USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 46
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The family located in "C" precinct in 1870, where Mr. Mckay took a prominent part in the development of his locality Was for years a justice of the peace and county commissioner of the county. The church home of Mr. Mckay was with the Christian church and Mrs. McKay was a Presbyterian. Mrs. McKay died February 23, 1894. Mr. Mckay died June 28, 1882.
IRA McCOLLISTER
Was a native of Ohio, born June 15, 1844, among the blue clay hills at Chillicothe, but found his way to Johnson County, Iowa in boyhood. Married Miss Lucy Nickerson in September, 1867, at Toledo, Iowa. She was born March 3. 1847, at Clarksfield, Ohio.
They had eight children, viz: Alpha G., Effie G .. Graul, Milton S., Stanley G., Myra H., died at eleven ; Ira C., died in infancy ; and Gerald T.
Mr. McCollister came to "L" precinct in December, 1872. Ira en- listed, June, 1862, in Company A, 22nd lowa volunteer infantry, and he was commissioned officer. Served in the armies of the Mississippi. Was at the Gulf and on the Red river, was in Virginia and the Caro- linas. Was discharged in September, 1865. He was overseer of the state grange the first year. In his religious belief he is a Quaker. Present home is at Bonner Springs, Kansas, here he is commander of the G. A. R. No. 317.
ALBERT M. MCGREW
An Illinois lad born in McDonough County, October 3, 1863, and struck the great western trail at sixteen and landed in Seward County in 1879. Albert was raised a farmer boy and has wisely pursued that vocation. In 1886, September 15, he captured Miss Martha E. Bain at Seward. She was a Missouri girl born in Harrison County, Angust 4, 1863.
Seven children have come to bless their home, viz: Lloyd M .. Winnie (., Albert C., Forest A., Jessie C., Carrie R., and Nina M.
Albert's father settled near Bee in 1879, but Albert now is a farmer five miles north of Seward. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. also of the Ben Hur. Church home is with the Christian church at Seward.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
REV. JOSEPH MERRILL
Was born September 2, 1831, in England. While yet a young man he caught sight of the star of empire in the west but somehow he got wrongly located and landed in Canada. He soon found his mistake and in 1872 we find him in Ohio, but before leaving Canada he married Miss Jane E. Christener, a Canadian girl, so Uncle Sam's dominions was the gainer by his sojourn in that country. We gained two in place of one.
She was born February 1, 1839. They were the parents of eleven children, viz: Elizabeth P. W., now Mrs. [E. Lewis; Frank J. W., Samuel A. V., Susan C., now Mrs. A. Westhover, Fred H., Martha F., now Mrs. F. A. Bunn ; Walter H., Charles E., Hamilton B., William J. W. and Richard A. C.
Rev. Merrill came to Seward County in 1881 and located at the Oak Groves. He was a local preacher in the M. E. church for many years but never took to the regular work of the ministry. After a long life in the labor of love he was called home October 6, 1896. Mrs. Merrill died December 13, 1901.
GEORGE A. MERRIUM
Born in that old stony state where the sheep have to wear steel points on their noses to get the grass from the crevices of the rocks, Vermont, November 12, 1850, but his case was not hopeless, as his father had heard of the better country in the west, and in 1866 they landed at Milford. George taught school while a young man. Was married to Miss Sarah F. Martin, a Milford girl, in 1878. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1851. Three children came to the home: Eva E., Jessie L., and Faye M.
He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., I. O. O. F., M. W. A ., and A. O. U. W. Church home of the family is with the Congrega- tionlists.
Mr. Merrium has been clerk of the district court sixteen years, a mem- ber of the Seward school board, member of the Republican state cen- tral committee and chairman of the county central committee two terms. He is the present secretary of the Mutual Protective Fire Association.
LOYD H. McKILLIP
A Seward boy from start to finish. Son of Hon. D. C. McKillip. Was born January 21, 1879, and graduated in high school in the class of 1897. Then took a literary course in our state university and gradn- ated in the class of 1901, and received the degree of A. B., when he entered the law department and in class of 1903 took the degree of LL. B., and immediately commenced the practice of his profession at the old home, and has succeeded to the business of his father. Was elected county attorney in the fall of 1904.
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THOMAS W. MEYERS
A Seward County boy born near Germantown, August 3, 1884, on a farm. The father's family now reside north of Seward.
Thomas had the misfortune to lose his mother in early childhood. He has the reputation of being an industrious boy of excellent habits, and as the years roll by will have more history to relate, as he loves to read.
GEORGE W. MIDDAUGH
A prominent citizen of Utica. Was born September 9, 1845, at Kiehsburg, Illinois. While young he migrated westward and found a wife in the person of Miss Lizzie Woodward of State Center, Marshall County, Iowa. January 25, 1878.
They have two children, viz: Lela, now Mrs. J. Landenberger; and Bertha, now Mrs. S. Goodwin.
Mr. Middaugh came to Utica in May. 1885. He is a wide-awake real estate man and sells lands of his locality and the west and south. He also does au insurance business, having an agency with many relia- ble companies. He is also an auctioneer of wide repute. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the D. of R.
JAMES MILLER
An Ohio boy, the son of a Presbyterian preacher, born in Wood County, December 31, 1844. He found the trail leading westward at eleven and landed at St. Charles, Iowa. Here he became acquainted with Miss Mary A. Baird, and when James and Mary had reached the proper age they were married, December 31. 1880, at St. Charles, Iowa. But this happy event did not occur nntil Mr. Miller had become thoroughly posted in all the ways of our "wild and woolly west."
In 1869 he came to the wilderness and laid the foundations of the present home on section 20, in "J" precinct, and here he batched it for many long years, waiting, we suppose, until he was old enough to have the care of a family. But at last he awakened to the fact that it was not good for man to be alone in the world and remembering the girl he had left behind him. he made some excuse to go to Iowa. He went and came back with his bride. Mrs. Miller was also an Ohio girl born in Guernsey County, January 1, 1851, but came in infancy to Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. They have four children, viz : William C., John R., Minnie A., and Margaret A.
Mr. Miller is a successful farmer who has always tried to do his full share in this grand good county of ours. The church home of the family is with the M. E. people of Seward.
HARVEY M. MILLER
For twelve years Seward agent for the C. & N. W. railroad. Was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1863, and struck the
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western trail in 1877, and followed it to Dallas County, Iowa. Com- menced work for the C. R. I. P. R. R. in 1885. Was with the Burlington a short time in 1887. Came to Seward as operator for the Northwestern people, August 3, 1887, and officed in a box car. Took agency at Goehner December 1. transferred to Linwood in 1890, and August 7, 1889, was placed in charge at Seward.
Married August 23. 1893, to Miss Grace Porter, one of the teachers of our high school, a graduate of the state normal. A very accom. plished lady of high standing. They have five children, all at home: Chauncy M .. Harold V., Matilda M., Elmer E. and Helen E.
Mrs. Miller was born in Missouri, but raised from her early youth in Nebraska.
Mr. Miller is a Modern Woodman and in 1901 was a delegate to their national camp at St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also a member of the A. F. and A. M. He is at present a member of our board of educa- tion. A republican in politics. Mr. Miller is a very suitable person for promotion in railroad work.
WILLIAM W. MILLER
One of the early settlers in the Amish settlement in west "O" town. Was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 9, 1861. His folks had a slight attack of western fever when William was only eight years old, and the great western trail led them to McLean County, Illinois, where they sojourned for five years when they saw the star of empire hovering over Nebraska and October 8, 1874, they landed on section 9, "O" town. When William had reached the age of twenty-one he began to look around for a best girl and as neighbor Stutzman had the one to suit him, they looked at matters just a like, and March 18, 1882, he and Miss Kate were married at the great church of their faith in "O" precinct.
They have eight children, viz: Sarah, now Mrs. A. Stutzman ; Joseph, John H., Malinda, Ammon, Lovina, Gertie, and Barery E.
Church home is with the Amish Menonites.
WILLIAM J. MILLER
Was an Iowa boy born in Henry County, September 8, 1876, but got on the Nebraska trail when five years old and landed near Milford, where he grew up a Seward county boy. and while looking around he found Miss Matilda Troyer, and they made a bargain at the Amish church, July 20, 1899. She was born in Howard County, Indiana, October 25, 1878.
They have four little ones, viz : Clara M., Homer W., Minnie M., and Henry E. By the way, the author helped in naming the baby.
William came to Milford in 1881. Was raised a farmer and nnder- stands his business. Church home is with the Amish Menonites.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
HARPER MILLER
One of the old time homesteaders of western "J" precinct. Was born March 16, 1849, among the blue clay hills of Licking County, Ohio, and was raised all the way from Ohio to Nebraska. He took to the western trail in early youth and rested awhile at St. Charles, Iowa, and in 1872 he pursned his journey westward and landed on the homestead in section 20, "J" precinct. After batching it, until seeing the folly of it, in 1879. One spring morning, April 10, he hied away to Saunders County, and concluded a contract with Miss Ellen Beach and Harper batched it no more. She was born in Kankakee County, Illinois, Jan- nary 11, 18449. They have two children, viz: Gertrude Clark and James Lauren.
Mr. Miller is a successful farmer and the family enjoy a pleasant home. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and his Church home is with the Presbyterians of Seward.
HON. JOHN E. MCLAIN
An Illinois boy, born in Henderson County, November 14, 1856, where they had the usual experiences of a farmer boy in the common schools and working, just as all worthy boys do, at all kinds of faim work. He remained in Illinois until his removal to Seward County, in 1886. In 1877 he was married to Miss Marietta B. Taylor, a native of the old Keystone state. They have six children.
The young people settled on a farm just northeast of Seward and have opened and improved a nice farm. Mr. Mebain has taken a decided interest in public matters at his new home. For many years he has been master of Oliver lodge No. 38 of the A. F. and A. M. and is also a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen. Was for some years treasurer of his township. He is a full fledged re- publican and his party made him standard bearer for representative in the fall of 1902, and elected him, and his faithful committee work and close attention to business insured his renomination in 1904. He is a wide-awake, valuable citizen and has rendered valuable service to the county and state. He was elected to succeed himself.
GOV. JOHN H. MICKEY
Six miles west of Burlingon, Iowa, among the brushy hills, was born September 30, 1845, the boy that is now serving his second term as governor of Nebraska. He was a child of a pioneer settlement. The father, O. P. Mickey, settled there in 1836. Two years later we find the family in Lonisa County, where John attended the common school, in the log cabin school house of that day.
In 1863 he enlisted in Company D. 8th lowa cavalry, and was with the army of east Tennessee and with Sherman at the surrender of At- Janta. He was also with Hood and Thomas. In August, 1865, he was mustered ont and returned home. Then he was a student two years at
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
the Wesleyan university at Mount Pleasant. For a time was a teacher. September 10, 1867, he married Miss Marinda MeCray, of Des Moines County, and one year later, on board a prairie schooner, the young people set sail for Nebraska and landed in Polk County and settled on a homestand. Seward was his first post office, forty miles distant.
In 1872 Osceola was founded and the future governor wanted to be the first settler on the town site and had a genuine horse race with W. E. Kinnel and was beaten in the race and Mr. Kinnel carried the bonora of being the first settler in the city of Orccola. At the organization of the county, in 1876, Mr. Mickey was elected treasurer, and held the office ten years. In 1880 was elected member of the legislature and took a leading part in the work of that session. He helped carry the Slocum law through (which is not much to his credit).
In May, 1879, he opened the Osceola bank and has retained the presidency to the present time. At first its paid up capital was five thousand dollars; now it is thirty seven thousand dollars. It has been a sound and successful institution through all the years of adversity, as well as in years of prosperity, and has lent a helping hand to farmers in times of financial distress, He is a staunch republican, although his father was a Douglass democrat. The young lowa soldier voted for Lincoln when but nineteen.
Mr. Mickey is a member of the M. E. church, and for many years Was superintendent of the Sabbath school In church work he has taken a great interest and has been a liberal helper. Has given much encouragement to the Wesleyan university and the M. E hospital at Omaha. Is now president of the board of trustees of the university.
Mrs. Mickey died December 28, 1886, leaving him five children. December 8, 1887. he married Miss Flora C. Campbell, of Norden, Nebraska, who now is the mother of four children. The nine children are all living. five boys and four girls: Oliver F. is cashier of the Osre ola bank ; Harlen A. of Keya Paha County , Evan S., his father's clerk : Bertha E., now Mrs. H. O. Smith, Mary N. now a student ; Benjamin H. James H., Flora E, and Novina A., at home. Was elected by a great ly increased majority in 1904.
JENS L. MIKKELSEN
Was one of the sturdy children of Denmark that was not satisfied with the cramped conditions in the fatherland and at twenty he sought for a new home beyond the rolling billows of two oceans, in far off Australia, where he remained seven years, when he heard of Nebraska and recrossed the Pacific and sealed the mountains vast and landed at Omaha July 2x, 1870, where he found a lady bearing his own name and also a native of Denmark. She proved to be just the girl he was look ing for and they were married at Omaha. November 26, 1870.
MI. Mikkelsen was born March 11. 1843. Mrs. Mikkelsen was born April 5, 1852. They have eight children, viz: Dorothy K., Jens C., Michael L., John, Naoma M., Andrew C., William T., and Annie B.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
They settled on section 10, in" E" precinct, March 10, 1871, and opened a farm. In 1896 they took np their residence in Seward. The church home of the family is with the Seward M. E. church.
Lewis Moffitt
Founder of Seward and one among the early pioneers of the county, was born December 1, 1834 in Indiana. and married Miss May A. Thomas in 1854. The young people found a new home in Jasper county, Iowa, where they resided until their removal to Seward county. In February, 1865, Mr. Moffitt visited this locality and was so well pleased with the outlook that he bought of the goverment the land upon which the city of Seward now stands and while here he also homesteaded a quarter of land on Lincoln Creek. Soon after this be sold the homestead to oldl Mr. Hartman, father of Fred and Win. Hartman. He never moved on- to the homestead.
In July, 1865, the family moved to the future town site and built a double log house which served the family for a home and it was open for all public gatherings of the community for a time. Our first Sab- bath school was organized at this humble home and we also had the use of the house for religious meetings. Mr. Moffitt was our first post mas- ter and his home was our post office.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
In May. 1868, Mr. Moffitt platted 80 acres into town lots. These consisted of four rows of blocks beginning at Jackson avenue and ex- tending to the south line of the north half of the southwest quarter of
Mrs. Lewis Moffitt
section 21, T 11, R 3 east, making thirty-two blocks. The square was dedicated to the town for public uses.
Mr. Moffitt was quite liberal in donating lots for schools, churches, etc., and he was liberal with his means in defraying expenses of our county seat contest. Later he arranged with Mr. Cloyd and what is known as Cloyd's addition was made. By and by Mr. Harris became in- terested, and the southeast quarter of section 20 was platted, and also forty acres of Mr. John Roberts' homestead was brought into the cor- poration. Mr. Moffitt did not take such interest in the town as to launch out in building ventures. He built a beautiful home on adja- cent lands and there spent a quiet life. His health had been failing many years. A short time before his death he and his wife made pro- vision that four hundred acres of valuable land should go to the county, the proceeds of sale should be used in the building of a court house that is to cost not less than eighty thousand dollars. In late years Mr. Moffitt and his wife spent much time in California, looking for health.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
They had one son, Leroy, who died in 1874. At this writing the wife still lives, but is a great sufferer.
Among the public bequests were two blocks at the foot of Seward street for a public park. Mr. Moffitt died June 17, 1900.
Morrow Hospital
Of Seward, Nebraska, opened for business under the management of Dr. Joseph Morrow, in March, 1902. Is a fine structure prepared to care for a large number of patients. Is thoroughly equipped with all modern appliances, hot and cold water, electric baths, etc., all the most approved modern surgical appliances. X rays, Bettz hot air apparatus and every convenience known to the profession, furnace heat, electric light, nice brick walks leading to all parts of the city. The hospital is beautifully situated within a group of fine shade trees, and on a quiet street where patients are not annoyed by noise and confusion.
DR. JOSEPH MORROW
One of the live Nebraska boys in whom we take pride. Was born near the present town of Murray, Cass County, Nebraska, February 15, 1870. Commenced his education in the common schools and took a lit- erary course at Cotner university 3 He graduated from the eclectic medical institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1892, June 7th. He also took post graduate course in the Polyclinic institute, Chicago, and the Homeopathic school of Oriaficial surgery, at Chicago.
Came to Germantown and commenced practice June 27, 1892, where he married Miss Frances E. Fetterman, November 28, 1894. She was a
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Seward County girl born near Germantown, January 19, 1873, and was the daughter of Cyrus Feterman, Esq., one of our oldest residents of the county.
The doctor opened the Morrow hospital in Seward, March 16, 1902. The institution is rapidly growing in public favor. Dr. Morrow is a member of the Sons of .Veterans, a Royal Highlander and a Royal Neighbor. This Nebraska boy is getting to the front in good shape.
HARVEY MOLER
Was a Hoosier born boy and came to light in Madison County. June 19. 1847, where he remained until he enlisted in Company E, 34 Indiana veteran volunteers in 1864. Served one year and was discharged in 1865. In 1868 he went to Knox County, Illinois where he married Miss Sally Shoemaker. She was a Knox County girl born in 1845. They have four children, viz: Melvin J., Ira, William, and Fred. They came to Seward County in 1888 and located near Bee. Mr. Moler is a farmer.
THOMAS W. MYERS
A Seward County boy horn August 3, 1884, northeast of Seward. His father, Jesse W. Myers, was born in McDonough County, Illinois, December 21, 1853. His mother was born in Beryan County, Michigan, June 5, 1853, and died January 1, 1893. The old folks came to Seward County at an early day and were among the pioneer settlers. Thomas has four brothers, viz: John and Joseph, twins; Edward, Jesse, also a baby sister that died. Thomas is a wide-awake, energetic boy and will make his mark in the world if we mistake not.
WILLIAM H. MOORE
A native of the old keystone state, where, like other boys of that rugged old state of stumps, stones, and everlasting hills generally, Wil- liam spent the first twenty years of his life chasing the cows up and down the stony paths, rolling stones, building stone fences, grubbing brush and attending school in the little red school house. He was born October 10, 1858, in Fayette County. The Moore family found the western trail in 1878, which led them to Seward, where William worked with an older brother at the carpenter's trade for some years, when he went to work with W. B. Barrett in the lumber business and some years later he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Barrett and bought the furniture store of John Kribbler, and after the death of Mr. Barrett Mr. Moore became sole proprietor. Mr. Moore formed the acquaintance of Miss Lizzie Walker of Seward, and they were married April 16, 1884, at Seward. She was a native of Illinois, born in 1865, and came to Seward when a child with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Walker. They now have six children, viz : Elsie, Albert, Wanda, Roy, Merle and Nellie.
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Residence of W. H. Moore
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Mr. Moore came to Seward in December, 1878. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Church home is with the Congregationalists. Mr. Moore erected a beautiful home on sixth street in the summer of 1904. He is among the foremost of our wide-awake business men.
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L. C. MOORE
Was a New York boy. born in Yates County, September 1, 1861. Went to Michigan in childhood and was raised by an older sister. Came to Ohiowa, Nebraska, in 1884, and later to Lawrence, and to Utica in 1889. October 18, 1893, was married to Miss Bercie Hum- phrey, a Seward born girl born November 11, 1874. She was educated in the Seward high school and Seward Commercial college. The young couple moved to Shenandoah, lowa, soon after the wedding, but came back to their first love in 1904. He is a machinist by trade. Is now engaged in selling heating, lighting and water systems for buildings. Mr. Moore is a man of energy and business ability.
REV. WILLIAM MURPHY
One of the most eminent and widely known clergymen in Nebraska. Was born among the rocky hills of Vermont in Bennington County, in 1846. Was educated in the common schools and then took a regular course of study at the Holy Cross, Massachusetts and graduated in 1869. Next he took a theological course at Troz, New York. Was there two years when he studied at the Grand Seminary at Montreal, Canada, and was there ordained in 1874. He then returned to Vermont and commenced his ministerial labors remaining for two years. Next we find the young priest in France where he spent two and a half years pursuing studies in different universities, where he graduated, and now more fully equipped for the great work of life he returns to his loved America and found a field of labor in the Peoria diocese in Illinois. where he got a glimpse of the rising western star in 1884 and he found the trail that led him to Nebraska, where he took work in the diocese of Omaha. Soon after this the diocese was divided and Father Murphy's field was in the Lincoln diocese. He has had a wide experience in his twenty years in Nebraska. He was at Grafton, then Lancaster five years and at Tecumseh five years when in 1897 he was transferred to Seward where he is in charge of the Seward and Ulysses missions.
Father Murphy is a very popular man not only with his own people but with entire community. Unfortunately for the Catholic church of Nebraska, some trouble has sprung up between the Bishop of this diocese and Father Murphy in regard to church policy that led to almost unbounded litigation and the state courts have been called to act in the matter. Father Murphy is a broad minded, scholarly gen- tleman. His influence for good is not confined to the boundaries of his great church. In moral reforms he is a giant and wherever good can be accomplished for his community his voice and his pen are ready.
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He possesses one of the largest libraries in our state, with rare books from the pens of master minds of all ages and in many languages.
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