Portrait and biographical album of Gage County, Nebraska : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 44

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 44


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bonds of wedlock. This interesting event took place in Seneca County, Ohio, in September, 1845, and they settled and continued to reside in Ohio until 1871, when they removed to St. Joseph County, Mich., which is still their home. Their family cir- cle included nine children, all of whom are living, and with the exception of the youngest all are mar- ried and have homes of their own. Their names are recorded as follows: Benjamin F., John D., Joel, Polly, Eli, Sarah A., Hettie A., Lydia A. and Emina A. Mr. and Mrs. Schock are both members of the Reformed Church, at Three Rivers, Mich.


Our subject was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Oct. 29, 1851. His early school days were spent in the usual institution, but were afterward supple- mented by the High School course at Three Rivers, and he then taught for several winters, five terms in Michigan, two in Nebraska, and one summer term in Ohio. During the summer, however, it was his custom to employ his time in farming.


Some thirteen years since, Mr. Schock purchased his present farm, but it was not until February, 1882, that he left his Michigan home and settled thereon. The property includes 160 acres, and is composed of a very fine soil for agricultural purposes, and well situated. To these natural advantages our subject has added a number of improvements in the shape of the general cultivation and varions farm buildings. Whether barn, ice house, implement and machine house, milk house, granary or stabling be examined, the verdict would be "most excel- lent," which would apply to their construction, con- venience and condition. The residence of our sub- ject is most pleasantly situated, and is the embodi- ment of comfort, and to the weary worker at the close of the day is something to be appreciated in- deed.


On the 4th of November, 1877, our subject was married to Miss C. Libbie Ulsh, of Michigan. The wedding service was held at the residence of the groom's father, and was attended by a number of relatives and friends. Mrs. Schock was born on the 25th of June, 1861, in Snyder County, Pa. When she was about three years of age, her parents, Joseph and Christina (Moyer) Ulsh, removed to Sandusky County, Ohio. In the year 1869 another change was made, and they took up their residence in St.


Joseph County, Mich. They became the parents of six children, of whom all are living, Mrs. Schock being the fifth child. In this latter place Mr. Ulsh died, Aug. 12, 1879, at the age of sixty years. After this his widow made her home with our sub- ject and wife, whose family includes three children, who are named as follows: James E., born July 20, 1879; Mary E., Sept. 21, 1881; and Benjamin F., Feb. 6, 1884.


Our subject has made an enviable reputation in regard to the superior merits of his stock, and is very particular in reference to the variety and grade of the same. Ilis specialty lies in thorough-bred Poland-China hogs and Short-horn cattle. In his political relations our subject affiliates with the Re- publican party, and is thoroughly loyal to his citi- zenship, and by his enthusiasm and thoroughness in the fulfillment of the duties of his office has won the highest regard of all concerned. With his wife, he is an earnest and devoted member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and ever active in the ad- vancement of that cause, and they are accorded that appreciation and regard which are justly due.


ACOB B. SWILER is a native of Cumber- land County, Pa., where he was born on the 11 th of April, 1831, and where he was reared to manhood. In 1850 he moved to Ohio, in which State he remained for two years, returning at the end of that time to his native State to claim for his wife Miss Rachel Boak, to whom he was married on the 12th of June, 1853. She is a daughter of Lewis and Rachel Boak, the former of whom was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. They were members of the United Brethren Church, and both died in Pennsylvania, the father at the age of fifty- four, and the mother when she was seventy-five years old. Mrs. Swiler was born in York County, Pa., on the 29th of June, 1833, and after her mar- riage with our subject they removed to Illinois, making their home in Warren County in 1857, where they remained until i 880. They then came to Nebraska, and located on the farm which is their present home, on section 9, Sicily Township. Nine children have been born in their family, of whom


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five are living, and bear the names of Austin H .. Carton P., Minnie W., Mamie E. and John.


Our subject spent his early years on his father's farm, engaged in the varions duties of an agricult- ural life until he was seventeen years old, at which time he began to learn the wool manufacturing bnsi- ness. This he followed for about two years, but was compelled to abandon it at the end of that time on account of his ill-health, and he afterward moved to Ohio, where he learned the plastering trade. He engaged in the latter occupation for about thirty years, and by that time his sons were almost grown, and he began in company with them to engage in agricultural pursuits in Illinois. They farmed for four years, and then came to Nebraska, where they have since made their home. Mr. and Mrs. Swiler are esteemed members of the Church of God, which religious denomination has an organiza- tion in this township. 'The former was initiated into the order of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 160, in Monmouth, Ill., abont 1873, and was a charter member of the Encampment. At the time of the late war he applied to the Government as a volun- teer, but his proffered service was rejected on ac- count of his ill-health. He warmly advocates the policy of the Republican party, and favors the senti- ment of prohibition.


When our subject came to his farm there had been very little improvement made on it, but by the exercise of constant diligence and much hard labor, he has brought it to a fine state of cultiva -. tion, and has erected a good house, barn, and all necessary out-buildings for the convenience of farm life. He has also made good fences, and has set out a fine orchard containing apple, cherry, and all kinds of small fruit trees, including 200 bearing apple trees, which have produced such fine varie- ties and such a delicious quality of fruit that it has taken several premiums at the county fairs when placed on exhibition. In various ways has he im- proved the appearance and utility of his farm, and has increased its value manyfold since it came into his possession, but he has attained these splendid results only by the greatest industry and most care- ful management.


Our subject is a son of Jacob and Agnes (Baker) Swiler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the


former of German, and the latter of Scotch parent- age. The father died in the year 1853, at the age of seventy-two years, but the mother is still living with her daughter in Perry County, Pa., and has now reached the advanced age of ninety years, still being quite active and in good health. Since his residence in this county our subject has been prom- inently identified with its public affairs, having been a member of the School Board since the organiza- tion of the district, and is now filling the office of Justice of the Peace. He took a very active part in forming bis school district, of which he has been Treasurer since its organization. and he has been no less active in the promotion of religious affairs, hav- ing been an Elder in the church and Superintendent of the Sunday-school since their organization in 1883. He and his wife have freed their farm from all incumbrances, and are now situated in such a manner as to enable them to spend their remaining days in ease and comfort, enjoying the fruits of their early industry. They are highly respected citizens, and have endeared themselves to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.


URRAY B. VOORHEES. This gentleman, whose stock farm is situated on section 25 of Sherman Township, is the eldest son of Henry V. Voorhees, a native of Somerset County, N. Y., whence he removed as a young man to Peoria. Ill., and afterward to Jersey County, in the same State. During the earlier part of his life he was a farmer, but afterward engaged in the business of hardware and groceries, in Jersey- ville, Ill., continuing in the same for about five years, and then returned to farming. In political matters he was a Democrat, but this did not pre- vent him being elected to most of the important offices of the township, including both that of Su- pervisor and Treasurer. In the year 1861 he be- came the husband of Matilda Bacon, a native of New York State. Her grandparents were English, but her parents were of American birth. They be- came the parents of six children, five of whom are


RESIDENCE OF JOHN K. TREKELL, SEC. 9 . HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP.


I


RESIDENCE OF HENRY RICE, SEC. 29. PADDOCK TOWNSHIP.


RESIDENCE OF F. H. DOBBS, SEC.14. ROCKFORD TOWNSHIP.


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living. Their names are as follows: Murray B., our subject; Fanny, Harry V., Rachel C. and Martha.


Our subject was born while his parents resided in Jersey County, Ill .. Jan. 26, 1862. Until he at- tained his majority he made his home with his par- ents. who afforded him through the years of his boyhood and youth every opportunity to obtain a fair practical education in the common school of that district, after which he went to work upon the farm. Shortly after attaining his majority he was united in the irrevocable bonds of matrimony with Jennie Rich, daughter of Richard and Alzina (Clardy) Rich. Her father was born in Devon- shire, England, on the 12th of February, 1834. He came to America in 1851 and settled in Jersey County, Ill., following the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred on the 7th of Au- gust, 1880. For twenty-five years he had been a member of the Baptist Church. He was married on the 25th of November, 1850, and became the father of four children, one of whom died in in- fancy. The names of the remaining three are: Anna, now Mrs. William Birkemayer, of Jersey County ; Mary, the wife of William Darby, of the same county ; and Jennie T., the wife of our sub- ject.


Mrs. Voorhees was born on the 14th of No- vember, 1861. at Fidelity. Jersey Co., Ill., and continued to live with her parents until her mar- riage. She had been given quite a fair education, and was thoroughly conversant with the various duties of the household, and both by nature and education fitted to hold a good position in general society. After her marriage, which oceurred upon the 4th of April, 1883, she continued to live with her husband at Fidelity for about three years, our subject being engaged in farming. Thence they removed, in 1886, to this county, and engaged in stock and grain farming upon section 25, operating three-quarters of the entire section. Mr. Voorlees has shown his enterprise by engaging in the breed- ing of Hereford cattle.


The family of our subject has been increased since his marriage by the birth of one son, who has received the name of Richard. Mr. Voorhees is a man who is devoted to his home and business, and seeks no engagement outside these, therefore he


has given comparatively little attention to political matters. and has never sought offlee; usually he votes with the Republican party. but is somewhat independent in that matter, considering first the man and his fitness for office, and then his party.


n


ENRY II. SNYDER. Few of the intelligent and enterprising subjects of the German Empire who come to our shores from year to year are more so than Henry Snyder, the father of our subject, who is one of the prosperous farmers of Jackson County, Ind., He was born in 1820, in Germany. and came to America when about fifteen years of age, and made his home in Cincinnati. Ile began life in this country at the foot of the ladder, and was very soon working as a day laborer; by diligence and care it was not long before he was enabled to purchase the farm in Jackson County, Ind., where he still resides. Ile is a man greatly admired and respected, and has at various times been called upon to fill every office of his township.


Mr. Snyder, Sr., was married, in 1847, to Anna Meslow, who was born in Germany in 1825, and died in the year 1885. They became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom survive. The names of these are recorded as follows: Louisa, whose husband, Henry Holla, is a prosperous farmer of Jackson County, Ind .; our subject; Margaret, now Mrs. Harmon Krette; Amelia, widow of Au- gust Brethaure; John F., a farmer of Sherman Township, this county; Anna and Lavina, who make their homes in Indianapolis; and Willie, who is still at home in Jackson County.


Our subject was born on the 15th of April, 1852, and continued to live with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. lis school days closed with his fourteenth year, but in that time he had laid a good foundation whereon to erect the super- structure of his later experience. From that time onward farming has occupied him almost entirely, and long before he was of age he was sufficiently well acquainted with all the details of its work to take charge of an entire farm.


In the year 1871 Mr. Snyder bade farewell to


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bachelor life and became the husband of Anna Klinge, the daughter of Henry and Annie Klinge, who were natives of Germany. Mrs. Snyder was born in Jackson County, Ind., in the year 1856, and after a married life that comprised about two bright and happy years, died on the 8th of October, 1877. In the following February our subject re- moved to Page County, Iowa, and there engaged in farming with much prosperity.


On the 14th of February, 1882, our subject con- tracted a second matrimonial alliance, the lady of his choice being Mary E. Martin, a daughter of John M. and Anna (Allen) Martin. Her father was born in New Jersey, in 1831, and resides in Pawnee County, Neb. Her mother was born in Cincinnati, in 1839, and died in 1864. Their home circle included thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Mrs. Snyder was the eldest of the family, and was born in Page County, Iowa, Feb. 4, 1860, and continued to reside with her parents until her marriage. She presented her husband with four children, whose names are as follows: Edward, Charles C., William J. and Merl.


In the communion of the Lutheran Church, in which our subject was brought up, he continues to find that which is in harmony with his religious principles, and is a regular and devout worshiper. His political associations are with the Democratic party, and he is a consistent and regular supporter of that party, and has so continued since it was his privilege to vote.


S TEPHEN D. TERRY. One great secret of success in any position, calling or profession in life is congeniality and adaptability, and this is the secret of the success in life of the subject of this sketch, whose reputation is un- questioned along the line of his chosen occupation, viz., that of stock-raising. Gage County has few citi- zens who more delight in this department of work, or who better understand what is demanded in that connection; the wise and the otherwise of the hand- ling and care of stock. He is in fact, as it were, to the manor born, and as a result takes to it naturally,


and equally as naturally is rewarded with an un- usual prosperity and success.


Our subject is a native of Fleming County, Ky. When he was fifteen years of age his mother re- moved to McDonough County, Ill. There he lived until the spring of 1880, when he came to this county, where shortly after arrival he leased the half-section where he now lives, at that time owned by a Mr. John Ellis. He commenced to handle stock, chiefly cattle and hogs, and from that as a beginning has continuously progressed. Upon land- ing in the township he found himself possessed of just $15, $10 of which he immediately forwarded to his wife to pay railroad fare, that she might join him, and of this amount upon arrival she possessed but ninety-five cents. These figures give the finan- cial basis of our subject's fortune, but no figures can show the spirit and determination to succeed that inspired this young couple. He purchased stock of Mr. Ellis to the amount of $550, for which he gave his note, for which he took interest in the form of a partnership, sharing the profits for five- years. Then Mr. Terry was enabled to purchase the farm of 840 acres, and also Mr. Ellis' interest in the stock.


From the time of the above purchase our subject has continued to operate the farm in his own inter- est and upon his own responsilility, and with even greater success than he previously enjoyed. There are at present some 300 head of high-grade cattle of pure blood upon the place, and about 100 that are be- ing fattened for the market. In pigs his special breed is the Berkshire variety. Of these he raises seldom less than 300 per annum. His sales never run lower than 250 head of fatted cattle, and from 200 to 300 hogs. In addition to the above, and upon a somewhat more limited scale, though with no less measure of good fortune attending, Mr. Terry raises some very fine Clydesdale, Norman and En- glish draft horses.


The farm of our subject is naturally adapted for his purpose, and is well supplied with water from a stream that has its origin in springs which are chiefly upon his land. No matter how hot or dry the season, this most important requisition is found in abundant supply. He raises for feed purposes about 150 acres of corn every year, and in addition


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buys from 12.000 to 15.000 bushels. All his farm is well fenced, 160 acres of it with a "hog tight" and the remainder with a first-class wire fence, the whole being so divided that stock can be handled to the greatest advantage and with the utmost ease. There is an abundant supply of sheds and shelters for protection from winter's cruel cold and sum- mer's severe beat; in fact, in all the appointments our subject aims to have those of a first-class stock farm, as his is.


The parents of our subject were natives of Ken- tucky, in which State his father died when Ste- phen D. was quite a little boy. His mother with her family of five children then removed to Illinois in 1867. It was an apparently interminable strug- gle and endless anxiety for this noble woman to provide for her children, and as soon as it was pos- sible our subject, being the eldest son, took the lead in endeavoring to assist in the support of the fam- ily. Being born on the 2d of February, 1852, he was fifteen years of age when his mother removed to Illinois. They have now a good farm in Labette County, Kan .. where the mother and one daughter reside. The following are the members of this interesting family, viz .: Stephen D., our subject ; William, who is married and lives in Ken- tucky; Mary E., who resides with her mother; Amelia, happily married to Jacob Botoff, a prosper- ons farmer in Labette County ; Amanda, now Mrs. Ora F. Penneywitt, resident in the same county, each being in the same neighborhood.


Miss Harriet McElvain, of McDonough County, Ill., is the lady whom our subject chose to be his life companion, and with whom he was united in marriage upon the 14th of January, 1872, since which time it has been abundantly demonstrated that the step was a most happy one. Mrs. Terry is the daughter of George and Jane (Barr) McElvain, who still reside in Illinois. There have been born to our subject seven children, who have received the names here following: Clifton D., John H., Oscar, Amelia, William H., Lou and Mattie, all of whom are still living.


The ancestry of the Terry family for several generations have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this communion our sub- ject and wife also find their religious home, and are


by the entire membership in common with the com- munity at large held in highest esteem. In politi- cal circles our subject is not prominent, usually voting with entire disregard to the party of a can- didate. and thinking solely of his fitness for the desired office and his character.


OBERT F. NORCROSS is a well-informed and reliable business man, who has made a brilliant success of farming on his well-im- proved land on section 31, Logan Township. His father, William F. Norcross, was born in Erie County, Pa., on the 14th of February, 1812, and in 1840 he moved to Warren County, Ill., where he now resides, continuing his early vocation of farm- ing. His father, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ireland, and after coming to Amer- ica he served as a private in the War of 1812. The mother of our subject was Maria L. (Dixon) Nor- cross, who was born in Erie County, Pa .. in 1818, and died at the age of forty years, in 1858, by which a family of five children, named John G., Marietta, William P., Hobert F. and Henry II., was bereaved of her tender care.


Our subject was born in Warren County, Ill., on the 31st of August, 1851, and as he reached boy- hood's years he began the acquisition of his educa- tion, which was completed in 1872 by graduation from the High School at Monmouth, Ill. In the spring of 1875, being then about twenty-four years old, he removed to near Beatrice, where he en- gaged in farming for three years, and in 1878 be bought bis present place, consisting of 100 acres on section 31, Logan Township. When the land came into his possession it was in an uncultivated state, since which time he has made many improvements, and has set out orchards of fruit trees, groves of native timber, and beautiful hedge fences, which add greatly to the value and appearance of the place. His house, barns and farm buildings are all in excellent condition, containing the modern con- veniences and improvements, while within a dis- tance of forty rods from the house there is a spring of clear, cool and refreshing running water. All that ingenuity can devise or labor procure has been


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done to beautify and increase the utility of this splendid farm, and the owner of it may well feel gratified because of his success. In 1883 he pur- chascd 160 acres of land two miles east of the home farm, on which he has made many improvements,


On the 12th of February, 1874, our subject was united in marriage, in Monmouth, Ill., to Miss Laura E. Webster, who was born in Erie County. Pa., on the 12th of November, 1856. Her parents, O. E. and Emily E. (Dunn) Webster, were natives of the same county, the former having been born in 1835, and the latter in 1838. They are the parents of four children, named Laura E., Stella, Elroy and Zoah, and the father is the present Street Commis- sioner of Beatrice. By their marriage our subject and his wife are the parents of one child, named Bertie, who was born on the 25th of April, 1876, and is brightening their home with the charm of his boyhood's years.


'The excellent and thorough education which our subject received entitles him to a prominent rank among the educators of his township, for, although he is not immediately engaged in the work of teaching, he has for six years been the Director of the schools, and has given careful and conscientious service in behalf of the educational institutions of his township. He is an ardent Republican, and does not lose an opportunity to further the interest of his party. In business matters he is distinguished for his uprightness and integrity, and his word is everywhere considered as good as his bond. His wife is an amiable aud estimable lady, possessing true, womanly characteristics, and takes a proper pride in her excellent domestic qualifications.


G EORGE W. CAMPBELL. The eventful life of the subject of the following narrative, and which now spans a period of over fifty years, began at the modest country home of his -parents in the township of East Smithfield, Brad- ford Co., Pa., May 3, 1835, and is culminating in its prime amid the surroundings of an enjoyable home on section 33, in Nemaha Township, this county. A soklier of the Union army during the


late Civil War, he survived more than ordinary hardship and suffering, and at its close in 1868, sought a home among the people of the young and promising State of Nebraska. He was prospered in his venture, and now, sitting under his own vine and fig tree, with comfort and plenty around him, can look back with a reasonable degree of satisfac- tion upon the results of a life whose aim has been to make himself worthy among good citizens, and of value in his community.


The parents of our subject. George W., Sr., and Harriet (Kingsley) Campbell, were also natives of Bradford County, Pa., and represented excellent German blood on the father's side, and on the mother's Scotch-Irish. The elder Campbell was a lumberman and farmer, and acquired a large prop- erty. His death took place not far from the place of his birth, in Burlington Township, Bradford Co .. Pa., in 1857, when he was seventy-eight years old. The mother is still living, making her home with Sterling at the old home, and is now aged about seventy-four. The parental household included nine children-William, George W., Jr. (our sub- ject), Almira, Martha, Chauncey, Owen, Sterling, John and Alanson.




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