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 30
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nee County and took up some Government land lying partly in that county and partly in this, his brother settling just across the line in Gage Connty. They were the first to break land bordering on Wolf Creek, and at that time the Indians held un- disputed sway, and wild animals made their home here. Herds of buffaloes were grazing not more than thirty miles west from here, having been driven already that far by the march of civilization.
There was but one family (by the name of Ben- nett) living on Plum Creek when our subject and his brother came to this section, and that family was the only one living in Liberty Township. While he was preparing to build his house, and that, too, in the most primitive style, our subject hoarded with this family. At one time the In- dians staid over night with them, and finding a sack of gold belonging to our subject, they took $20 of the amount contained in it, not daring to take the remainder lest the theft should be sus- pected. The early settlers of this section suf- fered quite a number of losses from the pilfering of these Indians, who claimed to be friendly, but who could not resist carrying away with them small articles of value on which they could lay their hands.
Several new families settled in Plum Creek in the fall of 1859, which no doubt was a grateful ad- dition to the lonely little settlement. Our subjeet returned to Wisconsin in the fall of 1860, and in 1861 he went to Mitchell County, Iowa, where he remained until the 13th of April, 1862, on which day he was united in marriage with Margaret A. Pilcher, a daughter of Joshua Pilcher (deceased). They gathered about them a family of nine chil- dren, seven of whom are living, namely: Minnie, Celestia, William L., Charles E., Belle O., Adaline and Daisy.
Our subject settled on his present farm on sec- tion 5, Liberty Township, in 1883, and owns 160 acres of good land, which he devotes to the pur- pose of general farming, also paying attention to the breeding of graded stock. For a period of almost fifty years he has watched the westward course of civilization, which still continues on her way, and in that time the seetion of the country which was a frontier and Western Reserve, has be-
come the center of colonization. while stretching far beyond it are improvements far exceeding those of the Eastern States half a century ago. The railroads traverse the country in every direc- tion in place of the stage coaches that were once thought to be a great convenience. The telegraph lines form a connecting link which joins this section to the most distant parts of even the great world, while the religious and educational advantages now offered here are unsurpassed. Of all these changes our subject has taken note, and has done his share toward the development of his immediate section.
SAAC D. CASEBEER is a son of John and Elizabeth Casebeer, the former of whom was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1832, and the latter in Wood County, Nov. 14, 1835. The father was engaged as a carpenter and painter dur- ing his residence in his native State, and in 1877 he came to Nebraska, after which he engaged in farming in this county, and now makes his home in Blue Springs. The mother was unfortunately killed by lightning, Aug. 4, 1887, aged fifty-one years, seven months and twenty-one days. The following is taken from a local paper: "Mrs. Case- beer, who was so suddenly called away from earth, leaves a husband and four children, and a host of warm friends to mourn her untimely death. The funeral services were held on Saturday at 11 o'clock from the Methodist Episcopal Church, in this city, Rev. Mr. Maxfield officiating, but on ac- count of the absence of her son, I. D. Casebeer, and her son-in-law, R. G. Hotham, who were known to be on their way to attend the funeral, the burial services were postponed nntil Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, at which time the entire family were present, and the remains were laid at rest in the Blue Springs Cemetery." Two sons and two dangh- ters comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Casebeer, all of whom are now living.
Our subject was born on the 16th of October, 1856, in Toledo, Ohio, and he remained at home until he was twenty-two years old. He received his education in the public schools until he was thirteen years old, at which age he began to learn
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the printer's trade. When he was twenty-three years okl he began in business in Toledo, where he continued for three years. but his health failing him he discontinued the business. In 1881 he came to this county, and for two years was engaged in farming, after which he spent two years in the printing-office in Blue Springs. The next period of two years was spent in Missouri and Arkansas, where he was engaged in following his trade, and in 1887 he took possession of the farm on which he now resides.
May 12, 1878, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Lois Parkhurst, at Bristol, Ind. She was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, on the Ist of May. 1861. She is a daughter of Joseph S. and Beulah (Shutts) Parkhurst, who were natives of New York but had moved to Ohio when young, and had lived there until their marriage. The mother died July 12, 1869, and the father now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Casebeer. Thomas Parkhurst, a brother of Mrs. Casebeer, died in Island Grove Township in the year 1887. By their marriage our subject and his wife have be- come the parents of four children, whom they have named Archie B., James T., Eunice L. and Effie L.
Mr. Casebeer is in favor of the policy advocated by the Republican party, and while he has an in- terest in the welfare of the community in which he lives, he does not seek public honors, but gives strict attention to his occupation. He is a member of the Typographical Union, of the A. O. U. W., and in good standing among his fellowmen.
M. BENNETT is at present engaged in buying and selling grain, and is in partner- ship with W. H. Leacock in the management of the Hoag Elevator, of Hoag Station. 1Ie is also a partner of John Scheve, and they huy and ship all kinds of stock, shipping annually more than 100 carloads from the station, and in this branch alone their sales amount to nearly $100,000 an- nually. Our subject established the grain buying business here in August, 1887, and his private share of the transactions amounts to a handsome
profit per year. By his honest dealing he has justly gained a reputation without blemish, and at its present rate of increase his business will soon assume proportions second to none in the State.
Mr. Bennett is a native of the Empire State, having been born on the 6th of July, 1851, in Otsego County, near the Susquehanna River. His father, Russell Bennett, is a native of New York State, and his ancestors had lived on the same farm in Otsego County since the Revolutionary War. The original purchaser of the estate was Ezekiel Bennett, who was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and had secured the patent for the tract of land from the owner of a British estate. The suc- cessor in ownership was Perry Bennett, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who lived and died on the old homestead. Still later it came into the pos- session of Russell Bennett, who held it until quite recently, when it passed out of the family. The father of our subject married Miss Harriet Hop- kins, who was born, as was her husband, in Otsego County, and recently they came to Nebraska to live. The mother, wishing to make a visit to her early home, started for New York 'and stopped in Harrison County, Iowa, to visit her sister, and while there she was taken ill, and died on the 27th of May, 1888, at the age of sixty-two years. She was an estimable woman and a member of the Christian Church, of which church her husband is also a member, aud after her death he returned to New York, where he is now making his home with his sister.
Our subject is the only child living, and re- mained under the shelter of his parents' roof until he was of age, having in the meantime received a business education. In 1873 he came West and engaged in farming and stock-raising in Iowa, at which he continued for four years. His health be- coming impaired, he took a trip West to the mount- ains in order to recuperate, and remained in that region for about one year, then returned to his old home in New York, previous to his going to Iowa. On Mr. Bennett's return to New York he pur- chased a large farm and engaged in the dairy busi- ness, building a large creamery, which he operated for five years prior to coming to Nebraska.
On the 3d of February, 1873, Mr. Bennett was
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united in marriage with Miss Jennie Chase, who is a native of Otsego County, and was born on the 20th of October, 1852. She is a daughter of Na- than and Louisa (Denman) Chase, both natives of New York, and the former of whom died when he was a little past middle life. The mother still lives in her home in New York, aged about sixty-three years, and has seen her family of fonr children, two sons and two daughters, grown to manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Bennett is the eldest ehild, and received her edneation in her na- tive county, making her home with her parents until the time of her marriage. She is the mother of four children, whose names are: Perry R., Ber- tha E., Stella M. and Fred M.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are now making their home in Hoag Station, where they are pleasantly situated and carrying on a flourishing business. They are both members of the Christian Church. and are prominent and influential members of soci- ety. The reputation which our subjeet bears for straightforward, honorable dealing in business, places him in the first rank among public-spirited citizens. In all matters of political import he is closely identified with the Republican party.
ACOB H. HOLLENBACK. Upon the 26th of February, 1851, there was born in one of the pretty farmhonses of Woodford County, Ill., a child, who shortly after re- ceived the name which stands at the head of this sketch, who in the years which have succeeded has abundantly justified the rejoicing of which he was the occasion at that time. In the above county our subjeet spent his early days occupied with the sports and pastimes incident to childhood, gradu- ally taking his place amidst the sterner duties of youth and young manhood. Mingling with the exereises of the school-house were those that could be entrusted to him in connection with the farm work, until, almost unconsciously to himself. he was ready to take his place as an able worker in any department thereof.
Our subject was one of five children born to Jacob and Margaret Hollenback. The father of
our subject was a native of Ohio, but removed with his parents in his youth to Illinois; his mother was born in Pennsylvania. She also, early in life, removed to the same State, and under similar cir- cumstanees. They became acquainted, were mar- ried, and settled in Woodford County, living upon the farm where they first settled until the fall of 1887, when they removed to Washburn, Ill. Of the brothers and sisters of our subject, one died at the age of one month; all the others were reared upon the old homestead, and on arriving at matur- ity they were married; Margaret E. became the wife of Josiah Kerrick, who is at present the Mayor of Minonk, in which eity they reside; Clara B. is married to Frank Combs, who is a prosperous far- mer not far from her old home. Both these gentle- men affiliate with the Republican party.
Upon the 13th of May, 1873, the subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Indiana F. Poole, a lady of admirable disposition, possessed largely of those personal characteristies and attri- botes that throw around womanhood an eternal charm. They first came to Sicily Township in 1883, and settled on seetion 27. In January, 1885, they returned to Woodford County, Ill., on a visit, where they remained until February, 1885, but returned to this township and settled at their present home in March of the same year.
The home farm ineludes 200 acres of excellent land for agricultural purposes, and is situated on section 28. It is cultivated in the interest of grain and stock raising, and in both of these our subject has been very successful. His property shows that he knows his business, and also that he is diligent and earnest in his attention to the same. The whole farm is thoroughly well improved, and every- thing, whether in the field, barn or stable, is in the most excellent condition. Their home eirele has inereased and includes three children, whose names are as follows: Gracie E. M., Florenee B. and Ethel A.
In the Methodist Church Mrs. Hollenback and her two eldest daughters find their religions home. and are, by their earnest Christian life and efforts, both within and without the eirele of church life, held in highest estimation. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Democratie party, of which he
RESIDENCE OF HENRY RICHARDSON , 5EC.15 , GRANT TP.
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RESIDENCE OF HENRY REIMOND, SEC.36, BLAKELY TP.
RESIDENCE OF SILAS L. MORRIS, SEC.24, GRANT TP.
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has been a member for many years. The only office he has ever held is that which be occupies at present, and is that of School Moderator, in which he is working with conscientious diligence. He is a man of large humanity and public spirit, anxious to do his part in everything that promises to be a benefit to his surroundings, whether in the county or in society.
S AMUEL V. JEWELL. The subject of this sketch settled in Clatonia Township during its pioneer days, and is numbered among its oldest living residents. Ilis home lies on section 36 and comprises a well-improved farm of 320 acres, with comfortable buildings and all the appliances of the modern agriculturist. Mr. Jewell has labored industriously and practiced the most rigid economy. and now in his later years is enjoy- ing the fruits of his toil and good management. His record as a citizen and neighbor has been ereditable in the extreme, and he consequently enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of those around him.
Our subject was born in Ogle County, Ill., Feb. 20, 1851, and is the son of Monroe and Emily (Biggers) Jewell, who were both natives of New York State. His paternal ancestors are believed to have originated in England, and were first repre- sented in this country during the Colonial days. The mother traced her forefathers both to England and Ireland. Their family included five children, four of whom are living, namely : George, a resi- dent of Grant Township, this county; Clark, of Cheyenne County, Kan., where Henry also lives, and Samuel V., our subject.
Mr. Jewell remained a resident of his native county until the twentieth year of his age, and in 1870 made his way to Nebraska, settling at once in Clatonia Township, this county. Here lie employed himself at farming until 1876, then took possession of the land comprising his present farm. It was then an uncultivated prairie, but Mr. Jewell set about the task of building up a homestead with that resolution and energy which are the salient features of his character. He was prospered in his labors, brought about the improvements necessary
to his comfort, and added to his real estate until he is now the owner of 320 acres of as fine land as any to be found in this county. He has been quite prominent in local affairs, having served a number of years as School Director and also officiated as Road Supervisor. To those enterprises calculated to develop the country and benefit its people he has ever given his cordial and liberal support. He has witnessed with the warmest interest the transforma- tion of a wild country into cultivated farms and beau- tiful homesteads, and may most properly feel that he has been no unimportant factor in bringing about this desired state of things.
One of the most important events in the life of our subject was his marriage, which occurred Feb. 3, 1870, in Lee County, Ill. His bride, Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, was born Sept. 2, 1852, in New York City, and is the daughter of James and Julia (Foster) Carpenter, who were natives of New York, and are now deceased. This union resulted in the birth of three children: Emily J., born April 9, 1871 ; Nelson M., Oct. 12, 1872, and Alta A., June 22, 1878.
Mrs. Jewell came with her parents to Lee County, Ill., when a little girl six years of age. ller brothers settled on a tract of land, and in common with the other pioneers of that region the family endured all the hardships and privations incident to settlement in a new country. There were seven children, five of whom survive, namely: Eunice, wife of James Patterson, of Lee County, Ill. ; Josiah, of Ogle County ; Cynthia, the wife of Jolin Savage, of this county ; Martha J., Mrs. George W. Jewell, of this county ; and Elizabeth, the wife of our sub- ject. The parents are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Jewell enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances, and are active in those pleasant social matters which bind a community together in its common interests. Mr. Jewell votes the straight Republican ticket, but beyond the good which he might accomplish in his own com- munity in discharging the duties of an unsalaried office. has no aspirations for political preferment. Hle and his estimable wife are known and respected by everybody, and no more hospitable home than theirs may be found in this region. A man of sterling integrity and sound business principles, his
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word is considered as good as his bond. To such men as Mr. Jewell is the country indebted for its wonderful progress and development, and his name will be remembered with gratitude long after he has been gathered to his fathers.
- RANKLIN GRAF. From the land of the Alps there came to America and settled in Pennsylvania many years ago a young man -Samuel Graf. It was not long before he was industrionsly employed, working at his trade as a tailor. After some time he made the acquaintance of and was united in marriage with Miss Louise Anna Parker, of Somerset County, in that State. They then settled in Illinois, about the year 1833, upon a farm which he continued to operate success- fully until the year 1876, when he died at the ad- vanced age of seventy-five years. His wife is still living in the old home, and has reached the allotted threescore and ten years. They were the parents of our subject, Franklin Graf, who was the fourth child of eight born to them, whose names are here appended : Margaret, David, Mary, Kossuth, Frank- lin, Elias, John and Wilhelmina. By a former mar- riage the father of our subject had become the parent of four children, whose names are not here given.
Our subject was born on the 28th of December, 1851, in Northville Township, LaSalle Co., Ill. The incidents that comprise the experience of his boyhood differ in no way materially from those of the average youth. His time was occupied by the engagements incidental to school and farm life, and from the time his education was completed until he arrived at man's estate he devoted all his time to making himself proficient in all the details of farm life.
In the spring of 1875 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Helen Hupach, daughter of Andrew and Augusta (Glaas) Hupaeh. Her father was a native of Prussia, and ber mother of Nassau, Germany. He had come to America as a young man, seeking the larger opportunity for progress and advancement in life. His wife had come with her parents while yet a little girl. Upon their mar-
riage they settled in LaSalle County, Ill., where Mrs. Hupach died, aged forty-three years, in the year 1880. Her husband, who still survives. has reached the advanced age of seventy years. Their family included eleven children, whose names are as follows: Henry, Helen, Cecelia, Isabelle, Emmie, Alfred, William, Elenora, Annie, Casper and an infant. Their daughter Helen, the wife of our subject, was born on the 5th of May, 1855, and made her home with her parents until her marriage. Since that felicitous event she has become the mother of eight children-Eddie. an infant, de- ceased ; Mira, Willie; Grace, who died at the age of one year; Harrison, an infant deceased, and Edna.
Some one has said, "Expect great things, attempt great things. and great things will result." This may not be absolutely truc in every case, but in that of our subject it most undoubtedly is. Ne- braska might almost be called "the young man's State," so many brilliantly successful men has she within her borders, and among that class would be included the subject of this writing. Looking at his early opportunities, and the many circum- stances and happenings in his life that have opposed themselves to bris progress, only to be combated and overcome by his intelligent enterprise, inde- pendence and push, which in later years have been supplemented by the inspiration and enthusiasm of his estimable wife, and the increased unselfish ambition born of his affection for his children. Since coming to Nebraska in 1875, upon the 1st of April of which year they arrived in Beatrice, hard, continuous labor has been the order of the day, but as the days have come and gone they have seen "something attempted, something done," that has earned for them the most gratifying re- sults.
Our subject has brought his farm to an unusu- ally high perfection in agriculture, and has planted in the vicinity of his house a very fine orchard, where may be found in season an abundance of apples, plums, cherries, etc. Within his home are found many marks of that inherent refinement and culture that make it the brightest and most attract- ive place to those whose privilege it is to be mem- bers of the family, and a memory the loss of which
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is undesirable to those who have enjoyed the hos- pitalities thereof. Our subject is holding the of- fice of School Treasurer, one which he has for a long period filled to the unbounded satisfaction of all concerned. In political matters he has been a Democrat since casting his first vote, and has al- ways given to his party his hearty and unstinted support and help. With such citizens and homes, Nebraska must retain the high place she occupies in the list of States of the greatest Republic the world has ever known.
- LBERT HUBKA. There are many beauti- ful and extensive farms in Sherman Town- ship of this county, but it is to be doubted if they are of larger extent or more perfect in their operation and working than that of our sub- ject, which includes in all about 640 acres of excellent land, situated on sections 1 and 12. The father of our subject was Joseph Hubka, a native of Bohemia, in which country he was born about 1814. His occupation was that of farming, and in it he was thoroughly successful. He became the husband of Anna Blaha, a native of the same country, who was about four years the junior of her husband. In that country lier father was born, and continued to live; there, also, in later days, when the shadows of life's evening gathered around him, he breathed his farewell to the world and lay down to take his last rest.
The father of our subject died in the year 1874, his wife in 1878. Their family comprised twelve children, of whom only six attained their majority. Their names are as subjoined : John, who in 1868 became a farmer in Pawnee County; Anton, a farmer in Bohemia; Josephine, happily married to Michael Kara, a farmer in the same country ; Michael, one of Pawnee's good citizens, who came to America in 1882; Anna, the wife of Lorens Stepanek, also of Bohemia; and Albert, the subject of this sketch, wlio is the youngest of the family.
Bohemia was the birthplace of our subject, and the day of his nativity April 22, 1846. Ile con- tinued to make his home with his parents until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Ger-
many, where he remained about five years. At the close of that period he returned to his native country for about one year. After remaining at home for that period the war with Prussia was de- clared, and our subject returned to Baltimore. From that city he removed to Chicago, where he remained for a short time, and then removed to Richland County, Wis. During his residence in Chicago he was engaged in school teaching, and en- joyed considerable success. From Richland he re- turned to the Garden City, and was engaged to work in a lumber-yard and sawmill for about twelve months. During this time he was enabled to save $345, with which he migrated to Pawnee County of this State, and took a homestead of 160 acres, and not long after bought an additional forty acres. In that county he was engaged in farmning for about fourteen years. In 1871 he exchanged his 160 acres in Pawnee County for 480 acres on the south half of section 1 and the northeast corner of section 12. The year following he purchased an additional 160 acres situated upon the northwest quarter of section 12, and is now the owner of a whole section of land, being one-half of section 1, and one- half of section 12. These are situated one on either side of the road.
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