USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 47
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We recognize in this high minded Christian scholar and teacher a true benefactor of the race, and Seward may well feel proud to number him among our citizens.
JUDGE THEOPHILUS L. NORVAL
Had his birthplace on a farm in Fulton County, Illinois, August 26, 1847. The lad had his early training grubbing brush, feeding pigs, and other general farm work of that new country. He attended the common schools in the log cabins of that day until in his teens, when he was permitted to attend Abingdon College for a number of years. At twenty, while teaching in the country schools, he commenced read- ing such law books as were within reach. He entered the law depart- ment of the university of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he graduated in 1871 with honors and received his degree and was admitted to the practice in all the courts of Michigan, but having Nebraska on the brain, he did no look for further honors in Michigan. He returned to his old home and taught school a year and with his earnings purchased a law library. In 1872, with his brother, he came to Seward where they secured a lot, built a little frame office, stuck up their shingle and waited for clients, but in the meantime they helped in the harvest fields to keep a supply of postage money and pay board bills. By care- ful study and patient work, with proper attention to the interest of clients, business began to come their way. Mr. Norval found it con- venient to return to Illinois all of a sudden and one day in the winter of 1875 he returned with his prize. Miss Ella Godfry, whom he married February 5th.
To this happy couple were born two children : Winnie, born Febru- ary 16, 1878, and Merle, born May 10, 1883. Merle died when young.
Mr. Norval rose rapidly in the esteem of the people and was recog- nized. Soon after he came to this sate he was elected member of the town council. As the years came on the firm were engaged in abont all the more important cases npon the docket of the county, such as the Clough murder trial, Midland railroad bond case, the Lin- coln and Northwestern railroad hond injunction case, the Casler and Patrick murder cases, the Jones tax case and many others .. Was honored as councilman and Mayor of our city, also as city clerk. Was elected state senator in 1878. In the spring of 1883 there was a vacancy in the judgeship of the then 5th judicial district and Governor Dawes appointed Mr. Norval to fill the place. In the following fall he was nominated by the judicial convention at Aurora by acclamation (repub- lican convention) to be his own successor, and was elected over Judge M. A. Mills by a large majority, receiving over a thousand majority in Seward County. Was again elected in 1887 by largely increased majori- ties, getting every vote in Seward County and all but three in Polk County. In 1889 he was elected judge of the supreme court and was
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re-elected in 1895, and has served the state in that capacity for twelve years with much credit. His opinions handed down are considered by the bar of Nebraska and other states as masterpieces for clearness and lucidity. In 1904 he was elected presidential elector for Nebraska. The judge and his noble and intelligent wife are members of the M. E. Church at Seward. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., also of the A. O. U. W. Has been for many years a leading spirit in the conncils of the republican party.
Has for some years been much interested in breeding fine poultry, in fact has already attained a national reputation in that line of bnsi- ness. He now owns one of the finest collections of thoroughbred fowls to be found in the entire western states.
Judge Norval and wife have one of the most pleasant homes to be found in Nebraska. .
m in
Residence of Hon. R. S. Norval
HON. R. S. NORVAL
Who today takes rank among the most able advocates at the Nebraska bar, had his birthplace at Midway, now London Mills, in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1849, where the lad worked on his father's farm and received his first schooling in the log school houses of that
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new country, but soon outgrew those primitive schools and while in his teens commenced a regular course of study at Heding College at Abingdon, but did not graduate. He taught several years in the country schools in the home neighborhood. Later he took a regular course in the law department at the university of Michigan, where he and his older brother, T. L. Norval, graduated in the class of 1871, with honors, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the spring of 1872 the brothers settled in Seward and to say that they have succeeded, hardly tells the story. He has made much more than an ordinary success, gaining a very large practice, accumulating an ample fortune, sceuring a splendid wife and raising a large family, all in thirty-two short years.
Was married to his old neighbor's girl, Miss Martha A. Gray, in 1873. To them were born ten children, six of whom yet live. Three died while very young. Their names are as follows: Eva M., now Mrs. Bert Langworthy, of Buffalo. Wyoming; Oliver Gray, also of Buffalo, Wyoming ; Ethel, Cloyd, deceased ; Leona, Richard and Margaret.
Mr. Norval is a strong republican and takes great interest in the success of the party and has often served as state central committeeman. Served one term as state senator from Seward and Butler counties. Mr. Norval was a delegate at large to the national republican convention of 1888, and member of the notification committee to notify Harrison and Morton of their election.
ISAAC DENVER NEIHARDT
Uncle Ike, as his friends universally call him, was born in Williams County, Ohio, January 5. 1837. His parents moved to St. Joseph County, Indiana, when Isaac was a lad of seven. Was so unfortunate as to lose his mother at ten, and from that sad day he had to shift for himself. Few can realize what that means to a boy in a wilderness country such as that was. By determined energy the lad secured edu- cation sufficient so that he returned to Ohio and taught school in his eighteenth year. Then he went to South Bend, Indiana, and studied law with Judge Liston. and was admitted to the bar in 1863, at Laporte. Indiana. Next we find the young man over in Illinois where, in 1862, he heard the thundering echoes of war and enlisted in Company F, 76th Illinois volunteer infantry. He served as sargeant till November, 1863, when he was promoted to a lieutenancy and in January, 1865, was com- missioned captain. Was in the battles of Hatchie Run. Black River bridge, Champion Hill, Raymond, and at the siege of Vicksburg in both charges, where it was like "walking into the jaws of death into the mouth of hell." Was wounded at Cross Bayou, Louisiana, Angust 5, 1864. Was mustered out of service in April, 1866. He made his home in Arkansas till his removal to Seward County in 1871. Became quite prominent in political struggles of that state during the stormy days of reconstruction and came within one vote of being elected to congress on the republican ticket. He settled on a homestead in "J"
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precinct in 1871. Was twice elected county sheriff and served eight years as justice of the peace and several terms as Police Jndge in Seward. Has for many years been connected with the hotel business and in 1899 built the Nome. hotel which he and his good wife still manage.
Isaac D. Neihardt
Mr. Neihardt found his wife, Miss Kate Rodgers, and was married at Essex, Indiana, Jannary 3, 1858.
They have raised three children, one son and two daughters : Schuyler C., who died in Seward at the age of four and a half years; Mary C., now Mrs. J. A. Divan ; and Emma A., yet at home.
Miss Emma was for many years a prominent teacher in our public schools.
The writer has the privilege of seeing a letter from Colonel H. A. McCalep, with whom Captain Neihardt served in the 6th United States heavy artillery, wherein the Colonel speaks of the yonng captain in
.
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the highest terms, commending him for bravery and intrepid daring in passing the rebel batteries at Greenville, Mississippi and Columbia, Arkansas. This last was a recommendation for his promotion to Major in the 70th infantry.
Hon. John McLain (See page 116)
EZRA J. NEWTON
Born in Warren County, Illinois, January 29, 1860, and spent twelve years wading sloughs among the polywogs of that region, and in the common schools of the time. He roamed around till he found the right place in 1872, when he located in "I" precinct near Pleasant Dale, and where in 1882, September 27th, he closed a bargain with Miss Nettie L. Iler. They were married at Milford. She was a Nebraska girl, born near Syracuse in 1863. Two children were born to them, Lloyd A., died at seven years ; and Gertrude A.
Mr. Newton has for eight years been postmaster at Pleasant Dale.
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Commenced in the grain and stock trade with Nebraska and Iowa Grain Company. Worked for Thomas Lowry twelve years as manager. He is a live, all-around citizen, full of life and business. He is a Knight's Templer in the good old Masonic fraternity and also a Shrinner. Good for Ezra.
ELISHA H NOXON
A New York boy, born in Saratoga County, April 4, 1831. At twenty-two he went to New York city and clerked in a dry goods store for several years, then went to Champaign County, Illinois, in 1857. Went to Rhode Island in 1863 but had a longing for the west and with our help he found the trail and reached Nebraska, footsore and weary, in 1869, and located on a homestead in "B" precinct.
May 26, 1874, he went to Lee County, Iowa, and captured Miss Josephine A. Skinner. She was born in that county, October 28, 1853. They have twelve children, viz: Alfred W., Leonora, now Mrs. W. A. Montgomery ; James T., Josephine I., now Mrs. R. T. Stone; Delia, George E., William B., Calvin, Bertha, Lena and Rilla.
Mr. Noxon has been post master at Bee for many years. He home- steaded on section 28.
SHIELDS NUNEMAKER
Was born among the rocky hills at Liberty Mills, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1848. Found the way to Ilinois at seven and followed the trail to Seward in 1878, where he found his best girl and married Miss Ida A. Dewing, May 14, 1879. She was born at Elkhorn, Wisconsin, February 12, 1849. They have six children, viz: Ida B., now a teacher ; Samuel A., deceased ; Millie J., teacher ; Frederick, deceased ; Zoe R., deceased ; and Ruth D. at home.
Mr. Nunemaker is a miller by trade. Church home of the family is Presbyterian.
JOHN Q. OHLWILER
Is one of the very oldest if not the oldest living resident of "H" precinct. Was a Pennsylvanian boy, born in Erie County, November 5, 1843. Was educated in the common schools. Enlisted at eighteen and Was at Fort Donaldson. In 1864 he enlisted again in the Pennsylvania light artillery and transferred to the Pennsylvania 5th heavy artillery. After the war he came to Seward County and took his homestead in the fall of 1868 .. He and Benjamin Walker had claims adjoining and they built the first claim shanty so that John could sleep on one homestead and Ben could sleep on the other. We suppose a certain crack in the floor was the dividing line. That new lumber shanty was a landmark on the plain for some years. It was "a free hotel, " of course, and it was the lodging place of many a weary and forlorn traveler who was looking for somewhere and didn't know just where to find it. Many
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times, while the storm winds were howling over the bleak prairie, John and Ben would have their floor all covered with beds. By and by John heard of a new comer who settled a little to the south. and of course he made a friendly call at the new home of Uncle John Luft and he got sight of Margaret, and he had occasion to call frequently and Margaret and John called on the preacher, March 30. 1872. and since that long time ago we have known Margaret as Mrs. Ohlwiler. Mrs. Ohlwiler was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 4, 1853, and came to Seward County when seventeen.
Three children were born to them : Edith E .. now Mrs. George Ringle ; Nellie, now Mrs. W., Rusnogle; and Berdella M., who died when a young child. Mr. and Mrs. Ohlwiler are honored members of the Congregational church and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. A very intelligent and worthy citizen who helped nobly in laying the firm foundations of our great common- wealth.
LOUIS E. OST
For fifteen years the efficient agent of the B. M. R. R. Company at Seward. Was born at Spelburne Falls, Massachusetts, September 14, 1860, and was educated at Arms academy in his native state. When twenty years old he heard the western bee buzzing in his hat and he found the western trail and first landed at St. Louis. but did not like the atmosphere so in 1881 we find him at Beatrice. Nebraska, where in 1882 he took a position with the B. M. people in the same old shed that graces that city. Was in charge of Seward station for two years when he excused himself and was in the grain and stock trade for six years. In 1889 he again commenced with the B. M. people and man- aged the station at Bellwood and was transferred to Seward in 1891, where he seems to be right at home. July 4, 1885, he took a prominent part in the grandest celebration of his life at Tecniseh, Nebraska, and another prominent party in that celebration was a young New York lady. Miss Mary Mook. Under the starry folds of old glory they united their fortunes. Mrs. Ost was born March 17, 1866. They have five children : Percy E., Mabel K., Carl D., Lester E., and Irene. Mr. Ost is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Knights of Pythias. Is president of the Seward commercial club. Has been for five years a member of the city council. Took a leading part in securing the elec- tric plant. Mr. Ost is a thoroughly wide-awake and enterprising citizen and we shall look forward to the time when the company that he has served so long and so well shall say, "Come up higher."
ORSON OLMSTEAD
Was one of the pioneer settlers in the hamlet of Seward. Came here August 3, 1870. He was born May 26, 1806, at east Hartford, Conneticut, but moved to Walesville, New York, in childhood and there
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
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Orson Olmstead
Mrs. Orson Olmstead
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grew to manhood. April 14, 1838, he married Miss Paulina D. Grant at Stillville, New York. She was born February 21, 1814, at German Falls, New York. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Lettia G. Humphrey, William T., Sophia S. Hutchinson, Caroline C. Tressler, Louisa M., died July 30, 1868 ; O. Kellog and Ada P.
Mr. Olmstead and his good wife died within five days of each other. Her death occurred December 26, 1893, and his on December 31, 1893. Full of years and good works the good old people were laid to rest side by side after walking hand in hand over fifty-five years.
CHARLES H. OXLEY
One of the enterprising merchants of Pleasant Dale. Was born in Linn County, Iowa, April 19, 1866. Spent his boyhood in Henry County, Iowa, and came to the neighborhood of Pleasant Dale in 1884, where he worked in the first store in the village.
In 1893, December 14, he and Miss Lena Schnoor made a match. She was a Missouri girl that came to Seward County in childhood. Born in St. Charles County, October 12, 1876. They have two children living, Homer C. and Maurice J. One died in infancy. Mr. Oxley is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen and the Maccabees. He is a wide-awake business man and helps to make his village what it should be, an up- to-date town.
FRED M. PARKS
Was an Illinois boy born in Lee County in 1849, September 22, and there grew to manhood, when he took the western trail and landed in Guthrie County, Iowa, where he wooed and won the hand and heart of Miss Maria Sheely in 1871. Mrs. Parks was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1849 and came with her parents in 1855 to Iowa. To them were born three children : Mabel died when four years old; a little son who died in early infancy ; Miss Iva, at home.
The family came to Seward in 1887 and Mr. Parks engaged in the coal trade for a time with General True. For fifteen years he has been in the feed and poultry trade. He made a new departure in the poultry trade in that he commenced buying by weight and was the first to do so in Nebraska. His business has steadily grown until it has become one of the important industries of our city.
Mr. and Mrs. Parks are members of the M. E. church and he is a Mod- ern Woodman. Mrs. Parks is a charter member of the Ben Hur order and is also a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. She has been chancellor of the Royal Neighbors for four years.
DAVID B. PALMER
A prominent stock dealer and feeder. Came to Seward County in 1878 and settled on a farm at the Oak Groves in the northeast portion of the county, but in 1881 bought the present home where he has hand-
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led stock on a large scale ever since. His business ranges from twenty to thirty thousand dollars per year for the last ten years. Mr. Palmer was born in Lake County, in 1846, November 24th. He was educated in the common schools of his native town and grew up as a farmer boy and at an early age began handling stock as feeder and shipper and as time wore on he began to pine for a wider field, which he found on our boundless prairies. Married Miss Eva Wyman at the old home in 1872. and to them were born Gay, yet at home; Frances, now Mrs. Fred Babson ; and Neva, yet with her parents. Mrs. Paliner was born at Madison Ohio, August 6, 1883. Her ancestors came to the United States in 1629 and settled in Connecticut. Mrs. Pahner is eligible to a place among the Daughters of the Revolution.
They have a beautiful home in the country four miles northeast of the city, with orchards, meadows and luxuriant fields, with great herds of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are very kind neighbors but wide-awake and full of business.
MARSIIALL B. PALMER
Came to the Oak Grove settlement in the northeast part of the county in 1878, where he opened a farm. He soon became interested in the feeding of stock and six years later he moved to German- town where he has fed many thousands of cattle and hogs and has in a great measure helped the farmers to a large market for stock and grain. Mr. Palmer was born in Lake County, Ohio, May 1, 1852. He pursued the same line of business in Ohio,
Married Miss Alice Payne in February, 1878. They have three children : Jessie, now Mrs. George Welch; Grace, now Mrs. Delbert Lyons ; and Ivy, yet at home.
Mrs. Palmer died in 1888 and Mr. Palmer married Miss Hattie Warner two years later. Two children were born to them: Gertrude and Cullen Marshall. Mr. Palmer is now serving the fourth year as county supervisor for "A," "H" and "G" precincts. Mr. Palmer is a wide-awake business man and always has a hand in public enterprises. He is now much interested in the National Live-stock Growers, ' Pro- ducers, ' Feeders' and Shippers' Association. He is its president. He has a nice home at Germantown.
GEORGE L. PETRI
Was another of those bright boys such as spring up in Seward County. He was born on a farm near Germantown, March 10, 1871. George was educated at the common school and on the farm doing his full share of the work. But George had business ability of a high order, as his present very responsible position would indicate. Some- how he got track of an Illinois girl and straightway went over there and claimed Miss Celia Heitman as his bride, September 1, 1898.
They have three little folks, viz: Arthur, Frieda, and Alfred.
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Mrs. Petri was born January 16, 1875. They are members of the Luth- eran church. Mr. Petri has for three years been the efficient manager of the Germantown creamery.
HENRY PETRI
One of our full-fledged Seward County boys born July 24. 1869, on the old farm in "H" precinct. There he grew up was educated and learned the farmer's trade and April 12, 1894, he married Miss Doris Shrader at Seward. She was a German girl, born June 11, 1873, and came to Seward County in early youth. They have five children, viz: Elsie, George, Paul. Alma and Edwin.
The old homestead where Mr. Petri was born is on section 18, in "H" town. The present home is in "K" precinct. He is a farmer. Church is with the Lutherans at Seward.
JOHN C. PETRI
Is a Seward County boy through and through, born in "H" pre- cinct, April 20, 1873, and has all his life lived on the same section, where he learned to be a farmer and sticks close to the text. January 28, 1902, he found his best girl and married Miss Anna G. Meyer at Wilber, Nebraska. She was a German girl, born in the fatherland, March 12. 1875, and came to Nebraska in her early youth. Their home is near Germantown. The church home is with the German Lutheran Zions congregation at Germantown.
BENJAMIN F. PERRY
Born in the southland among the rocky hills of old Kentucky in Carder County, March 4, 1841. When a youth of fourteen he migrated to Clinton County, Iowa, and remained there until married to Miss Adaline Dickensen. August 9, 1862. She was born in Ohio, September 4, 1848. Five children came of this union, viz: Scott, Panlina M., now Mrs. C. Brockway; Elvirda, now Mrs. R. Jackson ; May, now Mrs. V. A. Briggs and Addie, now Mrs. E. Kinnett.
Mrs. Perry died at Utica, November 11, 1898.
Mr. Perry enlisted in Company F., 31st Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was at Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bayon, Vicksburg, was laid up for repairs in Memphis hospital and discharged July 9, 1865. Came to Seward County in 1873 and located on section ?. "E" precinct, but now lives in Tamora. Mr. Perry has seen all sides of pioneer life.
SAMUEL PENCE
Among the wild mountains of old Pennsylvania in Fulton County, Samuel was born January 4, 1842, but he took the trail for the west when nine years old and landed in Rock Island County, Illinois, where he remained till 1868. when he found the right place and took a home- stead in "F" precinct. He found his best girl and was married to
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Miss Emma Anderson at Seward, February 6, 1873. She was a Keystone state girl, born in Fulton County, May 30, 1852.
They have three children, viz: Alice V .. now Mrs. H. Deane ; Agnes J., and Edna R. Mr. Pence has lived in Seward for many years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W.
DR. CHARLES O. PETTY
This young man is essentially a Nebraska product, as he came to Friend when a lad of fourteen. He was born at Wharton, Ohio, in 1871, December 4th. Was educated in the high school at Friend. Studied medicine at Denver, Colorado, after a ten year occupation as pharmacist which was of great help in his chosen profession. He grad- nated in the class of 1900 and located at Beaver Crossing, in 1901. The Doctor was assistant chemist at Gross Medical College, his alma mater.
Married in 1900 to Miss Anna H. Wade, of Denver. They have one little son, Odell V. Dr. Petty is secretary of the Seward County Medi- cal Society, is a member of the State Medical Society, also of the American Medical Society. Is medical examiner for the A. O. U. W., the Royal Highlanders, also for the Aetna Life and the New York Mutual Life companies. Dr. Petty is what we may justly call a grow- ing young doctor. Mrs. Petty was born in 1874, December 5, at St. Joseph, Missouri.
JAMES A. PETTY
Was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, June 20, 1847. Married May 3. 1868, to Miss Louisa Passett. This young lady was born in Germany at Frankfort on the Rhine. They came to Friend, Nebraska, in 1885.
Five chidren came to their home, viz: Nina, now Mrs. F. W. Wright; Charles O., William R., Lottie, now Mrs. L. McCoy ; and Lulu, yet at home.
Mr. Petty enlisted in Company I, 49th Ohio infantry in the 4th corps, under General Thomas, and of course had plenty of fighting to do. Was wounded at Atlanta but stuck to the post of duty.
Came to Beaver Crossing in 1892. Is a contractor and builder and has constructed over forty buildings in the village. He is a past grand in the I. O. O. F. and also district deputy. Is a member of the G. A. R. Is a member of the village board and was instrumental in enlarging the corporate boundaries of Beaver Crossing.
JOSEPH H. PERKINSON
Was a Nebraska hoy, having come to Platte County when three years old. Was born near Dixon, Illinois, September 24, 1873. Was educated in our Nebraska schools and grew to manhood among our boys and girls. Came to Milford in 1897. Is engaged in the land and insur- ance business and seems to enjoy a good trade. His church relation is with the Catholics. He belongs to the Royal Highlanders.
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FREDERICK W. PETSCH
Had the honor of being born in Wisconsin but somehow while an infant he got on the wrong trail, or rather, he got on the wrong end of the trail and landed in Indiana, where he grew to manhood, when he discovered the mistake So in 1877 he looked for the trail that led to Seward County. Fred was born November 12, 1857, and was never happy till he had found that Wisconsin girl who had the grit to come west, Miss Hannah M. Morefield Fred and Hannah looked at mat- ters about alike so they went over to Justice E. Kinney's. near old Cam -. den, and closed a good bargain for each of them, November 21, 1883. She was born in Wollworth County, December 7, 1866. They have five children, viz: Grace M., Frederick T., Albert R., Everett C., and Arthur M.
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