USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 44
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Mr. Humphrey is a carpenter and builder and has followed the business sucessfully in Seward for about thirty-five years and can count hundreds of buildings that he has constructed. He is a member of the G. A. R. and also of the A. O. U. W.
ORSON EGBERT HUMPHREY
Was born in Seward, Nebraska, July 28, 1877. Was educated in Seward schools. Enlisted in Company M, First Nebraska volunteers, May 2, 1898, and went to the Philippines and was wounded at the battle of Quinga, April 23, 1899. Was brought home and died from his wounds after much patient suffering, November 17, 1899. He was a noble boy, well respected by all who knew him.
JOHN M. HUGHES
One of the contractors and builders who for ten years have done much toward making Seward the most beautiful city in the west. Was born in Davis County, Iowa, November 26, 1860, where he remained until grown to mature years In 1892 we find him at our capital city, driving his business with might and main, but amidst all the hurry of Imsiness he took time to form the acquaintance of Miss Maud Davis, and they were married June 15, 1892. She was born March 23, 1859, in
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Van Buren County, Iowa, and came to Nebraska in 1888. They have four children, viz: John, Burr, Benjamin, and Theodore.
They came to Seward in 1894 and more than a hundred elegant homes scattered over our county and city, that have sprung into being under his guiding hand, attest the fact that he came not in vain. Has a membership in the M. W. A.
WILLIAM C. HUGHES
The man that owns the most tasteful and. beautiful home place in the county. Was born in Trenton. New Jersey, February 22, 1830. Came to Seward County in 1878, March 1. Married to Miss Martha A. Bye, December 28, 1865, at Yates City, Illinois. She was born January 10. 1845. Children born to them as follows: Martha. Adeline, and William R. The girls both married.
William attends the farm in good shape The door yard is a per- fect paradise of flowers.
GEORGE G. HURT
A Kentucky boy, born in McGoffin Connty, November 13, 1866, where he remained until he was nineteen when he took the northern trail and landed in the Hoosier state and spent two years there. But that land was not entirely to his liking so he caught the western fever and landed in Seward County in 1889. Here he was contented when he found Miss Bessie S. Ramsey. They were married August 23, 1893. She was born in Jasper County, Iowa, March 8. 1875, and came to Seward County when a young child.
There were born to them three children: Raymond R., Mary J., and Delphia G., all at home.
Mrs. Hurt was a noble Christian lady who was called to her Heavenly home, June 5, 1900. Mr. Hurt is thus left with the care of the young family. He owns a beautiful farm four miles northwest of Seward. He is a Modern Woodman. The church home is with the M. E. church at Seward.
CARL IMIG
A German born boy that got sight of the stars and stripes when nine years old and with his parents crossed the old ocean in 1857. Carl was born August 1, 1848. The family located in Taswell County, Illinois, and there Carl grew to manhood and became acquainted with Miss Katherine Imig and was married in June, 1871.
She was born in Germany in October 1848, and came to this country in 1870. To this union were born nine children, three of whom died. Names as follows: Minnie, now Mrs. George Algair; Elizabeth, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. F. Riderbush ; Carl, Kate, Bertha, now Mrs. H. Badbery, and Louis. Mrs. Imig died November 3, 1887. Mr. Imig married the sister of his former wife, Miss Annie, October 7, 1891. One
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child was born to them, viz: George. Mr. Imig came to Seward County in 1878 and located five miles southwest of Seward. He is a . member of the United Workmen and is also a member of the Evangeli- cal church Mr. Imig is a first class farmer and he owns a nice farm.
DAVID IMLAY, SR.
One of the three vanguards of this locality was "Grandpa Imlay." He located a homestead on section ten, in "G" township, in the spring of 1864, where he lived the remainder of his life He was born among the rugged hills of Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, in 1792. Miss Doras Johnson, who became his wife, was born at the same place. They were married in 1814. They moved to Muskingham County, Ohio, immediately, and made a new home in the woods, where they opened a farm and resided nine years, when they returned to the old home for nine years and took care of their old parents.
They then returned to the old Ohio home, where they remained until 1841, when they pushed on west to Wabash County, Indiana. The old people followed their children to the west in 1856 and located in Harrison County, Iowa, from thence to Seward County in 1864. Grandmother Imlay died in 1871 and Grandfather followed her in June, 1872. These old people had united with the Presyterian church in their youth and lived Christian lives to the letter. They assisted in organizing the first Presbyterian church at Seward in 1870.
There were born to them twelve sons and daughters, five of whom lived at Seward, but only two of them are now living. David P., of Seward and Mrs. Sarah A. Brown of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Stanwood, William, and Joseph have died since their removal here.
HON. WILLIAM IMLAY
One of the first settlers of Seward County and the second to make a permanent home in the vicinity of the present city. Mr. R. T. Gale, Mr. Imlay and his father's family all located here in the early spring of 1864. For a time these were the only settlers in the north half of the county except John Scott, at the oak groves.
Mr. Imlay was born in Pennsylvania in 1830. Moved with his parents to Ohio in his early youth and later to Indiana, where he grew to manhood, formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Donaldson and they were married in 1853. In 1856 they moved to Harrison County, Iowa, and in 1858 to Cass County, Nebraska, and were truly pioneers of our state or territory, rather. In 1863 they moved to the Salt Basin in Lancaster County and for a year or more engaged in the manufacture of salt. There the writer formed their acquaintance which grew into a close friendship which continued until death intervened. Mr. Imlay located a homestead two miles west of the present city and there was the family home until his death.
At the fall election of 1864 he was elected to the legislature to rep- resent Lancaster. Seward, and a boundless region to the westward. He
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had a prominent place on several important committees and was con- sidered an active and valnable member. When this county was organ- ized, in 1865, he was elected one of the first county commissioners and served three successive terms, and took a leading part in all matters pertaining to the development and advancement of the county. Because of his energy and will power he was frequently spoken of as the county commissioners. He was there to do his duty and he did it well. In later years he took but little part in county affairs but paid his entire attention to the farm and his church of which he and his good wife were honored members. They having united with the Presbyterian church while young helped to found their church in Seward. He was an official member while he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Imlay during the early years of their settlement, underwent many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, but they bore it all heroically and came off conquerors at the end, having built up a com- fortable home, raised a large and intelligent family and enjoying in a great measure the confidence and esteem of all their neighbors.
Of the seven children born to them, five grew to manhood and womanhood. Sarah, their eldest, married Allen S. Anderson. She died in 1890, leaving a family of young children. Addison and David, now of Washington state; Josephine, now Mrs. John William of Colorado; and John, of Blaine County, Nebraska.
ADDISON IMLAY
One of the first white boys to run over our prairies barefoot. Was born at Plattsmouth, September 26, 1859. His father and mother came to Seward County when Addison was a young boy in the spring of 1864, where he chased cattle and later waded snowdrifts to school at the old log school house and completed his education at the high school in Seward in about 1880. In 1881 he went to Montana to grow up with the country, and eight years later we trail him to Medical Lake, Wash- ington, where he is now a rustling business man and is engaged in the livery business. But he never forgets his old home and friends in Seward County. He is a Master Mason. He still hangs on to single blessedness.
LUCIAN C. JOHNSTON
A very prominent stockman and dealer in lands. Was born at Danvers in McLean County, Illinois, July 12, 1854. Lucian was rather a prodigy in his early childhood. He had learned to read at only four years of age. He was so dilligent in his studies and so apt that he was able to enter the Wesleyan university at sixteen. Taught school dur- ing his young manhood with much credit to himself.
The best trade he. ever made in his life. (he is noted for good bargains) was when he found and married Miss Ellen B. Dickenson in 1878, January 1. Miss Dickenson was a native of Danvers and was a
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daughter of Major and Mrs. Eliza Dickenson, old settlers of Illinois. Mrs. Jobnston is a lady of fine attainments and enjoys a large circle of friends in and around Seward.
Mr. Johnston came to Nebraska on an exploring expedition imme-
Lucian C. Johnston
diately after his marriage in 1878 and moved to his new home in "K" precinct in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have one son, now grown to manhood. The lad graduated in the Seward schools and later in the Lincoln Business College. His father tells us that Walter is quite a successful sheep feeder and it looks as if a career of usefulness is before him. Mr. Johnston's aged father lives at the old home at Danvers. His mother died October 21. She was born in 1830. Married Decem- ber 2. 1852. Came to McLean County in 1853.
Mr. Johnston has been quite successful as a dealer and feeder of stock. He also deals largely in real estate and now owns many tracts of land in different parts of Nebraska. They enjoy a commodious and pleasant home in Seward.
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Mrs. Lucian C. Johnston
EDWARD JENSEN
A Danish lad of thirteen summers saw away beyond the great ocean a bright star, and broke away from the old environments, and made his way hither, and landed at Milwaukee where he remained until he was twenty when he found the western trail and landed in "K" precinct in 1870 Not yet quite old enough to take a homestead, but could pre-empt. and he commenced in that way and homesteaded the next year. Now the green young Danish lad owns only seven hundred and eighty acres of our rich land. How's that?
Somehow Edward found Miss Carrie Peterson and they made a bargain October 23, 1881. She was born in Norway, April 3, 1863. They have one child, Fvart R.
Mr. Jensen was born February 19, 1850. He has a beautiful home near Goehner. Has seen all sides of pioneer life .but has come off more than conqueror. His life work may be a lesson to the lads of our
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country. In the thirty-five years of his residence he has accumulated such a nice fortune and is now enjoying the fruits of his well spent life.
Claudius Jones
The pioneer banker of Seward and Seward County. Was born in Orleans County, New York, in 1827. He came of Welch stock, as his father, David, was born in Wales. Mr. Jones spent his boyhood days on the farm and received his education in the common schools of the county and when grown engaged in farming for some years. He was not robust and after due consideration concluded to leave the farm,
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He was married to Miss Harriet I. Weed. She was a native of the same county, her parents being the earliest settlers of that part of the county. To their union were born two sons and three daughters. Claudius, the elder son, was killed in an accident in Seward in the
Mrs. Claudius Jones
autumn of 1875. Harry T., now president of the Jones National Bank, of Seward; Mrs. Hattie L. Tipton, of Seward ; Mrs. Annie B. Brown, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Mrs Emma T. Wake of Seward. In 1859 Mr. Jones took up his residence in Chicago where he was engaged in business for some years. At the beginning of the rebellion he lent his energy in organizing a regiment and was to be its colonel, but ill health forbade it and he was accorded the privilege of naming the com- manding officer. Some years later he moved to Monmouth, Illinois, where he helped to organize the first national bank of that city, and he became its cashier and held that position till 1870, when he had an attack of western fever which was fully cured by his removal to
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Lincoln, Nebraska where, as a street broker, he handled many state and county warrants to good advantage. In 1873 he made his home at Seward where he opened the state bank of Nebraska. Financially this undertaking was a grand success. One peculiarity about the state bank was it always had plenty of money for all legitimate purposes.
Mr. Jones' financial skill was a marvel. With him every project seemed to yield profit, and during his career he amassed great wealth, becoming our largest land owner and largest stock raiser, besides man- aging the affairs of the bank. Mr. Jones was a man of generous nature and would never forsake a friend, neither would he forget an enemy.
JOSEPH JONES
One of the pioneers of the great wilderness prairie of the western part of our County. Was born in Muskingham County, Ohio, March 14, 1845, where he remained until grown, and where he married Miss Mary E. Tracy, in abont 1866. They have eight children, viz: Mrs. E. F. Barmore, G. G. Jones. A. J. Jones, W. J. Jones, H. J. Jones, E. J. Jones. R. W. Jones, and B. H. Jones.
He came to the county in 1871 and homesteaded five miles north of Utica. He was a soldier in Company A, 62nd Ohio volunteer infantry. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. He helped in laying the foundations of Utica, and was actively engaged in business there al- most from the beginning. He was connected with the Utica Bank as one of the directors since 1887 to the day of his death, April 23, 1905.
HARRY T. JONES
Is a Seward County boy to all intents and purposes as he came here when a young lad in 1873. Harry was born at Monmouth, Illinois, June 1863. It has been our pleasure to know him since he was a ten year old lad. He was a little rustler and knew how to earn a nickle then and has not forgotten how yet. We remember how he used to peddle milk or carry coal upstairs to get a little money to have a good time with the boys. He passed through the grades of the Seward schools with credit.
He has grown to be a business man of the first rank. Was a long time cashier of the Jones National Bank and took the presidency of the institution upon the resignation of his father, in 1895. and has re- mained in that position to date. As a business man and a neighbor Mr. Jones is very popular, as the business of the bank shows in the enor- mons increase in its deposits, they being only a small amount when he took the management in 1895 and having increased to four hundred fif- ty-on- thousand dollars, according to the June statement of 1904. Mr. Jon. a is Har largest land holder also.
He ix enterprising as well as liberal in his dealings. He is a wide awake, earnest republican and has often been chairman of the county central committee. He was made Knight's Templar in the grand old Masonic fraternity.
-
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Residence of Harry T. Jones
WILLIAM WALLACE KONKRIGHT
Came to "M" township in 1870. Born in 1829 in Vermont, went to New York state with his parents in 1839, went to Indiana, from there to Iowa in 1852, where he was married in 1854 to Miss Marie Siverly. She was born in Venango County, Pennsylvania, in 1830. She came to the territory of Iowa in 1843 with her parents, where she received her education. She became a teacher. She was well known through the community as a thorough historian. Her home was for many years with the Presbyterian church of Seward. She was a mem- ber of the Woman's Auxiliary of the G. A. R. Post. Died June 13, 1902. .
Mr. Konkright enlisted in the 8th Iowa infantry, served nearly five
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years, was at Corinth, Vicksburg, Shiloh, and other battles. They came to Seward County in 1870 and settled at Beaver Crossing. They retired from the farm and took up their residence in Seward in 1899, where Mrs. Konkright was buried. The old gentleman is now seventy-five years old, hale and hearty and reads easily without glasses. He is a republican from away back and takes supreme delight in pouring hot shot into the camp of the other fellows.
There were born to them : Milon, now dead ; John, Almena, Lewis, Devo, William, now dead ; Alice and Eugene. Mr. Konkright cast his first vote in 1850 and for General Scott in 1852.
Mrs. Konkright carried to her grave at her advanced age thirty two sonnd teeth.
WILLIAM KNIGHT
One among the oldest residents of "B" precinct. Was born in Winchester, Indiana, July 1, 1832. At eighteen he came to Dallas County, Iowa. Two years later he found it convenient to see the girl he had left behind him and turned in and assisted his prospective father-in-law to move westward, where matters would be more conven- ient for the young people. In 1845 Miss Isyphena Moffitt became his bride. This happy event occurred in Jasper County, Iowa. Six chil- dren were born to them. Two died in infancy. Those living are: Mary E, now Mrs. J. N. Sheeley ; Luther, Sarah E., now Mrs. George H Terwilliger, and Elias B. The family came to Seward County in 1869, and took the land as homestead here where they resided until last spring. This old homestead is on section 20, town 12, range 3 east of sixth principal meiridian and is now a beautiful home.
Mrs. Knight was born at Winchester, Indiana, in 1830, December 16, where she grew to womanhood. In the old days Mr. Knight was post master at Groveland, now discontinued. Was school treasurer for twelve years from the organization of district number sixty-seven and in all has held office eighteen years. Has also at times been precinct assessor.
Mr. and Mrs. Knight, during all the years of their residence, have been considered among our most respected and worthy citizens.
A beautiful incident occurred September 1, 1904, when the celebra- tion of the golden wedding of these good old people. About one hun- dred people consisting of four generations of the family and old neigh- bors, friends and relatives gathered at the home to pay the tribute of love and respect.
One notable incident at the gathering was the presence of six wit- nesses of the wedding fifty years before, viz: Hon. Wm. Hickman, Erastus M. Hickman, Agustus Hickman, Mrs. G. W. Hickman, H. L. Moffit, Miss Irena Moffit.
ELISHA KINNEY
Strayed westward in 1872 from his old Ohio home and bought the old A. J. Woliingford farm near Camden mills that used to be, Mr.
.
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Kinney was born in February 24, 1840, in Belmont County, Ohio. Was educated at the high school. At twenty began his career as teacher and followed that profession six years. In 1866, May 4, he married Miss Narcissa McKirahan, of his native place. They have five children : Emma O , now Mrs. T. F. Thompson; William S., Alya R., Melissa D., now Mrs. J. E. Brong; and Alice Pearl, yet at home, but who is engaged as assistant teacher with U. O. Anderson at Lafayette, Colorado. Mr. Kinney is an old time member of the 1. O. O. F. lodge No. 18, at Milford. The family church home is with the Milford Congregational church.
Mr. Kinney taught school at old Camden in an early day. and also in district No. 84. He is an energetic citizen and at times has been the standard bearer of his party for County offices, but unfortunately for Mr. Kinney his party was in the minority, and a good, straight busi- ness man was left ont in the cold, but he is a success, office or no office. Mr. Kinney has been postmaster, justice of the peace, and is now a notary public. He is from the Scotch Irish stock. Although he was a pioneer in our new land he has taken pride in educating his children. The most of them are graduates of Doane College and one is a promi- nent teacher. One, William S., is a lieutenant in the U. S. cavalry, 3rd regiment and Alva R. is president of the Ravenna Milling Com- pany. Alva and wife are graduates of Doane College.
JOSEPH A. KINSINGER .
The oldest general merchant in Milford. Was born February 11, 1857, in Butler County, Ohio. When a lad of thirteen he came to Missouri and struck the road to Nebraska in 1891 and it landed him at Milford where he commenced his successful career as merchant. Just before coming west he made a little bargain with Miss Mary E. Kenagy, and they were married August 20. 1889. Miss Kenagy was born Novem- ber 1, 1861, in Logan County, Ohio. They have five children : James W., Homer B., Ruth G., Roy S., and Ralph A.
Mr. and Mrs. Kinsinger are working members of the M. E. church and he is also a member of the A. O. U. W. Is a wide-awake business man and full of enterprise.
MISS MARGARET KEALY
Late superintendent of our industrial home. Was born at Copen- hagen in New York, March 23, 1857. Her parents moved to Decatur County, Illinois in 1864, and there Margaret began her school life. In 1865 the family moved to Clinton, Iowa. In that bustling young city Margaret came in contact with the world and when her school life had ended she chose the vocation of nurse. In 1875 we find her in Crawford county, Iowa, but she was so thoroughly imbued with the spirit of adventure that in 1885 we find her at Hastings, Nebraska, where in her noble calling she attracted such attention that in 1902 she was chosen to her late honorable position. Miss Kealy is a member of the Catholic
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church and is a most worthy Christian lady and excellent superin- tendent. To her we are largely indebted for the valuable information that we are able to give to the reader in regard to the home.
THOMAS H. KITCHEN
Was born in Clark County, Illinois, October 14, 1840, and there he remained until he came to Seward County in 1884. On October 6, 1873, he was married to Miss Ellen Haskins in Coles County, Illinois. She was born in Coles County, Illinois, May 12, 1838. They have no chil- dren. They settled in "E" precinct.
Mr. Kitchen is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen and also of the Woodmen of the World. Belongs to the Baptist church.
ELIAS B. KNIGHT
Came to Nebraska in early childhood with his parents. Was born in Jasper County. Iowa, November 9, 1868. and the removal to "B" precinct occurred in 1869. so Elias may be claimed as a Seward County boy. He attended the common schools until he out grew them and then took a course at the Seward high school and graduated with honors in the class of 1889. In 1893 he formed the acquaintance of an intelligent young teacher, Miss Mary Danchy, and as they looked at things about alike, they were married June 4.
She was a Nebraska girl born in Johnson County. August 19, 1869. Two bright children bless the home: Oma I. and Mildred I. Mr. Knight is a Modern Woodman and a member of the Ben Hur and is scribe of the Gosper Court. Mrs. Knight is a member of the Baptist church. The young people tried to make a home at Janesville Wiscon- sin for two years but of course they returned to their first love and are now comfortably situated on a nice farm in "B" precinct.
PHILLIP KLENCK
A cigar maker by trade. Was born of German parents in, Lincoln Illinois, April 9, 1861 and came to Seward in October, 1878. Has been all these years a faithful worker. Is now contemplating making his home in the Rosebud reservation. He is a good quiet citizen, a member of the Royal Highlanders and also of the Evangelical church.
CHARLES D. KNOX
When a boy of eighteen years Charley caught the western fever and came to Seward County in 1873. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1855. His parents moved to Illinois in 1865. Was married to one of the Seward County girls, Miss Elmira A., daughter of Hon. William Hickman, in 1879.
She was born at Newton, Iowa, in 1862 and came here with her parents in 1868. They have four children : Clarence, Clara, Fern and
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Eva yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Knox spent a few years in Grant County, this state but returned to their first love and he has been en- gaged in the livery business here for the last four years, here he has a fine lot of stock for the business. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and also to the United Workmen.
CARL G. A. KOCH
One of the founders of the great German settlement in the eastern part of our county. Was born in the province of Brandenburg, Ger- many, February 7, 1842. At twenty-six he had caught sight of the bright western star and broke away from the old environment and in October 1868, we find the young man in Missouri where he found his best girl, Miss Minnie Schaberg, and was married at Warrentown, March 4 1869.
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