USA > Nebraska > Gage County > Portrait and biographical album of Gage County, Nebraska : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 14
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Socially, our subject is connected with the I. O. O. F., and is a member of Beatrice Lodge No. 19, and also of the Encampment No. 16, at the same place. As a result of his experiences he has since the war been a Republican, although formerly he was a Democrat. In Missouri, whither he went after his mill burned, he was compelled to trade a $50 gun for a sack of meal, in order to keep his family from starving until he could get something to do. Such was the public sentiment at that time that he was obliged to hide in the brush for over two weeks in order to prevent being killed by rebels, who had threatened his life. Upon another occasion they
called upon him to help raise a pole on which they had put a rebel flag. but he refused utterly, saying, "You may put a rope around my neck and pull me up to where you put the flag, but I will not give so much as the strength of my little finger in assisting to raise that pole or flag." This act of loyalty was the occasion of such an outburst as to make him leave the State. This, and also numerous other in- eidents upon the same line, have made him an un- faltering Republican.
This history of our subject presents many features of encouragement to those who are still engaged in the upward struggle. Not only was the first start in life due to his own effort, but each of the three recommencements he has since made; for his mis- fortunes have been many, and upon three different times he has been reduced to the necessity of prac- tically beginning life anew. Then again he has lost considerable money at various times by notes he had endorsed for friends, who failed to pay the same when due. However, his industry, push and good management have enabled him to survive every disaster, surmount every obstacle, and attain this ultimate unqualified success. Mr. Stoll has a section of land in Harlan County, this State, where it is his intention to start four of his sons in stock- raising in the coming season, and their success is well-nigh assured, seeing they have manifested the same high character and many of the noble per- sonal traits possessed by their father.
One of the most delightful rural views the pub- lishers have presented to the public in many years is the full-page view of Mr. Stoll's residence, and some of the magnificent animals which he makes a specialty in raising.
EMPTSY II. TROWBRIDGE. Among the inspiring and elevating influences which act upon the soul in this life, few are more potent than that of harmony, especially as rendered by a well-trained orchestra, or breathed from the soul of an organ. The sketch of the salient features in the life of the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this paper presents the history of the first trained and fully educated
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musician established in Wymore. Mr. Trowbridge has been from his youth up a teacher of instru- mental and vocal music, and received his musical training from Prof. George F. Root and Dr. Pal- mer, both of international reputation.
Demptsy Trowbridge, the father of our subject, was born in Bourbon County. Ky., Nov. 11, 1801. In the same place he was reared, received a common- school education, and afterward learned the trade of a blacksmith, after which he taught school in Washington County, Ind., and there became ac- quainted with, and finally married Miss Edith Skel- ton, which event took place Nov. 27, 1823. They became the parents of eleven children, six of whom were sons. One of their children died in early childhood. Our subject was the youngest child of the family. During the term of his teaching school, the father of our subject was impelled by his relig- ious convictions to enter the ministry, and during the latter years of his life served in that office in the Christian Church. He was a man of large physical power, and well-developed, active brain, rapid and accurate in thought. When he had reached the age of thirty-eight years he was stricken with fever, and after a very brief illness was de- feated in the battle of life, and fell under the keen sickle of the "Reaper," on the 31st of March, 1839, just six days before our subject was born, leaving his widow and family in a financially destitute con- dition. He had become quite prominent as a minis- ter, and large things were expected from him should he have survived.
Mrs. Trowbridge, the mother of our subject, was born at Wheeling, W. Va., on the 12th of October, 1807. When twelve years of age she went to Washington County, Ind., with her parents, and made her home with them until her marriage. She was the daughter of John Skelton, a native of West Virginia, as was also his wife. Her father died in Owen County, Ind., at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. Trowbridge was thirty-two years of age when her husband was taken from her, and was left with her ten children, under the circumstances above noticed, to face the hard, matter-of-fact world, but with the heroism of motherhood she nobly faced the situation and kept her children with her, feed- ing, clothing, educating and preparing them to
take their places in life's struggle. This alone speaks most emphatically as to her noble woman- hood, strength of character, sound judgment and affection. It has been her joy to see all her chil- dren enter into life, not simply in honorable callings, but with that strength and power which come from communion with the Divine, which is at once the privilege and part of the Christian. All her sons at some time in their life have been teachers of music; one of them, the subject of this sketch, has made it his chosen profession. Two of her daugh- ters taught in the public schools, as did also two of the boys. In 1857 she, with the youngest children, went to Marshall County, Ill., and there made her home until Oct. 31, 1866, when she died, after a widowhood of twenty-seven years.
Our subject was born in Washington County, Ind., on the 6th of April, 1839, and afterward lived in Owen and Morgan Counties of the same State. In the two latter he received his education in the common schools. In 1857 he went to Illinois with bis mother, who made arrangements for him to enter Eureka University, where he remained for one year, after which he taught in the public schools for five years, and in addition throughout the same period giving instruction in music. This was fol- lowed by his entrance into the classes of the State Normal School at Normal, McLean Co., Ill., where he staid for one year, taking advantage of every opportunity offered to perfect himself in his pro- fession, then he returned to school teaching until 1869, in that time serving at Washburn. Belle Plain and different points in the country. He then attended the Normal School for Music at Janesville, Wis., conducted by Profs. Palmer and Root, at the end of the term receiving a certificate bearing the names of the following renowned musicians: W. Ludden, W. S. B. Mathews, C. G. Titcomb, E. H. Nourse and H. R. Palmer. During all of this time he was a classmate of the world-renowned P. P. Bliss, also S. W. Straub and C. E. Leslie. Al- though our subject had taken such a thorough course in music he continued under the instruction of Profs. Palmer and Root for fully two years longer, with them attending and instructing at musical conventions. Coupled with his natural talent and love of harmonics, these unusually fa-
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vorable opportunities to train and mature his ability as a teacher insured his success beyond question.
Upon leaving his instructors our subject taught at Atlanta, Lincoln, Broadwell, Elkhart, of Logan County, Williamsville and Springfield in Sangamon County. Ile spent ten years in Lincoln, Ill., and in that period gave over 4.000 lessons, for which he received between $8,000 and $10,000. He next settled in Minonk, Woodford Co., Ill., and made it his headquarters for four years, having large classes at Metamora, Roanoak, Benson, Rutland, Dana and Ancona. In the year 1884 he settled in Wymore, and has since taught for nine terms his chosen art. He is held in the highest regard in the community as a professor of music, both in regard to his knowledge and his ability to impart instruction, and no less so because he is in every relation of life an honorable, Christian gentleman.
While residing at Minonk, April 13, 1870. our subject became the husband of Carrie Leslie, a lady in every way in harmony with his own tem- peramnent and professional aspirations. This lady was born in Madison County, Ky., Sept. 12, 1842. She is the daughter of Isaiah Webb, and lived with her parents until the date of her marriage with Alexander Leslie, and during her widowhood re- sided at Lincoln, where she met our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge have been born three children, whose names are as subjoined: Demptsy L., who was born on the 14th of May, 1872; Pearl M. E., Feb. 25, 1877, and Elmer Garfield, who was born on the 24th of February, 1880. The great shadow in the life of our subject, and one from which he has never seemed fully to emerge, made its presence felt in September, 1881. Upon the 20th of that month his daughter Pearl was taken by death after a very brief illness with scar- let fever, and ten days later his youngest child, Elmer, followed her, leaving the parents face to face with a sorrow that nothing upon earth can remove. The eldest son, Demptsy, was spared to his parents, however, and develops a character that promises a most honorable career.
Our subject and wife are both members in good standing of the Wymore Christian Church, and are among the most active and consistent members. Mr. Trowbridge is also one of the Elders, an office
which he has filled since the organization of the church in February, 1886. Ile has been very energetic and enthusiastic in Sunday-school work, and has held the office of Sunday-school Superin- tendent for a like period. The standing of our subject and his family in the community is excep- tionally high in every relation.
IRAM LACY. Among the representative farmers and stock-raisers of the southern part of Gage County no one has been more successful in his chosen calling than our subject, as is denoted by his valuable farm, finely located on section 2, Paddock Township, embracing 240 acres of exceedingly fertile land, all fenced and under good cultivation, and well stocked with herds of sleek, well-fed cattle and swine. Ile is one of the early settlers of this township, and has been active in promoting the development of its agricultural facilities. When he began life he had no money, but sound, common sense, a good, practical knowledge of agriculture and an industrious disposition have stood him in good stead, for by the exercise of these he has gained an independent competence, and can support his family in comfort and case. Mr. Lacy naturally takes much pride in his success as a farmer, and he is proud of his fine looking cat- tle, which compare favorably with any in the county ; he is paying attention chiefly to raising cattle and hogs, selling about forty head of the former each year, and from seventy-five to a hundred of the latter, feeding all the grain that he raises.
Mr. Lacy is a native of Davenport, Iowa, his birth taking place in that city April 24, 1850. IIis parents, Iliram and Anna (Workman) Lacy, were natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. When our subject was five years old they left the city of his birth and went to Atchison, Kan., where they lived for awhile. The father of our subject subsequently died in Henry County, Iowa, in June, 1857. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a man of ster- ling worth and sound integrity, commanding the respect of all with whom he came in contact, either in a business or in a social way. In 1861 our sub- ject and his mother came to Nebraska and located
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in Richardson County, where they lived for several years. Mrs. Lacy is now spending the declining years of her life in the home of her son John, in Colorado, near Colorado Springs. She is the mother of five children now living, of whom Hiram, of this sketch, is the third in order of birth.
Our subject came to Gage County in March, 1878, and located on the farm where he now lives. To the wife who presides over his home and makes it comfortable and cozy, he was united in marriage in Falls City, Neb., Sept. 16, 1873. Mrs. Lacy was formerly Miss Fannie Johnson, and she is a daugh- ter of the late Alexander and Mary Johnson, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Johnson died when ber daugh- ter was about nine years old; Mr. Johnson died in Washington County, Ark., in February, 1888. The pleasant household circle of our subject and his wife is completed by the seven children who sur- vive the nine born to them. Mr. Lacy is an inde- pendent, capable, self-reliant man, possessing much shrewdness and forethought; he is frank and open- hearted, and is well liked by his neighbors, as he is always obliging and helpful.
G EORGE McCLUNG is one of the early set- tlers of Paddock Township, and has contrib- uted his share toward its development and improvement. He is actively and prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm on sec- tion 34, which he has improved from the wild, un- broken prairie to one of the best tilled farms in this locality. He is a native of Ohio, first opening his eyes to the light of day in Jefferson County, May 2, 1855. His parents, Archibald and Lucinda (Car- den) McClung, natives of New York and Ohio, moved to Van Wert County, Ohio, when our subject was a mere child. From there they went to Clinton County, Iowa, in 1865, and in 1869 removed to Grundy County, in the same State, and there the family was bereft of the faithful wife and devoted mother, who died Oct. 2, 1876, at the age of fifty- two, lamented by many, as she was a woman of ster- ling virtues and of a kindly disposition. In 1878 the father came with his children to Gage County, and purchased his present farm of 160 acres in Pad-
dock Township, and he has since been a respected resident of this township.
George McClung was reared partly in his native State and partly in Iowa, and he grew to be a strong and capable lad, and early put his shoulder to the wheel to assist his father in carrying on his farm; thus he gained a sound, practical knowledge of - agriculture, which has been of great benefit to lim since he has had a farm of his own. July 23, 1876, he was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Rob- ert and Mary A. (Brown) Dick. Mrs. McClung's mother died in Linn County, Iowa, in 1869, and her father is now living in Dakota. To our subject and his wife have been born six children, one of whom, Desie, is deceased. The others are Mary L., Archibald W., Elizabeth .J., Emma M. and Agnes A.
Mr. McClung came to Gage County with his fam- ily in 1878, and bought eighty aeres of land on sec- tion 34, Paddock Township, comprising his present farm; he is now fencing 240 acres, including his father's 160-acre farm. He has his land well im- proved : he is engaged in general farming, but each year confines his attention more and more exclusively to stoek-raising, in which department he is meeting with marked success. When Mr. McClung first came here this township was not laid out, and it may well be his pride that he has been privileged to aid it in its development and to watch its growth. He is a shrewd, far-seeing man, of good business habits, with a fine reputation, friendly and obliging in his relations with his neighbors, and in his fam- ily a kind husband and devoted father. He is a strong Prohibitionist.
W ILLIAM YOUNG. This gentleman is per- haps one of the largest stock-raisers of Highland Township. He resides upon his ranch on section 1, where he owns 320 acres of very excellent land, admirably suited to his purpose. As will be noticed, he is one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. Young was born in County 'Tyrone, Ireland, on the 20th of July, 1843, and is the son of Edward and Jane Young, both of whom were of Scotch descent, but natives of Ulster, North Ireland
Julius Neumann
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He remained iu his native country until 1862, when he removed with his parents to Glasgow, Scotland. From that city he embarked in 1862, in a sailing- vessel, for America, where he arrived seven weeks and three days from the date of starting.
Landing in New York City, Mr. Young proceeded to Philadelphia, and there resided for several years, working as a bricklayer. About 1868 he came to West Lincoln, Neb., and there worked at his trade, brickmaking, until 1872, when he came to this county and settled upon section 4 of Highland Township, where he pre-empted a quarter-section of land in its original wild, prairie state. He put in a great deal of hard work during the next few years, and brought it to a very high state of agricultural efficiency. It was a thorough transformation and had become quite a valuable property. During this time his father and mother lived with him on the farm, and owing to this he was enabled fre- quently to absent himself from the farm in order to work at his trade at Lincoln, which under other circumstances would have been impossible.
In 1884 Mr. Young settled upon his present farm on section 1, adjoining Cortland, where he was en- gaged in stock-farming, although necessarily giving considerable attention to the raising of corn, grain, hay, etc., for feed purposes. His specialty would appear to be the raising of Short-horn cattle and the breeding of high-grade horses, such as the Clydesdale, English thoroughbreds, and the better class of American horses. In this occupation he has had unusual success, and has built up a very large and favorable reputation in connection there- with.
On the 1st of October, 1874, our subject was united in marriage with Sarah Calathan, like him- self a native of North Ireland. This lady is a daughter of James and Margaret Calathan, and was ushered into life June 1, 1851, and made her home with her parents until her marriage, coming to the United States in the year 1869 with some of her relatives, settling in Philadelphia. This union has been more completely cemented by the birth of nine children, viz: Sarah J., Robert R., Maggie 'T., Fred W., Jay W., Ette, Lora, also Willie and John, both of whom are deceased. In political matters our subject is independent, always voting according
to the principles of right rather than party. Dur- ing his residence on section 4 he filled the office of School Treasurer for several years, and has also held other offices. He is a man who enjoys the fullest confidence and respect of the community, as do also his family. His history shows what may be done by determination, energy and hard work, despite poverty of early opportunity.
ULIUS NEUMANN, Mayor of Wymore, and engaged in general merchandising, besides having other important interests in the city, and whose portrait is herewith presented. is one of its most prominent and influential business men. Besides his proprietorship in the Wymore Rolling Mills, he owns the Neumann Block, a bean- tiful residence on Newton street, and other valua- ble city property. He holds the warranty deed to a fine farm of 160 acres in Pawnee County, and a whole section in this State and Kansas.
The Neumann family is of pure German ancestry, William G., the father of our subject, having been born July 26, 1790. In 1812 he was drafted into the German army. The mother, Mrs. Catherine (Kehl) Neumann, was born March 18, 1805, at Meis- enheim, and was the daughter of well-to-do parents, with whom she was reared, and remained with them until her marriage. She became the mother of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to mature years, and of whom our subject was next to the youngest. After the return of the father from the wars he removed to Meisen- heim, where he married, then settled at Langen- lonshime, where he held a Government position until sixty-eight years of age.
In the fall of 1857 Mr. Neumann with his family emigrated to America, settling first in Henry County, Ill., where he secured a tract of land, upon which he followed farming until his death, which occurred on the 25th of December, 1861. The mother survived until Aug. 4, 1880, making her
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home with her son, our subject, the last six years of her life. All of their children had been given a good education, and with their parents were mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church. The sons are generally engaged in merchandising, and hold good positions in their community.
Julius Neumann was born in Langenlonshime, Jnly 7, 1848, and there remained until a lad nine years of age, when he came with his parents to the United States. His education was completed in the schools of Henry County, Ill. ; he was for a time a student at the Cambridge Iligh School. Afterward he worked on the farm with his father until seven- teen years old, and then started in business for himself, establishing a hardware store at Bishop Hill, which he carried on successfully for a period of three years. Next he embarked in the dry-goods trade at San Jose, Ill., and since that time has been in this business, having now an experience of twenty years.
Mr. Neumann came to this county in the spring of 1882, and that same year put up a fine brick block on Niagara avenue. In partnership with A. E. Winter be conducted a sueeessful business nntil the spring of 1888, then, desiring a rest, sold out. Among the men most largely engaged in those enterprises which have furnished an impetus to the business interests of the town, the subject of this sketch has occupied no unimportant position. He has been a member of the School Board most of the time since coming here, and holds the office of President, both of the Building and Loan Asso- ciation and the Board of Trade. Of the Methodist Episcopal Church he has been a generous contrib- uting member for years, also holding the office of Trustee, and serving on the Building Committee and in other positions where he could do effective work.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Amelia Wellmeyer, of Wapello, Iowa, was celebrated at the home of the bride, June 3, 1874. Mrs. Neumann was born Sept. 1, 1854, in Iowa, and is the daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth Wellmeyer, who were na- tives of Germany. Of this union there have been born six children: Clarence, who died in 1879, at the age of six years; Rawley W., Clarice, Mahlon, Gertrude and Williemina. The eldest is twelve
years of age and the youngest two. They are being carefully trained and educated, and there is every reason to suppose will grow up an honor to their parents and ornaments to society.
h SIZER BARNUM, proprietor of the Pio- neer Livery Stable, is also the owner of a fine stock farm of 120 acres lying two miles north of the city of Blue Springs. He gives his attention mostly to the breeding of fine horses, having two imported stallions, and is a member of the Imported Horse Society. There are few men who have been more industrious or energetic in the building up of this important industry in this sec- tion.
Hiram, the father of our subject, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1811. There also he was educated, studied law, and upon reaching man- hood made his way to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was married to Miss Irena H. Howard. They became the parents of five children, two of whom died at an early age. The father of our subject operated as a broker, but left Buffalo in 1838, and returning to his native State, lived there for a time in Trum- bull County, then removed to Akron, Summit County. and was engaged in the practice of law for a number of years. He finally returned to his na- tive county, and settling down upon a farm there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the ripe old age of seventy-six years.
Hiram Barnum was a man of fine capacities, prominent in local and political affairs. He held the various offices of his own township in Trumbull Connty, and was widely and favorably known throughout that region. His wife, Irena, was born in New York in 1807, and is still living at the old homestead in Trumbull County, Ohio. This tract of land was cleared from the wilderness by Eli Barnum, the grandfather of cur subject, who was a native of Danbury, Conn. He continued a resi- dent of New England until his marriage, then emi- grated to Ohio, and in the woods of Trumbull County purchased land three miles from any other settlers. From this he built up a fine farm and erected a flouring-mill on Eagle Creek. Later he sold
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a part of this property to a colony called the Trum- bull Phalanx. He spent his last years in Trumbull County, and died at the ripe old age of seventy- five years. The house where he last lived was a large frame structure, the first frame house built in Brace- ville Township with an " L," and had within it the huge fireplace common to those days. It was the resort of the people of that region for miles around, and witnessed many a cheerful gathering.
The paternal grandmother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Mary Dibble. She became the mother of nine children, all of whom lived to ma- ture years. Grandmother Barnum survived ber husband for a period of ten years, dying at the ad- vanced age of eighty-five.
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