USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 40
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Mr. Cummins was many years engaged in the oil trade but is now engaged in the windmill and pump business, and is also owner and
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
operator of a dray line in Seward. He is a rustler in business. Is a member of the Highlander fraternal order.
Later: Mr. Cummins is in the oil trade in Lincoln.
General Jacob H. Culver
Adjutant General of Nebraska. Was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1845. His parents moved to the territory of Wisconsin when Jacob was only two years old. The family settled in the pine woods of Cheboygan County and engaged in the lumber business. The lad received his education in the primitive common schools of that wild land, and at the tender age of sixteen he heard the mutterings of the coming storm and his young soul was all on fire and at the first oppor- tunity he enlisted in Company K, first Wisconsin volunteers as drummer boy, September 17, 1861, serving one year in that capacity and at the battle of Perryville, the color bearer being killed, Jacob dropped the drum and grabbed the flag and bore it aloft in triumph and continued to carry it through the service, and was mustered out with his regi- ment. He was in the sanguinary battles of Chaplain Hills, Chicka-
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
mauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga and also in the Atlanta campaign. Returning from the war he entered the Wis- consin University in 1866.
----
J. H. Culver, Drummer Boy
Was elected engrossing clerk in 1869, and the same year came to Nebraska and made Milford his home and has been closely identified with its interests from that day to the present. The first we learn ot him at his new home was drawing a map for the newly organized County of Hamilton, for the officials. A teacher in the public schools and then as Milford's postmaster. Then he formed a partnership with H. G. Parsons and commenced the publication of the Blue Valley Record, which was Milford's first and we think its best newspaper. In 1873 the Record was consolidated with the Daily Leader, of Lincoln, Nebraska, which Sirs Culver and Parsons brought up to a paying basis. In 1874 Mr. Culver sold his interest and returned to Milford and bought an interest in the Milford flouring mills, with J. L. Davison. He continued with the mill until it was sold to Johnson, Perry
.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA'
Company, in 1879. Mr. Culver helped to organize Winslow Post of G. A. R. number fifty-six, and was its first commander. In 1873 he married Miss Ada I. Davison and they are the happy parents of five children. Clarence C. Elwin E., Fred D., Harry H. and Lula.
They were among the organizers of the Congregational church at Milford. Was one time vice-president of the Morris Lock Company of Seward.
Was also for a time a stock farmer, at another time a coal dealer. He is one of the most widely known of our citizens and is wonderfully active in pushing public enterprises of his town and county. His zeal knows no bounds. When he sets his head to any enterprise, such a word as fail is unknown in his vocabulary. Through his determined will power the great mill was established. He was largely instrumen- tal in securing to Milford and the county the Atchison and Nebraska railroad. He was responsible for the locating of the soldier's home and the industrial home at Milford. He is a man of pronounced views, never afraid to speak his sentiments. Is an uncompromising republican in politics and a radical temperance man. His career would suggest that he is exceedingly fond of a soldier's life, but an intimate acquaintance proves the reverse. He is fond of home, loves peace. even if he has to fight for it, and has been a soldier from a sense of duty. Has for many years been a prominent figure in the state militia.
When the war proke ont he lost no time in offering his sword to the government. Was a captain and served through the Philippine war with much credit.
MILTON D. CAREY
This young attorney, who came to Seward in 1891, was born in cold Minnesota, in Filmore Connty, in 1863, Feb. 24th, but it was too chilly for his young blood and while a lad of five summers he went to Hamil- ton Co., Iowa. After a nine year stinggle of college life he graduated at De Pauw University at Greencastle.
In 1894 he returned to Hamilton Co., where he married Miss Tersa Maxwell, who was raised at that home place but educated at Dixon. Ills. Mrs. Carey is a lady of fine attainments and has proved a valuable citizen of our city. In social circles and charitable works she takes great interest. She is a member of the Woman's Club and is a work- ing member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Carey has just finished serving his second term as county attorney with credit.
In politics Mr. Carey has committed his fortunes to the Populist party and is considered a stalwart and uses his fluent tongue on every stump, to the entire satisfaction of his friends. Is becoming quite popular in his profession, and has had part in many important cases, including the great church trial of which our esteemed Rev. Father Murphy is a party.
He is a member of the Modern Woodmen.
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
41
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J. B. Courtright
1
Mrs. J. B. Courtright
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
JACOB B. COURTRIGHT
One that helped to lay the foundations in "N" Precinct, was born among the rocky hills of Lucerne County, Pa., in October, 1827, but found his way to Illinois, Lee County. in 1840, when it was wild prairie.
At Dixon, on the banks of the beautiful Rock River. Jacob found Catherine Flack. She was born in November, 1822, in Blaine County. Pa. They raised eight children, viz: Eli, Henry, Ira. Sarah C. Wertman, Maggie A., James 11 .. Mary E. and Charles L.
Mr. Conrtright came to Seward County in 1874 and located in the eastern part of "N" Precinct, where he did his full share in developing that new land. He took great delight in the development of the fruit industry, and on another page will be found an able article from his pen on that subject, written many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Courtright have finished their work and gone to their rest, "Full of years and good works." Mr. Conrtright was a member of the A. F. and A. M. Church home was with the Fvangelical Lutherans
LEWIS G. CASTLE
Was a soldier boy that had plenty of experiene. He enlisted in Co. A, 4th Wisconsin Vol. Infantry. He was with Ben Butler at New Orleans when the famous order was given that brought our southern sisters to terms. Was at Baton Rouche, at Port Hudson and Vicks- burg. Was on the famous Yazoo River expedition where the little wooden fleet ran into the rebel ram shielded with railroad iron. One vessel on which Mr. Castle was doing service, nineteen men ont of twenty-one were killed in the one engagement.
Mr. Castle was married to Miss Emingene M. Brant, Nov. 10, 1870, at Whitewater, Wis. She was born May 8th, 1848, at Lima, Wis. They have one son, Lewis H.
Mr. and Mrs. Castle came to Seward county in May, 1871. and set- tled in "L" Precinct.
He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity and the Woodmen of the World and G. A. R.
LEANDER S. CALLAHAN
A man who has gone through enongh of the rough and tumble of life that the incidents of his career worthy of note would fill a whole volume.
The ith of Oct., 1838, in Tompkins county, New York, Leander saw the light.
The family moved to Alleghany County, where Leander grew to manhood.
Enlisted in Co. E, 1st New York Dragoons, in 13th Volunteers, in 1862, and was made Sergeant, and in December following promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, Jnne, 1863. 1st Lientenant, and Dec. 5th, 1864, to Captain and Brevet Major, and Brevet Lientenant Colonel, March 31st, 1865, by recommendation of Gen. Talbert.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Mr. Callahan participated in forty-four battles, besides numerous skirmishes, commencing at Deserted Courthouse and ending at Appo- mattox. Was wounded three times; slightly once in the neck, once in the leg. and again in the arm. Was a guest of the notorious Mosby for eight weeks and enjoyed to the full the hospitality of the rebel chieftan, where he was permitted to trade his neat officer's uniform for a worn and tattered garb of some dead rebel. He was also a guest for eight weeks at the famous Hotel de Libbie, where buggy pea soup was served. He can tell you all about how nicely our boys fared in that hostlery of the South. What was left of him was exchanged in due time and his regiment was mustered out at Rochester, New York, July 19th. 1865 Mr. Callahan was married in 1859, to Miss Annie M. Smith, of Angelica, New York. She was born April 5, 1842. She was left to struggle for life alone while her husband was following the flag to victory in the South. There was born to them one daughter, Margaret H. They have two grandchildren, Leander and Lizzie M., both with the old folks.
Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Congregational Church. He is a Mason.
The family came west in 1867.
Has been postmaster in Germantown for eight yars.
CAPT. ROBERT T. COOPER
One of the most gentlemanly and big-hearted men, was born in Stevenson County, Ills. , near where this anthor perambulated. He swam in the old Pecatonica, chased the cows, and fished, in his boyhood days. Born in 1842, and amidst these beautiful surroundings grew to manhord. In 1861 he canget sight of the star spangled banner and heard the drum beat, and of course he enlisted at the first opportunity in the 46th Ills. Infantry, Co. B. In a short time he earned the star of 2nd Lieutenant, then the First Lieutenant and in 1865 was promoted to the Captaincy ; was discharged in 1866. The young man returned to his native home and was honored twice by Stevenson County as treasurer, 1869 and 1871. He came to Seward in 1874 and his first work here was to build the Cooper and Henderson mills, two miles south of the city.
He helped to organize the G. A. R. Post No. 3. Was in 1881 elected County Treasurer of Seward County and re-elected in 1883. Was defeated for County Clerk in 1885, but triumphantly elected in 1887, over the same opponent.
Is a strong and uncompromising republican from his youth. He is a man of good parts, generous and obliging, wide awake in all worthy enterprises. The fall of 1887 brought him many favors and triumphs. First he gained favor with a splendid woman. Miss Emma D. Brenizer, and married her Sept. 24th. Next he was voted a gold headed cane for good looks, then voted the clerkship of the County in November. Pretty well done for one season. Mrs. Cooper died in March, 1893. To them were born two children. one died in infancy and the lovely girl of five years died shortly afterwards.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
FRANK F. CONELEY
An Irish American boy born in Washington County, New York, Oct. 20, 1862. The family worked their way westward and landed in Seward Connty in 1873 and settled in "F" precinct on what is yet known as the old Coneley farm. Married May 8th, 1885, to Miss Louisa McGrath. She was born March 19th, 1868, at LaSalle, Illinois. Children born, viz: Frank, Clara, Leo, Ernest. Clyde, (Mary and Lizzie died in infancy ) and Vincent.
Mr. Coneley owns a good farm. Church home is with the Catholics. Mr. Coneley buried his mother in July, 1895, and his aged father, Patrick Coneley, in March, 1903. The old man was ninety years old.
MARTIN CASTLE
One of the pioneers of "C" Precinct was born April 12th, 1849, in Mercer Co . Ills., where he remained on his father's farm until grown, when he beheld the bright western star and took the trail that led to Seward Co. and to fortune. He found an excellent homestead in Sec. 34, "C" Town, and captured it in 1870. He batched it and improved the farm and after awhile concluded that man should not live alone. So Mart proposed to Miss Emma Burhans and as Mart was a pretty good bachelor. Emma said yes (of course). They were married March 14th, 1878. She was a Wisconsin girl, born in Sank Co., Dec. 25th, 1861, and came with her parents to Seward Co. when a child. Their children are not yet named. Martin belongs to the United Workmen and the M. W.A. Church home is with the Presbyterian people at Staplehurst.
DIEDRICH DANKERS
One of our oldest citizens who located in the Middle Creek Wilder- ness, July, 1869, on homestead section 26 "I" Town, where he has helped to make the waste places glad. Was born in Hanover, Germany, December 21, 1843. At twenty-four he crossed the briny deep and made his home at Fondulac, Wisconsin, in 1867. From appearance of things we take it that his best girl led the way to Nebraska. In Nebraska City. October 17, 1869, he married Miss Annie Meyer. She was born in Hanover and came to this country in her young girlhood. . Born September 20. 1844. They have eight children and one died in infancy. Names are as follows: Margaret, now Mrs. John Klindtworth, Annie, Christopher. Mary, now Mrs. W. Pollman, Minnie, John, Lonisa and Caroline. Mr. Dankers served in the Hanovarian army in the war with Prussia and was in the battle of Langen Salza. He has served the people of our county ten years as supervisor, eight years from "I" precinct and two years from the fifth district. He is a man of wide influence and a first class citizen. Church home is with the Lutherans.
CAPTAIN JOHN S. DILLENBECK
A New York boy that took Greeley's advice and never rested till he found the trail that led to Nebraska, was born in Jefferson County,
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
January 19, 1841, just after the log cabin and hard cider campaign. What time the lad was not in school he spent in the ordinary pursuits of the farmer boy, picking stones and hauling them on a stone boat, raking hay with a hand rake, in the stumpy meadows and husking corn in the barn winter evenings.
J. S. Dillenbeck
While yet a lad of twenty, he heard the drum beat calling to arms and in 1861 he enlisted and was sent to Virginia under General McClellan and was at Chancellorsville, Second Bull Run, Antietam and Mannassas Junction. Enlisted in the 20th New York cavalry and was soon promoted to the 2nd lieutenancy with Company B, then in January, 1865, was promoted to the first lieutenancy and assigned to Company L and just before his final discharge was breveted captain. When the war was over, Captain returned to the old home and to the best girl he had left behind him, and December 25, 1867, was married to Miss Lizzie Gates, of Washington County, New York. She was born at Waltham, Massachusetts, January 19, 1849.
There were born seven children. Three died in infancy and four are yet at home, viz: John W., Lydia M., Wilford L., and Maude E. The family came to Seward County in May 1878 and took a homestead in "P" precinct and since that date captain Dillenbeck has proved a wide wake, enterprising citizen. Has a long time been much interested
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
in the County Agricultural Society and is at this writing a leading member of the board of County supervisors. Some years ago gold was discovered on the Captain's land, which we will notice particularly in another article.
Mrs. J. S. Dillenbeck
We note that Captain Dillenbeck had some honors at his old home where he was elected sheriff and served four years in Saratoga County. He was also in the mercantile business for a number of years.
He came from old revolutionary stock. His maternal grandfather, George Lintiner, was a soldier of the revolution. Mrs. Dillenbeck traces her ancestry back to the Mayflower and Plymouth rock. She is an amiable and intelligent lady of New England culture, where she spent a number of years as teacher. after receiving a thorough education at Charlestown. Massachusets.
HON. GEORGE A. DERBY
One of the very earliest settlers in "E" precinct, was born March 5, 1820, in Licking County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Miranda H. Brown, March 1, 1843. She was a native of Vermont born in Orange County, Jannary 1844. They were the parents
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
of fourteen children, twelve of whom lived to be men and women, viz: Orin A., Emily E., died at eighteen, Marilla N., now Mrs. S. M. Brown, Alonzo F., Clara E., late Mrs. C. S. Stewart, Mercy A., now Mrs. H. Vanderhoof, George G., Frank N., Scott B., now deceased.
.
Hon. G. A. Derby
The next two died in early infancy. William S., now dead, Minnie E., now Mrs. R. B. Carter, and Roderick, now dead. Mr. Derby came to the vicinity where Utica now stands and opened a farm in 1872. The reader is kindly referred to the history of Utica for much of Mr. Derby's life work. Mrs. Derby died April 29, 1893, and Mr. Derby, full of years and full of labors, followed to the long home July 12, 1901. He was a faithful member for many years of the I. O. O. F.
The M. E. church was the family church home. Mr. Derby was a very valuable citizen of the county for nearly thirty years.
HON. WILLIAM R. DAVIS
One of the oldest residents of Nebraska and also one of the oldest and certainly one of the most respected citizens of Seward County. Was born of humble parentage in Yadkin County, North Carolina, November 26, 1824.
In that Southern land the boy had but meagre opportunities to secure an education. It is unnecessary for us to tell the thousands of his acquaintances that Mr. Davis, by dint of his own indomitable will
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
and perseverance encircled as he was in his youth and young manhood, by every discouragement, poverty, a poor community, illiterate, and poor environments of every kind, but for all that he became a most thoroughly intelligent man and a man of affairs.
His life work even in Nebraska, if properly told, would fill a volume
Mrs. G. A. Derby
even larger than this. He married Miss Margaret A. Bohannan of his native place. Of this lady we are permitted to know but little, but we are certain that she must have been a noble wife and good mother, sharing with her young husband the hard labor and trials incident to the removal from the old home to Nebraska, then a wilderness. The grand impress she left upon her young family tells the story most eloquently. Children born of this union were eight, two ot whom died in infancy. Rebecca, now Mrs. J. N. Beaty ; Anice, now deceased the former wife of Mac Towner of Ulysses, Nebraska; Martha, now deceased the widow of Jasper Roberts, now also deceased. Abner Y., and Major A. V., now of Seward and Josephine, now Mrs. A. C. Hull of Hastings, Nebraska. The young couple moved all the long and weary way with an ox team to Iowa in 1852. In 1857 they settled at Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska. They were among the noble band of pioneers who first settled the infant territory. His worth was soon recognized by his neighbors and was elected a member of the third session of the legisla- ture. His work was so faithful that he was re-elected to the fourth and
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
again to the fifth sessions. In the summer of 1862 he was appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue and in that capacity traversed all the settled portions of the territory. He enlisted in the army in 1864, December 10, 1864. His wife died while he was at the front and at his
Hon. W. R. Davis
request he was discharged under special order number 155, April 17. 1865. After his return home he was immediately appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue in the Plattsmonth district. While crossing the plains in his official work the author of this book became acquainted with Mr. Davis. In following a blind trail across the Middle Creek prairie, he became lost and blundered onto our cabin at Salt Basin, at eleven o'clock at night. He was well nigh starved so that a shelter was welcome, where rest and food was to be had.
August, 1866, he married Miss Hannah C. Colman, who yet lives
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
and is a resident at their old home in Seward. To them were born : Frank R., now of Grand Junction, Colorado; Nellie R., yet at Seward. In the spring of 1868 the family removed to Seward where we had a name but no town. In company with his son-in-law, J. N. Beaty, he opened the first store in the new town and it was the second store in the county. They continned in the general merchandise business under the firm name of Beaty and Davis most of the time till 1878. He remained a very active business man up to the date of his last sickness. In 1899, with the assistance of his sons he laid the foundation of the great grocery house that yet bears his name.
Through all the long years of his residence Mr. Davis was a most valnable citizen, a good neighbor, kind friend and worthy Christian gentleman. In all laudable enterprises he was ever ready to render all possible assistance. He nnited with the M. E. church when quite young and became a most earnest and faithful worker for his Lord and Master. He was, by his church, licensed to preach but was never in the regular work of the ministry although frequently preaching as a local minister. Was an earnest champion in the temperance field frequently speaking on temperance and kindred subjects, with excellent results.
He had a most honorable part in advancing the development of the city and county, devoting much time and energy to many public enter- prises and charities. On the 23rd of July, 1899. full of years and full of honors, the Master called him home.
ABNER Y. DAVIS
Claims to be a native of Jasper County, Iowa, where he was born December 29, 1856 but he came to Nebraska so long ago that he can't remember when. The first he knew he was down among the hills at Rock Bluffs in Cass County where he spent his early youth. At twelve we find the lad in Seward where he grew to manhood. He was among the very first to fish in the river here, to chase the cows and the rabbits over these prairies. Was educated in the city schools. Along about 1876, Abner went to the mountains where he spent four years looking for the yellow metal. He found some and returned to the old home where he took interest with E. H. Polley in the jewelry business for five years. In the meantime Father Simpson took Abner's best girl away off to western Kansas but Abner followed up and captured his prize January 23, 1881, when he and Elizabeth Simpson were married in Decatur County, Kansas.
She was born February 28, 1859, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, and came to Seward in childhood. They are now the parents of five children, viz. Ruth F., now Mrs. George Harvey ; Lanra M., Ethel C., Major S. and William R. Mr. Davis resided on a homestead in Decatur County, Kansas, for three years when he returned to the place of his first love and took an interest in the grocery house of W. R. Davis & Sons, where he has been interested now for over twenty years.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and the A. O. U. W Church home of the family is with the Presbyterians.
MAJOR A. V. DAVIS
Who came to Seward a barefoot boy before Seward had anything in the way of improvements but surveyors' stakes, was born in Cass Connty, Nebraska, May 10, 1861.
He got his first schooling in the old log cabin where he had lots of fun with the other boys in this " wild and woolly west." Major always did like fun and he had plenty of it.
Was educated in the Seward schools and while yet a boy in 1876 he helped his father in laying the foundation of the great grocery house of the present.
Was married to Miss Lillian Davies, June 20, 1894. She was born in England May 24, 1868. Major, as we all call him, is a rustler in business and is one of those who have been longest in the merchantile business in Seward.
GEORGE DAVIS
Came to Seward County when a lad of eighteen and helped his father open a farm on section 22, in "J" precinct and here he still lives. He was born in Richiand County, Wisconsin, November 13, 1861. One fine day in the fall of 1897, October 21, he strayed off to Lincoln where he had found his gril, Miss Hannah J. Statt, and was married.
She was an Iowa girl born in Wright County, March 19, 1877. She came to Nebraska in 1897, probably just to accommodate George. They have one little boy, Herman H. He still lives on the old farm upon which the family settled in 1879 and George knows how to take good care of it and has it well improved and he is at this time engaged in breeding Duroc Jersey swine, of which he has a fine herd of thorough- breds.
JOHN DALTON
The boy that came mighty near being an Irishman but who is a gennine American all the same. He was really, and no mistake about it, born among the bogs of old Ireland, June 24, 1853, and it happened in this way: John's father and mother were visiting in Ireland to re- cuperate health when John came along. He did not stay long, but came home with the old folks when a babe, to LaPorte, Indiana. Here John grew to manhood and learned the carriage ironer's trade and worked at that trade until he came to Seward County in 1878.
He bought a farm in section 19. in "A" precinct, then happened to remember the girl he had left behind him and made haste to La Porte, where he married Miss Nora A. Condon, February 10, 1880.
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