USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward county, Nebraska, together with a chapter of reminiscenses of the early settlement of Lancaster county > Part 24
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RODERICK E. DUNPHY
Was born in Lafayette county, in the territory of Wisconsin, in 1848. He learned the blacksmith trade in his native county, and remained there until 1872, when he went to Rockford, Ill. Returned to the old home and married Miss Elizabeth A. Gregory, in 1873. In 1879 the family moved to Seward, where Mr. Dunphy opened a wagon and carriage shop, and has conducted a successful and growing . business to the present time. He has served four years as member of our city council, and was elected state senator from this county in 1882, and served with much credit. He is one of the few Wisconsin democrats, but not very radical-a very moderate one, indeed, we should say. As a business-man and citizen Mr. Dunphy is very popular. His wife died in December, 1886, and he is left alone to care for their two children-Miss Gabriel B. and Homer G. Mr. Dunphy is. always ready to lend a helping hand in all public enterprises, and it is a pleasure to see such men prosper.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
JOHN N. EDWARDS
Was born in Huntington county, Pa., January, 1847. Settled in Iowa while a young man, and enlisted in the 7th Iowa Cavalry and served three years. At the close of the war went to school and taught alternately, and thus acquired an educa- tion by his own exertions. Married Miss Nannie Kirkpatrick, the daughter of a pioneer Methodist minister of Iowa, in December, 1869, at Mount Pleasant. After his marriage he graduated in the Ohio Law School. The young people settled in Seward in 1873, where he practiced his profession, and afterwards opened the Bank of Seward County, Neb. Such success crowned his efforts that in 1887 he also opened a bank at Wray, Colorado. Mr. Edwards also is an extensive breeder of fine stock, in which business he takes great delight. He is one of the most active members of the G. A. R. of Nebraska, and has been honored by his comrades with many honorable and responsible positions. He has been in poor health for some years, yet his ambition is so great that he is considered one of the most active and ener- getic citizens. Is a man of extraordinary financial skill, and one of our most generous and charitable citizens. To him and his amiable wife have been born five children, two of whom are dead, one boy and one girl. Willie, Mattie, and Ralph still bless their home.
ELISHA L. ELLIS.
Was born in Henry county, Indiana, in 1834. Was raised a farmer boy. Came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, in 1858. Made choice of a claim (the farm near the iron bridge, owned by Mr. Castle) on the 25th of June, 1858, and entered the same in 1860, it being the first land entry in Seward county. He returned to Missouri in 1864, and married Miss Artemesia Harrison. Returned to Seward county with his young wife in the spring of 1866, and took a homestead (his present farm). We quote in another chapter sketches from his memorandum kept from 1858 to 1864 of scenes and incidents on this wild frontier. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have raised four children, all girls, viz., Mary L., now Mrs. B. F. Hickman ; Nancy E., now Mrs. J. I. Hickman (she was born here); Effie E. and Lilly E., both with their parents. Mr. Ellis has had quite an important part in the devel- . opment of our county and city. He was ever watchful and earnest in all matters where Seward's interests were at stake. At one time he saved Seward from ruin by detecting a fraud in a railroad bond proposition, where it was designed to have the people of Seward sign her own death warrant, by leaving such a loop-hole as would permit the railroad to cross Blue river four or five miles south of the present city, and thus have ruined our city forever. He was ever ready to dare and do any - thing for Seward, and is entitled to much credit for the energy displayed. He is a kind neighbor and a good citizen, somewhat odd in his manners, but a good, whole-souled man for all that.
JAMES M. FLETCHER
Was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, Oct. 14, 1838. His father was a farmer, and James had the ordinary duties of a farmer boy in that rough region of coun- try, which may best be expressed in his own language, as rolling logs, grubbing, burning brush, and biting the heads off tobacco worms. Was married at nine- teen to Miss Lidea Smalley. In 1859 the young people moved to Indiana, and settled in Fayette county, with two babes, Edward H. and Abey. Enlisted in
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Co. H, 36th Ind. Vol., and served in the army of the Cumberland. Was in the awful struggle at Pittsburg Landing, and was paralyzed by the concussion of a bursting shell. Soon after the battle he was discharged on account of his disabil- ity. Has been a sufferer ever since, and for two years he was entirely helpless, many years ago. He displayed wonderful determination in his struggle to sup- port his young family, tending one crop while on his crutches. He engaged in packing pork in the seventies, and the panic of 1873 swept his all from him. Struggling with disease and financial embarrassment for seven years, he turned his face toward Nebraska and settled at Seward in 1880, where he has been from that time the head of the firm of J. M. Fletcher & Co., butchers and dealers in meats. Four of their nine children died while young, three being buried in In- diana and one in Nebraska, and the five, viz., Edward H., Abey, Emma, William, and Della, all remain with the old folks, although all grown. Mr. Fletcher is a member of the M. E. church, and until his total disability was an enthusiastic worker in the Sabbath-school. Is a working member of Seward G. A. R. Post. Is an enthusiastic republican, and gives his political opponents some terrific blows. When able to get into the field he throws his whole soul into the political cam- paign. For two years past he has been helpless most of the time, and unable to lie down on his bed, but rests in a reclining chair. One strange feature of his case is, he cannot sleep. He never gets a good night's sleep. He remains cheer- ful and enjoys the society of friends and neighbors. Is peculiarly gifted with con- versational powers, and is a very entertaining public speaker. Has a happy faculty of telling stories, with good effect, and can keep an audience in a roar of laughter. The business of the firm has been so well conducted that the old people are financially in comfortable circumstances, and have a pleasant home. His noble wife has been a sure staff upon which to lean in all the dark hours of his affliction. Ever faithful and watchful to him, she has always proved a tower of strength.
JEROME C. FORD
Was born at Algonquin, McHenry Co., Ill., in 1840. Enlisted in Co. H, Ill. In- fantry, in 1861, just after his majority, and participated in the bloody battles of Pea Ridge, Perryville, and Stone River, where he was wounded and taken pris- oner and enjoyed prison life awhile at Libby. Was paroled in February, 1863. Was then sent to Annapolis Hospital, where he received a furlough and was sent home. In 1864, returned to duty, and was in all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign until the 23d of June, when he received a second wound. In September 1864, his time expired. Was married Dec. 28, 1864, to Miss Clarinda Beebe, of his native place. To their union have been born Lydia M., now Mıs. E. C. Mil- ler ; Frederick S., Elmer E., and Harry E., all at home. Settled at Seward in 1874, where the family resided seven years. They now reside on a farm five miles north-east of the city, where they have a pleasant home. Mr. Ford was a charter member of Seward Post, and is highly respected by the brotherhood. His aged mother, now eighty-three years old, resides with him. She has been blind for thirty-three years. The old lady is in fair health and retains her faculties reason- ably well.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
JOHN F. GOEHNER
Was born is Germany, in 1850. Came to America in 1869, while yet a lad, and worked as clerk in a grocery store in St. Louis. Came to Nebraska in 1871, and clerked at Nebraska City until the summer of 1873, when he opened a small gro- cery store in Seward, and in 1875 commenced the grain trade. Made a success of his business, and in 1879 built the first Goehner block, on the corner of Seward and Seventh streets, and in 1884 built the fine block on the corner of Seward and Sixth streets, and placed an immense stock of hardware. The young German lad has grown to be a splendid business-man and displays unbounded energy and en- terprise in building up the county and his adopted city. Is a leading member of the Lutheran church, has twice been honored as member of the city council, and once the county has honored him with a seat in our state senate. Is one of our most enterprising citizens, always in the lead in all matters that tend to build up Seward, and to his indomitable perseverance we owe the construction of the F., E. and M. V. railroad. Has lately been honored by having one of our bright towns named for him. Pretty well done for the German boy.
THOMAS GRAHAM
Came to Seward county in 1866, and settled on a homestead near Old Camden. Taught the first school at that place in the following winter. Was appointed school superintendent in 1869, and elected county clerk in the fall of 1869, which office he held continuously for five terms, or ten years. This may be considered rather remarkable, as he has been an unflinching democrat and this has always been a strongly republican county. Mr. Graham has been mayor of the city. Is a surveyor by trade, and was in the employ of the government at various times in surveying western lands. Was honored by a seat as state senator one term. We are pleased to quote in another place from his memorandum while in govern- ment service. Married Mrs. Denison. They have one son, Walter, now pursuing a course of study in the University of Nebraska.
REV. KARL THEODORE GRUBER
Was born A. D. 1832, in Saxony, Germany. His father was a minister of the gospel in Germany, and emigrated with a hundred and sixty souls of his and other con- gregations (on account of religious intolerance in the Fatherland), in 1839, and settled in - county, Missouri, where the subject of our sketch was raised. Was a student at Concordia college four years, and moved with it to St. Louis in 1849, and studied three more years. Was pastor of several congregations in Mis- souri and Illinois, then came to Nebraska in November, 1870, and had charge of several congregations of Lancaster, Seward, York, and Hamilton counties. Re- turned to Illinois in 1880, on account of poor health; in 1885 returned to Nebraska, and is now pastor of the congregation near Orton, in Seward county. Was ordained minister of the gospel, May 29, 1855. Was married October 21, 1856, to Miss A. M. Kipp. To their happy union were born ten children, of whom two are now dead. Mr. Gruber, or Father Gruber, as we all love to call him, is a man of wonderful perseverance, and is loved and honored not only by his own people, but by all of his acquaintances, and they are numbered by the thousands. As a spiritual teacher he has exercised a wonderful influence for good over the Ger-
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 257
man people of this whole county. He has the honor of founding more churches of his denomination probably than any other minister in Nebraska. We trust that he may yet live many years to labor for the Master and enjoy the society of his host of friends, and may his last days be his brightest and happiest, and he receive at last the welcome applaudit, " Well done, my good and faithful servant, come up higher."
WILLIAM C. HARTMAN
Was born of German parents, in Clayton county, Iowa, in 1857. His father's family moved to Seward county and settled on a homestead near Marysville, in 1866, and there William grew up and was married to Miss Nancy Kennison, in November, 1877. To this happy union were born four children, one of whom died in infancy. Three bright little ones, viz., Callie, Rosa, and Florence, remain to bless the home of their parents. Mr. Hartman has grown to manhood among us, and is a splendid type of our progressive citizens. Although reared in a pioneer settlement, with meager opportunities for mental culture, yet he is far above the ordinary in intelligence and possessed of superior business ability. A man of excellent morals, and full of enterprise, wide-awake with regard to all public enterprises, honorable in all his dealings, he has been. very successful as a manager of his large business interests, and we confidently trust that his prosperity may increase with the years. The author of this sketch has known him since his early childhood, and the bright, energetic, and manly German boy has had a fast hold on our admiration through all these years.
JAMES A. HAZELWOOD
Came to Seward county with his parents (Rev. W. G. Hazelwood) in 1869. when he was but eleven years old. Worked on the farm until of age, and by industry and careful management is now at the head of one of the largest business interests in the south half of the county. Mr. Hazelwood is full of push and enterprise, and ranks among the foremost business-men of the county. Has just completed the largest and best livery barn in the county, a mammoth brick structure. He is also a dealer in farm machinery.
WILLIAM HICKMAN;
Was born in Randolph county, Indiana, in March, 1831. Learned the carpenter's trade in his youth. Settled in Jasper county, Iowa, in 1851. After three years he laid aside his tools and engaged in farming. Came to Seward county in 1868, and was one among the first to settle in " B" precinct. Resided on the farm and im- proved it until the summer of 1887, when he moved to Seward and embarked in merchandising. Mr. Hickman was twice elected to represent his county in the legislature, was a member of several important committees, and was accounted one of the most valuable members. Is a stalwart republican. Was always con- sidered as one of our leading farmers, and now is one of our leading business-men. Married Miss Louisa E. Moffit, in 1853, and they have children as follows : Charles F., Arlepha A., Eldora E., Barclay M., Alice E., and Elzena, who died in 1877. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Has by industry and careful manage- ment got one of our best improved farms.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
LEVI HAFER.
Mr. Hafer was born in Northumberland county, Pa., in 1844, where he was raised on a farm. Married Miss Sarah L. Huffman, of his native place, in Janu- ary, 1866. The young people came west to grow up with the country in 1868, and settled on a homestead, where they now reside ( Walnut Grove Farm). They have raised seven children, all yet at home, viz., Martin A., Louis R., Irvin R., Ida M., Jolın, Susie, and Charles. Mr. Hafer and wife helped organize the first U. B. church in the county, and they are yet among the most honored and useful mem- bers. While they are cheerful givers, they have been remarkably prosperous. He now owns four hundred acres of excellent land and has fine improvements. They have grown up with the county, sure enough. Mr. Hafer is among the honorable and worthy citizens.
ISAAC HOLT ·
Was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1820, where he remained until his removal to South Bend, Ind., in 1869. He came to Seward in 1879. Has one son, Edward I., who is now in the West. Mr. Holt is one of our heaviest capitalists, and takes pride in giving generously to public enterprises and charities that meet his approval. Married his second wife in 1880, Mrs. M. Mckinley. The old folks have a pleasant home. He commenced life for himself without a dollar, at twen- ty-one.
WILLIAM HORNBURG
Was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, January 4, 1829. Immigrated to America in 1856, and settled in Clayton county, Iowa. Came to Nebraska City in 1865, and to Seward county in 1867, took a homestead in "D" precinct, and was among the first to locate on upper Lincoln creek. His aged parents came with him, and had a home with him while they lived. The old gentleman died ten years ago, and the old lady four years ago. Mr. Hornburg remained a bachelor until about ten years ago, when he married Mrs. Dora Hornburg, the widow of his brother Henry, who was drowned in 1877 in Lincoln creek. Mr. Hornburg has no chil- dren of his own, but has been a kind father to the four children of his brother. He helped organize the Lutheran church at Marysville, was one of its principal officers, and remains one of its most worthy members. Was elected a county commissioner in 1870, and had quite an important part in the county seat strug- gles. Was always a firm friend of Seward. He owns a valuable farm, and is pleasantly situated. A very genial and companionable man, worthy of the esteem of all.
WILLIAM IMLAY
Was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830. Removed with his father's family to Ohio at an early age, and some years afterwards to Indiana, where he became acquainted with Miss Mary Donaldson, to whom he was married in 1853. In 1856 the young people moved to Harrison county, Iowa, in 1858 to Cass county, Neb., and in 1863 to Salt Basin, Nebraska. In 1864, early in the spring, he settled on his homestead (the present home). Was in the fall of 1864 elected to represent Sew- ard and Lancaster and a vast area of unorganized territory to the westward in the territorial legislature. Had a prominent place on several important committees, and was considered a valuable member. In 1865, at our organization, he was
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
elected a county commissioner, which office he held three terms, and took a leading part in all matters pertaining to our development and advancement. Because of his energy and will power as an officer, he was frequently spoken of as the county commissioners of Seward county. In later years Mr. Imlay has taken but little part in county affairs, but has thrown all his energy into the improvement of his farm. He united with the Presbyterian church when young, was one of the founders of their church at Seward, and remains one of its most worthy and use- ful members. Mr. and Mrs. Imlay, during the early years, underwent many of the privations incident to pioneer settlements, but they have come off more than victorious. They have a nice comfortable home, have raised a large and intelligent family of children, and the old people are highly respected and honored by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. We honor them for their sterling qualities as citizens, as good neighbors, and as earnest laborers in laying the foundations of Nebraska.
REV. E. W. JOHNSON
Was born in Fulton county, Ill., Oct. 8, 1838. Was raised a farmer boy. While young was in poor health, and for some time it was thought that he would not live to become a man. His school privileges were meagre. His father was killed by accident when the lad was but twelve. At fourteen he resided with his grand- parentsat Lewiston. At eighteen commenced teaching in his native county, and until he was twenty-six he taught and went to school alternately, at the Lewiston Seminary. His health failing, he was compelled to abandon teaching. Married Miss Jane Street, in October, 1861. Shortly after their marriage they were both converted, under the pastorate of Rev. J. V. B. Flock, of the U. B. church, at Johnson school-house in Fulton county. He soon became impressed with the idea that it was his duty to preach the gospel. Was licensed in August, 1864. His health was so very poor that a change of climate was a necessity, and in 1866, May 13th, the family settled in Seward county. For six years his health was so poor that he could do but little preaching. He organized the first U. B. class at the residence of C. J. Neihardt. Commenced his regular work in the ministry in 1872 and 1873. Organized several churches in the county in the years 1874 and 1875. Conducted some revivals, in which a hundred or more were converted, and seventy-five were organized into classes. Was elected presiding elder in 1875, and was appointed to the south-east district of Nebraska. His labors were very suc- cessful, and during that year over four hundred were added to the church. Was re-elected in 1876, and sent to Fairmont district. This embraced Polk, York, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Fillmore, and part of Hamilton counties. Overcome with labors, he rested during 1877, but was in the pulpit nearly every Sabbath. Was again elected elder in 1878, and sent to Omaha district, but was compelled to resign on account of ill health, but did service on West Blue circuit in York county. His labors were blessed, witnessing fifty conversions, and under his lead- ership Bethel church was erected. In 1879 was assigned to Lincoln creek circuit, and labored in Seward county and this year organized Seward church. In 1880 was appointed to Seward circuit, and that year their church was built and wit- nessed a revival. Was again elected presiding elder in 1881, and was assigned to Omaba district, but was unfortunately compelled again to resign. In 1882 was sent to Crete circuit, and labored with success, witnessing forty conversions.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Remained in charge of Crete circuit during 1883. In 1884 was again elected pre- siding elder, and sent to Plattsmonth district, where he remained in that honored position until the present. Was elected for fifteen consecutive years as corres- ponding secretary of the conference. Mr. Jolinson has now regained his health and is quite rugged. His life has been thus far a very useful one in spreading the gospel in this new land.
CLAUDIUS JONES.
This gentleman was born in the state of New York, migrated to the West in his early manhood, and had for many years a chequered life. Was at one time a mem- ber of the Chicago board of trade. His career is a marvel, his financial success won- derful. His character is unlike that of the most of mankind-that is, he is a man of strong likes and dislikes, never known to forget or forsake his friends, nor is he for- getful of his enemies. He has the warmest of friends and some bitter enemies. He came to Seward during the summer of 1873, and opened the State Bank, the first bank in the county. One peculiarity of the State Bank, it always had plenty of money provided the security of the borrower suited Mr. Jones. He is a man of remarkably quick perceptions, and of business ability equal to the best. Natur- ally generous, making large donations to charitable purposes and such public enterprises as meet his approval. A man who cannot be irritated by hot words; personal abuse affects him no more than pouring water on a duck's back affects the duck. Mr. Jones has become independently rich among us, and is our heaviest capitalist, being the president of the Jones National Bank at Seward. Is also our largest farmer. His farms consist of over six thousand acres of land, and he is also our largest stock raiser and fine stock breeder. He has a great admiration for fine stock, and spends many pleasant hours among his herds of Short-horns and Holsteins. He has raised a bright and intelligent family of young people. Upon the whole we are satisfied that Seward county is the better and richer for his coming.
JOHN M. LANGDON
Was born in Janesville, Rock Co., Wis., in 1853, and came with his father's family to Salt Basin, Nebraska, in 1862, when he was less than nine years old. The lad grew up to manhood in this new country, where it has been our pleasure to be in- timately acquainted with him all these years, and it is with pleasure we write of the boy who has grown up'in the wilderness under the many adverse circumstances, with limited opportunities for an education, yet by dint of his own will has grown up to be an intelligent business-man. John moved with the family to Seward county in 1872, when they settled in " A " precinct, in what was known as the Oak Grove settlement, where he remained until he was grown. Came to Seward in 1882, purchased a home and took care of his aged mother while she lived, and provided her with a pleasant home. Was married to Miss Lucy Manning in 1885, an estimable young lady of Seward. Mr. Langdon has been some years extensively engaged in supplying the people of Seward with fruit trees, in which business he has justly earned an honorable reputation as a trustworthy citizen and gentleman. Mr. Langdon is a highly respected member of the Presbyterian church of Seward. We can heartily wish the young man many years of prosperity and usefulness.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
ALEXANDER D. LANGE
Was born at Bloomington, Ill., in 1855. Came to Seward in 1880. Married Miss Louisa Kimel in 1882. They have one bright little son, Phillip C. Mr. Lange commenced the grocery trade in 1886, and is fast gaining a reputation as a valu- able and worthy business-man.
HON. WM. LEESE
Came to Seward many years ago, a young man without money or family prestige, and commenced at the bottom round of the ladder to climb. With indomitable energy he determined to amount to something in life. With poverty and many attendant discouragements staring him in the face, he commenced the study of law. Many, not knowing of the mettle of the young man, could not see anything but failure in his designs. He struggled with adverse circumstances through years of preparation for the high duties of his exalted profession, and the resulting achievements have been grandly successful. Occupying the exalted position for the second term of attorney general of our state, and performing heroic work in behalf of the people, he stands to-day the central figure in Nebraska. All eyes are fixed upon him, and he is fast acquiring a national reputation. All because hehas been faithful to duty and full to the maximum of determined energy. Mr. Leese was born at Athens, Tenn. Married Miss Margaret L. Wilson, at Palmyia, Neb. Came to Nebraska May 11, 1868. They have four children, all yet at home, Effie, Ray, Clara, and Leo.
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