Nebraska. He is also a pioneer merchant of that now thriving city, and at the present time is successfully carrying on an extensive real estate business. Mr. Gutru and his family enjoy the comforts of a modern residence, and are among the promin- ent members of the social life of their beautiful city.

Levi Gutru was born in Norway on May 30, 1855, and was the third in order of birth in a family of eight, resulting from the union of

160

COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

Gulbrandt and Ingeburg Gutru, and he grew to manhood in his native land. In June, 1872, he took passage on an emigrant ship bound for the United States, and landed in New York in due time, going directly to Dane county, Wis- consin, for settlement, there going to work on a farm, and in the winter working in the pine woods. The following year he was joined by his father, mother and the balance of the chil- dren, the father taking a farm, and all living to- gether up to 1877, when our subject left Wis- consin and came to Nebraska.

Mr. Gutru homesteaded in Boone county, but only lived on the place a short time, then re- moved to a claim about four miles east of New- man Grove, which he occupied for five years, at the end of that time returning to Boone coun- ty, where he again engaged in farming and stock raising. About 1887, at the time Newman Grove came into existence as a town, Mr. Gutru moved there, being one of the original settlers. He at once engaged in the stock business, buying, selling and shipping cattle and hogs, and con- tinned in the business up to 1907. He was also for many years in the implement business there, and was one of the successful merchants of the place. Several years ago he started a real estate office, and has handled many large deals in lands in Nebraska and the adjoining states. Since locating here, Mr. Gutru has been active in the development of the region, and has watched every change that has come to that portion of the state.

Mr. Gutru was united in marriage, October 11, 1877, to Miss Ingeborg Oleson, at Newman Grove. To. Mr. Gutru and his good wife have been born seven children, two of whom are now deceased, the surviving five named as follows: Ida Marie, who is the wife of Archie Robinson ; George Henry, a prominent banker of Newman Grove; Marian, wife of George B. Howell, they living in South Dakota, and Lily and Jeanette, living with the old folks. They are a very inter- esting family, and are honored with the respect and esteem of all who know them. Mr. Gutru and his family oeenpy one of the handsome resi- dences in Newman Grove, and are popular in business and social circles.

The father of our subjeet is dead, but his mother and two brothers still make Wisconsin their home. One sister lives in Boone county, and a brother is a well-known resident of New- man Grove. Mrs. Gutru's father and mother are deceased, two brothers living in different parts of Nebraska.

JAMES W. JOHNSON.

James W. Johnson, a successful stock and grain farmer of section twenty-nine, township fourteen, range fifteen, Sherman county, Nebras- ka, is widely and favorably known as a man of affairs and influence in his community. He has

spent most of his life in Nebraska, and is one of the younger men among the state's early set- tlers.

Mr. Johnson was born at Newton, Iowa, July 24, 1866, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Wat- son) Johnson, third in a family of ten children. The father is mentioned at length elsewhere in this work. Five sons-George E., Walter, Frank, Charles and Ernest-live in Valley county, Ne- braska. Three daughters-Mrs. Maggie Van Scoy, Mrs. Fanny Sample and Mrs. Kate Paulser -live in Valley county.

At the age of twelve years, James W. John- son came with his parents to Hall county, Nc- braska, where the family remained three years. then moved to Valley county, where the father secured a homestead, on which he still resides. The son received his early education in Iowa, and grew to manhood on his father's farm, learn- ing all kinds of farm work. In 1889, he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sherman county, which he operated for sixteen years, and in 1905 secured the one hundred and forty-acre farm where he now lives. He erected a very comfortable home, and otherwise improved the place, bringing it to a high state of cultiva- tion. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs in his community, and has served many years as a member of the school board, being now director of district number thirteen, and he has also served as township clerk.

March 2, 1902, Mr. Johnson married Miss Frances Huckelberry, a native of Marion county, Illinois, daughter of Philip and Matilda (Hewett) Huckelberry, both also born in Illinois. Her father died in Sherman county in 1904, and her mother now resides in Burt county, Nebraska. Mr. Huckelberry and wife had eight children. those besides Mrs. Johnson being: a daughter in Indiana, a daughter in Illinois, two sons and two daughters in Nebraska, and one son in Illi- nois. To Mr. Johnson and wife three children have been born, namely: Alta M., a student in the St. Paul Business College; Mata, a student in the same institution; and Ellen Marie at home.

Mr. Johnson is a populist in political faith. and, fraternally, a member of the Modern Wood- men of America.

On his first Sherman county farm, Mr. John- son lived for eight years in true pioneer style before building a modern frame dwelling.

FRANK SPECHT.

Energetic efforts and intelligence go hand in hand in the building of one's fortune, regardless of the vocation to which they are applied. One of the highly-improved farms in Cedar county is that owned by Frank Specht, who is the possess- or of a fine quarter-section there. The comforta- ble circumstances of this gentleman have been

JOHN R. ORVIS, DECEASED AND MRS. CHANEY ORVIS.

161

COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.

brought about by the exercise of unceasing in- dustry and labor, good judgment and thrift.

Mr. Specht is not only an old settler, but is also one of the "native sons" of Cedar county, or very near it, having been born in Jones coun- ty, Iowa, about three weeks prior to the start to Nebraska in 1873. His parents, Frederick and Sophia Specht, were Germans, and came to this country in 1869, the trip on an old-style sailing vessel taking six weeks. They came to Iowa at once, and lived there until 1873, when they re- moved to Cedar county, coming by the overland route. They bought one hundred and sixty acres here, and built a tiny dug-out. Later, a slab house, fourteen by fourteen feet, was built, the walls plastered with clay, and here they lived for ten years.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 34

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