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 54
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Our subject has a very fine farm consisting of 120 acres on section 7, which he has brought to its pres- ent state of cultivation, and on which he has erected good farm buildings. He has had quite an experi- ence in pioncer life, has seen the prairies cleared of their former inhabitants, and in the place of their tents and wigwams there have sprung up countless towns and cities in a thriving and flourishing con- dition, with churches, school-honses, business blocks and handsome residences, all an indication of the rapid progress of civilization in this section of the country.
When our country was convulsed with the late civil strife, our subject was among the brave men who assisted in her rescue, enlisting in Company B of the Ohio National Guards, on the 28th of May, 1863, with which company he remained for six months. Theu he enlisted in Company D, 187th Ohio Infantry, in which he served one year, and was discharged on the 29th of February, 1866. With this company he participated in the battle of the Wilderness at Richmond, Va., where they were fighting constantly for seven days. He was also in several smaller engagements, but fortunately he re- ceived no wounds. He is a member of Rawlins
Jacob Klein
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Post No. 35, G. A. R., of Beatrice, and affiliates with the Republican party. To his loyal efforts in her defense, and his unabating zeal in developing her resources, is the country much indebted.
ACOB KLEIN. There are few more capa- ble, popular or successful business men than the subject of this sketch, the proprietor of the well-known dry-goods and clothing em- porium in Beatrice. He is a native of Germany, and was born near the city of Bingen, which stands upon the banks of the Rhine, and has been celebrated in song and story. His birth occurred on the 31st of March. 1846. He accompanied his parents, Jacob and Margaret (Weiser) Klein, when they came to the United States in 1855. The family landed in New York City, thence went to Peoria, Ill., from there across the Illinois River to Tazewell County, where the father leased a farm, and there they made their home for over ten years, after which they removed to Livingston County, in the same State. There in 1874 Mrs. Klein departed this life, and was followed on the same mysterious journey, in 1879, by her husband. Their family included five children, of whom onr subject was the youngest.
Jacob attended school in his native country from the age of six to ten years. The educational pro- cess was continued in the district schools of Illinois for two years; after that he gave his whole time to the work of the farm, remaining with his parents until he was about twenty-three years of age; then he started for himself, at first upon the old home- stead in Livingston County. In 1873 he came to Beatrice, where he has since resided. Immediately upon his arrival he entered into a business partner- ship with Charles Moschel and Emil Lang, under the firm name of J. Klein & Co. This partnership continued until January, 1887, during which time, in answer to the demand of their business, they had added to their former stock an extensive line of general dry-goods and clothing. Early in 1887 the three partners divided up the stock. our sub- ject taking the dry-goods and clothing as his de-
partment, which has abundantly proved its power to yield a handsome and remunerative profit.
The business of Mr. Klein is carried on in what is known as the Klein Block, a large, handsome, well-built and substantial building. It is two sto- ries with a ground measurement of 25x110 feet; it is supplied also with a good basement, which is utilized for the purpose of receiving and storing goods, packages, cases, etc. Since starting for him- self Mr. Klein has added to his stock quite a gen- erous line of furnishing goods; also a hat depart- ment, and another for boots and shoes. He is, perhaps, one of the best established tradesmen in the city, and a worthy representative of the mer- cantile interests, not only of Beatrice but of Eastern Nebraska.
Mr. Klein was married in the year 1871, the maiden of his choice being Catharine Moschel, of Livingston County, Ill., but a native of Germany, who came to America in 1865. A sketch of her parents is given in the history of her brother, Charles Moschel. Four children have been given to them as the fruit of this union, whose names are : Jacob A., Frederick K .. Ida M. and John C. The wife of our subject is the daughter of Christian and Margaret (Schauzen) Moschel, who were born in Germany.
In addition to his store and his business interests, our subject is largely engaged in other matters. Hle is a large stockholder, and also a director of the Beatrice Canning Company, and is one of the original twenty who founded the Gage County Agricultural Society. He is also connected with the Beatrice Paper Company, of which he is Vice President, and a member of the School Board. In addition to the above he is agent for the various occan steamship companies, and is in power to contract for shipments and sell passenger tickets in the usual way. Ile is also a Notary Public, and has quite a large business in the line of collections and foreign exchanges. Upon the list of stock- holders of the Gage County National Bank, the name of our subject is very frequently met with, in fact there are very few, if any, of the various societies, companies and associations that have been pro- jected for the benefit and advancement of Bea- trice, with which he has not been identified, and in
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every instance an active, sharply intelligent and effective worker, and has devoted himself heartily to the upbuilding of the city of his adoption.
All that has been accomplished in the life of Mr. Klein, its development and business success, has been practically the result of his own unaided effort, his ambition and business tact, the enterprise and the irrepressible activity, and he is now simply reaping the harvest these have sown in other days. His political opinions are with the Democratic party, and the influence he wields is always in its favor.
Among the representative citizens of whom por- traits are presented in this volume, the well-known features of Mr. Klein will be welcomed by a host of friends and the public in general.
G EORGE M. STEECE. Among the citizens of Logan Township, there are few who sur- pass in any attribute of worthy manhood and good citizenship the gentleman whose biography is herein sketched, who, although a representative farmer of the township, is also a member of the bar, and was at one time connected with the edi- torial staff of one of Iowa's well-known papers. The father of our subject. Archibald Steece, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1824. His chosen occu- pation in life was that of a stove molder. In 1877 he went to Benton County, Iowa, and is at present living with his son, our subject. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Ellen Sterne, was born in Rockingham County, Va., of which place also her father, William Sterne, though of German descent, was a native.
The grandfather of our subject was born in Maryland, and afterward removed to Lawrence County. There he founded and operated the Mt. Vernon Furnace, and made his fortune thereby. He died on the Missouri River in 1851, while visit- ing there with a view of prospecting for coal lands. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, came from Holland, and was one of the very earli- est settlers.
The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan
Steece was their son George, the subject of this sketch. He was ushered into life in St. Lawrence County, Ohio, on the 2d of July, 1852. He resided with his parents until lie attained his majority ; after passing successfully through all the classes of the common school he was graduated from the Ironton High School (Ohio), and was a classmate of the re- nowned Dr. C. F. Creighton, of Lincoln. In 1871 he entered the law department at the Ann Arbor University, Mich., and completed the course, being graduated with honors in 1873, but has never prac- ticed his profession. In Iowa he taught school for several years, and was acknowledged one of the most successful teachers. For four years he was connected with the Benton County Herald, a widely circulating journal, and ably conducted. For three years or more our subject worked as its associate editor, and in this department his power was soon recognized. In 1881 he removed to Logan Town- ship, and purchased the place which is still occupied by him, which comprises some 160 acres of well- cultivated, arable land, which has been brought to a very high state of agricultural efficiency from its original condition of untamed prairie. It is abun- dantly furnished with all the improvements that one would expect to find upon any property owned by a gentleman of the ability, taste and education of our subject. Whether attention be directed to house, barn or farm buildings, to orchard, fields or groves, the result is the same, and from each in- spection the verdict would be one of compliment and gratification. One feature of intrinsic value to the property is the Cedar Creek, which, passing through it, provides at all seasons an abundant supply of water.
In Benton County, Iowa, upon the 20th of January of the year 1879, our subject and Miss Eva Gamble were united in that closest of all earthly ties, and dearest of all earthly relationships. This lady was born in Wabash County, Ind., on the 3d of September, 1860. Her father, George Gamble, at present residing in Pipe Stone County, Minn., is a native of the same county. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Mary Squires, also born in Wabash County. She died March 12, 1878. Their family included four children-William. Irene, Homer and Eva. To
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Mr. and Mrs. Steece have been given four children ---- Lottie, Jessie, Lonis L. and Guy R.
Mr. Steece has always sustained an interest most intense in everything connected with education, and has filled the office of School Director for four years. Both he and Mrs. Steece are devout mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and hold their membership at Summit. There are few families more popular or more highly esteemed than this, or more deservedly so. In his political opinions our subject is one with the Republican party, and his political principles are symphonions with theirs.
OHN LYONS, SR. Familiar among the ear- liest pioneers of this county is the name of the gentleman which heads this sketch, and who looked upon the face of the country in this section during its first settlement. Of substan- tial stock, the offspring of a sturdy race, his has been a life pregnant with many vicissitudes, and in which he has looked upon existence in all its phases. Not the least important among his experiences have been those among a pioneer people in the beginning of the development of the Great West, and in the labors which have resulted in the prosperity and wealth of this section of Nebraska, he has borne no unimportant part.
John Lyons was born Dec. 14, 1827, in Salis- bury, Litchfield Co., Conn. His father, also John Lyons, was a native of England, and his mother, Charlotte (Bardsley) Lyons, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. The ancestry of the father were among the earliest settlers of the no'v proud "City of Churches," and identified with its subsequent prosperity, which they helped to bring about. Their residence there dated from about 1810, and the Lyons family was widely and favorably known in that region for sev- eral generations.
The father of our subject left his native land early in life, and the parents were married in Brook- lyn, N. Y., whence about 1818 they removed to Litchfield County, Conn. The father was a brick- mason and plasterer, but died in 1833, at the early age of thirty-three years. The mother was mar- ried a second time, but of this latter union there
were born no children. Of the first there were eight, namely : Amelia, David, Phebe, Mary and Julia, who died in infancy; Charlotte, John and Mary A. Of these but three are living. the two besides our subject being residents of Connecticut. The mother continued her residence in the latter State for some time, and later took up her abode with her daughter in Berkshire County, Mass., where she spent her last days, and where her death took place Feb. 11. 1884, after she had renched the advanced age of ninety years.
The subject of this history began in earnest the battle of life at the early age of seven years, at the death of his father being bound out to one Albert Selleck, of his native county, with whom he was to remain until reaching his majority. At the expira- tion of this time he was to receive a yoke of oxen, a suit of clothes and ten sheep. HIe labored with little rest and no advantages for education for a period of eleven years, in the meantime receiving harsh treatment from a merciless taskmaster. One of the examples of the cruelty of the latter was beating the boy with twelve apple sprouts until his back was a raw sore.
As he approached manhood young Lyons con- cluded to stand this mode of life no longer, and accordingly ran away. This procedure was con- sidered a grievous offense. Mr. Selleck advertised him as a renegade who was neither to be .harbored nor trusted. The boy. however. in spite of his "rec- ommendations" found friends, and repaired to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he worked at farin- ing until about 1846, and then went to Massachu- setts. After becoming of age he returned to his native county, and the year following was united in marriage with one of its most estimable young ladies, Miss Almira Shaw, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, Dec. 31, 1849. The young people began the journey of life together in Massachusetts, where Mr. Lyons engaged in farm- ing, and lived there until 1852.
Mrs. Almira (Shaw) Lyons is the daughter of Stephen P. and Hannah (Ilicks) Shaw, who de- scended from some of the finest families of the Empire State, and who were of solid old English stock. She was born in Dutchess County. N. Y .. at the country home of her parents in LaGrange
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Township, where she lived until a girl of twelve, reared among the quiet scenes of a Quaker settle- ment. Then she removed with her parents to Litchfield County, Conn., where she remained until her marriage.
The forefathers of Mrs. Lyons sailed from En- gland in the ship "Fortune," which was the second to follow the "Mayflower." in 1621. Among them was Robert Hicks, of whom she is a lineal descend- ant, and who was a clothes dresser from London. The next ship, "Ann," brought his wife and chil- dren. They were reunited in the latter part of June, 1622. Hannah (Hicks) Shaw was of the sev- enth generation of the Hicks family in America. Nothing need here be said of the character and standing of the family in New England, for their history is familiar to everyone at all posted in regard to the early history of America. They were of the solid element of New England, who helped to lay the foundations of its future greatness, and who assisted to instill into its people the spirit of patriotism which eventually made them free.
Mrs. Lyons was but a maiden of seventeen at the time of her marriage, and on the 8th of November, 1850, became the mother of the only son of herself and her husband, whom they named John, and who is now one of the best known and most repu- table citizens of this county, and is represented elsewhere in this work. In the spring of 1852 they determined to try their fortunes in one of the rising cities of the West. Accordingly disposing of his interests in Connecticut, Mr. Lyons and his excel- lent wife gathered together their personal effects, and bidding adieu to the friends and associations of their childhood and youth, proceeded by way of the lakes to Kenosha, Wis., and renting a farm in that State, followed agriculture for five years. Mr. Lyons then believing that he could do better in the newly opened Territory of Southern Nebraska, re- peated the experiment of removal. taking up his residence among his friends in Adams Township on the 22d of November, 1857, and settling upon land comprising the farm now occupied by George Gale. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons lived squatter fashion in a log cabin for one year, and had in common with the people of that region their full share of hardship and privation. The Shaw family, who
had preceded them, were the only settlers for miles around, while Indians roamed over the country, with eyes always open to thievery and mischief.
Mr. Lyons endured this sort of life until the spring of 1859. In May of that year he changed his location to the present site of Nebraska City. In May, 1865, the Homestead Law having come into effect, he returned to the Nemaha Valley, and homesteaded 160 acres of land, forty on section 29. forty on section 28, and the bal- ance on section 21. With a portion of this he afterward parted, and is now the owner of 120 acres. Upon this he has a comfortable dwelling, and the outbuildings necessary to his convenience, besides the various other appliances gathered to- gether from year to year, and which go toward the formation of the complete home. He has a fine apple orchard, the trees in good bearing condition, and an ample supply of the smaller fruits, currants, gooseberries, grapes and strawberries.
At one time Mr. Lyons was acquainted with nearly all the white people in the three counties of Clay, Gage and Lancaster. He was prominent in its public affairs, voted for the adoption of the State Constitution in 1860 and 1866, and officiated as Justice of the Peace for a term of three years. He cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, and continued uniformly with the Republican party until the election of 1856, when he voted for James Buchanan. Since that time he has supported Republican principles. He united with the Method- ist Episcopal Church in 1866, being one of its charter members in Laona. No man has entertained a deeper interest in the prosperity of Southern Nebraska, and none enjoy in a greater degree the respect of its people.
SAAC SEITZ, JR. The traveler in passing through the western part of Glenwood Town- ship cannot fail to notice the fine and well-con- ducted farm embracing 248 acres of fertile land on section 19. This has been the property of the sub- ject of this sketch since the fall of 1885, when he came to this locality from Lee County, Ill. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1843, and was
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taken by his parents when a child two years of age to Lee County, Ill., where he was reared to man- hood and remained until coming to this county.
Mr. Seitz was reared as a farmer's boy, and to this occupation has given the labors of his man- hood. Possessed with the proper conception of rural life, he has not only made of it a pleasure in the highest sense, but also a source of profit. His land has been brought to a productive condition, and thereon erected not only the buildings essential to the comfort and convenience of the cultured and intelligent household, but those necessary to the prosecution of agriculture after the most approved methods. The residence, neat and substantial, is flanked by fruit and shade trees, the fences are kept in good shape, and the sleek and well-fed live stock add to the interest of the premises. A well-ap- pointed farm enhances the value of property around it, and thus its owner becomes a publie benefactor. In this respect Mr. Seitz is one of the most useful members of his community.
Mr. Seitz commenced the struggle of life on his own account at an early age, and when twenty-six years old was married. Dec. 2, 1869, in Whiteside County, Ill., to Miss Susan Landis, who was born in Pennsylvania and reared in Illinois. They com- menced the journey of life together near Dixon, in Lee County, Ill., and in due time became the parents of eight children, one of whom, an infant daughter, Ollie, died at the age of eight inonthis. Those surviving are: Cora A., Ervin O .. Isaac II., William A., Agnes M., Ora L. and Leslie J. They are all at home, being carefully trained to habits of industry and honesty, and given the education which will fit them for worthy members of an intelligent community.
The father of our subject, Isaac Seitz, Sr., was born in Lancaster County. Pa., and upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Elizabeth Flora, who was a native of Somerset County, that State. They soon afterward settled near Dayton, Ohio, but sub- sequently changed their residence to Lee County, Ill., where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of six children. five sons and one daughter, of whom Isaac, Jr., was the youngest. The twin brother of our subject, Abra- ham, lives in Iowa, and his sister near Amboy, Ill.
The parents of Mrs. Seitz were Henry S. and Fanny (Stauffer) Landis. natives of Pennsylvania. where they were reared and married, and whence they removed to the vicinity of Sterling, Whiteside Co., Ill., where they still reside, and where the father is engaged in farming. Their family of thirteen children consisted of six girls and seven boys, of whom Mrs. Seitz was the fourth child. She was born March 17, 1850, and lived with her parents until assuming control of a home of her own as the wife of our subject. She has aided him in the es- tablishment of one of the most desirable homes in the township. Mr. Seitz is numbered among the most enterprising men of the county, and avails himself of the progressive ideas of the day in re- gard to the prosecution of his calling in the most praiseworthy and profitable manner. In politics he is a Democrat.
IRAM HAUVER is a native of Canada, and was born on the 27th of November, 1822. in Stanbridge Township, situated about fifty-five miles from the city of Montreal. Ile is a son of John and Hannah (Solomon) lauver, who were natives of Canada. Our subject grew to manhood in his native country, a loyal subject to his Queen, and there learned the trade of a mill- wright, which he followed for about seven years. at the end of which time he turned his attention to farming.
During his residence in Canada our subject made a visit to some of the States, spending one year in Hot Springs, Ark., and vicinity. In the year 1879 he bought a tract of land in this township of the Government. and in January of the year 1880 he came from his native country and settled in this county on section 5, Glenwood Township. He owns 160 acres of farming land, on which he is making improvements. It happened that during a severe windstorm in April, 1885, his house was blown down while the inmates were at home, but fortu- nately none of the family was killed, though our subject and his wife sustained some severe injuries from the falling timbers.
Mr. Hlauver was married, Dec. 28, 1849, in Can-
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ada, to Miss Elizabeth Douglas, who was born in Vermont on the 1st of March, 1823. She is a daughter of Robert and Jane (Ilunter) Douglas. The father was a native of Scotland, and the mother of England. Our subject and his wife have reared a family of five children, who have grown to man- hood and womanhood. Their names are : Jennie E., William H., Douglas R., Martha E. and L. Edith. Jennie is the wife of Weston W. Wyman, of Low- ell, Mass. ; William H. married Miss Matilda Lange, and resides in this township; he assists his father in farming the home place. Douglas married Miss Lucy Othet; Martha is the wife of Panl Rochelle, she and her brother Douglas also being residents of Glenwood Township; Edith is engaged in teaching school and resides with her ] arents. By their careful home training and a regard for the excellent princi- ples instilled into their minds by their thoughtful parents, this family of children has been well equipped for useful and honorable positions in social and business life.
Onr subject has acted in the capacity of Road Supervisor for two years, and has been Treasurer of the school funds for four years. He and his wife are prominent members of the Episcopal Church. He affiliates with the Democratic party and keeps himself well informed on all topics of the day.
ONATHAN S. GRABLE. The real-estate interests of Beatrice and vicinity find one of their most capable representatives in the subject of this sketch, who located in this connty in October of 1877. A native of Licking County, Ohio, he was born near the town of Etna, March 10, 1850, and spent his early years amid the peaceful surroundings of country life.
Jonathan Grable, Sr., the father of our subject, was a native of Northern Virginia, but left the Old Dominion at an early period of his life to settle in the Buckeye State. He was there married to Miss Nancy Essex, who was the daughter of Isaac Es- sex, also a native of Virginia. Mrs. Nancy Grable was born in Licking County, Ohio, and by her union with the father of our subject became the mother of nine children, of whom Jonathan S.,
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