USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward county, Nebraska, together with a chapter of reminiscenses of the early settlement of Lancaster county > Part 25
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
LOUIS J. LEGER,
Born in France, Department of L'Eure, Canton of Comfort, Parish of Appeville, the 11th of July, 1818. Was raised a farmer boy until about sixteen, when he learned a trade, making weaver's reeds. Took a regular course of study in the normal schools of Paris, after which he became a teacher and was principal of the Gospel Society's school at St. Denis, near Paris, where he was in charge twenty- four years. Was secretary of the Protestant Institute of Paris nine years, and was associated with many of the leading men of France during the reign of Napoleon 3d. Was professor four years of phototenic association. For his effective work received three silver medals. He also received one bronze medal for his efficient work in the deaf and dumb asylum. He left Paris the year before the Franco Prussian war, and came to this country in 1869. Made his settlement in Seward county in 1873, and took a homestead in "I" precinct. Mr. Leger has a family of twelve children, seven boys and five girls. Mr. Leger is a very intelligent gen- tleman, being thoroughly versed in all European affairs, and familiar with French history especially.
GEORGE W. LOWLEY
Was born in Leeds, England, March 5, 1842. His parents came to this country when George was very young, and settled in Pennsylvania, but soon changed their residence to Indiana, in 1854. Commenced the study of law while in his teens, but was quick to hear his country's call to arms, and enlisted in the 11th Ind. Vol. Was with the brave boys at the capture of Ft. Donaldson, and was there wounded and upon receiving his discharge he returned to his law study. However, just before enlisting he edited and published the Tipton Republican awhile. Soon after returning home from the war he was admitted to practice in all the courts of
262
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Indiana, and the curious can find his name frequently in the reports of the supreme court of that state. Mr. Lowley came to Nebraska in 1870, and settled in Lin- coln. Made his home at Seward in 1871, where he tried life on a homestead for awhile, but it not agreeing with him he opened a law office in Seward, and prac- ticed in all the courts of Nebraska. Was elected probate judge in 1881, and held the office three consecutive terms with much credit. It has been universally con- ceded that he was one of the most efficient probate judges of our state. He has now returned to take his place in the front rank among the able barristers of Ne- braska. Mr. Lowley is an enthusiastic republican. Was married to Miss M. W. Long in 1867, and they have seven children, viz., Joseph S., May M., Stephen, John L., Millie, Earl, and George W. Mrs. Lowley has been an invalid many years, but she bears her suffering with patience.
HON. EDMUND MCINTYRE
Is thoroughly known to have the courage of his convictions. He is full of energy and enterprise. Whatever his hand finds to do he just goes at it with all his might. It matters not whether friend or foe opposes. While it is often our duty (as we see it) to bitterly oppose many of his public acts, yet we must admire the proud spirit that knows no such word as fail in his undertakings. Has filled the office of mayor of our city five terms, and has for many years been one of the most active officers of the state agricultural society and once its president. We cannot be mistaken when we say that among the foremost of our state he has acted well his part in bringing his county and city to the front. Full of enthusiasm in all public enter- prises, wide-awake as a citizen and business-man. With all the faults we may think we see we could not afford to spare him from our city or county. He has through all the years of his long residence been one of Nebraska's best builders.
GEO. A. MERRIAM
Came to Nebraska in 1868, when a boy in his teens, and resided with his parents at Milford, where he worked in his father's store (the second store in Milford) summers, and taught school winters. In 1876 he settled in Seward, clerked for several years, and in 1884 was elected district clerk ; was re-elected in 1887, and makes an excellent clerk. Has grown to manhood in our county, and we are glad to see him come to the front. He is full of energy, and is universally considered one of the best clerks in this judicial district. Was married to Miss S. F. Martin, in 1874, and they now have two bright children. His aged father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Merriam, reside at Milford.
REV. WESSON G. MILLER, D.D.,
At this time presiding elder of the Lincoln district of the M. E. church, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1822. His literary education was received at Gallupville, in his native state. Taught school five years, then moved west, and settled at Wanpun, Wisconsin, and engaged in lumbering. Entered the ministry in 1845. Was ordained deacon by Bishop Waugh, in Chicago, in 1847, and in 1849, was or- dained elder at Platteville, Wis. Labored in the Wisconsin Conference thirty- five years. Was stationed seventeen years in Milwaukee. Was transferred to Nebraska in 1879, and served two years as presiding elder in the Omaha district. Was then appointed presiding elder of York district. He purchased a tarm near
263
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Utica, where he built a home known as Sunnyside. Was made Doctor of Divinity by Lawrence University, in Wisconsin. Is the author of several valuable books and pamphlets, such as "Thirty Years in the Itinerancy," " Milwaukee Methodism," " Temperance Cyclone," and the "Giant Wrong," etc. Married Miss Mary E. Bowmau in 1847. To them were born three children, viz., Mary E., now Mrs. Capt. F. P. Lawrence, late of Wisconsin ; Laura E., the late Mrs. Jesse Smith, late of Fond du Lac, Wis. ; Mrs. Smith died at Utica in November, 1879; and Wesson G., Jr., who lives with the old folks. The reverend father has had a long and varied ex- perience in his Master's work. He stands in the church among the most honorable and worthy of its faithful servants. We trust that his declining days may be bright and happy, and we are sure that when his Lord calls, he will be fully ready and prepared to render a good account of his stewardship.
JAMES MOORHEAD
Was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct 21, 1830. His father's family moved to Han- cock Co., Ohio, in 1835, where James remained until 1859, when he came to Ne- braska and settled in Sarpy county. The following year he went to Colorado, and engaged in mining for two years. In 1862 he went back to Ohio, and enlisted August 14th, in Co. G, 99th Ohio Vol. Infantry. Was in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, and Lookout Mountain. Was at Washington on duty when Early's raid occurred, and waited thirty-six hours for his dinner, but was busy all the time sending compliments (leaden) to the enemy. Was a member of Lincoln's body guard for a time. Discharged in July, 1865, when he made ready and in the spring of 1866 returned to Nebraska, settling near Omaha, and moved to Seward county in 1870, where he has led the peaceable and quiet life of a farmer. Was married to Miss Sarah Campbell, of Wood Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1870. They have raised two children, Elizabeth L. and William H., both yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead helped to organize the Presbyterian church of Seward, and remain among the useful and honorable members. Mr. M. has been quite suc- cessful, and the family are now pleasantly situated and are enjoying a good degree of prosperity.
REV. GEORGE M. MOREY
Has been all his active life in the ministry of the M. E. church. His father was born in Maine, and his mother in New York, and himself was born in Union Co., Ohio, July 25, 1835. His father moved to Fulton county, Ill., when our lad was two years old, and he had all the usual experiences of a frontier life. In 1858 he entered the ministry, in which calling he has devoted the best energies of his life. Married Sept. 1, 1858, to Miss Louisa E. Wright, of Avon, Ill., who was born in Ohio, in 1837. They have raised five children, viz., Eva, Osman B., Byron J., Lydia B., and Grace E., all yet with their parents at home. They have four dead. On Oct. 1,1883, he was transferred from the Central Illinois Conference to the Nebraska Conference, and stationed at Seward for three years, where his labors were very suc- cessful and acceptable to the church and people. Mr. Morey owns a farm three miles north-east of the city, where he resides, and with the sons he conducts the farm. Is interested in fine stock, and makes the Red Polled Angus cattle his specialty. Mr. Morey was an earnest republican, casting his first vote in 1856 for John C. Fre- mont. Has all his life been very active in all reformatory work. Was very earnest
264
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
in his opposition to human bondage, and in favor of human liberty. Was a Union man with all his heart during the war. Ever an earnest advocate of temperance, and ever in deadly opposition to the liquor traffic, in 1880 he became convinced that men should vote as they pray, so he joined the prohibition party, and now stands thoroughly committed to the cause of temperance, as he was to the breaking of the bondsmen's shackles in the time of the rebellion.
FRANCIS MORTON
Was born in Vermilion county, Ill., in 1833. His parents moved to Green county, Wisconsin, when Frank was but ten years old. Here he became a playmate of the author of this book. Was raised a farmer boy until he was seventeen years old, when he was taken violently with the gold fever, and in company with many of the neighbors made an overland trip to California, where he remained three years. Saved and brought home some money. Married Miss Drucilla Divan in 1854. Lived in the old neighborhood until their removal to Seward county in 1872, when they settled on a homestead about five miles south-east of Seward. Mr. and Mrs. Morton helped organize the Seventh Day Advent church at Seward. Mr. Morton enlisted in Company D, Wis. Vol., and served until wounded at Cedar Mountain. Was in Banks' famous retreat from Winchester, and had several close calls. Is now a member of Seward post. To Mr. and Mrs. Morton were born ten children, nine now living, as follows: Lucinda, now Mrs. A. Skillman, of Seward ; Catherine, now Mrs. Alex Hackworth ; Mary, now Mrs. John Hand, of Seward ; Urias, now of Wray, Col .; Francis, Jr., of Ruby, Neb. ; Thomas, of Wray ; Ada, now Mrs. M. Boyes, of Wray ; and Charles and Ira, of Ruby.
ISAAC D. NEIHARDT
Was born in Williams county, Ohio, January 5, 1837. His parents moved to St. Joseph county, Ind., when the lad was seven years old. His mother died when he was ten years old, and Isaac had to shift for himself. When eighteen he returned to Ohio and taught school a year, after which he made his home at South Bend, Ind., where he studied law with Judge Liston. Was admitted to the bar at LaPorte, Ind., in 1860. Next we find the young man over in Illinois, where he enlisted August 9, 1862, in Co. F, 76th Ill. Inft., where he served as sergeant till November, 1863, when he was promoted to the lieutenancy, and in January, 1865, he was commissioned captain. Was in the battles of Hatchie Run, Black River Bridge, Champion Hill, Raymond, at the siege of Vicksburg in both charges. Was wounded at Cross Bayou, La., Ang. 5 1864. Was mustered out of service in April, 1866. Made his home in Arkansas until his removal to Nebraska in 1871. Was quite prominent in the political struggles in Arkansas, and came within one vote of being elected to congress at one time. Mr. Neihardt was twice elected sheriff of Seward county, and has served eight years as justice of the peace in "G " precinct, and is now serving his second term as police judge. Was married to Miss Kate Rogers, at Essex, Indiana, Jan. 3, 1858. They have raised three children, Schuyler C., died in Seward ; Mary C., now Mrs. J. A. Divan, of Ruby ; Emma A., one of our accomplished young teachers.
265
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
RICHARD S. NORVAL
Was born in 1849, in Fulton county, Illinois. His early boyhood was spent on the farm of his father. Received his early education in the log school-house of the pioneer days of Fulton county, but while in his teens pursued a regular course of study at Hedding College, at Abingdon, Knox county, but did not graduate. Taught several terms of school in the old neighborhood. Took a regular course with his older brother (Judge Norval) in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and graduated in the same class with honors. In 1871, in company with his brother, he settled at Seward, and opened a law office, where success has crowned his efforts in a marked degree. In less than sixteen years he has risen from the humble beginning of a student to the front rank among the legal lights of Nebraska. Mr. Norval was married in the fall of 1873, to Miss Martha A. Gray, of Knox county, Illinois, and to their union have been born eight children, three of whom died while young. The five are with their parents, viz., Eva M., Oliver Gray, Ethel, Cloyd, and Leona.
HON. T. L. NORVAL, JUDGE OF THE 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT,
Was born in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1847, August 26th. He attended the public schools and worked on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, when he commenced a course of study at Hedding College, at Abingdon. At twenty he commenced teaching, spending all leisure moments study- ing Blackstone and Kent. Visited Nebraska in 1869, and being so well pleased with the country he determined to make it his future home. In the fall of 1869 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he graduated with honors in March, 1871, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Michigan, a few days afterward. He returned to his old home and taught a year to earn money to get a library, and in the spring of 1872 he located at Seward, and engaged in the practice of his profession with his younger brother, Richard S. Married Miss Ella Godfrey, Feb. 5, 1875. They have two little girls, viz., Winnie, born Feb. 16 1878, and Merle, born May 10, 1883. Mr. Norval has been engaged in many very important trials, such as the Midland bond injunction, the Lincoln & N. W. R. R. bond injunction, the Jones tax case, the Clough murder, the Cassler murder, the Patrick murder, and many others. As a lawyer he has been very successful. He is a republican in politics. Has been honored with many offices, viz., city clerk, councilman, mayor, was state senator in 1879, and was appointed in the spring of 1883 by Gov. Dawes to succeed Judge Post as judge of the 6th judicial district of Nebraska. In the following fall he was nominated by acclamation, by the repub- lican convention at Aurora, for the same office, and was elected by a large majority over Hon. M. A. Mills, having in Seward county alone near 1,000 majority. Was again elected in 1887, by increased majorities, getting every vote in Seward county, and all but three in Polk county. Mr. Norval has proved a success wherever tried, as a teacher, as a lawyer, a senator, and a judge, and in a marked degree en- joys the confidence and esteem of the whole people.
REV. C. E. PHINNEY
Was one of our pioneer ministers, who settled at an early day in the western part of the county. He went to work bravely and earnestly in his " Master's vine-
266
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
yard," and reared the standard of the cross. Would face winter storms and en- dure poverty and fatigue to better the condition of the people and bring them up to a higher standard in morality and religious life, and the community owes him its grateful remembrance for the good work done in their behalf. He has justly earned the high esteem with which his church and the people hold him. Long may he live to enjoy the society of friends and neighbors, and at the last receive the welcome embrace of the Savior he has served so well.
REV. JOSEPH H. PRESSON
Was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1840. His father was a Methodist preacher. The family moved to Rushville, Ills., in 1846. The lad's life was void of special incidents, other than that of preachers' boys in general. Just as he became of age the war broke out, and he enlisted in 1861, and was in the famous 15th Army Corps under Gen. Sherman, participating in all its marches and in many of its con- flicts until after the capture of Atlanta. Was in the following battles: Shiloh, Shelby Depot, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, May 19th and May 22, 1863, the siege ending July 4, 1863, Jackson, Miss., Amsterdam Ford, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw, and Atlanta. Was mustered out of the service at Chattanooga, Oct. 30, 1864, and within sixty days he had found his way to the territory of Ne- braska, and settled at Tecumseh. Here he resided six years. Was twice elected county clerk, and served four years. He had the honor of nailing on the first lath that ever was placed upon the wall in Johnson county. He was converted and became a member of the M. E. church in 1866, and was the same year licensed to preach. Joined the Nebraska Conference in 1871, and was appointed junior preacher under Rev. A. L. Folden, at Tecumseh. Was afterwards sent to Platts- mouth, to Omaha 18th street church, to Nebraska City, and Pawnee City, and then, by special request of the official board, to his old home at Tecumseh. While at this charge his health failed, and he was compelled to engage in secular business for five years, but retaining his membership in the Conference. Returned to the work of the ministry in 1886, and was sent to Seward, where he has labored with great success and to the entire satisfaction of the church and the people to the present time. He is a man of marked ability as a public speaker, and scarcely ever fails to have a large and appreciative audience. His intelligence takes in a wide range, and he is unusually apt in his illustrations. At times, when he be- comes warmed up, his eloquence holds his audience spell-bound. Is a member of Seward G. A. R. post, and takes a warm interest in its work. Is enterprising, always interested in the advancement of every good work of the city or county. Is an every-day worker in the vineyard, foremost to lead all charities, very affable and genial in all his intercourse with the people. Was married to Miss Maggie Huff in 1866. They have three sons. His amiable and intelligent wife is a great help to him in his ministerial work.
JOHN ROBERTS, SEN.
Was born Nov. 29, 1813, in Henry Co., Kentucky. His father was from the old Virginia stock that moved to Sonth Carolina and thence to Kentucky when it was a wilderness. John was raised a farmer boy in that new region. where school op- portunities were meager, and his early education was limited. The family moved to Fulton Co., III., in 1835, and again pitched their tent in the wilds of that new
267
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
'land among the first settlers. John here married Miss Susan Hall, daughter of John and Prudence Hall. She was born April 30, 1818, in Franklin Co., Ill., where her parents had settled in the territory of Illinois some years before. Susan was born just before Illinois was admitted as a state to the Union, 1818. The young people made themselves a farm and resided in Fulton county until their removal to Seward county in 1866. All their ten children were born at their Ful- ton county home, viz., Lucy Jane, now Mrs. John Durland; John N., of Seward; Mary, the former wife of Richard Sampson, now deceased; Susan, now Mrs. J. C. Sampson, of Seward; Prudence, now Mrs. J. M. Palmer, of Ulysses, Neb .; Jasper, now deceased; James T .; Marion, now of Elbert Co., Col .; Laura I., now Mrs. A. M. Hickman, of Seward, and Douglas H., of Elbert, Col. The old people have a great number of grandchildren who are now grown, and quite a number of great- grandchildren. Mr. Roberts erected the first frame building on the site of Seward, which is spoken of elsewhere in these pages. He has had quite an important part in the building of our city. In 1871 he platted the south half of the homestead into lots, as part of the Harris, Moffit, and Roberts' addition. Has built three sub- stantial brick business houses. He was quite fortunate in his selections of lands when he first came here and they have made him a handsome fortune. He had a prominent part in the struggles of the pioneer days, when everything was so un- handy. He hauled lumber with teams from Nebraska City for his first building. The old people now have a comfortable and beautiful home, just by the splendid city they helped to build.
JOHN N. ROBERTS,
Son of John Roberts, Sen., was born in Fulton Co., Ill., in 1838. Married Miss Margaret A. Shreves, who was born in Bedford Co., Pa., and with her parents set- tled in Fulton county while she was a child. Their wedding occurred Angust 6, 1863. The young couple moved to Seward county in the spring of 1865, and set- tled on a homestead (their present farm). There have been born to them eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Samuel O., Cora A., now Mrs. Peter Sampson (she is one of the few born in this neighborhood that are married); Maggie L., Lillie V., Julian R., and John F. Mr. Roberts may fairly be counted among our most prosperous farmers. Has an excellent farm, finely improved, and he is very prosperous.
FRANK G. SIMMONS
Was born in the city of New York, on May 31, 1854. His parents were people of good family, though in moderate circumstances, his father being of a Massachusetts family, while his mother traced her descent to the early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam. At an early age his mother died, but her place was taken by her sister, who took care of the children so devotedly that they never felt the loss of their mother. The boy began to go to school at four years of age, and was a con- stant attendant until twelve years old. At that time the death of his father com- pelled him to seek his own living, and he went to work in a book-binding estab- lishment in New York. He remained there but a short time, and in 1867 went to Illinois, where he worked on a farm for about eight years, going to school as he was able to during the fall and winter seasons. In 1874 he came to Nebraska, and located at Seward, and has resided here ever since. For about three years he
268
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
taught school, and then went into the printing business, going into the office of the Nebraska Reporter. After learning the printer's trade he worked in the office for several years, and finally, in 1882, bought the paper, which he still owns. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Simmons was appointed steward of the Nebraska Institution for Feeble-Minded Youth, located at Beatrice, and is now devoting his time mainly to that business, though he still continues to edit his paper. He was mar- ried Jan. 1, 1879, to Miss Anna W. Boughton, and they have four children, viz., Ruby M., Iva E., Arthur L., and Beulah. Mr. Simmons is a growing man. He was but a mere boy when he came to Nebraska, and with no help but his own determination he has steadily advanced step by step until he is among the best known editors of our state. We predict a bright future for him.
THOMAS SKILLMAN,
The first settler in F precinct, was born in New Jersey on Nov. 1, 1843. His wid- owed mother moved to Fulton county, Ill., in 1851, where Thomas was a resident until the spring of 1865. Married Miss America Johnson in December, 1864. The young couple moved to Seward county the following spring, and Mr. Skillman made his claim (the present farm) on Lincoln creek, and was for a time our most western settler. These young people had many hardships to endure, as they were just beginning life and had but little means, but by perseverance and energy they have succeeded in making for themselves a pleasant home and are now quite inde- pendent. They have only one child (a son), Jerry T., now past twenty-one, and is one of the few grown men that were born in this settlement.
GEN. JAMES M. TRUE
Was born in Scott county, Kentucky, Oct. 14, 1823. Moved with his parents to Coles county, Ill., in 1834, and there grew up to manhood, living and working on a farm. In 1852 commenced the mercantile business in Charleston, Ill. This bus- iness he followed until he enlisted as a private at the opening of the war, in Co. E, 38th 111. Infantry Vol., and was elected captain of the company. Was mustered into the service at Springfield, Aug. 2, 1861. His command operated in south- east Missouri. December 1, 1861, Gov. Yates, of Illinois, sent him a commission as colonel of the 62d Ill. Infantry Vol., for meritorious service. He at once joined his regiment and took command. The regiment was mustered into service April 10, 1862, by Capt. John Watson, of the regular army. Served this regiment until March 5, 1865, when President Lincoln sent his name to the senate for Brigadier General of volunteers, and on the 18th of April, President Johnson signed his com- mission and forwarded it to him in the extreme southern part of Arkansas, where he was in command of a section of country, having a brigade and division com- mand most of the time for two years previous. His operations were in the western army under its different commanders, much of the time with and near General Grant. In the sanguinary engagements, marches, and counter-marches of the bloody campaigns of the noble western army, our subject had a very impor- tant part, and acted it well. Was a brave soldier, and a good general, and had the respect and love of all the boys under his command. At the close of the war he returned to his former business in Mattoon, Ill. Within the first year he was elected to the legislature from the district composed of Coles, Edgar, Vermilion, and Douglas, by two thousand majority. This was the 25th general assembly of
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.