Portrait and biographical album of Gage County, Nebraska : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 60

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 60


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The brothers and two sisters of our subject are residents of Wisconsin. The boyhood of Lewis E. was passed in the manner common to farmers' sons, he attending the district school and assisting in the lighter duties around the homestead. After attend- ing the school at West Point, near his home, he entered the Lodi High School, from which he was graduated in the class of '74. Later he became a student of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, from which he was again graduated in the class of '78. In the meantime he also officiated as teacher in the Madison Business College, and during his junior and senior years, in connection with R. M. LaFollette, a fellow student, now member of Con- gress from the Third Wisconsin Congressional Dis- triet, he published and edited the University Press.


Upon leaving school our subject began the study of law in the office of Richard Lindsay, in Lodi, Wis., and after becoming duly advanced entered the law department of the State University at Madi- son, from which he was graduated in 1880. Ile commenced the practice of his profession in the city of Portage, Wis., and later became the associate of Baker & Walker, a law firm of that city, with which he continued about two years, and then, on account of failing health, retired from office busi- ness, and took up his residence on a farm near Lodi, Wis., which change proved very beneficial. In 1883 he came to Nebraska, establishing himself at Beatrice, where he has since remained.


For two years after taking up his residence in the above city our subject was connected with the firm of Thomas Yule & Son, in the abstract and loan business. In November, 1885, he established him- self in his present business, and has met with uni- form success. He was married, Sept. 25, 1878, to Miss Bessie J., daughter of Thomas Yule, a highly respected citizen of Beatrice, and of this union there are three children, two daughters and a son-Mary Grace, Louise E. and Robert Yule. The little fam- ily occupies a tasteful home in the northeastern part


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'GAGE COUNTY.


of the city, and by the social circle in which they move are held in high esteem.


Mr. Walker represents the Second Ward in the City Council, and was one of the organizers of the Beatrice Building Association, of which he is Seere- tary and Treasurer. He is also a Director and Secretary of the Masonie Building Association. While attending the University at Madison. in 1876, he was appointed Superintendent of the Wisconsin Agricultural Department at the Centennial. Politi- eally, he gives his support to Republican prinei- ples. He identified himself with the Congregational Church about 1884, was one of the first Superin- tendents of the Congregational Sunday-school, and was for a time Church Treasurer. He is a member of Beatrice Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M. He was a member of the Alpha Chapter of Wisconsin, of the Phi Kappa Psi. college fraternity.


C AREY B. JAMES is a prominent farmer and stoek-raiser of Gage County, and owns a farm which is one of the largest and best cultivated in Paddock Township, and, with its ample and substantial buildings, its fine residence of stone, the handsomest in the township, adds greatly to the attractiveness of the scenic features of the surround- ing country. He is a pioneer of this township, and has taken a prominent part in developing its agri- cultural interests.


Mr. James is a native of Illinois, born in Marshall County, Aug. 4, 1837, to William and Jarusha A. (Bird) James, natives of Tennessee. In 1834 his parents removed to Marshall County, Ill., and thus became identified with its early settlers, taking an active part in promoting its growth, and living to see its development into a wealthy and populous county. The father died there in 1877, having rounded out a period of seventy-five years, wherein he had well performed the part of an honest man, a devoted citizen, a kind husband and a good father. His worthy wife, who shared with him the full re- speet of the community where they lived for so many years, died in 1850.


The subject of our sketch was reared in his native county, and at the age of twenty-one he started out


in the world to make his own way. with no other capital than a sound mind in a sound body. With steady courage and persistent devotion to duty, he has now acquired wealth, and, what is better, the honor and respeet of all with whom he associates. From his native place he went to Woodford County, Ill., and remained a resident of that county for many years. He was married in Marshall, Dee. 10, 1861, to Miss Susan Wienteer, a daughter of John and Fanny Wienteer, who still live in Woodford County. She was a woman whose many amiable qualities won for her the esteem of all. She led a true and consistent Christian life, and was a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. Her death, which took place Feb. 8, 1880, was a sad loss to the home eir- ele and to society. To her and her husband had been born three children-John C., Frank E. and Fanny. The latter died July 10, 1880, aged six months. Mr. James was a second time married, Dec. 29, 1880, Mrs. Rebecca McClay, of Woodford County, Ill., becoming his wife. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Bar- bara Fehrman, who were likewise natives of that State. Her father died in Cowley County, Kan., aged about eighty, and her mother died in McLean County, Ill., Nov. 9, 1878, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. James has been previously twice mar- ried, James O. Campbell, to whom she was united Sept. 8, 1857, being her first husband. By that marriage she had two children, William T., and Mary S., now Mrs. Leander C. Payne. Mr. Camp- bell died March 19, 1865, having been shot on the battle-field of Goldsboro, N. C. He enlisted Aug. 10, 1862, in Company E, 125th Illinois Infantry, . serving faithfully until his death. He was a valued member of the Christian Church. Mrs. James was married to Wills E. McClay, Feb. 1, 1866. He died March 9, 1873. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Churel.


On the 13th of August, 1862, Mr. James laid aside his work to go to the assistance of his country on Southern battle-fields, and his military record shows that he was a brave and efficient soldier. He was a member of Company H, 77th Illinois In- fantry, and with his regiment took part in many battles, among which may be mentioned Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Magnolia Hills and Vicks-


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GAGE COUNTY.


burg. Ile was mustered out of service July 10, 1865. and notwithstanding the many dangers that he en- countered, he came home unscathed and in good health, except that he was suffering somewhat from the effects of a sunstroke received at Ft. Gibson, Miss. He is now a member of Coleman Post No. 115. G. A. R., of Wymore.


In February, 1881. Mr. James removed to Ne- braska with his family and located on his present farm of 480 acres, on sections 1, 2, 11 and 12. There was then only a house and barn on the place, but he has since erected a fine stone house, and has otherwise greatly improved the value of his farm, so that it is one of the best improved farms in this township. He also owns 160 acres of land on sec- tions 10 and 11, all the property that he has thus far acquired being the result of his untiring indus- try and good business ability. Mr. James has been particularly successful in raising cattle, the Short- horns being his favorite breed, and he nsually feeds about 100 head a year.


Mr. and Mrs. James ocenpy a high social posi- tion in this community, and their geniality, kind- ness and genuine hospitality make their pleasant home very attractive to the friends who have gathered around them since their residence here. They are active in every good work for promoting the material and moral interests of Paddock Town- ship, and they contribute liberally to the support of the Baptist Church, of which they are members. In his views of the political questions of the day Mr. James finds himself in harmony with the Re- publican party.


0 LIVER NEWCOMER is a farmer residing on section 23, Glenwood Township, and is a son of Joel and Sarah (Adams) Newcomer, who are natives of Washington County, Md. They moved to Ogle County, Ill., in which place the mother died in the spring of 1857. and the father died abont the year 1872. They had a family of five children, of whom four are living; their names are : Ann M., John Q., Oliver, Emurilla and Cathe- rine. Ann M. was the wife of Milton McConley, and died in Ogle County, Ill .; John Q. died


when he was quite young; Emurilla is the wife of Joseph C. Moats, of Ogle County, Ill .; Catherine is a resident of Ogle County.


Our subject was born on the 20th of February. 1839, in Washington County, Md .. where he spent the first sixteen years of his life on a farm. At that age he went with his parents to Illinois and settled in Lincoln Township, Ogle County. He received his education from the common schools, and when he became old enough to devote himself to an occupation he chose that of agriculture. 1Ic remained in Ogle County until the spring of 1884, when he came to this county and settled on section 23, on which he owns 160 acres of land all under cultivation. He has made comfortable improve- ments, having erected good and convenient build- ings and surrounded his fields with rows of fencing. Ile gives his attention to general farming and stock- raising, and makes a specialty of raising horses. In politics he is a Republican.


AMES F. COLGROVE is one of the sub- stantial farmers who have been most active in developing the agricultural resources of Gage County, and his beautiful farm, with its broad, well-tilled acres and various valuable im- provements, finely located in Paddock and Sicily Townships, indicates that he is a practical, wide- awake man, who has been decidedly successful in his chosen calling.


Mr. Colgrove is a son of Andrew and Almira (Baxter) Colgrove, natives of New York, and he was born in Steuben County, N. Y., July 31, 1853. When our subject was three years old his parents left their old home in New York to settle in Win- chester, Ind. After living there ahout eight years they removed to Rochester. Ohio, and thence to Florida, Mo .. in 1859. They subsequently lived in the State of Illinois for a period of twelve years, Then they came West again, and located in Marys- ville, Kan., where the father died on the anniver- sary of his birth, Jan. 27, 1881, when fifty-seven years old. Ile was in every way a worthy man,


488


GAGE COUNTY.


an intelligent citizen, a trusty neighbor, and a tried friend. The respected mother of our subject came to make her home with him after his father's death, and is still a beloved member of his household.


He of whom we write received a fair education in the various States where his parents resided from time to time. He was the third of the nine children born to his parents, of whom six survive, two boys and four girls. His brother William lives in Marys- ville, Kan .; Mary, the eldest sister, is now Mrs. Randolph Robb, and lives in this county ; she was previously married to Rola Hood, who died in 1865. Cintha married Jobn Bell, and they both died in Southern Kansas; Emma is now Mrs. Thompson Richards, and lives in Smith County, Kan. ; Ella is Mrs. John With, of this county. Three children died in infancy. Our subject came to Gage County from Marysville in 1878, and bought 160 acres of Gov- ernment land, finely located on section 3, Paddock Township, and on section 35, Sicily Township, and in 1882 he purchased the farm where he now resides. This comprises 160 acres, eighty of which are on section 3, Paddock Township, and eighty on section 34, Sicily Township. The land is in a good state of cultivation, is well fenced, has ample and con- veniently arranged farm buildings, a comfortable dwelling, substantial barn, etc. He pays attention chiefly to raising cattle and hogs, from which he makes good profits, and he feeds all the grain that he raises. Mr. Colgrove has acquired his property solely by his own exertions, and although he is still a young man he may be counted among the solid men of the township. When he went to Marysville he did not have a dollar, but notwithstanding the discour- agements of drouths and grasshoppers in 1875, 1876 and 1877, he kept steadily at work, and by downright hard labor has accumulated a compe- tency.


Mr. Colgrove was united in marriage, April 16, 1874, in Princeton, Ill., to Miss Mary, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Clark) With (of whom see sketch in another part of this ALBUM). The follow- ing is a record of the seven children born to this marriage: John W., born Sept. 6, 1875; Milla M., born Feb. 28, 1877, died Nov. 12, 1887; James A., born July 31, 1879 ; Charles H., Oct. 11, 1881 ; Ed- ward F., March 25, 1884; Elizabeth A., born March


27, 1886, died Jan. 12, 1887; Elmer L., born Nov. 16, 1887.


Mr. and Mrs. Colgrove are people of high repute whose sincerity and uprightness in the daily walks of life make them deservedly respected by all. They are among the most active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are never behind in any good work. Politically, Mr. Colgrove is a true Republican, and never fails to cast his vote in the interests of his party.


AVID CHAMBERLIN is doing a thriving business as dealer in oil and gasoline, and may during business hours be seen dealing out these fluids from his wagon on the streets of Wymore to his many customers. He also furnishes the dealers with what oil they sell in the city, thus making him a wholesale dealer as well. He was born in Macomb, Ill., on the 29th of October, 1859, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Adair) Chamberlin, both of whom were na- tives of Adams County, Pa., the former born near Gettysburg, at the foot of the Alleghany Mountains. They were married in Macomb, in which place our subject was born, and spent the first twelve years of his life. His father died in 1881, and his mother in 1880. When our subject was twelve years old his parents moved on a farm about eight miles from his native town, where he lived for about seven years, and had an experience in common with young farmer boys in tilling the soil, sowing seed and gathering the harvests, and caring for the young and docile domestic animals.


In 1878 Mr. Chamberlin left the scenes of his early youth for those of the fertile and attractive West, and made his home in Blue Springs, this county, where he farmed with his brother one and one-half years, then engaging in the restaurant business until 1886, when he took charge of a board- ing train on the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- road, at the same time having a lunch counter at the Wymore depot one year of his residence in Blue Springs. In 1886 he removed to Wymore, where he continued in his former business until November of 1887, when he engaged in handling oil and gaso-


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GAGE COUNTY.


line, having now built up quite a large and lucra- tive trade, and conducting all his business in a perfectly honorable and straightforward way. He is but a young man, and the confidence with which he has inspired his customers, and the esteem in which he is held by them, give promise of a contin- uation of his success, and the building. up of a reputation very gratifying to a young business man. He procures his goods in large quantities from Lin- coln, selling at a fair price and on liberal terms.


On the 23d of June, 1887, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Alice L. Bacon, a daughter of William and Diana (Fairchild) Bacon, of Wymore, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Chamberlin was born on the 29th of March, 1860. in McLean County, Ill., and re- mained with her parents until the time of her mar- riage. She received a good elementary education from the schools of her native town, and possesses the accomplishments and virtues of a true womanly heart and disposition, which fit her to make her home a most attractive one. Our subject affiliates with the Republican party in politics, and is a mem- ber in good standing of the A. F. & A. M.


Leer


W ILLIAM S. WIKOFF. Among the repre- sentative men engaged in the stock interests of the city of Wymore might be mentioned the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, who was one of the early settlers on the Otoe Reservation and citizens of Wymore. The father of our subject, W. W. Wikoff, was born in New Jersey, in 1808. He was given a common- school education, after which he went to farming. While yet quite a young man he bought a farm in Warren County, Ohio, and remained successfully operating the same until 1838-39, when he removed to Sangamon County, Ill., and bought a farm near Island Grove. This he improved and built upon and made his home until 1866. He then went to New Berlin and purchased a small place, and lived a quiet, retired life until February, 1880, when he died.


The father of our subject became the husband of Sarah C. Sinard, in Ohio. This union was cemented


by the birth of eleven children, of whom seven lived to maturity, four of this number being sons. Ilis wife was born in the same State in the year 1810. She was the daughter of William Sinard, and resided' at home until her marriage. Throughout her life she manifested such traits of character and disposi- tion as have made her a place in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be otherwise filled. They were devout members of the Christian Church, and most deeply interested in its obligations. Mr. Wikoff, Sr., filled the office of Road Commissioner, and was for many years School Trustee. IIis polit- ical sympathies were with the Democratic party, and he was continuously loyal to the same. Our subject was born in Warren County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1832, was educated in the usual institution, and from that went onto the farm, continuing to operate the same until he attained his majority. After this he farmed for two years upon his own account, and then went into business at New Berlin with a full stock of merchandise, clothing and groceries. Then followed eight years of increasing prosperity and good success. In 1862 our subject sold his business and took a trip west through quite a number of States. He crossed the plains with a team from Illi- nois to Council Bluffs, Omalia, Ft. Laramie, crossed the Snake River above Ft. Hall, via Ft. Badger, prospecting throughout the mountains for gold, struck a mountain corral, and had to turn back, finally struck upon an old trail and followed it to Deer Lodge Valley, then going through to San Francisco, via Portland, Ore. Leaving San Fran- cisco our subject proceeded to New York via the Isthmus of Panama, after an absence of a little over twelve months, in which time he had received only two letters from home.


The three years following the return of our sub- ject from San Francisco were spent upon a farm which he purchased near New Berlin. At the close of that period he sold his property in order to go to Southern Kansas, and there bought 160 acres of excellent farming land, situated about four miles west of Humboldt. This was in the year 1867, and he continued for three years occupied in the vari- ous improvements of his farm, but was sick the greater part of the time, and therefore sold out and went to Hamburg, Fremont Co., Iowa, and for


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GAGE COUNTY.


eight years was engaged in shipping stock, and be- came the heaviest shipper at that point. In 1878, at the close of that period, Mr. Wikoff removed to his present home upon the Otoe Reservation, his property being situated on section 36 of Sicily Township. This includes 160 aeres of splendid bottom land, upon which he has made many exten- sive improvements, including a house of consider- able pretensions to beauty of adornment and comfort of arrangement, the usual farm buildings and stock houses in the same proportion, and forest and fruit trees of many varieties. He is still engaged in shipping stock, and rents the farm to one of his sons; another of his sons has been handling stock with his father for about five years, and they are the principal buyers of Wymore, the larger portion of their stock going to Kansas City.


Upon the 18th of September, 1853, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Allen, of Berlin, Ill. There have been eleven children born to them, and of these nine are still living, whose names are here appended: Laura F., Wesley W., James A., William W., Lee Cars, Horace D., Mary C., Minnie and Ella Belle. Mrs. Wikoff was born near Jacksonville, Ill., Sept. 14, 1835. She is the daughter of James Allen, a fariner of Sangamon County, Ill., and quite prominent among his fellow- citizens. He was the husband of Rosaline Coring- ton, and became the parent of three children. Mr. Allen died in 1864, his wife surviving until the 19th of May, 1888. Of the children of our subject the eldest daughter became the wife of Drew Ryan, a farmer of Comanche County. Kan., and has seven children ; Wesley married Mary E. Mewhirter, of Cass County, Iowa, where he operates a good farm ; James A. and Lee C. are unmarried and live at home; William is on a homestead in Hitchcock County ; Horace married Alice Fink, and lives at Beatrice, Kan .; the remaining children are still at home. Our subject and wife are both members of the Christian Church, and among the most devout and consistent in that communion. He is a man who has brought his religion into continued prac- tice, and has learned that it is well before engaging in any great undertaking to seek for guidance, and his trust being in God, he has advanced, fearing no danger, and this doubtless is largely the cause of his


progress in life. In the fraternity of the A. F. & A. M. our subject is an honored and trusted frater and member. He has been School Director for two terms, and at present occupies the office of Super- visor, and in these and every other relation has so carried himself as to receive the highest esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, in which also every member of his family shares.


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W ILLIAM R. JONES has been a resident of this county since the year 1857, and consequently deserves the honor due to an early pioneer, and to an ever loyal and enterprising citizen. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, on the 9th of September, 1846, and is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Pethond) Jones, natives of Grayson County, Va., and Ohio, respectively. They were married in the last-named State, and at different times made their homes in Lawrence, Gal- lia and Scioto Counties until 1855, when they came West, and established a new home in Platte County, Mo. After six months' residence in that State they moved to Jefferson County, Kan., whence in 1857 they came to Nebraska, and settled on Indian Creek, four miles north of Beatrice, on section 10, Midland Township, though at that time the flour- ishing little city was barely in existence, the or- ganization of Gage County with Beatrice for its county seat occurring that same year.


The father of our subject, three years after his arrival in this place, went up the Little Blue River and kept a ranch on the overland stage route, in Nuckolls County. He remained there nearly one year, and then returned to his farm in this county, after which, in 1868, he went to Lincoln and kept a livery stable for a short time, but again returned to his farm. He died in 1872, and his bereaved wife now makes her home in Beatrice. Our sub- ject is the eldest of a large family of children, and had reached the age of cleven years when his par- ents came to this county ; having since made his home here, he has witnessed the vast changes which have taken place in the last quarter of a century.


RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM R, JONES, SEC. 24, MIDLAND TP.


Form on Sec. 9. Midland Tp. Gage. Co.


1883


S.P.LESTER


00


Cor Market A3 RD .515


LIVERY STABLE AND FARM PROPERTY OF S. P. LESTER. BEATRICE, NEB.


493


GAGE COUNTY.


On the 15th of September, 1866, Miss Hester A. Henton became the faithful companion and help- mate of our subjeet, and has shared with him the trials and felicities of life for many years. She is a daughter of James M. and Susan Henton, who are now residing in Oketo, Kan., and was born on the 23d of November, 1846, near Des Moines, Iowa. in which place her parents were among the early pioneers. Later she resided in Illinois, then re- turned to Iowa, and still later as the wife of our subject she came to Nebraska. She has been the mother of nine children, of whom Albert, Rena and an infant are deceased, and Minnie L., Snsie, Ru- lama, Hettie, Rebecca and Willie are living.


After his marriage our subjeet resided for awhile on Indian Creek, then accompanied his father to Lincoln to engage in the livery business, after which he returned to this county and took a homestead on section 11, Midland Township, on which he re- sided until 1877. In that year he came to his present farm on section 24. where he owns 220 acres of fine land, all under cultivation and devoted to the purposes of general farming and stock-rais- ing. He is a breeder of high-grade Short-horn cattle, and also gives some attention to Jersey stock. He gives special attention to the breeding of road horses, and is the owner of the celebrated stallion "Bret Harte," which is one of the finest road horses in the State, and is resistered In the Second Volume of Wallace's Trotting Register. For three years our subject has kept a dairy on his farm, and disposes of the milk in Beatrice.




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