Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 14

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

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At the time of his father's death our subject, having been born Dec. 13, 1820, was two years of age, and was reared by his stepfather. Whatever opportunities there were for giving him an educa-

tion were seized and made the most of. The school- house was the usual primeval log cabin with its puncheon or mud floor, rough benches and open fireplace, and yet we question whether our more refined modern institutions have turned out nobler and better men than have graduated from some of these old-fashioned school-houses. As soon as large enough Joel began to assist in the farm work, and continued thus employed until he was nineteen years of age, combining, however, with this during the winter, from his sixteenth birthday, the pro- fession of teaching. In his nineteenth year he com- menced the study of medicine, and was graduated, in 1845, from the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. He continued to follow his chosen profession in Union and Madison until the year 1852, when he turned his attention to farming and railroad construction, in Randolph County, Ind. Upon the organization of the Union & Logans- port Railroad Company he was first made Vice President, and shortly afterward President, and superintended the construction and operation of the road for a period of eight years; then in 1869 he came to Nebraska, and built and operated the railroad extending from Nemaha to York, via Ne- braska City and Lincoln. In 1877 he leased the road and retired from active service. He had in the meantime made his headquarters at Nebraska City and Lincoln.

The first sojourn of Mr. Converse in this State was at Nebraska City, whence he removed to Lin- coln, which remained his home until 1884; thence he removed to his farm in Elk Precinct in the fall of 1886. This farm comprises 1,280 acres of land, splendidly situated and very fertile, where a large area is devoted to general agriculture, and where Dr. Converse has ample facilities for his extensive operations asa stock-raiser. Ile now stands in the front rank of this industry in the county, having accommodation for over 300 head of cattle, and sel- dom having less than this number there. Hle is also a lover of fine horses, and has over 100 choice specimens of the equine race in his stables and pas- tures, including the Hambletonian and Norman breeds. In addition to this farm he owns large tracts of land in other parts of the State.

The residence of Dr. Couverse is fully in keeping

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with the extent and magnificent appointments of his farm in general. It is a very large and hand- some gray stone building, noble in style of archi- tecture, and standing upon an elevation which commands a fine view of the surrounding country, including the greater part of his own property. The attractiveness of the dwelling is increased by the stately forest trees in its vicinity, and the orna- mental shrubs around it. The interior shows in every apartment the work of the modern artist and decorator, as do also the furnishings and general appointments. It is a home worthy of the man who has fought his way upward from the log cabin and pioneer school-house, depending solely upon his own resolution, and undaunted through difficulties and discouragements. The chief enjoy- ments of his home are largely due to the exquisite taste of his estimable and cultured wife, who pos- sesses rare good judgment in the selection of those decorations suggestive of refinement and cultiva- tion, and looked after with due care and attention. The grandson of Dr. Converse, Harry G. Reeder, a member of the family, is a young man of most excellent qualities, besides possessing rare abilities as an artist, his tastes largely turning to animal painting. Mrs. Converse, like her husband, is a descendant of English ancestry who crossed the Atlantic during the Colonial days. As a maiden she was Margaret F. Gaskell, and in education, cult- ure and innate womanly qualities. is well fitted to be the companion of her husband. They were united in that closest relationship on earth Jan. 31, 1884. Mrs. Converse was born in 1848, in Quincy, Ill., and is the daughter of John P. Odom, who was born in Waldo County, Me., in 1813, and was the son of Capt. John Odom, also of the Pine Tree State. One of his ancestors was Sir John Oldham (as the patronymic was then written), a pioneer settler of the Province of Maine, who lost his life in a combat with the Indians.

Mr. Converse during his early manhood was a Whig, politically, and cast his first Presidential vote for " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." Upon the abandonment of the old party he placed himself fully in accord with the principles of Republicanism, to which he has strongly adhered. In the various campaigns since 1856 he has been an outspoken and

eloquent advocate of Republican principles, mak- ing himself master of the great questions of the day. Although in no sense a third-party man, he has always maintained the strictest temperance principles. Ile stands before the community as a man worthy of the confidence and esteem so heartily accorded him and his estimable wife, and which they both appreciate to the fullest possible extent.

The principles of the I. O. O. F. fraternity have for a period of over forty years found in Mr. Con- verse an able defender and exponent, he having become identifled with the order as early as 1846. Six years later, in 1852, he also became a member of the Masonic fraternity, and some time since attained to the Royal Arch degree. In his religious views he is broad and catholic, believing in the final redemption of the human race. Using his own language, "this has been a beacon light to guide his footsteps for these many years." He is one of those men who believe that the richest re- sults are obtained by a generous and liberal treat- ment of his fellowmen. His whole course of life has been actuated by the principles of the Golden Rule, while at the same time it has been distin- guished by a persistent and indefatigable industry.

Considering the career of Mr. Converse it is not astonishing that success should have crowned his efforts. In his declining years it is meet he should be surrounded by those substantial and elegant comforts which he has so amply earned. The rich- est legacy, however, which he can leave to his friends and to posterity, will be that of his untar- nished name. By those who know him best he is held in the warmest regard. It is with pleasure that we present to our numerous readers the por- traits of Dr. Converse and his high-minded wife, together with the view of their beautiful home and its environments.

R EV. JOIIN BERK. The mightiest factor in civilization in the world, the power back of the institutions which distinguish civiliza- Ction of the Christian era from that of any of its predecessors, the inspiration which has given to the wives, mothers and sisters of to-day, their

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rightful place in society (i. e. by the side of man), is the Christian religion. By this we do not mean all classes under that name, but would restrict the meaning to that which is, at least, somewhat closely approximate to the unutterably sublime teaching and example of its founder. The men and women who have devoted themselves to the advancement of this cause, who have spread the knowledge of its truths and exhibited in their own lives and char- acters that of their Divine prototype. are therefore worthy of more honor than the ruler and the military leader. Great as are these two latter and extended as is the ability demanded to fill the positions, he who ministers as the servant of Christ is far beyond either.

In the present biography it will be endeavored succinctly to present in an outline the more promi- nent incidents in the life of one of Nebraska's clergymen, justly of more than usual celebrity. IIe is the son of Henry and Anna Maria ( Weppelar) Berk. His father was born in the village of Ross- bach, Kris Hersfeld, Germany, in 1794, his mother at Mengeringhausen, of the same Province, about 1800, and died respectively in the year 1858, aged fifty years, and 1865, aged seventy-one years. His mother had been twice married, and had one child, Adam Heuppel, by her first husband. The second union was fruitful in the birth of three children, by name, Elizabeth, Catharine and John.

Our subject was born on the 23d of May, 1836, in Rossbach, Germany, and received in the schools of his native town his education, afterward giving his father the benefit of his ability and service upon the farm. His education was supplemented by a thorough religious training, and in due time he was confirmed in the Reformed Church. From the age of fourteen to seventeen years he remained with his father, and then came to the United States, where the difference in the religious atmosphere impressed our subject very much. He was pleased to miss the statuesque coldness of the German State Church, It was impossible for our subject to enter upon his new duties for about one month, owing to se- vere indisposition immediately after the battle, which confined him to the field hospital, but as soon as he was convalescent and was able to take charge, he did so, and from that time did not miss and his heart opened like the rosebud to the sun- shine to receive the influences and enthusiasm of our more demonstrative and warmer religious exer- cise. He left his home and sailed from Bremen on the 22d of May on board the good ship "Anna," and after a comparatively quick passage landed in New | a single service until he was mnstered out. Ile

York, but pushed on rapidly to his destination, Lancaster, Grant Co .. Wis., and there he engaged with his brother for two years, and there came under the influences which decided his life work, and gave Christianity and Nebraska one of its most earnest advocates and able ministers. The Rev. Dr. Bently. now of the Dubuque Theological Semi- nary, was delivering a series of sermons at Rock- well. Wis. These were heard by, and deeply af- fected our subject, and after two years he found rest and peace to heart and conscience, accepted the Divine Savior as his own, and was so affected thereby that he determined to devote the remainder of his life to the sharing of his new-found joy with others.

Business with Mr. Berk was now a thing of the past, and he decided to begin at once a course of study that would fit him for Christian work. He accordingly entered the Theological Seminary at Dubuque, lowa, and took a seven-years course of study. Upon his graduation he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dubuque. His first call was to Richfield, Washington Co .. Wis .; he there continued for four years, and at the close of the first year was ordained by the Presbytery of Milwaukee. During 1864 he was drafted into Com- pany A, 6th Wisconsin. He lay in camp at Randall near Madison, and for several weeks did duty and at- tended drill with his companions, but found oppor- tunity many times to preach to the soldiers of the camp. The chaplain of the hospital was his old friend, Rev. Bently, and with him our subject spent many happy hours. Ile was in the engagement at Hatchies' Run, Va., Feb. 6 and 7, 1865. His bravery and distinguished service attracted the at- tention of Gen. Bragg, who offered him a Captaincy upon the field, but the profession he had chosen being revealed, Col. Kellogg from La Crosse pre- sented his name for the chaplaincy of the regiment, and this he accepted.

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was heroically indefatigable in his labors, both upon the field and in the hospitals. He was not con- tent with speaking words of kindness, consolation and instruction, but found many occasions for raising the immortal memorial of good works among his sick and wounded comrades, administer- ing the cooling draught to one, moistening a dress- ing or adjusting a bandage for another. writing the home letter for yet another, and so on. by day and night, bravely bearing the fatigue, discomfort and hardship incidental to such experience. At differ- ent times, also, he was the recipient of money, medicines, clothing and little delicacies for distribu- tion where needed, and we need not add that the trust thus reposed was never violated, but their re- cipients, many of them still living, have given him a place in their hearts, and accord their warmest affection. He was finally mustered out of service, and almost immediately left for home, there to re- join the wife and child from whom he had been so long separated.

Our subject was married first to Miss Catharine B. Plattner, in 1863. She was removed from him by death after a brief but very happy wedded life of four years, in 1867, leaving one child, Calvin, who is now a merchant in Hickman. His wife is Mary Offer, to whom he was united March 11, 1885, and who has presented him with two children, John Calvin and an infant unnamed. Calvin has now charge of one of our subject's farms. Our sub- ject was married the second time . on the 18th of October, 1869, the lady of his choice being Miss Emily Triller, daughter of David and Gustini Kant. Both parents and daughter were natives of Germany, Miss Triller being nshered into life in Nuertitz, Saxe-Altenburg, on the 17th of May, 1848, and came to America with her parents at the age of eight years. Her education was begun in Ger- many when she arrived at the youthful age of six years and was continued in this country at Menomo- nee Falls, Wis., where she was confirmed at the usual age. It was in this city that our subject made her acquaintance and learned to love her for the beauti- ful character, devout spirit and lofty religious as- pirations which fitted her so eminently for the com- panionship of one who had devoted himself to the sacred profession of our subject. Two children,

Lydia M. and Emma M., in due time filled the home of our subject with their merriment and laughter, who have now grown to maidenhood and are attending school at Hickman.

Rev. Berk is widely and favorably known as a divine, and is one of the "strong" men of the Presbyterian communion in Nebraska. As a pastor, he is deeply in earnest. thorough, sympathetic, and true to his manhood, Christianity and the necessi- ties of the case. As a preacher his well-trained mind quickly comprehends the various phases of doctrinal thought and popular questions, and the same are clearly presented by his unquestionable logic and rendered pleasing and instructive by his well-known eloquence. He served the church at Rockwell, Wis., from 1866 to 1879, organized the churches at Liberty, Hurricane and Marion, all of which are in Wisconsin. The last named was, however, served by another minister. In 1879 he was called to Hickman, where were many of his old members, who were very anxious that he should take pastoral charge of the church he had organized the previous year. He is now the owner of 440 acres of fine land in Saltillo and South Pass Precincts, making four different farms, but his home he continues at Ilickman. He is a member of the General Presbyterian Church of the United States, of the Nebraska State Presbytery, of the Nebraska Synod, and is Chairman of the Relief Committee, and Trustee of the German Theological Seminary, of Dubuque. In political questions he is heartily in favor of Republican principles and gives all his support and influence to the same, but at the same time he is a strong temperance worker and thinker.

SHER W. WIDDIFIELD, Postmaster at Cheney, and the leading grain buyer of the place, is a native of Salem, Henry Co., Iowa, where his birth took place Feb. 3,

1854. His father was a farmer by occupation, and the son became familiar with the various employ- ments of rural life, while at the same time he re- ceived a good education, having been graduated from the High School at Muscatine,

For nearly two years after leaving school young

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Widchifield spent much of his time traveling over the country, principally west. during which time he gained much useful information, and for a year had charge of a canvassing corps for Bibles through Nebraska to the Pacific Coast. In 1878, when twenty-four years of age, he came to Nebraska and located on a traet of land near Bennet, where he carried on farming for a time, and then spent two years as a teacher. Ile next changed his residence to the vicinity of Cheney, farming one year outside the town limits, and then took up his residence in the village. For a period of four years thereafter he officiated as agent for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad at this point, and gradually drifted into the grain business, which has proved very profitable, and in which he has now had an experi- ence of six years. In the meantime he has also become familiar with general mercantile business, and is of that wide-awake and energetie disposition which has resulted in his attaining a good position, both socially and financially, among the people of this region.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Timothy and Leah ( Woolman) Widdifield, who were natives respectively of Newmarket, Canada, and Salem, Ohio. After marriage they crossed the Mississippi and settled in Salem, Iowa. in 1840, where they lived for a period of eighteen years. In 1858 they changed their residence to Muscatine, where the father engaged in farming and where his death took place in 1881. The mother is still living and a resident of Salem, Iowa. Their family comprised two children only-Asher W., our subject, and his sister Mary. The latter is residing at Salem with her mother.

Mr. Widdifield after coming to Nebraska was married, Oct. 17, 1878, in Louisville, to Miss Char- ity Greek, who was born in Bath, N. Y., May 21, 1854. Mrs. W. was the daughter of Ezra and Mary Greek, who were natives of New York. Her father was killed at the battle of Antietam. The mother still lives at Louisville, Neb. To our subject and his wife there have been born six children, namely : Lawrence, Alvah, Edith, Charity, Asher and Grace. Mr. W., politically, uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket, and was appointed Postmaster of Cheney under the administration of President

Arthur. He has been quite prominent in public affairs, serving as Justice of the Peace, Notary Pub- lie and School Director. Among the leading busi- ness men of this locality he is considered entirely responsible and reliable, and has been no unimpor- tant factor in the success of the various enterprises which have contributed to the progress and growth of the town.

C HARLES M. MARTIN, one of the younger members of the farming community of Grant Precinct, owns and occupies the southwest quarter of section 10, where he is carrying on agri- eulture successfully and gaining for himself a good position among his fellow-citizens. He is a native of McDonough County, Ill., having been born in the little eity of Macomb, March 17, 1858, and is the son of Joseph M. and Henrietta ( Westfall) Martin, natives of Ohio, the father born in Miami County. After marriage they changed their resi- dence to Thornton, Ind., whence they removed to Macomb, during the early settlement of MeDonough County.

The parental family included eight children, the eldest of whom. a daughter, Harriet, is now the wife of S. J. Clarke, of Macomb. Those who are living reside in Illinois and Nebraska. The names of the children are: Edgar P. and Edwin (twins), the latter deceased; Fielding O., Isaac M., Nettie A., Charles M. and Mary E. Charles M .. our sub- ject, pursued his early studies in the common school and was graduated from the Macomb High School when a youth of nineteen years. Ile was a lad fond of his books, and subsequently engaged in teaching in McDonough County for a period of three years. Afterward he took up farming there, and continued a resident of his native county until coming to Nebraska, in December, 1882.

Upon crossing the Mississippi our subject took up his residence at once in Grant Precinct, this county, bringing with him his young wife, who in her girlhood was Miss Susan R. Lownes, to whom he had been married at Table Grove, Fulton Co., Ill., on the 10th of March, 1881. Mrs. Martin is the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Janney ) Lownes,

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mention of whom is made in the sketch of Russell Lownes, which will be found on another page in this work, She was born in MeDonough County, near Table Grove, and remained under the pa- rental roof until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children : Mary E., who died in infancy ; Harry L. and Ida T. Re- ligiously, Mrs. Martin inclines to the doctrines of the Society of Friends. Our subject, politically, is a solid Republican, but has very little to do with public affairs, further than to keep himself posted upon matters of general interest.

OHN M. DENMAN. In the development of a new country such as Nebraska. with its ever-growing farming and stock interests' men who will give such study to the subject and bestow such labor as is demanded for the im- provement and advancement to the highest con- dition to which they are capable the stock in use upon the farms and roads of such new country, are ever worthy of recognition. Such an one is the subject of this biographical sketch. Although a young man, he is nevertheless a representative farmer, and as a stock-raiser stands in the front rank.

Oct. 8, 1860, in Erie County, Ohio, was born to John and Mary Denman their son John M. His father was a native of Erie County, Ohio. IHis paternal grandfather, John Denman, was a native of Kent, England. When he was four years of age his parents emigrated to America. They found a home in New York State, where their child was reared, and in the pure air of the New World breathed the spirit of the founders of the Republic, as is illus- trated by the perseverance. hardihood, independ- ence and manliness of his after life. He became a pioneer of the Western Reserve, Ohio, and upon two different occasions, whether from pleasure or neces- sity, he performed upon foot the whole journey to and from New York State. At the time be passed through it in these journeys, the present eity of Cleveland was in the earliest formative period of its existence, and contained not more than a dozen small cottages. On the second journey he carried

from the New York home to Ohio a peck of apple seeds, which he planted upon his farm in Erie County, Ohio, the fruit of which he afterward en- joyed for many years. He lived to the advanced age of eiglity-four years, and died there in 1879.

At this homestead was born the father of our subjeet, who was twice married, and became the par- ent of four children : Hattie, wife of Arthur Bentley, of Logan County, Kan .; John, the subject of this sketch ; Lyda, wife of John Struble, of Pueblo, Col., and F. A., who remains at home assisting his father on the farm in Ohio. The father has always espoused the cause and principles of Repub- licanism, and is very widely and favorably known in this connection. His political influence is felt throughout the whole of Erie and adjoining coun- ties. Ile is at present engaged, in addition to his farming interests. in buying young stock of choice breeds, wool and fruit. He is perhaps the largest individual buyer of apples in one year in the whole of Northwestern Ohio, having purchased in that period over 13,000 barrels, shipping them to all parts of the country, and many even to England.

John Denman, our subject. from his birth until manhood lived in his native county. He was edu- cated in its schools, and afterward attended the Lebanon Normal School, of Ohio. The good use to which he put the advantages of these institutions, and the avidity with which he embraced the oppor- tunities offered in them, have yielded to him rich educational results. On leaving Lebanon he eu- gaged for a short time in teaching school, but the desire for a freer life, more outdoor occupation, and larger scope for his restless energies, led him to go West.

The influence of our subject's early farm life was now doubtless upon him, and when, upon entering Nebraska, the favorable outlook for a similar farm in the rich country contained in Lancaster County offered itself, he immediately secured a tract of the same, and settled down to make a success of his chosen pursuit. This settlement was effected in the year 1881. The land purchased by him was rail- road land, for which he paid $6.66 per acre. The 160 acres then obtained have received such care, attention and thought, such intelligent labor has been bestowed upon them, as our subject, from his

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previous training, was fully aware must yield the splendid results now attained.

Mr. Denman married, Aug. 1, 1887, Alice E. Jones, a lady in every way fitted to be a true helper in her husband's life work, an ornament to society, and by her kindly disposition and culture a model housekeeper and true mother. Mrs. Denman is a daughter of George and Louisa Jones, and like her parents a native of England, but they have long been residents of Yankee Hill Precinct.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 14

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

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