USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 41
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She was a native hoosier, born January 22, 1856. The young folks took a pleasure ride to Nebraska and commenced their life with us. They have five children, viz: Bernard W., Thomas W., Erma R., Ella
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
M., and Nona C. Mr. Dalton has been assessor in "A" precinct one term and four in "B" precinct. Was chairman of the county board of supervisors five years. Was on the board of directors of the Agricul- tural Society, was live stock commissioner under Governor Holcomb. Mr. Dalton is a Modern Woodman. His church home is with the Catholics. Mr. Dalton is a thoroughly wide awake citizen and has served his county well. He owns a splendid farm near the village of Bee.
DR. CHARLES W. DOTY
Was born at Darlington, Wisconsin, June 10th, 1861, and spent his boyhood days there and June 4, 1891, he married Miss Jane C. Schreiter. The young doctor came to Nebraska in 1882, before he took his bride and had commenced his practice at Cordova, in 1888. He out- grew Cordova in a short time and moved to a more promising field at Beaver Crossing where he has now practiced his profession for eleven years.
They have two children, viz : Helen and David. Charles commenced Ins career in the west as drug clerk at Friend then studied medicine, graduating at Rush Medical College in 1888, and has for years been very successful and enjoys a large and growing practice. He is United States pension examiner. He is president of Seward County Medical Society. Has been twice coroner of the county. Was first president of the Seward County Telephone Company. He is a wide-awake fellow, to say the least.
JAMES A. DOWDING
An English lad born at Monmouthshire May 19, 1858. When eight years old crossed the great ocean with his parents and found a new home at Buda, Burean County, Illinois. There he remained during his boyhood and where he found Miss Emma S. Roberts, an English girl, who was born May 30, 1863, at Canar Pion, England. They were married at Buda, April 24, 1880, and seven years later they found the Nebraska trail and landed in Seward, October 23, 1887. They have four children. viz: Rubie M., Lewis E., Nellie M. and William A.
Mr. Dowding lost the Nebraska trail for awhile among the ever- lasting hills of Marengo County, Iowa, but after awhile he found it and landed safely at Seward. Mr. Dowding is a most competent and skilled jeweler and has a neat and tasty shop in Seward, where his friends will always find the same genial and courteous gentleman. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and also member of the Tribe of Ben Hnr.
THOMAS L. DAVIES
Was an English boy born in Gloucestershire, October 20, 1859, but found America at twelve and by degrees he worked westward until in
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
1883 we find the young man at Utica where his parents located and where his father located the first banking house of the village. (The' Utica Bank. ) Thomas was a frequent visitor at Seward where he found Miss Nellie, sister of Hon. R. E. Dunphy, and June 14, 1888, they were married. Mrs. Davies was born at Darlington, Wisconsin, January, 1860.
They have two children, Reginald E. and Dorothy L. Mr. Davies
James P. Dunham
was thoroughly schooled in the lumber trade and controls a very com- plete and extensive yard at Utica.
He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. The church home is with the Presbyterians. ' Mr. Davies is classed among the leading citizens of Utica.
JAMES P. DUNHAM
Twice councilman and twice mayor of the city of Seward. Was born in Crawford, New Jersey, February 8, 1853. At twenty he found
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
the way to the Western prairies and settled down to business as contract- or and builder at Mendota, Illinois, where he married Miss Emma E. McGinnis, December 6, 1877. The following April we find the young people at Seward, Nebraska.
Mrs. Dunham was born at Rome. New York, January 7, 1854, and came to Mendota in her girlhood.
Two children came to bless the new western home, viz: Leila M. and Frances A., both yet at home with the widowed mother. Frances is a teacher in the city schools Mr. Dunham was a prominent con- tractor and builder and has left many monuments of his handiwork in the city and county, among which is the splendid M. E. church edifice in Seward. In later years he established the Seward planing mill. His life was an active one
He served the city two terms as councilman and was serving the second term as mayor when death called him, October 30, 1902. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment. He was also a member of the M. W. A. and United Workmen.
MICHAEL DUNIGAN
Was a son of the emerald isle, born in 1836. Mike had too much love of freedom in his soul to spend his life in a land ruled with a rod of iron. At seventeen he had caught a glimpse of our broad stripes and bright stars and he determined to have a home beneath their ample folds. He came to this country in 1853, traveled over several states and located in Knox County, Illinois, in 1856.
Mike loved his new home and was willing to fight for it and in 1862 he enlisted in Company D, 64th Illinois infantry and was in all the sanguinary engagements of his regiment. Was with Sherman from the first and followed him to the sea.
In 1871 he located on the present home place in "B" precinct and was among the first to settle in that locality.
Mr. Dunnigan found Miss Mary E. Shumaker in Illinois in 1866 after he returned from the war and they were married. They have nine children, viz: Jacob N., Mary B., now Mrs. S. J. Person; Emma C., now Mrs. N. T. Harajain ; Katy, Della, now Mrs. Harry Church; Effa M., now Mrs. H. Church ; Clara M., John H., Benjamin H., and Nellie M.
Mr. Dunigan served his precinct one term as supervisor and the county under the old regime three terms as county commissioner and this speaks volumes for him as he is an unswerving democrat and was elected twice by a strong republican county. He is universally consid- ered an enterprising, valuable citizen, very liberal in his dealings and well respected.
He loves his adopted country but never forgets the wrongs suffered by his native land. He is a successful farmer. The village of Bee is located on part of his farm. He is a charter member of Oliver Lodge number 38, A. F. and A. M.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
HERMAN DIERS
Is one of the first and certainly one of the foremost and successful merchants of Seward. Was born March 23, 1845, at Rutteb Oldenberg, Germany. At twelve years of age Herman somehow canght sight of '.Old Glory, " else he saw the bright star in the West and he was ready and anxious to brave the dangers of the great sea, that he might have a home in the great free America. In 1857 Herman landed in Clayton County, Iowa, with his parents where he grew too manhood. In 1869 he found the trail which led to Seward County and in the spring of 1870 he built a frame store building on the corner where his present fine brick now stands and commenced that long and successful career as a merchant. . From that day to this the story of his life is an important link in the history of Seward. He is always to the front in matters of public enterprise His mercantile career has brought him fortune and friends. He has been a leader in the work of his church Has taken a great interest in the Seward German College.
In 1871 Mr. Diers found his noble helpmeet in life, Miss Anna C. Shulte, and was married April 4th near the site of the old stone church on Middle Creek by the Rev. Carl T. Gruber.
Mrs. Diers was an Ohio girl born in Aglaize County. December 8, 1849. They have six children, viz: William F., who died when six years and eight months old; Louis H., John Herbert, Theodore C., Elvin F., and Anna M.
Mr. Diers has been frequently honored with places of trust. Has now retired from active business and is enjoying his green old age, surrounded by hundreds of friends. In 1878 he built the fine business block that Diers Brothers now occupy.
We heartily wish that Seward Connty had a very large herd of such Deers as Herman.
WILLIAM Q. DICKENSON
A young man who came to Seward County in 1878 and settled on a farm south west of Seward and soon became so popular that he held the honorable position of supervisor for about fourteen years. William was born of highly respected parents at Danvers, in McLean County, Illinois in 1853. Married Miss Delle A. Warlon, in 1881. Mrs. Dickenson is a most worthy lady of very high standing in Seward where they made their home for a number of years. Having no children, they have adopted the young daughter of Dr. Skeede, Bessie, a bright girl of nine summers. Mr. and Mrs. Dickenson take great delight in her advanc- ment and education.
CHARLES A. DAVIDSON
A Milford boy born October 17, 1874. Was raised on his father's farm one and a half miles east of town. Was educated in the village schools. In his youth saw much of pioneer life and drank to the full of its joys and sorrows. Married May 29, 1901, to Miss Della B Hughes,
-
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
an Iowa girl who came to Milford in her youth in 1886. They have two children, little Jones Perry and Gertrude Irene, just born to the happy parents the day the subscription to this book was taken, August 15, 1904.
Mr. Davidson resides on a farm one mile south of the village. Belongs to the Maccabees and has been its Commander ; is also a United Workman. The family are members of the Congregational church.
MARIN W. DIMERY
One of the Seward County boys that has come to the front and will make his mark in the world.
Was born January 12, 1878, at the little old cross roads town, Beaver Crossing, at that time an outpost of civilization. His early youth was largely spent fishing in his father's mill pond and attending the public schools. After awhile he took a notion to become a lawyer and went to our state university and graduated in the law department in the class of 1901 and was at once admitted to practice in all the courts of Nebraska. Then he went to the Indian territory where after a rigid examination was admitted to practice in the United States Courts. in the spring of 1903. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., A. F. and A. M. and Royal Highlanders.
After a little wandering he returned to the home of his childhood and opened a law office. He is an ardent republican and wide awake to the interests of his party and state and at this writing candidate for the state senate for Butler and Seward counties. He is a young rustler and if he is eletecd we will have a senator worthy the wide-awake people of these counties. He is an energetic citizen and will leave no stone unturned that will help his people. Mr. Dimery was elected by a large majority.
RICHARD L. DIXON
An English hoy, born July 9, 1875, and found Seward in his early boyhood, at the tender age of six. Here he grew up and was educated in our schools and has become a pretty good American boy. In 1901. October 24, he married a native girl, Miss Marie Hageman. She was born on her father's homestead December 26, 1876. They have one little boy, William S.
Mr. Dixon is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Dixon is a grow- ing young man.
JAMES P. DUNLAP
Was a Missouri lad born in Gascondade County, March 5, 1845. His parents went to Illinois for awhile but returned to Missouri and remained until the war made it a little too warm. He came to Nebraska and married Miss Christiana Campbell, February 22, 1870, in Saunders County. She was born in 1848 in Scotland. They have five children as follows: Nelson C., Agnes, now Mrs. H. N. Linn ; Christiana, Patience, now Mrs. R. S. Boyd; and Lewis.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
The family located at Dwight in Butler County, in 1869. where in connection with general farming he began the nursery business and has furnished the farmers of Seward and Butler counties many beautiful orchards. Mr. Dunlap is a member of the A. F. and A. M. He belonged to the Home Gnards in Missouri.
HON. RODERICK E. DUNPHY
From the wilds of Wisconsin Territory in Lafayette County, near Darlington, came our veteran carriage maker. He was born July 5, 1848. Amid the wild surroundings of the new territory he spent his boyhood days and learned the blacksmith trade in his native county and in 1872 he went to the city of Rockford. Illinois, where he followed his trade. In 1872 he married Miss Elizabeth Gregory, April 11. She was a native of Devonshire. England. They raised two children, viz: Gay B. now Mrs F. Langworthy; and Homer. Mrs. Dumphy died at Seward, December 21, 1886. Mr. Dunphy made his home in Seward in ยท 1879, where he opened a wagon and carriage shop, which business he has now conducted sucessfully twenty-five years.
In 1892 he built the commodious two story brick shop and ware- house.
June 28, 1888, Mr. Dunphy was again married to Miss May Mentzer, of Rockford, Illinois. She was born in Rockford March 23, 1857, and came to Seward in 1880 and spent some years here as dressmaker but had returned to her native home. There have been born to them five children, viz: Nicholas R., Robert P., and Hariet. Two died in infancy.
Mr. Dunphy has served four years as councilman of our city. In 1882 was elected state senator and was considered a very active and efficient member. He is at present a member of our school board and has lent his time largely to the building of onr grand new temple of learning. He is a wide-awake democrat and is always a leader in the councils of his party. Mr. Dunphy is an enterprising valuable citizen, always ready to lend a helping hand in building up Seward and Seward County.
H. HOWEL DUPIN
Came to life and light in a dugont five miles northwest of Seward October 30, 1870. He was truly a thoroughbred Nebraskan. Was edu- cated in the Seward schools and clerked many years for his father in the county clerk's office, also in the post office.
Married Miss Marie Andrus November 6, 1895. at Seward. She was also born in the county at her father's homestead east of Seward , March 23, 1874.
He accepted a position with Swift's Company at South Omaha in July, 1898, and has never yet been on a strike. He has better sense. He is a member of Alpha Camp No.1, at Omaha. The church home is Methodist.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
JOHN ERB
Was a Canadian boy born in Perth County, February 2, 1866. Came to Milford when a lad of twelve. November 27, 1889, he married Miss Mary A. Miller, at the Amish church. She was an Ohio girl, born May 3, 1867, in Holmes County. There were born to them six children, viz: Peter, now dead; Sarah, Lizzie, John, Lewis and Mattie.
Mr. Erb came to Seward Connty in 1878 and now lives two miles west of Milford. Has been a farmer from the start. Church home is with the Amish Menonites.
John Englehautt
One of Milford's oldest and best business men. Was born in Bavaria, October 23, 1854. The parents came to this country when John was a young lad and settled in Buffalo, New York. There he grew to manhood and received his education.
Sometime in the seventies he found his way to Crete, Nebraska, where he married Miss Hannah Hajek of Crete, in 1881. There were born to them three children, two of whom died in infancy and Lonie, yet at the parental home. Mrs. Englehauft died seven years later and in 1889. February 28, he married Miss Louisa Gerstenberger, who was born at Davis, Stevenson County. Illinois in 1861. She came to Seward County in 1885. Mr. Englehauft came to Milford in 1879 and has from the start been prominent in business circles, first as contractor and builder and for many years a lumber merchant, up to the time of his death. Was originator of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank and was its first president. Was a Mason in high standing. He was a Woodman,
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
also a Workman. Always a staunch republican in politics. Mr. Engle- hanft was a very valuable citizen. Died June 20. 1903, after a short but very painful illness.
Mrs. Englehanft is a member of the Congregational church, also of the Rebeccas and the Eastern Star Lodge and the Royal Neighbors.
GEORGE ENGLEHAUPT
One of the very first settlers in "N" precinct, was born September 21, 1855, in Marshall County, Illinois. Came with his parents to the wilderness in 1864, when a lad of nine years. He had all sorts of exper- iences on this wild frontier, when hunting, fishing and holding Indians at bay was largely the business of life. April 8, 1897. George married Miss Etta M. Brown at his home on section 22, "N" town. She was born in Will County, Illinois, December 27. 1864. They have three little ones, viz : Jennie M., Harry B. and Edna.
Mr. Englehaupt owns the old homestead of his father on the banks of the South Blue.
HON. JOHN J. ENDICOTT
Another of the young, brave fellows that dared to push ont into the wilderness in 1871 and lay the foundations of a home and fortune John was born January 16, 1849, in Des Moines County, Iowa. Was left an orphan at eleven when he went to Indiana and remained till of age. He was the kind of lad to easily catch the western fever and at twenty- two we find him a Seward County citizen. By and by he somehow canght sight of a young Scottish girl in Saline County and December 27, 1876, they were married. Miss Catherine Connell was born in Scot- land at Glasgow, February 28, 1854, and came to Canada when an infant and to Nebraska when fifteen. They are the parents of four children, three yet living. viz : Estelle E., Herman J., Eva, died in infancy ; and Myrtle A. Mr. Endicott settled on the present home farm. section 35. in "N" Town in 1871. He soon became prominent in political circles and in 1899 he was elected member of the house of represenatives.
Mr. Endicott claims to be a democrat of the strictest sect. He has made quite a successful farmer and has by industry accumulated a neat little fortune.
JOHN EVANS
A furniture dealer at Beaver Crossing, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1833; at ten he went to Maryland and a little later to Illinois. Married Miss Lonisa Hartman. Children born to them are Annie E., now Mrs. E. Vanskike; Emma, now Mrs. M. D. Johnson ; John L., George A., James C. and Mamie, now Mrs. J. Calder.
The family came to Nebraksa in 1879 and settled in "K" precinct in 1879. Moved into the village in the spring of 1904. Mr. Evans is a wide awake genial old gentleman. Their church home is with the Evangelical people.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
CHARLES C. EVANS
A most successful inventor, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1859, July 25. Started westward in 1868 and halted in Burean Connty, Illinois, until 1879, when he came to Beaver Crossing and farmned ten years, then was in the implement trade at Harvard for over three years, when he returned to Beaver Crossing and has been engaged in the windmill and pump business. Has lately invented a unique machine for putting down wells, that will revolutionize the well boring business. He has just completed fourteen wells for the Northwestern Railroad to the entire satisfaction of the company. We are pleased to give our readers a beautiful cut of this machine.
C. C. 'Evans' Well Machine
WILLIAM W. EVANS
Was born at Danville, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1841. Moved with parents to Wilksbarre in early childhood. In 1848 they went to Duncan, west of Harrisburg, and there the boy grew to manhood, learned the puddler's trade, also the roller and refiner's trade. Eleven years later he went to Columbia and worked at his trade. He worked four years at Chester and later he worked on the north branch of the Susquehanna river. In 1872 he married Miss Isabel B. Bentz. To them were born six children, Charles F., Ralph G., Bertha A., who died March 10, 1894; Mabel C., Esther E., and Ara.
The family moved to Illinois in 1878 and to Saline County in 1879 and opened a farm and in 1886 came to Beaver Crossing where he opened another farm. Came to Seward in 1896 and engaged in the draying business.
1
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Mr. Evans is an industrious, kindhearted citizen. Is a member of the K. P. Lodge. Mrs. Evans was born in Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania. She is a member of the Lutheran church.
EARL D. EAGER
Was a Nebraska born boy that came to light at Fullerton, December 25, 1879, but was on the look for a better place and found it at Beaver Crossing when two years old, where he has grown up and is now connected with the great Eager mercantile house. Earl captured one of the girls at the Crossing and was married June 9, 1899, She was born in Illinois, October 9, 1880. Mr. Eager is a member of the M. W. A. and Royal Highlanders.
DAVID H. FIGARD
Soldier and pioneer, farmer and treasurer. Was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1841, where he grew to manhood amid the rocks, hills and coal banks. Was married to Miss Amy Anderson March 17, 1860.
She was born in the same locality. The family consisted of five children. One died in infancy. Elizabeth, who grew to womanhood here but passed away in June 19, 1897. Lucinda died in 1899. The two boys, Henry and Silas, are yet citizens of this locality.
Mr. and Mrs. Figard came to Seward County in the spring of 1867 and took a homestead in "F" precinct, where they resided until he was elected treasurer of the county in 1885, which office he held two terms. Mr. Figard enlisted in Company C, 133d Pennsylvania regiment, Angust 8, 1862, discharged May 26, 1863.
He was quite an active member of the G. A. R. Post No. 3, in Seward. . Was also a prominent Odd Fellow. He passed away February 14, 1900, very suddenly, although he had been in poor health for some years.
SILAS FIGARD
Here is a young man to the manor born. The son of D. H. Figard and was born on the old homestead four miles northwest of Seward. Silas was born in 1869. Worked on the farm and attended the country school during his boyhood. The family moved to Seward in 1885 and the boy helped his father in the county treasurer's office and afterward in the first national bank, later he spent four years in Chicago where he was employed in an electrical establishment. In 1901 became connected with the Seward dry goods and millinery house which establishment he, with Miss Anderson and Miss Kribbler founded. He has stepped to the front as a business man. Became a member of the M E. church at an early age and has become a very active and valuable member, always ready for any Christian duty. He is a very liberal supporter of any laudable enterprise in which the church or community is interested.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
n
It is the
Mercantile House of the Eager Company, Founded by DeWit Eager at Beaver Crossing in 1885. Largest Merchantile House in Nebraska outside the Large Cities.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
DAVID FEIGION
A German that longed for a home in a better land and bad the cour- age to break away from the old environment and found a home with us in Seward County in August 25, 1885.
Mr. Feigion was born October 31, 1843, and married Miss Marie Trenkle, May 25, 1874, in Germany. She was born December 15, 1854 Six children came to bless their home, viz: Frederick W .. Charles W., Christian D., Marie C., Jacob J. and Herman D. The family located at Seward in 1885 but are now farming three miles southeast of the city. Mr. Feigion is a very intelligent and worthy citizen. Church home of the family is with the German Evangelical people at Seward.
HENRY FIGARD
Came pretty near having the honor of being a Seward County boy. Born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1866 and landed here in the early spring of 1867. Grew up on his father's homestead and is so much in love with it that he still resides upon it and for many years has managed it quite successfully. His eduaction was gained in the common schools and the great school of the business world. He is a stock grower and dealer and seems to thoroughly understand his busi- ness. Church home is with the M. E. people.
JOHN W. FIGARD
Was born among the rocky hills of old Pennsylvania February 6, 1850, but when a lad of seventeen he found a way out of the woods and landed in Seward County in the early spring of 1867 and was one of the early pioneers of "F" precinct and although he had to wait four years to become of the proper age he secured a homestead on section 12 of that township. John worked as a farm hand and saved his money and improved his farm and after a while he got acquainted with Uncle Joseph Slonecker and asked for his daughter. So John and Emely were married November 15, 1876. She was born December, 1858, in Mc- Donough County, Illinois, and came to Seward County in 1875 with her parents. John and Emely did pretty well as they are the parents of eleven childen as follows: Ernest L., Charles E, Lutie M., Mary M., Joseph H., Ina F., Eva B., Jennie G., Phillip H., one unnamed son died in infancy, and Ruth E.
The home is five and one half miles northwest of Seward. Mr. Figard has been an active member of the A. O. U. W. since 1893. At sixteen he united with the Church of God but there was no organiza- tion here of that church ; in 1891 he united with the United Brethren at Seward and is an active worker in the Master's vineyard. When John left the old home his sister presented him with an old time 3-cent piece which he has faithfully kept to the present, but once in the long ago he was compelled to pawn it for a postage stamp to pay postage on a letter to the dear ones at home. He redeemed it in due time. John don't have to borrow three cents any more to pay postage.
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