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 86
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During the six years' residence of Mr. Craig in this county he has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of the people about him. He was nominated by the Prohibition convention of 1888 as candidate for Senator, an indication of the estimation in which he is held, and a great compli- ment to his worth and nobility.
ENRY RICHARDSON. Perseverance and industry are necessary conditions to true success in any calling. These qualities are possessed in an eminent degree by the sub- ject of this sketch, a thrifty and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser on section 15 of Grant Town- ship, and owner of a very fine farming property of 160 acres (a partial view of which may be seen upon another page), through which the Soap Creek winds its way, and which Mr. Richardson secured soon after coming to the county in October, 1867. The previous owner was the venerated and beloved "Uncle Sam," who has made generous provision for thousands of his sons, and stands ready to as- sist thousands more.
Previous to his arrival in Nebraska our subject lived in Delaware County, Iowa, where he had made his home for eighteen years. He was born in that greatest city of the world, London, England, on the 8th of January, 1847; his father, James Richardson, was a full-blooded Scotchman, and was
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born and brought up near the city of Glasgow, upon the Clyde, removing from his Scotch home to London when about thirty years of age. After leaving school he had served a full apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner, which trade he continued to follow in London, and was looked upon as a very excellent, precise and artistic workman. Shortly after his removal to the great city he was united in marriage with Eliza Timmins, a lady of English birth and parentage.
Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, Sr., became the par- ents of seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Accompanied by two of these they came to the United States. and settled at onee in Chicago, where the father found employment in the carshops, in the department where the more finished and skilled work was demanded. There he continued for a number of years, and finally moved with his family to Delaware County, Iowa, locating upon a farm upon which they are yet living. The father is now about seventy-five years of age, and the mother is seventy-seven. Both enjoy excellent health, and retain their natural faculties in a re- markable degree. They come of families noted for longevity. Grandfather Richardson, who lived and died in Scotland, survived over ninety years, and the prospect, so far as it is possible to judge by appearances, is that both Mr. and Mrs. Richard- son will, in all probability, likewise live to a ripe old age.
Our subject received his education in the schools of Delaware County, Iowa, and after leaving his studies he devoted his attention to farming. Upon coming to Nebraska he found a great deal of hard work before him, but his father had wisely inured him for just such a life, and he was not altogether unfitted to fill the position. The success that has attended his efforts, the improvements that he has made upon his land, and the reputation he has es- tablished, all testify to the fact of his enthusiastic devotion to his work.
Having provided his house our subject early realized that some one was needed to make it a home, and such a one he found in Miss Julia F. Burgess, to whom he was married in Grant Town- ship, Oet. 13, 1870. The wife of our subject is the daughter of N. E. and Sophia (Woodman)
Burgess (for further details see the sketch of Mr. Burgess), and was born in Racine County, Wis., in 1856, coming to Nebraska with her parents when about twelve years of age. Her parents pro- vided ber with the opportunity to obtain a good edu- cation in the common schools. of which she took every advantage. There have come to the home of our subjeet and wife ten children, of whom. however, two are since deceased, viz: Pearl and Ralph. Those still living are Willis, Lewis, Jean, Arthur, Chloe, Elsie, Walter and Ida.
For several years our subject has been connected with various township and district offices, and is now Township and School Treasurer. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. All his life he has been a stanch Republican, energetic in behalf of the party he admires. At the same time he is a poli- tieian only in the most exalted use of that word. and is identified with almost every good and honorable effort and project for the true progress and benefit of the community, and by his rectitnde, manly character and strict business integrity, has won for himself and family the respect of all.
ANIEL PENROD, an industrious and highly respected young carpenter of Bea- trice, came to this county with his parents in the spring of 1880, and soon afterward began his apprenticeship at the trade which he is following, and of which he has now a thorough un- derstanding in all its details. He was born in the town of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and is the third son and seventh child of Jacob and Sarah (Fouch) Penrod, whose family consisted of eight sons and five daughters, ten of whom lived to mature years.
John Fonch, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, and spent his last years in Pennsylvania, living to be nearly one hundred years old. He had followed farming mostly as one occupation, and as the result of a temperate life and correct habits, was hale and hearty as many a man of younger years. Ile walked to the house of worship, three miles from his home, the week before his death. Michael Pen-
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rod, the paternal grandfather, was of substantial German ancestry ; be spent the last years of his life in Pennsylvania, also passing away when ripe in years. His son Jacob, the father of our subject, was born in Somerset County, Pa., where he was reared to manhood, receiving a common-school education. There also he was married, and settled for one year in Dale City, Pa., whence he removed at the expi- ration of this time to Wayne County, Ohio, where hie secured a tract of land and carried on farming until coming to this State.
The father of our subject, upon coming to this county, abandoned farming and took up his abode in McConnell's subdivision in West Beatrice, where he now lives retired from active labor. He was born in 1823. and is consequently sixty-five years of age. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is in the enjoyment of good health. The mother, who was born in 1829, departed this life in the spring of 1881. at Beatrice.
The subject of this sketch spent bis boyhood days upon the farm of his father in the Buckeye State, attending the district sehool in winter and working around the homestead in the summer sea- son. After coming to Beatrice he began his ap- prenticeship at the trade of carpenter, serving three years, and obtaining a thorough knowledge of the business. His enterprise and adaptability to his business are noticeable from the fact that he has purchased land and put up buildings for sale, having in this manner fitted up eight houses, and disposed of most of them at a figure which, while rea- sonable to the purchaser, has netted him a good profit. lle is thus becoming one of the important factors in the business interests of this go-ahead town.
The marriage of Mr. Penrod and Miss Selma R. Arpke was celebrated at the home of the bride in Jefferson County, Neb., Jan. 1. 1983. Mrs. Pen- rod is the daughter of Adolph and Caroline (Lali- man) Arpke, who were natives of Germany, and came to America with their parents when children, and to Nebraska in 1880. Of this union there have been born two children-Carrie L. and Elsie S. They occupy a snug home in the western part of the city, on Court street, and are in the enjoy- ment of the friendship of a large circle of acquaint- anees. Mr. Penrod has but very little time to de-
vote to political matters but maintains the interest which every intelligent man feels in the welfare and prosperity of his county and State. He uni- formly votes the straight Republican ticket.
G EORGE ENDELMAN. Upon section 15, Lincoln Township, is one of the most fertile and best-improved farms in the entire town- ship, and the farm dwelling thercon is one of the most substantially built and admirably arranged within quite a large territory. Upon entrance, one is instinctively led to remark the prevalence of a quiet elegance and harmony of taste that are most pleasing to the eye. It is the home and property of the subject of this sketch, one of the most enter- prising and thoroughly practical of the German- American farmers of the district.
The possession of the above property by Mr. Endelinan dates from 1881. At that time it was entirely unimproved, and in a state of nature. The change that has passed over it, the buildings that have been erected, the home that has been furnished, are the results of continued and earnest effort. Previous to becoming a resident of this State the home of Mr. Endelman was in Logan County, Ill., where for twelve years he had farmed on rented land. The ten years immediately preceding he had resided in Pekin, Tazewell Co., Ill., where he had been employed as a laborer.
In Barum, Germany, and not far from the North Sea, our subject was born on the 15th of August, in the year 1824. His father, Harry Endelman, was a laborer throughout the whole of his life, and died in his native Province in 1888, aged ninety-five years. Upon arriving at the usual age he entered the German military service, and fought in the battle of Waterloo. The name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Gertrude Cramer, who lived to be about seventy years of age. She was a lady of most lofty character, happy disposi- tion and fair intelligence, and her added years sim- ply increased her attractiveness. The old and young alike seemed to feel the refreshing, elevating and brightening influence that was inseparable from her presence, and upon her demise she was mourned as one most loving and lovable. As maiden, wife
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE ENDELMAN, SEC. 15. LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
RESIDENCE OF. WILLIAM RETCHLESS SEC. 10. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
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and mother, her life presented a perfection of beauty seldom met with and never excelled. She. was the mother of nine children, four of them being sons. Only four are now living, our subject being the second child.
The days of the boyhood, youth and early man- hood of our subject were spent in his native Prov- ince, and there he received his early education ; there, also, in February of the year 1858, he was married, the lady of his choice being Anna Rumka. She was born and brought up within a short distance of her husband's home, and they had practically grown up together. Almost immediately after their marriage they came to this country, and this excellent wife stood by the side of her husband throughout all the days of his early struggles in Illinois. After bringing up a family of four chil- dren, this most admirable and excellent lady de- parted this life upon the 14th of February, 1883, at the age of fifty-two years.
Our subject and his wife continued from youth consistent and devont members of the Lutheran Church, and in the same faith their four children have been brought up. These are named as here appended : Harry, who married Sarah Nies, resides upon his farm, which is situated in Lincoln Town- ship; Fred remains at home, the assistant of his father upon the farm; Minnie is the housekeeper for her father, having ever since her mother's death striven to perpetuate the home comforts; John, an intelli- gent young man, is actively engaged upon his father's farm, and gives promise of much ability.
Mr. Endelman and his sons usually vote the Dem- ocratie ticket, Mr. E. having been a member of that party since becoming a naturalized citizen. The family is held in high regard in the community, and represents the best class of German-American citi- zens. A view of their home and surroundings is given on another page.
ESSE RICHARDS, senior member of the grocery firm of Richards & Parker, is num- bered among the leading men of Beatrice, and became a resident of the county April 8, 1869. His early home was on the other side of
the Atlantic, in Wiltshire, England, where his birth took place July 3, 1846. When a little lad four years of age his parents emigrated to America and settled on a farm in Herkimer County, N. Y. There the father, Jasper Richards, is still living, having ar_ rived at a ripe old age. The mother, Christina (Knee) Richards, departed this life at the old home- stead in New York, Feb. 3, 1857.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in Herkimer County, N. Y., where he attended the common school, and being of a studious dis- position 'made good proficiency. At the age of eighteen, leaving the parental roof, he migrated to Ogle County, Ill., where he worked on a farm, the employe of one man until reaching his majority. In 1869 he came to Beatrice, walking into the town from Brownville. His first employment was build- ing a rail fence around the present residence of Albert Towle. Later he worked in a sawmill at Blue Springs. In the meantime he homesteaded 160 acres west of the latter place, and on the 23d of December, the same year, was married to Miss Fanny V. Dodge.
The young people spent the following winter in Ogle County, Ill., which had been the home of the bride, and in February, 1870, our subject returned to his homestead claim in this county, and with his young wife took possession, moving into the frame house which he bad erected. They resided there six years, when Mr. Richards purchased a farm near the growing city of Beatrice, where they spent another six years. Our subject now sold out again, and in company with O. N. Wheelock, of Beatrice, embarked in the grocery business. Two years later Mr. Wheelock transferred his interest in the busi- ness to E. C. Salisbury, and the firm of Richards & Salisbury during the three years of its existence built up a good trade. Our subject then purchased the interest of his partner, and continued alone until in October, 1887, when he associated himself with Mr. F. A. Parker. Richards & Parker carry a full stock of groceries and all other goods in their line, their quarters being in the Masonie Temple and post-office block. Their storeroom is 25x120 feet in dimensions.
The family residence is located on Ninth and Mar- ket streets, and comprises with its pleasant sur-
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roundings one of the most desirable homes. To our subjeet and his wife there have been born three children, one of whom, Harry E., died when two years old. The survivors are Jasper W. and Flora M .; they are students in the schools of Beatrice.
Mr. Richards while a resident of Sicily Town- ship served as Justice of the Peace and was other- wise prominent in local affairs. Politically, he votes the straight Republiean ticket. Ile is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Treasurer a period of five years. Socially, he belongs to Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M., Livingston Chapter No. 10, and Mt. Hermon Commandery No. 7. He was Master of the lodge four years, and High Priest three years. IIe is warmly interested in the principles of Masonry, to the furtherance of which he has generously con- tributed of his time and means.
C ALVIN STARR, M. D. The medical pro- fession of Beatrice is worthily represented by the subject of this sketch, who was born near the city of Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, on the 2d of April, 1822. He was the youngest son of a family of eleven children, all of whom lived to mature years. but only three of whom now survive.
John Starr, the father of our subject, was an enterprising farmer and one of the early settlers of the Buckeye State. Upon settling in Franklin County, he purchased a tract of heavily timbered land, from which he cleared and improved a fine farm, and which, had it been kept in the family, would have proved the source of an independent fortune, as npon it now stands the city of Columbus. John Starr upon reaching manhood was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Havens, who was a native of Groton, Conn. John Starr was born in Nova Scotia, whence he removed to Connecticut during his younger years and from there to the young State of Ohio, settling in Franklin County, as above stated, as early as 1812, and when there was but one log house upon the present site of the city of Columbus. There he spent his last days, and there rested from his earthly labors. The parents of
Dr. Starr are long since deceased, the father passing away at the old homestead near Columbus, in 1837. He was a very capable and intelligent man, and spent a portion of his early life as a school teacher. Politically, he was a Whig. The mother of our subject died in May, 1865, in Columbus, Ohio.
'The boyhood of Calvin Starr was spent after the manner of most farmers' sons, assisting his parents around the homestead and receiving his first book knowledge in the district school, mostly in the summer season. Ile was bright and ambitious to learn, and when of suitable years became a student of Central College, at Blendon, Ohio, where he con- tinned for a period of four years, and at the end of which time in consequence of too close application his health was considerably impaired. After a season of recreation, however, he was restored, and entered upon the study of medicine under the in- struction first of Dr. Morrell and later with Dr. B. F. Gard, of Columbus. Later he entered the Ster- Jing Medical College, where he took two full courses of leetures, and then prepared for admission to the Cleveland Homeopathic College, from which he was graduated on the 20th of February, 1851, with honors.
Dr. Starr commenced the practice of his profession in Xenia, Ohio, where he remained one year, then removed to the city of Springfield, Ohio. After a five-years residence at that point he turned his face westward, and crossing the Mississippi in May, 1857, took up his abode in Johnson County, at Iowa City, Iowa, where he built up a large and lucrative prac- tice and continued for a period of twenty years. In November of 1877, desirous of a change of scene and surroundings, he removed with his family to Nebraska City, where he followed his profession until the summer of 1882. He then came to Bea- triee, where he has since resided, and is now in the enjoyment of a fine patronage from the best people of this region. His career as a man and as a phy- sician has been such as to commend him to the people generally, among whom he has hosts of friends and patrons.
The Doctor has been twice married, his first wife been Miss Sophia J. McPherson, a native of Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, and who became the mother of five children-George B., Clarence A., Emma H.,
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Mary P. and John A. Mrs. Sophia Starr departed this life at her home in Iowa City, April 23, 1876. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married June 27, 1878, was formerly Mrs. Julia C. Scudder, nee Candee, of Muscatine, Iowa. Her parents, Nelson S. and Lucy A. Candee, were na- tives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively, and are now living at Alma, Neb. Mrs. Starr by her first husband has one son, Horace Scudder, who bears the same name as his father. Mrs. Starr is the partner of her husband in his profession, being educated in the medical department of the Iowa State University, and attends upon patients equally with him. Their joint office is at their residence on Sixth street, where they have an attractive home. Both the Doctor and his wife are people of intelli- gence and culture, and in the duties of their pro- fession are guided by the modern school of medi- cine, and keep themselves well posted upon the matters pertaining thereto. Socially, they have many friends wherever it has been their lot to re- side. He and his wife are both members of the First Congregational Church, of Beatrice.
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OHN K. TREKELL, a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., was born July 20, 1835, and has been a resident of Highland Township since the spring of 1882. He is recognized as one of the most enterprising and industrious of its farming community, is a successful stock-raiser, and a man generally occupying a leading position among his fellow-citizens.
The offspring of an excellent family, our subject is the son of Stephen and Jemima (Kinser) Trekell, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio. His paternal ancestors were of Scotch origin, and the mother traced her forefathers to Germany. Adam Kinser, the maternal grandfather, it is be- lieved served as a soldier under Gen. Harrison at Tippecanoe.
To Stephen and Jemima Trekell there were born nine children, of whom the following survive: Thomas J., of Henry County, Ill .; George W., liv- ing in Washington Territory; William H., residing
in California; John K., our subject; Unrriet, Mrs. Fry, and Rebecca, the wife of Jolin May, also resi- dents of the Golden State. When John K. was a little lad two years of age his parents left Indiana, and took up their abode in Stark County, Ill., where the father followed farming, and where they lived for a period of ten years. Thence they re- moved to IIenry County, that State, where our sub- ject attained his majority, and became acquainted with the labors of pioneer life, the family being among the earliest settlers of that region.
The educational advantages of young Trekel', like those of his brothers and sisters, were exceed- ingly limited, far inferior to those extended to the generation of to-day. His services were utilized on the farm as soon as he was old enough to be of service, and he also worked considerably in a saw and grist mill. He also became quite expert as a carpenter, at which trade he labored when not otherwise engaged. He was married in Henry County, Ill., March 3, 1862, his bride being Miss Theresa Walters, who was born in Ohio, in Tuscara- was County, and is the daughter of David and Susan (Baltzly) Walters, natives also of the Buck- eye State, and who came to Nebraska in 1880, where the father still resides. The mother departed this life at ber home in Highland Township, Aug. 19. 1888.
Mr. and Mrs. Trekell after their marriage settled in Henry County, Ill., where they lived until the spring of 1882, then came with their little family to this county. They have three children: George H. and Frank, who are residents of Alliance, Neb .: Fred, who lives in Cortland. The property of our subject lies two miles west of the latter place, and comprises 320 acres, which he purchased from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company ; he also owns 365 acres of well-improved land in IHli- nois. The homestead proper comprises eighty acres, to which Mr. Trekell has given particular attention, putting up a very fine residence, and a large and commodious barn, besides planting fruit and shade trees, and adding other embellishments. A self- made man in the closest sense of the word, he has accumulated his property solely through his own efforts, and accordingly knows how to take care of it. Ile is progressive in his ideas, interested in
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those projects tending to the building up of his county, and uniformly gives his support to Re- publican principles.
The Trekell homestead, a view of which will be found on another page, bears fair comparison with its neighbors, and is fully worthy of representation in a work designed to perpetuate the lives and labors of the leading men of Gage County.
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OSEPH BROOKS, who resides on section 23, Glenwood Township, and there owns a good farm including eighty acres, was horn Sept. 15, 1837, in Athens County, Ohio, where he made his home until 1871. He had few opportuni- ties for education and was reared upon a farm. The first disturbing element in his life was the late con- flict, when, realizing the need of the Union, he en- listed, on the 25th of July, 1861, in Company C, 30th Ohio Infantry.
In the beginning of his military service our sub- ject took his place in the ranks as private, in which he continued about one year and until the battle of Vicksburg, where he received special mention for bravery and efficiency, and was commissioned Sec- ond Lieutenant. In October, 1864, he was again promoted and received the First Lieutenancy of his company. In 1865 he was appointed Captain of Company C, and served until the 25th of August, the same year, when he was mustered out of the service. He was an active combatant in twenty- three general engagements, besides a number of lesser important skirmishes, etc. Upon being mus- tered out he returned home to Athens County. When he had left it he had marched in the ranks a simple private in his company ; upon his return hie was at its head, its Captain and Commander.
Our subject now resumed the old occupation of farming, and continued in the same until the spring of 1871, when he removed to Iowa and settled in Warren County, and purchased a farm and made it bis home until February, 1876. The next two years were spent farming in Fremont County ; from there he removed at the end of that period and settled on section 23, Glenwood Township, of this county, where he bought of the Government eighty
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