Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 37

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

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After our subject had located in St. Louis, an- other brother. Stephen H., came to the States and joined Henry in Missouri, but after a few weeks he was taken suddenly ill with cholera and died. This occurred in the year 1851 ; he was the youngest

brother of our subject. Three years of life upon the farm in the neighborhood of St. Louis were fol- lowed by a residence in the city itself, where he learned the trade of a stonemason, and continued at that occupation until he came to this State. Our subject was married, in Prussia, to Miss Margaret Shaffer, who was born in the year 1819, not very far from the home of our subject. She is the mother of seven children. of whom four are now dead, viz: Sophia and Mary died in St. Louis of cholera, and an infant and Harmon died in very early life. The living children are named: Eliza, who is now the wife of 11. Hollmann, who owns a farm in this precinct; Ilenry and Sophia are twins. Henry is now the husband of Ereka Weaver, and they reside at Weller, Neb .; Sophia is Mrs. John Brannstadt, and lives in Cherry County.

Mr. Kramer and wife are both consistent mem- bers of the German Methodist Church. Our sub- jeet is the leader of a large class, to the continued satisfaction of every member thereof. He has at different times, and for longer or shorter periods, held almost all the offices of the precinct. Ever since the war he has been a stanch Republican of the strongest type, and is one of the recognized leaders of the same. Concerning his character there can be no question; his whole life has been passed in the interest of others, with the large- hearted disinterestedness characteristic of the man. Ile is the recipient of that peculiar reverential admiration and esteem which are usually given to one whose experience reaches so far back, and who has done so much for the community and State.

OSEPH T. WARD. The Hudson River has always been compared with the Rhine, and -- we advise persons coming for the first time to America not to fail to see the lIudson. It is indeed a glorious river, as viewed from the deck of some such steamer as the "Albany," with its noble palisades and towering Catskills, and crowded as it is with memories historie and literary, but we doubt if one other trip which might be mentioned ought not to be linked with that above referred to. Approaching the Virginian coast from the sea, the

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opposite capes of Henry and Charles, with their lights and lighthouses, form a picture which can only be appreciated by the voyager of days, or per- haps weeks, upon the ocean. Having made the en- tranee between thesc capes into the inexpressibly beautiful Chesapeake Bay, there is conveyed to such a one an impression which shall be indelible while memory lasts. As the steamer glides past the quar- antine station, and the more perfeet picture of the matchless scenery comes to view, it is one ever-in- creasing delight through the livelong day. On past its cities, crowded with memories of Colonial days, past grand old Norfolk and Annapolis, past its myr- iad islands, in a glowing and intensely realistic panorama, until at last, as the shades of evening gather round, we pass the Monumental city and ar- rive at the head of the bay, and set foot in Harford County, Md., near where the beautiful Susque- hanna falls into the Chesapeake. Of all Mary- land, this county might, perhaps, well be called the Garden of the State. In this county was born the subject of this sketch, and also his father before him.

Joseph Ward, the father of our subject, was born about the year 1800, and as he grew up he was tanght the occupation of farming, and soon after attaining his majority became the husband of Miss Jane Thomas. Their family circle afterward comprised five children-John, William, Eliza, Jane and Josephine. Mr. Ward always continued to live in his native State, which was named after the beautiful consort of Charles the First, the charm- ing queen Henrietta Maria. Ilis death occurred in the year 1853, after he had completed eighty years of life. His father, John Ward, was one of the pioneers of the State in Colonial days, and was a native of England; from the time of his entrance into the State he followed the calling of husbandry.

Joseph Ward, our subject, was born Feb. 8, 1820. He received his education in the schools of his native town, afterward working upon his father's farm until he attained his majority. He then struck out for himself, with the bold, intrepid spirit which was undoubtedly his by heredity. Not simply in the matter of farming and such occupation did our subject thus begin life, but having found his occupation and started upon the work of establish-

ing a home, the need of some one to be a helpmeet in the same forced itself more and more upon him, and, believing that in Miss Keziah Barton he had found the only one who could satisfy and complete his life, arrangements were consummated in their union in matrimonial bonds, March 16, 1845. Their happiness was completed in being the recipi- ents of thirteen children, of whom five sons and five daughters are living. The names are here ap- pended-Jane (deceased), Levi, Elzenia (deceased), Albert, Susanna, James, Ella J., Anna, William, Mary Il., an infant son who died unnamed, Thomas and Edith I.

Our subject left his native State in the year 1850, and went to Ohio, and after a short stay there, on to Howard County, Ind., where for eleven years he continued increasingly prosperous. Finding a pur- chaser for his farm at a figure financially advan- tageous to him, he sold that property, and on the 4th of March, 1865, he landed in Cass County, Neb. Here he purchased a farm and built himself a home and lived for three years, and then he pnr- chased and homesteaded his present property. The lumber for his house he was compelled to haul from Nebraska City, a distance of sixty miles. Lincoln at that time numbered about 100 houses and shan- ties, certainly not more, and between the city and his own house were just three other farms.

Our subjeet has done much for the improvement of the general stock used in this State, and has given the greater part of his attention to that specialty, at the same time devoting considerable time to general farming and grain-buying. The farm pre- sents an appearance of peace, happiness and pros- perity, coupled with that of thrift and a high state of cultivation, although latterly, and more especially since the death of his wife, Feb. 11, 1887, Mr. Ward has lived a retired life.

Our subject's daughter, Ella, has become the wife of Mr. E. Ilermance, of this county ; her sister Su- sanna is now Mrs. E. Reems. and is a resident at Portland, Ore .; Edith is still going to school at Woodlawn; Levi is living upon his farm in Otoe County ; Albert is upon his property three miles west, and is the husband of Miss Mary Lans- ing, and is the parent of three children, named Ethel, Elbert and Cleveland; James is in Cheyenne

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County, also a farmer, and the husband of Florence Keil; they have one daughter, Jennie; William is at Portland, Ore .; and Mary H. and Thomas at home.

Mr. Ward is held in that peculiar reverential re- gard which attaches to all who have spent their days and best energies in the upbuilding of a county or State as he has done. His life has been marked by enterprise and industry, integrity and honor. In political matters our subject has always been earnest and hearty in his advocacy of De- mocracy.

OSEPH H. COPPERSTONE is a promi- nent stock-raiser and farmer, whose property is situated on sec. 8. Little Salt Precinct, and comprises 160 acres of super-excellent farm- ing land. Ile is one of the many instances where "grit and grace" have in due course been joined by their fellow, "greenbacks." Not infrequently is it found that the men of grit to cope with the difficul- ties of frontier life, and the grace to bear the hard- ships of the same, and before long reap their reward and ride upon greenbacks to a prolonged bank ac- count, hail from the Quaker State, as in the present instance.

The father of our subject was John Copperstone, who was born in Pennsylvania, where he resided at the time of the birth of our subject, who was, how- ever, never privileged to know his father, receive his instructions, or know the power of his strong arm in beginning life's battle, for while Joseph H. was an infant his father died. He had been by oc- cupation a freighter, and although not rich, was enabled to sustain a comfortable home. He was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Witt, in Som- erset County, Pa. There were four children born to them, all of whom are living. His widow is still in the old home, and although she has arrived at the ripe age of sixty-four years, enjoys a fair meas- ure of health and strength.

Joseph H. Copperstone, our subject, was born in Somerset County, Pa., Sept. 23, 1842. His educa- tion, by no means extended, was received in the public school of his native place. When the Union was imperiled, and the "gray cloud" from the South

loomed threateningly upon the horizon, he enlisted for his country's defense. in Company K, 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was ordered to the front, taking part in the battles of Gettysburg and Brandy Station, at which place he was taken prisoner, and sent to Richmond, afterward forwarded to Belle Isle, and subsequently incarcerated at Anderson- ville. At the latter place, for six long, weary months he endured the terrible privations and hardships, bearing with heroic spirit all the horrible suffering's so well known to us by the oft-told tale, and fre- quent writing, but never realized in all its keen poignancy, as did our subject and his companions. From Andersonville he was sent to Charleston, and thence to Florence, at which place he was liberated on parole. Ile now spent some time re- cruiting, and upon recovering health and strength, went back into the service, and served as Sergeant until July, 1865.

After leaving the army, our subject turned his attention to farming, and made his home at Dixon, Lee Co., Ill., where he continued for a period of two years, and then returned and spent six months in his native place, when he again started West, and did not stop until reaching Nebraska, and took up the land which is his present farm. His entry dates from the year 1870, which shows him to be one of the early pioneers of the county. Here he found much scope for all the grit and grace he had brought with him from his Eastern home. But the spirit that had sustained him when he fought, marched or bivouacked, or when he languished in Southern prisons, did not fail him now. In spite of all the adverse circumstances which go to make up the en- vironment of pioneer settlers, and compose the sur- roundings of those who make the first home in a new country, he has succeeded abundantly. The wild prairie has, under his care, and as the result of his assiduity, become one of the finest and most pro- ductive tracts of land in the county.

When our subject effected his settlement, he was intelligently careful in his management, as is shown by the site then selected for his residence, barns, granaries and farm buildings. Upon an eminence which gives a very extended and beautiful view of the country surrounding, and yet is of easy ascent, stands the farm residence, a substantial but com-

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fortable structure, and furnished in keeping with the requirements of a bright and happy home. Near by is the orchard, where flourish in rich pro- fusion apple, plum, cherry and other trees, besides quite an extent devoted to the culture of small fruit, many kinds being indigenous to the country. A short distance from the house stands the barn, a large and commodious structure, 46x46 feet, and so apportioned as to yield him the greatest service.

Until the year 1873 the life of our subject was incomplete, and none recognized this fact more clearly than himself. ITis pleasure and happiness were, however, insured from the 3d of July, 1873, upon which day Miss Eliza A. Grever became his friend and life companion, and he became her hus- band and protector. Then there came into his life the highest inspiration and noblest stimulus to live, and live a success. Of this most happy union there have been born six children-William John, Min- nie M., Caroline R., Charles H., Catherine C. and Joseph F.

The most estimable wife of our subject was born in Virginia, Feb. 10, 1848. When her parents re- moved to Illinois, she of course accompanied them, and continued to reside at home until 1866, when they removed to Iowa, and she remained with them throughout their residence in that State, and also after their removal to their settlement in Saun- ders County, until her marriage.

The father of Mrs. Copperstone, Phillip Grever, was born in Shenandoah Valley, Augusta Co., Va., in July, 1810. After the usual occupation of youth- ful years, his attention was given to husbandry. As the years of manhood began to be numbered, he united his life with that of Miss Eliza T. Palmer, in a relationship which was brighter and better as the years rolled by. Their home circle increased its diameter from time to time to admit new faces and forms, until eleven children had been born to them. It was their privilege to bring nine of this number to years of maturity. Mr. Grever at present makes his home with his daughter, and has done so since the death of his wife, which mournful event took place Oct. 1, 1884. He is still a hale and hearty old gentleman, and looks forward with keen interest and hope to cast his vote for Gen. Harrison in the coming election, as he did on a previous occasion

for his illustrious progenitor, "Old Tippecanoe." The late unpleasantness did not pass without leav- ing its dread mark in the empty place in the family circle, and the void in the hearts of the family. caused by the loss of a beloved son and brother in that war.

Ever since our subject has been in this county, he has shown an admirable fitness for the duties of office, and on the organization of his school district he became School Treasurer, and has continued to hold the office ever since. He has also been several times Supervisor. By much care, observation and reading, our subject has educated himself, and is to- day in this regard second to none of his neighbors. Like a true citizen, he takes the greatest interest in everything that has to do with Governmental and political affairs. His political sympathies are with the Republican party. He is a stanch friend and supporter of the party, which ever receives his best efforts in its behalf.

SA STEWART. Among the good citi- zens of the Quaker State who have left their Pennsylvanian homes to carve for themselves a fortune and a name in the West, are the parents of the subject of the present writing, who was born in Robbstown, that State on the 26th of April, 1830. His father, John Stew- art. was born in October, 1789, was prosperous in his chosen calling of husbandry, but removed Nov. 9, 1834, and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, which became his home for the remainder of his life. The marriage of John and Leticia Stewart occurred April 23, 1812; his demise occurred Jan. 17, 1846. The mother of our subject, Leticia (Teal) Stewart, died Jan. 30, 1852.

The years of childhood and youth of our subject were spent in the above State. He removed, how- ever, as soon as he had grown to years of man- hood, to Illinois, and located in Springfield and learned the trade of a shoemaker. From there he went to Chicago, where he remained a short time. Subsequently he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and resided there until 1868, which is the date of his removal to this county and his settlement in Lin-

RESIDENCE OF C. E. BLANCHARD , SEC. 21 . GRANT PRECINCT.

MINNES

CHIEF.

RESIDENCE OF GEO. KING , SEC. 1. PANAMA PRI CINCT.

RESIDENCE OF JOHN KETTELHUT, SEC 11. STOCKTON PRECINCT.

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coln, then a very small village, connected with Nebraska City. the nearest railroad point, only by stage. The surrounding country was a wild, un- tamed but fertile tract, teeming with deer. antelope, and other wild game, and not infrequently roamed over by large paeks of wolves.

In beginning life at Lincoln, our subject pur- chased a lot on Tenth between R and S streets, at that time on the outskirts of the village. Having provided himself with a home, and a small one at that, he found his means exceedingly limited, but nevertheless started in business as a boot and shoe maker. In 1869 he took a homestead claim of eighty aeres in Middle Creek Precinet, erected a small but comfortable farmhouse, and removed to the same and gave his attention to farming; and, being a man of sound judgment, some experience and un- tiring energy, he rapidly became very successful in this undertaking; so much so, that in a few years he was enabled to purchase 160 aeres in Oak Creek Precinet, whither he removed and made his home until 1885, and there carried on farming suc- cessfully. On account of ill-health, our subject re- tired from his farm and returned to Lincoln, and made his home on Washington and Tenth streets, one of the most pleasant situations in the city.

Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Susana Schofield, on the 18th of July, 1861, at Keokuk. This lady was born in Ohio, Nov. 14, 1838, and died April 24, 1863, aged twenty-four years and six months. They had one child who lived. Jesse, now in California. A second alliance was formed, on the 7th of November, 1865, with Annie R. McIntyre. By this marriage our subjeet became the father of four children, whose names are here recorded in the order of birth: George Franklin, Blanch, Grace and Asa T.

Mrs. Stewart was born in New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 10, 1846. Her father was James McIntyre, of Scottish parentage, a cooper by trade. In the year 1855 he went to California by the way of the Isthmus for the purpose of engaging in mining, and when his family last heard from him he was doing well and preparing shortly to return home, but it is supposed that he was murdered by Indians, as nothing has been known of him since that time. Ilis wife, the mother of Mrs. Stewart, was Annie

Ward, a native of New Bedford, who resided in that place her whole life of eighty-two years, and died there in the year 1882. Six children were born as a result of this union: John, Ilelen, Mary, David, Susan, and Mrs. Stewart, the wife of our subject.

Mr. Stewart is one of that elass of citizens who are always on the lookout for what shall be of bene- fit to the community. and through them, to the country at large. He therefore bails with pleasure every enterprise and project that looks forward to such an end and promises benefit upon that line. He is a man of solid worth. and is proportionately esteemed by his fellow- citizens.

ILLIAM R. HORN. This prominent resi- dent and capitalist of the city of Lincoln, is at present engaged as a real-estate dealer, and may usually be found at his business office or residence, at the corner of Randolph and Thirtieth streets. He has been a resident of Nebraska since 1854, coming within its borders with his parents while it was still a Territory. The family first set- tled near the embryo town of Peru. and subse- quently moved to this county, of which our subject has since been a resident, and prominently idenii- fied with its business and agricultural interests.

The first few years of the life of our subject were spent in Beardstown, Ill., where his birth took place on the 4th of February, 1837. His father, Rev. William S. and his mother, Sylvia ( Hall) Horn, were natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. The father was born May 9, 1814. and when a lad twelve years of age went to Illinois with his par- ents, where he lived until coming to Nebraska, in 1854. Upon reaching manhood he was married, on the 5th of May, 1833. The wife and mother in her girlhood, and while living with her parents in Illinois, was, with her younger sister, captured by the Indians during the Black Hawk War, but reseued twelve days afterward by United States troops. It was upon her return from savage cap- tivity to civilization that she met her future hus- band, whom she still survives after fifty-five years of congenial married life. They were the parents

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of eleven children, two of whom passed away be- fore the death of the father, and eight were present to follow his remains to his final resting-place.

William S. Horn became identified with the Methodist Protestant Church at an early age, and soon afterward entered the ministry, in which he labored faithfully and earnestly the balance of the time he was permitted on earth. He was seven years President of the Nebraska Conference and once represented it in the General Conference. As a preacher, he was plain, practical and forcible, and in both his public and private life illustrated the pure principles of the Christian religion.

Elder Horn was ever found at his post of duty, and if he believed a thing were right he would ad- vocate it though he stood alone. A man of positive temperament, he could not pass through the world without enemies, but he was sincere and earnest in his convictions, and in his family was a most kind and loving parent and husband. At the end of life he passed quietly away, the machinery giving out by degrees, and he watching with patient hap- piness the change which translated him from earth to a better world.

The parents of our subject were married in Bureau County, Ill., and subsequently lived four years in Missouri before coming to Nebraska. The mother was born Feb. 24, 1813, in Virginia, and at the time of the Indian trouble spoken of, suffered the loss of her parents and two brothers, who were murdered by the savage foe of the Black Hawk tribe. Three other brothers only escaped the same fate by being in a field out of sight. The sisters were finally restored to their friends through the instrumentality of Shabbona, a civilized Indian, and friendly to the whites, and who gave blankets and ponies for a ransom. Upon their return journey they stopped overnight at the house of the father of William S. Horn, where the latter was captured by the maidenly charms of Miss Sylvia, and two years later they became man and wife. Mrs. Horn was a lady of culture and refinement and great amiability of character. She is still living, and makes her home with her youngest son at the old homestead at Auburn, Nemaha County, this State.

To William S. and Sylvia Horn there were born eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, seven

of whom are still living. Three sons are in Harlan County, this State, and two sons and a daughter are in this county. All are married with the ex- ception of the youngest son, who remains with his mother. The eldest child, John W., was born April 15, 1835; William R., the subject of this biography, Feb. 4, 1837; Thomas S., March 10, 1839; Nancy E., Mrs. R. T. McAdams, Jan. 26, 1841 ; Washing- ton M., June 25, 1843; James S., Jan. 3, 1846; Henry M., Dec. 26, 1848; George W., Nov. 3, 1850; Mary M., Mrs. T. J. Charles, of Lincoln, Jan. 29, 1854; Theodore M., Jan. 4, 1856, and Ns. F., March 26, 1860.

Our subject remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, which took place Sept. 30, 1866, his bride being Miss Ilelen Miller, who was born in Kentucky and who became the mother of four children : Arthur G., now deceased ; Mabel, Harry M. and Thomas G., the latter of whom is also deceased. Mrs. Helen Horn departed this life at her home in Lancaster County, Jan. 4, 1877.

William R. Horn, on the 25th of November, 1880, entered into a second matrimonial alliance, with Miss Sarah Angdin, who was born in Wood County, Va., June 26, 1846, and came to the West with her father in 1875. She is the daughter of Granville H. and Eleanor (Keller) Augdin. Her parents were both natives of Virginia. Her people were for many generations residents of the Old Dominion, and became residents of Lincoln in 1875. Of this union there are two children-Sylvia E. and William A. Mr. Horn came to Nebraska with his parents in 1854, locating first in Nemaha County, and removing to the city of Lincoln on the 4th of January, 1870. He has a pleasant suburban home on the corner of Randolph and Thirtieth streets, where he owns twenty acres of valuable land and represents property to the amount of $50,000. ITis intention is to subdivide this land into city lots. which will realize a ready sale as the borders of this wealthy and progressive metropolis are steadily en- larging.

The residence of Mr. Horn is finely located, and in point of architectural beauty is an ornament to this part of the city. Without mixing very much in political affairs, he still gives efficient support to

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Republican principles, and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. So- cially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Horn was reared in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, to which she still inclines, and belongs to the society in this city.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 37

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

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