USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward county, Nebraska, together with a chapter of reminiscenses of the early settlement of Lancaster county > Part 23
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246
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
CHAPTER XIV.
MEN WHO HAVE ACTED WELL THEIR PART IN DEVELOPING THE COUNTY, AND, WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES BY UNTIRING EFFORTS IN BEHALF OF HER INTEREST AND ADVANCEMENT.
LEWIS ANDERSON
Was born in Bedford Co., Pa., April 15, 1833. Married to Miss Sarah A. Ed- wards, of Huntington Co., Pa., April 7, 1853. Moved to Fulton Co., Ill., in 1864, and to Seward county in the spring of 1866, and made settlement on his present farm. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson seven children, four of whom are now dead, viz., Edson and Lewis died while very young; Susan, who became the wife of Norman A. Smith, died in 1880 ; and Wilson, who had been a cripple for many years, died in the spring of 1887. Those living are Lizzie, now Mrs. John Metz ; Clara, now Mrs. E. A. Butler, of Ansley, Neb. ; and Bell, yet with her parents. Mr. Anderson joined the I. O. O. F. the day he was twenty-one,. and takes great interest in the Order. Is a working member of the U. B. church and is among our most highly respected citizens.
G. BABSON, JR.,
Isour oddity. As a business-man he has no superiors. He is especially gifted with the knack of being everywhere present. He is ever on the fly, and always up to his eyes in business. Runs the leading implement business of the county, is manager of the Morris Lock Company, and has a leading hand in the canning factory, and also the electric light company. Always to the front in all public enterprise, and free with his money in every laudable undertaking. Mr. Babson is a native of Massachusetts, where he received a thorough education. Has taken an active interest in the public schools of our city, and was for many years a member of our board of education. Has a bright, intelligent family. With all his oddities, we could wish we had many more like him. Mr. Babson's wife died during the early spring, and thus leaves the home of our friend desolate and his young family without a mother.
JOHN W. BATCHELDER
Was born in Sullivan Co., N. H., in 1828. When he was but ten years old his father's family moved to Winnebago Co., Ill., near Rockford, where he continued his residence for thirty-two years. Married in 1852 to Miss Lonisa M. Whitwood. To them were born five children, four of whom yet live. Mr. Batchelder moved to Seward county in 1870, and located in "B " precinct, where he still resides. His wife died in 1878, and in 1885 he married Mrs. Mary J. York. Mr. B. is & member of the United Brethren church, and one of its leading members in this- county. He has improved his farm in a very creditable manner, and has a very. fine orchard of the various fruits.
247
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
JAMES H. BETZER
May justly be considered the veteran newspaper man of Seward county. Heis the oldest man that is now an editor, and has been at the helm running the Blade longer than any of his contemporaries, and has been in the newspaper business when all others of the craft here were young lads. Twenty-two years he has edited and published a newspaper, eight years at Seward. Mr. Betzer is an uncompromising republican, and fights the party battles manfully. Gives the hardest of blows, and ever ready with his pen and Blade to give the reason of the faith within him. His hostility to saloons is uncompromising. Ever ready and faithful helper in public enterprises and charities, we trust he may many years wield the "shining Blade " in the interest of Seward and her people.
WILLIAM D. BOWERS
Came from Maryland, in 1878, and was in the employ of Claudius Jones for two and one-half years, and since that time has been with McIntyre & Seeley. Wil- liam is one of our most intelligent young men, and we trust that a bright future is before him, as he has been found entirely trustworthy and competent.
HIRAM L. BOYES
Was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Jan. 9, 1812. Was from the Scotch- Irish and French descent. His father moved to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., when Hiram was but three years old. Was married in 1836 to Miss Esther L. Hibbard, of Erie county, N. Y. The young people made their way to the wilds of Michi- gan, and settled in St. Joseph county in 1844. Made the trip around Cape Horn to California in 1849, spending four years in the mines, and upon returning home removed to Story county, Iowa, and was among the first to penetrate the western wilderness. In 1867 came to Seward and built the mill, and from that time his interests have been identified with that of the city and county. Is still the prin- cipal owner of this most valuable property. The history of the mill enterprise is set forth in other pages of this work. Mr. Boyes has long been identified with the Seward schools as a prominent and efficient member of the board of education. Has for twenty years labored faithfully to build up Seward and Seward county. We could heartily wish the old gentleman and his noble wife many long years to enjoy the prosperity they have so well earned. His son Carlos is a partner and manager of the business. Carlos has grown from boyhood at Seward, and has been identified with the mill from the day its foundations were laid.
ABANES J. CALLENDER
Was born in Bucks county, Pa., May 1, 1842. His father's family moved to Mar- shall county, Ill., in 1854, and there the lad grew to manhood aud received his education in the schools of that neighborhood. He came to Seward in the autumu of 1871, and for two years clerked in Tishue's dry goods store. Commenced the coal and stock trade in 1873, and has continued to do a thriving business in that line for fifteen years. Was married to Miss Phobe M. Nichols, who was born and raised in Herkimer county, New York, near Utica, and who came to Nebraska in 1875. The marriage took place Sept. 6, 1877. There have been born to them four children, two of whom died while young, and Mary E. and Lloyd J., who
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
are with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Callender are members of the Missionary Baptist church and are among the useful members. Mr. C. has been city clerk, also city treasurer.
EDMUND C. CARNS
Was born in Butler county, Penn., in 1844; removed to Mercer county, Ill., in 1858; worked as a farmer boy until 1864, when he went to Minnesota; was a soldier from that state, where he was engaged afterwards in government and Indian trans- portation. After this he visited the Pacific coast. Made settlement in Seward in the spring of 1873, and engaged in the grain trade for several years, and afterwards was connected with the grain and coal trade at various points on the U. P. R. R Was chosen member of the constitutional convention in 1875, and elected first state senator of Seward county in 1876, and was a very efficient member. Was very active in committee work. In 1878 was nominated unanimously and elected lieu- tenant governor of Nebraska, and unanimously nominated and re-elected in 18-0. Was remarkably active as an officer, and made many warm friends and some bitter enemies. Very active and wonderfully energetic in whatever he found to do, he has done much for Seward county and Nebraska. Very genial and social in his nature, and a wonderful memory of namesand faces, he perhaps has a more widely extended acquaintance than any other citizen of the county. Some may not like Carns, but with all the faults he may have we must accord him the credit of being an enterprising, honest business-man, and one who has done much to bring Seward county to the front. By his own push he worked his way into the front rank with the prominent men of the state as a politician and a business-man. Is now the owner of a large herd of cattle in Merrick county and a fine farm in Seward county. Always ready to give a helping hand in matters of public enterprise, and was never known to refuse in matters of charity. Is always ready to help a friend. Was happily married to Miss Margaret J. Burke, of Forestville, N. Y., in 1880, a noble lady, who is ever to the front in charitable enterprises in our city. They have a bright young family of three children-Margaret Elizabeth, Edmund Burke, and Rachel Florence.
JOHN CATTLE, SEN.,
President of the State Bank at Seward, is an Englishman by birth. Was born in Yorkshire, in March, 1817. Married Miss Alice Sarby, of same place, in 1846. There were born to them three sons and three daughters, only two of whom are now living. Came to Nebraska in 1876 and settled on section 4 in G precinct. One of the sons, Mr. Robert Cattle, died several years ago at the mountains, where he was sojourning on account of ill health. Mr. Cattle brought a large amount of wealth from the old country, and has made with his means large improvements on his farm and also in the city. Has built several brick business houses and a num- ber of dwellings. Mr. Cattle is universally known to be a very lenient man with his customers. While he is considered very close in his dealings, he is never known to oppress any one who strives to do his part. He retains his relations with the Wesleyan church of England, but worships with the Methodist congre- gation, and renders liberal aid in supporting the church.
249
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
I. G. CHAPIN.
This young man came to Nebraska and located at Crete, in 1882, where he the worked for a lumber firm for a year and a half, when he came to Seward and was with the firm of W. H. Walker & Co., where he proved so efficient that he has been promoted to the important trust of manager of seven yards of the great lum- ber firm of S. K. Martin & Co. He controls yards at Ulysses, Poston, Utica," B," Waco, Tamora, and Beaver Crossing. Pretty well done for a young man.
FRANK P. COMPTON
Came to Nebraska with his parents when a young lad, in 1858. The family re- sided at Nebraska City until 1868 when they made their home in Lincoln, and moved to Seward in 1872. Frank learned the tinner's trade, and worked at the business a number of years, but not liking the business he learned the printer's trade and has for twelve years followed that trade. In 1885 owned and edited the Staplehurst News, and in 1887 removed the office to Utica, where the field was wider and is now editing the Utica Sun, a bright newsy paper. The writer of this sketch has known Mr. Compton since his early boyhood days and we take pleasure in saying that he is coming to the front in good shape. Is a young man ·of excellent habits and full of energy. We trust that a bright future is in store for him. He has largely received his education in the school of adversity, but has the will power to overcome every obstacle in the way, and we are heartily glad to see him succeed.
CAPT. ROBERT T. COOPER
Was born in Stephenson Co., Ill., in 1842, where he grew up to manhood. He en- listed at Freeport in 1861, in the 46th Ill. Infantry, in Co. B. In a short time was promoted to the second then to the first lieutenantcy, and in 1865 was promoted to the captaincy. Was discharged in 1866. The young man returned to his native home, where his county honored him twice with the office of county treas- urer, in 1869 and 1871. Settled at Seward in 1874; built the Cooper and Hen- ·derson mills, south of Seward ; helped organize Seward G. A. R. Post No. 3 ; was elected twice county treasurer of Seward county, in 1881 and 1883 ; was defeated for the county clerkship in 1885, but was triumphantly elected in 1-87, over the same opponent. Is a republican in politics. A man of good parts, generous and obliging, wide-awake to public enterprise. The fall of 1887 brought him many favors, first he gained the favor of a splendid woman and was married to Miss Emma D. Brenizer on September 24th ; next he was voted a gold headed cane for good looks, and later was voted the clerkship of the county. Pretty well done for one season.
THOMAS CORR
Was born in Washington Co., Ill., in 1844. Was a farmer boy. Enlisted in the 11th Ill. Infantry in 1861, in Co. C, on the first call. Re-enlisted in August fol- lowing, in the 10th Missouri, and served three years. Being discharged at the end ·of his service, he returned and commenced a course of study in Washington Sem- inary, but in a short time he answered the last call and enlisted for the third time in the U. S. Vol. Veterans. Was promoted to second then to a first lientenancy for bravery and meritorious service. Was in Gen. Hancock's corps, and was one
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
of the guards that were detached to hang Mrs. Suratt, Payne, Herald, and Arroff, for their part in the assassination of Lincoln. At the close of the war he returned to Illinois, and in 1869 he made his home in Seward county, settling on his pres- ent farm in C precinct. Has had the honors of notary and justice of the peace for ten years. Was in 1884 elected to represent the county in the legislature, and was a wide-awake and energetic member, doing much valuable work for the county and state. Is one of the leading members of Seward Post No. 3, G. A. R., and was a charter member of Oliver lodge No. 38, of the A. F. and A. M. Was married in Illinois in 1868, to Miss Mary Adams. They have eight children, three boys and five girls. Mr. Corr is full of enterprise and push as a farmer and business-man, and a very worthy citizen.
WILLIAM WALLACE COX.
The subject of this sketch was born in Cattaraugns county, N. Y., November 12,. 1832, and was named for the great Scottish chieftain. In 1835 he moved with his father and mother, Mordeci and Catharine Cox, to the then wilderness of Sangamon county, Illinois, where his father died a few months after, and the widowed mother soon moved and settled with the children near Monroe, in Green county, Wis., where she died May 8, 1838, being the first white woman buried in that connty. Young William was given by his mother on her dying bed to the- care of James Hawthorn, a wealthy and respected farmer of the neighborhood, with whom he lived until he was eleven years old, when becoming dissatisfied with Mrs. Hawthorn, he made his home for the next two years with relatives near Winslow, Stevenson county, Illinois. He then accompanied Samuel Phillips to Chautauqua county, N. Y., where for more than a year his life was that of a slave, when he found a splendid home with Elias Carrington, of Forestville. In 1848 he returned to Illinois, and the following year was a pupil of Hon. H. C. Burchard, at the opening of Monroe Seminary. Mr. B. was since member of con- gress from the Galena, Illinois, district, and afterwards superintendent of U. S. mint. Mr. Cox, in 1850, commenced teaching near Monroe. After two years resided at Belvidere, and taught in Boone county, Illinois, and afterwards in Mer- cer and Knox counties. Was a student in Oberlin College, Ohio, for a time; also at Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois. In 1855 we find him as principal of pub- lic schools in Abingdon, Illinois. He was married in 1856 to Miss Rebecca Samp- son, and the young conple moved to Page county, Iowa, a couple of years later, where they lived until the 28th day of February, 1860, when they moved to Ne- braska City, and the year following to the Great Salt Basin, and to their homestead near Seward in 1864. When fifteen years old he united with the Missionary Bap- tist church, at Forestville, N. Y. To the happy nnion with a noble wife were born eight children, viz. : Kate J., now Mrs. James A. Ruby; Nettie M., now Mrs. Frank P. Pingree; Elmer E., Lincoln W., Omar L., Charles B., and Nora A., who are living, and Carrie, the youngest, died in infancy. Mr. Cox has been ever a con- sistent and ardent republican and an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance. He has ever been a friend to the best interests of Seward county and Nebraska, and has wielded his pen freely for their advancement. For many years he was engaged in the grain and implement business at Seward, but met with financial reverses in 1874, which swept away nearly all of his property. His family has seen all sides. of pioneer life, its brightest sunshine and its darkest shadows. In hours of gloom.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
and general despondency, Mr. Cox was always cheerful and ready to encourage. his neighbors to have faith in Nebraska. Never urged his claims for political pre- ferment, but was always an earnest advocate of progress in all matters pertaining to his county and state. A man of generous impulses, and can never say no when an appeal is made to him in behalf of the needy.
JACOB H. CULVER
Was born in Mercer county, Ohio, in 1845. The family removed to Wisconsin when Jacob was but two years old. They settled in Sheboygan county, and his father engaged in the lumber business. The lad received his early training in the dis- trict school of the neighborhood. At the tender age of sixteen he enlisted as a drummer boy in Co. K. of the First Wis. Infantry, serving one year in that capac- ity, and at the battle of Perryville the color-bearer being killed, Jacob dropped the drum and grabbed up the flag and bore it aloft in triumph, and continued to carry it through the service. Was in the battles of Chaplain Hills, Chickamauga,. Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Chattanooga, and also in the Atlanta cam- paign. Returning from the war he entered the Wisconsin University in 1866. Was elected engrossing clerk of the Wisconsin senate in 1869. In 1870 he came- to Seward county, and made Milford his home. Was postmaster at Milford in 1870, and in December of that year, in company with H. G. Parsons, commenced the publication of the Blue Valley Record, which was Milford's first and best paper .. In the spring of 1873 the Record was consolidated with the Daily Leader, at Lin- coln, which Culver and Parsons succeeded in bringing up to a paying business, when Mr. Culver sold his interest, returned to Milford in 1874, and bought an interest in the flouring mills with J. L. Davison. He continued with the mill until 1879, when the mill was sold to Johnson, Perry & Co. Mr. Culver was the. organizer of Winslow Post No. 56, and was its first commander. Married Miss Ada Davison in 1870, and they are the happy parents of five children, viz .: Clar- ence C., Elvin E., Harry H., Fred D., and Lulu. His wife was raised from early childhood in Seward county. They were among the organizing members of the- Congregational church of Milford. He is now vice president of the Morris lock factory, of Seward; is a stock farmer and also coal dealer at Milford. He is one- of the most widely known of our citizens, and is the most untiring in his efforts to build up his town and county. His zeal knows no bounds. Milford owes very much to him for her prosperity, for by his bull dog determination the great mill was secured, and in no small degree he helped to secure the A. & N. railroad,. and the Sanitarium owes its existence to him. Also the Industrial Home. Mr. Culver is a man of pronounced views on all questions of public importance, a strong republican in politics, and a radical temperance man. Is a man of fine social qualities, and has many friends and of course some bitter enemies.
HERSCHEL B. CUMMINS, M.D.,
Was born in Green county, Pa., in March, 1859. Lived in Washington county, West Va., six years during his boyhood. Moved with his father's family to Hen- derson county, Ill., where he attended school. Came to Seward county in May,. 1874. Studied medicine for several years at Seward, then took a regular medical course in the University of Nebraska, graduating in the class of 1884 and 1885, with honors. Has practiced his profession in Seward with marked success since
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
finishing his course. We are glad to see one of our own Seward boys coming to the front and able to build up a good practice at his own home. Is now honored by the appointment as county physician.
W. R. DAVIS.
Was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, Nov. 26, 1824. Was married to Miss Margaret A. Bohannon, of his native place, and to their union were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy; Rebecca, now Mrs. J. N. Beatty; Annice, now deceased, the former wife of Mac Towner, of Ulysses; Mattie, now Mrs. Jas- per Roberts; Abner Y., of Decatur county, Kansas; Major A. V., of Beaver Cross- ing, Neb; Josephine, now Mrs. A. C. Hull, of Hastings, Neb. The young couple moved with their family to Iowa, in the year 1852, going all the weary way with an ox team. In 1857 they settled in Cass county, Neb., being among the first set- tlers of the infant territory. He was elected to the third, fourth, and fifth sessions of the territorial legislature, appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue in the summer of 1862, and enlisted in the army in 1864. His wife died December 10, 1864, while he was in the army. He was discharged by his own request, under special order No. 155, April 17, 1865. He then returned home and was immedi- ately appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue in the Plattsmouth district. When making one of his first trips across the plains, while performing his official duties, he made the acquaintance of the author of this book. He had lost his way and blundered on to Mr. Cox's cabin about 11 o'clock at night. To add to his comforts he had a lame horse and was nearly starved. In August, 1866, he mar- ried Miss Hannah C. Coleman. To them were born two children, Nellie R. and Frank R., who reside with their parents. In the summer of 1868 he and his son- in-law, J. N. Beatty, put in a general stock of goods at Seward, it being the first store in the new town and the second in the county. They continued in business under the firm name of Beatty & Davis most of the time until 1878. Mr. Davis is yet an active business-man, although near sixty-four years old. Has done much to build up Seward, always taking a leading part in all laudable business enter- prises. The oldest merchant of our city, and may be fairly considered one of the best. His two younger sons are associated with him in business. He united with the M. E. church when young, and has through the years been one of the most earnest working members. Prominent as a temperance advocate, frequently speak- ing in public on temperance and kindred subjects with good effect. Mr. Davis has had an honorable part in the development and advancement of this county, using time, energy, and money freely in public enterprises and charities. We may fondly hope that Mr. Davis may live long to enjoy the fruits of his well-spent life, and enjoy the associations of the people he has worked so faithfully to benefit.
AMOS W. DONALDSON
Was born in Hocking county, Ohio, in 1828. Was raised on a farm at his native place. Moved to Indiana and remained two years, when he returned to Ohio and opened a store at Maysville. Had formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah A. Dunaway, in Indiana, and in 1858 he went back and was married. Shortly after this the young couple moved to Missouri, where it was not healthy for northern people at the opening of the war, and they moved to Iowa, and there he enlisted in the 33d Iowa Infantry and served three years. Made their home in Seward
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
county in 1869, and settled at their present home. They have raised six sons, viz.,. Jared, William, Amos, Henderson, Oscar, and Arthur. Mr. Donaldson has been one of our most worthy citizens. He now has a good farm and a very pleasant home.
JOHN DUNBAUGH
Is the oldest man in Seward county, and was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Oct. 22, 1798. He claims to have been a playmate of James Buchanan. The old gen- tleman lives with his son Elijah, and seems quite robust. Somewhat deaf, but retains his eyesight reasonably well ; can read coarse print. His descendants are becoming a great host, and are composed of four generations, having at least four great-great-grandchildren. Has resided at Seward since the summer of 1873.
MICHAEL DUNIGAN
Was born in Ireland, in 1836, and came to this country in 1853. Looked over sev- eral states, and finally located in Knox Co., Illinois, in 1856. In 1862 he enlisted in the 64th Illinois Infantry, in Company D, and served during the war, being at the front in all the sanguinary engagements of his regiment. In April, 1871, he located in the north-east portion of Seward county, and was among the first in that locality. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and is a charter member of Oliver Lodge No. 38. Has served three terms as county commissioner, and one term as supervisor from "B" town. Married Miss Mary E. Shumaker, in Illi- nois, in 1866. They have eight children. Mr. Dunigan is universally regarded as a thorough-going business man of more than ordinary ability. The fact that he, a democrat, was three times elected as commissioner in a strongly republican. county, speaks well of the man. Mr. Dunigan is a successful farmer, and very enterprising and liberal in his dealings ; loves his adopted home, but never for- gets the wrongs of his native land. The new town of "B," on the F., E. & M .. V. railroad, is situated on part of what was his farm, and to all appearances a bright future awaits him, and we rejoice that success crowns his honorable efforts. to advance the interests of his county.
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