Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 27

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

USA > Nebraska > Lancaster County > Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska > Part 27

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Frederick A. Hovey, the subject of this sketch, was six years of age when his parents went to Wisconsin, and he was educated in the city schools of Janesville and in the State University, finishing his course at Lincoln, Neb. In 1871 our subject was appointed clerk in the post-office at Lincoln, which position he held for six years. In 1877 he established himself in the hardware business, in Lincoln. Hle carried on his business very profitably for ten years, building up an extensive trade. lle then had a fine opportunity to enter into the manu- facture of flour with his father in Valparaiso, which he embraced after settling up his other business affairs. In 1886 he entered into the real-estate business.

Our subject was married, Oct. 30, 1876, to Miss Mary A. Peck, a daughter of Philetus and Nancy

Peck, and a native of Polo, Ogle Co., Ill. They have four children living-Frank, Florence, Law- rence and Nancy. Ray, the fourth child, died at the age of three years. Mr. Hovey is a man of calm, clear intelleet, and a cool, vigorous thinker, whose actions are always guided by high principles. He and his wife are devoted members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and are known by their good works. Politically, Mr. Hovey is a Repub- liean, and at the same time an earnest Prohibitionist.

ANIEL II. HARRIS, proprietor of the Al- tamaha Roller Mills at Bennet, and a gen- tleman largely identified with the business interests of this county, was born in Mon- mouthshire, England, May 31, 1845. He continued upon his native soil until a youth of eighteen years, attending the common schools and learning the mil- ler's trade, at which he served a period of four years, and until setting sail for America.

Young Harris tarried for a time in New England (after passing through the Dominion of Canada), then made his way westward to Illinois, and in the course of time traeed his steps to Southeastern Wis- consin. From there a short time later he migrated to St. Louis, Mo., about the year 1865 and at the elose of the war. Early in life he exhibited those qualities of continuity which led him to adapt him- self to his chosen calling, in which he aimed at per- fection. From St. Louis he came to Nebraska City, but a few months later, desiring to see more of the western country, started across the plains with six yoke of cattle, and brought up in the mountains of Colorado. Twelve months later he made his way again to Nebraska, sojourning at different times in the cities of Omaha, Beatrice, and at other points.

After making a trip back to Illinois and visiting other points in that region, Mr. Harris returned to Nebraska in the spring of 1867 for the purpose of completing the erection of a mill for the firm of Roper & Parker, in Camden. Upon the fulfillment of this contract he operated the mill for the firm for about three years, then became lessee of the mill, which he operated two years. At the expira- tion of this time, in partnership with two other

261

LANCASTER COUNTY.

men, he put up a mill at West Mills, in Seward County, which they operated three or four years. Mr. Harris now disposed of his interests there and leased a mill in Sarpy County, this State, which he operated three years, then coming to this county purchased and rebuilt the Altamaha Roller Mills, which he has since operated successfully, building up both their reputation and his own. The reader may obtain a good idea of the extensive mills and elevator of this gentleman from the illustration that will be found elsewhere in this volume. These have a capacity of 100 barrels of flour and meat per day, and Mr. Harris in connection with them conducts a merchant and exchange business.

Not content with any narrow sphere of action Mr. Harris, in connection with his milling business, opened up and improved several farms in Seward County, besides operating a general store at Cam- den. While the employe of others he aimed to make himself a necessity to them, and proved him- self as he had intended, almost indispensable, build- ing up a reputation for faithfulness and skill which extended far beyond the confines of his own field of operations. In consequence of this he was called long distances for the performance of skilled labor around mill machinery and mill buildings in general. He also at the same time proved himself equally valuable as a citizen, being possessed of those high principles of integrity and morality which gained him the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen, who at various times called upon him to officiate in the local offices and sought his judgment in important matters.

Mr. Harris while a resident of Seward County was one of its Commissioners for a term of three years, served as Justice of the Peace, and was also a member of the School Board. Socially, he be- longs to the Masonie fraternity, being at present Master of Bennet Lodge No. 94, and has held va- rions offices in connection therewith. He is Past Master Workman of the A. O. U. W., and in relig- ious matters, a member in good standing of the Episcopal Church.

The marriage of Daniel H. Harris and Miss Anna M. Bingaman was celebrated at the home of the bride in Camden, Seward County, this State, Feb. 20, 1879. Mrs Harris was born in Centralia, Ill., Feb.

21. 1846, and is the daughter of Henry H. and An- geline (Copple) Bingaman. natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana. They came to Nebraska in 1861, and located among the pioneers of Seward County. The father died at Crete, in that county, in the summer of 1887. The mother is still living, and a resident of Crete.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born four children-James R., John II., Ed- mund and Mary A. Mr. Harris, politically, aflili- ates with the Republican party, and keeps himself well posted upon matters of general interest. He came to this county when it was in the early pro- cess of development, and has been no unimportant factor in assisting it to its present condition. Every worthy enterprise has found in him a staneh friend and supporter, and his name will be held in kindly remembrance years hence as one of the public-spir- ited men of Lancaster County.

The parents of our subject, James and Mary (Meredith) Harris, were also of English birth and parentage, the father a native of Hereford, and the mother born in Radnorshire. James Harris was a farmer and miller by occupation, and both parents spent their last days in Radnorshire, the father dy- ing about 1862 and the mother in 1879. Daniel II., in 1884, paid a visit to his native country, being gone about three months, and deriving mueh satis- faction from the reunion with his old friends and associates. The home of our subject is pleasantly located in the southeastern part of the town, and is the resort of its best people.

OIIN P. LODER. One of the first settlers in Waverly Precinct was the subject of this sketch, who entered land in 1857, the only other settler in the precinct at that time be- ing John Dee, whose settlement dates from the same period. Mr. Loder was born in Coshocton County, Ohio. Nov. 28, 1828, and is the son of William and Margaret (Maston) Loder, natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The parents of our subject were married in Co- shoeton County, Ohio, and there resided until 1863, when they came to Nebraska, and settled in Cass

262

LANCASTER COUNTY.

County. The family circle included twelve ebil- dren, ten of whom are still living. When all had attained their majority, they were photographed with the parents in one group, forming a pleasing and unique picture. The ekdlest son is John P., the subject of this writing; Martha, the wife of John R. Sheffer, of Cass County, Neb. ; Lewis J., of this county ; Aaron, of Greenwood, Cass County ; Rachel is the wife of Martin Kirker, and Nancy. of C. E. Coleman, and both reside in Cass County ; W. Alex, of Lancaster County ; Samuel; Mary, wife of Oscar Laughlain, and Edith, each of Cass County.

The early days of our subject were spent upon the farm amid scenes of beauty and innocent de- lights, and when of proper age he entered the com- mon schools of the district, where he soon made his mark. What is often called the drudgery of school life did not seem to effect him; the school was his pleasure, so much so that when the time came for him to leave as a scholar, he elected and was found competent to return to it as teacher. There is, perhaps, no profession in which repose such large re- sponsibilities, such unbounded opportunities. The teacher is the potter whose hands day by day, if directed by the intelligence, integrity and charity of the Christian gentleman, mold the pliant minds and hearts of the men and women who, presently, will rule in State and home. These men and women will be largely what their teacher has made them, and will bear the marks of his training all through their life's journey. In this profession our subject continued for seven years, when failing health warned him that some change must be made. He therefore took a journey westward, and arrived in Nebraska June 13, 1857. Having carefully ex- amined the district, he selected a piece of land near the mouth of Camp Creek. This he chose for his brother, who proposed to follow him West in the fall of 1857. The conditions of life in the new country are not strange to many still living, and yet to those whose lives have been spent in the great cities it would be more than strange to live where eight or ten miles must be covered in order to reach the nearest neighbor. This was the condition of things when our subject settled in Laneaster County, and even until so late a date as 1863 every man in Lancaster County was known personally by our

subjeet. Since that time the county has been more rapidly developed and thickly settled.

In 1858 Mr. Loder pre-empted the land on which he now resides. He speedily began to improve it and brought it to a high state of cultivation, erecting his pleasant residence and the necessary farm build- ings for greater convenience in the prosecution of his chosen pursuits. With the release from con- finement and the return to the farm, with its change of occupations, out-door work, his health was speed- ily restored. About this time the Homestead Law was passed, and Mr. Loder homesteaded eighty acres of land in Lancaster Connty. He lived upon this claim during the time required by law, fulfilling the remaining legal requirements, and in due time received his patent. He then returned to his old home. His landed estate includes 320 acres of land, 160 of which is situated close to the town site of Waverly, where he maintains in a high state of efficiency one of the finest stock farms of the county.

In 1869 Mr. Loder was united in marriage with Emeline, daughter of William and Catherine (Hum- mer) Tiger, both natives of New Jersey, where also their daughter Emeline was born, Sept. 8, 1848. This family moved West in 1855, and settled in Du- Page County, Ill. Here, until 1867, they were very successful in farming. At that time they removed to Nebraska and settled in Lancaster County. After some years in this new home the father was taken to his last resting-place, leaving in sadness and mourn- ing the mother, who is still living. Of this union there were born six children: Sarah E., wife of George W. Dunham; Emeline, John N., William S., Isaac J. and Lambert.

The family cirele of our subject comprised nine children, only six of whom survive-William J., Earl, Lee, Elsie, Mand and John. Mr. Loder, al- though affiliating with the Democratie party, is a man who cannot be confined to the narrow limits of a party. Whenever oeeasion requires and the issues at stake seem to demand it, he acts inde- pendently of party restraints. The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens and the confidence they repose in his fitness and integrity is expressed in that they elected him to be the first County Clerk of Lancaster County. School matters and everything which pertains to the in-

263

LANCASTER COUNTY.

terest of the people of the future generations through the present education, training and development of youth, always receives his cordial interest and sup- port. While destitute of adventure and dramatic scenes, his life presents in many regards a highly gratifying picture and worthy example. As a child, teachable and engaging ; as a scholar, studious ; as a teacher, earnest, painstaking and untiring; as a father and citizen, a true, courteous Christian gentleman.

M RS. SOPHIA KOLLOSTER. It has been the unqualified testimony of every thought- ful writer, unwarped by cynicism, that the world owes more to woman than can ever be estimated. But for a Miriam with watchful eye and ready wit, there would have been no Moses, and, humanly speaking, no Jewish nation. We are reminded, also, that at the greatest tragedy of the ages the women disciples were the only ones who did not desert their Lord in the trying hour of the Roman Crucifixion, The tribute of the "Greatest Emperor," Napoleon the First, is too well known to need repetition. We are reminded. moreover, that the ruler of that Empire upon which the sun never sets, the sunrise gun of whose garrisons is world- encircling, is a woman; and, whatever may be our opinion concerning monarchy, we are constrained to admit her womanly qualities and graces, which are as widely known and admired as there are minds to appreciate them. Incidents innumerable come to mind in the course of our own history, as a people, in the same connection; such of our heroes as George Washington and James A. Gar- field were what they were because their mothers were grandly great and true women. The field of pioneer and Far West life has abundantly developed the fact that the opportunity only is needed to re- veal and bring out the true greatness of woman- hood. This is not necessarily public in all cases, but it always exists.

Our subject was born in Germany, on the 10th of July, 1840. Her education was received in the schools of the Fatherland, where, also, she was reared and spent the early years of her woman- hood. In Germany she was married to George

Medking, and there was born to them one child, Frederick, now a resident of York County, Neb. Their married life was brief, her husband being re- moved by death in the year 1864.

In 1870 our subject left her native land for America, and upon landing proeceded at once to York County, Neb., where she took up her resi- dence for about one year, at which time she re- moved to Nebraska City, continued her home there until Nov. 14, 1871, when her many virtues won for her the respect and admiration of Herman T. Kolloster, and they were accordingly married. By this second marriage she became the mother of five chikiren, whose names are recorded as follows : Lena, Louis, Mary, George and Dora.

Mrs. Kolloster was called upon to sustain a sec- ond bereavement on the 20th of October, 1885, when her husband was removed from her side by death, which occurred at Salt Creek, Waverly Pre- cinct, Neb. Although left alone to continue the struggle, to bring up her children, to carry on the farm, she has been equal to the contest. Our subject possesses 160 acres of land, which she maintains in a condition and state of cultivation which would be gratifying to many a farmer who has made agri- cultural pursuits and husbandry his life study and work. Mrs. Kolloster is the owner also of a sub- stantially built, conveniently arranged, pleasantly situated residence, in addition to the usual farm buildings. She is accorded the full confidence and high regard of the community at large. It is with pleasure that the attention of the reader is called to the view of the beautiful home of this lady, which will be found in this volume.

NDREW J. STEELE was born on the 27th of October, 1832, in Monroe County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Mary Steele, the former of Pennsylvania, the latter of Mary- land. They were among the early settlers of Mon- roe County, Ohio, where our subject spent his childhood days, and as he grew older he helped to bear the burdens of the family, lightening the

264

LANCASTER COUNTY.

work incident to the life of early settlers until he reached the age of twenty-four years. He received his education in the early subscription schools, and they were quite different from the advantages of- fered to young men of to-day.

Our subject was married in Ohio, on the 18th of December, 1856, to Mary lleck, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ileck, of the same State. To Mr. and Mrs. Steele there have been born nine chil- dren, the names of whom we mention as follows: Nelson, Phoba Jane, Lydia (wife of William War- nock, of Thayer County, Neb.), Sarah C., Alfred, Laura, David, Oscar and Milton. Early in the sixties the family moved to Illinois, and resided in Tazewell County until the last year of that decade, in which year they came to Lancaster County.

In 1869 our subject homesteaded eighty acres of land, and settled on it before there had been any improvements made, and out of it he has made one of the best improved and finest farms in Buda Per- cinct. Ile has erected good farm buildings, and planted one of the best orchards in the precinct. Ilis possessions having become sufficiently remunera- tive, he has been enabled to purchase another eighty acres, and now owns 160 acres of splendid farming land on sections 34 and 33, besides a timber claim consisting of 160 acres in Chase County.

Our subject is sufficiently public-spirited to de- vote a fair share of his time to the public service, having served as School Director for three years, and Judge of the elections in his present precinct for several terms, Where matters of politics are con- cerned, our subject takes a broad, honest view, not caring so much for the upholding of a certain party as for the best government of the country, conse- quently he generally votes and lends his influence in behalf of the men whom he thinks best fitted to hold public offices.

When Mr. Steele came here the nearest house was situated four miles north of him, and we can imagine the seclusion of the family, having no neighbors nearer than that distance. But it is not so to-day; instead of walking or driving across the bare prairie, the residents now pass to and fro on well-constructed roads, bordered on the sides by fields of growing grain or pastures containing herds of cattle and live stock. Public spirit and enter-

prise, combined with perseverance and industry, have wrought a wonderful change, and an unlimited amount of honor is due to those who bore the first and heaviest burdens of colonization.

E LIJAII B. GLOVER. One of the most pleas- antly situated and inviting homes in this county is found in that of the subject of this sketch, which is located on section 2, Nemaha Precinct. The dwelling is a very solidly built structure of brick, and tastefully decorated, both externally and internally. The arrangement of the interior is such as to meet approval, whether one be seeking rest, convenience, or opportunity for social enjoyment. The house is surrounded by scenery, which, although not so massive in its grandeur as that in the neighborhood of some Colorado homes, or found in certain parts of the course of the Iludson, is nevertheless pleasing in the extreme. The whole comprises a scene indicating a thrifty, energetic people, and a prosperous agricultural com- munity.

Our subject was born and lived until his tenth year in Scioto County, Ohio, and dates the com- mencement of his life to March 19, 1845. His parents removed from Ohio to Council Bluffs, Iowa, about the year 1855, our subject, of course accompanying them. After a residence of one year in the Hawkeye State another removal was made, this time to Nebraska. The family settled in Wash- ington County, the name of the farm being Linwood, and there our subject continued to reside with his parents until he was almost eighteen years of age.

In the year 1863 young Glover returned to Ohio, and engaged in mercantile pursuits at Zanesfield, Logan County. This employment was at the time quite congenial, and good success was the result. He continued thus occupied for a period of three years, and then returned to Nebraska. The two years following were spent at the work incidental to agricultural pursuits, when again, in 1867, Mr. Glover returned to Ohio, and engaged in farming in Champaign County. For nine years our sub- ject was thus engaged, when for the last time he came, in 1878, to Nemaha Precinct. His farm

RESIDENCE OF E . B. GLOVER, SEC. 2. NEMAHA PRECINCT.

RESIDENCE OF GEO. W. DEAHL SEC. 21. SALTILLO PRECINCT.

267

LANCASTER COUNTY.

comprises 120 acres on section 2, eighty acres of which were bought when he first settled here. The remaining portion having been since purchased, is one evidence of the prosperity which has smiled upon him since that time.

While residing in his native State our subject be- came acquainted with Miss Mary A. Sidders, who is the daughter of James and Sarah ( Robins) Sidders, and who was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., May 18, 1854. Yielding to the dictates of the noblest and deepest passion of humanity, the two united their lives and fortunes at Zanesfield, Aug. 15, 1873. This devoted attachment and happy alliance has been crowned by the blessing and brightness of a family circle comprising six children, who are named: Alice M., Katie, Anna Coe, Jennie B., John E. and Laura E. The second child, Katie, died when eighteen months old, in Ohio, Mr. Glover is a man of considerable intel- lectual power, education and experience, and by his consistent character and life commands the highest regard of the community at large, and more es- pecially of those who know him more intimately in official or home life. IIe has served several times as a member of the School Board, discharging his duties with dignity and efficiency.

The ability and fitness displayed generally by Mr. Glover resulted some time since in his being unani- mously elected to the office of Elder in the Presby- terian Church, of which both he and his wife are members. This office, one of the most important in the affairs of any communion, is full of onerous and difficult duties. The satisfactory manner in which these have been met and discharged is recognized by the affection and esteem in which Mr. Glover is held in the church. In the same proportion that this gentleman is held in the regard of his friends and fellow-citizens, is his wife also esteemed and honored, and we believe that Mr. Glover himself would be one of the first to ac- knowledge that more credit is due to the charms, brightness and aid which his wife has brought into his life, his plans and work, than to his own character or efforts. In the Republican party Mr. Glover finds that which is appreciable to his politi- cal thought, and this party receives his advocacy and support.

Dr. John Glover, the father of our subjeet, was a native of Scioto County. Ohio, and was born in the second year of this century. His mother. a native of Franklin County, Olio, is Eliza ( Nurse) Glover. who was born in the year 1817. This lady is still living, but her husband was taken from her side by death June 11. 1885. Their union was fruitful in the birth of four children-Corrinne, Catherine, Laura A., and Elijah B., our subject.

The father of Mrs. Glover, James Sidders, was born June 7, 1829, in Hunterdon County, N. J .; her mother, Sarah (Robins) Sidders, was born Nov. 27, 1833. They had twelve children-George, Mary A., John W., Sylvester R., Sarah E., Anna M., Charity, Jersey B., James R., Jonathan, Mahala and Levi.

The interesting family we have here briefly sketched is one of a class which it is always a pleasure to be connected with, or to write about. In such homes our country has its strongest bul- warks, and from such family circles draws its best and noblest citizens-those who have grown up in the atmosphere of Christian manhood and woman- hood, fitted for the diverse and intricate opportuni- ties and emergencies which sooner or later come into every life. A view of the dwelling which shelters the Glover family is shown in this con- nection.

G EORGE W. DEAIIL, one of the leading dairymen and farmers of Saltillo, is a young man of sterling qualities, thoughtful, intelli- gent and industrious, is a eredit to the community where he lives, and is held in universal respect by all who know him, whether in social or in business life.

The gentleman whose life record we herein notice is a son of the late well-known Andrew Deahl, of whose honorable career his children are justly proud. The father was a native of Germany, who came to this country in 1834, and settled in Somer- set County, Pa., where he operated a farm. He met and married Miss Matilda Schultz, in Somerset County, Pa., which was the place of her birth, and there they spent the first five years of their wedded life. They then took up their abode in Maryland,

268

LANCASTER COUNTY.

where they lived twenty-five years. They subse- quently removed to Macoupin County, Ill., where Mr. Dethl purchased a farm, and conducted general farming on quite an extensive scale until 1879, when he came with his family to Nebraska, and settled in Lancaster County, making his home here until his death, in September, 1886, at the age of seventy-seven years.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 27

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

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