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 74
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 April, 1878, our subject returned to Illinois in order to consummate his marriage with Miss Hurley, a daughter of William and Johanna (Wolf) Hurley. The father was a native of Indiana, and the mother of Illinois, and they made their home in Fulton County, Ill., until 1887, when they moved to Burlington, Col. The father is about fifty-two years old, and has been prosperous in his business ; the mother is fifty years old. Mrs. Wisherd's grand- father, Thomas Wolf, was one of the earliest pio- neers of Fulton County, having first made his home there in the year 1830. There were four children in the parental family, all of whom were born in Fulton County, Ill., whose names are Alice M .. Mary J., Nettie E. and Ella L. Alice M., who became the wife of our subject, received the principal part of her education from the common schools, and hav- ing used to good advantage the opportunities af- forded her, she became well fitted to adorn the pedagogie profession, which she did for a short
time. But she was soon called to Missouri to grace the new home and possessions of our subject with her willing hands, smiling face and genial manners. She became the mother of one child, named Ethel, and since their residence in this county another little daughter, named Mand, was added to the happy home on the 11th of December, 1883.
Having sold a large part of the land which he owned in Missouri, and bought 2,600 acres in this State, our subject came in the spring of 1882 and began making improvements on his new purchase. He broke 2,000 acres of land the first year. and the next year he settled on section 24, all of which lie now owns and operates, besides the large amount above named. He employs between twenty and twenty-five men, whom he keeps under his imme- diate supervision. A few of the men are married, and are hired by the year, and for their accommoda- tion our subject has built several houses. He has 200 head of cattle, and raises from 200 to 300 head of hogs per year.
Mr. Wisherd has built a very fine house, and has adorned it with all the conveniences and lux- uries that wealth can supply. Mrs. Wishard is in every respect a charming lady, and she und her husband understand perfectly the art of entertain- ing the many guests who find their way to the well- appointed home. In politics our subject is a Re- publican.
W ILLIAM LAMB. This gentleman is prom- inent among the business interests of the city of Beatrice, and quite extensively en- gaged in the grain trade. He came to Nebraska dur- ing the period of its early settlement, and when his adopted city was little more than an unpretentious hamlet. No man has watched with warmer interest the growth and development of one of the brightest communities of the West, while at the same time he has been no unimportant factor in assisting it to its present condition.
A native of Madison County, N. Y .. our subject was born in the town of Brookfield, Ang. 8, 1821. He was the fourth in a family of eight children, the sons and daughters of Asa and Celinda (Angell) Lamb, who were both natives of Connecticut, whence
588
GAGE COUNTY.
they emigrated to Madison County. N. Y., during its pioneer days. The father secured a tract of land and carried on farming until his death. Asa Lamb, the paternal grandfather of our subject, served valiantly in the Revolutionary War for a period of seven years, receiving many wounds in his conflicts with the enemies of his country. His blood frequently stained the frozen ground. but be possessed an iron constitution and recovered to re- turn to his home. After the war was over he set- tled in Brookfield, and lived to the ripe old age of nearly ninety years. His son, Asa, Jr., the father of our subject, spent his last years in Brookfield, and died at the advanced age of eighty-seven; the mother died in 1838.
Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in the manner common to the sons of the pioneer farmer, and received a practical education in the schools of his native county. When a youth of eighteen years he left home and began serving an apprenticeship at the trade of wagon-maker, not far away, and fol- lowed this business for a period of twenty-five years. In the spring of 1855 he left his native State, and proceeding westward, took up his abode in Elgin, Ill., where he lived five years. Thence he went to Rochelle, and was a sojourner there seven years. The spring of 1868 found him looking further west- ward, and crossing the Mississippi, he located in the young city of Beatrice, where he began buying and selling grain, and in due time branched out into a trade in agricultural implements, being engaged in this business five years. His next venture was in a hardware store which he established at Beatrice, and which he conducted six years.
We next find Mr. Lamb, whose course seems to have been steadily onward, raised to the position of Vice President of the Beatrice National Bank, with which he was connected three or four years. His other business interests finally constrained him to withdraw from this institution, and he found it better for him to confine his attention to the grain trade. In the meantime be invested his spare capi- tal in real estate, and is now the owner of three good farms, the lands of which have been brought to a highly fertile condition, and which are well stocked with good grades of domestic animals. The family residence is situated in Beatrice. It was
erected in 1885, and is a handsome, two-story frame structure, finely finished and furnished, and, with its surroundings, forms one of the most attractive homes in the city.
In the twenty-first year of his age our subject was united in marriage with Miss Maria Joslyn, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, in Madison County, N. Y., in 1841. Mrs. Lamb is the daughter of Artemus and Mary (Howard) Jos- lyn, who were natives of Massachusetts, and are both deceased. They moved to Illinois about 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Lamb there have been born two children only, a son and daughter: William H., now engaged in the livery business in Superior, this State, and Augusta M .. the wife of John M. Lind- sey, of Colorado. Mr. Lamb, politically, is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and keeps himself well posted upon matters of State and Na- tional interest. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for two terms, or a period of six years. So- cially, he belongs to the A. F. & A. M., being a member of Bates Lodge No. 26, also of the Chap- ter and Commandery at Beatrice. Mr. Lamb as- sociated himself with Mr. John Kellogg, and the firm thus brought into existence has been in suc- cessful operation since that time. Too much credit cannot be given Mr. Lamb for the industry and perseverance with which he fought the battle of his earlier years, and from which he has come out fully equipped with a competence. William H., the son of our subject, during the late war, enlisted in the 52d Illinois Infantry, and gave a patriotic service of four years in assisting to preserve the Union.
B EN REYNOLDS is connected with the Citi- zens' Bank in Wymore, and is one of the influential business men of that flourishing little city. He was born in Rock Island, Ill., on the 16th of January. 1854, and is a son of Elisha P. and Eliza (Young) Reynolds, who are natives of Vermont. After their marriage they made their home in Rock Island, and are the par- ents of six children, who bear the names of John H., Bettie, Lucy, Sarah, Ben and Frederick. Our sub- ject spent his early years in Illinois, and received
589
GAGE COUNTY.
his education from the public schools, after which he engaged with his father in making railroad con- tracts, in which business his father has been engaged for thirty-six years. They have built and helped to build many of the leading railroads in Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and other States and Territories, and since the accession of our subject as a member of the firm it is known as E. P. Reynolds & Co., railroad contractors.
In 1873 our subject went to Cooper County, Mo., to engage in mining lead, where he continued for three years, after which he engaged for a like period in agricultural pursuits. Then, leaving his family he traveled around for some time in the ex- peetation of securing a better location in which to continue his business, and in 1882 he came to Wy- more, to which place he brought his family and has since made his home. Four years after his arrival in Wymore he engaged in the banking business, without discontinuing his former vocation, and now he is successfully engaged in both banking and railroad building. The city of his residence offers great inducements to a man of his vocation, since it is doing all in its power to become a rail- road eenter, and in its turn the railroad company is doing much to add to the growth and prosperity of the city, having made it the junction of the Bea- trice Branch of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, with the Southern main line of the same road to Denver.
On the 6th of February, 1877, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harris, a daughter of George W. and Mary F. (Tyler) Har- ris, of Wymore, who were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Reynolds was born on the 14th of March, 1859, in Missouri, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children, whose names and birthdays are mentioned as follows: Mary I'. was born on the 5th of February, 1878; Ben, on the 16th of June, 1881; and John II., on the 23d of June 1887. These three children have brought much sunshine to the home of their parents, and the eldest, the daughter, will soon be of sufficient age to be a helpful companion to her indulgent mother.
Besides his prominent connection with the bank our subject is Vice President and manager of the
Blue Springs & Wymore Street Car Company, which is an institution of very great convenience to the inhabitants of these friendly cities. He is an aet- ive and consistent member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge, and of the Chapter and Commandery at Beatrice, an institution whose principles are worthy of the highest admiration. Mrs. Reynolds is an esteemed member of the Christian Church, and is a talented and amiable lady, whose refined and womanly qualifications have won her a host of ad- miring friends. She is a faithful and devoted wife and mother, and is well fitted to adorn the position in society which the prominent position of her hus- band accords her. Mr. Reynolds is considered one of the leading and most enterprising business men of Wymore, and as such has done very much to aid in her improvements, having a reputation for strietest integrity and honorable dealing.
REDERICK RUPPRECHT is the owner of 160 acres of improved land on section 24, Lincoln Township, on which he has made his home since 1881. When the land came into his possession it was in a rough and uninviting con- dition, but he has since brought the greater part of it to a good state of cultivation, and has made many improvements, among which was the build- ing of a comfortable and attractive house and a good barn. lle came to this county in 1880, and for one year rented a farm in Blakely Township, previous to which he had made his home for ten years in Logan and Mason Counties, Ill. Ile owned a farm there for several years, on which he worked and made some improvements, but thinking that this rapidly developing State afforded greater in- ducements, he sold it and came to this county.
Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 9th of July, 1835, and his ancestors were na- tives of the same place. Ilis parents, George and Anna (Gundelfinger) Rupprecht. came to the United States in the year 1883, and are making their home in Lincoln, Logan Co., Ill. The father was a butcher by trade, and he has now arrived at the advanced age of eighty-one years. the mother being seventy-eight years old. Our subject re-
590
GAGE COUNTY.
mained with his parents until he was twenty-three years old, and after his school days were over he learned the trade of a butcher under his father's instructions. He came to the United States when he was a single man, and after spending some years in traveling through the different States in pursuit of his vocation, he decided to make his home in Logan County, Ill., and in 1864 he went back to Germany and remained six months, when he re- turned to Logan County.
Mr. Rupprecht was united in marriage in New York City, on the 25th of August, 1865, to Miss Margaret Martz, who was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, on the 28th of August, 1839. She was a young woman when she came alone to the United States, and made her home in New York City until the time of her marriage with our subject. Her parents are, still living in the Fatherland. By their marriage our subject and his wife are the parents of six children, named: Anna, Mary, Sallie, Fred, Jacob and Lydia. They are well-known and es- teemed members of the Lutheran Church, in Bea- trice, and are true and loyal citizens of their adopted country. Mr. Rupprecht affiliates with the Democratic party, and among his fellowmen be bears a reputation for strictest integrity and up- rightness.
G ARRETT AND OLIVER COOPER. It is only one step back from the contemplation of the question that occurs forcibly to one's mind in passing through the central markets of some great city, "Where does all the meat consumed daily in the cities of the world come from?" to the boundless plains and vast ranches of the South and West. Among the ranchmen of Nebraska who have made for themselves a name by their success in their chosen occupation, will be found the broth- ers whose names stand at the head of this biograph- ical compendium. These gentlemen are the sons of Peter and Mary (Serrick) Cooper. Their father was born in Morris County, N. J., their mother in Warren County, Ohio. They were united in marriage in the latter State, but soon removed to Illinois, and settled in Rochelle, where Mr. Cooper
bought a farm and was increasingly prosperous year by year. He is now the owner of 582 acres of excellent agricultural and pastoral land; in ad- dition he is operating quite extensively as a finan- cier, and is one of the most wealthy citizens of his (listrict. He is, although sixty-six years of age, en- joying good health, and in reality is much younger than many who have not attained his years numeri- cally. His wife is fifty-two years of age. They are the parents of fourteen children, whose names are recorded as follows: Mary, Garrett, Oliver, Edith, Alma C., Nettie (deceased), Albert, Minnic, Willie, Charles, Howard, Florence, and two who died in infancy.
Garrett Cooper, the elder of the two brothers presented in this sketch, was born on the 14th of January, 1858, at Rochelle, Ill. His education comprised that obtainable in a good common school, and was designed to be rather practical than orna- mental. Being the eldest son he was early brought into requisition in many ways upon the farm, and upon leaving the school continued at home in charge of a farm of about 200 acres. In 1885, accom- panied by his brother Oliver, he came to Nebraska, and purchased a half-section of land, the remaining half being purchased by their father, thus making them the proprietors of an extensive and magnifi- cent farm, 640 acres in extent, and comprising the whole of section 31. A view of their place is pre- sented in connection with this sketch.
This property has been planned and laid ont by our subject and his brother; they have also erected a commodions dwelling. Not far distant from the house there is a very fine orchard, containing over 150 trees, bearing the choicest varieties of apples, besides cherries, plums, apricots and grapes in abundance. In connection with their ranch there are large and well-built stables and horse barns; two cattle sheds affording ample accommodation for their herds, besides several others for the use of their hogs. By a perfect system of pipes, tanks and reservoirs, an abundant supply of water is obtain- able in every part of their property by the aid of two magnificent and powerful windmills. The trade of Mr. Cooper and his brother is very exten- sive. They are both feeders and shippers of stock, and have constant work for six teams, and rarely
RESIDENCE OF G. P. & OLIVER COOPER, SEC. 31. NEMAHA TOWNSHIP.
RESIDENCE OF WM. A. HOOKER , SEC. 32. ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
593
GAGE COUNTY.
if ever have less than 200 head of cattle and a similar number of hogs upon their ranch.
Oliver Cooper is the junior partner of the firm of Cooper Brothers, and is joint proprietor with his brother Garrett of the beautiful ranch and farm which includes the whole of section 31, of Ne- maha Township. Ile was born near Rochelle, in Flag Township, Ogle Co., III .. on the 9th of Decem- ber, 1859. The long, fierce struggle between the North and the South, wherein the opposing forces had marched and countermarched from Baltimore to Little Rock, and from the Mississippi "to the sea," was just drawing to a close when our subject began to attend the school of the district in order to lay the foundation for the experiences of his life. By the time he had attained early manhood he was perfectly familiar with the work of farming and stock-raising, and continued to give his atten- tion to the same until the year 1885 ; then he formed a copartnership with his brother Garrett, and with him purchased the west half of section 31, their father having purchased the whole section in the year 1872. The whole 640 acres are now well in hand, and used either for stock-raising or general grain farming. That part under cultivation has by constant attention been brought to a super- excellent condition, the whole farm being under splendid management, that makes it impossible that it should be otherwise than in the highest degree productive.
The dwelling-house erected by the brothers is a fine two-story frame, and was built in 1884; it is most pleasantly situated, and so arranged in- ternally as to afford the largest amount of conveni- ence and comfort, while the beautiful in decoration and furnishing has not been overlooked. In another part of the farm there are provided extensive cattle sheds, 26x180 feet in dimensions. There is also a very commodious horse barn, having provis- ion for sixteen horses. These are supplemented by the granary, corn crib and other necessary buildings, of which we would only mention the former, as comprising a ground surface of 28x72 feet, and having a capacity of 8,000 bushels of grain. So extensive is the business of the firm that 200 tons of hay and 15,000 bushels of grain are required per annum for feeding the stock. One remarkable
and noteworthy feature of the farm is the unusually complete system of water-works. which, under the powerful pumping of two very fine windmills, sup- plies by a system of piping, tanks and reservoirs the house, barn. sheds and every part where required with good, wholesome, fresh, pure water.
It is doubtful if in the State of Nebraska, or any- where among those in a similar branch of business, there can be found more enterprising, intelli- gent and able managers and ranchmen than Garrett and Oliver Cooper. Their success is entirely their own, in spite of the fact that in the beginning it was within the power of their father to help themn to a good start; but that would have been a more disastrous failure had they not possessed that which was needful to move forward from that commence- ment. They have already attained a very high position among the members of their particular call- ing and business, and it goes without saying that the future has still larger things in store.
Our subject thinks deeply and feels strongly in regard to political matters, and aims not so much to attain prominence as a partisan as to vote for men of principle and power; men who will hold the office given them as a sacred trust from the people, to be used only in their behalf and for their truest and highest interest. His brother Garrett enter- tains the same lofty ideas and occupies the same high ground; usually in the larger issues of national campaigns be votes with the Republican party.
LBERT M. T. MILLER. The farm of this gentleman, which is 160 acres in extent, is situated on section 23, Holt Township, where he settled in the year 1880. He was born near Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 22, 1847, and is the son of David and Catherine ( Myley) Mil- ler, who are also natives of Maryland. His pater- nal grandparents were natives of Virginia, and lived in Chambersburg, Pa. They had two sons, the father of our subject, who resides near Hagerstown, Md., and his brother, who resides in Chambersburg, Pa. His maternal grandparents were natives of Lancaster County, Pa.
The parents of our subject were married and set-
594
GAGE COUNTY.
tled in Clear Spring, Md., a small town of about 1.500 inhabitants, which was founded by the Rev. Martin Myers, the great-grandfather of our subject, and from which Mr. Miller receives in accordance with the laws of Maryland a ground rent, which, however, now only amounts to sixty-two cents per annum. The people desired to have the town named after its founder, but in deference to his wishes it was called Clear Spring. In this town'the father of our subject continued the labors of the Rev. Mr. . Myers as clergyman in the Baptist communion, but at the same time he devoted some attention to sow- ing and reaping upon his farm, of a different nature, but with equal success as that sown in his pulpit. The mother of our subject died in 1858, leaving seven children, our subject being the eldest.
The family of which our subject was a member comprised besides the latter, five sons and one daughter, who were named as follows: David Lewis, now a resident of Sterling, Ill., and occupied as special agent for the Phoenix Insurance Company ; Abraham M., who is farming in Davenport, Neb .; Joseph T., who died at the age of twenty-six years; Mary E., who is now attending the Baptist Train- ing School at Chicago, Ill .; John M., who has an extensive livery stable in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Daniel Newton, who died at the age of two years. Mr. Miller, Sr., contracted a second matrimonial alliance in 1867, the lady being Miss Catherine Kurtz, of Franklin County, Pa. After this mar- riage they removed to Ogle County, Ill., and set- tled near Polo, where Mr. Miller died in 1871, leaving his widow and five children by his second marriage.
Our subject was reared upon the farm, and was given by his parents a good, thorough business education, and while yet in his teens began to util- ize it somewhat by buying wool in connection with his farm work, and continued so to do for several years. In 1867 his parents removed to Illinois, he of course accompanying them. Jan. 6, 1870, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Price, a daughter of Daniel G. and Catherine (Weller) Price, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland re- spectively. Their daughter Mary was born in Ogle County, Ill., on the 28th of September, 1845. After his marriage our subject rented land four
miles from Polo, and went to work as a general farmer and stock-raiser, to which was added subse- quently the business of butcher. In 1875 he re- moved to Marshall County, Iowa, and there contin- ued, ever increasingly prosperous, until June, 1880, when he removed to this State. The journey was lengthened in point of time by the fact that he brought with him a herd of twenty cattle, driving them the entire distance. In the fall of the year of his removal he purchased his present property. then in a raw state, and black from a quite recent fire that had swept the whole district. It was a most uninviting spot to settle upon, but within an incredibly short space of time it was rendered en- tirely unrecognizable, thanks to the efforts and labor of our subject. The first house he erected was only a claim shanty, but it had to sutfice under the cir- cumstances, and in it they passed a winter of health and enjoyment in spite of some inconveniences and bardships incidental to that season. Since that time his present comfortable and commodious home has been built, and although warmer and better in every regard than its predecessor, it is to be doubted if it can ever contain a brighter or happier family than that which gathered during that first winter. His farming operations are upon the line of general agriculture, and extend beyond the limits of the home farm, taking in the cultivation of 480 acres of leased land.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miller includes six children, whose names are herein given: Myley Price, Mary Grace, Stephen Daniel Gehr, Martha Albertie, Sudie Blanche and Winogene. Mr. Mil- ler has served as a member of the School Board, and was repeatedly solicited to extend the term of his office, but his time was so fully occupied as to prevent bis giving such attention as he deemed necessary, and he declined further service. His political sympathies are such as lead him to affili- ate with the Republican party, but at the same time he is very firm upon the question of Prohibi- tion, and takes exception to the platform of his party upon that subject. There is that in the home of Mr. Miller that makes it peculiarly pleasant to all who come within the range of its influence; it is an influence realized and felt, rather than describ- able, and arises from the ever-consistent devotion
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.