Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 11

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

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6 HOMAS F. CHENOWETH. It is our pleas- ure to present in this sketch an outline of the history of the Superintendent of the Lancaster County Poor Farm, who also owns and works an exceptionally fine farm of forty acres on section 20, Oak Precinct, where he gives his atten- tion to general farming and stock-raising.

The father of our subject was born Feb. 21. 1821, in Madison County, Ohio. Like the vast majority, at that time at least, his education was completed when he had gone through the classes of the com- mon schools, and from that on his attention was given to farming and stock-raising. He has con- tinued to reside in the same county, and still makes it his home. In the year 1842 he entered into a matrimonial alliance with Lucretia Sidner, who was born in Kentucky, in about 1826. Seven children have been added to this family, and they were named as follows: Joseph, John, Thomas, Mary, Simeon, Zenas and Foster. The second son died while serving in the army, in 1863; Mary was the wife of Harvey Clarridge, and died in the year 1873. With these two exceptions the remainder of the family circle are still living and well settled in life.

Ilezekiah Chenoweth, the father of our subject,

who has now retired from the more active engage- ments of life, has been one of the most successful farmers of his native county. Ilis father. John F. Chenoweth, grandfather of our subject, was born in Ross County, Ohio, and then removed to Madi- son County while a young man, continuing his re- sidence in the latter until his death in 1887, aged ninety-three years and four months.

Our subject was born in Madison County, Ohio, in the vicinity of West Jefferson, Oct. 28, 1845. His education was obtained in the common schools, and after its curriculum had been finished his atten- tion was turned to the farm and stock-raising. Ile continued to work with his father until he was about twenty-three years of age, when he went to Kansas, which occurred in 1869. There he con- tinned for one year, and then went to Texas. where he made his home until the spring of 1873. From there he went on to Missouri, and thence to Colo- rado, where he remained until 1876, when he again made his home in Kansas and Iowa. In 1877 he came to this county, and decided in favor of mak- ing it his future home, believing that it offered more advantages as a whole than any other place he had seen. Ile therefore purchased a farm and erected a very substantial residence, frame build- ing commodiously arranged, and in addition put up a large barn and the usual farm buildings.

One period of the life of our subjeet must not be passed without notice. Before leaving for the Far West he had heard the demand of his country for men to defend her honor and sustain the Union. In March, 1864. he enlisted in Company C, 40th Ohio Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He saw active service in the Atlanta cam- paign, his company being engaged in all the bat- tles and most of the skirmishes of that campaign. He also took part in the battles which occurred when Gen. Thomas was en route to Nashville with Gen. Ilood after him. Also at Bulls' Gap, after which they went back to the camp at Cumberland River, near Nashville. Their orders next carried them via New Orleans and the Mexican Gulf into Texas, whence the company returned to be dis- charged at the close of the war.

Our subject was married to Miss Alice A. Brown, of this precinct, in November, 1881. and we would

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refer the reader desirous of perusing the history of her parents and home previous to this time to the sketch of Alba Brown, her father. The issue of this union has been a family of three children, two only of whom, however, are living. Their names are May and Mary, and they were born in this pre- einet. Miss Brown was born in Fremont County, near Sibley, Iowa, Nov. 16, 1858, but her parents shortly after removed to Nebraska City, where she was brought up to the age of eleven; then she came with her parents to Oak Creek. Her edu- cation was commenced in the common schools, and afterward completed at Lincoln University. Upon her graduation from the latter institution she re- mained at home until her marriage, She is a lady in every way worthy of the high regard in which she is held, and capable of sustaining a high social status. The family is held in the highest esteem in the community. Our subject has held the office of Superintendent of the Poor Farm since September, 1887, and is filling that office in a way that is gaining for him the respect and confidence of the community. The county poor farm has been established some sixteen years, and comprises 240 acres of good land on the west side of section 43, possesses a good two- story frame building, 32x64 feet, and has some seventy head of cattle and eleven horses, about sixty head of grown hogs, beside other stock. The average number of inmates of the house in summer is twenty. This, however, is largely increased dur- ing the winter months. In addition to these it is customary to have some of the incurably insane upon the premises. There are two hired men con- stantly engaged in work about the premises.

In politics. Mr. Chenoweth is a strong and active Republican.

EWIS BAKER is a worthy farmer residing on section 1 of Centerville Precinct. He is a son of Adam and Margaret Baker, his father having been a native of Virginia, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His parents were among the early settlers of Darke County, Ohio, our sub- ject being the eldest child, his birth occurring on the 20th of January, 1826. When about thirteen or fourteen years old, death deprived him of that good

friend, comforter and adviser, his mother, and he remained with his father most of the time until he reached his majority. When he was twenty-one years old he began making brick in Ohio, and fol- lowed that business for some twenty years, most of the time conducting the business for himself. Be- ing deprived of the advantages offered to young men nowadays, his education is somewhat limited, but he has profited much by his experience and the experience of others, and is not uninformed on the important topics of the day.

In October of the year 1550. our subject was married, in Ohio, to Naney J. Dunwoodie, and they have become the parents of two children: Winfield S., residing in Lincoln, Neb., and Amanda, deceased. Some four years after his marriage he was deprived of the society and companionship of his first wife by the eall which comes to cottage or mansion, to the low or the high in estate, that of the Angel Death, who will not be denied. On the 28th of April, 1859, our subject was married to Sarah E. Walker, by whom he has three children-Susan, Margaret J. and Adam (deceased).

In the spring of 1872 Mr. Baker came to Lan- caster County, and a few years afterward he settled on his present farm, consisting of 120 acres of good land. Ile has freed it from all ineambranees, and although when he took possession of it there were bnt about twenty-eight acres under cultivation, he has worked untiringly and has succeeded in bring- ing it to its present fine condition, having made all the improvements himself. Ile is always glad to aid in promoting the cause of the community in which he lives, and as far as he is able he lends his support and influence to the development of the re- ligious, educational and social advantages of the people.

OSEPH BURGESS is one of the prominent young farmers of Lancaster County. owning a valuable farm on section 18, Yankee IIill Precinct. Although he is not yet thirty years old his high ambitions, seconded by his ener- getie and well-directed labors, have brought him much success in his calling, and he is already in pos- session of a comfortable property. Ile is a native

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of England, born in Lancaster, Aug. 28, 1859, being a son of Joseph and Keziah (Howe) Burgess. the latter of whom is deceased. His father still makes his home in Lancaster. He has been twice married. and is the father of several children, of whom five are living, namely : Ada, Lois, Peter, Silas and Joseph.

The latter, who is the subject of this sketeh, grew to a strong and vigorous manhood in his na- tive country, receiving a good education in the pub- lie schools, and from his worthy parents a wise training in habits of self-reliance and industry. He had his own way to make in the world, and wishing to devote himself to agriculture, he felt that the rich farming lands of the Western States of Amer- ica offered greater indneements for a man of small means than any other country, and in 1882 he left his native land, with its many pleasant associations, and his friends, and crossed the ocean to found for himself a home in the great State of Nebraska. He bought the farm on which he now resides, and al- though not many years have elapsed sinee then, he already has it under good cultivation. It comprises 160 acres of arable and highly productive land, which under his skillful management yields abundant har- vests. After living here eighteen months he re- turned to Old England to elaim the young lady who had promised to share his fortunes in the New World and aid him in building up a home, and they were united in marriage Sept. 12. 1883. To her brave and cheerful assistance our subject is greatly in- debted for his present success. Her maiden name was Anne Beeley Shilton, and she was born in Lon- don, England, Nov. 4, 1859, being a daughter of William and Anne (Beeley ) Shilton.

The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed to them by the birth of four children, as fol- lows: Joseph, born Aug. 22. 1884, died July 20, 1885; William, born Oct. 10, 1885; Anne, Nov. 12, 1886; and Harry, Nov. 12, 1887.

Mr. and Mrs. Burgess are much respected and liked in the community where they have made their home, and with whose interests they are so strongly identified. They are valued members of the Christian Church, and are ever zealous in aiding its good works. Mr. Burgess is publie-spirited, and strongly favors all schemes for promoting the ma-

terial prosperity of the county, or for elevating its social status. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, being himself a strict temperance man and stand- ing loyally by his colors.

PPE T. CONRAD has, since the spring of 1885. been operating to good advantage on eighty aeres of fine farming land, pleasantly located on section 15. This he has redeemed from its primitive condition, it being a wild and unbroken traet at the time it came into his possession. The fields are now laid off and enclosed with neat and substantial fences, there are good buildings and a fair assortment of live stock, including cattle, horses and swine. A period of ten years has effected remarkable changes, and indieates with what per- severanee and industry the proprietor of one of the neatest farms of Highland Precinct has labored.

Mr. Conrad was born in the Prussian Province of Hanover, on the 8th of June, 1852, and is the son of Dirk and Emma (Peppengo) Conrad, who were also of German birth and parentage, and im- migrated to the United States with their family in 1857, when their son Ippe T. was a little lad five years of age. They began life in America upon a tract of land in Woodford County, Ill., where the father followed farming. A few years later they removed, first to Tazewell County, and then to Iroquois County, in the same State, removing from the latter to Nebraska in 1879. The parents are now residents of Butler County, and retired from active labor, the father having arrived at the ad- vanced age of eighty-three years. The mother is seventy-seven years old, and both have retained their faculties to a remarkable degree. They have acquitted themselves in life honestly and uprightly, and still cling to the Lutheran religion in which they were reared. Politically, Dirk Conrad since becoming an American citizen has voted the Democratic ticket.

The parental household of our subject included seven children, of whom he was the youngest but one. The three sons and four daughters are still living, married and settled in comfortable homes of their own. Our subject soon after reaching

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his majority secured a wife and helpmate, Miss Lena Hleyen, to whom he was married Jan. 29. 1875. Mrs. Conrad is a native of the same Prov- ince as her husband, and was born Dec. 4, 1856. She came to the United States with her parents when a little girl ten years of age, they also locating in Woodford County, Ill., where she grew to womanhood. Later they removed to Iroquois County, where her marriage with our subject took place. Of this union there have been born five children, one of whom, Fredricka E., died when three years old. Those living are Emma E., John F., Henry D. and Fredricka E. (2d).

Mr. and Mrs. Conrad after their marriage lo- cated on a farm in Illinois, where they continued four years, and until coming to this county. Mr. Con- rad, like his honored father, uniformly supports Democratic principles, and has officiated as Assessor in Highland Precinet. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the Congregational Church, and people who are universally respected wher- ever known.

OSEPH W. BEARD is a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Denton Precinct, residing on section 15. His former home was Greenbrier County, Va., the place of his birth, Sept. 9, 1847. His parents, Christopher and Sarah Beard, still reside in Virginia, to which place his paternal ancestors came from Scotland at an early day. His father is highly esteemed, and has held some of the minor offices in the township, of which he is a resident. To Christopher and Sarah Beard there were born nine children, all of whom with but one exception are now living. The record of these eight surviving members of the family is: Joseph W., the subject of this sketch ; Mary II., wife of J. Osborn, of Greenbrier County, Va .; Medora K., wife of F. Fertigue, of the same place; Nancy J., John A. and Elisha F., all in Virginia; Louisa A., wife of Thomas Fertigue, also in Virginia; and Robert E., of Denton Precinct, this county.

Mr. Beard continued to reside in his native State until he reached maturity, having received a

good common-school education, such as was afforded the youth of his day, having been brought up on a farm. When the time came when men must take up arms against each other in civil war, he gave his service in what he thought was a just cause, and enlisted in September, 1864, in Company D. 14th Regiment, MeCauslin's Brigade of Confederate troops, and was connected with the army of Gen. Early from September until January of the fol- lowing year. He participated in the battles of Cedarville and Front Royal, and was subsequently transferred to Beal's brigade at Petersburg, passing through the engagements at White Oak Ford and Five Forks. On the morning following the battle at Five Forks came the retreat, but our subject and about 100 other Confederates left Appomattox Court House the night before the memorable sur- render occurred at that place. Ile then went home. and again engaged in the duties of a civilian.

In the year 1877 Mr. Beard went to Iowa, where he lived for a period of two years, after which he resided in Missouri some four years, where he was married, on the 17th of June, 1885, to Mary R. Ilandly. In the spring of 1887 he settled in his present home, and now owns nearly 200 acres of land under good cultivation. The same may be said of Mr. Beard as has been said of other resi- dents of this preeinet, that he is essentially a self- made man. having secured his property by his own industry and self-reliance. Serving his country to the best of his ability, generous enough to yield his life, if necessary, in the cause which he had espoused, but which fortunately was not required of him, he was ready to abandon the roving life of a soldier, and settle down in the home which he had prepared, and devote himself to the more peaceful pursuit of agriculture.

Of the various occupations in which men engage not one is so free from cares and anxieties of the world as the peaceful occupation in which our subject is now engaging. To watch the tiny seeds spring into life, developing into the strong plant. enhanced by the beauty of the blossoms, and finally enriched by the wealth of the ripened fruit and grain : to commune with Nature and Nature's God; and in the steady developments and improvements of outward life to see a forcible illustration of the

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developments and improvements within the possi- bilities of the inward spirit. is a privilege granted to him only who devotes himself to rural occu- pations,

In matters of politics Mr. Beard is in favor of the platforms and opinions adopted by the Democratic party, believing that its careful and honorable administration tends only to the improve- ment and advancement of the country, and the welfare and best possible good of its inhabitants.

TELLO BAUMGART, who occupies a good position among the agriculturists of High- land Precinct, was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1846, and is consequently a man in the prime of life and the midst of his usefulness. He received a good practical education in his native tongue, and continued a resident of the German Empire until twenty-seven years of age, occupied mostly in agricultural pursuits. Then, believing that he could better his condition, he came with his family to the United States, making his way westward across the Mississippi to this county, and worked first on a farm for a period of six years. During this time, by the exercise of prudence and economy, he had saved up the snug sum of $900. which he invested in 160 acres of land in Olive Branch Precinct, in the southwestern corner of this county.

Onr subject made some improvements upon this place and put up a good house. but later sold ont and purchased his present farm, which consists of 240 acres, on sections 11 and 12, in Highland Pre- cinct. Of this he has 160 acres in a highly pro- ductive condition, and has gathered around him a good set of frame buildings, with farm machinery, and the other appliances necessary to the progres- sive agriculturist. He has been greatly prospered in his labors, and represents a fine property. Ile is a man who attends strictly to his own concerns, med- dling very little with matters outside, is honest and upright in his transactions. prompt to meet his obligations, and consequently held in due respect by his neighbors.

Conrad Baumgart, the father of our subject, was of pure German stock, and spent his entire life

upon his native soil, carrying on farming and car- pentering, and dying when about fifty years of age. The mother, Clara (Lydcheck) Baumgart, who was born and reared near the early home of her hus- band, survived him a few years, then she too passed away, at the age of fifty-five. 'The family included three children only, those beside our sub- ject being : Felix, who is married. and a well-to-do farmer of Olive Branch Precinct, this county, and Martha, who is also married, and still lives in her native Germany.

Our subject was married, Sept. 7. 1880, in Olive Branch Precinct, this county, to Miss Charlotte Leckenmyer, whose birthplace was not far from that of her husband, and the date thereof in May. 1852. Her father died when she was a young woman about twenty years of age. The mother is still living in Prussia, and is about fifty-five years old. Mrs. Baumgart came to the United States with her brother when about twenty-six years old, and until her marriage lived in Lincoln. Of her union with our subject there have been born six children, two of whom, August and August H., died at the ages of three years and nine months and six respectively. Those surviving are all sons, viz : William, Herman, John and Benjamin, bright little lads, who form an interesting group of which the parents have every reason to be proud. Mr. Baum- gart votes the straight Republican ticket, and, with his excellent wife, is a member in good standing of the German Methodist Church.

ARRY ABBOTT. Ilappy is that man who so conducts himself that he may not fear to have his children follow his own example. If the sins of the parents are to be visited upon the children to the third and fourth genera- tion, how gratifying it is to know that just as truly may the virtues be transmitted by inheritance as well as by precept and example. The subject of this sketch may congratulate himself that for his conduct he has to serve as a precedent that of a worthy father-James B. Abbott, of whom a sketch appears in this ALBUM.

Ilarry Abbott is an energetic young farmer,

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residing on section 14 of Denton Precinct. Ile was born in England on the 10th of May. 1857, and at the age of fourteen came with his parents to Amer- ica. The State of his father's choice being that of his own, he has continued to reside in Nebraska since his arrival as a child with his father. In his efforts to assist in the establishment of a new home in a new country, he had not that time to devote to the acquiring of a classical education as might have been the case had he remained in the home of his youth, but he has received a fairly good busi- ness education, which enables him to successfully manage his estate. and take his rank among the representative farmers of this precinct.

On the 26th of April, 1881. Mr. Abbott was united in marriage with Clara Fusha, who came from the Province of Quebec. Canada. The parents of Mrs. Abbott, John and Clara Fusha, now reside in Cheyenne County, Neb. This new established home of the young couple has been brightened by the presence of the four children granted to them -George F., Clarence E. P., Eva and Harry. It is a source of gratification to the father and grand- father of these children, that they are surrounded with comforts and privileges altogether unknown in the earlier days of pioneer life. The fruits of industry are seldom lost. rather do they increase and radiate, and gather force to descend as a nat- ural inheritance, a benediction on those who follow after. How wise would chiklren be if they would manifest a due appreciation of the comfortable situation in which they are placed. not forgetting the untiring zeal, energy and philanthropy which has secured them all these benefits.

Mr. Abbott is the owner of eighty acres of good land, situated not far from the fine estate of his father. He is now serving in the capacity of Con- stable, and has for several years past been serv- ing as Road Overseer. In matters of politics he gives his voice in behalf of the Republican party, because to him it embodies those principles neces- sary for the right government of a free country. Had we but the power to look before us for one or two generations, could we but see the exact light in which the future generations would regard our present actions, what a vast motive would be pre- sented to us to govern our steps by the strictest

reetitude of word and example. What an induce- ment to go forth and labor earnestly and willingly at whatever our hands find to do, knowing that certainly the benefits will fall upon those for whom we would destine them. But without this preseient power, our knowledge being limited to the day that is, how much more admirable in those who put forth unceasing efforts in behalf of those whom they know not, whom perhaps they can never know, and yet for whom they are willing thus to spend the time allotted to them, confident that the reward. come when it will, upon whom it will, will be but a lasting monument to the glory and re- membrance of their own good deeds.

ILHELM FRANCKE. The unpretentous home of this gentleman is pleasantly located on section 4, in Stoekton Precinct, and pre- sents an attractive picture of rural life, replete with all its comforts, and evidently built up by the hand of persevering industry. The farm comprises 160 acres of productive land, a part of which lies in Stockton Precinet and eighty in Stevens Creek, across the line north. Upon the residence portion is erected a neat and substantial dwelling, with a good barn and the other necessary out-buildings, and the proprietor has supplied himself with the machinery and other appliances requisite for carry- ing on agriculture after modern methods.

Lancaster County has been particularly fortunate in the class of men who first came within its borders, men who were reared to habits of industry and economy, and inherited from their ancestors those traits of character which form the basis of all good society. Like many of his neighbors Mr. Francke is of German birth and ancestry, and first opened his eyes to the light in the Province of Pommern, July 25, 1823. Ilis father was a farmer by occupation, and Wilhelm became familiar with agricultural pursuits during his boyhood, which he followed mostly until a young man twenty-three years of age. Then, not being contented with his condition or his prospects upon his native soil, he resolved to seek his fortune in the New World, and bidding adieu to his old friends and associations,

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 11

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

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