USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 78
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removed with his family to Cincinnati, Ohio. By his second marriage Mr. Butler also had three children, Thomas J., Benjamin R. and Helen R. His wife survives and makes her home at No. 2210 Sheridan boulevard.
In early manhood Mr. Butler was a democrat and at one time was a candi- date on that party's ticket for state senator but was defeated by 1. 31. Raymond. In his later years he supported the republican party. He was widely known throughout the county and his ability, his integrity and his loyalty to his friends gained him a high place in the estimation of all who were cloesly associated with him. Although his business interests required the greater part of his time he was always willing to aid in every way possible movements calculated to further the public welfare and discharged to the full all of the duties devolving upon him as a citizen.
ARTHUR H. H. OTLEY.
Arthur H. Il. Otley has made farming and stock raising his life work and has never had occasion to regret his choice of an occupation. His birth occurred in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 20th of March, 1870, and he is a brother of William J. Odley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Their parents were George and Jane ( Haxby ) Otley, the former born in Yorkshire, England, and the latter in Scarborough, Yorkshire. The father emigrated to America in 1840 and the mother in 1830. Mr. Otley first settled in Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, but in 1854 removed to Bureau county, where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He introduced shorthorn cattle into that county and was a leader in the development of stock raising interests there. He passed away in September, 1891, and was survived by his wife until March. 1916. Both were highly esteemed as people of genuine worth.
Arthur H. 11. Otley's education was acquired in the district schools of Bureau county, and he remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He then came to Lancaster county, and for a year worked in the employ of others but at the end of that time took up his home with his brother and engaged in farming on his own account. Following his marriage he removed to his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Waverly precinct. He has since concentrated his energies upon its culti- vation and improvement and it is now as fully developed and as well equipped as any place in his locality. In addition to growing grain he raises a number of cattle for the market.
Mr. Otley supports the democratic party where national issues are at stake but otherwise votes independently. In religious faith he is a Methodist and in all relations of life has measured up to high standards of manhood. He has not only won a gratifying measure of material prosperity but has also gained the unqualified respect of all who know him.
Mr. Otley was married in July, 1809, to Miss Rhoda Bainbridge, a daughter of George Bainbridge, whose birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, on the 8th of March, 1840. His parents, John and Helen ( Meade ) Bainbridge, passed their entire lives in that Countryzwheretthe father followed agricultural pur- suits. Mr. Bainbridge received a good education in his native country and in
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the spring of 1871 came to the United States and located in Lancaster county, Nebraska. He rented land for two years but in 1873 purchased land in Waverly precinct and the following year bought his present home farm. From the start he proved very successful as an agriculturist and has gradually increased his holdings until he now owns sixteen hundred acres of excellent land. For a number of years he engagd in the dairy business, selling milk in Lincoln, but since 1896 has given his entire time and attention to feeding cattle for the market. He is a republican in politics but has not taken an active part in public affairs. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary Thorp, who was born in Middle- ton, England, and they have become the parents of four children: Mrs. Gillham, of this county; Mrs. Otley : Lurena, the wife of Paul Musshafen, who is operat- ing land in Oklahoma belonging to her father; and W. E., at home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Otley have been born eight children, namely: George H., whose birth occurred on the 5th of May, 1900; John A., born February 24, 1902 ; William, who was born October 21, 1903, and died September 16, 1909; Mary J., born July 18, 1905 ; Ruth C., May 24, 1907; Leonard L., February 19, 1909; Grace, April 13, 1911; and Clarence O., April 26, 1913.
REUBEN WOOLLEY HYERS.
Reuben Woolley Hyers, who is now holding the position of turnkey at the Lancaster county jail. has been a resident of Nebraska since 1869, having come from Pekin, Illinois. He took up his abode on a farm near Weeping Waters, in Cass county, purchasing the tract of land on which he settled. The follow- ing year he brought his family to this state and has since been closely identified with Nebraska's interests and upbuilding.
Mr. Hyers was born at West Point, Lee county, Iowa, September 7, 1842. His father, William Hyers, was a cabinet maker by trade and in early manhood wedded Eleanor Waggoner. To them were born six children, four of whom are yet living : William, a resident of Manito, Mason county, Illinois ; Lydia, now the wife of Captain Edwin L. Williams, who commanded Company F, Eighth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war, her home being now in Moline, Illinois ; Reuben W., who was the fifth of the family in the order of birth ; and John F., also a resident of Manito. The father passed away at West Point, Iowa, dur- ing the early boyhood of Reuben W. Hyers, and the mother died in Tazewell county, Illinois, in the early '70s.
The boyhood days of Reuben W. Hyers were spent on the farm in Tazewell county, whither his mother returned from Iowa after the death of her hus- band. He was reared to farm life and acquired a good common school educa- tion. All of the summer months were spent on the farm and he was early trained to the work of the fields. He put aside his textbooks to respond to the country's call for troops and enlisted August 18, 1862, as a member of Company B. One Hundred and Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until January 10, 1864, when he was captured when taking part in what is called the Sturges raid in northern Mississippi. Ife was held in the prison in Anderson- ville until September. 1864, when he was transferred to a prison in Savannah.
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On Christmas eve, 1864, he was returned to Andersonville, where he was incar- cerated until early in April, 1865, when with many other prisoners, under a flag of truce, he was taken to a point on the Big Black river in Mississippi, pre- sumably for the purpose of being exchanged. About this time, however, the war ended and he was released. He still has in his possession an old wooden spoon which he carved out with his jack knife while a prisoner at Anderson- ville. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois, July 25, 1865, and returned home with a most creditable military record.
As previously stated Mr. Hyers came to Nebraska in 1869 and in 1876 was elected sheriff of Cass county, in which position he served for three terms, or six years. He afterward filled the office of deputy sheriff for two years. The first position he ever held, however, was that of postmaster, having been ap- pointed postmaster of Mount Hope postoffice in 1872. This was a country post- office established near his Cass county farm. While holding the position of sheriff he lived at Plattsmouth, the county seat of Cass county. In 1885 he was elected to represent the county in the state senate, and in 1887 he was appointed warden of the state penitentiary at Lincoln by Governor Thayer, filling the office for two years. He then returned to Plattsmouth, where he served for two years as chief of police and later he removed to Rock county, Nebraska, where he secured a homestead in 1904. The greater part of the time during the next five years was spent upon that place, but he was again called to public office and served for four years as deputy state game warden, holding the position under Governor Sheldon and Governor Aldrich. His wife having died in 1888, he has not maintained a permanent home and for several years past he has lived in the home of his son, Gus Hyers, formerly at Havelock and later at the sheriff's residence in Lincoln, for his son Gus has held the office of sheriff for the past four years, and Mr. Hyers has for three years acted as turnkey at the county jail.
It was in 1867 that Mr. Hyers was married to Miss Martha King, who died in 1888, and their one son is Gus A. Ilyers. They had two daughters, how- ever, Mrs. John A. Davies, now living in Butte, and Mrs. J. M. Williams, of Spokane, Washington. Mr. IFyers is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic and has been a lifelong republican.
PATRICK WEIR O'CONNOR.
Patrick Weir O'Connor, deceased, was for many years a representative of industrial activity in Lincoln. He was born in county Sligo, Ireland, February 2, 1838, and was twelve years of age when his parents, Bryan and Mary (Weir) O'Connor, brought their family from the Emerald Isle to the United States settling in New York City. They afterward removed to Hastings county. Canada, but Patrick W. O'Connor returned to New York City and there learned the trade of carriage maker. In 1800 he came with a brother to Nebraska, the latter homesteading a claim in Lancaster county. Patrick W. O'Connor, how- ever, went to Saline county- and engaged in carriage making at Crete. He also uGrasas "(R secured a homestead in that commty and lived in a sod House while proving up
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on his farm. After securing the title to his land, however, he did not follow farming. He had been a resident of Nebraska for some time when his parents made their way to Lancaster county, where their remaining days were passed, their graves being made in the cemetery at Davey.
In the year 1872 Patrick W. O'Connor returned to Canada and was married on the 9th of April of that year, to Miss Margaret Brown, who was born in Hastings county, Canada, a daughter of George and Bridget ( Brown) Brown, who were natives of Sligo county, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor began their domestic life at Crete where they lived for four years and in 1876 removed to Lincoln where for many years Mr. O'Connor engaged in the carriage manu- facturing business, becoming thus actively connected with the industrial develop- ment of the city. He was ever an energetic and active man and through his industry and determination made a good living for his family. For twenty years his home was at No. 1200 T street but the house has recently been demolished to make room for the extension of the State University grounds and buildings. On leaving that place Mr. O'Connor erected a residence at No. 1444 A street, where the family has now resided for ten years and where he passed away.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor were born six children: Mary, who died at the age of ten years ; B. D., priest of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Havelock; Alice, the wife of John J. Brown of Lincoln, Nebraska; Dominick George, who lives with his mother and occupies a clerical position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company ; Theresa, who is connected with a convent in Des Moines and is known as Sister Mary Cyrilles ; and Patrick W., who is attending the State University.
The death of the husband and father occurred March 6, 1914. He was a devout Catholic and was a trustee of the church of Crete and also one of the first trustees of the old Lincoln church and later of the Cathedral. He was ever a close observer of events and for many years kept a diary which contained many points of interest. He was a progressive business man, a devoted husband and father, and a devout churchman and he enjoyed the confidence, regard and goodwill of many with whom he came in contact.
T. II. RETHERFORD.
T. H. Retherford, who owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Centerville precinct, was born in Mercer county, Mis- souri, on the 16th of June, 1855, a son of James and Mary Ann ( Cunningham ) Retherford, natives of Tennessee, where they were reared and where their mar- riage occurred. They removed to Mercer county, Missouri, and there the father owned forty acres of land, which he farmed until his death.
T. H. Retherford spent his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead in Missouri and received his education in the public schools. In 1880 he came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and after working on a farm as a hired hand foi eighteen months began farming on his own account. For about twelve years he kept "bachelor's ballz but at the end ofcthar tiine-was married and brought his bride to the farm which he had purchased in Centerville precinct. The place
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comprises a quarter section and the fine improvements upon the farm testify to his energy and progressiveness as he has made them all himeslf. Ile raises both grain and stock and derives a good income from his well directed labors.
Mr. Retherford was married in Missouri to Miss Maud Cunningham, a native of Mercer county, and they have become the parents of four children, Etta, Lester, Vernon and Bertha. Mr. Retherford is a stanch republican and loyally supports the candidates and measures of that party at the polls but has never been an aspirant for office. He devotes his entire time and attention to his farming and is meeting with gratifying success in his chosen work.
WILLIAM HARRISON KIMBALL.
William Harrison Kimball, deceased, who during the years of his residence in Lincoln was connected with the momment business, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, May 15, 1832, a son of William and Hester Ann ( Beam) Kim- ball. The father, a native of Maine, was reared and educated in that state and became a merchant of Wheeling, West Virginia, while later he engaged in business at Petersburg, Ohio, and also conducted a store at Lowellville, that state. Subsequently he returned to West Virginia and purchased a farm in the vicinity of Wheeling, upon which he spent his remaining days. His wife was born on a farm twenty miles south of Wheeling, in which city she was married. The farm which her husband purchased was the one upon which she was born, and they were residing there when he was called to his final rest. Mrs. Kimball afterward removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to live with her sons and there passed away.
William H. Kimball obtained his education in the schools of Petersburg and Lowellville, Ohio, and also attended Poland Academy, conducted under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Poland, Ohio. In early man- hood he assisted his father and following his marriage, which was celebrated near Poland, he removed to Oskaloosa, lowa, where he engaged in the marble and monument business, becoming a sales manager in that connection. He was always the executive head of the enterprise and as his sons became old enough they learned the trade and did the mechanical work. Mr. Kimball remained in Oskaloosa in connection with the monument business for sixteen years, or from 1872 until 1888, when he sold out.
In that year the family removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, and his five sons established the firm of Kimball Brothers for the conduct of a marble business in this city. . \Il of the sons were expert marble cutters and monument men, having thoroughly learned the business in the shop of their father at Oskaloosa. Following the removal to Lincoln the father traveled and sold the output of the factory for his sons until 1898, when he retired from business life and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, his death occurring in Lincoln on the 10th of February, 1902.
It was on the 18th of September. 1855, that Mr. Kimball wedded Miss Mary Ann McConnell, who was born near Poland, in Mahoning county, Ohio, October 8, 1836. She obtained her education there and tatighoin the Public schools of
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that county up to the time of her marriage. She now occupies a beautiful home at No. 1535 South Twenty-third street, Lincoln, her husband having left her in very comfortable financial circumstances. She is a daughter of Richard and Mary (Logan ) McConnell. Her father was born on a farm near Steubenville, Ohio, and carried on agricultural pursuits in Mahoning county up to the time of his demise. His wife was born, reared and educated in Maryland and made the trip to Ohio over the mountains in a wagon with her people, who reached their destination after a journey that covered fourteen days. Mrs. McConnell passed away in Poland, Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kimball were born eight children: Ella H., the wife of H. M. Waring, of Denver, Colorado; William Richard, a resident of Lincoln ; Frank Bell, also of Lincoln; Caroline Mary, the widow of Thomas Phillips and a resident of Lincoln ; and Fred Logan, John Walton, Albert C. and Katherine, all residents of Lincoln.
The son, Fred Logan Kimball, to whom we are indebted for the history of his father, married Miss Winnifred Wallis, who was born at Black Earth, Wisconsin, March 5. 1880, and obtained her education in Lincoln. They have become the parents of two children, Virginia and Sarah, both born in this city. Fred L. Kimball is associated with his brothers in the ownership and manage- ment of a marble and monument business, which is conducted under the firm style of Kimball Brothers. They have a large modern plant at Seventeenth and C streets, thoroughly equipped and prepared to do all kinds of marble and monument work. In fact, theirs is the leading house of the kind in Lincoln and one of the best in the state. The firm is composed of Fred, John, Albert and Katherine Kimball. The brothers are men not only of well developed skill and broad experience in their line but also possess the executive ability and keen discrimination necessary for the successful financial conduct of their under- taking, and their record is a credit to that of their father.
In his political views Mr. Kimball was an earnest republican and while never an office seeker kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith was that of the United Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Christian Science church. In manner he was cordial and genial. He ever respected the rights of others and recognized his obligations to his fellowmen as well as his duties in citizenship. In a word, his was a well rounded character, and the sterling traits which he displayed commanded for him the confidence and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact.
HARDY FURNITURE COMPANY.
The Hardy Furniture Company conducts the largest establishment of its kind in Lincoln, and it is also one of the oldest businesses of the city, having been established in 1871 by Harvey Wesley Hardy, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. It was first located on O street opposite the postoffice and has since been conducted in various places, namely : No. 134 South Tenth street, No. 145 South Tenth, streety No. 211 South Eleventh street, No. 1124 O street, and at Nos. 1314-20 P street, where it has been for ten years. The com-
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pany occupies a five story building with ninety thousand square feet of floor space and deals in house furnishings of all kinds. Its stock is unusually com- plete, including goods of various qualities and prices and representing the product of the best known factories of the country. The business is well man- aged and a good profit is made, although the prices charged are very reasonable, and the liberal business policy of the company has gained it an enviable reputa- tion throughout eastern Nebraska. Its trade is constantly expanding and it is recognized as one of the most successful retail concerns of this part of the state. Its officers are: W. E. Hardy, president ; E. C. Hardy, vice president ; and H. R. Beeson, secretary and treasurer.
WILLIAM J. BRUNELL.
William J. Brunell, the efficient and popular postmaster at Bethany, was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 19th of March, 1854. His parents, Joseph and Hester (Chambliss) Brunell, were born in Canada and North Carolina respectively. The father accompanied his parents to Illinois when a child and there grew to manhood. For some time he followed the wagon maker's trade but in the early '5os he went to lowa, where he farmed for a number of years. In 1869 he removed to Otoe county, Nebraska, and cultivated land there until his death, which occurred in July, 1913. He had survived his wife since 1900.
William J. Brunell remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority and received his education in the schools of Muscatine and Mills counties, Iowa, and Otoe county, Nebraska. On beginning his independent career he engaged in teaching school and followed that profession for three years, after which he decided that agriculture offered a better opportunity for success and rented land which he farmed for five years. ITe then went to Douglas, Nebraska, and followed the carpenter's trade for two years, after which he dealt in implements and pumps for six years. The next three years were devoted to the elevator business but in 1901 he came to Bethany, Lan- caster county, and again turned his attention to carpentering. Two years later he was appointed rural mail carrier and served in that capacity for eight years, during which time he learned a great deal concerning the handling of the mails. On the 18th of January, 1912. he was appointed postmaster of Bethany, which position he still holds, and he has proved an excellent official, being energetic, accurate and systematic.
Mr. Brunell was married on te 23d of March, 1879. to Miss Frances Ringsby, and they have become the parents of eight children: Lilly, the wife of C. O. Turner, who is farming in Colorado; Daisy, who was a twin to Lilly and died in January, 1881 ; Clarence, a resident of Ord, Nebraska; Neta, who is a music teacher and is residing at home; Keith, who works for the Electric Light & Gas Company of Lincoln; Maurine, a student in Cotner University : Harlan, who is attending public school; and Bessie, who died in infancy.
Mr. Brunell gives his political allegiance to -the prohibition party and is greatly interested in all movements wh HEI Ghich have as their object the destruction
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of the liquor traffic, which he believes responsible for so many of the evil condi- tions that exist in society. He has served as a member of the school board and recognizes the important part which education plays in democracy. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. As an official his services are giving satisfaction and as a man he is popular, his dominant characteristics being such as never fail to win regard.
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TURNER M. MARQUETT.
Turner MI. Marquett, who for many years actively engaged in the practice of law in Lincoln, continuing his connection with the profession to the time of his death, was in that and many other ways closely connected with the history of the state, aiding in molding its policy and shaping its destiny. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, July 9, 1831, and was the second son of a family of nine children whose parents were natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Ohio during the pioneer epoch in its history. On the paternal side the family comes of French and German lineage and on the maternal side is of English and Scotch descent. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, removed to the Buckeye state, where he carried on agricultural pursuits successfully in Clark county throughout his remaining days.
Turner M. Marquett was reared in Ohio and attended the public schools to the age of twenty years, when he matriculated in the Ohio University at Athens, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1856 on the completion of a scientific course. Almost immediately afterward he started westward and made his way to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he secured a clerkship in the store of William Slaughter, there continuing through the winter of 1856-7. In the spring of the latter year he entered upon the practice of law in Plattsmouth, where he remained until 1874, and during his residence there he was elected a member of the territorial legislature, in which he served for three terms and for four years was in the council of the territory. In June, 1866, he was elected as the republican candidate for congress, the state having previous to that date received the enabling act, and at that time voted upon the question of its admis- sion into the Union. It also elected a full set of officers, including one congress- " man. The state was admitted March 2, 1867, and therefore Mr. Marquett's term of office lasted only two days and three nights, in which time he had the pleasure of voting on all of the reconstruction acts passed over the veto of Andrew Johnson.
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