USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 42
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Rev. Roetman is a republican in his political allegiance and gives careful study to civic matters and the various questions and issues of the day. His work in Holland has resulted in the growth and strengthening of his church and he has gained the cooperation of his parishioners and has also won the respect of his fellow citizens of other religious faith.
EBER MANFORD STEEVES.
Eber Manford Steeves has gained a gratifying measure of success as a general merchant of Panama and has also been a factor in the business develop- ment of the town. He is a member of the firm of Dickson & Steeves, and is recognized as a man of foresight and sound business judgment. llis birth occurred on the 2d of March, 1872, on section 10, Panama township, and he is a son of Gilbert Frederick and Rebecca Caroline ( Steeves) Steeves. The family history has been traced back to 1749 when Hendrick Stieff, as the name was then spelled, came to America from Germany and located on the bank of the Schuylkill river, about twelve miles above Philadelphia. "He remained there
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until 1763 when he removed to New Brunswick, Canada, where he resided until his death. He had seven sous: Jacob, John, Christian, Frederick, Henry, Lut- rick, and Mathias. From Hendrick Stieff have descended all of the Steeves family in America, which in 1914 numbered about twenty-five hundred people. Daniel Steeves, the grandfather of E. B. Steeves, was born on the 15th of July, 1808, at New Brunswick, Canada, and married Miss Margaret Mitton, who was born in that province on the 18th of January, 1800. Both passed away there, the former on the 5th of February; 1865, and the latter on the 24th of March, 1889. Their son Gilbert Frederick Steeves was born in New Brunswick on the 2d of June, 1847, and after completing the course offered in the district schools, entered a teacher's training school from which he was graduated. He taught in New Brunswick for a short time, but in 1867 went to Pennsylvania where he worked as a farm hand for six months. He then went overland to Wyoming and for a year and a half was employed as a fireman in a roundhouse of the Union Pacific railroad. In the spring of 1869 he arrived in Lancaster county, Nebraska, and took up eight acres of raw land on section 10, Panama township, under the homestead act. He erected a small frame house, consisting of only one room, and at once began to bring his land under cultivation. In 1880 he built a story and a half frame house and as time passed he made many other improvements upon the place. He engaged in farming until 1900 when he removed to Panama where he built an attractive home. He bought out the hardware and grocery business which had been formerly conducted by George W. Hendee and continued the business under the firm name of G. F. Steeves & Sons until his death on the 13th of October, 1901. He is buried in Panama cemetery. He was ever successful in all that he undertook and aside from his farm on section 10, Panama township, he owned one hundred and twenty acres on sections 3 and 4, eighty acres on section 15, and forty acres on section 16. He also purchased,an eighty acre tract on section 3, but when the railroad was built through that part of the township he sold thirty acres to the town site company and the west side of the town of Panama was built thereon. Ile was married in New Brunswick. Canada, in 1871, to Miss Rebecca Caroline Steeves, who was born in that province on the 3d of March, 1851. Her father, Abel Steeves, was likewise a native of New Brunswick and his birth occurred in 1790. He passed his entire life in that province, dying in 1856. His wife, who was in her maiden- hood, Miss Leah Steeves, was born in New Brunswick in 1799 and died there in 1865. Following the demise of her husband Mrs. Rebecca Caroline Steeves sold the residence in Panama to E. B. Steeves and returned to her native country, New Brunswick, Canada. She made an extended visit there but in 1903 came again to the town of Panama and purchased a residence here. She is still living and has a large circle of warm friends.
Eber Manford Steeves entered the district schools of Panama township at the usual age and continued his education in the schools of the town of Panama. Later he attended York College at York, Nebraska, for two years and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching in Lancaster county for three years. He subsequently worked on the farm for ten years, and in 1902, he came to Panama where he has since lived. He is a member of the firm of Dickson & Steeves, his partner being Clinton Dickson, and, they have built up a large and representative trade as general merchants. They carry a well selected and up-to-
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date stock and spare no pains to satisfy their customers. They have gained recognition as reliable and progressive merchants and are valued residents of Panama.
Mr. Steeves was married, on the 27th of February, 1895, in Panama town- ship, to Miss Elizabeth May Dickson, who was born in that township on the 4th of September. 1875. and is a daughter of Thomas J. and Agnes ( Robertson) Dickson and a representative of one of the best known families in Lancaster county. A sketch of her father's life appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Steeves have become the parents of four children: Glenn Manford, who was born in Panama, on the 26th of November, 1895, and died on the 6th of April, 1806; Owen Eber, born in Panama, on the 2d of March, 1809: Paul Ber- nice. born in Panama, April 11, 1903; and Lyman Dickson Gilbert born in Panama, the 3d of December, 1907.
Mr. Steeves is independent in politics. For twelve years he has been a member of the school board of district No. 132, which comprises the town of Panama. He has held the office of town treasurer since the incorporation of Panama, his retention in that position indicating the acceptability of his serv- ices. He is affiliated with the United Brethren church of Panama and for fif- teen years has been superintendent of its Sunday-school. He takes an active interest in all branches of church work, as does his wife, and their influence has always been given on the side of righteousness and justice. He is a member of Panama Lodge, No. 220, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs and which he has represented as delegate to the grand lodge of Nebraska and he is likewise identified with the Dunaverty Castle, No. 31, of the Royal Highlanders. He is one of the substantial citizens of the town and in addition to his interest in the business conducted by Dickson & Steeves he owns eighty acres of land on section 4, Panama township, three hundred and twenty acres in Parmer county, Texas, and thirteen acres of land and a modern residence in the west part of the town of Panama. The success which he has gained is doubly creditable in that it is due to his own energy and sound judgment.
ANDREW O. ANDERSON.
Andrew O. Anderson, a well-to-do farmer and contractor residing in Waverly, was born in Hörby, Sweden, on Christmas Day of 1866, of the marriage of Ola and Hannah (Olson) Anderson, both of whom were born in that place. The father devoted his life to farming in his native land and also held a number of local offices there, including that of sheriff. He died about 1912, but is survived by the mother. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Andrew O. is the fifth in order of birth.
Andrew O. Anderson attended school in Sweden until about fourteen years of age, and when about fifteen years old came to America, joining his brother living on a farm in Saunders county, Nebraska. He attended school at Mead for a short time, thus acquiring a knowledge of English. While still living in Sweden he had worked as myfarmy band and pepturned hisfkngy ledge of agri- cultural methods to good account after his removal to the United States, working
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by the mouth in Saunders county, Nebraska. After a short time, however, he came to Lancaster county, where he remained for a year, but at the end of that time he removed to a farm near Ceresco. A year later he went to Mead, devot- ing the winter months to attending school and the summers to farming. After spending three years in that way he took up his residence in Omaha, and there learned the carpenter's trade. In 1890 he located in Lincoln, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a year. He then returned to Sweden on a visit, but in 1891 again became a resident of Omaha. A year later, however, he returned to Lincoln, where he remained until 1895, when he went to Fontanelle, Wash- ington county, Nebraska. lle farmed in that vicinity for a year and at the end of that time purchased land in Mill precinct, Lancaster county, upon which he resided until 1902. He then disposed of his farm and purchased thirty acres of land within the town limits of Waverly. He erected there the finest and most modern home in the town and has since resided therein. In 1902 he purchased an interest in a hardware store, his partner being A. E. Sutherland, and in 1905 became the sole owner of the business, which he conducted successfully until the spring of 1916, when he traded it for valuable property in Lincoln. Since 1905 . he has owned one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the thirty acres which he bought in Waverly, and he devotes a great deal of his time to the cultivation of his land. He is also engaged in contracting and has erected a large number of build- ings in the county. Moreover he is agent for the Independent Machinery Com- pany, and for the Chevrolet Automobile Company and the Fairbanks Windmill Company. His various business interests are well managed and his annual income is a gratifying one.
Mr. Anderson was married, on the 23d of November, 1892, to Miss Anna M. Johnson, a native of Sweden, who was brought to this country by her parents when only eighteen months old. Her father engaged in farming in Mill precinct and passed away in 1882. The mother is now a resident of Waverly. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born five children : Oliver Leo, who is now assist- ing his father in the operation of the home farm, but who was formerly engaged in the automobile business at Omaha ; Elvira Victoria, in the employ of the Morse garage at Lincoln ; Harry William, attending school; Merrill Webster, at home : Frances Naomi, also at home.
Mr. Anderson is a republican, but votes independently at times. He has not taken an active part in polities as he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He has not only won a gratifying measure of financial success, but he has also gained the unqualified respect of all who are associated with him.
GEORGE SYLVESTER GOTCHALL.
George Sylvester Gotchall, of Grant precinct, was born on the 6th of May, 1866, in Richland county, Ohio, a son of John and Anna ( Stoner) Gotchall. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and grew to manhood in that state but migrated to Ohio and later to Illinois. After farming in the Prairie state for some time he came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and bought three hundred
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE S. GOTCHALL
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and twenty acres of partially improved land on section 35, Grant precinct, which he cultivated for thirty-eight years. Ile passed away upon that farm in 1904 and was buried in Cheney. His wife, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, and passed her girlhood there, was for many years a resident of Lancaster county but died in 1911 at Caldwell, Idaho, while visiting a daughter. She also was buried at Cheney.
George Sylvester Gotchall was brought to Lancaster county when a boy and received his education in the district schools here. He assisted his father until the latter's demise and subsequently continued to operate the home place until 1916, when he removed to a farm on section 12, Grant precinct, where he is living temporarily. He expects, however, to buy a farm in the future and ranks among the substantial men of this locality. He is up-to-date and efficient in his work as a farmer and his well directed labors have been rewarded by gratifying financial returns. Moreover, he will receive considerable property from his father's valuable estate which is in process of settlement.
Mr. Gotchall was married in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Miss Mary Amanda Jacobson, who was born near Stockholm, Sweden, on the 16th of October, 1864, but was brought by her parents, Andrew Jacob and Mary Bertha (Lindman) Jacobson, to this country when an infant. Her family located near Sutton in Clay county, Nebraska. Her father was the only son of wealthy parents and was given excellent educational advantages, being a college graduate and speak- ing four languages. While living in Sweden he was a prominent architect and a designer of buildings, ships and furniture, as well as other things. He became a resident of Clay county, Nebraska, in 1866, and continued to reside there until his death many years later. He had an unusually keen mind, was thor- oughly efficient in all that he did and gained a position of leadership in his community. Mrs. Gotchall has in her possession many highly prized family heirlooms, including valuable silver, which have been in the family for many years. She is a woman of refinement and culture, and her graciousness has won her a warm place in the regard of those who have been closely associated with her.
Mr. Gotchall is a democrat in politics and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything affecting the public welfare but has never been an office seeker. His religious affiliation is with the United Brethren church, but his wife is a Congregationalist. His enterprise and ability have gained him a high place in the estimation of his fellows, and his personal qualities are such that he makes and retains friends easily.
JUDGE FRANK R. WATERS.
Judge Frank R. Waters, who was serving as county judge of Lancaster county at the time of his demise, had been a resident of Lincoln since 1884. arriving here when a young man of twenty-four years. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. November 20, 1860, and was a son of Asa B. and Annette ( Howes) Waters. The father was born at Watervliet. New YorkePctoberf2(R)818. and the mother's birth occurred in Madison. Indiana, in September. 1827. It was in the Vol. II-21
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year 1836 that Asa B. Waters removed from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Colum- bus, Ohio, where he resided until November, 1840, when he became a resident of Marietta, Ohio. Subsequently he engaged in merchandising at Harmer, Ohio, in partnership with Noah L. Wilson, but in 1846 returned to Marietta, Ohio, where he continued in business under the firm name of A. B. & I. R. Waters. In 1847 a further change in the partnership led to the adoption of the firm style of Wilson & Waters, while subsequently he became sole proprietor and carried on his store under his own name. It was at his suggestion that shipbuild- ing was revived at Marietta. Ohio, in 1844 and the firm name of A. B. & I. R.
Waters was one of those which went into the shipbuilding company and in addition they operated independently as shipbuiklers. They were builders of the barque John Farnum of two hundred and forty-nine and one-half tons. Hler keel was laid in the spring of 1846 and she was launched in 1847, being towed at once to Portsmouth, Ohio, where she took on a cargo of Indian corn. Her destination was "Cork or a port" with Captain Asa B. Waters in charge of the vessel and cargo, while Captain George Hatch was the navigator. She arrived at Cork in May, 1847, during the great famine in Ireland, and ultimately returned to Philadelphia, where she was sold. Asa B. Waters was connected with various business enterprises at different places until 1875, when he became cashier of the Bank of Marietta and continued in that connection until his death, which occurred about 1882. His wife has also passed away.
Spending his youthful days in his native state, Judge Waters of this review completed his education in the Marietta College and was graduated with the class of 1881. At that date he began reading law and in 1884 he made his way to Lincoln, Nebraska, studying law in the offices of Mason & Wheaton, and Cornish & Tibbets. He was admitted to the bar in 1892 and soon afterward was elected police judge, serving on the bench of the lower court until 1899, when he was elected county judge of Lancaster county and occupied that position until his death. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He had comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and his course was marked by a masterly grasp of every problem presented for solution.
On June 14, 1805, Mr. Waters was married to Miss Margaret B. Safford, who was born in De Kalb county, Illinois, March 13, 1873, a daughter of Henry F. and Salinda ( Robinson ) Safford. and a granddaughter of Henry Safford, a native of Exeter, New Hampshire, who removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, when a young man. Salinda Robinson was born in Tyrone, Canada, September 6, 1851, a daughter of Samuel S. and Margaret ( McCrea) Robinson, the former of whom was born in lower Canada in 1829 and the latter in Quebec in 1828. her father having emigrated from Ross-shire, Scotland, at the age of nineteen years.
Henry F. Safford was a farmer by occupation, and at an early period in the development of Lancaster county, Nebraska, took up his abode within its borders, purchasing land which he continued to cultivate and improve throughout his remaining days. He also did some contracting during that time. He passed away December 13, 1915, at the age of sixty-eight, while his widow is now living in Lincoln at the age of sixty-five. Judge and Mrs. Waters had three children, namely : Helen M., born March 12, 1898; Asa Bradford, whose birth occurred on the 4th of May, Too; and Alic Vice Bradford, whose natal, day was July 29, 1902.
The family circle was broken by the hand of death when after a very short
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illness Judge Waters passed away, October 1, 1907. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of Pythias. He always voted with the republican party and was thoroughly informed concerning the issues and questions of the day. His life was guided by high moral principles and he held membership in the First Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the trustees. To know him was to esteem and honor him, for he manifested many sterling traits of character in all public and private rela- tions.
ADAM BRENDLE.
Adam Brendle, engaged in general farming on section 30, Saltillo precinct, is also general manager and a director of the Hickman Telephone Company, which he was instrumental in organizing. A native of Germany, his birth occurred near Wertingen in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, on the 14th of February, 1866. His father, Johannes Brendle, was born in that place in 1831 and devoted his life to farming. He passed away in Germany in 1906. Hle'is survived by his wife, who is also a native of Wurtemberg, and who bore the maiden name of Barbara Failenschmidt.
Adam Brendle grew to manhood in his native country and received a good edu- cation there. He worked as a farm hand for some time, but in 1873 he emigrated to America and made his way at once to Lincoln, Lancaster county, Nebraska. When he arrived here he did not have a cent of money and it was imperative for him to secure work as soon as possible. He was employed as a farm hand in this county at twelve dollars per month and worked in that capacity until his mar- riage in 1886. He then rented eighty aeres in South Pass precinct and in 1888 leased a half seetion in Saltillo precinct, which he operated in connection with a partner. In 1889 he rented one hundred and sixty acres in Saltillo precinct, which he cultivated successfully until he was able to purchase an eighty-acre tract on section 19, Nemaha precinct. He took up his residence on his farm and remained there until 1895. when he disposed of that place and bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 36, Saltillo precinct. He is still operating that farm and has increased its value by erecting a new house and barns. Everything about the place is kept in good condition, and he uses the most up-to-date machinery in his work. The farm was somewhat improved when it came into his possession, as it had been partly developed by an old soldier, who homesteaded the place. The patent from the United States government, conferring title to the farm to the ok! soldier, is signed by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Brendle is engaged in both grain and stock farming, raising cattle, horses and Poland China hogs in addition to growing the usual cereals. He was prime mover in the organization of the Hickman Telephone Company, of which he is director and general manager, and the prosperity which the company enjoys is largely due to his business ability and his careful attention to its affairs.
On the 23d of December, 1886, Mr. Brendle was married at Bennet, to Miss Fannie Rogers, a native Dindiania. EHlerbirthfurred onthe @8th of January, 1866, and she is a daughter of Samuel and Louisa Rogers, now deceased. In
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1879 Mrs. Brendle came with the rest of the family to Bennet, Lancaster county, Nebraska, from Indiana. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children : Addie Jeanette, the wife of Glenn Shank, who is in the milk business in Lincoln; Ivan, who is assisting his father; and Roy, who is in school.
Mr. Brendle indorses the principles of the democratic party but in casting his ballot votes for the man whom he deems best suited for the office in question. He has taken quite an active part in politics and never failed to attend the county conventions until the primary law went into effect. He has served for eight years on the school board of district No. 25, and is an advocate of advancement in educational matters. He is connected fraternally with the Hickman Camp, No. 313, A. O. U. W., in which he has held all of the chairs, and in religious faith is a German Lutheran. Although he had no money when he came to this country he was energetic and was quick to recognize opportunity and in a com- paratively short time gained a start in life. He has worked hard and has man- aged his affairs well and is now one of the substantial citizens of his township. He has not only gained financial success, but he has also won a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens.
THOMAS E. GLASS.
Thomas E. Glass, a retired farmer and Civil war veteran living in Lincoln, was born on a farm in Rush county, Indiana, August 18, 1847, but since 1881 has been a resident of this state and since 1900 has lived in the capital. His father was Shelton Glass, a native of Tennessee, who in early manhood removed north- ward to Rush county, Indiana, becoming one of the pioneer settlers and repre- sentative farmers of that district. There he spent his remaining days engaged in active agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in 1887, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. In early manhood he had wedded Cynthia Ann Donley, who was born in Ohio and died in 1894, at the age of eighty years. She became the wife of Shelton Glass when but sixteen years of age and with the passing years they had a family of fourteen children, eight sons and six daughters, of whom four sons and five daughters were older than Thomas E. Glass. All lived to an advanced age save the oldest daughter. Mary, who passed away at the age of six years. The other thirteen in order of birth were William, Christopher C., Hiram Jackson, John W., Elizabeth, Kate, Eliza, Martha J., Thomas E., Lou, Joseph E., James and Frank L. Six of the number are still living namely : Elizabeth, seventy-six years of age, the widow of Elijah Maddux and a resident of Oxford, Indiana; Eliza, who is the widow of Walter Keaton and resides at Arlington, Indiana ; Thomas E .; Joseph E., of Greenfield, Indiana ; and James and Frank, both residents of Indianapolis.
Thomas E. Glass was reared on a farm in Rush county, Indiana, and attended a district school in his boyhood days. In December, 1863. he responded to the country's call for troops and served until the close of the war as a member of Company E. One Hundred and Twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was only sixteen years of age when he entered the service under command of General A. P. Hovey, becoming one of what was known as "General Hovey's six
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thousand babies," so termed because of the youth of the soldiers of that com- mand. He took part in the campaign from Rocky Face Ridge to Atlanta and participated in the stirring scenes enacted in the vicinity of Atlanta, remaining at the front until mustered out at Lexington, North Carolina, August 24, 1865.
Mr. Glass then returned home and soon afterward took up the profession of school teaching, which he followed for twenty years in Indiana, lowa, Mis- souri, Nebraska and Oregon. In 1875 he removed westward from Indiana to Adams county, Iowa, and in 1877 went to Atchison county, Missouri, whence he went to Polk county, Nebraska, in 188t. He has lived in this state con- tinuously since, save for one year, 1894-5, which he spent in Oregon. For a long period he owned and operated a farm in Polk county and still has that property, which is worth from one hundred to two hundred dollars per acre. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and from his labors gathered a good income that now supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
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