USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 43
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AUGUST E. GRAFF
Was born in the Sucker State in Taswell County, March 19, 1873, and was raised and educated there. Came to Seward County and located on a farm in "K" Precinct in 1892, where he found his best girl and July, 27. 1904, at Seward, he captured Miss Theresa M. Schroeder. She was a genuine Seward County girl, born at Geohner. February 14, 1884. We can't count the children yet.
He is now cashier of the Goehner Sate Bank. He is a member of the M. W. A. Mr. Graff appears to have a bright future before him.
REV. KARL THEODORE GRUBER
Was the son of a minister in Germany, who had the grit to leave the fatherland and lead a flock of one hundred and sixty souls out of the house of bondage, as it were. The religious intollerance could no longer be horne and they sought a refuge in free America in 1839 and settled in Missouri, where Karl was born, and grew to manhood. Was educated for the ministry in the Concordia college, which during his attendance was moved to St. Louis, where he studied three years. He served congregations in Missouri and Illinois until his removal to Nebraska in 1870. In November of that year began his long and useful career among the churches of Lancaster, Seward, York and Hamilton Counties
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In 1880 he returned to Illinois to recuperate his failing health, but in 1885 returned to Seward County and took the pastorate of the Orton church, where he remained until death claimed him.
Father Gruber married Miss A. M. Kipp May 29, 1855, and there were born to them ten children.
He was a man of work and wonderful perseverance, and did a great work for his people. As a spiritual teacher he exerted a good influence over the large German communities of these counties. He probably founded more churches of his denomination than any other man in Nebraska.
After facing many winter storms for his people s welfare he was called home to rest, followed with prayers and tears of a great multi- tude, loved and honored by thousands of people.
HON. THOMAS GRAHAM
One of the oldest residents settled on a homestead near old Camden in 1866. He taught the first school of that part of the county the following winter. Was appointed school superintendent in 1869. Sur- veyed the town site of Seward in the spring of 1868, and was elected county clerk that fall and re-elected the fifth time. It well illustrates the man, he being a staunch democrat and the county a staunch republican. During his long term of office Mr. Graham became fully identified with Seward and continued to make it his home. Was once elected mayor and once elected state senator. Is a surveyor by trade and at different times been in the government employ surveying lands. In this book we quote freely from notes taken by him while in the Government service.
He married Mrs. Jeanete Denison. They have but one son, Walter B., now resident of Omaha. They were married at Plattsmouth, November 5, 1866. Mrs. Denison was a New York lady. Her maiden name was Jeanette Signor.
Mr. Graham was born in 1832 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, November 6. While a little child his parents moved to the vicinity of Pittsburg. His father tried hard to make a blacksmith of Thomas, but the young American could not be persuaded. The effort was a failure. Thomas would rather be a surveyor and had his first experience in that line on a little one-horse railroad being built from Remington to McKee's Rocks, six miles distant. His next work was on Cork's Run tunnel, and from this time till 1857 he was engaged on various railroad lines in his native state and Virginia.
We next find the young man perambulating the plains. In 1859 he carried mail from Nebraska City to Marysville, Kansas. Then he clerked in a little store on the edge of Otoe reservation. Sold goods and kept the post office, called Stewart. This was near the present town of Liberty in Gage County.
Mr. and Mrs. Graham have acted well their part in helping to make Nebraska a great state. As surveyor, as teacher, as county clerk,
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mayor or senator. Mr. Graham's record is good. Mrs. Graham has a very enviable record for works of charity. She has through many long years worked most faithfully in that field of usefulness. Long live these useful and kind people who have done so much for the country.
Don C. Gwartney
Was born September 4, 1862, in Harrison County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. Was educated in the common schools of that country. Was married September 9, 1883, to Miss Rhoda V. Davidson. They have three children, viz: Mazo C., Harry E., and Sarah E, all yet at home. The young people came to York, Nebraska, in 1884, and to Seward in 1887, where he opened a first class laundry, which he con- ducted until compelled by poor health to sell ont in 1903, when he went to Beaver Crossing and opened a restaurant.
In 1903 he was elected district clerk and moved back to Seward where he now lives. The church home of the family is with the M. E. people, where they are active and valuable members.
Mr. Gwartney is a Past Grand in the 1. O. O. F. at Seward. He is also a Modern Woodman. In 1897 Mr. Gwartney had the misfortune to lose one of his legs, cansed by tuberculosis of the knee joint, which caused him great pain and much anxiety, but after the amputation he fairly recovered his health and makes pretty good use of his artificial limb.
Mrs. Gwartney was the daughter of Rev. W. H. Davidson, of southern Indiana conference. Was educated at her native home. She is a Royal Neighbor in two senses of the word,
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OWEN GRAY
A son of the emerald isle, born in county Laitrim Parish Mohilol, November 14, 1837. He married Miss Mary A. Castolo. She died at thirty-four years of age, leaving him six young children, viz: Michael, May, Eugene, Elizabeth, who was killed in the north part of this county July 5, 1901; William and James.
The family came to this county from the fatherland in 1892, where so many more grand opportunities await the careful and industrious. He owns a beautiful farm in "B" precinct, adorned with trees and fruit.
Mr. Gray is a Catholic and a splendid Irish-American.
JOSEPH P. GANNON
A thirty-one years' resident of Seward, was born among the rocky hills of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1840. He sojourned on the western trail awhile in cool Minnesota then we find the young man in Iowa County, lowa, where he found Miss Alice Mas- terman and they were married December 13, 1866.
She was a native of Bermuda Islands, born June 27, 1850, and came to Iowa in early youth. They are the parents of seven children, viz: William H., Arthur H., Alta and Maud, each died in infancy ; Mrs. Pearl Stocker, Susie M. Menghen. and Orpha.
The family came to Seward in 1874. He is a painter and paper hanger. Mr. Gannon enlisted in Company H, 64th New York Volunteer infantry and was in battles of Fairbanks, Gettysburg and Chancellors- ville.
LEVI HAFER
An old timer that began to snuff the gentle zephyrs of Nebraska in 1868, when he located on the commanding hill top three miles west of Seward. At that time his homestead was worth about a dollar per acre and it has not lost in valne yet. Mr. Hafe" was born in Northcumber- land County, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1844. Married Sarah L. Huff- man January 16, 1866. She was born in Licuming County, Penn- sylvania, July 16, 1845. Children born to them as follows: Martin A., Lewis F., who died at twenty-four; Irving R., Ida May, who died at twenty-four ; John S., Susie M., and Charles E., both at home. Mr. Hafer is a notable fine stock man, and is a breeder of Poland China pigs and fine cattle. Has become quite wealthy on that hill and owns several farms.
The family helped to organize the U. B. church at Seward and are most earnest workers in the church.
SIMON P. HAGEMAN
Down in that county of brush and muddy roads, Fulton County, Illinois, Simon was born, September 21, 1858. Somehow an epidemic
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
of western fever broke out in old Fulton in 1866 and Simon, together with the whole Hageman family, took it, and they landed in the wilderness of Seward County in the spring in time to see the flowers bloom.
Simon hunted coons along the river, helped make the old farm, went to school, fished and chased antelope and finally got after better game and captured Miss Viola Wallick, May 27, 1884, at Seward. She was born at Cuba, Iowa, Jannary 29, 1862. They have three children, Albert R., Grace P., and Alice N., all at home. Mr. Hageman suc- ceeded to his father's old farm four miles south of Seward. They have a splendid farm. He is a member of the Maccabees and United Work- men.
JESSE A. HAINES
A Maryland born boy that strayed west in his young manhood. Born in Carrol County, March 15, 1864. In 1889 we find him in Bloom- ington, Illinois, where he married Miss Kate Holstien, January 30. She was born September 5, 1867, in Taswell County, Illinois. They have five children, viz: Ora M., William L., Jesse C., Homer E., and Elmer G.
They came to Seward County and settled in "K" town October 15, 1890, and later bought the Goddard farm in "J" town. Mr. Haines has lately sold his beautiful farm and expects to move to Taswell County, Illinois. We expect him back on an early train. He is a member of the A. O. U. W.
FREDERIC C. HARTMAN
Came within an ace of being American born, as the parents brought him from the fatherland when but three months old. So Fred was to all intents and purposes an American boy. Born December 16, 1845. The family located in the backwoods of Adams County, Indiana. Here Fred chased squirrels and picked up chips till six years old when they followed the trail westward and landed in the wilderness of Clayton County, Iowa. Here the boy grew up and received his limited educa- tion in the log cabin schoolhouses of that day.
In 1867 he again found the trail which led him to Lincoln Creek where he took a homestead and more, he wooed and won the heart and hand of Miss Dora M., daughter of good old friend William Hornburg, and was married January 1, 1870. This German girl was born in May. 1846. and came to Nebraska when quite young. Seven children were born to them, viz: James, Alexander, Walter, Harry, Arthur, Ioze and Florence B. Mr. Hartman sold the old home many years ago and bought a farm at Odel, Gage County, but after eighteen years he re- turned to his first love and bought a nice farm five miles north and west of Seward in 1891, where peace, happiness and plenty dwells.
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
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Fred C. Hartman and Family
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
W. G .. HAROLD
Another Seward County boy that is coming to the front. Born on a farm near Bee, March 25, 1877. His first school years were spent at Seward, where his father ran a blacksmith shop. Later the family spent some years at Rising, Nebraska. Mr. Harold was married October 1. 1898, to Miss Laura M. Jones at Ashland, Nebraska. She was an Illinois girl that came west in her girlhood day ; and graduated from the Wesleyan university in the class of 1898.
They have two little ones, Mabel E., and Georgia M. They made their home in Milford December 1, 1901, here he is manager of the Babson and Dickman implement house.
Mr. Harold is a member of the following civic orders: Knights of Pythias, I. O. O. F., Woodmen of America, Royal Highlanders and Knights of the Maccabees
PAUL P. HERSCHBERGER
Was an Ohio boy, born April 6, 1840, in Holmes County. At twenty-one he tried the west but did not reach the right spot and after four years in the Hoosier state he returned to Ohio where he stayed just as long as he could stand it after hearing of Nebraska and its glorious opportunities. In 1876 found Milford and a choice farm three miles north west where he is content to live. Married at the old home in Ohio, to Miss Magdalena Kuhns. Eight children came to the home, six, of whom yet live Samuel died at fourteen and Fannie at seven. Mary, wife of John Sweitzer; Absolam P., John K, Amanda, now Mrs. E. M. Beckler ; Joseph and Lovina, now Mrs. J. Jantzi.
Mr. Herschberger was the first minister of the Amish Menonite faith in Seward County.
HON. THOMAS A. HEALEY
One of our best known citizens and for many years post master at Milford. Was born July 7, 1842. at Montreal, Canada. When Thomas was but four years old the parents moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin terri- tory, where the boy received his education in a log cabin of that frontier settlement. While only a lad, in 1861, he enlisted in the First Wisconsin cavalry and while his regiment was making a wild charge at L'Anguille, Arkansas, he received a serious wound in both hip and arm, and on that field of carnage the boy lay sweltering in his blood until recovered by the boys of his regiment when he was sent to Mem- phis hospital. Near the end of 1862 he was discharged and sent home. In 1866 was elected sheriff in Kenosha County and served two years. In the early spring of 1869 he made an overland trip with a team to Seward County and located in "N" precinct, nine miles west of Mil- ford.
Mr. Healey was married to Miss Kate M. Bundy, of Kenosha, Wis- consin, in 1865, April 25. Mrs. Healey was born April 6, 1843. One son was born to them, Leslie, now of Milford. Mr. Healey was ap-
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pointed deputy county clerk in 1870. In 1876 was elected to the legisla- ture by a large majority and served the county well. Was admitted to the bar by Judge Bates and admitted to practice in supreme court and has much of the time been engaged in the practice of law and insurance business. Was appointed postmaster at Milford in 1873 by President Grant and again by President Mckinley in 1898. August I. During Mr. Healey's official term he has handled two hundred ten thousand dollars government money.
Mr. Healey is a generous minded, wide-awake, enterprising and valuable citizen and has done his full share in the development and ad- vancement of Milford and the county.
BENJAMIN F. HICKMAN
An Iowa boy, born in Hardin County, August 7, 1859. Grew to manhood and received his education there. Came to Seward County in 1877.
Married Miss Mary L. Ellis, a Seward County girl, in 1882. Five children were born to them, viz: Allen, Maud, Pearl M., John, and Onie, all at home.
Mrs. Hickman was born in 1866. Mr. Hickman is a farmer. The church home of the family is with the Seventh day Adventists, of which Mr. Hickman is a most ardent adherent.
WILLIAM HICKMAN
One of the first to break the virgin sod in "B" precinct. Was a native of Randolph County, Indiana. Was born Marh 3, 1831. Learned the carpenter's trade in his youth and just like so many of the more wide awake youngsters he caught the western fever and in 1851 made his way to Jasper County, Iowa, where he followed his trade for three years then concluded to become a farmer. But he had not yet gotten over the western fever and in 1868 he found the goal of his ambition in Seward County, where he opened a mce farm where he resided till 1887 when he moved to town and tried a hand at merchandising. But this did not perfectly agree with his notions and after eighteen months he sold out. He was elected member of the house of representatives in the fall of 1877 and again in the fall of 1878, and served on several im- portant committees very acceptably, and was considered a very valuable member. In politics he is a staunch republican. Was for many years considered one of our leading farmers. Married Miss Louisa E. Moffitt at Newton, Iowa, December 1853. and raised a family consisting of six children ; Charles F., Etzena, deceased ; Orpha, now Mrs. Charles Knox ; Eldora, now Mrs. Frank Bachelder; Barckley M., and Alice, dead. She married Henry Sampson.
Mr. Hickman is a member of long standing of the A. F. and A. M. His good wife died September 30, 1891. She was a most noble woman and was highly respected wherever known.
Some years ago Mr. Hickman retired from active work or business
T
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
and is trying to take life as easy as possible, enjoying the fruits of an energetic and well spent life.
He was married to Mrs. Harriet Manly in 1893. The old folks reside in their neat and cosy home in Seward while his son, Barckley, manages the home farmn.
Hon. William Hickman
MERIDAN P. HECOX
Came to life and light in 1847 in Hancock County, Illinois. At fifteen he heard of the west and made his way to Harrison County, lowa. Married Miss Mary E. McFadin in 1871.
As a result of the union five chidren were born, viz: Clarence D., Carrie. now Mrs. William Dixon ; Melvia, now deceased, was Mrs. W. S. Cage; Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. Dixon ; and William.
The young couple came to Seward in 1883. Mr. Hecox has worked at mechanical work much of the time but for late years has given his
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
time to insurance, in which he has been very successful, and is ac- counted first class in his line of work.
HENRY A. HEUMAN
Is a Seward boy, born June 19, 1880. and this has been the scene of his life work so far. He is a wide-awake boy that has received his education in our city schools. Perhaps if this sketch could be written ten years hence it might tell all about Henry's wife and babies, but we must wait for another edition of Seward County history.
Henry is member of the I. O. ). F., the Maccabee and also of the Sons of Herman. Church home is with the Evangelical people of Seward.
HON. EDMUND H. HINSHAW
Our present valuable and working member of congress from the fourth district, was a native of Greensborough, Indiana, born De- cember 8, 1860. and grew up on his father's farm. After the school days were over Mr. Hinshaw discovered his best girl and gained his first and most important victory at Cadiz, Indiana, where he married Miss Ida Cooper. They have one son, Howard R.
The young people saw the bright western star in 1887 and straight- way took the trail to Jefferson County and he commenced his career at Fairbury as superintendent of schools for a year then he entered the practice of law with Judge Letton He served Jefferson County four years as prosecuting attorney, when in 1898 he was nominated by the republican convention for congress and was snowed under by Judge Stark, of Aurora, by five hundred and twenty-seven votes. Was nominated again in 1902 and then the other fellow got snowed under very deeply, by two thousand four hundred ninety-nine votes.
Mr. Hinshaw is a very active and hard working member of the House and has honorable places on many committees. Many of the old soldiers of his district can rise up and bless his name for his unflagging interest in their welfare. Elected by about all the votes in 1904, about seven thousand majority.
HON. CLIFTON E. HOLLAND
Says he was born in the brush near Farmington. Fulton County, Illinois, May, 1859. He received his education at Hawes academy and the Wesleyan university at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he gradu- ated in the class of 1880. and three years later received the master's degree. From 1880 to 1883 was principal of the city schools at Green- field, Iowa. He began the study of law with a well known firm at Mount Pleasant. Some years later he attended the law department of Yale College and graduated in the class of 1885, and was admitted to practice in all the courts of Connecticut. Now he hunts the trail that leads to Nebraska, and soon lands in Seward. We would not forget that while so busily engaged in study he won his first and best laurels,
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when he found Miss Sarah L. Chenaeth and made a bargain with her December 28, 1881. They were married at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She was born April 28, 1861, at Atica, Indiana. They have three children, all at home : Yale C , La Vivienne and Marion L.
Residence of Judge C. E. Holland
They landed in Seward in 1885 and here he opened a law and loan office. In 1887 he was elected probate judge of the county. Mr. Hol- land is a staunch republican and takes an active part in county and state political affairs. He has served our city as mayor and city at- torney. Is now a member of our board of education and superintended the construction of our new and beautiful school house. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen.
ERNEST C. HOLLAND
Was an Illinois boy, born in Canton, February 4, 1858. The family moved to Kansas for awhile but returned eastward to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where the lad received his education at Hawes academy.
Married Miss Hannah Love, of Nebraska City, a pioneer girl, January 19, 1878. She was born May 23. 1861, just as the great war began. Two children bless the home: Blanche and Hazel.
Mr. Holland came to Seward in 1887. Is engaged in the horse trade. He takes to fine horses as a duck does to water. He is a mem- ber of the A. F. and A. M., also of the K. P. and A. O. U. W.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
LYMAN O. HOWARD
A Seward County boy. Two and a half miles east of Milford, on November 8, 1873, he was born. Worked on his father's farm and at- tended Milford schools and grew to mature years there. Spent from 1897 to 1900 at Craig, Nebraska. Was several years in the meat trade at Milford. Learned the printer's trade at Craig and upon his return to Milford in 1900, he bought "The Nebraskan" and has been its able editor and publisher since that date. The history of his paper will ap- pear in another place in these pages. Mr. Howard was married to Miss Agnes Warner, a Minnesota girl who came here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Warner. She was born september 26, 1876. and come in early childhood to Burt County, where Mr. Howard captured her July 6, 1897. Two children came to their home, James W. and little Agnes, who was laid to rest at Craig. Mr. Howard is a Past Grand in the I. O. O F, and a Modern Woodman, also a member of the Knights of Maccabees, and is awide-a-wake editor, and we are always prond of such Seward County boys.
F. W. HOUDERSHELDT
An Iowa hoy, born December 12, 1868, in Washington County. Came to Seward County when ten years old and with his parents located in "J" precinct, and that has been his home to the present time.
He married Miss Nora Rogers December 2, 1889. She was born in Laport County, Indiana, in 1869, and came to Seward County in 1878. She died November 9, 1902. They had two children born to them, viz : Pearl M., and Homer W. Mr. Houdersheldt's mother. Miss Elizabeth Atwood, sister to Hon. Silas Atwood was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 8, 1835. She was married to William Houdersheldt in November 1859 and died February 1, 1900.
They came to Seward County in 1878. She was the mother of four children. The father, B. W. Houdersheldt, was born April 2, 1837, in Rockinham County, West Virginia. The family moved to Iowa in 1857, and to Seward County in 1878.
JOSEPH H. HUFFMAN
Was born among the rocky hills of old New York state, at Con- quest, October 10, 1848. He was raised in Caugo County. At twenty- two he found the great western trail and landed in "N" precinct, in March, 1870, and began his career in helping to subdue the wilderness. He began as teacher at the old home place and when he arrived at the new field began again in earnest and he has now labored in our educa- tional field about thirty years, almost incessantly.
Married Miss Hannah R. Miller, October 22, 1878, who died August 18, 1880, at Friend. Nebraska. In 1888, November 13, he mar- ried Miss Ada Miller, at Utica, Nebraska. She was born, at Taylor- ville, Illinois April 2, 1856, and came to Seward County in early youth.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
They have six children, viz: William A., Francis J., John J. L., Royal C .. Don Carlos, and Homer L. Mr. Huffman is a member of the A. F. and A. M .. the I. O. O. F., and also the Ben Hur. Of the latter he is an active organizer. The family church home is' with the United Brethren.
Mr. Huffman now resides in the village of Beaver Crossing and is among the active and useful citizens of that thriving village.
CHARLES K. HUMPHREY
Was a New York state boy that found a home in Ohio in early childhood. Born at Bloomfield. August 2, 1843. Was educated in Ohio, where he enlisted in the 20th Ohio light artillery. Was in the battles of Stone river and Franklin. besides many skirmishes. June 7, 1865. was discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee. On his return home he began looking for the western trail and found it. It of course, led him to Seward, where he found just the right place, and he found more. He found where Father Olmstead lived and Letitia G., his daughter. They were married October 7, 1873. She was a New York girl born May 23, 1839, at Walesville, and came to Nebraska with her parents when Seward was but a hamlet.
They have born to them four children. One died in infancy ; Bercie, now Mrs. L. C. Moore; O. Egbert, who enlisted in Nebraska First and was with the boys at Manilla, was mortally wounded and returned home to die. His death occurred at his father's home, Nov. 17, 1899; Arthur G., is yet at home.
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