Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 102

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 812

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Upon leaving the army young Allen returned to Illinois, whence the following spring he came to this county. Soon afterward he located his present homestead, and taking possession, has since resided upon it. The necessity for a wife and helpmate soon appearing, he was married in 1868, when a youth of nineteen years, to Miss Martha, daughter of James E. and Olivia Scroggins, and a native of Wisconsin. To our subject and his estimable lady there have been born nine children, namely : Fred- erick, Almeron, Jr., Maggie, Florence, Frank, Jesse, Edwin, Eva and Dolla.

The homestead of our subject comprises 240 acres of land, all of which he has brought to a productive condition. Upon the farm he has creeted the build- ings necessary for the comfort of himself and fam- ily, and sufficient for the shelter of stock and storing of grain. His thrift and prudence are especially commendable. Ile came to this section poor in pocket, but with strong hands and a resolute will, and the result has fully justified his expectations, while he has been amply rewarded for his toils. Although no politician or office-seeker, he main- tains the interest that every intelligent man feels in the progress of the people generally, and uniformly easts his vote with the Republican party. Socially. he is a member of the G. A. R., belonging to Mitch- ell Post No. 38.

S IMEON SNYDER. True rest in all its sweetness can only be fully enjoyed by the tired and weary worker, who, "from early morn till dewy eve," has borne the bur- den and toil of the day ; and happy is he who, after a busy life of constant labor, is enabled in the even- ing of that life to enjoy the bush of rest after "the rush of life." Our subject was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 10, 1813. His father, Jacob Snyder, was born in the same county. and his paternal parent, the grandfather of our sub-

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ject, Christopher Snyder, was a native of Ger- many, who emigrated to America in his early manhood and became one of the pioneers of the above county. where he cleared a farm from the heavily timbered land, reared a family of seven children, and after a quiet but honorable life, passed to his last rest.

The father of our subject spent his whole life in the place of his nativity, and in his manhood mar- ried Hester Vandercook, a native of the same county. Their life was spent upon the farm, which was kindly disposed to yield them large harvest re- wards for their toil.

Our subject remained at home until he was twenty years of age, and then removed to Ohio and settled at Sandusky, which was his home for about three years. While a resident in that city he married Martha Vandercook, a lady who possessed a large share of feminine grace and true womanhood, and has since made the life of her husband "a living, bright reality." She is the daughter of George Vandercook, of New York, who had become one of the pioneers of Ohio.

In the year 1836 Mr. Snyder, accompanied by his wife, took his way westward and located in Boone County, near the city of Indianapolis, where a farm was cleared, brought to a high state of eul- tivation, and sold. Then a second tract of land was taken and another farm partly cleared. In 1850 they removed to Sauk County, Wis., and opened a hotel in the city of that name, and con- tinued thus engaged until he came to Lancaster Connty, twelve years later. Mr. Snyder located upon a homestead claim, about twelve miles from the present city of Lineoln, and now bent every energy to the improvement of the same, and it be- came his home for about thirteen years. It was the habit of Mr. Snyder whenever he saw a "prairie schooner" with its band of emigrants crossing the plain, to go out to meet them, extend a eordial in- vitation to them to stop with him over night, and made it his business to see that they were made fully acquainted with the advantages there offered to persons in their position. By this practice he has done much to help settle up the country.

At the time of Mr. Snyder's locating there were numerous Indians in this section of the country,

but beyond a few thefts and an occasional fight, caused by an over-indulgence in fire-water, they gave no trouble. The plains still abounded in game of all kinds incidental to the country, ex- cepting the buffalo, wheih had been driven much farther west. Our subject was a settler when the county was organized, and voted at the first elee- tion after that event, and likewise after the organi- zation of the precinct. Soon after the capital was located at Lincoln, our subject was appointed one of three to survey and appraise the school land in the county, and Mr. Snyder has a vivid recollection of the exciting times had while thus engaged. The law required the appraisement to be not less than $7 per acre, and the first section surveyed was not worth over $2. They could not agree upon what price should be put upon it, and after a long dis- eussion concluded to return for instructions. This they did, and were informed to put the price of the land at its value. Nevertheless, it could not be sold for less than the above legal amount.

C. SMITHI, of Lancaster Preeinet, estab- lished himself in the city of Lincoln in 1870, and engaged in the stove and tinware trade for a period of eight years. Ile then se- cured a tract of land and began the breeding of Short-horn cattle, in which he has since been en- gaged. He is the owner of a fine farm of 480 aeres in the precinct where he now resides. His home is one of the most attractive in this county, finely loeated, and the dwelling handsomely constructed, furnished in accordance with the cultivated tastes and ample means of its inmates. The wife of our subject is a very popular and agreeable lady, promi- nent in the social cireles of her community, and well fitted to preside over her beautiful home.

The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 22, 1832, in Laneaster, Ohio, where he spent his early life. His parents, George H. and Amelia ( Matloek) Smith, were married in 1827, and to them there was born a family of eight children. The father, a native of Virginia, was born Feb. 22, 1800, and continued a resident of his native State until a young man of twenty years. when he removed to Lancaster, Ohio,

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where he commenced the business of a tailor, in which he was successful, and accumulated a large amount of property. In 1857 he purchased a farm upon which he lived a period of fifteen years. His decease occurred on the 12th of April. 1881, and he left a family of eight children, six of whom were sons, and seven of these are now living.

In 1865 the subject of this sketch made his way to Atchison, Kan., and in a short time was operat- ing at a trading-post 100 miles west, where he transacted a successful business for a period of five years. Thenee he came to this county, and his sub- sequent career we have already indicated.

On the 12th of May, 1858. Mr. Smith was mar- ried to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Warren and Martha Reese, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, and the latter of Lancaster County, Pa. The parental family included nine children, four of whom are now living, and these latter all daughters. Mrs. Smith was the second child of her parents, and was born in Laneaster, Ohio, March 4, 1839, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have no children. Our subject, politically, is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and so- cially, is a K. T., belonging to Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 4.

OSEPH H. SWISHER, of Middle Creek Precinet, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., in the county of that name, April 29, 1841. His father, Joseph Swisher, Sr., was born in 1799, in Strasburg, Va., and his paternal grandfather, Henry Swisher, was a native of Ilamp- shire County, W. Va. His great-grandfather, Valen- tine Swisher, is believed to have been a native of Switzerland, who crossed the Atlantic early in the eighteenth century and settled in Hampshire County, W. Va .; he there spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming pursuits.

Henry Swisher, the grandfather of our subject, settled in Strasburg, Va., after his marriage. where he followed his trade of carpenter, and where he continued to reside until his death. He died while on a visit to relatives in Pennsylvania, in 1808. His wife, Margaret Baker, was a daughter of Phillip P. Baker, who, it is believed, came from Germany

and settled in Shenandoah County, where both he and his daughter Margaret died. Ilis son Joseph, the father of our subject, learned the trade of a tanner, and when embarking in business for himself erected a tannery in Shenandoah County, which he operated many years, and there spent his entire life, passing away in 1876.

Joseph Swisher, Sr., married Miss Anna Funk- houser, who was a native of the same county as her husband, and the daughter of Daniel and Anna Funkhouser, who also spent their entire lives upon the soil of the Old Dominion. Anna Funkhouser, the grandmother of our subject, was the daughter of Mr. Supinger. She died in 1806, in Shenandoah County. and her father died there about 1810. Joseph's grandfather Funkhouser was of German birth, but his mother was born in Ireland. Mrs. Anna Swisher departed this life about 1869. The parental household included ten children, of whom seven are now living: William, Maurice, Noah, Mary, Joseph HI. (our subject), Martha and Re- becea. Joseph II. was reared in his native county, and at an early age was taught to make himself useful on the farm. Soon after the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted as a soldier in the Confederate Army, being a member of Company E, 11th Vir- ginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, his regiment being under the immediate command of Gens. Stonewall Jackson and Wade Hampton. He participated in the battle of Gettysburg and in the battles around Richmond and Petersburg, and was captured in the Shenandoah Valley in October, 1864, and confined at Point Lookout four months. Then being paroled he returned home, and after the war was over resumed farming upon the soil of his native State, where he resided until 1880.

In the spring of that year Mr. Swisher came to Nebraska and purchased a tract of land in Otoe County, where he resided three years; he then sold ont and secured his present farm in Middle Creek Precinct, Lancaster County. This lies on section 2. and includes eighty acres of land under good improvement, with commodious and substantial buildings. As a soldier he was faithful to the principles in which he had been reared, and fought bravely with the "boys in gray, " who suffered heroi-

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cally and conscientiously, and to whom due honor is rendered that they laid down their lives for the sake of a principle. As a citizen, Mr. Swisher is a man entirely respected by his community, as being incapable of a mean action, and who is contributing his quota to the moral and financial welfare of his adopted precinct.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah Funkhouser was celebrated at the home of the bride, in April, 1877, in Rockingham County, Va. Mrs. S. was a native of the same county as her husband, and the daughter of Joseph and Christina Funk- houser, who were also natives of the Old Dominion and of German ancestry. She is a most estimable lady, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while our subject finds religions consolation in the doctrines of the Lutherans. ller grandfather. Abraham Neff, married Barbara Keagey, both of German ancestry, and na- tives of Shenandoah County, where they died ; he was a physician.

AMES KILBURN, a retired farmer and now a resident of the city of Lincoln, has one of the pleasantest homes within its limits, oceu- pying No. 616 Sixteenth street. Not being able at once to break off from his lifelong habit of industry, he employs a portion of his time as a dealer in real estate. A New Englander by birth, he be- gan life in the town of Princeton, Mass., Jan. 8. 1819, and is consequently nearing his three score and ten years. 1Je is a lineal descendent of George Kilburn, a renowned personage of the Bay State, who flourished about 1640.

Our subject was reared a farmer's boy and re- ceived his education in the common schools. He made good use of his opportunity for learning, and began teaching at the early age of seventeen years. Later, wishing to add to his store of knowledge, he became a student of Phillips' Academy, at Andover, from which he was graduated in 1841. Two years later he engaged as a traveling salesman for spect :- cle lenses and in the pursuance of his duties jour- Heyed over a great part of the United States, estab- fishing agencies. In the meantime he kept himself

well posted upon current events, and possessing considerable literary talent, became correspondent of the Boston Emancipator. an Abolition paper, with the sentiments of which he was in sympathy.

In 1847 young Kilburn left the road and estab- lished himself in business as a manufacturer of all kinds of woodenware, including chairs, balls, etc. The plant and machinery was destroyed by fire in 1852. involving the total loss of his capital and necessitating his beginning in life again at the foot of the ladder. He now emigated first to Western Pennsylvania, and then to New York State in the Interests of a lumber company, with which he was connected four years. The next five years were spent in farming. IIe finally crossed the Missis- sippi as agent for the " Life of llorace Greely," and canvassed in the interests of this publication four years.

Mr. Kilburn, in 1867, came to this State as agent for a Wisconsin nursery, and the year following took up a homestead claim in the northern part of Saun- ders County, besides purchasing land adjoining. In this manner he became the owner of 320 acres. upon which he lived and labored until 1885, then selling it at the snug sum of $9,500. Soon afterward he took up his residence in Lincoln, where he embarked in real estate business, purchasing first an entire block, and in less than three months made the hand- some profit of $4,000. ITe subsequently added to his property, having now 320 acres between the fair ground and O street, in addition to an interast in the Riverside addition of a like amount. Besides this he has some inside lots and one of the finest residences in the city.

In 1871 the friends of Mr. Kilburn in the sena- torial district, comprising the counties of Dodge. Saunders, Washington and Sarpy, elected him to the Constitutional Convention held at Lincoln. In his public life he has steadily kept in view the rights of the common people, and at every oppor- tunity cast the weight of his influence in favor of having these rights recognized by law.

One of the most important events in the life of our subject was his marriage, in 1880, with Mrs. Harriet (Burr) Martin, who was born in Norfolk, Conn., in 1838, and was educated in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. K. is a prominent member of the Con-

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gregational Church, and popular in the social and business cireles of the city. lle has accumulated a fine property and lives in a manner befitting his means and station. He is a Director of the Ne- braska Savings Bank, which was established in 1886, and in his political preferences an earnest supporter of the Prohibition party.

OIIN FITZGERALD, who is regarded as one of the best financiers of the State of Ne- braska, and in fact of the West, became a resident of the city of Lincoln in 1878, and there is no question that to him is this part of the State greatly indebted for its rapid growth and prosperity. A self-made man in the closest sense of the word, he early in life became practically acquainted with railroad and canal building. having been at an early period in his career engaged in the construction of the Erie Canal in New York State. In this important field of labor which is always con- nected with the growth of any State or Nation, he appears to have been especially adapted. He was naturally Civil Engineer enough to know when a bridge or a culvert was properly constructed, and while yet a young man migrated to the West and put into practical application his valuable knowl- edge, which was so easily and thoroughly acquired as to have been almost phenominal.

Mr. Fitzgerald from the first brought his admira- ble qualities as a financier into requisition, and this formed one of the secrets of his success. Upon crossing the Mississippi the project of the Far West- ern railroad found in him a most vigorous and use- ful exponent. lle commenced laying his plans upon an extended and progressive scale, and almost invariably conducted them to successful fulfilment. He at once, as rapidly as he was able, formed con- tracts and began his operations. The Lincoln & Northwestern, Brownville & Ft. Kearney, Atchison & Nebraska and parts of the Burlington & Missouri were projected and carried out by Mr. Fitzgerald, and later he projected and built the line from Ne- meha City to Tecumseh, and another in Iowa from Humeston to Shenandoah, in the southwestern part of the State. jointly for the Chicago, Burlington &

Quincy. and the Wabash Companies. Ile built the Burlington & Missouri into Plattsmouth, and also carried on the western extension of that road. It is impossible within the brief details of a biography to mention half the labor involved and half the de- tails connected with the successful completion of these lines, which now afford a thoroughfare for vast quantities of the produce of Southern Nebraska, and transportation for hundreds of thousands of the traveling public.

As a publie benefactor the name of John Fitz- gerald had attained a fame that is little short of National. His temperate judgment and his wise foresight have guided him successfully where other men would have declared the scheme impossible of execution. It is scarcely necessary to say that upon crossing the Mississippi he was welcomed by the people of the Great West, as a most valued accession to this portion of the continent. In Lin- coli he succeeded Amasa Cobb as President of the First National Bank, and was also given this hon- ored and responsible position in connection with the same institution at Plattsmouth. A man of his genius and large ideas could not otherwise than be- come interested in agriculture, and he is identified in both Lancaster and Cass Counties largely with farming operation, is an extensive dealer in cattle, and interested in stock-raising generally. Con- sidering the labors which he has undergone and the results which he has effected, one would naturally suppose them the fruits of a long lifetime, but John Fitzgerald is still an individual in his prime. It is hoped that he may long continue a resident of the great State of Nebraska, both to witness her continued prosperity and add still further to her importance.

G EORGE E. BIGELOW. The real-estate in- terests of Lancaster County find a lively representative in the subject of this sketch, who was quick to discern the opportunities opening up for the man of energy and means. If the air which one first breathes has any influence in deter- mining his course in life, Mr. Bigelow was fort- unate from the beginning, as he was born in the

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northeastern part of Ohio, in Portage County. June 20, 1851. The offspring of an excellent family, his parents were James H. and Sarah A. (Webb) Bige- low, the former a native of Connecticut, and born Feb. 28, 1820.

The father of our subject came to Nebraska in March, 1873, and located first in Geneva, Fillmore County, when there was not a house upon the pres- ent site of that now flourishing town. Ile invested his capital in railroad lands, carried on farming and general merchandising, and also officiated as Post- master. Hle is still living, hale and hearty, and takes a deep interest in all things of public interest. Ilis wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1834, and was a fit- ting companion for her husband in all his labors and undertakings, and to-day her hair shows scarcely a silver thread, and her energy is as unabated as when more than forty years ago she took up her share of the burdens and responsibilities of a then new conn- try. ller mother, the grandmother of our subject, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is still living, having now arrived at the advanced age of nearly ninety-two years. She is still a smart and intelligent old lady, with hearing and memory very good. Iler people were what was called Pennsyl- vania Dutch, and she was reared in the Quaker faith, to which she still loyally adheres. Mr. Bigelow's parental family consisted of two children only, our subject and his sister Arlie, who died at the age of two and one-half years.

Mr. Bigelow, after leaving the primary school, entered the higher schools at Alliance and Mt. Union, Ohio, attending the college at the latter place. When little past eighteen years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Belle G. Greene, the wedding taking place in Gilead, Mich., Sept. 22, 1869. Mrs. Bigelow was born in Branch County, Mich., Feb. 16, 1851, and is the daughter of E. C. S. and Maria (Kees) Greene, who were natives of New York State; the father was born near the city of Dunkirk, Sept. 16, 1825, and is still living, mak- ing his home on a farm in Gilead Township, Branch County, where he carries on agriculture extensively and takes a lively interest in political affairs, being a stanch Republican. The mother, who was born Feb. 15, 1831, died when a young woman, at the

age of twenty-nine years, leaving two children- Belle and her sister Anna; the latter died in Gilead at the age of twelve years. Mr. Greene contracted a second marriage, with Miss Lydia Thurston, some three years after the decease of his first wife.

Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow began the journey of life together in Ohio. They became the parents of six children, two of whom, Garfield and Blanche, died in infancy. Three years ago they were called to mourn the less of their eldest child, Maude, a bean- tiful girl just entering her fourteenth year, she hav- ing died of typhoid fever. She possessed artistic talent to a wonderful degree in one so young and was an advanced student and thinker. Venice, a bright miss of thirteen years, seems to have been rarely gifted as an elecutionist, her power of ora- tion being really wonderful in one so young. The others living are Errett and George C. Mr. Bige- low has been quite prominent in politics, and in 1884 was made the candidate of the Prohibition party for Secretary of State. In 1886 he was again placed upon the ticket of this party as candidate for Congress from the First District, and although de- feated as he expected, made a lively canvass and secured many additional adherents to his party. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Christian Church, with which they have been identified for many years.

The property of Mr. Bigelow includes 480 acres of land, three and one-half miles southwest of the city, and a half-section on what is called Lincoln Heights besides his residence and property within the corporate limits. It is hardly necessary to say that in polities he is a Prohibitionist. Mrs. B. is in sympathy with her husband on the question of temperance, and in October, 1887, was elected Superintendent of the State Department of Foreign Missions for the W. C. T. U., of which she is also Corresponding Secretary. She has canvassed the State in the interest of Woman Suffrage and Pro- hibition combined. She attended the National Prohibition Convention at Indianapolis, Ind., in May, 1888, and for some time has been State Super- intendent of the Sunday-school of the Christian Church. Mr. Bigelow proposes to build a fine resi- dence on Lincoln Heights in the near future, and being a man with ample means at command, it is

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probable that the proposed structure will be fully in keeping with the reputation of that part of the city which is destined to form one of its finest resi- dence portions. In the fall of 1888 (the present year) he has received the nomination for Governor on the Prohibition ticket, and is making an active canvass of the State in the interests of his party.

D ANIEL DERIEG. a well-known farmer of Mills Precinet, is comfortably located on section 17. Ile came to this county in 1877, purchased 160 acres of land at 88 per acre, and moved npon it the following year. There was great room for improvement, and Mr. D. has taken full advantage of the situation to build up a com- fortable homestead, having now a substantial roof- tree over his head, and adjacent the structures required for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. Of the latter he makes a specialty, raising each year numbers of cattle and swine, which mostly consume the grain raised upon the farm.

In noting the successful career of the well-to- do citizen the mind naturally reverts to his anteced- ants. Our subject was boen May I, 1836, and is the son of James Derieg, a native of County Sligo, Ireland, who was born in 1808. The latter emi- grated first to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and thence in 1865, to Kane County, III .; he followed farming all his life. In early manhood he married Miss Hannch MeDow, the wedding taking place in New Brunswick. The mother was born in 1824, and died June 20, 1884, at the age of sixty years. James Derieg survived his wife four years, his death taking place May 18, 1888. The parental household included fourteen children, ten sons and four daughters, thirteen of whom are living, and all in the United States. Michael is farming in the vicinity of Kearney, this State : Daniel, our subject, is next to the eldest living; James is in the lumber business in Wisconsin, as are also John and Dennis; Bernard and Timothy are in the lumber business in Washington Territory : William is farming in Holt County, this State; Owen is in Wiseonsin; Eunice, Mrs. Bent, a widow, is a resident of Kane County, Ill .; Hannah lives in California; Catherine is the

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 102

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 812

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 812