Portrait and biographical album of Gage County, Nebraska : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 28

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Brothers
Number of Pages: 794


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 28


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charge of a store. The mother of Mrs. Carpenter died while she was making a visit in Lee County, Ill., in 1884, when she was about fifty-six years old. She and her husband were members of the German Reformed Church, and were highly respected by all who knew them.


Mrs. Carpenter passed her girlhood days in Green- castle, Pa., and as she grew up to womanhood she completed her education in the various branches of learning, and cultivated the womanly virtues which have made her so estimable a lady. In 1874 our subject with his wife and his father's family moved to Ogle County, Ill., where they remained for some time. They now have a family of four bright, intelligent children, whose names are Iva E., Zoe Adrian, Roy H. and Harley G. Since their residence here they have been prosperous and suc- cessful, and are rapidly becoming situated in a condition to enjoy life without so much hard labor, which speaks well for the industrious disposition and careful management of our subject. He is a genial and affable man, and has won a large circle of admiring friends by his kindly, considerate nature and his true, manly courtesy. He has held the office of Treasurer of his township with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the community, and where political matters are discussed he proves himself a well-informed and ardent Democrat.


AVID S. FAULDER. It is the object of those who leave for the West or newer Territories to make for themselves a home there, or the means of purchasing one elsewhere, and the whole of the Great West is dot- ted over with the attainment of those hopes. Han- over Township supplies several cases in point ; among them, and one of the most pleasant, comfortable and happy, is that of David S. Faulder, whose life is in this sketch briefly outlined.


It was in the fall of 1878 that Mr. Faulder set- tled upon his now valnable and highly cultivated farm, situated on section 25, and comprising 160 acres. Our subject is a native of Washington County, Md., and was born on the 9th of January, 1832. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Rahr)


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Faulder, natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania. This family is of English extraction, the paternal grandparents, John and llannah Faul- der, having emigrated to this country about the year 1794. They landed, and for a time staid in New York, and then settled in Maryland. This gentleman was hy trade a tailor, and also for a time taught school. His family included twelve children, all of whom were born in the United States.


The father of our subject was born in 1798, and learned the trade of cooper, supplementing the same with agriculture. His home was in Maryland, near the Pennsylvania border, and here, with the exception of some years spent in the adjoining county, across the State line, his whole life was spent. His death occurred in the year 1872, his wife having died about fourteen years previously, at the age of sixty-four years, in 1858. They were the parents of three children : Mary, the wife of Reuben Shover, who make their home in Waynesburg, Pa .; David S., our subject; and Margaret, the wife of John Fahrney, of Maryland.


The early days of our subject were spent upon the farm, between the duties of which and those of the school his boyhood was filled. Afterward he mastered the trade of a cooper, and continued to follow the same for about ten years. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Snyder, who was also born in Maryland, in Washington County, on the 27th of February, 1853. This lady, who possesses attributes and graces that qualify her to make the home of her husband all that is contained in that expressive word, is the daughter of Simon and Amy Snyder. After marriage the young couple settled in their native State, and engaged in agricult- ural and pastoral pursuits, continuing the same with slow but sure prosperity until 1873, when they removed to Ogle County, Ill., and made their home in the neighborhood of Polo. Here they leased a farm of 100 acres in extent, continued to reside upon the same for about five years, and in 1878 came to this State, and purchased the present 240 acres, whereon his house has been ereeted. This change has been for the better, and each year has scen an increase of prosperity, and the farm includes 240 acres of valuable, tillable land. The farm build-


ings, although, perhaps, not so elegant as some in older districts, nevertheless are commodious, con- venient and substantial. His home stands near a beautiful grove of forest trees, and a good orchard, and overlooks quite a splendid country, while within there pervades a cheery brightness and warmth of home feeling that are welcomed by not simply the stranger or visitor, but more so by mem- bers of the household.


Upon the day of marriage our subject carried his fortune and inheritance in his pocket, and possessed only $30; from this as a beginning he has gone on accumulating year by year until the present. Mr. and Mrs. Faulder are the happy parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Jerome S .. Samuel R .; Laura, now the wife of James Bogg; Katy, happily married to Dr. Charles S. Boggs; Charles E .; Annie May, now Mrs. M. II. Blackburn; Ira; Irvin and Lucy. The two sons who died in childhood had been named David W. and John, respectively.


Our subject is holding the position of Justice of the Peace in a manner which reflects the greatest honor upon his intelligence, correct judgment and sense of justice. His political sympathies are with the Republican party, and he has for many years been looked upon as one of the most reliable of his party. By the members thereof and by all who know him, he is held in high regard. In the Chris- tian Church at Beatrice our subject and wife find their religious life best sustained, and their interests more largely engaged, and have for many years been very devout members of that communion, bringing into their lives much of the beauty and sweetness of Christian living.


C HARLES H. PRICE, whose farm and resi- dence are situated on section 1 of Midland Township, is a brother of Frank J. Price (see sketch). This gentleman came with his brother to Nebraska in 1878, and is now the owner of a very pleasant home, and a well-cultivated, tillable farm of 120 acres, situated as above. He also was born in Ogle County, Ill., his natal day being the 14th


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of July, 1858, to David E. and Helen E. (Rowland) Price. His early days were spent upon the home farm, and from childhood he was allowed to assist in tasks proportionate to his strength, until he be- came quite a valuable assistant to his father. Like his brother, he was educated in the public schools of Mt. Morris.


Mr. Price was just twenty years of age when he came to this State, and for two years was engaged in farming with his brother, and then started upon his own farm, which he has brought to its present state of efficiency from that of raw, unbroken prai- rie. In his chosen occupation he is abundantly suc- cessful, and for a young man has achieved a prosperity of which he may well be proud. In the year 1881, at Maryland, Ogle Co., Ill., he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Stouffer, and shortly after taking that important step settled where he now resides, and by her bright and cheer- ing presence has been encouraged to go forward with his work. They have a very pleasantly situ- ated, well-built and cheerful home upon their well- stocked farm.


Mrs. Price was born upon the 11th of November, 1860, to Benjamin and Mary (Koontz) Stouffer, who were natives of Maryland. Upon their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Stouffer settled in Washing- ton County, and there their daughter was born. In 1864 the family removed to Franklin County, the same State, and resided upon a farm in that county until 1867. They then migrated to Ogle County, Ill., where they still reside. Besides their daughter Elizabeth, the wife of our subject, their family in- cludes ten children, whose names are as follows: Julia A., the wife of Daniel Zellers, of Ogle County ; Franklin K., Ella E., Fannie M., William, Emma H., Helen M., Otis D., Bertie S. and Edith C. Mr. Stouffer is, with his family, deeply interested in the welfare of the Dunkard or German Baptist Church, of which they are all members and he is a minister. To the same communion are attached also Mr. and Mrs. Price.


Although always anxious to see a higher class of morals in vogue throughout the community, and a larger religious interest manifested, and ever will- ing and ready personally and by proxy to labor to this end, Mr. Price does not take a deep -interest


in political affairs, but his principles and life are such as to win and retain for him the respect of all. In deciding the question of the use to which his ballot should be put he invariably considers the relative fitness of the candidate and office, afterward the question of party.


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OSEPH HOLLINGWORTH. In the town of Melbourne, Derbyshire, England, among the cotton and silk manufacturers, was one James Hollingworth, who, having followed this branch of industry from his youth, had become a more than ordinary skilled worker. This gentle- man in the year 1849 decided to leave his native country and make his home in the New World, in order that his children might have a larger oppor- tunity for advancement in life. He was accompan- ied by his wife, Elizabeth (Hemsley) Hollingworth, and four children. Their family included twelve children, whose names are as follows : Frances, Myra, Francis, Charlotte, James, Thomas, Henry, Eliza- beth (deceased), Robert, Lizzie (deceased), Lizzie and Joseph.


Our subject was born in the old English home on the 2d of November, 1836, and was twelve years of age when his parents came to this country. but having been a bright youth and of mercurial tem- perament, he had sometimes worked in the factories when not at school, and was a general favorite there. His father settled in Racine County, Wis., where he took up land and commenced farming. In these newer engagements he was assisted by his sons, among them our subject. After eight years a removal was made to Stevens Point, in the same State, and they settled in the midst of the pine woods, and began clearing a farm, which at the same time provided material for a start in the lumber trade In 1861 they came west to Nebraska City, perform- ing the journey by wagon and team. The season was remarkably dry, so much so that every river was forded with ease, with the exception of the two great rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi, which of course were both too wide and deep to admit


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the thought of the experiment of such primitive and easy crossing; they had to depend upon the help of the ferryman for progress in these instances. The family pushed straight on to Blue Springs, of this county, where a farm was rented and held for two seasons.


While residing in Blue Springs our subject was attracted to Miss Wealthy Jane Tinkham, and they were made husband and wife July 13, 1862. This most estimable lady was born upon the 26th of October, 1841, in Morrow County, Ohio, and was the second child of nine born to the Rev. A. L. and Sarah (Wilson) Tinkham. She was fifteen years of age when her parents removed to Benton County, Iowa, which was her home until about her nine- teenth birthday, at which time she came to Ne- braska, where she met our subject, and was married two years later. They have become the parents of eight children, whose names are here appended: Arthur J., Thomas H., Alma E., Arvilla, George, Albert, and Archie and Aimee, twins.


The father of Mrs. Hollingworth was born in Vermont and her mother in Ohio. Upon the pa- ternal side the family is of English extraction. After their marriage they settled in Ohio, and sub- sequent to the sojourn in Iowa, above referred to, removed to this county in 1860 and took up a home- stead claim. Their family includes nine children, who severally bear the names subjoined : Gilbert, Wealthy Jane, Margery C., Elias W., James Leroy, Thomas L., Alice, Eddie D. and Bertie. Mr. Tink- ham, who is seventy-two years of age, is in the en- joyment of every faculty and good health, and is in his retired life reaping the pleasurable result of earlier years of toil. His wife is also living at an advanced age. Upon the marriage of our subject his father and mother, then somewhat advanced in years, at the invitation of their son took up their residence with him in his new home, and there re- mained until their death. Mr. Hollingworth, Sr., departed this life in the year 1864, aged seventy- three years. His wife survived until the year 1883, having reached the advanced age of ninety-two years.


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Our subject and his wife continued on their homestead from the time of their marriage until 1882. He had purchased a section of land the fall of


the previous year in Nuckolls County, Neb., and re- moved as above, continuing there until the summer of 1887, when a return was made to the old home in this county, where they reside at present. In addition to the operation of the farm, our subject has, since the year 1887, been engaged in the gen- eral stone trade. His stone quarry is situated in Rockford Township, on the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, three and one-half iniles from Bea- trice, and was among the first stone quarries opened in the State, and is now one of the largest and most extensively used, business in this department hav- ing increased with unusual rapidity.


Besides the 240 acres of land in Rockford Town- ship our subject is the owner of 520 aeres in Nuck- olls County, well improved and cultivated. The home farm (Rockford Point) has received a large share of attention, and is provided with a good set of the usual farm buildings, and has also a beautiful orchard of over 100 choice trees, and in the neigh- borhood of the house is plentifully supplied with very fine groves- of cottonwood, locust and other trees. There are also trees set out for a full half-mile along the northern boundary of the farm, at once an added beauty and utility.


Thomas H .. the son of our subject, has charge of the Nuckolls County Farm; Arthur J. is married to Miss Jennie Chenault, and is the manager of the quarry. The political sentiments of our subject are in harmony with those of the Republican party, with which he has for many years voted and worked, and has long been considered a tried friend and supporter. He has watched with pride and absorbing interest the development of Nebraska, and was one to push forward the work of its admis- sion as a State. Ilis name will be found upon the list of those who voted for the adoption of the Con- stitution of the State in 1866. Ile has always taken an active interest in the educational advance- ment of his district and county, and has served nine years as School Director. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hol- lingworth are highly valued members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, of Holmesville, of which they are most consistent and devout members. The wife of our subject is also prominent in Sunday- school circles, and is identified with the institution at Holmesville. Nothing is too small to be worthy


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of her labor and effort, nor too large for her en- deavor, so long as it be for the benefit and advance- ment of the work. Both are most highlily esteemed and their value appreciated. They are always found ready to aid in every good work or project, if it be but shown that such enterprise is worthy.


W ILLIAM A. HOLLENBACK. One of the greatest questions before the civilized world, one that is not confined by the lines of race, color or nationality, is that of the use and abuse of beverages which tend to produce that brain effect which is designated by the term intox- ication. For many years the indiscriminate use of such articles has been gradually arousing the most determined and enthusiastic opposition, and firing the hearts of many of the best citizens with an im- passioned fervency of zeal, to remove from the path of the young, the untried and the tempted, everything which tends by seducing allurements to ruin them and bring disgrace upon their families, communities and country. The subject of the present sketch is one deeply interested in the solution of this great international problem, and stands pledged before the community of which he is a factor upon the side of the defense of those whom weakness, either from age, inexperience or repeated failure, has rendered defenseless.


Onr subject is one of the prosperous farmers of Sicily Township, and is the owner of 120 acres of exceedingly good farming land, which is situated on section 33. He is the son of George and Jane (Patton) Hollenback, who were both natives of Ohio, but removed to Woodford County, Ill. Their married life was very bright and felicitons, and was only broken by the death of the mother of our subject in Woodford County, Ill., in 1859. They had become the parents of six children, who are still living, with the exception of their son George, who died in Illinois when eight years of age. The names of the remaining children, according to the family genealogy, are : John C., Nathan P., Elizabeth J., Sarah E. and William A.


Our subject was born on the 1st of April, 1845, in the home in Woodford County, and was reared


to man's estate in the same place. His education was practical rather than extensive, and when it was completed he was ready to go to work upon the farm. He removed to his present home in Gage County, Neb., and took np the tract of land which now comprises his property when it was in au un- tamed condition, and by continued effort, and per- severance in hard work intelligently bestowed, has brought it to its present super-excellent condition.


On the 3d of July, 1866, Mr. Hollenbeck was married, the lady of his choice being Adeline Gil- crest, a daughter of Thomas C. and Eleanor (Guth- rie) Gilcrest. Her father was a native of Virginia, her mother of Ohio. The home of our subject has opened its portals to welcome three little ones, whose names are recorded as follows : Ellen J., Frank R. and Bertha E., who are still living at home with their parents, aged twenty-one, seventeen and eleven years.


Mr. Hollenback is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which be has been identified for many years, having been received therein at Belle Plain, Ill., about the year 1864, but is at present identified with the church at Wymore. He has been in office for the greater part of that time, as Steward, Sunday-school Superintendent etc., and still continues as Steward at Wymore. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and just as enthusiastic and devont in that communion as her husband is in his. Both are most highly es- teemed for their work's sake. The difference of thought in regard to religions matters in no way hinders the uninterrupted flow of that joyous com- panionship which marks the wedded life of the Christian. It may, however, be partly accounted for by the fact that their parents followed in the same path before them, Mr. and Mrs. Gilerest hav- ing been members of the Christian Church, and the father and mother of Mr. Hollenback members of the Methodist Church. It is a remarkable co- incidence that both mothers should have departed this life in a triumph of Christian faith, which was not marred by any shade of difference of creed; also, that both fathers still live, and in their respective churches are prominent and regarded with the deepest respect and Christian affection.


In former years our subject was an affiliate of the


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Republican party, but his study of the matters re- ferred to in our opening paragraph led him to asso- ciate himself with the Prohibition party. In this cause he is a constant and energetic worker. That his efforts have been appreciated is shown in that at the last convention of this county our subject was nominated as candidate for representative by his party. At present he is filling in a most satis- factory manner the office of Clerk of his township, to which he was elected in the fall of 1887. Com- ment regarding the character of one thus associated and engaged is entirely unnecessary, and would de- generate into the fulsome remarks of the sycophant, therefore, it is preferred to leave this epitome as a whole to speak the worth and esteem of its subject.


AMES ELERBECK furnishes a forcible illus- tration of the power of industry and self-re- liance, he having risen by successive steps from moderate circumstances to his present position of affluence. He is a son of John and Eliza Elerbeck, who were natives of England. and was born on the 24th of July, 1836, in Bradford, Yorkshire. He spent his early years in his native village, and be- cause of the moderate circumstances of his parents he was engaged in working in the worsted and cot- ton factories until he was eighteen years old, for which reason his early education was limited. His parents were Christian people and interested him in the work of the Sunday-school, so that he was a regular attendant and gained much information of the Bible and religious truthis.


Our subject conceived the desire to have a home of his own, and thinking that he would have better opportunities to make and save a competence in America, he sailed from Liverpool in 1854, placing foot on American soil in the month of May of the same year. His destination was Kenosha County, Wis., and after he had arrived there he worked out by the month for one and a half years, after which he went to Racine County, and remained until 1866. Three years after his arrival in America he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Murgatroyd, who is a daughter of William and Sarah Murgat- royd. They were born in Yorkshire, England,


where the father was a manufacturer of worsted and cotton goods, and was in very good circum- stances. The family came to this country in 1848, and made their home in Kenosha County, Wis. The father now resides in Union Grove, Racine Co., Wis., having reached the advanced age of eighty- seven years. The mother died in 1860, at the age of fifty-six years, leaving a family of seven children, who are now all living and are named as follows: Emanuel, Richard, Nanny, John, Mary A., Eliza and Anna.


Mrs. Elerbeck was born in October, 1840, in Yorkshire, England, not far from Bradford, the < birthplace of Mr. E. She had known our sub- ject in their native country, and was eight years old when she came with her parents across the water. Young as she was she had already inspired an affec- tion in the heart of young James Elerbeck, and who can tell whether or not it was with a desire to see his early love that our subject came to this country, and made her his wife when she was sixteen years old. After their marriage the happy young people made their home in Wisconsin, and in 1863 our subject, hearing that his mother was very ill, left home to make a visit to the Fatherland, with the hope of seeing his dearly loved mother before she should have passed to the world beyond. And she, hearing of his coming, seemed to summon up strength to await the arrival of her darling boy; and with the sight of him it seemed as if a new lense of life were granted her, for she recovered sufficient health to live for three years afterward. She died in 1867, at the age of fifty-three years, and our subject has always been thankful that he made his visit when he did.


In the spring of 1864 Mr. Elerbeck again set sail for America, and after having enjoyed one of the finest trips in his life he was happy to find his fam- ily at home well, and waiting to extend a greeting to him whose presence was so welcome. He rented a farm in Wisconsin and prospered fairly well, but wishing to see the much-talked-of " Nebraska," he started with a wagon team of three horses, with his wife and children, for the State of the Plains in May, 1866. Ile arrived at Beatrice in the latter part of June, and immediately took up his present homestead on section 18, Rockford Township. They


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lived in the wagon in which their journey was made until the shanty could be built, and it being finished in October, they moved into their more commo- dious dwelling. Our subject dug a well, and made other necessary improvements as he was able to make them ; the land being raw prairie there was so much to be done at once. His wagon was the first one on the Blue River at the mouth of Cedar Creek.


Our subject owns 370 acres of land, which he de- votes to the purpose of general or mixed farming, and his success has given him the reputation of be- - ing one of the best farmers in the county. He has been very industrious and is a careful manager, con- ducting his business in the most approved method and order. With his own hands he planted a grove which now contains trees of a size sufficient to make a respectable saw-log, and he has a fine orchard of apple, cherry, peach and other fruit trees. He has an artist's eye for symmetry, and has laid ont the yards and lawns to the best possible advantage for beauty and utility. He has erected a fine, large house, and cattle and horse barns, with all necessary out-buildings, such as granary, corn cribs, cattle- sheds, etc. His stockyards are furnished with water forced by a wind pump, and in various other ways have labor and wealth made many improve- ments.




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