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 84

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 84

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In 1856, he left Des Moines for Sioux City, where he roofed the first house in the city with shingles. In 1857, he moved to Cedar county, Nebraska, and settled upon a piece of land under the Squatter Law, and it was here that the ter- rible series of misfortunes began.

During the time Mr. Wiseman lived in Iowa. eight children had been born to him, two of whom died and were buried in that state.

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When he first came to Nebraska, he had five boys and one girl, one of the boys. Benjamin F. dying in 1859, the first death in Cedar county. The same year another son was born, making the number of children just the same as before.

In 1863 the population of the entire county did not exceed two hundred and seventy-five, in- cluding about fifty citizens who had enlisted in the Nebraska cavalry, raised for the purpose of defending the frontier settlements against the Indians. The eldest son, John, was a member of this organization and was stationed at a con- siderable distance away from home.

In 1862, the governor directed that a second company of cavalry be formed. Mr. Wiseman enlisted in Company I, as he believed that the government needed all possible help. He left his family in good condition and took a soldier's fare, when he was forty-five years old. For some time, Mr. Wiseman was stationed near by where he could hear from his family often, but in the summer, the whole regiment was ordered to Sully, Dakota. He received a furlough in order to visit his family before he left and upon telling them the news, they were all badly frightened, as the Indians there were in a state of unrest. He comforted them by telling them that another regiment would be sent at once to take the place of the one which was being re- moved, and they would be just as well protected as now. How true their forebodings were can be told by reading the following paragraphs.

This was the last time Mr. Wiseman ever saw his five children. About thirty days after he left home, when the regiment was abont two hundred miles away, on the twenty-third of July, 1863, the Yankton and Sioux Indians took to the war- path. They visited the home of Mr. Wiseman, and found the children there all alone, the mother having gone to Yankton to purchase some needed supplies. When the mother returned in the even- ing, she found the multiated bodies of her five children in the once happy pioneer home. It was eight days before the news reached the Fort and even then, at first it was not definitely known whose family it was. When Mr. Wiseman finally heard the report, he was guarding some horses about two miles away from the camp. About daylight he rode away from the camp on his sorrowful journey home, starting without any- thing to eat, and getting nothing until he reached Fort Randall, one hundred miles away.

He traveled day and night stopping at the fort only long enough to get something to eat and rest his horse, and at about nine o'clock the second day reached Yankton. almost crazed. Here he found that his wife had waited almost a week for him. sick and almost insane, and had then started for Sioux City. Mr. Wiseman then went to St. James, awaiting word from his wife. Twenty-five days after the massacre of his ehil- dren, he could bear the suspense no longer and

started for Sioux City to search for his wife. Three days later, he met her on her way back to find him. She was almost insane from grief and sorrow, and it was almost a year before she could tell him of that terrible day's experience. Mr. Wiseman then took her back to Virginia where they remained one year. When he returned to Cedar county, he hired a man to guard his home. He naturally had an intense hatred for Indians after that time, and was known to have killed nine Indians with his own hand.

When looking upon the peaceful, smiling landscape it is almost impossible to realize that such bloodshed, and terror and sorrow could have ever taken place within the memory of people now living.

WILLIAM JOHNSTON.

The gentleman whose life history is here pre- sented is widely known as one of the oldest set- tlers and most influential citizens of Merrick county. Mr. Johnston was born in Indiana, Sep- tember 2, 1860, and is the son of Alexander and Susan (Farington) Johnston. He was the youngest in a family of three children, having one brother in Galesburg, Illinois, and one sister, Mrs. George Ferris, residing in Merrick county. The father died in 1863, in Galesburg, Illinois, and the mother in February, 1909, in Central City, Nebraska.

In 1860 the family moved to Galesburg, Illi- nois, where Mr. Johnston, subject of this sketch, received his education, and later was employed in a dry-goods store in Galesburg four years, and came with his mother and family to Merrick connty, Nebraska, in 1879. Here Mr. Johnston purchased eighty acres of land on section two, township fourteen, range seven, west, which is still his home place, known as "Fairview Ranch."

On June 1, 1881, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Myra A. Jewell of New York state, and later of Nebraska, and who was a teacher in Nebraska schools. She is from a pioneer family and came to Nebraska in 1871. Her father, C. C. Jewell, lives in New York state, and her mother is deceased, having died in 1895 in Nebraska. She has one brother residing in Akron, Ohio, and a sister who died in 1892.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have had nine chil- dren born to them, eight of whom are living: Charles A., who resides at home; James N., mar- ried, has two children, twin boys, and lives in Merrick county ; Robert W., resides at home; George A., is married and lives in Merrick county ; Hattie M., deceased in 1897; Frank N., resides at home; Cecil J., also at home, as are Cora L., and Willie S.

Mr. Johnston is a successful man of affairs. He owns seven hundred and twenty acres of stock farm, and feeds on an average five hundred head of cattle a year. He is treasurer of his

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school district number twenty-three, which office he has been filling for about fifteen years.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are among the earlier settlers of the county, and have passed through all the trying experiences and hardships of fron- tier life. They are widely and favorably known.

T. C. JOHNSON.

Among the leading old settlers and public spirited citizens of Knox county, Nebraska, the gentleman above mentioned deserves a foremost place. Mr. Johnson has aided in no slight de- gree in the development of the commercial re- sources of this region, and has always been in- terested in the welfare of his state and county. He resides in section thirty, township thirty-one, range four, where he has a pleasant home.

Mr. Johnson is a native of Illinois, his birth occurring in the year of 1850, and he is the son of Joseph Johnson, a native of England, and Louisa Ann (Card) Johnson, a native of Germany. Our subject grew to young manhood in his native state, and then came to Woodbury county, Iowa, where he lived thirteen years. He came to Knox county, Nebraska, in 1875, and bought the James Abbott homestead, which he started at once to improve, and he now owns nine hundred and twenty acres of improved land, making one of the finest estates in this part of the county.

As before stated, Mr. Johnson has always been interested in the welfare of his county and state, and has always done all in his power for the betterment of conditions, and his efforts have been so appreciated by the people that he was elected by his constituents to the office of deputy sheriff. which position he satisfactorily filled for six years. This fact goes to show the popularity and esteem Mr. Johnson enjoys in his community.

In 1876 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Beverill, and to this union ten chil- dren have been born, whose names are as follows: Samuel Thomas, who died when two years old; Elmer T., Florence Elizabeth and Chester (twins), Mary E., Grace, Rolland, Dorothy E., Ruth and Bessie.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and family are promi- nently known throughout the county, where our subject has resided for the past thirty-six years, and they are highly esteemed and respected by all with whom they have to do, and they enjoy the friendship of a wide circle of friends and ac- (maintances.

WILLIAM D. DEAN.

In reviewing the history of Nance county, Ne- braska, the citizens who have contributed largely to her welfare must be given special mention, and a prominent place among the number is accorded the gentleman above named. Mr. Dean is a pio- neer settler and one of the best known and most

highly esteemed residents of that region. He is prosperous and has gained this success by the ex- ercise of business tact supplemented by the strict- est integrity of word and deed.

William D. Dean was born on September 10, 1864, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. He was the youngest child in Isaac and Elizabeth Dean's family of four, and grew to the age of six years in his native state, then the entire family moved to Illinois, settling in Rock Island county and re- mained there up to 1883, and then spent three years in Whiteside county, Illinois. They next emigrated to Nanee county, Nebraska, joining a sister of William D., who had previously located here, arriving in the region on March 10, 1886. The sons, John N. and William D., rented a farm and went through hardships and discouragements during the first few years. Misfortune also over- took them in the death of the mother, on March 10, 1887, and the father died on January 8, 1893. William D. Dean rented land from the time he came to Nebraska, up to 1898, when he bought eighty-three acres where he has since continued to reside, with the exception of two years at Ful- lerton, from the fall of 1901 to the spring of 1904. This place is well improved and well equipped with substantial buildings and machinery for con- ducting a model grain and stock farm on a small scale. He has been very successful in his efforts, and while not the largest landowner in his loeal- ity, is progressive and known as one of the well- to-do men of his township.

Mr. Dean was married in December, 1888, to Mary Elizabeth Turner, at the home of her brother, Samnel Turner, in Fullerton township, Nance county, Nebraska. They have two children, Clyde B. and Mazie Elizabeth, who are bright and interesting young people. Mr. Dean has two sis- ters, Mrs. Charles Copple and Mrs. James F. Downing, also one brother, J. N. Dean, all living in Nance county.

Mr. Dean is active in local affairs, always standing for the best interests of his county and state. He is well known in the social life of his section, being a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Royal Neighbors and Ancient Order of United Workmen lodges.

GEORGE E. COLLINS.

George E. Collins, a native Nebraskan, who is one of the active ranchmen of Holt county, was born in Saunders county, March 15, 1882, a son of Joseph S. and Isabel (Cameron) Collins, the former a native of New York and the latter of Canada. The father participated in the civil war. and was severely wounded at the battle of Gettys- burg. Soon after the elose of the war, he and his wife came to Nebraska, settling twelve miles southeast of Fremont, in Saunders county, where he acquired seven hundred acres of land, two hundred acres of which he later sold. He reached

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the age of sixty-three or sixty-four years, and the mother died when about forty-five or forty-six years of age, twenty-seven days after the death of her husband. Of the three children born to this couple: the eldest died at the age of eight- een years ; Joseph R., lives at Fremont, and George E., is the youngest.

After attending the public schools, George E. Collins entered the normal school at Fremont, which he was attending at the time his parents died. He was then eighteen years of age and left school to start in life for himself. He soon after- ward came to Holt county, where he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land fifteen miles southwest of Atkinson, on the line between Rock and Holt connties, and one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles southeast of the city, be- sides one hundred acres of land adjoining the town on the northwest. He owns one of the finest business blocks on Main street, which is occupied as a general store. August 25, 1903, he bought an interest in the Atkinson State Bank, but sold out his interest in October, 1906.

Mr. Collins was married at Fremont, Novem- ber 7, 1901, to Miss Lottie O. Tuller, who was born eight miles southwest of Atkinson, daughter of Nelson J. and Flora A. (Jones) Tuller, natives respectively of New York state and Columbia county, Wisconsin. Mr. Tuller and wife were in- terested in ranching and hotel keeping, and Mrs. Collins and her sister, who were reared on a ranch, had no brothers, and learned to ride and drive like cowboys. Should it ever become necessary for Mrs. Collins to earn her way in the world she could become very successful dealing in cattle, as she is an excellent judge of stock. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins, namely : Harriet May, Raymond Edward and Earl James.

In political views Mr. Collins is a republican ; fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the family are regular attend- ants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Collins has had the experience of living in a sod house for short periods during the haying season on his ranch in Holt and Rock counties, and can remember some of the hardships of early settlers. Both he and his wife remember the blizzard of January 12, 1888, and at his father's house in Saunders county, the snow at that time was fif- teen feet deep in many places. When a little girl, Mrs. Collins was sent to the store for needed sup- plies, and was there when the storm came on, her mother coming to get her. During her two years' residence in Valley county, Montana, she had many interesting experiences. Her father kept a hotel, store and postoffice a mile from the Sioux reservation, and sometimes as many as one hun- dred Indians at once would drink to excess and raise a disturbance, which at times could be quelled only by the threat of sending for the sol- diers. There were often as many as forty or fifty

cowboys in the place at one time, and in their own particular way they kept things pretty lively. She and her sister learned to speak the Sioux lan- guage as fluently as their own.

Mr. Collins is highly regarded as a progressive, useful citizen, who has done his share to advance the general welfare of his community. He and his wife are planning to ereet a handsome resi- dence on their property adjoining Atkinson, which they intend shall be fully the equal of any building now to be found in their part of the county.

JOSEPH BAUMGARTNER.

Among the representative farmers of Boone county who have aided materially in its develop- ment and advancement, a prominent place is ac- corded Joseph Baumgartner, who resides on his well improved estate in section ten, of Oakland precinct. He is a gentleman of energetic char- acter, and well merits his success and high stand- ing.

Mr. Baumgartner is the eldest of two sons born to Joseph and Christina Baumgartner, and first saw the light on November 13, 1859, his birthplace being in Switzerland. Joseph is now the only liv- ing member of his family.

He grew to manhood in his native country, coming to America in May, 1880, locating at first in New York City, where he followed his trade of cabinet maker. He was married there in Decem- ber of the following year, to Mary Ann Ruesch, who had also emigrated to this country from Switzerland a short time before. They remained in New York about one year, then came to Ne- braska, bnying homestead rights on section ten, township twenty-two, range seven, Boone county, they being one of the original homesteaders in the county, and this has been their home continu- ously since that time.

During the early years, they met with many discouragements, but gradually prospered and now own a splendidly improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres, having a fine resi- dence and good set of farm buildings, etc.

Mr. Baumgartner's family consists of himself, wife, and ten children, namely : Richard J., George W., Annie, Joseph J., John, Mary Matilda, Leo P., Fritz, Mary Agnes, and Clara. They are a very happy family, all ambitious, and ever striv- ing after the best in life along social and intellee- tual lines, and have many friends in their section of the county. Mr. Baumgartner has for a num- ber of years served as a member of the school board in district number sixteen.

JULIUS MAAS.

Julius Maas belongs to a family that has borne an important part in securing the present agricul- tural and commercial prosperity of Wayne county. Ile has made his home there since 1882,

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during which time he has developed an excellent farm and erected a beautiful home. It is such citizens who have been the means of bringing about the change in the region, from virgin prairie to a land of fertile fields, dotted with houses and other buildings.

Mr. Maas was born in Germany, in 1863, and is a son of Gottlieb and Minnie Maas, who were parents of six children, all of whom were educated in that country and all of whom came to the United States.

In boyhood, Julius Maas attended the public school and helped his parents, and in 1882, before attaining his majority, left home and native land to come to the New World and seek his fortune. Soon after landing, he made his way to Nebraska, then offering such splendid opportunities to the young man of little capital. He rented land for three years, then purchased railroad land on sec- tion three, township twenty-five, range one, where he now lives. He has brought his land to high standard of productiveness and is engaged in gen- eral farming, with special attention to stock rais- ing. He is well known in his community and has many warm friends.

In 1892, Mr. Maas was united in marriage with Miss Anna Frieburg, a daughter of Fred Frie- burg, and a native of Nebraska. Four children have been born to this union : Clara, Ella, Alward and Walter.

HERMAN DRAUBE.

The above named gentleman is a fit represent- ative of the sturdy, energetic, resourceful pio- neers of northeastern Nebraska, who have made this section what it is. He has lived many years in this locality, and has been a part of the growth and development of the region. He has been successful in his pursuit of agriculture, and has built up for himself a substantial and com- fortable home, where he is now enjoying the fruit of his labors.

Mr. Draube was born April 1, 1856, in Wis- consin and is the son of August and Carlion Draube. His parents were both natives of Pom- meron, Germany. Like many other fellow-conn- trymen, they decided that America offered greater opportunities than their own land, and so, in 1854, they set sail for this country. They had an eventful voyage, as it happened, for their sail- ing vessel was nearly wrecked several times, and they were driven so far out of their course that it was almost seven months before they finally reached their destination, almost starved. They came direct to Wisconsin, where they remained until 1866. By this time, Mr. Dranhe was a sturdy little chap of ten, who took great pleasure and interest in the long trip to Nebraska, which was taken with a yoke of oxen.

Upon coming to Stanton county, the parents took up a homestead, where the subscriber now

lives. At that time, the nearest market place was Omaha, and as for the first few years oxen were employed more extensively than horses, one can imagine that it was quite an undertaking to go to market. At that time, also, deer and antelope were quite plentiful, which disposed of the prob- lem of occasional fresh meat. The first years in the new country tested their courage and deter- mination to the utmost, as nearly all of the crops were taken by grasshoppers. To many of the set- tlers now, it is a matter of wonder how they ex- isted after one crop was destroyed until time for the next one to disappear. They had faith in the country, however, and remained to reap the re- ward which they surely had earned.

The original homestead has been added to and improved so that now it is one of the finest in that locality. One of the improvements which has added greatly to the value of the farm, is a fine orchard and grove, planted years ago by the subscriber's father.

In 1881, Mr. Draube was united in marriage to Miss Gusta Whipple, of Petersburg, Illinois. They are the parents of two children, Ladena, now Mrs. August Mohler, of Stanton, and Albert.

Mr. Draube is one of the most influential and prominent farmers in this locality and enjoys the esteem of all with whom he has come in con- tact.

GEORGE BOHL.

Of the many prominent and leading old set- tlers of the state of Nebraska, none is held in higher esteem by his fellowmen than George Bohl. He has spent his entire life in the region since 1868, is a gentleman of wide experience and excellent judgment, and is deservedly popular as a good neighbor and worthy citizen.

Mr. Bohl is a native of Iowa, having been born in Muscatine county, October 23, 1859. His parents, Nicholas and Margaret Bohl, were natives of Germany, where the father followed the occupation of farming until emigrating to the United States in 1840, meeting the lady who afterwards became his wife, in Marietta, Ohio. There they spent some little time, and in the spring of 1868 pulled up stakes and pushed on farther west, driving through the country in a covered wagon to Lancaster county, Nebraska. They located thirteen miles from Lincoln and fifty-five from Nebraska City, the latter being their nearest market place. During the first days of their travel in the region, the season being a wet one, making bad roads and delaying them in their journey, they suffered considerable dis- comfort in camping along the way, and they were indeed glad to complete their trip.

The first year was full of hardships, Mr. Bohl recounting his experience of having fought prairie fires for hours at a time in order to save their property from utter destruction. Also, in 1873, they suffered greatly through the grass-

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hopper raids, in which they lost all of their corn from the pests depredations, although saving their small grains, in which they were more for- tunate than many of their neighbors. The bliz- zards of April, 1873, and October, 1880, caused severe hardship to all, especially so to those who had cattle exposed to the extreme weather as well as those whose supply of fuel was scant.

In 1903 Mr. Bohl came into Antelope county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, which is located in section four, town- ship twenty-seven, range five, where he now re- sides, giving his attention principally to the rais- ing of stock and small grains. He has a good dwelling and outbuildings, barns and sheds, sur- rounded by an abundance of fine shade trees, with an orchard in bearing supplying a large quantity of good fruit. Mr. Bohl is an experienc- ed stockman, raising from thirty to forty head of cattle each year, also buys and feeds Jersey Duroc hogs.

Mr. Bohl was joined in matrimony March 31, 1892, to Miss Augusta Wegman, daughter of Henry and Sophia Wegman, and they are the parents of eight children, named as follows: Mag- gie, Sophy, Edward, Clara, Elmer, Lydia, Allie and William.

Mr. Bohl is a republican in national and in- dependent in county politics, and with his family worships at the Methodist Episcopal church. He has made a fine record as a successful farmer, and by. industry, good management and per- severance has placed himself and family in very comfortable circumstances, is widely known and universally respected as an honorable citizen.

JOHN H. HOES.

As a citizen of integrity and worth and a man of industrious character, this gentleman is well known to the people of Howard county. He has studied the needs of the people in his community for a number of years and has always been found standing on the side of right, doing his part to- ward meeting and providing for the public wel- fare. Mr. Hoes is a resident of St. Libory precinct, where he has a beautiful home and pleasant surroundings, his estate being one of the most perfectly equipped in the county.

John H. Hoes was born in Washington county, Maryland, on June 13, 1841, and was the third ehild in a family of nine, two of whom are now deceased. At the age of sixteen years, he went with his parents to Freeport, Illinois, remaining for only about eight months, then moved to Ogle county, Illinois. He spent some time as a student in the high school at Freeport, and in the spring of 1857 the entire family settled in Montgomery county, Illinois, where they purchased a farm and resided for several years. John assisted in car- rying on the farm, and finally took the place on his own account, leasing it for seven years. Dur-

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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 84

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