USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 37
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GEORGE W. ANDERSON
One of the old soldier boys that heard the drum beat in the time of war and rushed to the rescue, was born April 5, 1837, in Bedford
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
County, Pennsylvania., where he remained until he enlisted. Married to Miss Anna R. Kesselring, March 21, 1861, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania. She was born in Fulton Connty, Pennsylvaia, Febru- ary 5, 1844. They were the parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Mclellan, Lorenzo B., Sadie O. died in infancy ; Emma, now Mrs. F. Ashton, Edward died at eight, Florence also died in infancy, Magie E., now Mrs. B. Prine, Bertha B., now Mrs. J. W. Cox, Harry W., Ida M., Lanra E., William, Alfred, Nellie and Rufus.
The family came to Seward County, February, 1874, and settled on section thirty, "G" Precinct. Mr. Anderson enlisted in Co. F, 56 Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry, September 1, 1864.
His scene of operation was in the Potomac Valley. and was at second battle of Hatchie run South side Railroad, Five Forks, Belfield raid and at Lee's surrender.
Mr. Anderson died, Jannary 24, 1904. The U. B. Church at Seward was the family church home. Mr. Anderson was a very worthy and valnable citizen.
The widow yet resides on the old farm that they occupied when they first came to the county.
MCLELLAN C. ANDERSON
Was born among the stumps and stone fences of Fulton County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1862, where he was an engineer on a stone boat until he was twelve, when he tried the western trail and found Seward County in 1874 and learned to farm where it is both an honor and a pleasure to be a farmer boy.
After awhile Mac found his best girl, Miss Mary Botts, and they were married May 10, 1885. She was an Illinois girl born in Mc- Dounah County, June 4, 1862. They were married at Seward. They have four children, viz: Ethel L., George E., Ray A., and Clara May. Mr. Anderson is a carpenter and bnilder and we expect that more than a hundred buildings in the city and country have sprung into being under his guiding hand. He is a member of the M. W. A.
J. TEMPLETON ANDERSON
One among the oldest established merchants of Seward. Was born in Guernsey, Ohio, October 20. 1849. Don't know just how he found the western trail when so young, but at five we find the lad in the wilds of Iowa, where he grew to manhood, commencing his education in the log cabin school houses of that frontier.
In 1873, April 10, he married Miss Electa B. Bean, a Pennsylvania girl that came to Iowa in her youth. Seven children were born to them (five now living), viz: Mertie E., now Mrs. F. P. Henderson, Mary H., Florence M., Lucretia T., now dead; Gray and F. Panl.
Came to Seward in 1880, and was for a time employed in Adler's
ยท
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Dry Good House. In 1886 helped to found the grocery house to which in later years he became sole proprietor. .
Mr. Anderson is now one of the leading and prosperous merchants of our City. Is at this time a member of our Boarl of Education and is its Chairman. Is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, a member of the A. O. U. W., and a wide awake, energetic and enter- prising citizen.
ROSS P. ANDERSON
Was an Ohio boy that strayed west in his youth under the advise of Greeley and landed in Warren County, Iowa, where he grew to man- hood, when he again struck the trail that led to Seward. Ross was born in Guernsey County, May 4, 1854 In 1881 "e find the young law student fresh from school in the little new town and gazing upon the boundless prairie. His first clients were the school children of the An- derson district, where he learned that generation of youngsters the "idea how to shoot." Then he stuck up his shingle as attorney. Two years later, September 9, 1883, he was married to Lydia A. Boyd at Washington, Iowa. Mrs. Anderson was born at York, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1859. Two children came to brighten their home. Elizabeth W. and Russell B., both at home. Miss Elizabeth is now a teacher in our city schools.
Mr. Anderson has had an honorable part in the official history of Seward County where he has served six terms or twelve years, as county attorney. In his legal career he has had a hand in many important cases. As an advocate of republican principles his well timed speeches have been heard on every political stump of the county for the last twenty years.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., M. W. A. and A. O. U. W. Church home is with the Congregational people. Mr. Anderson was a graduate of Simpson Centenary College, Indianola, Iowa.
LEWIS ANDERSON
One of the oldest settlers, who came to Seward before Seward was born. Settled on his homestead just west of the city in the spring of 1866, and knows all about the ups and downs of frontier life just about as well as anybody.
He was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1834, April 15. Married to Miss Sarah A. Edwards of Huntington County, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1853. Moved to Fulton County, Illinois, in 1864 and remained there until he took a second attack of western fever, when he struck for Nebraska. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson seven children. Edison and Lewis both died in early childhood. Susan, who became Mrs. Norman Smith, died in 1880. Wilson, who had been a cripple for many years, died in 1887. Lizzie, now Mrs. John Metz of Seward; Clara, now Mrs. E. A. Butler of Ansley, Nebraska, and Bell of the dry goods and millinery house of Seward. Mr. Anderson joined the I. O.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
O. F. the day he was twenty-one years old and has always taken a great interest in the order.
Mrs. Anderson was long a member of the U. B. Church and was a most worthy Christian lady. She died, December 28, 1899.
FEED AND STABLE.
E
Barn of Dr. J. S. Anderson
DR. JOHN S. ANDERSON.
Came within an ace of being a Seward County boy and we are going to claim him, as he came to the wilderness in his fifth year in 1867.
The lad was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania in 1862, March 10. Worked on the farm and received his education in the country schools, but in his mind this did not fill the bill. So in his early man- hood he hied away to Chicago and took a full course of study in the Veterinary College and graduated with honors. But still there was more to learn so he crossed the border and at Toronto, Canada, he grad- uated in the Veterinary Dental School, yet he was not quite satisfied, so he took a course in Miles' School of Special Surgery at Charleston, Ill- inois in 1894. Then he came to Seward, his old home, to try his hand at the work for which he had been so long in training. Is a marked success in his profession and soon attracted wide attention and his field of usefulness widened.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
He was appointed twice as State Veterinary Surgeon, and is now frequently called to distant points to assist in the diagnosis of the more difficult diseases of stock. His reputation far exceeds the boundaries of his state, and that reputation has been fairly and squarely earned.
The Doctor married one of our estimable young Seward girls, Miss Myrtle Boyes, March 3, 1902. Mrs. Anderson was born, raised and edu- cated at Seward, and that means that her opportunities were good, and she has improved them.
The Doctor has built one of the finest barns in the state for his busi- ness and has it thoroughly equipped with all modern appliances.
William Ahlschwede and wife
WILLIAM AHLSCHWEDE.
Was a German born boy that crossed the great water when but four years old. His parents settled in Allen County, Indiana, near Fort Wayne, where William grew up. William was born June 12, 1844.
In 1878, February 24, Mr. Ahlschwede married Miss Eva Petzold in Allen County, Indiana. She was born January 6, 1859, in Allen County. They have nine children as follows : Herman F., George F., William H., Mary R., now Mrs. F. Freeman, Emma, Martin C., Elizabeth, Alma and Elsie.
Mr. Ahlschwede came to Seward County in May, 1871, and settled at,
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
the present home on Section 27, "J" Town, where he has improved the farm until it is an elegant home place with every convenience. He is a farmer of high rank and a man of energy and great value to his neighborhood. Church home is with the Lutherans in which he takes great interest.
LAWRENCE R. ALPIN
In the land of muddy roads and hazelbrush at Augusta, Illinois, Lawrence was born, March 24, 1875b, nt had to come to Nebraska to be raised. Away out at Ansley, Nebraska, he ran across Miss Ada Kindree and in due time he captured her in March 1896. She was a Seward County girl that had strayed away from Cordovia. She was born in 1878. They have one little girl, Fern. Mr. Alpin came to Utica mi September, 1900, and purchased the Sun plant of Mrs. W. D. Compton, and most of the time since that has been raising "Suns" that shine all over the prairies around Utica. Long may the "Sun of Utica" under his guid- ing hand "dispense a serener light" to brigthen the pathway of the people. Mr. Alpin is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Royal High- landers.
HERMAN F. AHLSCHWEDE
On the old Ahlschwede farm a mile down the river from Ruby, Herman was born June 3, 1879. He spent his youth helping to develop the farm of his father, and after a while he and Miss Elizabeth Birky, a neighbor girl, concluded a splendid bargain and they were married February 16, 1904. She was born in Livingston County, Illinois. Febru- ary 16, 1880, and came with her parents to Seward County when a young girl.
These young people have a bright future open before them. He is a farmer. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
EARL R. ANSTINE
An Iowa boy, born in Mills County, October 23, 1880. The folks brought Earl to Tamora when two years old, so he is a boy of our prairie. Worked on the farm and attended the country schools. Mar- ried Miss Ethel Dapin, a Seward born girl, November 7, 1900. Edu- cated in the city schools. Two children have come to bless the home, Lawrence A. and Irene.
Mr. Anstine is a thrifty young farmer.
CHARLES D. ALEXANDER
Was another of those New York boys that tired of navigating a stone boat among the rocky fields and grubbing blackberry briars out of the fence corners. Charley was born in the town of Sanford in Broome County. October 12, 1844. At twelve he caught sight of the star of promise and found the western trail which led him to Iowa County,
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Wisconsin, and there among the badgers he grew up and was so fortu- nate as to get acquainted with Miss Albina Stevens and they married, October 18, 1869, in Iowa County, town of Miflin, her native place. She was born April 23, 1847.
Four children came to brighten their home; Lawrence S., Horace G., Eliza, now Mrs. D. C. Showalter, Amy, now Mrs. L. L. Emerson. The family came to Seward County August 28, 1883, and settled in "F" Precinct on Section 32. Mr. Alexander is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
Mr. Alexander did not forget to go to the war. He heard the bugle call and enlisted in the 19th Wisconsin infantry, Jannary 6, 1862.
He is a wide awake citizen and has helped in every way to develop his county and his village. He has been postmaster of Tamora for many years.
LAUREN S. ALEXANDER
A young merchant of Tamora who has grown from his youth among us, was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, October 26, 1870. At thirteen he came with his parents to the prairie home near where Tamora now stands. Here Lauren had the usual experiences of boys on the frontier. When not at school, he worked on his father's farm, chased cattle, hunted prairie chickens and rabbits.
In 1894, November 13, he and Miss Jennie Francis were married at Seward. She is a native of the Hoosier State, born in Laporte County. October 11, 1875 One child was born to them but it died in early in- fancy.
Mr. Alexander came to the county in August, 1883. The parental home was in "F" Precinct. He has a membership in the A. F. and A. M. What is very striking about the career of this young lad is his phenominal success as a merchant. Five years ago, he opened a little store with about a wheelbarrow load of goods and commenced his mer- cantile career. His business has grown to vast proportions. He now has a store worthy of a place in a city. His sales for the current year exceed twenty thousand dollars. It is truly a surprise that in so small a village, such a vast amount of business could be transacted by so young a merchant.
DR. FREDERICK M. ANDRUS
Another Nebraska boy that cut a figure in the world. Born among the everlasting hills at Plattsmouth, July 29, 1872. In his youth he climbed hills, rolled stones down just to see them tumble down the steep hillsides, and went to school at the high school. He then went to the Lincoln Medical College and gradnated with honors in the class of 1900. Took post-graduate courses at Chicago in surgery with Dr. Pratt and also at West-side Surgical Institute. Dr. Andrus is now Professor in Physical Diagnosis at the Lincoln Medical College. Angust 27, 1898, he closed a bargain (and a good one too) with Miss Emma Ladd, of
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Weeping Water, Cass County. She is a full blood Nebraskan, born June 27, 1878, right in sight of those piles of white rocks at Weeping Water falls.
The doctor came to Pleasant Dale, March 25, 1900 and stuck out his shingle. He now has a large and growing practice, owns a hospital and rides in an automobile.
The church home of the family is with the Methodists. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., of the K. O. T. M., the M. W. A. and is examining physician for each of the above orders. He is one of our growing doctors.
Dr. F. M. Andrus
Mrs. F. M. Andrus
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
EDWARD C. ARCHER
Was one among the noble band of early pioneers that penetrated the great wilderness in the northwestern part of the county in 1869. Edward was born July 7. 1846, in Harrison County, Virginia. His parents saw bright light in the great west when Edward was a babe and tound their way to Illinois, but a little later made their home in Grant County, Wisconsin, where they remained till their removal in 1869 to Seward Cmuty where they homesteaded in Section 3 in "C" Precinct.
In his young manhood, Edward enlisted in Company C, 2nd Wis- consin Cavalry, but as the war was so near over the company did not get to smell much burnt powder.
He also homesteaded on the same section and opened a farm. No- vember 26, 1872, Mr. Archer married Miss Mary A. Compton at Seward. There were born to them ten children as follows: Sarah E., died in childhood, Mand, Nettie F., late wife of John Slenecker., Frank O., died in childhood, Jessie M., now Mrs. A. W. Noxen, Daisy D., now Mrs. L. K. Varner, Julia W., now Mrs. M. H. Norwood, Curtis E., Edna W. and Arthur.
Mrs. Archer was born September 1, 1849,in Indiana and died at the family home near Staplehurst, April 2, 1901.
Mr. Archer is a successful and progressive farmer. Is a member of the United Workman and the M. W. A.
FREDERICK J. AHLSCHWEDE
Another Nebraska born boy. This time Beatrice claims the prize. Fred was born September 3, 1879, but came to Seward County near Milford when two and a half years old. Suspect the old folks had some thing to do with his coming at so early an age. Fred worked on his father's farm and performed his duty so well that Uncle Jeff Cox raised no objections and one bright Jnne day about the 3rd, 1903, Fred led Miss Pearl E. Cox to the marriage altar, at her father's home. Pearl was a Seward County pearl, born on our soil, July 3. 1885. They are the proud parents of one bright baby boy, Ernest D. The young people now live on the Wortendyke farm near Ruby. He is a young farmer. The Presbyterian Church is their church home.
HON. SILAS. S. ATWOOD
Another of the old soldier boys who came to find a home in the old times, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1842, March 12. His parents moved to Washington, Iowa, in 1844. There Silas grew to manhood and when he heard his country's call to arms, he straightway enlisted in Company K, 13th Iowa Volunteer infantry and served three years and eight months. Was in the conflicts at Shilo, Corinth, Vicksburg siege and was near there at the time of the surrender. Was with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, and from Savannah to Washington. Was mus- tered out at Louisville, Kentucky, in July 1865. Located on a home- stead two and a half miles west of Milford in 1867, and had a part in
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
the county seat war. He came through both wars without a scratch. Helped to organize Major Keenan Post. No. 137, G. A. R. and was once its commander. Was at one time town treasurer and once supervisor from his town. Elected to the Lower House in 1902, and is at this writ- ing candidate on the republican ticket for re-election.
Mr. Atwood is a staunch republican, and helps the party greatly by his genial nature and good judgment. Mr. Atwood has been a farmer all his Nebraska days and did his full share in developing this new land and making it what it is today, such a garden spot.
Mr.' Atwood sought and found a splendid wife in the person of Miss Dorotha E. Brown, daughter of Samuel Brown, one of the pioneers at Milford. They were married in 1869. To them have been born four children : Della A., Gilbert C., Amy L. and Cathie P., all yet with the parents.
Mrs. Atwood is a member of the M. E. Church at Beaver Crossing. Mr. Atwood did all he honorably could for his town, Milford, at the time of the county-seat contest, and helped to fight its battles through bravely just like any patriotic citizen should do, but when the war was over, then he laid down his arms and thence forward he was for Seward County and all her interests.
He made an excellent representative and is very popular with his party. He was elected in November 1904 by a good majority.
CHARLES H. ADAMS
A good old fashioned democrat that was elected three times Sheriff of Seward Connty although it is a republican county. Was born June 28, 1843, in Cincinnati, Ohio. When the drum beat to arms, Charley enlisted in 1861. Was in the first battle at Bullrun and we expect he made a bully-run. Was under the command of Alex McDowel MeCook. Was at Stone River and other battles. In 1868 we find him in Beauro Co., Ill., where Sept. 20, 1873, he married Miss Cary M. Crownover.
She was born in Henderson Co., Ill , Sept. 26, 1850.
They have three chrildren, viz: Iva W., now Mrs. E. A. Moore ; Glenn C. and Clyde O.
Mr. Adams came to the county in 1883 and located in "O" precinct. First elected sheriff in 1885.
Appointed Register of U. S. Land Office in 1894 at Broken Bow and served four years. Mr. Adams has large landed interest yet in Seward county although he at present resides in Lincoln. Church home is with the Presbyterians.
MISS MARY STANDISH BANKS.
This distinguished teacher came to Pleasant Dale in her early youth and has seen much of pioneer life.
Born at Salem, Indiana, and with her widowed mother came to Seward County in 1880, where the family purchased railroad land. Here on the farm Mary grew to womanhood. She completed her high school
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
education under Professor Burkett at Milford. Then she graduated at the Peru Normal school. When she commenced her long and successful career as a teacher, we find her at the head of the grammar department, where she remained for two years. Then she pursued the scientific course at the State University. Next, she was two years principal of the Trumbull Schools. Then in the grammar schools at Uma Colorado for two years, also at Milford two years, and then in her home district for two years on account of the poor health of her mother. In 1902 she opened a millinery store at Milford where she has had great success.
She is an earnest and faithful worker in the M. E. Church and Sabbath school. She became connected with the W. C. T. U. at Utica and was a most efficient member.
The widowed and aged mother resides on the old farm. Mary saved of her own earnings to complete her education, buy and pay for forty acres of valuable land and also to open her nice store. Now Mrs. M.S Rawls.
VOLNEY BRANT
Born among the stony hills of Erie County, N. Y., October 8, 1841. He took the western trail in early boyhood and landed at Whitewater, Wisconsin. where he grew to manhood.
In 1861, September 20, Mr. Brant enlisted in the 13th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged November 20, 1864. In 1866 Mr. Brant crossed the plains to Salt Lake, from there he went to Idaho and engaged in mining and stock raising for sixteen years.
In 1883, January 1. he married Miss Addie Johnson Ambrose, a Whitewater lady. Four children were born to them, two of which are now living : Ray, born August 13, 1885. and Hazeldell, born June 3. 1891.
The young people came to "L" precinct in March, 1883, and located on a farm. In 1884, he rented the farm and was in business at Utica in the grain trade with Mr. Boone.
He was Vice President of the Utica Bank-in 1883 he went to Lonis- iana and was not quite satisfied. So in 1898 he went to Kalkaska, Michigan, where he is in business, but we expect him back to Seward County soon, where a man can make some headway. We are ready to welcome him.
Mr. Brant has his standing with the G. A. R. and the I. O. O. F.
GEORGE BAUER, JR.
A German lad born in Lonisa County, Iowa. Jannary 11. 1872. Came to Seward County in 1875 and settled just east of Seward, where he . grew to manhood as a farmer boy. When George got old enough, he wooed and won Miss Mary Pelines. Apirl 18, 1895. She was born at Minar, Illinois, January 21, 1873. They have four little folks: George H , Katherine L. N., Annie N. and Edward C.
Mr. Bauer now lives a mile south of Goehner in "K" precinct. Church home is with the Evangelical people.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
CHARLES C. BACON
Wisconsin boy, born at Fondulac, January 24, 1863. and at ten years of age he found his way to Nebraska. Spent his youth in Hamilton County, but somehow there was an attractive lode stone at Milford and we find him a resident of Seward County in 1900. October 10, 1900, he captured one of our Seward County girls, Miss Diantha Wortendyke of Milford, who was to the manor born daughter of Judge Henry Worten- dyke. Born March 15, 1872. They now have two children, May E. and John W.
They own a beautiful farm near Ruby. Mi. Bacon takes great interest in fine pigs and has a very complete pig house in connection with other good improvements. Was unfortunate in losing an arm some years ago while in the employ of the R. R. Company. He is quite a rustler.
Is a member of the republican county central committee and throws his whole soul into the work. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Knights of Labor, also of the American Federation of Labor.
REV. CHRISTIAN BEK
A boy raised in Germany, born July 5,. 1829, at Aichelberg, where he remained until twenty-six, when he decided to breathe the purer and freer air of America. Hle began his ministry at twenty-five and has now upheld the banner of the Cross full fifty years.
He married Miss R. Muenzenmaier at Herman, Missouri, Septem- ber 13, 1857. She was a German girl, born February 20, 1830, and died May 6, 1873. There were born to them eight children: Lydia, now Mrs. E. Blanchard, Theophalus, Chistian, now dead, Charles, Paul, Emma, now dead, Theodore and Fred. Mr. Bek married in 1874, April 30, to Miss Pauline Maier at St. Louis, Missouri. She was also a Ger- man girl born July 16, 1843. There were born to them six children : Panline, Jane, Christian, John, Houth and Dora.
Rev. Bek came to Seward County in October 1877 and located on a farm in "B" precinct. but has for some years resided in Seward.
He organized the Evangelical church at Seward.
WINDFIELD S. BEEBE
Was born in Grant County, Wisconsin. October 4, 1848, and there spent his early childhood days. In 1862 the home was made in Johnson County, Iowa, until he had an attack of Nebraska fever which brought him to Seward County in 1880. A little later he pre-empted land in Hamilton County but soon proved np and returned to his first love, and located on a farm in "J" precinct where he still resides.
While in Iowa, he became acquainted with the daughter of Julius G. Brown of Johnson County and in 1873 he found an excuse to return to Iowa and made Miss Annette his bride, on February 2 (Ground-hog day) and he returned home in triumph with her. She was a native of
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEARASKA
Johnson County where she was educated. Born August 23, 1847. She being the older, it was said that she took Windfield to raise. It is un- derstood that she performed her task pretty well. They have four children : Jennie L., now Mrs. Phil Maner, Harriet, Mildred E. and Jared G., all at home.
Mr. Beebe is a member of the I. O. O. F. Was elected in 1895 sup- ervisor for "J" precinct. He is an ardent populist in politics. Is a prosperous farmer and has a nice home.
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