USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward county, Nebraska, together with a chapter of reminiscenses of the early settlement of Lancaster county > Part 21
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ROBERT T. GALE.
It pains us to be unable to learn anything of the early life of our departed friend. We first became acquainted with him at Nebraska City, in 1860. We had the pleasure of his acquaintance for seven years, or until his death in the early spring of 1867. We learned to appreciate him for his unusual intelligence and worthy Christian character. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Was a surveyor by trade. Took up the first homestead in Seward county on the 2d day of January, 1863, which was the seventh in the South Platte land district. Made his residence in this county in the spring of 1864. Was elected justice of the peace in the following fall, and in 1865 was elected county surveyor, which office he held until his death.
He married Miss Amelia Wooley, daughter of Stites Wooley, of Seward, now deceased, in the spring of 1861. There were two children born to them, Miss Clara, now of Oregon, and the younger a son who died in infancy. Mr. Gale did much in the early days to help develop Seward county, and is remembered by all the older citizens with affectionate regard. His homestead comprised the land just east of the Presbyterian church in Seward. His funeral services were con- ducted by Rev. E. L. Clark, and his remains were followed to the grave by all the neighbors as mourners.
THE AUTHOR'S TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF HIS DEAR FRIEND, REV. J. M. YOUNG.
[From the State Journal of Feb. 27, 1884. ]
Our hearts are very sad as we read in yesterday's Journal that our dear old friend, Elder Young, has passed away. Among the useful and good he was among the best. All that knew him well, loved him well. He was a worker in all use- ful fields. Where any good was to be accomplished no task was too hard for him.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
He would face winter storms, camp out at night, or do anything to further the work his hands found to do. He was among the most enterprising, helping other people to help themselves. He loved to make money for the sole purpose of doing good with it. Place a mountain of gold at his door and he could not be rich while any one was in need or there was a laudable enterprise to help. The city of Lincoln owes its existence more to him than any other man living or dead. We say what we do know. Had it not been for him, there is no doubt that the cap- ital of our state would have been placed elsewhere.
It was our good fortune to make his acquaintance in 1860 at Nebraska City, and in 1862 we were living at the salt basin, where the elder made his home with us when he first visited the land where your splendid city now stands. His com- pany reached our place at noon on the Fourth of July, 1862. They expressed themselves glad to see us, and God knows we were glad to see them. We, that day, raised the stars and stripes to kiss the breeze for the first time in that new land, and we had a celebration. A celebration meant something in those dark days, when the war clouds hung like a pall over our land. As the Elder talked to us, we would cheer or cry when reference was made to the dear boys at the front, of their brave deeds, and their sufferings, and of our blessed flag that was being trailed in the dust by recreant hands. The company remained with us over Sabbath, and the Elder preached the first sermon in that vicinity. After viewing a wide extent of country, they located their colony on the site of your city, and dedicated a portion of section 22 for a town site and christened it Lancaster.
It was our pleasure to continue an intimate acquaintance with him for a num- ber of years. While his colony was in its infancy he was the soul of it. His presence was an inspiration to all the struggling pioneers. Always ready with words of cheer and a little cash, when needed. He would always find some work for those willing to work. He would manage somehow to make work for them. His every day was full of good works. His noble Christian example (he lived the religion he professed) was valuable to all that knew him. Your beautiful city is to-day a monument to the memory of its founder and faithful friend.
IMLAY.
David Imlay (more especially known in Nebraska as Grandpa Imlay) was born Feb. 15, 1792, in Allegheny county, Penn. Miss Dorcas Johnson, his wife, was born at the same place. They were married in 1814, and removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, and resided in the woods nine years, and opened a farm. They then returned to the old home and took care of his aged parents while they lived, and at the end of nine more years they started westward, stopping in Muskingum county until 1841, when they pushed westward to Wabash county, Indiana. There were born to them twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Spinks, of Harrison county, Iowa; Fannie J., now Mrs. Brady, of Wabash, Indiana ; William, now of Seward; Sarah A., now Mrs. James A. Brown, of Los Angeles, Cal .; Solomon, of Dakota; David P., of Seward, and Joseph, of Dakota county, Nebraska. The old people followed their children to the West in 1856, and settled in Harrison county, Iowa, and in 1864 they set- tled upon a homestead two miles north-east of Seward, and there spent the remainder of their days. Grandmother Imlay died May 6, 1871, and Grandfather followed her to rest June 10, 1872.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
They each united with the Presbyterian church in the days of their youth, and through all the chequered scenes of their long life they kept the faith to the end. It was our pleasure to have a familiar acquaintance with these good old people, and we are warranted in saying that Grandfather Imlay was one of the best Christian men that it has ever been our pleasure to meet.
They were laid to rest side by side in the Seward cemetery, and were mourned by their large family of children and a great number of grandchildren.
DUNCAN.
Miss Elizabeth Evans was born October 4, 1838, near Logansport, Ind. Was married to Jolin F. Duncan in 1850, in Mercer county, Ill., where her parents had taken up their abode during her early childhood. Removed to Seward county and settled on a homestead in May, 1866. To her were born six children, only one, Mrs. Effie Manley, of Iowa, now survives. Three of the children were buried at Seward; a bright little girl (Mary) of eight years, a young son, Isaac, who bore sad affliction during his whole life, and a young infant. Her death occurred in the summer of 1872, and she was buried at Seward. Mrs. Duncan was a most noble woman, a faithful wife and loving mother, suffering and laboring in the midst of poverty with all meekness and earnestness of soul, and while she was denied the luxuries and many of the comforts of life, she labored on patiently and lovingly for her household. She united with the Missionary Baptist church in her early life. She possessed many of the Christian graces in a marked degree, and when her sweet life ebbed away all were sure that she had gone to dwell with her blessed Savior. She left a husband and two children to mourn her loss, one of which, the infant, soon followed her to the tomb.
ELSIE T. WALKER, WIFE OF DR. LELAND WALKER.
It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the death of another of Nebraska's brave pioneers, and one of our most efficient temperance heroines. She died at Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Feb. 14, 1886, while homeward bound from Hot Springs.
Elsie T. Cooper was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, January 12, 1831. She was converted at the age of fourteen, and united with the Missionary Baptist church. Was married to Dr. Walker, Sept. 14, 1853. Five children were born to them, Homer A., now of Ord, Neb .; Ida E., now Mrs. Dr. Avery, of Ulysses, Neb .; Warren M., of Seward, and Elmer E., who followed his mother to the tomb dnr- ing the last autumn. Their youngest, a daughter, died in infancy.
The family removed to Seward county the first of December, 1867, and located on a homestead three miles north-east of the present city. In the summer of 1868 their house was blown to pieces in a violent storm. Mrs. Walker and the children came near losing their lives. The Doctor concluded to rebuild their house in the embryo city, and here our friend has lived and labored with us for eighteen years. Hers was a life of remarkable labor. While she was physically frail, she had unbounded ambition, and was always among the foremost in all public enter- prises and labors of love. With uncompromising fidelity to principle, she was generous to the faults of others. She was an active and working member of the church, was always ready to give battle to the rum traffic, was one of the leaders of the crusade in 1874, and one of the noble band of Christian mothers that form the W. C. T. U.
233
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
In her younger days she was a great help to the Doctor in his professional labors, especially among the poor. She was a frequent visitor to the abodes of suffering and poverty, and would carry sunshine. Many a time has she given freely of her means and of her strength and labor to restore the sick, and thus bless mankind. We rejoice that her good works will follow through the years to come. She was followed to her resting place by a host of old neighbors and friends. Rev. G. M. Morey, an old friend of the family, officiated. She sweetly sleeps in Seward cemetery.
LINDSEY.
Mrs. Adaline Lindsey was born a slave in Eastern Missouri. By dint of her o wn perseverance she learned to read and write, by stealth, with the assistance of white children. Was married to a Mr. Taylor at seventeen, and in 1856 her hus- band was sold and taken south. Years rolled on and she supposed her husband to be dead. She was again married to a Mr. Tate. She suffered slavery in its most cruel form, doing the hardest kind of drudgery and receiving most barbar- ons treatment. Once she was beaten and left for dead, and from this she never fully recovered. At the opening of the war she heard of some Union people living in a distant neighborhood. She made arrangements with them to furnish her with northern papers. They would place papers in the hollow of a certain tree, and she would borrow her master's horse at dead of night and ride six miles, get the papers, and then slyly read them to the slaves of her neighborhood. Imagine the rising hopes and fears of those slaves as the eloquent young woman would unfold to them the thrilling events of such vital importance to them.
In 1862 she made ready, and one dark, rainy night she saddled her master's best horse, with her mistress' sixty dollar saddle, and strapped her six year old boy to the saddle, and rode eighty miles before the next noon, through a drench- ing rain. She went fairly flying through the rebel pickets. Once she ran near a squad of boys in blue. They gave chase, but had hard work to convince her that they were friends, but finally succeeded. They were about to raid the village just ahead, and the captain said to her that they would ride through the town and for her to follow in their wake. On nearing the town, at the word of command a bold dash was made, and the boys went tearing and slashing through at a fear- ful rate, and our heroine made the best nse of time and rushed her panting steed through the scene of carnage. She reached the city of Hannibal in safety, where her mother lived. The old woman had previously secured her freedom. With assistance of her mother she was secreted until night. The master arrived during the day. He found the horse, minus the saddle. His principal game he could not find. She owed her mistress a spite for an unmerciful whipping she had received for borrowing that saddle on a former occasion. A stone had been tied to the saddle and all was sunk in the river. She afterwards wrote her mistress to drain the " father of waters" and get her saddle. She crossed the river at night, and made her way to Galesburg with her boy.
In 1863 she united with the African M. E. church, where she became an hon- ored and useful member, until she moved to Seward in 1874. After the war she was rejoined by her second husband, Mr. Tate, who accompanied her to Seward, where he died in 1880. In 1884 she was married to Mr. B. Lindsey, a very worthy col- ored man.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
She became a leading member of the W. C. T. U., and was a most earnest Christian lady. She was a woman of rare intellectual abilities, and was honored by all who knew her. She rejoiced when her work was done, and was fully ready. She chose her own text: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord," and gave personal directions about the funeral and burial. She lies beside her former hus- band in Seward cemetery. She was followed to the tomb by a very large concourse of people, including a large delegation of the W. C. T. U. Her death occurred April 25, 1886.
WALLICK.
Mary H. Johnson was born Jan. 3, 1834, in Fulton county, Illinois. Was mar - ried to Abram Wallick, July 26, 1850. Moved to Iowa in 1853. Joined the Bap- tist church in 1858. Moved to Seward county in 1868, where she died in Feb- ruary, 1871.
Mrs. W. was the mother of thirteen children, as follows : Elizabeth V. Smith, now dead, Christian J., John F., Ellen, Abram M., Martha N., Elvira, Melville, Wallace, Mary L., Henry C., Ada, and Jane.
Mrs. Wallick is remembered by all the older settlers as a very worthy Christian lady, who went through great tribulation to her brighter home in the skies to re- ceive her crown.
COURTRIGHT.
[Written by Edith M. France, of York, Neb. ]
Abram Courtright, the oldest son of Elisha and Sarah Courtright, was born Feb- ruary 1, 1819, at Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa .; in 1840 moved to Illinois, settling at Dixon, Lee county; the year 1847 entered the Mexican war, serving until its close; was married in 1849 to Miss S. H. Gaunt, of Dixon, Ill., there being born to them two children, a son and daughter-Elisha Courtright, resident of Milford, Seward county, and Edith M. Courtright (Mrs. Geo. B. France,) of York, York county, Neb. In 1863 Mr. Courtright decided to move West, and in the fall with his family came to Nebraska, settling at that time in Cass county, buying a farm, remaining in this county until 1866; moving at that time to Seward county, im- proving the opportunity of the homestead law, and locating four miles east of Mil- ford. He spent the remainder of his life cultivating and improving his farm, and on January 25, 1882, after a short illness, there passed from this life to a life be- yond, a kind and loving husband, an indulgent father, a true friend, and loyal republican. In 1846 he became a charter member of the brotherhood of the A. F. and A. M., remaining a staunch member all his life. Having traveled all over the United States, he always said, "All things considered, I think Nebraska the finest state in the Union." Having been an early settler he ever felt a great in- terest in the development of the state and especially the county in which he lived. At his fireside the stranger and the early settler could always find shelter and a hearty welcome.
LANGDON.
Milton Langdon was born in Sugar Grove, Warren county, Penn., on the 28th of April, 1823; removed in an early day to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he married Miss Anna Mitchel, on the 26th of April, 1848; here their fonr children were born, viz., Andrew, now of Lincoln, Neb .; Carrie, now Mrs. Hugh Hunter, of Seward;
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Kate, now Mrs. Melick, wife of Sheriff Melick, of Lincoln, and John M., now of Seward. In the early spring of 1853, they removed with their young family to Richland Centre, Wis., and there remained until the spring of 1858, when he took the western fever and loaded up his wordly goods and family and traveled all the weary way with an ox team to Civil Bend, in Fremont county, Iowa. He took up. his abode at the salt basins in May. 1862. The writer had met him several times during the fall and early winter of 1861 and 1862. He was engaged in the manu- facture of salt for three seasons. He was at one time a partner in business with us. He continued his residence in that locality until the founding of Lincoln, when he took up his residence in the city; was elected treasurer of Lancaster county in 1868, and held the office two terms; removed to the Oak Groves in Seward county, in 1872, and was engaged in the manufacture of lime and brick, and invented a novel and valuable brick kiln, in which straw and hay could be used for burning brick with very little cost. Mr. Langdon was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence. We used to call him a walking encyclopedia in all historical mat- ters. He was a genial companion, a good neighbor, wide awake and full of energy. His death occurred in December, 1880, and he was buried at Oak Grove cemetery.
MRS. ANNE LANGDON. [From the State Journal. Contributed by W. W. Cox. ]
The subject of this sketch was born April 26, 1821, in Bucks county, Pa .; died in Seward, Neb., July 16, 1884. She removed at an early age to Rochester, N. Y., and while yet young to Janesville, Wisconsin, where she was married to Milton Langdon, in 1848. [The reader is referred to the biography of Mr. Langdon for many particulars. ] After the death of her husband, she lived with the children. She kept house for her son John, at Seward, until prostrate with her sickness, when she was kindly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Hunter. Deceased joined the Congregational church in her youth, and her life has been that of an every-day Christian. Her noble self-sacrificing labor through the many years of her pioneer life are to be remembered by all who knew her. She was the light and joy of the home and the community. She was loved and honored by all. In hours of prosperity or deep adversity, she was ever the same kind, affectionate lady, with words of counsel for the erring, with words of sympathy when needed, and works of charity among the suffering. Hers was a beautiful life, full of the Christian graces. Her crowu will be thickly set with precious gems. With work all well done, she was ready to depart and dwell with her Savior, whom she had loved, faithfully served, and confidingly trusted. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. L. Sexton. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Oak Grove cemetery. Peaceful be her rest in the arms of her Blessed Master.
REV. A. J. COMBS
Was born in Indiana, Novem ber 12, 1845; was converted and united with the M. E. church in 1865; was married to Miss Mary Robinson in 1869. He was an earnest and eloquent preacher, and was honored and loved by all that knew him. His death occurred at David City, in 1879, and he was the same year followed to the tomb by his young wife, and three little orphan boys were left to mourn their loss
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
WOOLEY.
Stites Wooley was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 6, 1807, and died at Seward, Neb., December 10, 1887, being eighty years, six months, and three days old. In 1839 he was married to Miss M. Stevenson, who survives him. In 1841 they removed to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade (a brick mason), and in 1856 the family settled at Nebraska City, remaining until their settlement at Seward, in 1866, where they improved a homestead on Sec. 15, "G" precinct, for many years, when he sold the farm and moved into the city, and there resided in his old age. There were eight children born to them. The two oldest died at Cincinnati, and the two youngest at Nebraska City. Their only daughter, Amelia, now Mrs. Ross, resides at Albina, Oregon. Fred is at Seward, and Oliver and Henry are in the West. Father Wooley was highly respected, was an honorable and upright citizen, and a consistent Christian. United with the Presbyterian church during his early manhood. Funeral 'was held at the Presbyterian church, Rev. Chestnut, the pastor, officiating. He was buried in Seward cemetery.
HAGEMAN.
William Hageman was born November 6, 1805, in Somerset county, New Jersey; was married at his native place to Miss Nettie A. Quickstriker. To them six children were born, viz., Maria, now Mrs. M. Young, of Raritan, Ills .; John S., now dead; G. Vandvere, now of Milford, Neb .; Jane N., now dead; Abraham V., of Seward, and Miss J. A., now the wife of Gus. Brokaw, of Ruby, Neb. The family removed to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1839, where he buried his wife, January 19, 1850. In the year following, he returned to New Jersey, and married Mrs. M. V. Skillman, a young widow, and the sister of his former wife. He brought her to the Fulton county home, where were born to them, Miss Helen V., now Mrs. F. Garner, of Ruby, Neb .; Chris. S. and Simon P., now of Seward, and Wm. W., now of Lincoln county, Nebraska. He removed to Seward county and settled on a homestead four miles south of Seward in the spring of 1866, where he lived until 1880, when he made his residence in the city of Seward, residing there until his death, which occurred November 15, 1882, at the advanced age of seventy- seven years. Mr. Hageman united with the Dutch Reformed church in his early life, and was an exemplary Christian through all the changeful scenes of a long life. His aged widow, a large family of children and grandchildren, together with a host of friends, mourn his loss. He was buried in the Hageman cemetery, near Ruby station.
BOYES.
Margaret Broadhead was born in Bethany, Indiana, June 15, 1842. Removed withi her parents to Story county, Iowa, in 1855. Married Geo. W. Boyes in April, 1857. To them were born four children, all yet living: Manuel, now of Wray, Colo .; Alice, now Mrs. Underhill, of Utica, Nebraska; and a pair of twins Harvey and Harris, now of Ruby, Nebraska. The family moved to Seward in 1868, where her husband built a saw-mill, and resided at Seward until February, 1869, when they returned to Story county, Iowa, where she died June 29, 1869. We well remember the subject of this sketch as a very amiable lady. She was an invalid and suffered greatly, yet patiently. She was beloved by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was buried in Story county, and mourned by her husband and four young children.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
MANLEY.
Samuel Manley was born in Humelstown, Penn., May 21, 1836, and died at Ulysses, Nebraska, July 31, 1877. Mr. Manley lived at the old home until he was eighteen, when he, with his parents, removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he learned the carpenter's trade. Married Miss Harriet Cromer in 1862. There were born to them Frankie, now Mrs. Frankie Roberts, of Colorado, and Iba, now dead. The young people removed to Seward county in the fall of 1868, and set- tled upon a homestead three miles north-west of Seward. In the summer of 1870 he burnt the first kiln of brick in the county, shortly after which he built the first brick house of the county, and also built the first brick structure in the city (the old Reporter office, on Jackson avenue). He also built two small frame buildings on the corner where Goehner's hardware now stands, in one of which he opened a grocery store, and Mr. Humphrey opened a drug store during the winter of 1868. There were born to them three children, Samuel, now with his mother at Seward, Ruth and Luther, both now dead. Mr. Manley was twice elected county commissioner for Seward county. Was a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and attained the high degree of Knight Templar. Mr. Manley was a very active business-man, and did much toward the development of the county. Was killed while examining an excavation for a mill flume at Ulysses, Neb., where he was engaged in building a mill. Was buried in Seward cemetery, under the auspices of the Knights Templar. He left a widow and four children, two of whom soon followed him to the tomb. A fine monument to his memory was erected by his widow.
ROGER COOPER
Was born August 1, 1800, in Vermont; was married to Sarah W. Babcock, July 5,. 1826, in Salem, Washington county, New York. The family moved to Knox county, Ohio, in 1829; from thence to Carroll county, Ill., in 1856, and to Jones county, Iowa, in 1857. They settled on section 12, in G precinct, Seward county, Ne- braska, in October, 1866. There were born to them, Mary C., June 16, 1827, now dead; Wm. H., at one time a resident of Seward county, now a resident of Grant county, Wis .; Elsie T., the wife of Dr. L. Walker, now dead, born Jan. 12, 1831; Lucretia, born Dec. 6, 1833, now dead; Leonard, born June 19, 1835, now dead; Hannah E., born Sept. 11, 1836, now of Fremont county, Iowa; Edward, born March 24, 1839, now of Ulysses, Neb .; Isaac M., born March 22, 1841, now dead; Clark R., born May 19, 1843, now dead; Sarah, born March 13, 1846, now dead; J. K., born April 24, 1848, now of Ortello, Custer county, Neb. Mr. Cooper was a man of remarkable vigor, even in his old age. His death occurred at Ulysses, where the old people were living with their son Edward, on June 2, 1885, being 84 years, 10 months, and 2 days old. He leaves his aged widow and his remaining children and a great host of grandchildren to mourn his loss. Mr. Cooper was a member of the M. E. church. He was buried at Seward.
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