History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time, Part 122

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Nebraska > Custer County > History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time > Part 122

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Financially Mr. Long has always been suc- cessful, although his accumulations are modest and have been made and expended without ostentation. He and his wife live in a modern home and are possessed of enough of this world's goods to provide comfortable retire- ment for them during the remainder of their lives. All he has has been made in Custer county. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and in politics he delights to be called independent.

EMERY J. CHAPIN. - Here is related the story of a successful young business man who came to Custer county in an early day. received his education in the common schools. learned the carpenter's trade, and at present occupies a responsible position in an Arnold mercantile establishment.

Emery J. Chapin was born in the city of Chicago, May 12. 1878, and he is a son of Chester A. and Laura ( Tyler) Chapin, the former a native of New York and the latter of Illinois. Chester A. Chapin came to Custer county in 1887 and located in Broken Bow. where he followed the carpenter trade. Here Emery J. Chapin grew from boyhood to man- hood. llere he learned his father's vocation and worked with him most of the time during his minority. The parents were excellent peo- ple and were devoted members of the Chris- tian church.

Emery J. Chapin has been twice married and has three children by the former marriage. two daughters and one son. On November 22, 1908, he led to the marriage altar his pres- ent wife. Lulu ( Phifer) Chapin, whose par- ents were early settlers in the Arnold neigh- borhood and are well remembered by all of the old-timers. Of this second union three children were born. Charles. James, and Virgil. Master Virgil is but two years old, in 1918, and he "manages things" at home while his older brothers are in school.

.As Mr. Chapin recalls his early experiences. hie relates that his first money was earned by

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HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

blacking boots and that this was put to good use. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, in which they are influential supporting members. Socially, he is in good standing in the Odd Fellows lodge and is present counsel of the local camp of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. His occupation at the present time is that of a clerk in one of the Arnold stores, where he is well established and enjoys the respect and esteem of the large number of patrons. In the village and sur- rounding community the Chapin family are well and favorably known and their many friends wish them abundant prosperity, all of which they declare is well merited.

CHARLES MASON FORSYTH, familiar- ly known as "Maee," represents one of the pioneer families of the Anselmo district of Custer county.

He was born at Loup City, Nebraska. July 26. 1876, and is a son of James and Elizabeth ( Dryden) Forsyth, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

In the year 1876 the early settlers of the Victoria creek neighborhood heard of the In- dian uprising in the west and became alarmed to such an extent that nearly all of the families in the settlement went to Loup City, a settle- ment where they thought they would be safer. During the stay there the subject of this bi- ography was born.

His boyhood days were spent om the old homestead and his preliminary education was acquired in the district school. Later he at- tended the public schools at Kearney and also the University of Nebraska. Reared on the farm, he naturally chose the occupation with which he was familiar. When his father re- tired he purchased the old home place, where he successfully carries on general farming.

For a companion and helpmeet Mr. Forsyth chose Miss Pearl Swan, a native of Indiana, and they are the parents of the following named children: Donald Mason, Theodore Scott, David D., Claude Engene, and Mary Eleanor.

Mr. Forsyth is a Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mrs. Forsyth is a member of the Methodist church and both are held in high esteem by all who know them.

GODFREY NANSEL. - This review has to do with an Arnold citizen, a substantial, pro- gressive Custerite, who has given a practical demonstration of what thrift and energy, com-

bined with business acumen, can do in this good county. It is a remarkable story, and one that can hardly be duplicated in any other section of the state.

Godfrey Nansel was born April 24, 1857, in Nauvoo, Illinois. He is a son of Conrad and Ann G. ( Bollin) Nansel, who were born in Germany, and who became the parents of five sons and three daughters - Godfrey, Joseph, Mrs. Mary McGary, Mrs. Margaret Owens, Mrs. Ella N. Lively, Michael, John, and Will- iam, the last two being twins. After coming to this country Conrad Nansel showed his lov- alty by serving as a Union soldier during the last eight months of the Civil war. After his discharge he settled in Nodaway county, Mis- souri, and there his son Godfrey lived until he was eleven years of age, when, on account of a disagreement in the home, young Godfrey gathered up his belongings and faced the world for himself. That he has "made good" will be seen when this sketch enumerates his present- day possessions. After leaving home he went to work for' a farmer, Frank Frawley, his wages being ten dollars a month. Later he worked three years for a man named Moore, from whom he received eighteen dollars a month, which was at that time considered very high wages. Later he returned to his former employer and worked two years, for twenty dollars a month.

January 10, 1881, Mr. Nansel was united in wedlock to Sarah F. McCreary, a daughter of Jehiel and Margaret A. ( Jackson) Me- Creary. Mrs. Nansel's native state was Iowa and in her father's family were four children - Lewis, Indiana (deceased), Ambrose, and Sarah E. Mrs. Nansel's mother was closely related to General Andrew Jackson.

The next day after their marriage Godfrey Nansel and his young bride started for Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they made their first home, and where he worked for a dollar a day until he accumulated enough money to buy a team and a few farming implements, and he then rented a farm and started farming for himself. Mrs. Nansel was a plucky woman and deter- mined to do her part toward making a living and accummulating a fortune. Aside from the housework and outdoor chores, she took in washing and saved the thirty-five dollars with which they bought their first cow. In 1885 they came to Custer county and pre-empted a quarter-section of land six miles west of Cal- laway. This was their home until 1890, when they sold out and went back to Council Bluffs. In the memorable dry year of 1894 they re- turned to Custer county, and this has been their home ever since. Mr. Nansel has retired from

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GODFREY NANSEL

MRS. GODFREY NANSEL

HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

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GODFREY NANSEL AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

active farm operations and in the village of Arnold he has built a beautiful residence, which is equipped with modern conveniences and home comforts. He now owns over 4,000 acres of land - 2,280 acres in Logan county, Nebraska : 160 acres in Colorado ; 320 acres in South Dakota : and 1,280 acres in Montana.

The years brought twelve children to the Nansel home: Arthur R. married Nannie Tietjens and they have one daughter. Anna G. is the wife of F. Earl Whaley, a farmer liv- ing near Callaway, and they have nine children. Jesse F. married Margaret McFate and they have seven children. Lillie B. is deceased. Nora J. married Perry J. Moore, a farmer liv- ing near Callaway, and they have four sons. Lewis O. married Virgie Walker and they have one son. Hubert G. married Ida Giles and they live near Myers, Montana. They have one son. Joseph E. married Phebe Giles and they are living near Myers, Montana. They have one son. Harry W. married Bernice Pierce, they have one daughter and their home likewise is near Myers, Montana. Cecil MI .. who is a graduate of the Arnold high school and is still at home with her parents, is a teacher in the Arnold schools. Lloyd K., still a bachelor, is operating a farm near Arnold. Charles A .. the youngest of the children is in the eleventh grade of the Arnold high school. The family is connected with the Methodist church and is one of the most substantial fam- ilies in the community. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Nansel are prominent members of the Mystic Legion and other organizations.

During the last two years no one has been more prominent in all the war activities than Mr. Nansel - he has been a heavy contributor to all war objects. He conducts a real-estate business, into which he puts the same energy that made his farming and stock-raising opera- tions successful.

JOSEPH F. RUSSELL. - When Joseph F. Russell became a homesteader in Custer county, in 1884. he had already entered his thirty-third year, but his advantages up to that time had been so few that he was in the most modest financial circumstances. His re- sources, in fact, totaled only twenty-five cents in money, in addition to which he still was in debt for a part of the purchase price of his horse and wagon. He had, however, many far more dependable resources, and among them were grit and determination and a ca- pacity for untiring industry. These have ele- vated him to a place of wealth among the sub- stantial men of Ansley, to prominence as a

farmer, merchant, and politician, and to public- spirited participation in all that tends to the permanent upbuilding of the community.

Mr. Russell was born in Henry county. Ohio, December 16, 1851, and is a son of Will- iam and Eliza Ann ( Ingraham ) Russell. His paternal grandfather, Elisha Russell, was a native of Maine and of English descent : he was a shoemaker by trade and his death oc- curred in Ohio. The maternal grandfather. A. Green Ingraham, was born in England, and on his arrival in America first settled in New York. Later he migrated to Ohio, where he pre-empted land, became a substantial citizen, and for several years served in the capacity of associate judge at Tiffin. William Russell was born in Maine, in 1807, and during his early years was a merchant in his native state. Later he became a boat captain on the Erie canal. but eventually he turned his attention to, farm- ing, in which he was engaged, in Ohio, at the time of his death, in 1878. He was laid to rest in the Fort Seneca cemetery, as was also his wife, who was born in New York, in 1820. and who died in 1869, in Ohio. They were members of the Universalist church, and of their ten children three survive: W. Henry, a veteran of the Civil war. living at Liberty Center, Ohio: Joseph F., of this sketch ; and M. F., who is bookkeeper for the Farmers Elevator at Liberty Center, Ohio. William Russell was a Republican in politics. A man of the strictest integrity, he was successful in his business affairs and had the respect and confidence of his associates.

Joseph F. Russell was given a district- school education in a log schoolhouse in Henry county, Ohio, and during his boyhood and youth was given a thorough training in the various departments of farm work. It seemed impossible for him to get a start on the high- way of success, and in spite of his industry he was unable to make any progress, so that final- ly he struck out for the west, and in 1884 arrived in Custer county. He secured a home- stead and began operations, and during the next eighteen years he continued to make agri- cultural enterprise his chief interest, with the result that he arose steadily in fortune, and finally decided to enter business affairs. How- ever, he still is the owner of a farm of 400 acres, where general farming and stock-rais- ing are carried on under his supervision, but his home is at Ansley, where he has resided since 1902. Upon his arrival in town he engaged in the livery business and also con- ducted a feed store, but he finally disposed of his interests in these enterprises in order to purchase a bakery and confectionery, of which

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he is still the proprietor. He has made this venture a most successful one, and is ac- counted one of the town's leading and substan- tial citizens. Mr. Russell is independent in politics, and he has served as a member of the board of supervisors and as justice of the peace. He belongs to the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the various official chairs, and is a member of the encampment body of this fine fraternal organization.

In 1876 Mr. Russell married Miss Cordelia Leist, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Levi Leist, a farmer who died in that state. To this union there have been born three chil- dren : Lory D., who assists his father in con- ducting the bakery business : Ogle F., who married J. H. Varney, a merchant of Ansley ; and Carl D., who is a baker at Arcadia, Ne- braska. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

GUSTAF W. NELSON. - With its nu- merous opportunities for advancement, Amer- ica has offered a welcome and a home to the people of other lands and has proved attrac- tive to the young and ambitious who in their own countries have seen little chance for ad- vancement. It is not in every case, however, that these opportunities are recognized, ap- preciated, and grasped in a degree equal to that shown in the career of Gustaf W. Nelson, of the Comstock community, who, borrowing money to come to the United States, is now the owner of 618 acres of excellent Custer county land.

Mr. Nelson is a native of Sweden, born April 21, 1866, in a family which was hon- orable but in modest financial circumstances. He was given his education in the public schools, as were his two brothers: Eric P., who now lives at the old home place in Swe- dlen ; and Carl, who lives near Comstock, Custer county, and is a farmer. The youngest of his father's children, Gustaf W. Nelson, could find little encouragement in the outlook before him in the land of his birth, and even when a mere youth he began to make plans for im- migrating to America, where he felt sure there awaited him a chance to prove his worth and gain a competence. Finally, in 1885, when he was only nineteen years of age, he succeeded in borrowing sufficient money to make the trip to the United States, and he at once came to Nebraska, arriving in Hamilton county Decem- ber 14th of that year. He was willing and eager, strong and ambitious, and had little trouble in finding employment and keeping it.

Also, he was thrifty and economical, saved his earnings carefully, and during the eighteen years that he resided in Hamilton county he took long strides toward the attainment of his goal, which was the possession of a farm of his own. In 1903 Mr. Nelson came to Custer county, where he bought a farm near Comstock and since that time his advancement has been constant and consistent. From time to time he has added to his property by purchase, until his landed estate now comprises 618 acres, and it is under a high state of cultivation, with improvements that are modern and valuable beyond the ordinary. He has not only shown himself skilled in the arts of farming and stock- raising, but also a business man of high calibre, and one whose reputation for integrity is built upon strong foundations. His buildings are modern and he raises a high grade of live stock. In matters which affect the welfare of his com- munity, Mr. Nelson takes a good citizen's in- terest. but he has never sought to invade ac- tively the fields of politics or public service as a candidate for offices of preferment at the hands of his fellow citizens.

On April 22, 1889, in Hamilton county, Ne- braska, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bister, who was born in Sweden and who came as a young woman to the United States, her parents settling in Ham- ilton county, Nebraska, in 1886. There her father carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, while the mother still makes her home in that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson there have been born nine children, of whom seven are living, all residing at home : Emma, Agnes, Melvin, Dora, Dwight, Walter, and Glenn.

JAMES H. BROWN, who is one of the leading business men of Eddyville, Nebraska, is also one of the pioneers of the county. com- ing here in 1880, and during the thirty-eight years that have passed since then, he has been active in many ways in assisting in the county's substantial development, so that his name is probably as well known as that of any other resident.

James H. Brown was born in Delaware county, Indiana, December 18, 1860. His par- ents were Samuel G. and Sarah ( Wills ) Brown, the father being a native of Indiana and the mother of Ohio. They had five sons, namely: G. Riley, John H., Joseph P., James H., and Samuel E., all surviving except the oldest. The father was a farmer all his life and was a staunch Democrat. Both parents belonged to the Christian church. The father died in the spring of 1865.

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James H. Brown was only five years old when he was left fatherless, and hence many advantages that boys enjoy under happier con- ditions, were denied him. He started out to make his own way in the world when but twelve years old and worked for farmers in his native state until 1880, when he came to Cus- ter county, where his brother, John H. Brown. had already settled, on Deer creek, four miles north of the Joshua Wood ranch. Having had farm experience. he was able to help the ranchmen in this section while awaiting his twenty-first birthday, when he would be en- titled to enter a land claim, which he subse- quently did, securing a homestead situated twenty-four miles south of Broken Bow. He resided on this homestead six years and then sold to advantage and bought 160 acres, situ- ated on Deer creek, this transaction showing business capacity, with which he is very gen- erally credited. He continued on his farm and carried on its various activities quite success- fully until 1907, when he moved to Eddyville. where he has been foremost in business ever since. For four years he was engaged in the real-estate business and then he turned his attention to his present line, which includes dealing in farm produce, poultry, butter, eggs. and cream, and in connection with which he conducts a cream station at Eddyville.

Mr. Brown was married first. August 22. 1884, at Muncie, Indiana. to Miss Emma Van- nettie, who was born in Indiana. and was a daughter of Samuel and Savilla Vannettie. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Christian church. She died January 22, 1891. the moth- er of two children : Samuel W. and William O. At Lorenz, Iowa, Samuel W. Brown is station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He married Alta Bennett and they have four daughters and one son. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. and in politics is a Democrat. William O. Brown is serving as a soldier in the national army, belonging to a supply company of the Three Hundred and Fiftieth Infantry. sent to Camp Dodge. Iowa. July 23. 1918. Mr. Brown was married, second, April 11. 1896, at Kear- ney, Nebraska, to Miss Ellen Cox, who is a daughter of Noah Cox. Mr. Brown and his brother Samuel are both musical and in that way, perhaps, came about the organiztion of what was known far and wide, during the stirring times that visited Nebraska when the Populist party was holding rallies and conventions, as the "Cat Creek Band." It was made up of local talent, in- cluding the Browns and Thomas Emerick, and

its music was so acceptable that it was called for from every part of the county.

JOHN C. KLINGBEIL is a "live wire" of the Roten district where, in addition to farm- ing and stock-raising, he conducts enough side operations to entitle him to be called a stock dealer.

John C. Klingbeil was born at Golden, Illi- nois. December 30, 1879, and his parents, Au- gust and Trenke (Ostendorf) Klingbeil, na- tives of Germany, transmitted to their off- spring the German characteristics of thrift and industry. To them were born five children - Lula Stellman, John. Hattie, Lena. and Ida. The father came to the United States in 1864 and followed milling for an occupation. He married at Golden, Illinois, and came to Custer county, Nebraska, in 1889. He located about twenty miles southwest of Oconto, in the vi- cinity of Roten valley.

The early days of John C. Klingbeil were spent on the farm and at an early age it was necessary for him to lend a hand. When seven years of age he went to live with his uncle. George Ostendorf, in Dawson county, and he stayed with him until he was fourteen years old, at which time he returned to his father's home farm, where he remained until he mar- ried. He received a common-school education and applied to general farming his inherited characteristics of thrift and energy.

On November 3, 1915, Mr. Klingbeil led to the marriage altar Miss Una Stinehagen, a young lady who came from Missouri, and who is a daughter of Henry and Cora (Stauffer) Stinehagen, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Missouri. Mrs. Klingbeil had only one brother. Louis Stinehagen. Mr. and Mrs. Klingbeil have but one child of their own, baby Gyneth, who is only six months of age at the time of this writing. in 1918, but in this hospitable home two adopted children have found asylum fraught with home com- forts. They are Louis and Rosella Stinehagen.

On his farm of 320 acres. John C. Klingbeil conducts a general agricultural and stock-rais- ing business on a practical and profitable basis. He buys and sells live stock, and is uniformly regarded as a valuable man to the community. Any man who will buy what others have to sell and will sell what others want to buy is a pivotal character in any community - one up- on whom much of the proseprity of that par- ticular locality revolves. Mr. and Mrs. Kling- beil are connected with the Lutheran church. and in politics he maintains an independent

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attitude, with allegiance declared to no political party.

LOUIS M. ROWAN. - It would be high treason to underestimate or underrate the ser- vices of the early pioneer, but it would likewise be an injustice to discount the contributions of those men of tireless energy who came into the county in later years and since their arrival have contributed a wealth of example and leadership, as well as practical demonstration of the county's possibilities.

Louis M. Rowan was born in Livingston county, Illinois, September 21, 1873, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Mary ( Pembrook) Rowan, the former of whom came from the Empire state and the latter from Illinois. In the family of this excellent couple were eleven children - Helen Collar, James (deceased ) , George M .. Charles W., Ida Wiltsey, Louis M .. John T .. Henry A., Martha Stauffer, Benja- min F., and Mary McFarland - all creditable citizens and a credit to their parentage.

During the early years of Mr. Rowan he lived on a farm, where he assisted his parents. and he often herded cattle for his neighbors. It was by this means that he earned his first money, which became the foundation of the accumulations of the present time. The first money that he earned went to purchase his first overcoat. He received the advantages of a common-school education and by application and reading has augmented the fund of school- house lore until to-day he is a well informed and versatile man of affairs. In 1896 he led to the marriage altar Miss Elnora Benckeser. a daughter of John and Mary (Chard) Benck- eser. The father was a native of Germany but the mother came from the Hoosier state. Further information concerning this family is contained in the biography of Tames A. How- ell. whose wife is a sister of Mrs. Rowan.

The home which Mr. and Mrs. Rowan es- tablished for themselves was quite up to the American standard in all its appointments of comfort and plenty. They became the parents of seven children, one of whom died in in- fancy : Ival L .. a young man of draft age. had not been classified at the time this sketch was prepared. Raymond is at home and is assist- ing his father. Clarence E. and Gladys M. are students at school. Viola is seven vears old. Lewis M., four years, and "Cantain John." twenty months of age, will soon be promoted colonel of the "Home Squad."

Mr. Rowan came west in 1888 with his par- ents and settled in Dawson county, where he made his home for seven years. He then

crossed the line north into Custer and rented what is known as the John Duvall farm, on which he opened bachelor's quarters, which were not much to his liking. On August 6th of the same year, he concluded he had enough of "batching," and he was married, as recorded above. He now owns the farm, and has added to it until his holdings are now 560 acres of splendid land. He made his money in general farming and stock-raising, and year after year continues his operations, each year showing an increase of his worldly possessions, and all of this being the measure and standard of success. Mr. and Mrs. Rowan are fine people and de- serve their good name and reputation. They are connected with the Evangelical church and Mr. Rowan votes the Republican ticket.

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History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time, Part 122

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company
Number of Pages: 1180