USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Lincoln > Lincoln, the capital city and Lancaster County, Nebraska, Volume II > Part 81
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Mr. Gillham supports the candidates and measures of the democratic party at the polls but has never aspired to office. He is much interested in everything that affects the welfare of the farmers and is an active member of the Farmers Union at Waverly. He is practical and at the same time progressive in his methods, and his continued success in his chosen occupation seems assured.
OTTO JULIUS MAY.
Otto Julins May is one of the leading stock raisers of Lancaster county and devotes his farms to the raising of Tunis sheep, shorthorn cattle, mules and jacks, growing only enough grain to feed his stock. He was born near Minonk. Woodford county, Illinois, on the ftth of August, 1876, a son of Herman and Wilhelmina ( Ricket) May. The father was born in Pomerania, Germany, on the 27th of May, 1830, where he grew to manhood. and after completing his education became a shepherd over large flocks of sheep, being so engaged until his emigration to the United States in 1870. He first located in Minonk, Wood- ford county, Illinois, and for four years worked at odd jobs in that town, after which he operated rented land in that locality. For about five years, or until January, 1879, he farmed in Illinois, but in that month came to Bennet, Lan- caster county, Nebraska, and soon afterward rented two hundred and forty acres in Nemaha precinct. He worked hard and saved his money carefully and in 1886 was able to buy one hundred and sixty acres-on section 27. that pre- Hamtizen.D
cinet. However, he continued to reside on' the rented farm, and leased his own land. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Nemaha pre-
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cinct, which he also rented, and subsequently he acquired title to the six eighty aere tracts on which he had resided for many years and which he had previously rented. He broke all of this land and brought it under cultivation with the aid of his sons and carried on farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, becoming one of the wealthy farmers of his locality. He owned in all eight hundred acres of fine land in Nemaha precinct and in the management of his interests manifested unusual business acumen and foresight. In 1896 he retired from active life, but continues to reside upon his home farm, the operation of which he turned over to his sons. He has given eighty acres to each of his children, but retains possession of four eighty acre tracts. His parents, Carl and Charlotta ( Meyer ) May, were lifelong residents of Germany. His father was born in 1775 and died in 1869. Herman May was married in June, 1857, at Carsbaum, Germany, to Miss Wilhelmina Ricket, who was born in Waumlen, that country, on the 20th of October, 1834, a daughter of August and Charlotta (Gerk ) Ricket, who passed their entire lives in the fatherland. Her father was a fisherman by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. May resided in Germany for a num- ber of years after their marriage and several of their children were born there.
Otto J. May was but three years of age when he was brought by his parents to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and his early education was received in the common schools here. Later he attended Bennet Academy at Bennet and thus further prepared for the duties and responsibilities of life. After leaving school he farmed with his father for some time, but in 1897 he took up his residence on a one hundred and sixty acre tract on section 27, Nemaha precinct, which his father had bought a number of years previously, paying therefor cleven dollars per acre. When our subject removed to that place it was only slightly improved, but he at once erected a frame house and barns and as the years have passed has brought his farm to a high state of development. He still resides there and in addition to owning that farm holds title to valuable land in South Dakota. In 1914 he purchased two hundred and eighty acres of raw land near Selby. Walworth county, South Dakota. He has improved that place to some extent and one of his sons is now residing there. They are stocking the land with the intention of making it a stock ranch. Mr. May also owns two hundred and forty acres of raw alfalfa land near Buffalo Gap, Custer county, South Dakota. He devotes his home farm to the raising of stock and is widely known throughout the state as a stock breeder. He is the only man in Nebraska who raises full blooded Tunis sheep, a breed which originated in north Africa. He exhibits his sheep at the Nebraska State Fair at Lincoln every year, and has never failed to take first prize on his showing, and he ships sheep all over the United States. He also breeds shorthorn cattle, Kentucky Mammoth jacks and mules and annually sells a large number of mules and jacks. He does not raise any grain save that which is used to feed his stock, as he prefers to concentrate his attention upon animal husbandry, and he has gained a well deserved reputation as one of the most successful men in his part of the state in that line. For the past fifteen years he has also been engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery, in which he has proved equally successful. Ilc acquired his knowledge through home study and actual work along that line and on the 6th of January.fotofiras licensed to practice by the Nebraska state board of veterinary medical examiners.
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Mr. May was married in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the 17th of April, 1895. to Miss Lula Van Winkle, who was born near Monmouth, Mercer county, Illinois, on the 26th of October. 1877. Her parents, James and Sarah ( Hedges) Van Winkle, were also natives of Mercer county, Illinois, born respectively on the Ioth of August, 1844, and on the 7th of September, 1848. The father engaged in farming in his native county until his demise on the 27th of August, 1891, and the year following the mother came to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and is now living in the vicinity of Panama. Mrs. May was largely reared in Mon- mouth and received her education in the public schools there. In 1892, how- ever, she came with her mother and brother to Lancaster county, Nebraska, and the family located upon a farm near Panama, where she resided until her mar- riage. She has become the mother of five children, namely: Myron Verdon, who is following agricultural pursuits in Lancaster county: Clarence Ernest. also farming in this county; Herman Ernest: Thelma Irene, at home: and Harold Ivan, who is attending school.
Mr. May votes the republican ticket, as he believes in the policies of the party, and he has served for five years as school director of district No. 116. Fraternally he belongs to Midland Lodge, No. 12, K. P., at Bennet, Nebraska. in which -he has passed through all of the chairs, and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America, also at Bennet. The principles which guide his life are indicated in the fact that he is identified with the Presbyterian church. He is energetic and progressive and has not only gained a gratifying measure of prosperity, but has also been an important factor in developing the stock raising interests of Eastern Nebraska.
WILLIAM BELL.
Three hundred and ten acres of excellent land in Waverly precinct pays tribute to William Bell, who is one of the most efficient agriculturists of Lan- caster county. lle was born in Iowa, near Omaha, Nebraska, on the 2d of April, 1867. and is the oldest of a family of nine living children. His father. William Bell, was born in Indiana but about 1866 came to Nebraska and for a time engaged in freighting. The following year, however, he took up a home- stead in Butler county, and there he lived until his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife, who was born in Illinois, is still living.
William Bell, Jr., received his education in the district schools of Butler county, Nebraska, and was reared under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his labor until he was twenty-two years old. He then began farming on his own account in Butler county and remained there until 1906, when, he removed to his present farm of three hundred and ten acres in Lan- canster county. The place is highly improved and his well directed labors yield him a substantial financial return. He raises both grain and stock and has found that more profitable than specializing in either branch of agriculture.
Mr. Bell was married;on the Ad of March. 1892; to Miss Alma Schowalter. a native of Butler county, and a daughter of B. F. and Catherine ( Carter) Schowalter, both of whom were born in Iowa. Her father devoted his active
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life to farming, but is now living retired in Waverly. At the time of the Civil war he went to the defense of the Union, making an excellent record as a soldier. Mrs. Schowalter died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have become the parents of four children, all at home: Benjamin Franklin. Roy, Roscoe and Harry William.
Although he endorses the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Bell votes independently when he believes he can best serve the public welfare by so doing. He has never held public office, as his agricultural interests have demanded his undivided attention. The success which he has won is based upon his industry and good management and none begrudge his prosperity.
AUGUST EICHE.
August Eiche is a member of the C. H. Frey Company, florists, who own and conduct the largest greenhouses in the state of Nebraska. Their business has long since assumed extensive and profitable proportions and they maintain a large store at No. 1133 ( street in addition to their greenhouses, which are three blocks south of South street. Mr. Eiche was born in Closeter. New Jersey, about twenty miles from New York City. on the Hudson river, April 15, 1871, and is a son of Herman and Elizabeth ( Hahn) Eiche, both of whoni were natives of Germany. The father was an officer under General Sigel during the revolution in Germany and managed to make his escape from that country by means of forged passports in the '50s. Ile crossed the Atlantic to New York and remained for a time in the eastern metropolis, engaging in business as a merchant tailor. There he developed an immense trade, employing over one hundred people in his establishment. He afterward removed to Closeter, New Jersey, and purchased a small farm but still carried on the tailoring business. In 1881 he came to Lincoln, where he opened a merchant tailoring establishment which he conducted for a number of years but finally retired, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He died in March, 1898. while his wife survived until October, 1915.
August Eiche was reared and educated in his native city and in the public schools of Lincoln and when his textbooks were put aside he turned his attention to the florist business, entering the employ of A. J. Sawyer. Later he became connected with S. C. Elliott in the ownership of a china store, that connection being continued for several years. He and his brother then had charge of the business of the Nebraska Tile Company for six years and in December, 1898, August Eiche purchased a half interest in the florist business of C. H. Frey, which is now conducted under the firm style of the C. H. Frey Company. They have a store at No. 1133 O street, with greenhouses on Thirty-fifth street, three blocks south of South street. Their business has developed until it is the fore- most enterprise of the kind in the state. They can supply any kind of a plant or flower and they have recently put upon the market a new carnation which they have developed, known as the Nebraska carnation and which they believe to be superior to any other that has-thus far been produced.
In September, 1900, Mr. Eiche was united in marriage to Miss May M. Blair, asoft ®
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a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Blair. Iler father died in California and her mother is now living with Mrs. Eiche, who by her marriage has become the mother of two children: L. Blair, born April 16, 1905: and Frederick .A., born September 29, 1911.
Mr. Eiche is a member of the Commercial Club and is chairman of the Retail Merchants Committee, in which connection he is doing everything in his power to advance interests that affect the trade and business relations of the city. Hle is much interested in everything that pertains to Lincoln's welfare and cooperates in every plan and project for the public good. He owns twelve acres of land where he resides at Thirty-fifth and South streets, and the firm of which he is an equal partner owns forty-four acres devoted to greenhouse purposes.
Fraternally Mr. Eiche is connected with the Masons, having taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Highlanders. Politically he maintains an independent course. Ilis religious faith is that of the Methodist church, while his wife is identified with the Presby- terian church. Fle has always been much interested in the preservation of game and song birds, has made a thorough scientific study of ornithology and has the finest collection of birds in the county, having one thousand specimens at his home. He also has quite a collection of elk, moose and deer heads at his store, which he has mounted himself. His interests are broad and varied and he possesses a marked public spirit as well as notable business sagacity and enter- prise. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and the results of his labors are far-reaching and beneficial.
GILBERT COOPER.
Gilbert Cooper, deceased, was a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Lancaster county. He was born in Lincoln, December 28, 1873. a son of William J. and Eliza A. (Skinner ) Cooper, the father a native of New York, whence in early life he removed to Illinois with his parents, the family home being established at Aurora. It was in that state that he married Miss Skinner, who was born in Illinois. In 1862, in response to the country's call for aid, he joined the Union army as a member of Company H, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three years. When the war was over he returned to Illinois and there purchased land which he cultivated for some time. In 1860 he established a livery business at Fairbury, Illinois, and later took his livery outfit to Lincoln in 1870. Here he developed what is now the Ensign Barns, transfer and bus business, selling out the business to Granville Ensign in 1871. Mr. Cooper was afterward active along various other lines, including the sale of windmills and pumps, and finally he engaged in the whole- sale plumbing and heating business under the firm name of Cooper & Cole Brothers, occupying a building, which Mr. Cooper owned at No. 219 South Tenth street and which Is Still the property of JIS Gilbert Cooper. Mr. Cooper continued actively and successfully in that business for some time but eventu-
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ally retired on account of ill health and passed away in December, 1913, having for four years survived his wife, who died September 27, 1909.
Gilbert Cooper was reared and educated in Lincoln and in Denver, Colorado, and after completing his studies went upon the road for his father, selling plumbing supplies for five years. He then became assistant manager of the business, having previously learned the plumbing and steamfitting trade, and when his father sold out Gilbert Cooper engaged in the plumbing business on his own account, following that pursuit until he was accidentally electrocuted while working at his trade August 12, 1913, when forty years of age.
In November, 1902, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Grace R. Ilogan, a daughter of Patrick and Ellen ( Kane) logan, who were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in the '50s and after living for a time in New York removed westward to lowa, being engaged in railroad construction as the lines were being extended westward. In 1856 he came to Nebraska and settled at Kennard, afterward securing a homestead claim which he operated for many years. Finally he retired and removed to Blair, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1893, while his wife passed away in 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were born two children: Gilbert W., whose birth occurred in January, 1904; and Stanley, whose natal day was May 28, 1906. The father of Gilbert Cooper erected a fine residence at No. 1318 J street, where he resided until called to his final home, where his son Gilbert also remained until he passed away and where Mrs. Gilbert Cooper now resides, owning that property, also the business house on South Tenth street and another residence property on South Twenty-sixth street, which she rents.
Politically Mr. Cooper was an earnest republican and in religious faith was a Catholic. Ile was yet a young man when death called him and there were many friends who deeply mourned his loss, for he had endeared himself to his asso- ciates by many traits of character admirable and worthy of all praise. He possessed a social, genial nature, enjoyed the companionship of his friends and was devoted to the welfare of his family, to whom he left an excellent example that may well be followed by his sons.
MRS. JENNIE (BERG) WOODWARD.
Mrs. Jennie ( Berg) Woodward, who owns and supervises the operation of two hundred acres of excellent land in Waverly and Mill precinets, has managed her own business affairs for many years and is recognized as a woman of unusual force of character and ability. Her birth occurred at Altona, Illinois, and her parents were John and Anna ( Anderson ) Berg, natives of Sweden. The father's birth occurred on the 22d of September, 1843, and the mother's natal day was the 10th of September, 1837. Their marriage occurred in Sweden, in 1868 in June, but in 1869 they emigrated to the United States and located at Altona, Illinois, where Mr. Berg followed the blacksmith's trade until the spring of 1872. In that year he came with his family to Waverly, Nebraska, and estab- lished the first blacksmith shop here. , HJe conducted the business successfully until about 1900, when he retired. zed by. MC She had purchased land
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and owned valuable farming property in Lancaster county and also real estate in Havelock and Waverly. He took an active interest in public affairs and was well informed as to events and issues but was never an office seeker. He was one of the men who purchased the land for what is now known as Rosehill cemetery at Waverly. Ile passed away on the 2d of November, 1910, but was .survived by his wife until the 18th of December, 1913. They were the parents of three children, namely: Mrs. Woodward; Anna M., who died in 1882 when nine years old; and Emma C., who died in January. 1897, when twenty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Berg adopted a daughter, Olga Gertrude, who died on the 9th of June, 1903, when twelve years of age.
On the 220 of October. 1892, Miss Jennie Berg was married in Omaha to John Anderson, a native of Sweden and a railroad man. They became the parents of two children: Carl, who died in 1899 when six years old; and Ferdinand, whose death occurred on the 6th of July. 1915, when he was seventeen years of age, presumably from a fall from a motorcycle. On the 15th of Decem- ber. 1910, Mrs. Anderson was married to Dr. L. B. Woodward, of Syracuse, Kansas.
Since girlhood Mrs. Woodward has managed her own affairs and at various times has been in the employ of others in different capacities. She inherited one hundred and twenty acres of land in Mill township and has since added to that property until she now owns two hundred acres of fine land, all of which is highly improved. She likewise holds title to a lot in Lincoln, two residences in Waverly and two desirable lots there on which she expects to build a fine residence. She oversees the operation of her farm and gives close attention to her business interests and the competence which she has gained is the direct result of her good management and business sagacity.
Mrs. Woodward has resided in Lancaster county since pioneer days and knew intimately Mr. and Mrs. Robert McDevitt. now of Havelock, who were the first couple married in Lincoln. She belongs to the Royal Neighbors at Lincoln but was formerly a member of Marigold Camp, No. 3205, at Waverly, in which she served as recorder for a year and a half. She is also. identified with the Fraternal Union and for several years held the office of recorder in that order. She is much interested in everything that pertains to the advancement of her community and can be depended upon to support movements seeking the general good.
FERDINAND O. E. ANDERSON.
Ferdinand O. E. Anderson, a well known and prominent young man, was born in Waverly, January 13, 1898, a son of John and Jennie ( Berg) Anderson. His father was a native of Sweden and a railroad man by occupation. After his death the mother became the wife of Dr. L. B. Woodward, of Lincoln. She is still living and now makes her home in Waverly. Her biography precedes this.
Mr. Anderson was educated in the public schools and was engaged in farming at the time of his deathiz He was a nieinber of the Lincoln Motor Cycle Club, and although a motor cycle enthusiast, was a careful driver. While on his way
FERDINAND O. E. ANDERSON
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to work on a farm July 6, 1915, he met death about two and one-half miles north of Waverly. He was found by a boy friend at one o'clock that day and taken to Waverly. After an examination by a physician he was taken to a hospital in Lincoln, where he died at five o'clock on the same evening. His death will always remain a mystery. The machine showed no signs of collision or accident. The physicians pronounced his death caused by concussion of the brain, though no bruises were to be seen. He was the last child in the family, as his brother Carl had previously died, and his mother alone remains to mourn his loss. He was a very popular young man and had a host of friends wherever known.
SAMUEL AVERY.
Chancellor Samuel Avery of the University of Nebraska has lived in this state nearly forty years, and with some short interruptions twenty-five years of his life have been spent in Lincoln. Since Nebraska is still comparatively a new state, it will be some time before its public men can claim that they were born, raised, educated and performed their life work in Nebraska. Chancellor Avery was born in the state of Illinois, but he came to Lincoln early enough in the life of the state to be classed among its pioneers and early enough in his own life to draw his education, sympathies, and his inspiration as a teacher from the circum- stances and conditions which surround the educational profession in Nebraska.
Students of colleges and universities who are partially or wholly self-support- ing while in school are gradually coming to be regarded as self-made men. Chancellor Avery belongs to this class. Largely by his own economic exertions he graduated from Doane College in 1887, took a degree in science at the University of Nebraska in 1892, and received from the same institution the degree of Master of Arts in 1894. Having become by this time a confirmed and habitual student of chemistry, with a view to preparing himself for educational work in the chemical field, he went to Germany and began the study of chemistry at Heidelberg University. From this institution he received in 1806 the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. With his graduation from Heidelberg, the Chancel- lor's professional life as a Nebraska educator began.
He is called a Nebraska educator for the reason that except for the years 1899 to 1901, during which time he was head of the chemistry department in the University of Idaho, the Chancellor has spent his twenty years of profes- sional life in the University of Nebraska. During the eleven years of service on the faculty of chemistry at the State University, Chancellor Avery was con- sistently advanced from what might be called the "foot" to the head of the chemistry department, and when Dr. E. Benjamin Andrews resigned Chancellor Avery was transferred from the head professorship of chemistry to his present position.
Both during his student days and subsequently in his work as a teacher and scholar. the Chancellor was the recipient of a number of scholastic honors and the author of several publications on chemical subjects. The Chancellor is a member of Phi Beta Kappa cthe honorary scholarship fraternity; a member of Sigma Xi, the honorary scientific fraternity; a member of the American Chem- Vol. II-40
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ical Society; and a member of the Deutsche Chemische Gesselschaft of Berlin, and others. Because of his work in the agricultural experiment stations of Idaho and Nebraska Universities. Chancellor Avery has had the opportunity to do considerable investigation, and he has written and published many articles of interest to chemists among which are the following: Nicholson and Avery, Exercises in Chemistry ; Aromatic Glutaric Acids; Constitution of Paris Green ; Action of Benzyl Cyanide on Cinnamic Ether; Some Aromatic of Succinic Acids.
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