USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
160
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
County, Wisconsin, and with her parents came to Seward County but a short time before Lucinda was born, in 1854.
Mr. and Mrs. Skillman were both in poor health for many years and yet each of them displayed a degree of courage and ambition most remarkable. They helped nobly to build Nebraska and earned and saved qnite a competency. After much suffering Mr. Skillman finished his work and was called np higher on July 22, 1902. His remains are rest- ing in the beautiful Seward Cemetery.
Mrs. Abraham V. Skillman
THOMAS SKILLMAN
The first settler in "F" precinct came to Seward County in the early spring of 1865. Thomas was born in New Jersey in 1843, No- vember 1st. His father died when he was bnt six years old. His mother married her second husband in 1851 and the family moved to Fulton County, Illinois, where the lad grew to manhood. He married Miss America Johnson in 1864 and the next spring the young couple got their eyes fixed on the star of empire and followed it to the wilder- ness of Seward County, where by dint of perseverence they built for themselves a pleasant and prosperous home. In the years of their first settlement they had some pretty hard times, but with determination they labored until success crowned their efforts. The farm was the most western in the county for a time. It does not look much like it now.
161
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Mrs. Skillman was born and raised in Fulton County. They have only one son, Jerry, now a prosperous farmer of Buffalo County. There is one grandson. Clee B., of whom Grandpa Skillman is very proud.
Mrs. Skillman was a most estimable Christian lady and was from childhood an energetic worker in the United Brethren church and helped to organize the church in Seward. After a lingering illness she was called home in March, 1905, loved and honored by the whole com- munity.
ABEL D. SMITH
Another of the old timers. Was born where he could roll rocks down the old hills of Vermont, in Orange County, November 29, 1823. At eighteen he got tired of hanling stone on a stone boat and found the trail that led to Fondulac County, Wisconsin, where he married Miss Mary Wyman, July 2, 1849.
Six children were born to them, viz: Electa K., now Mrs. F. H. Newton ; Norman W., Edward M., Orvis W., Anson W., and Abel D., Jr. The family located on the present home in 1871 and have made a beautiful and valuable farm. Mrs. Smith died in 1901. Church home with the M. E. Church.
Anson W. was born November 1. 1863. Was married to Miss Ada Snodgrass, Angust ?, 1887. Three little ones now grace the home: Iva B., Loyd M., and Lilla O. Mr. Smith is a Mason.
WILLIAM H. SMITH
Came to Seward in 1897, in March, and bought of P. C. Carpenter the "Democrat" and in the following June bought of the Independent publishing company the "Independent" and consolidated them under the name, Independent-Democrat. Mr. Smith has brought the paper up to the point of being entirely self supporting and profitable. It now ranks as first class among the county papers of the state. Mr. Smith is a very genial and conrteons gentleman and deserves well of his party and the community. The paper is democratic in its politics but more to the point it is always ready to show its hand in favor of the city and county and is always ready to encourage any and every good work for the advancement of the city in its development, materially or morally.
Mr. Smith was born in Henry County, Illinois, in 1873. Came in his boyhood days to Tipton, Iowa, where he learned the printer's trade. In 1901, June 12th, he made a ten strike in Seward when he married one of onr hest young teachers, Miss Della Fletcher, daughter of J. M. Fletcher. She was born in Indiana and came to Seward with her pa- rents when yet a young girl and received her education principally in our schools, where she graduated with honors in the class of 1889. She was employed for a number of years in onr public schools and had it not been for Mr. Smith's persuasions she might yet he doing good service there, but so goes the world. She renders Mr. Smith much assistance in his editorial work.
.
162
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
WILLIAM SMILEY
One of the honorable and most ancient citizens of the present gen- eration of pioneers. Was born in Washington County, Iowa, Juy 4, 1845. He ought to be patriotic and we gness he is. Was educated just like the most of us were, in a log school house on the frontier. One notable thing about his education was, he learned the way to Nebraska and landed at Milford May 6, 1866, and located a homestead on section 4, "'O" town. In the county seat contest William was one of the boys that Milford could always depend on. Was always ready and willing to dare and do for his home place.
Mr. Smiley found a good wife just up the river at the home of Samuel Brown, and married Miss Esther, who was born in 1848, in Brown County, Ohio, and came to Milford with the old folks in 1865. This happy event occurred March 21, 1868. One of the unique exper- iences of Mr. Smiley's frontier life was as an overland freighter, and if we should tell all his experiences on the plains and how he got scared by an Indian war dance, it would take the most of this book.
There was a young tenderfoot preacher up near Seward, Rev. E. W. Johnson, who tied the knot for William and Esther, and it was about the first treat of that kind in the history of Milford. William had to make a full day's journey to the extreme northeast corner of the county for his license, where Judge J. D. Maine held his office in a little log cabin on Oak Creek. But what did Willie care. He commenced the livery business in 1878 and followed the bronchos twenty-one years, and has traversed nearly every road in all the region round-about. Is now a partner with Uncle Sam in helping distribute mail on a rural ronte.
In 1866 Mr. Smiley followed the trail with an ox goad in hand, ac- companied by six yoke of oxen with a little load of nine thousand pounds of bacon, which he landed at Fort Morgan all O.K. Mr. Smiley always "gets there" with what he undertakes. All in all he is a first class citizen and a good, kind hearted neighbor.
Mrs. Smiley is a most noble Christian lady and her church home is with the Congregational people.
JAMES M. SMILEY
Once deputy and three times sheriff of our county, is the record of the boy that was born October 14, 1849, in McDonough County, Illinois, where he had just the opportunities of the common farmer boy. But he was one of the lads that caught a glimpse of the rising star, Ne- braska, and in 1874 he took a pilgrimage to the new land, but did not make it his permanent home till 1882, when he settled in "K" town. In 1888 he captured the daughter of Steven Phillipps, of "D" precinct, Miss Hattie C. and they were married October 6.
She was born in Fulton County, Illinois. Two children were given to them, Carl C., and Earl B., yet at home.
Mr. Smiley was appointed deputy sheriff but is now serving the third term as sheriff. Is a strong, everyday republican. In his official
163
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
career he has had some exciting experiences one of which we must relate. There was an all around bad character known as W. P. Moore, but whose real name was Elander L. Bliss. This fellow had been one of the famous Quantrell band that was such a terror in war times. He was posing as a preacher in the country southwest of the city. He had a bad record and was wanted in Missouri and other states but he was "up to snuff" and had eluded the Pinkertons for years. In short, he was a desperado of the worst type. His Seward County offense was forging a check on the Tamora bank and stealing a horse from James Devine. Smiley got on his trail and followed him for seven months and finally trapped him at a religious meeting while he was making a most eloquent prayer. This was in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. The conp was complete, although it was in a country full of the out- law's friends and general desperate characters. With the help of a trusty friend the prisoner was secured and taken overland across the mountain sixty miles on horseback one dark night, as it was not safe in that community to dally, Jim landed his man all right, and he served five years in the penitentiary.
CHRISTIAN SCHAAL
A rustling wide-awake German boy, born December 23, 1851. He loved the old home of course, but he saw something beyond the seas that he loved better, so in 1880, after getting Miss Lydia Stenestel interested they started soon after May 20, 1880, on a wedding trip, which led them all the way to the present home in Seward County, in "C" precinct, where he now owns a splendid farm. Mrs. Schaal was born in Germany, in 1856, November 16th.
They have five Seward County boys and girls, viz: Carl, Ernest, Fritz, Martha and Albert all at home. Well done for the young Ger- man-American family. Their church home is with the Evangelical Lutherans.
OSCEOLA A. SHAW
One of the early and most respected citizens of "I" precinct. Was born July 11, 1862, at Keokuk, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and received his education. 1875, March 10th, he concluded a good bargain with Miss Ruth Cady, in Des Moines County, Iowa. She was an Iowa girl born in Des Moines County, in 1863. They have two boys, Fred F. and Ernest L. They came to the present home in 1885, on section 12, "I" town. Mrs. Shaw is a working member of the M. E. church at Pleasant Dale. Mr. Shaw belongs to the Maccabees and is a member of the school board of the village.
SIMEON SNOW
In the wild woods of a Michigan wilderness in Iowa County, Simeon was born February 24, 1840, in that new territory in the days of
164
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
"Tipicanoe and Tyler too." Yon may imagine the life of Simeon chas- ing squirrels in the woods and gathering nuts, grubing brush, etc. He somehow found Nebraska in 1869, he also found Miss Lavina M. Long, a pioneer girl of Seward County and was married, October 6, 1870. She was born in La Porte County, Indiana, March 23, 1847.
Came to Seward County in 1863. Seven children were born to them. The first died in infancy. The living are Bertha N., now Mrs. H. E. Wood, Louvica T., now Mrs. E. Bosh, Loila S., now Mrs. C. E. Fralick, Alonzo S., Addison S. and Imogene. The church home of the family is with the Presbyterians. Mr. Snow resides at Ruby. Belongs to the I. O. O. F.
GEORGE SLONECKER
One of the pioneers of Seward County. Was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1825, where he worked on a farm and went to school while a lad, but in his teens was apprenticed to a wagon- maker where he put in three years learning the trade. In 1849, he for- tunately became acquainted with Miss Susan Gibbs and of course he won her hand and heart and was married.
She was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, but in her youth moved with her parents to Mount Pleasant in same state where she was educated. They moved to Mount Pleasant, Illinois, in 1856, where they farmed and Mr. Slonecker worked part of the time at his trade.
Mr. and Mrs. Slonecker had born to them ten children, five boys and five girls. Those yet living are Alonzo, James, Charles, John, Belle, now Mrs. Geo. Dewitt ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Alex McClain; Ella, now Mrs. Joseph Slonecker and Laura, now Mrs. Theodore Sampson. George died in 1892, November 6th, Lydia is also dead. The family took a homestead in "F' precinct, four miles west of the city, in 1869 and there the boys and girls grew up to manhood and womanhood. The for boys each secured homesteads in the neighorhood and are all pros- perons.
Some years ago the old folks moved into the city and are enjoying life as best they can at their cozy home. Mr. and Mrs. Slonecker are working members of the M. E. church.
JOHN SLONECKER
Familiarly known as Uncle John, was a child of the old Keystone state and had much experience in that, then, new country where rolling logs, burning brush and building stone fences were the cheerful labors of the growing boy. Then John used to hunt coons and trail bears in the wild woods. He was born, February 5, 1822, in Westmoreland County ; just think ! that was before there was an iron rail in all the world. When all the country west of the Alleghanies was a vast wilder- ness. When John was twelve he followed the blazed trees westward to Harrison Connty, Ohio, and there helped to clear a farm.
Eleven years later the family again struck the trail leading to the
165
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
great western prairies. He just followed his girl "you know" to Mc- Dounah County, Illinois, where he remained till he caught the Ne- braska fever in 1875. In 1850, January 10th, he and Miss Emily Hen- derson, an Ohio girl, were married in Fulton County, Illinois. She was born in Harrison County, April 30th, 1829. They are parents of fonr children, viz: Russell, William, Mary, now Mrs. Chas. Gladwish and John who died in infancy. In 1875 the family found their way to Seward County, and bought Mrs. Spicer's homestead, on section 22, "F" town. The old couple moved into Tamora some years ago, where they are trying to enjoy the fruits of a well-spent life. Their church home is with the Christian church at Seward. The old people have four grandchildren, viz: Lester, Howard and Ruth Slonecker and Verne Gladwish.
ALONZO SLONECKER
Was born in the Old Keystone state among the everlasting hills of that rough old region where they raise rocks, stumps and blackberry briars in grand profusion. Alonzo came to life and light, June 29, 1850, in Mount Pleasant. He found the great trail leading westward in this early youth and spent his youth in Fulton and McDonnah Counties, Illinois, where he worked on the farm until eighteen, when he again took the trail toward the setting sun and landed at Seward with his parents in 1869. The family was among the first to break the sod in "F" precinct. July 3, 1878, Alonzo married a Geneva girl, Miss Mary E. Everts. She was a Fulton County, Illinois, girl born December 20, 1858, and came to Nebraska in her young girlhood.
They have five children, viz: George A., Velma and baby boy, died in infancy ; Roy M. and Madge O. He is a member of the M. W. of A. and R. N. of A. Church home of the family is with the M. E. people.
He owns a beautiful farm on state road five miles west of Seward. Has resided in Seward County thirty-six years and is counted among our most worthy citizens.
JAMES W. SLONECKER
Was one of the lads that came to the wilderness of Seward County. when only sixteen years old and helped to break the wild sod on his fathers farm in "F" precinct. James was born October 3, 1852, away down east among the mountains of the old Keystone state at Mount Pleasant, and it was not a very pleasant place after all but Jim did not stay there long enough to learn to navigate a stone boat or build many brush fences. The old folks took the western fever when Jim was young and settled in Fulton County, Illinois, and later in MeDonnah County and in 1868, they found the right place in Seward County.
On the great prairie westward from the parental home, Jim some- how found Miss Ada Whitnah and they were married February 15, 1877. Miss Whitnah was born January 24, 1859, at Xenia Ohio. They were married at Seward and at once occupied the homestead in "F" precinct
166
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
where they yet live and have improved a beautiful farm. Two children came to bless the home, Mae and Chester. Their location is on the high table land four miles west of Seward. Their church home is with the Methodists at Seward.
RUSSELL SLONECKER
An Illinois born boy who came to light and life in the land of muddy roads and brushy fields, old Fulton County, Jan. 6, 1851. There he remained until the family caught the western fever in 1875 when they found the trail leading to Seward County and made their home in "F" precinct.
In 1878, March 7th, he found his best girl. Miss Clara L. Wykoff, and was married. Mrs. Slonecker was born among the rocky hills of Lycuming County, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1850, and came to Seward with her widowed mother in her early youth. The young people opened a farm on the state road four miles east of Seward and remained there until the spring of 1892, when they went to Beaver Crossing and opened a furniture store and remained there until a succession of crop failures made the business untenable, when they moved back to the farm and remained there until 1903, when he engaged with I. L. Dermond in the general merchandise business at Beaver Crossing.
They are the parents of three children, viz: Maud E . died January 3, 1881 ; Lester R., now an attorney at law in Omaha; and Ruth R., yet at home.
The church home is with the M. E. folks at the Crossing. Mr. and Mrs. Slonecker are active members of the M. W. A. and R. N. of A., of Tamora, also charter members of the Ben Hur Court No. 94, at the Crossing. Mr. Slonecker is a wide-awake and valuable citizen of his town and county.
JOHN SELL
A German boy that found his way to our conntry when a lad of fourteen. Was born December 20, 1858. He came to Ottawa, Illinois. in 1872, and there he learned American ways and in 1886, April 14th, he married Miss Annie Wergin, of Ottawa. She was a genuine German girl, born Angust 9, 1864, and came to Illinois when eight years old,
They have seven children, viz: Minnie B., Emma S., Albert E , Alına A., Hattie H., Lizzie M., and Arthur R. They came to Seward County and settled on the old Abe Hageman homestead in the spring of 1893 in "J" precinct. Mr. Sell is a prosperons farmer. The church home of the Sells is Lutheran.
NIELS STEFFENSEN
Born in old Denmark, December 10, 1852. Crossed the old ocean at eight and landed at Indianapolis, Indiana, where he grew up and where he found a girl from the Fatherland and married Miss Annie M. John-
167
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
sen, January 18, 1874, at the Capital City. She was born December 18, 1851, in Denmark, and came to Indiana in 1871.
They have eight children, viz: John P., Frederick, Annie, now Mrs. R. J. Christiansen ; Marie, Christiana, Nilsijne, Henry and Carl. The family located on section 20, "N" town in 1890. The church home is at Cordovia with the Lutherans.
Mr. Steffensen is an energetic farmer and owns a most beautiful place which is nicely improved.
JOEL STECKLY
Another Canada boy that was allnred by the "red white and blue" and decided when a young man of twenty to become a citizen of our great republic. They settled in MeLean County, Illinois, in 1879, but they tarried there only till December 1885, when they found their way to Seward County and settled on section 17 in "O" precinct near the great chruch, where Mr. Steckly owns a splendid farm. He was born in Ontario, September 30, 1859, and married Miss Phoebe Zimmerman, February 3. 1880, in McLean County. Illinois. She was born at Danvers, Illinois. July 25, 1857.
They have had six children, viz: Jonathan born March 7, 1883. Christian born October 7. 1885. Lydia born October, 1888. Matilda, born July 30. 1891. Amos born December 6, 1894, died in infancy. Jacob born March 7, 1897, and Lena born Angust 28, 1898. Church · home is with the Amish Menonites.
VALENTINE F. SPRINGER
Was born in France, February 4, 1856, but did not stay here very long. His parents took the boy on a long voyage and landed in Liv- ingston County, Illinois, in 1859. Valentine had heard of Nebraska and at twenty-four he left the land of muddy roads for Seward County and located near Milford in 1877. After getting things fixed to his notion he found Miss Magdalina Detwieler and they were married February 13, 1881, in Seward County. She was born July 26. 1865, in McLean County, Illinois, and came to Seward County when a child. They have born to them seven children, viz: Catherine B., Chris F., Mary M., Louisa L., Annie B., died in infancy ; Nicholas W., Edward H. and Emma E.
Their present home is on section 26, "J" precinct, which Mr. Springer bought in 1902. Their church home is with the Amish Menonites.
FREDERIC SUHR
Was born in 1844, in Germany, and came to the United States at nineteen and first made his home near Albany, New York, but one year later continned his march westward and landed in Kane Connty, Illinois. There he was married to Miss Maria Riedel who also came
168
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
from the old home in Germany, born February 22nd, 1843, but came to this country in early childhood. They were married in 1866. They came to Seward County in 1870 and took a homestead in "E" precinct. In later years he bought land in "D" precinct, where he has made a beautiful and valuable farm.
They have had born nine children. Seven yet living. viz: Carl, Maria, now Mrs. F. Pazehl; John, Hallig, Frederic. Fronze and Loita. The church home is with the Lutheran people.
PETER SWANSEN
A young man that longed for a better home in a new land of grander opportunities. Was born in Sweden, September 4, 1840, and came to the United States in 1868, but before he came married Miss Bangta Nils of his native home, December 29, 1865. She was born, May 12, 1844. They have three children, viz: Parnela, , now dead ; Jennie, now Mrs. Ed Glie; and Jessie, now Mrs. O. W. Rhodes.
They came to Seward County in 1878 and settled in "E" precinct between Tamora and Utica on section 35. They belong to the Presby- terian church. Mr. Swansen is a thoroughly good Swedish-American and a valuable citizen.
MASON L. SWEASEY
An Illinois boy that found the trail leading to Seward County when fourteen years old. With the parents he lived on a farm two miles south of Milford. The farm was the old homestead of Rev. T. M. Skinner. Mason was born in MeDounough County, Angust 26, 1866.
In 1891, March 1st, he concluded a good bargain with Miss Lucy Pleines of Ruby, where they were married at her father's home. She was born March 14, 1870, in Mclean County, Illinois.
Mr. Sweasey came to Seward County in February. 1880. He has been engaged in the livery business at Milford for three years, and is a wide-awake business man and seems to understand his business.
STEWART T. SWEASEY
Who has been for two years with the Babson Dickman Implement house at Milford, was born August 16, 1871 in McDounough County; Illinois, and came with his parents to Seward County in 1880. Two years later the father died, leaving Stewart only eleven years old to- gether with two older brothers to assist the widowed mother to make a living for the family on a new farm. He received his education in the high school at Milford. Had many hard struggles in his boyhood days.
Married May 24, 1903, to Miss Jennie Frangen of Bruning. Ne- braska, an Illinois girl who came in childhood to Nebraska. Mr. Sweasey commenced his life work as liveryman and followed it two years, when he accepted the present position. Three brothers although
169
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
but boys improved and saved the homestead, which they finished pay- ing for by their earnings.
Jacob J. Thomas
Among the rocky hills and brush of Hancock County, Illinois. Jacob was born January, 1 1869. His parents knew that it would not do to keep the lad in such a country as that and made haste in the fall of 1869, to transplant him in Seward county soil. The boy had all sorts of fun with the prairie dogs and jack rabbits out in "H" precinct. When eight years old we find him in Seward, blowing a horn in the brass band. Was educated in the city schools and graduated in the Class of 1886, and in the University of Michigan in the Class of 1890, in the law department. In August, 1891, he stuck up his shingle in Seward where he has built up a large practice. Elected County Attorney in 1894 and was elected county judge in 1897 and re-elected in 1899. Jacob is getting well to the front and is one of our Seward County lads that we are proud of.
Our only objection to Jacob is that he seems determined to lead the forlorn life of a bachelor while there are so many excellent girls in and around Seward.
OTTO TAEGE
A German boy born June 7, 1856, and found his way in boyhood to Illinois where he grew to manhood and there married Miss Angusta
170
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Wusler, December 29, 1879. She was born Angust 1, 1856, in Illinois. They have six children, viz: Louie, Albert, George, Otto, Emma and Eddie.
The family came to Seward County in 1880 and bought a farm in "K" precinct, where they have an elegant home. Mrs. Taege's father, George Wussler, was a Second Lientenant in the army and was killed in Missouri, in 1861, July 25th. Mr. Taege belongs to the Sons of Her- man, also the M. W. A. and United Workman. The church home is with the Evangelical people.
James Gallienne Taylor
James Gallienne Taylor was born at the family homestead Mont Durand House, St. Pierre's Island of Guernsey on October 20, 1824, on
171
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
the paternal side of Scotch ancestry, his great-grand-father having come to the Island from Aberdeen, Scotland, early in 1700, and on the maternal side of French Hngnenot stock. His father, who was a pro- fessor of mathematics from early life until practically within two years of his death, sailed for Labrador via Quebec to take charge as super- cargo of a fishing fleet, for a Guernsey company, but died almost im- mediately on his arrival at Quebec during the great cholera epidemic in 1832.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.