Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 22

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

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Our subject left Illinois March 5, 1884, and took up his present farm in the fall of the same year and settled upon it. From that time he has continued his residence without intermission. Ilis farm comprises a quarter-section of excellent land, and this his industry, experience and continued endeavor, have made one of the best and most profit- able farms in the vicinity."

Mr. Dauwalter is now serving as Road Overseer with much satisfaction. Politically, he is a warm adherent of the Republican party, and patriotically interested in the current questions of govern- mental and eivic import. His opportunities in life, whether educationally or otherwise, have been ex- ceedingly limited, and all the more honor is due him because he has achieved so great success in the vari- ous departments of life which demand in the com- munity the most respectful regard.

L ESLIE G. IVERS. The homestead of the subject of this sketch, which is pleasantly located on section 32 in Mill Precinct, com- prises 320 acres of good land and a fine set of frame buildings, where he has carried on farming successfully since the spring of 1877. He possesses all the elements of a thorough agriculturist and a

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good citizen. a man who is wide awake, energetic and industrious, and who has surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life. Adja- cent to the dwelling is a fine orchard of apple trees, while a choice assortment of smaller fruits and shade trees of choice varieties, add to the attract- iveness of the premises. In passing through a section of country it is easy to determine who is the intelligent and cultured citizen, and of this class the indications are that Mr. Ivers is one of the leading men in his community.

Our subject is a native of Jasper County, Ind., his birth taking place at the modest homestead of his parents, July 25, 1855. Ile is thus compara- tively a young man, in the midst of his strength and usefulness. Ile became familiar with farming pursuits during his boyhood and acquired a prac- tical. common-school education. His parents left Indiana about 1860, and crossing the Mississippi located in Mills County, Iowa, on a large traet of land near the now flourishing town of Glenwood, and Leslie G. remained with them until nearly reaching his majority. He was a bright and ambi- tions youth and now, desirous of starting out for himself, left home, and coming to this State pur- chased 320 acres of wild prairie land, which he has since owned and occupied and transformed into one of the most valuable estates of this section. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, breeding and dealing largely in Hereford cattle, horses and mules. He was one of the first men to bring the IJereford cattle to this part of the country, and exhibits some of the finest animals to be found in Southeastern Nebraska. Hle keeps himself well posted upon the best methods of modern agricult- ure, and takes genuine pride in producing the finest results, both as regards his cattle operations and the products of the soil.

The amiable and estimable wife of our subject, to whom he was married Feb. 13, 1875, at her home in Mills County, lowa, was formerly Miss Hattie, daughter of Thomas W. and Adeline (Burgger) Bomar. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and Missouri, and are residents of Mills County, Iowa, where the father is carrying on farming extensively and is a man of property. Mrs. Ivers was born in Mills County, Iowa, Nov. 29, 1856, acquired a fair

education in the common schools, and was trained by an excellent mother in those housewifely duties a knowledge of which has such an important bearing upon the happiness of a home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ivers there have been horn six interesting children, four sons and two daughters, namely : Charlie, Jessie. John, Chester, Bessie and an infant son, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. I. are mem- bers and attendants of the Christian Church at Waverly, and our subject. although mostly engrossed with his farming interests and having little time to devote to politics, is a stanch supporter of _Repub- lican principles.

6 HOMAS M. MORPHET, one of the self- made men of Lancaster County, owns and occupies 320 acres of its choicest land, where he is carrying on agriculture successfully, and has attained to an enviable position among his fellow- citizens. He commenced life dependent upon his own resources, and illustrates the result of industry and perseverance in a marked degree. Ile came to this section of country in the spring of 1873, purchasing first 120 acres on section 4, in Grant Precinct, where he settled, and began the im- provements which reflect so much credit upon his resolute and determined labors. Ile added by de- grees to his real estate, being uniformly successful in his business and farming operations, and has built up one of the finest homesteads in the eastern part of Lancaster County.

The subject of this biography, a native of York- shire, England, is of pure English ancestry, his father, Richard Morphet, having been also a native of Yorkshire, and the mother a native of Westmore- land, England. The latter was, before her marriage, Miss Sarah Gibson. The parents, after their union, settled in Yorkshire, where occurred the birth of their nine children, and where they spent the re- mainder of their lives. Thomas M. first opened his eyes to the light Feb. 24, 1836, and continued upon his native soil until a young man twenty years of age, then, crossing the Atlantic, he made his way

Plat of Form W 1/4 Sec. 4.

12. ACRES .

6. ACRES

30. ACRES.

20. ACRES

RESIDENCE OF THOS. M. MORPHET , SEC. 4. GRANT PRECINCT.

RESIDENCE OF C. C. HOTCHKISS , SEC. 5. OAK PRECINCT.

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westward to Indiana, settling first near Logansport, in Cass County. Ile was variously employed for a number of years, in the meantime saving what he could of his earnings, and about 1862 purchased a farm in Cass County, where he carried on agricult- ure until the spring of 1873, and then, crossing the Mississippi. cast his lot among the people of this county.

Our subject in the meantime, and while a resident of Cass County. Ind., was married to Miss Martha L. Dill, who was born in Tippecanoe County, that State, June 30, 1842. and who is the daughter of William H. and Mary E. Dill. natives of Ohio, and who are now in Thayer County, Neb. Mr. Mor- phet, upon coming to this county, settled upon a tract of new land, and in common with the enter- prising men around him, set himself industriously to work to bring the soil to a productive condition, and with this end in view he labored incessantly a number of years, giving himself little recreation. He is now in circumstances which permit him to rest upon his oars and enjoy the fruit of his labors. In addition to the cereals he gives considerable at- tention to stock-raising, and is able to exhibit some of the choicest animals in this part of the county. Ilis buildings are substantial and convenient, and everything about the premises indicates the solid and well-to-do citizen. He possesses the requisite amount of self-respect, and stands well in the opin- ion of his neighbors.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born seven children, all of whom are living, and with the exception of their eldest daughter, continue at home with their parents. This child, Margaret A., is now the wife of Clinton Currey, of Thayer County, this State. The others are named respectively : Mary E, Sophronia A., Sarah D .. Hannah, Eda and Lena. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- phet and their two eldest daughters are members in good standing of the Christian Church, at Lin- coln. Mr. M., who keeps himself well posted upon current events, uniformly votes the Republican ticket. Ile has been School Director in his district for a period of nine years, and Road Supervisor two years. It is quite proper that his homestead should have a place among the illustrations in this vol- ume, and it gives us pleasure to present it herewith.

C ONSTANT C. HOTCHKISS. Among the names of men in this county who stand prominently before the community as pros- perous farmers and stock-raisers, is that of our sub- ject, who is the owner of 240 acres of beautifully situated and most fertile land, and which comprises part of section 5, Oak Precinct.

William Hotchkiss, father of the above, was born in Washington County, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1795, where he was reared and obtained his education at the common schools, after which he spent several years as a teacher. He was married to Hannah Maynard, of the same county. They were privileged to receive and bring to maturity four children-Malina. Elvina, Constant C. (our subject) and Horace.

After his marriage William Hotchkiss purchased a farm in his native county, and continued until 1856 to work the same, being quite prosperous. His education and manly character were such as to commend him to his fellow-citizens. and he was, we might say. always in some office, as Supervisor or Justice of the Peace, and what was called at that time Sub-Judge. In 1856, with his family, he went to Grundy County, Ill., where he purchased a farm, but took up his residence in town, living retired from active labor. He was one of the strong tem- perance men of early days, held very decided views on the subject, and expressed himself strongly. The religious home of the family was in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they were found among its strongest supporters. Mr. Hotchkiss died in Illinois, in 1875, at the ripe age of seventy-four years.

Mrs. Hannah ( Maynard) Hotchkiss, wife of the above, was the daughter of Rufus and Lola May- nard. She was born and brought up in Washing- ton County, N. Y., and continued to live with her parents until her marriage. She became the mother of four children, and died while still a young woman. Our subject, Constant, was born in Hampton, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., on the 9th of September, 1822, passed through the usual experiences of childhood and boyhood, received the education obtainable in the common schools, and afterward learned the trade of a molder, at which he worked for several years, only leaving it to take up what became the occu- pation of his later life-farming.

The marriage of our subject was celebrated on the

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14th of March. 1849, when he became the husband of Clarissa Frost, of the same county. The young couple began housekeeping in their native place. Eight children came to brighten their home, and were named respectively : Charles, Edgar, Constant, Jr., Frederick, Clarence, Clara, Hetta and Bernice, all of whom are living. In 1856 onr subject re- moved with his family to Wauponsee, Grundy Co., Ill. Ilere a farm was purchased and a home made, and with the exception of the two eldest children, all his little ones were born here. In 1881 another removal was made, the family migrated farther west. and after one year of residence in At- lantic, Cass Co., Iowa, in order that his children might receive the great advantages to be derived from the very excellent and unusually fine schools in that place, he came on to this place. He moved into his present house as soon as it was erected, in the meanwhile making his home in Raymond.

The farm of our subject is in an almost perfect state of cultivation, and the barns and other build- ings requisite for farm and stock-raising purposes are nnusually good. We must not pass from this without special reference to his residence, which possesses considerable merit from an architectural and artistic standpoint. Whether viewed from the exterior or inspected within there is much to com- mend. It is an elegant, we had almost said ideal, country house, commodious, convenient and beanti- fnl. designed, both as regards its architecture and its internal decoration, by professional artists. In addition to this Mr. Hotchkiss has also another very fine house upon eighty acres of land south of Ray- mond.

Charles Hotchkiss, the eldest son of our subject, was united in marriage with Miss Abbie Hnll, of Grundy County, Il., Feb. 5, 1885. and they occupy part of the above described home. The second son, Edgar, is the husband of Vena Robinson, of Grundy County, Ill .; they reside just west of Raymond, and are the parents of two daughters. Frederick married Miss Sarah Morgan, and they make their home upon the property south of Raymond; Clara became the wife of Morton Ragan, who is the son of Mr. Ragan, of the Raymond Bank, and resides at Plum Creek ; they are the parents of one child, a son.

Mrs. Clarissa (Frost) Hotchkiss, the wife of our

subject, is the daughter of Stephen Frost, and was born Jan. 16, 1831. in Dorset. Vt. In due time she took her place in the common schools, and after- ward was engaged as a teacher. making her home with her mother until her marriage. She had met with the misfortune which deprived her of a father's support and protection, and with her bereaved mother had removed to Washington County, N. Y., at which place she met our subject. Both herself and husband are enabled greatly to enjoy the suc- cess which has attended their path in life, and which is so plainly visible in their surroundings.

In the Congregational Church Mr. Ilotchkiss, his wife and family, find that which is congenial and helpful religiously, and in that communion are most highly esteemed. Mr. Hotchkiss has always been and still remains a very strong member of the Republican party, and an open advocate of its principles. He commands, with his family, senti- ments of the highest respect, both on account of his interest in the advancement and progress of the community, and the high character sustained in all the relations of life. Among the pictured home- steads of Lancaster County found in this volume, that of our subject will be regarded with lively in- terest by hosts of friends.

C ASPER MARTIN. Although he came to Nebraska at a comparatively recent date, Mr. Martin has built up a beautiful home, and has become a conspicuous member of the farm- ing community of Lancaster County. A represent- ative of the sturdy sons of Prussia, who have helped so materially in developing the resources of our country, yet as his life has been mostly passed in the United States, with the exception of the first years of his existence, he may be said to be thoroughly Americanized, and in full sympathy with the institutions of the country. He is actively carrying on general farming on his farm, which is pleasantly located on sections 21 and 28, Saltillo Precinct, and is considered one of the best man- aged farms in the neighborhood.

Louis and Anna Elizabeth (Warner) Martin, parents of our subject, were born, reared and mar-

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ried in Germany, where the father was a farmer in comfortable circumstances. In 1846 he emigrated with his family to this country, and settled amid the beautiful scenery of Alleghany County, Md., his home being on the Mason and Dixon Line. He was a Union man, however, and preferring to live in a State where Union sentiments prevailed, he moved North, and located in Pennsylvania. Ilis death occurred in that State in 1859, at the age of fifty-three years. Ile was thoroughly respected by all who knew him, for the sincerity, earnestness and sound judgment that characterized his eonvie- tions, and for his liberality and rare intelligence. Ilis wife, who was in every way worthy of such a husband, survived him some years, dying in May, 1873, at the age of seventy-five. They were the parents of five children, whom they brought up to follow in their footsteps, so making them valued members of society. Their names are: Margaret, Casper, Elizabeth, John and Catherine.

Casper Martin was born Aug. 4, 1836, in Prussia, Germany, and in the fine schools of his native land he received the foundation of an excellent education. He was a boy nine years old when he accompanied his parents, brother and sisters to America, first setting foot on its soil at Baltimore. His educational advantages were somewhat limited in his new home, but he attended school as oppor- tunity offered. He was very early set to work, and at the youthful age of eleven years he left the parental roof and went to work elsewhere, receiv- ing in payment his board, clothes and $40 a year. He worked in that way for the same employer for several years, continuing as a laborer until he was twenty-one. In 1857 he married one of his school- mates, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Matilda Deahl. (For parental history see sketch of her brother, George Deahl.) Mrs. Martin was born in 1837, in Alleghany County, Md., and there grew to womanhood. Being a woman of much character, sense and ability, she has been a true helpmate to her husband, and has in many ways lightened the burdens of life for him. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Martin went to Somerset County, Pa., and continued to reside there on a farm until 1864, his parents having taken up their home with him. He did fairly well there, but decided to move to Macoupin

County, Ill., where he bought a farm with his brother John, and they conducted it together with good results for several years. In the winter of 1879-80 Mr. Martin visited Nebraska, and being well pleased with the country, persuaded his brother to move out here. Accordingly, in the spring of 1880, they both eame with their families, and our subjeet purchased 120 acres of wild prairie land. which he has since transformed into a fine farm, with many valuable improvements, such as a hand- some residence, surrounded by beautiful grounds, with many shade and ornamental trees, fine groves and orchards, comprising 130 apple trees, mul- berries, cherries and plums; choice grapes and other fruits are also grown on the farmn.

Mr. Martin is a man of unusual intelligence, is well read, and can converse with interest on all topics that are under general discussion. Like his brother John, he is a great society man, and is prominently identified with several social organi- zations. Ile is a Mason, a member of Lincoln Lodge No. 19. While in Illinois he was Master of Shipman Masonie Lodge for five years, and was delegate to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, at Chicago, for five years consecutively, from 1875 to and in- cluding 1879. Mr. Martin is a member of the lodge of the Knights of Pythias, of Hickman, and belongs to the Knights of Honor, Shipman Lodge No. 126, Shipman, Ill, In his political views he is a decided Demoerat. Mrs. Martin is an active worker in the Lutheran Church at Roca, of which she is an esteemed member.

OHN C. McCARGAR. Although our sub- jeet has been a resident of Lineoln but little more than a year, he has already established himself firmly in his business as a groeer, at No. 333 North Ninth street, and is recognized in mercantile eireles as an important factor of the commercial interests of the capital. Our subject was born June 29, 1848, in Eaton County, Mich., and is a son of John W. MeCargar, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., who is well known in Southern Michigan as an early pioneer of Eaton County, where he still resides in the fine home that he has

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built up in the township of Roxana, of which he is one of the wealthiest citizens, and the owner of large landed property.

William McCargar, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a native of Eastern New York, and a son of Thomas MeCargar, who was born in the North of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and who came to America during the Revolutionary War, and served as a soldier in Burgoyne's army. He was captured by the Yankees, and, his sympathies being with them, lie foreswore allegiance to all foreign powers, especially to Great Britain, and became an Ameri- can citizen. Ile lived in New York for many years, but after his second marriage went to Canada to (well, and there died. The grandfather of our sub- ject, who was a farmer by occupation, was a pioneer of Cayuga County, and there spent the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Han- nah Whateley, and she was a native of Rhode Island.

The father of our subject was reared in his na- tive State, and lived there until 1837, when, in the strength and vigor of his young manhood, he de- termined to better his chances of securing independ- ence by seeking to build up for himself a home in the wilds of Michigan, which was then considered to be in the " Far West." He soon put his resolution into effect, and the month of April, 1837, found him in Eaton County, whither he had made his way by lake to Detroit, and thence by a team that he had hired in that city to convey himself and his pro- visions to his destination. Ile will probably never forget the experiences of the following weeks, when he entered upon his pioneer life amid the primeval forests of that sparsely inhabited country. Although Michigan had in that year been admitted into the Union as a State, but a few years had elapsed sinee the first settlement had been made in the southern part, as in the first quarter of the present century the land had been pronounced too swampy and barren for cultivation. It remained for men of intelligence, courage and hardihood like that of Mr. MeCargar to entirely disprove that erroneous assertion, and show to the world the wonderful productiveness of the soil underneath those tall old trees that had been rooted in it for centuries. The footsteps of civilization had not yet caused the wild animals, such as deer, bears, wolves, wild turkeys, etc., to disappear, and

many of the Indians still lurked in their old haunts. Our subject bought a tract of heavily timbered land in the township of Roxana, and the first day that he spent on it he cut a large tree, and, having no house, when it came night he wrapped himself in his blanket and lay down beside the trunk of the fallen monarch of the forest to sleep the sound sleep of health. In the morning when he awoke he found himself under six inches of snow. He erected a log cabin on his place, but being a single man at that time he did not then locate there, but at the end of ten weeks went to Fonia and obtained a position as clerk in a store, hiring some of his land cleared in the meantime. Ile subsequently went to Muskegon as foreman in one of the first sawmills ever erected there. In 1843 Mr. McCargar mar- ried Miss Lucy Maxson, daughter of Daniel Max- son, a native of New York State. and a pioneer of that part of Genesee County now included in Wyoming County, the birthplace of Mrs. McCar- gar. He subsequently moved to Jackson County, Mich., where he spent his last years. The maiden name of his wife was Catherine Coons, a native of New York, and of Holland ancestry. Ifer grand- mother was at Schenectady when that city was de- stroyed by fire by the Indians, in the year 1690. Her ancestry on the Maxson side came from En- gland with Gov. Endicott, and were early set- tlers of Eastern Massachusetts. After marriage Mr. McCargar settled on his land in Eaton County, and has made his home thereon ever since. He has been wonderfully prospered in all his undertakings. has cleared his land and bought other land, until he owns one of the most valuable farms in the county, comprising 600 acres of very fertile land, the greater part of which is improved and adorned with a fine set of farm buildings.

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child, and the oldest no v living, born to his parents. He attended the district school in his boyhood, and later entered Olivet College, in Eaton County, where he obtained a substantial education, well fit- ting him for the profession of teacher, which he adopted after finishing his course at college. He commeneed teaching in his native eounty at the youthful age of seventeen years. In 1870 he went to Indiana to pursue his profession in Jackson

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County, and thenee went to Scott County, where he served for one term as County Superintendent of Schools. In 1881 he was proffered the principalship of the school at Loogootee, Martin Co., Ind., which he accepted, and taught there for six years with marked success. Our subject then abandoned teach- ing, and coming to Lincoln engaged in the commis- sion business, which he continued until August, 1887. Ile then bought the stock and good-will in the grocery store of which he is the present proprietor. Ile is prospering in his business, and has already built up a good trade among first-elass customers, as he is a man of good financial ability, has good, sound judgment, and knows where and how to ex- ereise it.

Mr. McCargar married Miss Abbie Falkenburg, in 1872, and three children have been born to them -Clyde, Lucy and Flora E. Clyde is a very bright and promising scholar, and at thirteen years of age entered the State University. Mrs. McCargar is a devoted member of the Christian Church, and the beauty and consistency of her life are worthy of emulation.

Mr. McCargar occupies an important social posi- tion, being a member of Vienna Lodge No. 336, A. F. & A. M .; he belongs to Miller Lodge No. 555, I. O. O. F., and is a member of Seott Lodge No. 59, K. of P. In politics he is a sterling Democrat.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 22

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

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