USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 37
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 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
James Dickson divided his time between attending the public schools and assisting his father until 1860 when he put aside his textbooks and concentrated his attention upon the farm work. Thirteen years later he came by wagon with the family to Lancaster county, and for a year he gave his father the benefit of his labor. In 1874, however, he worked in a grist mill and a lumber yard at Palmyra, Nebraska, and in 1875 again turned his attention to farming, purchasing a team and renting land in Panama precinct, south of the town of that name. He operated that place until 1878 when he was married and removed to another farm which he rented for a year. Ile then bought eighty acres of railroad land on section 9. Panama precinct, which he brought under cultivation and on which he made many improvements. From time to time he added to his holdings until he held title to four hundred and forty- acres of fine land in Panama precinct, a quarter section of which he farmed while he rented the remainder. There are
355
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
four sets of buildings on his farms and all of his land is in a high state of culti- vation. In 1895 he bought land in Panama and erected a fine modern residence where he now lives and his home farm is operated by his children. The other farms are rented. In 1897 he was active in the grain business, building the West Elevator in partnership with Nick Nevine, the firm being known as Dickson \ Nevine. They bought grain extensively and also engaged in buying and shipping hogs, so continuing until 1905 when Mr. Dickson sold his interest in the business to Denton Brothers. The business is now being conducted under the name of Nevine Elevator. For two years Mr. Dickson was manager of the Panama I lorse Company which was organized by eighteen or twenty farmers of Panama precinct for the purpose of improving the horses raised in the county. Mr. Dickson also aided in organizing the Bank of Panama and is now one of the directors of that institution. He has met with success in all he has undertaken and is one of the substantial men of the county.
On the ist of January, 1878, Mr. Dickson was married to Miss Amanda Johnston, who was born near Brownville, Richardson county, Nebraska, on the 20th of May, 1860. Her father, Oscar Mitchell Johnston, was a native of Wytheville, Wythe county, Virginia, and his birth occurred on the 3d of July, 1832. He was reared by an uncle and received his education in the Old Dominion. In 1846, when fourteen years of age, he went to Chicago where he resided for a number of years and where he was married in 1856. The following year he went to Brownville, Nebraska, where he engaged in the lumber business. Later he freighted from Nebraska City and Omaha to Denver, Colorado, transporting supplies and provisions to the gold miners there. In those days the Indians were still numerous and troublesome and he had many exciting adventures on the plains. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C of the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, which was commanded by Captain Bailey. Mr. Johnston served through the war. participating in many battles. While at the front he was taken ill of fever and returned to Nebraska and was confined for some time in a hos- pital in Omaha. On recovering his health he rejoined his regiment and was in active service until the close of hostilities. When peace was restored he returned to Brownville, Nebraska, and engaged in the lumber business with C. J. Bell, as a partner, for a number of years. In 1872, however, he removed to Panama precinct, where he had taken up a homestead claim. On his arrival here, how- ever, he found that someone had jumped his claim and he therefore rented land which he operated until 1902, when he retired and purchased a residence in Panama, where he lived until called by death on the 18th of December, 1907. He is buried at Panama. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Josephine McCord, was born in Louisville, Kentucky. on the 9th of November, 1838, but when four years of age was taken to Wisconsin, where she. received her education. She passed away in Panama, on the 14th of January, 1907, when sixty-eight years of age and was buried in the cemetery here.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dickson have been born four children. Evelyn, who was born on the home farm on section o. Panama precinct, August 2, 1878, is now the wife of john Tilton, who is operating that farm. Oscar Charles, born on the 9th of September, 1883, is now engaged in farming in this county. Josephine Grace was born on the 14th of Septemberbisss and is the wife (0) J. E. Chrystal. a Presbyterian minister located at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Blanche Ruby, whose
356.
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
birth occurred on the 15th of March, 1896, passed away on the 21st of December, Ig10, and is buried at Panama.
Mr. Dickson supports the republican party at the polls and for one term served on the school board of the town of Panama. He is identified with Panama Lodge, No. 2227. M. W. A., in which he has passed all of the chairs, and Panama Lodge, No. 220, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all of the offices and which he has represented as state delegate. Ile is a member of the Presbyterian church and takes a commendable interest in the work of that organization. Ilis wife united with the Presbyterian church in 1872 and was the organizer of the con- gregation at Panama. Both are widely known in the county and are held in the highest esteem.
IRA C. SNYDER.
Ira C. Snyder, who is engaged in farming in Waverly precinct, was born three miles north of the town of Waverly, on the 22d of December, 1880, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary E. ( Hetrick) Snyder. The father was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1850, and on beginning his independent career turned his attention to agricultural pursuits In 1877 he migrated from Pennsylvania to Nebraska and located upon a farm in Waverly precinct, which he operated until his death, in 1888, and gained a gratifying income from his land. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1856, survived until January, 1909. They were the parents of eleven children.
Ira C. Snyder, the fifth in order of birth, attended the Jordan school in Waverly precinct and when eighteen years old began working for others. He was thoroughly familiar with agricultural methods for he had operated the home farm for five years previously, taking charge of the place when only thir- teen years old. After working as a hired hand for two years he farmed the homestead for a similar length of time and then resided for a year south of Greenwood, in Cass county. On the expiration of that period he removed to his present place, which comprises one hundred and seventy-one acres in Waverly precinct. This he owns and has brought it to a high state of development and also operates an additional two hundred and forty acres. He has been very successful not only in growing grain but also in stock raising and his resources are constantly increasing. He is a member of the Farmers Cooperative Associa- tion at Waverly.
On the 9th of April, 1902, occurred the marriage of Mr. Snyder and Miss Lizzie Beachell, who was born in Pennsylvania. Her father, Henry Beachell, engaged in farming and in following the saddler's trade during his early years, but later conducted a meat market in Kansas City, Missouri. In igor he removed to Waverly, where he lived retired for a time but now makes his home with a son at Valparaiso. During the Civil war he served for three years in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry under General Palmer and was entertained at the General's mansion at Colorado Springs at the time of the reunion of the command. He married Miss Louise Kauffman, a native of Pennsylvania, who passed away in 1912. They were the parents of seven children of whom Mrs.
.... . .....
IRA C. SNYDER AND FAMILY
Digitized by Microsoft ®
Digitized by Microsoft ®
359
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
Snyder was the fifth in order of birth. By her marriage she has the following children : William Claire, who was born in September, 1903: Glenn B., whose birth occurred on the 22d of December, 1905; Vern Eugene, born on the 17th of April, 1908: and Lester Ira, born May 17, 1912.
Mr. Snyder belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Waverly and fraternally is connected with the Masonic lodge at Greenwood and the Modern Woodmen of America at Waverly, in which he has held the office of venerable consul and is now serving as one of the board of managers. In political belief he is a republican but has confined his activity in public affairs to the exercise of his right of franchise.
ALLEN ELIZIER CROSBY.
Allen Elizier Crosby, vice president of the Baker Hardware Company of Lincoln, gives his time to the management of his business interests and is recog- nized as a man of enterprise, sound judgment and business insight. He was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, on the ist of December, 1873, a son of Charles and Emily ( Stephens) Crosby, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The father grew to manhood in the Keystone state and in his youth learned the harnessmakers' trade. In 1877 he became a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, and was connected with the Whitman Harness Company of Lincoln for many years. He passed away in Valparaiso, Saunders county, Nebraska, in 1880, and his wife died there in 1887. They were married in Milford. this state.
Allen Elizier Crosby accompanied his parents to Lancaster county in 1877 and received his education in the public schools of Valparaiso, as the family home was maintained there. In 1891, when eighteen years of age, Mr. Crosby became connected with the hardware business in Lincoln and in 1910 became a member of the Baker Hardware Company, of which he is now vice president. He is actively engaged in the conduct of the business, and his thorough knowl- edge of the stock carried and his familiarity with the most efficient methods of retail merchandising are important factors in the success of the enterprise.
Mr. Crosby was married in 1899 at Lincoln to Miss Anna Andra, a native of this city. She was born on the 6th of December, 1875, on the site of the Oliver theater, and is a daughter of Jacob and Lena ( Wittmann ) Andra, both natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in 1807. Her father has since followed the harnessmakers' trade in Lincoln and is a highly esteemed resident of the city. Her mother passed away here in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby have four children, namely: Eldon Charles Henry, who was born in August, 1900, and is attending school: Frances Magdalena, who was born in 1901 and is also in school; Dorothy Marie, whose birth occurred in 1907: and Ruth Leona, born January 9, 1916.
Mr. Crosby is a republican in politics and fraternally is connected with the Lincoln Camp, No. 916, M. W. A. He has gained a gratifying measure of suc- cess in business and his prosperity is the natural result of his energy and good management. Ile takes a great interest in the business@ pansion of Lincoln and can be depended upon to cooperate with all movements which seek the advance-
360
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
ment of his city along commercial and civic lines. He has resided in Lancaster county since carly boyhood and the fact that he is held in the highest esteem by those who have known him for years is incontestible proof of his genuine worth.
JOHN VAN BURGH.
John Van Burgh conducted the first hardware store in Hickman and had much to do with the early business development of the town. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him and his demise, which occurred in 1897, was deeply regretted. A native of The Netherlands, he was born on the 15th of November, 1839, a son of Andrew Van Burgh, who came to America about 1850, settling at Dunkirk, New York. Later he was joined by his family and for some time he worked as a laborer in New York but at length removed to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. He passed away at the home of his son John at Holland, that state.
John Van Burgh was a boy at the time of his emigration to the United States and completed his education in the public schools at Dunkirk, New York. He also learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it for a number of years at Cedar Grove, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. While living there he also engaged in farming to some extent and was successful in both occupations. In 1879 he removed to Buda township, Lancaster county, Nebraska, hoping that the change would benefit his wife's health. He purchased three eighty acre tracts of land, buying part of the land from the railroad company and part from a private owner. He improved his farm and devoted five years to its cultivation, at the end of which time he removed to Hickman and purchased land on which he and Herman Leisveld and John J. Trompen built the first grain elevator in the town. They were active as grain dealers for four years, but at the end of that time Mr. Van Burgh sold his interest in the business and turned his attention to the hardware field. He also purchased a number of city lots and bought an old school building, the first erected in Hickman, from the school board and removing this building to his lots, established a hardware store which he conducted until September. 1897. He was the first hardware merchant in Hickman and he drew his trade from a wide territory. He carried a good stock and his honesty coukl always be relied upon. As the years passed his resources increased and he became recognized as one of the most substantial residents of Hickman. He built a fine modern home and there he was living at the time of his demise in September, 1897.
At Holland, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, on the 16th of October, 1862, Mr. Van Burgh was united in marriage to Miss Anna Stryde, a daughter of Adrian and Nellie ( Leifbroer ) Stryde, natives of Holland, who emigrated to America in 1854 and settled at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the mother passed away on the 5th of August, 1854. The father subsequently removed to the vicinity of Holland. Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, and worked as a day laborer there until he purchased eighty acres of land, which he farmed for some time. In 1870 he disposed of that place- and came to, Nebraska with Mr. and Mrs. Van Burgh. He acquired title to eighty acres in South Pass precinct, Lancaster county, but
361
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
never operated that farm. He rented it to others and made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Van Burgh, first in Buda township and later at Hickman. His demise occurred on the 27th of September, 1903, and he is buried in the town cemetery. Mrs. Van Burgh was born at Kartgeen, The Netherlands, on the 24th of August, 1843. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Andrew Percy, who is farming in Wyoming ; Adrian Edward, who is conducting the hardware business established by his father at Hickman ; William Frank, who is in the hardware business at Omaha ; John Martin, a mechanic of Denver, Colo- rado ; Nellie Mae, who is a graduate of the School of Music of the Nebraska State University and is teaching music in Hickman and Lincoln; and James Lloyd, a teacher in a commercial college at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mrs. Van Burgh still resides in her home at Hickman and has the warm regard of all who have been brought into contact with her.
Mr. Van Burgh was an adherent of the republican party but never had time or inclination to hold office. He was characterized by industry, perseverence and sound judgment and also had the insight to recognize a good business oppor- tunity and the aggressiveness to take advantage thereof. In all of his dealings he was straightforward and upright and personally he was popular.
GEORGE RAYMOND BUCKNER.
George Raymond Buckner, filling the positon of president of the Lancaster county Bank of Waverly, which he established, is one of the most prominent young financiers of the county, and his ability and business acumen are generally recognized. His birth occurred at Macedonia, lowa, on the 2d of September, 1882, and he is a son of Perry and Dora ( Starts ) Buckner, the former born in Missouri on the ioth of March, 1852, and the latter in Illinois on the 21st of March, 1857. The father became a pioneer settler of lowa and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1884. The mother subsequently married W. H. Horn, a resident of University Place, Lincoln, who is also deceased. She, however, survives and still lives in University Place. By her first marriage she had four children, of whom our subject is the third in order of birth.
George Raymond Buckner attended the Nebraska Wesleyan University at University Place, after completing his high school course, and prepared for a business career by taking a commercial course at the Lincoln Business College. On beginning his independent career he entered a bank at Havelock, Nebraska, where he was employed two years, during which time he gained a thorough knowledge of the various phases of bank procedure. When only twenty years old he organized the Farmer's State Bank at Davey, Nebraska, in which he held the office of cashier for two and a half years. He then became cashier of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank at Havelock but after a year came to Waverly and in February, 1907, established the Lancaster County Bank. He was chosen the first cashier of that institution and served in that capacity until 1900. when he became president of the bank. . He is still the executive head of the institution, and the steady growth of its business @ attributable fauci9fd ff careful atten-
362
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
tion which he gives to the management of its affairs and to his knowledge of banking in principle and detail.
Mr. Buckner was married on the 14th of June, 1905, to Miss Lola May Dan- forth, whose birth occurred in Alexandria, Nebraska. Her father, George H. Danforth, was born in Boston on the 13th of August, 1844, and in early life engaged in merchandising in Massachusetts. At the time of the Civil war he served as a private in a Massachusetts regiment, and his military record was one of which he had every cause to be proud. After the close of hostilities he came to Nebraska and took up his residence in Alexandria, where he lived until about 1904, when he removed to Lincoln. When he first came to Lancaster county he was a member of a party of surveyors but later homesteaded land and gave his attention to the improvement of his farm. At length, however, he established a general store at Alexandria, which he conducted for a number of years. He is now living retired in Lincoln and is honored as one of the pioneers of the county. He experienced all the hardships of frontier life and remembers well the days when the Indians were numerous and hostile and the settlers had to be constantly on their guard against attack. His wife, who was born on the 4th of December, 1846, in Surry, Maine, also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Buckner have three children : Frances Alene, Wilbur Grant and Lorld Bernice.
Mr. Buckner is a strong republican and in 1913 represented his district in the lower house of the state legislature. At the present time he is candidate for county treasurer. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is not only serving on the official board but has also been honored by election as lay delegate from his church to the general conference at Saratoga Springs, New York. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America at Waverly, with the Masonic blue lodge at University Place, with the Royal Arch chapter in Lincoln and with the Consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, in Lincoln. He is a man of great energy and many sided interests and has been a factor in the advancement of his community, not only along business lines but also along the lines of moral and civic develop- ment.
CLARK HIGHBERGER.
Clark Highberger, a well known resident of College View, who is success- fully engaged in raising hogs and cattle upon his farm in Grant precinct, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of March, 1861. Ilis father, Simon Highberger, was born in Pennsylvania and devoted his entire life to farming in that state, dying in 1904. His wife was also born in Pennsylvania and her demise occurred in 1900.
Clark Highberger grew to manhood upon the home farm and remained with his parents until he attained his majority. It was not until 1888, however, that he came to Lancaster county, and purchased his farm on section 7, Grant pre- cinct. He at once took up his residence on that place and for twenty-five years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has largely concentrated his energies upon the raising of logs and cattle and has found that occupation
363
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
highly profitable. In 1910 he removed to College View, where he erected a fine, modern home in which he has since lived and he still holds title to two hundred and ten acres in Grant precinct and supervises the operation of that place.
On the 28th of December, 1887, Mr. Highberger married Miss Ella Zimmer- man, a daughter of William and Mary ( Yates ) Zimmerman. The father enlisted in a Pennsylvania volunteer infantry regiment for service in the Civil war and saw much active fighting at the front. lle returned to civil life at the close of hostilities and for many years engaged in farming in Pennsylvania. Ilis death occurred in 1900 and his wife passed away in 1877.
Mr. Highberger is a republican in his political allegiance but has never desired office as a reward for his fealty. Ile holds membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church and his influence is always on the side of righteousness and prog- ress. He has gained a competence through his own well directed efforts and is highly esteemed by all who come in contact with him.
GEORGE DANIEL RADER.
Among the successful and progressive farmers of Centerville precinct is George Daniel Rader, who was born in South Bend. Indiana, on the 23d of November, 1869. His father, Henry Rader, was born and educated in Germany but when nineteen years of age emigrated to the new world and located in New York city. He was employed in a slaughter-house there and subsequently removed to Indiana, where he engaged in farming near South Bend. Hle decided to try his fortune in the middle west, however, and became a pioneer settler of Rich- ardson county, Nebraska, but as the Indians were hostile he returned to Indiana, where he remained until 1878. He then again went to Richardson county, whence in 1882 he came to Lancaster county and bought one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land on section 9. Centerville precinct. He brought his farm under cultivation and erected substantial buildings thereon and for many years con- centrated his time and energy upon its operation. In 1902 he retired from active life but continued to reside upon the farm until his death in 1906. He is buried in the Centerville cemetery. He was married in New York city to Miss Elizabeth Landau, who was born in Germany but came to the United States in her girlhood. She survives at the age of eighty-two years and still lives upon the home place.
George D. Rader was reared in Richardson and Lancaster counties, and received his education in the district schools. He farmed for his father for some time and also rented land belonging to others, but in 1905 went to Colorado and located near Fort Collins, Larimer county. After farming there for four years he returned to the home place in Lancaster county and has since engaged in raising stock and grain upon that farm. He thoroughly understands agri- cultural work and so manages his business affairs that his resources are con- stantly increasing.
Mr. Rader was married in the Stockfeld church in Lancaster county on the 3d of February. 1891, to issiKate Berknias CarmafivefffPeoria, Illinois, who came to Lancaster county with her parents in 1877. To this union have been +
364
LINCOLN AND LANCASTER COUNTY
born five children: Harry and Ilenry, both of whom are farming in Lancaster county ; Ilulda and Dora, at home; and Eunice, in school. All of the children are natives of Lancaster county save Eunice, who was born in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Mr. Rader supports the democratic party at the polls but otherwise has not been active in politics. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church and in its teachings are found the principles which guide his life. His genuine worth is indicated in the fact that those who have known him the longest hold him in the highest esteem.
ROY LUTHER TIGER.
Roy Luther Tiger occupies the responsible position of cashier of the Lan- caster County Bank, in which connection he has made a creditable record, con- tributing in large measure to the growth and success of the institution. His efforts are intelligently directed and he is now acquainted with every phase of the banking business. He was born near Waverly, Nebraska, January 28, 1889, a son of John N. and Sarah ( Melick) Tiger. The father is a native of Iligh Bridge, New Jersey, born February 27, 1852, and the mother's birth occurred in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1847. John N. Tiger always devoted his attention to the occupation of farming and upon coming to Nebraska in 1867 settled near Waverly, where he purchased land and carried on general agri- cultural pursuits. Year after year he carefully and systematically tilled the soil and developed his property up to the time of his retirement in 1913, when he removed from his farm and went to make his home with his son, Roy L. His has been an active and useful life, crowned by success in business and by the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. For about five years he was engaged in the grain business in Waverly, beginning in 1892. His wife passed away July 5, 1911.
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.