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 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
in that county, April 20. 1856. JJer parents, Abram B. and Margaret (Brownly) Cherry, were natives of Ohio. The mother died at Colchester when a young woman. The father is now living with his second wife, on a farm in Saline County, Neb. Mrs. Fellers after the death of her mother was taken into the bome of her aunt, in Saline County, this State, where she lived until a short time before lier marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Fellers after their marriage settled in De Witt Township, Saline County, but lived there only a short time, coming thence to Grant Town- ship. They are now the parents of four children- William A., Andrew B., Elbert W. and Edith B. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at De Witt, taking an active interest in its prosperity, and contributing liberally to its support. Mr. Fel- lers has always been warmly interested in the suc- cess of the temperance movement, and votes in favor of prohibition. He is a man of excellent habits, healthy and genial, and n general favorite among his neighbors. Our subject has been a resi- dent of Nebraska for the past thirteen years.
A view of Mr. Fellers' farm and its surroundings is presented on an accompanying page.
G EORGE A. CLOPINE. Among the early settlers and valued citizens of Highland Township. few, if any, surpass the gentle- man whose biography is herein sketched, who is a most worthy representative of the German- American citizen, than which there are none more desirable as a class. Our subject was born upon the 14th of August, 1841, in the beautiful town of Baden-Baden. Ile is the son of Jacob and Caro- line Clopine, natives of the same Empire. They are the parents of five children. and of these our subject is the eldest son.
Mr. Clopine received the rudiments of his edu- cation in his native country, supplementing it by study in the common schools of this country, so that he is possessed of a fair education in the dual languages. When nine years of age it was his mis- fortune to lose his mother by death, a loss at such
418
GAGE COUNTY.
an age irreparable. Not long after this hereave- ment his father emigrated to this country, locating in Scioto County, Ohio. In January, 1854, being then about thirteen years of age, our subject took passage in a sailing-vessel, and after an ocean voy- age of thirty-five days he landed in New York City, immediately went West, and joined his father in the above county, and there made his home un- til he reached his twenty-first year, being engaged during that time in farming and mining.
In August of 1861 our subject enlisted in Com- pany C, 53d Ohio Infantry, which became part of the 15th Army Corps, which was attached to the Army of the Tennessee. In this our subject served throughout the Atlanta campaign, fonght in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, etc., helped to swell the numbers of the heroes who took part in the famous march of Sherman, was one of the campaigners in the Carolinas, and was within five days' march of Richmond when it surrendered. His military experience was finished by the grand review at Washington, after which he was honor- ably discharged at Little Rock, Ark. His constitu- tion being quite undermined by the various viscissitudes and exposures incidental to this period, and being incapacitated for labor through chronic rheumatism contracted from the above causes, he receives a liberal pension from the Government.
Our subject returned to Ohio from Washington. and in October of the same year, viz: 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Fry. This lady is a native of Scioto County, and was born on the 19th of January, 1846, to Bernhard and Angeline Fry, both of them natives of Han- over. Germany. They emigrated to America in the year 1840, and settled first in Scioto County, and subsequently in Pike County of the same State. In this latter Mrs. Clopine was brought up, and in its schools received her education. Of this union there have been born five children, viz: Jolmn W., who was born on the 16th of May, 1867; Samuel D., on the 21st of June, 1871; Mary A., on the 4th of December, 1873; George W., April 19, 1875; and Logan, Sept. 27, 1886.
Immediately after his marriage our subject re- moved to Southeastern Missouri, and there made his home until the spring of 1872, during that time
being engaged in farming. At the end of that period he came to Gage County, and homesteaded 160 acres of land, being the northeastern quarter- section of section 14 of Highland Township. No one who has not had the actual experience can ever grasp the meaning of the word pioneer life; no one can appreciate its difficulties, hardships, trials, in- conveniences and disappointments. Nevertheless, our subject has endured and labored and overcome, and to-day he is the owner of as fine a farm, in as high a state of efficiency and as thoroughly culti- vated, as perhaps any in the county. All of this is due to his own intelligent, indomitable, assiduous effort, continuously inspired and enthused by the affectionate devotion of his faithful companion in life.
Our subject and his estimable wife are both members of the Church of God, Mr. Clopine hav- ing served in the office of Deacon for several years, and also in that of Assistant Sunday-school Super- intendent. For three years he held the appointment of Moderator of the School Board in his dis- trict. In his political sentiments and sympathies our subject is one with the Republican party, at the same time he is not an active politician. In each and every one of the above circles and rela- tionships, religious, social and political, our sub- ject is highly esteemed, as is also his wife, and they enjoy the cordial good feeling and best wishes of all, and there are none who can more appreciate the extension of the same.
SAAC LAMB. One of the best situated and most productive farms in Blakely Township is that .of Mr. Lamb, who in 1870 entered on section 22 the land which now forms his farm, and is 120 acres in extent. Since the time he settled upon it, when it was in nowise different to the prai- rie around it, he has, by diligent, persevering, in- telligent effort, transformed it into a very garden of productiveness, utilizing every part and making it subservient to his labor. In addition to this property he is the owner of forty acres on section 20.
Previous to his settlement as above, our subject resided in Iowa, which had been his home from the
419
GAGE COUNTY.
year 1851, and from that time until 1865 he resided in Marion County, and then until his final exodus from the State in Warren County. IJis chosen call- ing was that of a carpenter and builder, which was, however, supplemented by farming to some extent. Ile is a native of Ohio. and was born in Richland County of that State, upon the 6th of July, 1831. The father of our subject, Lawrence Lamb, was a Virginian by nativity, and as he grew to manhood adopted as his chosen occupation agricultural pur- suits. He was educated and brought up in the Buckeye State, and shortly after attaining man's estate became the husband of Martha Burch, like- wise a native of Virginia, but from childhood an inhabitant of Ohio. Their family included six sons and four daughters, our subject being the youngest but one, but of these there are now only four liv- ing. Mr. Lamb, Sr., died at his home in Richland County when fifty years of age, when our subject was but six years of age. His wife survived him many years, and died in Morrow County, at the age of eighty years.
Our subject was reared in his native State, and remained there working upon the farm until he started for the West, locating in Iowa. It was while a resident of Marion County that he became acquainted with Miss Isabella McElroy, and was attracted to her by that subtle magnetism, real, powerful, indefinable and unseen, that is the adhe- sive force of the home and State, and was united with her in wedlock on the 7th of December, 1854. This lady is the daughter of John and Mary A. (Watt) McElroy. Her father was born in Penn- sylvania, of Irish parentage; her mother, in " Erin's Isle." They were married and settled in Pennsyl- vania, but after a few years migrated to Ohio, and in 1850 removed to Marion County, then just be- ing opened up. Later in life they went to Warren County, Iowa, and there reside at present. Her father has reached the very advanced age of ninety- two years, her mother that of eighty-three. All their lives they have been devoted and consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Lamb made her home with her parents un- til the time of her marriage; she was born in Trum- bull County, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 1832. Her education was commenced in the usual institu-
tion when she was about eight years of age, and continued until she completed the course of in- struction. At home her mother trained her fully in all matters of household duties, cares and re- sponsibilities, and the result thereof has been ob- tained in the increased happiness and freedom from friction in her own home since marriage. There have been five children born to our subject, whose names are recorded as follows: Martha A., Mary J., John L., Emma S. and William J. Mary died when about two years of age; Martha is now Mrs. Ed- ward Bartlett (see sketch of Mr. Bartlett); John is a resident of Jefferson County, this State, where he has a fine farm of 120 acres; he is the husband of Ella Thompson. The two younger members of the family are still at home, William operating the farm and his sister taking charge of the household.
This interesting family are greatly respected in the community on account of their success in life and their high standard of character, loyalty, and sympathy with every enterprise and project that promises to benefit and advance the interest of the community. Mr. Lamb is very deeply interested in all political questions, and is an affiliate of the Republican party.
OSEPH WINDLE. Among the pioneers of Nemaba Township there are few who have been more deeply interested and earnestly anxions for its advancement than he who is the subject of this sketch, now a prosperous farmer upon section 8. Hle is the son of Abraham and Mary Ann Windle, natives of Virginia, where their family chronology is clearly traceable for seven or eight generations. The grandfather upon the ma- ternal side (Bubeck) was in the War of 1812, and served as a private throughout the campaign.
The parents of our subject were married in their native State, where the father had a good farm and was quite prosperous. In 1839, however, he sold his property and took a tract of timber land in Ohio, and erected the primitive log cabin, clear- ing his farm tree by tree and acre by acre. Here they made their home until the year 1870, when he died, aged seventy-seven years. Ilis widow still
420
GAGE COUNTY.
resides in Putnam County. Ohio, and is sixty-nine years of age. Mr. Windle, Sr., was twice married, and by the first union became the parent of five children, and by his second, with Miss Bubeck, his family was increased by ten otliers, whose names are recorded as follows: By first wife, Will- iam, Immanuel, Cornelius, James H. and Isaac. By second : Jacob and Abraham (twins) ; Samuel died in infancy; Joseph, Eliza, David, John, Mary A., Rachel C. and Amanda A.
Our subject was born on the 7th of January, 1837, in Shenandoah County, Va. He was two years of age when his family removed to Ohio, and it was in the latter State that he received the foundation of his education, which was commenced when he was twelve years of age. When about twenty years of age he went with his brother Jacob to Illi- nois and worked for about two years in McLean County, and then returned home to Ohio.
In the year 1859 our subject became the husband of Miss Sarah Elizabeth Murfild, the daughter of George W. and Hannah (Baker) Murfild, who were natives of Maryland and New York respectively. Grandfather Murfild was one of the heroes of 1812, and was wounded to complete disablement while in that service. Mr. and Mrs. Murfild settled in Frank- lin County, and were married there in 1839 ; he died at the age of fifty years, on the 28th of February, 1881, at his son's in Indiana. His widow still lives in Delaware County, and has reached the advanced age of sixty-eight. She was the parent of twelve children, whose names are recorded as follows: Sa- rah E., William, Mary A., Daniel, Corella, Ellen, Tilda, George, Phebe, Johnny (deceased), Imman- nel and Martha.
The wife of our subject was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 13, 1840. at the homestead, which was situated on the banks of the Scioto River. She made her home until the time of her marriage, however, with her grandparents, who su- perintended the process of her education and gave hier the best that was obtainable in the common school of that time, and were delighted by the men- tal power manifested during this process, and the revelation of the many beautiful traits, character- istics, qualities and graces that first attracted our subject to her, and have ever since secured to her
the first and highest place in his life. Mr. and Mrs. Windle settled in Ohio, and previous to our sub- jeet's enlistment became the parents of three chil- dren. Their family, however, in all numbered twelve children, whose names are as appended : Ellen J., Charley (deceased), Joseph E., Joshua M., Amanda A. (deceased), George W., Clara O., Martha A. (deceased), Alvina, Flora and John F. (both deceased), and James H.
Of the children of our subject, Ellen J. was mar- ried to Frank Shelt, and is resident in Fillmore County, Neb., where he has a well-cultivated farm; they are the parents of three children, who have been named Bertha B., Bessie P. and Mabel O. Joseph E. became the husband of Miss Addie Houk; he also is one of Fillmore County's rising farmers. They are the parents of one child, who has received the name Ethel Belle. The remain- der of the children are at home and engaged in school or farm duties.
The military experience of our subject began in 1864, when he enlisted in Company K, of the 136th Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Chase and departed for Washington City. His term of service was for 100 days. The first two weeks of service were spent in Ft. Ellsworth, from there his regiment was sent to Ft. Wood, thence sent to Ft. Farnsworth, where the major part of his term of service was spent. Thence he was brought back to Camp Chase, mustered out and honorably discharged, returned home and resumed his farm work.
In 1872 our subject removed from Ohio, and arrived at Bennet, Neb., in April of that year, although he had visited and prospected the pre- vious fall, and was so delighted with the outlook that upon his return he sold his property in Ohio, as above intimated, and began a new life in a new country. He purchased from Mr Clough a home- stead of 160 acres in extent for the sum of $250, and from that time, despite some adverse circum- stances and difficulties incidental to life under the most favorable conditions, he has been more than usually successful. His home is very pleas- antly situated and is abundantly supplied with shade trees, while not far distant from it is an exceptionally fine grove, comprising ash, walnut,
421
GAGE COUNTY.
box-elder and cottonwood trees. The garden and fields of the farm are bounded by well-trimmed hedges, adding much to the picturesqueness of the situation. The whole of the farm is well improved, and has been brought to a very high state of agri- cultural perfection.
Mr. Windle has from the first been energetic in projects for the advancement of the community. Shortly after arrival he succeeded in effecting the organization of a school district, and was also en- ergetic in the organization of the township, of which he was the first Justice of the Peace. Our subject and wife are very consistent and active members of the Meserveville Methodist Church. They have always been deeply in earnest in religions matters, and active workers in the cause. The first service held and ser- mon preached in Nemaha Township were at the home of our subject, a primitive sod house, but withal comfortable and bright. The preacher was the Rev. Hull, of Adams. His text was " Despise not the time of small things," from which he preached an appropriate and telling sermon to an audience that more than filled the house, many of whom had come a distance of about ten miles. These things speak with no uncertain sound the inclination, desire, character and tendencies of our subject and wife, and render further remark unnecessary. In regard to political and Governmental questions our subject is in sympathy with the Republican party and usually supports that cause, but never at the sacrifice of what he believes to be the right.
W ARREN E. CHITTENDEN. The farming community of Highland Township contains few more popular or responsible men than the subject of this sketch. A farmer and stock- raiser of ample means, he is comfortably located on section 19, where he has 160 acres of land with good buildings, and all the other appliances neces- sary to the comfort and success of the modern agriculturist.
A native of Lake County, Ill., our subject was born July 12, 1853, and is the son of John and Sarah (Esty) Chittenden, the former a native of New York State and the latter of Massachusetts.
After marriage they settled in Illinois, where they still live. Myron Chittenden, the paternal grand- father of our subject, traced his ancestry to Scot- land. The first representative of the family crossed the Atlantic prior to the Revolutionary War, set- tling in New England. Myron left his native hills when a young man, and subsequently enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812. When the conflict was ended he settled in New York State, and there mar- ried and reared his family. He spent his last days in Lake County, Ill.
John Chittenden in early manhood was married to Miss Sarah Esty, and they became the parents of a large family of children, eight of whom are surviving, and of whom Warren E. is the oldest. The next brother, Charles, is farming in Pratt County, Kan. ; Sarah J. is the wife of Edward Hey- decker, of Lake County, Ill., where the next brother, Ralph, is also sojourning; Nellie, Mrs. William Cleveland, is a resident of Chicago, Ill .; Alice, George and Mamie are in Lake County, Ill. The parents of our subject were numbered among the early pioneers of Lake County, Ill., where they took up their abode about 1847, and where they have lived for a period of over forty years. They are about sixty years of age, and as the result of goodly lives and correct habits are still in possession of much of the activity of their youth. W. E. Chit- tenden when a young man learned the miller's trade from his father, and worked with the latter for a number of years. He also assisted his father on the farm, and subsequently made agriculture his chief calling.
The subject of this history was given a good practical education, and early in life commenced to lay his plans for the future. Among the most im- portant of these was the establishment of a home of his own, and he was accordingly married, in Lake County, Ill., July 4, 1876, to Miss Emma Pitman, who was born there Feb. 14, 1858. The parents of Mrs. Chittenden, Frank and Sarah (Squires) Pit- man, are natives of England and Canada respect- ively, whence they removed to Illinois about 1855, and are still residents of Lake County. There were born to them eight children, seven of whom are living : Emma, Mrs. C., was the eldest; Ama is the wife of Joseph Karr, of Antioch, Ill. ; Charles
422
GAGE COUNTY.
is farming in Cortland, this State, and Frederick in the vicinity of Antioch, Ill. ; Frank continues in his native county in Illinois, where also are the two youngest, Nettie and Warren.
The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden were born as follows: Charles W., July 22, 1878; Pearl A., May 7, 1880; Frank, Dec. 25, 1882; William G., Aug. 26, 1884; Edward J., Nov. 20, 1886, and Frederick C., Oct. 25, 1887. Our sub- ject came with his family to this county in the spring of 1878, and purchased eighty acres of land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company at $6.25 per acre. Upon it stood poor buildings, and in the cultivation of the soil he com- menced practically on first principles. He has made good headway, and besides bringing his first purchase to a good state of cultivation, added to it until he now has a quarter-section, all of which is in a productive condition. He was exceedingly fortunate in his choice of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. Chittenden having stood bravely by her husband's side during his labors and struggles, sharing in his toils and privations. She amply deserves the rec- ognition which lie generously tenders her, and which is too often withheld from those who most justly merit it.
Mr. Chittenden uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket, and has served as School Director in his district. They enjoy the friendship of a wide circle of acquaintances, and the hospitalities of their pleasant home are shared with the best people of their locality.
ON. JOHN M. WARDLAW. Modern his- tory knows but one Republic; but one people capable of governing themselves, and that is America. France cannot compare; it is a Republic in name only ; its people are not yet arrived at that condition necessary to self-govern- ment. In the present biographical compendium is presented a brief history of one who has been selected by an intelligent community, and has been honored by their placing in his hands the authority to represent them in their Government, and who has added to that honor that of a faithful, intelli-
gent and consistent service in the office, and strict fidelity to the trust reposed in him.
Of the ancestors of our subject little is known, excepting that they were Scotch. The great-grand- father of our subject was the first of the family to come to America. He made his home in Virginia until his death. The father of our subject was a farmer and merchant, and migrated to Kentucky, and while there went to Ohio and was united in marriage with Miss Dickey, a daughter of William Dickey, a prominent anti-slavery advocate, a consin of T. Lyle Dickey, of Illinois.
The father of our subject was a slave-holder, but his wife had been educated to a diametrically opposite idea, and largely through her influence in the year 1843 they removed to Putnam County, Ill., in 1844 be giving each of his slaves free papers. In Kentucky he had dealt largely in live stock, and was very prosperous in every regard. Upon removal to Illinois he rapidly became one of the leading citizens of the community, and one of its most wealthy citizens. He was quite active in political affairs, and served as Sheriff of the county for two consecutive terms, having previously rep- resented in a most able manner his district in the State Legislature, besides holding minor offices.
The mother of our subject departed this life in the year 1844, leaving seven children, whose names are found in the family record as follows: William D., of Frontier County, Neb., who died in March, 1888, aged sixty-three years; Andrew F., owner of an extensive sheep farm in Washington Terri- tory; Martha J., the wife of J. M. Steele, of this township; James R., a prosperous farmer in Hills- dale, Iowa; our subject; Mary E., relict of R. W. Moore, and resident in White City, Kan., and Arte- missa D., now Mrs. Edward Smith, of Cortland, in this State. Mr. Wardlaw, Sr., was married a second time, the lady being Mrs. Martha McClung, nee Moore. He came to Nebraska in 1878, and died Ang. 18, 1882.
Our subject was five years of age when the family removed to Illinois, and received his education in the Granville Academy of Putnam County, and quite early in life began to assist in the store of his father, and the postal duties. In 1861 he enlisted in the 20th Regimental Band, and served fourteen
423
GAGE COUNTY.
months as a musician, his instrument being a " B flat " cornet. Ile was present at the battles of Fts. Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, and the siege of Cor- iuth, and was mustered out by the general order from Washington, which mustered out all military bands. Ile thereupon returned to Putnam County and assisted his father in the duties of his farm. The brothers of our subject, four in number, who en- listed about the same time, went through the greater part of the war.
On the 16th of October, 1865, our subjeet was united in marriage, at Rochester, N. Y., with Miss Antoinette Smith, a native of New York, and a daughter of B. H. and Philena (Mortin) Smith. After his marriage our subject took up his residence near Granville, Putnam County, with the exception of one year spent in Vermilion County, until 1871, when he came to Nebraska and purchased 160 acres of unimproved land, and has so far prospered as to be able to purchase an additional eighty acres, and has erected a fine, well-situated and commodions dwelling. His farm is operated upon the line of general farming, with most gratifying results.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.