History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 38

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co.
Number of Pages: 1056

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WILLIAM H. SCHOOLEY, who has spent thirty-three years of his life in Nebraska, is well known both in Banner and Scottsbluff counties. Coming to the state in 1886, he ex- perienced many pioneer hardships, and his reminiscences of those early days are very in- teresting.

William H. Schooley was born July 2, 1851, in Martin county, Indiana, a son of Obed and Rachel ( Morley) Schooley. His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana. They never came to Nebraska. The father died in Missouri, the mother in Indiana. Wil- liam H. Schooley attended the district schools in Indiana and grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1881 they moved to Kansas, living there four years. In 1886 he came to what was then old Cheyenne county, Nebraska, now Banner county, homesteaded 160 acres, proved up and remained on that place until 1895, when he sold it and came to Scottsbluff county. He engaged in general farming and raised cattle.

On March 29, 1877, William H. Schooley

was united in marriage, in Indiana, to Miss Mary Jane Wildman, and they have had five children : Nettie, who lives at home; Harvey, who is a farmer on the old homestead ; James, who resides in Sioux county ; Elmer, who died of pneumonia at Camp Morrison, Virginia, while in military service during the World War; and Levi, who went to France with the American Expeditionary Forces and returned in July, 1919. In 1900 Miss Nettie Schooley homesteaded in Scottsbluff county and her farm of 160 acres, situated on section 23, town- ship 23-54, is a very valuable property. Mr. Schooley has looked after his daughter's farm- ing interests for some time but is now prac- tically retired. The family is very highly re- spected in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Schooley are members of the Christian church. In pol- ities he is independent in local affairs, but in national elections is a Democrat.

JOHN J. BROWN, who is well known in Scottsbluff county as an enterprising farmer and worthy citizen was born at Westbury, England, May 26, 1878, and was reared and educated there. He is a son of Henry W. and Mary (Jackson) Brown, both of whom still live at Westbury, where the father is a cloth manufacturer.

John J. Brown remained in his native land until twenty-eight years old and then came to the United States. In 1906 he reached Scottsbluff county, Nebraska, and homestead- ed one hundred and sixty acres. He has placed substantial improvements here and as soon as the ditching project that is under way is completed, will have an exceedingly valuable estate. He carries on general farming and has met with more than a moderate degree of suc- cess.

Since becoming a citizen of the United States, Mr. Brown has made one visit to Eng- land, where, on January 18, 1917, he was mar- ried to Miss Ethel Grist, who is a daughter of Edward and Emma (Wheeler) Grist, who re- side at Westbury, England, where Mr. Grist is a cloth maker. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Brown has never served in any public office although well quali- fied as to character and sound judgment. Po- litically he is affiliated with the Democratic party.

S. S. FOLMSBEE, is a pioneer not only of western Nebraska, but of the entire west. He was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 30, 1833. He missed being born on Decoration Day by some forty years, but, of course, when he chose May 30 for his birthday he had no

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way of knowing that Congress would pick the same day, many years later, for Memorial Dav.

The father of Mr. Folmsbee was Isaac Folmsbee, a native of Pennsylvania, who served his country as a major in the War of 1812. His mother, Debora (Swift) Folmsbee, was a native of Maine.

The subject of this sketch freighted through Nebraska over the old Oregon Trail to Cali- fornia in 1852, and encountered the hardships and adventures that were common to that dangerous journey, meeting many Indians, and stopping long enough to carve his name on the famous chimney Rock. Arriving safe in Cali- fornia, he spent five years in mining in the newly discovered gold field, but failed to make a big strike and ended his adventure by enlist- ing in the United States navy and cruising in Pacific waters for three years. In 1860 he re- turned to his home, and in 1862 was married in Indiana to Mary Quick, who was born June 27, 1843, in Franklin county, Indiana, the daugh- ter of George and Susan (Lyons) Quick, both natives of that state. They lived together fifty- seven years.

Mr. Folmsbee moved to Nebraska in 1886 and located five miles south of where Melbeta village now stands. Here he made his home until about fifteen years before his death. Eight years ago he moved to Melbeta where his death occured March 20, 1919, at the age of eighty-six years. To him and his wife were born eleven children, namely: Leona, Jennie, Myrtle, Cora, Emmet, Harry, Clifford. Stella, Maude, Ethel and George; eight of whom are living.

He was a successful man and enjoyed the respect and esteem of those who knew him. His homestead in Scottsbluff county was im- proved by his own labor and remains as a monument to his industry and progressiveness.

JOHN E. CLURE, who is an enterprising and progressive young farmer of Scottsbluff county, owns a valuable irrigated farm and operates it carefully, intelligently and success- fully. Mr. Clure was born in Dawes county, Nebraska, November 10, 1888.

John Clure, the father, now resides on a farm near Bayard, in Morrill county. He was born at Aurora. Illinois, July 2, 1849, son of Joseph and Mary ( Burlaugh) Clure, natives of Canada. When he was ten years of age the family removed to Benton county, Iowa, later going to Iowa county. John Clure en- gaged in farming. He lived in Cass county, Iowa, until removal in 1881 to Dawes county,

Nebraska. Later he lived in Scottsbluff coun- ty, and then moved to Morrill county, where he has lived since. He married while in Iowa Sarah M. Parker, who was born in Lee coun- ty, Illinois, the daughter of Humphrey and Nancy J. (Cole) Parker, natives of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Clure endured in Nebraska, all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity.

John E. Clure lived in Dawes county until he was about eight years old, when he accom- panied his parents to Morrill county, where he attended school and assisted his father on the home farm until 1908. In that year he began farming for himself and has demon- strated his competency. He now owns eighty acres of finely improved, irrigated land in Scottsbluff county and devotes it to general crop raising.

Mr. Clure was married to Miss Elsie Wood, who was born in Scottsbluff county, January 19, 1895, a daughter of J. P. Wood, a sketch of whom will be found in this work.

GEORGE B. DENTON, who is one of the substantial farmers and livestock men of Scottsbluff county, has been engaged in farm pursuits all his life, and for the past fifteen years has been operating for himself.

George B. Denton was born February 1, 1876, in Pennsylvania, and is a son of J. B. and Eliza (Bateman) Denton, both of whom were born in England. J. B. Denton was brought to the United States when eleven years old and his wife came here when nine- teen years old. They were married in Penn- sylvania and in 1886 came to Nebraska and settled in Box Butte county. The father is a retired farmer and both parents live at Alliance. George B. Denton accompanied his parents to Box Butte county and assisted his father until 1904, when he began farming on his own responsibility. In 1918 he came to Scottsbluff county and purchased two hun- dred and forty acres of well improved, irri- gated land. Additionally he owns three sec- tions of cattle land in Sioux county.

Mr. Denton married Miss Anna Lore, who was born in Kansas, November 10, 1880, a daughter of J. A. and Luella (Dunlap) Lore. The mother of Mrs. Denton is deceased but the father is yet an active farmer in Box Butte county. Mr. and Mrs. Denton have three children, namely: Arthur, Richard and Ever- ett, aged respectively sixteen, thirteen and seven years. Mrs. Denton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Denton

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is somewhat interested in politics and votes the Republican ticket. He is widely known in this section and very well thought of.

AUSTIN MOOMAW, has been a resident of the great state of Nebraska for over a half century. He was born in Pike county, Illi- nois, July 29, 1860. His parents were Joel and Susan (Pence) Moomaw. The father was born in Ross county, Ohio, engaged in farming all his life and died in Missouri when aged seventy-three years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and lived to be eighty-four years old. In 1871 the family went to Missouri, but it was not until the spring of 1887 that Austin Moomaw filed on a claim and moved on the homestead in Scottsbluff county, on which he has lived ever since. The early days here were full of trial and discourage- ment to the hardworking settlers and almost all of them lost crops and cattle because of unseasonable storms and unusual dry weather. At that time there was not a house in sight and he lived for fifteen years in a sod house. Farseeing men may have visioned a time when the arid land might be transformed into pro- ductive farms, but if so, their ideas came to naught for many years. In the meanwhile sturdy, hopeful men like Austin Moomaw held on to their land and the time has arrived when the wildest fancies of those who believed in the country's great future have been more than realized. Mr. Moomaw owns three hundred and twenty acres of well improved, irrigated land and is successfully engaged in general farming and crop raising.

Mr. Moomaw was married to Miss Agnes Spriggs, who was born in northern Missouri, March 15, 1860, a daughter of Thomas R. and Luvenia (Carlin) Spriggs, natives of West- moreland county, Virginia, the former of whom died on his farm when aged sixty-six years, and the latter when seventy-three years old. Mrs. Moomaw served two terms, four years, as county superintendent of schools in the early days. Mr. and Mrs. Moomaw have two children, namely: Leon and Vera, the latter of whom is the wife of Roy Walford, who is an attorney at Lincoln Nebraska; the son is married and lives in Morrill county. Both the children were given college educa- tions. The family belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Moomaw has always voted the Democratic ticket but has never been willing to serve in pubilc office.

MELVILLE NEIGHBORS, who is an en- terprising and successful young farmer of Scottsbluff county, operating on section 10,

was born April 7, 1894, in Missouri. His par- ents are Joseph G. and Carrie A. (Franklin) Neighbors, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Melville Neighbors obtained his education in Nebraska. He remained at home assisting his father until 1915, when he started out for himself and now operates eighty acres of ir- rigated land very profitably, devoting it to general farming. He follows modern methods in carrying on his farm industries and uses improved machinery.

Mr. Neighbors was married to Miss Marie Peterson in 1915, who was born in Morrill county, November 3, 1898. Her parents are Arthur and Elizabeth (Phillips) Peterson, both of whom were born in Canada. The fath- er is still engaged in farming in Morrill coun- ty. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbors are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

MISS MYRTLE HILL. - There are fine, productive farms in Scottsbluff county and the histories of these read much alike because they all have been developed out of a wilderness through the industry of men and women who went through hardship and deprivation to make them what they are. The owners of these farms are not the only pioneers who came here and made attempts at settlement, but they are, in almost every case where injus- tice was not done, those who were on the field early and labored hard to acquire what they have. One of these fine properties is owned by Myrtle Hill, a well known resident of this county.

Miss Hill was born in Sullivan county, New York, December 21, 1856. Her parents were Albert and Sarah L. (Palmer Hill, both na- tives of Sullivan county, the father born August 12, 1825, and the mother, February 2, 1828. The father of Miss Hill was a farmer and also operated a sawmill. In 1885 Myrtle Hill came to Scottsbluff county and took a homestead and a tree claim but as this claim was contested, she lost that property. She still has the homestead, to which she subsequently added and now owns three hun- dred and sixty acres of the finest land in the county, all irrigated and well improved. Miss Hill values her land at $300 an acre. She has seen hard times in this section but never lost faith in the real fertility of the soil and has lived to see her ideas on irrigation carried out She carries on general farming and also raises some stock. Miss Hill is one of the county's substantial women.

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HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

ARTHUR A. JEFFORDS, who is one of McGrew's most highly respected retired citi- zens, came to Scottsbluff county at an early date and has been prominently identified with its developing enterprises. Mr. Jeffords has been particularly interested in the great ir- rigation projects that have changed this once arid country into a section of agricultural pro- fusion and has made it one of the richest counties in the state of Nebraska.

Arthur A. Jeffords was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, June 25, 1850. His parents were John and Nancy Jeffords, both of whom were born in Ohio. The father was a farmer there until 1886, when he moved to Nebraska, set- tling near Broken Bow in Custer county. The mother died there when aged sixty-six years, but the father survived until in his seventy- ninth year.

Mr. Jeffords in 1886 drove from Iowa to Custer county, Nebraska, with a team of horses. He traded the horses for oxen and after one of the oxen died, worked his land with a cow and the other ox. He landed in what was then called Cheyenne county witlı not much more in worldly wealth than a sack of beans and $70 in cash. He homesteaded one and a half miles south of McGrew, but at that time there was nothing to be seen but bare prairie which was the range for the Bay State cattle company. He homesteaded one hun- dred and sixty acres and also secured a timber claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and for a number of years carried on agricultural operations, then sold and retired to McGrew, where he has since resided. He was a di- rector of the first school established in school district eighteen and continued to be inter- ested in the schools as long as he lived in that district. He served for four years as asses- sor. Mr. Jeffords was one of the enterprising men instrumental in getting the Castle Rock ditch project started, in 1889, and has been a member of the managing board ever since.

Mr. Jeffords was married to Miss Mary E. Kating, who was born at Lexington, Ken- tucky, a daughter of Edward and Katherine Kating, the former of whom was born in Ire- land. The mother of Mrs. Jeffords survives, but the father has never been heard from since he started for Pike's Peak in search of gold. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffords have three children: Ira, a carpenter at Ogallala ; Mrs. Abbie Van- devere, of Ogallala ; and Glenn, a ranchman in Wyoming. Mr. Jeffords has always been identified with the Democratic party.

HENRY C. BLOOD, who owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scotts- bluff county, at one time was quite active in its management, but is now practically re- tired from agricultural pursuits. He is well and favorably known over the county, especial- ly at Minatare, where he was in the hay, grain and coal business for ten years.

Mr. Blood was born in Portage county, Ohio, April 17, 1868, a son of Adorno and Hannah F. Blood,the former of whom died in his for- ty-fourth year and the latter when aged seven- ty-five years. They came to Nebraska in 1887 and the father homesteaded in Sioux county. Mr. Blood had two sisters, Mrs. Ettie Yoey and Mrs. Mary Hood, the former of whom is deceased and the latter resides at Melbeta, Ne- braska.

In 1887 Mr. Blood homesteaded in Sioux county, Nebraska, and spent ten years on his homestead of one hundred and sixty acres there, then came to Scottsbluff county in 1897 and worked for others and rented land for several years. In 1901 he bought property at Minatare. He has put excellent improvements on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres and has seventy-five acres ditched. He raises hay and grain exclusively. He has always voted the Democratic ticket.

JOHN BRADY, who is a representative citizen of Scottsbluff county, an extensive farmer, large landowner and successful cattle raiser, was born in Columbia county, Wiscon- sin, January 14, 1851. His parents were John and Rose Brady, both of whom were born in Ireland. They came to the United States in 1842 and settled in Wisconsin. The father served in the Mexican war. He and wife died on his Wisconsin farm at advanced age.

John Brady was reared on a farm but had excellent educational advantages and for nine years before coming to Nebraska was super- intendent of schools of Fillmore county, Min- nesota. He came to Scottsbluff county in 1912 and homesteaded one hundred and two acres, and at the same time his two sisters and his mother-in-law also homesteaded. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land irrigated by the Highland government ditch. When the family came first to this valley there were few neighbors and no or- ganized road system. Mr. Brady has very sub- stantially improved his property, has a com- fortable and attractive rural home place and all buildings needed for the carrying on of farm industries in a modern way. He en-

MR. AND MRS. BECK

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gages in general farming and raises registered Shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Brady was united in marriage to Har- riet Elizabeth Janes. Her father was born in Illinois and her mother in Canada. They came early to Kearney, Nebraska, and Mrs. Brady enjoyed excellent educational training and for a number of years prior to her mar- riage, was an instructor in the Kearney high school. Mr. and Mrs. Brady have one son, John H., who is in business at Seattle, Wash- ington. Mr. Brady has always given his po- litical support to the Republican party. With his family he belongs to the Presbyterian church. For many years he has been active in Masonic circles and assisted in establishing the first Masonic lodge at Minatare.

WILLIAM H. BECK, who was one of Banner county's most respected citizens for many years, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1847 and died in Gering. December 1, 1904. He was an example of the honest, industrious, intelligent and conscientious pioneer settler, to which class Banner and other counties of this great state owe so much in the way of sub- stantial development.

The parents of Mr. Beck were William and Mary Ann (Hartman) Beck, who were mar- ried February 29, 1844. At the age of thirty- five years William Beck became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was born at Middletown, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1817.

William H. Beck grew to manhood in Ohio and when the Civil War came on proved his loyalty to the Union by enlisting as a soldier in Company F, 186th Ohio Infantry, in which he served faithfully and took part in many battles. It was after the war was over that he went to Indiana, where on June 3, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Brown, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, De- cember 22, 1842. Her parents were Tivis H. and Matilda (Banister) Brown, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Beck was the fourth born of their seven children, six of whom were daughters. For four years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Becek lived in Indiana. In 1884 they came to Nebraska and settled in what was then Cheyenne county, later changed to Banner county, where Mr. Beck preëmpted land and also secured a timber claim. He was a general farmer and at the time of retirement, about 1900, came to Gering and owned 320 acres of well developed land.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beck : Mrs. Nora McCoy, whose husband is a merchant in Oregon ; Worthy, who died in

infancy ; Mrs. Grace Nelly Forman, who lives near Mitchell; Mrs. Sadie Bell McCampsey, who lives in Oregon: Mrs. Mary E. Adcock, who is deceased ; and Walter T., who resides near Gering, Nebraska. Mr. Beck was a Re- publican in politics. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which religious body Mrs. Beck also belongs, in which she is quite active at Gering. She has a small residence in this city and has a wide acquaint- ance and many friends.

FRED L. BURNS, who has passed almost his entire life in the state of Nebraska, is a representative and prominent citizen of Scotts- bluff county and is the owner of a fine farm but resides at Gering. He was born in Illinois, October 27, 1869 and accompanied his parents to Nebraska in 1871. Both parents, A. S. and Elizabeth Burns, were born in Canada. The father homesteaded in Fillmore county, but now resides with his son at Gering. The mother died when aged fifty-five years.

Fred Burns obtained his education in the public schools. In 1901 he came to Scottsbluff county and in 1906 homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, eighty-eight of which are under irrigation. He married Miss Nan Ful- ton, who was born in Missouri. Her parents were J. R. and Mary Fulton, who were born in Ohio, came to Fillmore county, Nebraska, and homesteaded and died in that county aged respectively seventy-six and eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have an adopted son, Ed- ward Burns, who is a bright and obedient youth now attending school at Gering. For some years before her marriage, Mrs. Burns taught school in Fillmore county and also in Wyoming and both she and Mr. Burns have been greatly interested in school development in school district number thirty-three. The first sessions were held in a dugout, in 1905, but in 1908 a schoolhouse, ISx24 feet in di- mensions was provided and in 1910 an addi- tion was built to the structure. Largely through Mr. Burns's influence a commodious, modern school structure took its place in 1915. The first teacher was a Miss Elquist, who had six pupils, while now there are forty or more and when all are present two teachers are re- quired. In politics Mr. Burns is an old-line Republican. He has served in different local offices and was deputy county treasurer from 1907 until 1912, and county treasurer from 1912 to 1916, and Mrs. Burns was deputy under him. Mrs. Burns owns one hundred and sixty acres of fine land southwest of Ger- ing.

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HARVEY HARWARD, who is a well known, enterprising and highly respected citi- zen of Scottsbluff county, a successful farmer and public official for a number of years, was born in Iowa, January 9, 1864. His parents were Charles and Nancy Harward, natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer all his life and died in Missouri at the age of sixty-five.

Harvey Harward lost his mother when he was eight years old. He has one older broth- er. He came to Nebraska and on April 13, 1886, homesteaded one hundred and forty-four and a half acres and secured a timber claim, and since that time has improved four farms and has in prospect another. He now has eighty acres ditched and is making extensive improvements.

În Scottsbluff county Mr. Harward was united in marriage to Miss Ina Williams. Her parents were T. J. and Lovina ( Michel) Will- iams, the latter of whom died at the age of fifty years. The father of Mrs. Harward was born in Henry county Iowa, February 9, 1849. His parents were Henry and Leah (Stan- brough) Williams, natives of Ohio. Mr. Will- iams spent twenty-nine years in Iowa, then moved to Dakota and in 1885 to Cheyenne county and homesteaded near Bayard, one hun- dred and sixty acres of dry land all of which is now ditched. He no longer is active on the farm but Mr. Harward, with whom he lives, looks after his interests. Mr. Williams was county assessor from 1892 until 1896, held school offices many years and was a leading citizen in many ways. His children were as follows : Mrs. Rose Williamson of Iowa ; Mrs. Harvey Harward, of Scottsbluff county; Mrs. Gatch, Mrs. Davis and A. O. Williams, all of Scottsbluff county; R. C., of Melbeta; and Guy, deceased. The last named left two chil- dren, Lovina and Thomas James, and Mr. Harward is rearing them as his own.

In politics, Mr. Harward has always been more or less an independent voter. For a number of years he has held school offices and offices in connection with irrigation projects and has also been assessor. He has been very active in forwarding educational and church movements and on January 22, 1889, helped to organize the First Baptist church in High- land precinct, a charter member with J. M. Adams and L. A. Christian. Both he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and he is superitnendent of the Sunday school.

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History of western Nebraska and its people, Vol. III, Part 38

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865- Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co. Number of Pages: 1056

Author: Shumway, Grant Lee, 1865-
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., The Western publishing & engraving co.
Number of Pages: 1056