Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 51

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

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They possessed in a full measure those typical char- acteristies of the Scotch which make them such de- sirable citizens, and they were alike esteemed and honored by all in their neighborhood. They were the parents of nine children, six boys and three girls, of whom John, our subject, was the second. Ile entered school at the age of five, and continued his attendance in that institution of learning until he had attained his twelfth year, when he went to learn the trade of tailor.

Ilaving completed his trade, being then eighteen years old, our subject left the heaths and hills of his native Scotland to accompany his parents to their future home in America, and for some years thereafter was a resident of Canada. For two years he traveled as a journeyman tailor, and two years later, when he was twenty-four years of age, he married Miss IInghina Monroe, a native of Scot- land, born in the same neighborhood as himself. After marriage Mr. Morrison worked at his trade in Canada until 1858. In the fall of that year he crossed the line and came to the "States," proceed- ing to Chicago, Ill., where he was employed for two years as a cutter in the tailoring establishment of George Mckean, with whom he remained until July, 1860. He then visited some friends in Iowa, and from there started on a trip on his own ac- count, and brought up at a place called Lansing, where he made his home until 1869. Mr. Morrison then came to Nebraska and established himself as a merchant tailor in Lincoln, where he has since built up an extensive business and secured a fine class of custom. Our subject is a good example of the self-made men of this country who have raised themselves from poverty to affluence by their own unaided exertions; commencing life without means, by industry and devotion to his business he has acecumulated a good property.

Shortly after coming here our subject had the misfortune to lose the devoted wife who had been his companion from the early days to his manhood, and by her calm counsels and ready assistance had greatly aided him in his struggles for independence. Hers was the first body laid at rest in the cemetery at Lincoln. Of that marriage four children were born, all of whom are married and comfortably settled in life. Mr. Morrison was united in marriage

to Mrs. Frances Wagner, nee Raney, Nov. 3, 1871. She is a native of Knox, Ill., and by this marriage one son, John D., aged thirteen, has been born. Mr. Morrison and his estimable wife are justly held in high regard for their substantial worth by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and their cosy home is the center of that true hospitality which knows well how to "welcome the coming, speed the parting guest." Mr. Morrison is one of the leading members of the K. of P. of this State, having been Grand Chancellor of the State of Nebraska, and is now Past Grand Chancellor; he is also prominently identified with the I. O. O. F., having joined that organization when a young man residing in the Province of Ontario, and he has held the position of Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge. In politics, he is a straight Republican in both State and Na- tional matters. Mr. Morrison is widely and favor- ably known through his many years' residence here, and his strictly honorable course and his just and honest dealings have inspired the confidence of his fellow-citizens.

G EORGE PETER. The Postmaster of Prince- town, Neb., is a son of Jacob and Savilla Peter. A sketch of his parents is given on another page in this volume. He was born at the homestead in Pike County, Ohio, on the 2d of Sep- tember, 1845. Ile received his education and was reared to manhood in his native county, and after- ward initiated into the technique of agricultural pursuits. With his parents he removed to Illinois, resided there until 1869, then came to this county and homesteaded eighty aeres of land, also pre- empted a similar amount in Buda Precinct. Here he settled among the earlier pioneers, and has done a great deal toward the development of this section of country.

While residing in Ohio Mr. Peter was attracted by the beautiful character and happy disposition of Miss Margaret Byron, and these qualities, supple- mented by her eminent fitness to throw around the place of residence that mystie charm which makes the difference between a mere "stopping-place" and home, decided our subject to win her. These

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matters being arranged to their mutual satisfaction, they were united in wedlock in March, 1866. There have been born of this union five children. of whom, however, two only are living, and they have re- ceived the names William E. and Emma S.

Mrs. Margaret Peter was called upon to leave her husband and family on the 28th of July, 1874. About five years later our subject entered into a second alliance, and became the husband of Harriet Ritter on the 18th of July, 1879. She has pre- sented him with a daughter, who has been christened Mary A.

Mr. Peter has occupied the chair of Justice of the Peace with honor and even-handed justice, and also served as Constable of Buda Precinct, as School Moderator, and since the spring of 1886 has re- tained his present position of Postmaster, which he is filling with much efficiency and the general appreciation of the people. He has been a consist- ent member of the Democratic party, and is among its most active supporters.

The family of which our subject is a member is well represented by him. It is one of the old pio- neer families, having been in the country from its earlier growth, and at the same time one of the most honorable, loyal and patriotic. In these qualities Mr. Peter is by no means lacking, and is the recip- ient, consequently, of the heartiest confidence and esteem of the community. Ile is socially connected with the membership of Livingston Lodge No. 56, A. F. & A. M., at Firth, Neb., and has evidently endeavored to bring into his life, both public and private, the lessons he has learned at its altar, and at the right hand of the Master. The gavel has been used for its legitimate purpose, and the trowel not neglected or allowed to lie in idleness.

C HARLES POTTINGER, whose farm is situ- ated on section 8, Elk Precinct, of this county, is a native of old England, and was born in the parish of Lambeth, in which, also, his father was ushered into life. The name is singu- larly suggestive, and carries the thought back to the days when Lambeth and Vanxhall were some- thing more than minor parts of the vast city of

London, and when Chelsea, immediately opposite, with its beautiful promenade along the river front, was still a place sought after by the highest digni- taries and aristocrats. But, like Cheyenne Walk, Lambeth has to write over its portals, "Ichabod"- the glory is departed-Lambeth, for so many centu- ries a synonym for the palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the site of many notable scenes.

The day of our subject's nativity was Feb. 6, 1842. As soon as he had arrived at a possible age he received his education in the Lambeth schools, and afterward became an assistant to his father in his business as a butcher, in which he continued until he came to this country as a young man of about twenty-eight years of age. While in London he continued working at his trade for different per- sons until the year 1865, when he started in busi- ness for himself, in which he was rewarded by con- siderable prosperity. When he started for this country in the year 1870, it was with no very defi- nite plan, and he came almost direct to Nebraska City, where he continued to follow his okl calling, and accordingly opened a meat-market, which he continued with growing success for about three years, when he returned to England and remained until 1879, still following the same business. That year saw him back again in this country, and the following year (1880) he settled upon his present farm, which then comprised but eighty acres, but owing to his assidnous application and energy, he has been so successful that to-day it includes 240 acres. The farm is well situated and improved, and has the Little Elk Creek winding its way through it. giving him a good water supply for his cattle and stock.

Our subject was married, in 1865, to Mary Ann Hoff, a native of the Isle of Jersey. The father of our subject bore the given name of Christopher, and spent his early life in the above parish, and as an apprentice made the acquaintance of the intricacies of his business, which he continued to follow for many years, but no longer caring to carry on busi- ness as a butcher, he opened a green-grocer's shop, his stock in trade comprising the varied products of the market garden, including vegetables of all kinds. from the staple potato to the most transient salad material, and also, inclusive, in their season,

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of fruits and flowers. This varied stock would be purchased either direet from the market gardener, of whom there are many adjacent to the more west- ern suburbs of the city, or at the world-renowned Covent Garden market. This business was quite profitable to him, and he continued therein until his death, in the year 1866. Ilis wife, the mother of our subject, was Ann (Cullenburn) Pottinger, wilo was born in Whitechapel, London, and after see- ing her family grow to maturity and start well in life, died at Lambeth, in the year 1879. Besides our subjeet. who was the youngest of the family, there were two daughters.

From surroundings and influences not the most favorable, and with little help from others, our sub- jeet has fought his way to his present position, which, if not that of wealth. is inclusive of mueh that is eminently satisfactory in the line of finan- cial and social advancement, all the result of his own energy, push and labor. In politics, Mr. Pottinger is a Republican.

IRAM SHELDON, of Grant Precinet, eame to Nebraska in the fall of the year 1870, and purchased 160 acres of land on seetion 32. llere he has made good improvements. and given his attention entirely to farming and stock-raising. He is popular among his neigh- bors, is thoroughly reliable as a business man, and secured the property which he now enjoys solely through the exercise of his own industry.

John Sheldon, the father of our subject, was a native of Washington County, N. Y., and married Miss Polly Betts, also a native of the Empire State. They settled in Chautauqua County, where they became the parents of four sons and four daughters. and spent their entire lives engaged in farming pur- suits. Hiram, our subjeet, was the sixth child of the family, and was born in Carroll, Chautauqua County, Aug. 30, 1824. When of suitable years he began assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and was employed also in a sawmill. Later he served an apprenticeship at the earpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of twenty years in

his native State, and until coming to the farther West.

Our subjeet was married in his native county, Nov. 9, 1848, to Miss HIelen Beardsley, who was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Nov. 26. 1828. Iler parents, Hezekiah and Lois A. (Collins) Beards- ley, were also natives of New York. The father was a farmer by ocenpation, and died in Oneida County. The mother spent her last years in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon commeneed life together in Chantanqua County, and of their union there are seven children, the eldest of whom, Selah H., is a business man of Kansas City, Mo .; Perlit S. and Lainer A. are earpenters by trade, and located at Lincoln; Carson H., also of Lincoln; Florinda II. is the wife of S. M. Benner, of Holyoke, Col .; Arthur R. remains at home with his parents; Anna M. died in New York State when an interesting child of thirteen years.

The children of Mr. Sheldon have been well reared and trained to habits of industry and self- reliance, while at the same time there have been in- stilled into their minds the principles of honor and integrity without which there cannot be formed a true and upright character. The family is looked upon as one of the best in the community, and Mr. Sheldon has been quite prominent in local affairs, serving as School Treasurer for a period of six years. Politically, he is independent, aiming to support the men best qualified to look after the interests of the people.

Mrs. Sheldon has proved the worthy partner of this reputable citizen, and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ACOB PETER, deceased. One of the lead- ing, most prosperous and reliable citizens of Buda Precinct, prior to his demise, was the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He was born in York County, Pa., on Sept. 15. 1820, to George and Catherine Peter, both natives of Pennsylvania. When about five years of age, his parents migrated to Guernsey County, Ohio, where the family were among the first to set- tle. Ilere our subjeet spent his earlier years and

J. L. Porter.

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was reared to manhood. He was married in Ohio, on the 12th of January, 1843, to Miss Savilla Egger, who was born in Monroe County, that State, on the 24th of October, 1822, to Samuel and Susanna Egger. Her father was a native of Switzerland; her mother of Mifflin County, Pa. ITer father had emigrated to this country in the seventeenth year of the present century, here settled, and afterward married. Of six children who were born to them five survived. The names are as here recorded- Savilla, Mary, Nancy, Rebecca, Noah, and Jacob (deceased). To Mr. and Mrs. Peter have been given three children : Mary E., born Dec. 23, 1843, died in 1876; George, born in 1845; and Saloma, Sept. 12, 1858.

For about two years after his marriage our sub- ject made his home in Guernsey County, Ohio, after that for quite a number of years in Pike County, and then in Tazewell County, Ill. In 1870, ae- companied by his family, he came to this county, purchasing 240 acres of railroad land, for which he paid $11 per acre. The difference in the present condition and that at the time of his settlement is the difference between the wild, rough prairie and the well-cultivated, carefully tilled farm, the result of unremitting effort and intelligently bestowed labor. Throughout the whole of his wedded life he greatly prized his home and its relations, and found in his wife a true helpmate and faithful compan- ion ; very frequently, indeed, she inspired him to re- newed effort and ultimate success.

Mr. Peter left to his wife and family a home upon 320 aeres of land, with all the usual buildings well built and in good repair, and upon his death the loss was felt by a large number outside the family circle, for the community seemed to realize that in him it had lost one of its best friends. In the Civil War our subject served for about two months, and although his term of service was short he saw considerable fighting, and was so severely wounded in the battle of Franklin as to necessitate the ampu- tation of his right arm. Upon leaving the service he was honorably discharged, and continued his feeling of patriotism and loyalty until the last.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter were members of the C'on- gregational Church, and were regarded among the most devoutly consistent of the communion. In

politieal matters he was connected with the Demo- cratie party, and was always deeply interested in every question which concerned the welfare of the people, consulting this and the ability of the official candidate, and governing his actions accordingly. Mrs. Peter, the widow of our subjeet, still resides at the homestead on section 23, in company with her daughter, and enjoys in this home the fruits of trouble and labor of previous years. In addition to this property she is the owner of 430 acres of land in her own right. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peter were ac- corded the highest esteem and fullest confidence of all who knew them, and the widow of our subject is the recipient of the deepest sympathy in the sor- row that has darkened her life.

AMES L. PORTER. In entering upon act- ive business life, some men find their path- way marked out, smoothed and rolled like a tennis lawn; others find it rough and rocky like a mountain path. One of the latter is the sub- ject of this sketch; nevertheless, he has faced the rocks, and has struggled upward despite all the rug- gedness and difficulty, snatching success from the clutch of defeat. llis grandfather, Adam Porter, was born in England, but came to America while yet a young man, accompanied by two brothers, who settled in New England. To him, however, Maryland seemed to offer greater advantages; there he took a traet of land. cleared a farm, and con- tinned to reside thereon, making from time to time such improvements as he saw were wise and within his power, until, at the ripe age of ninety years, he passed to his long home.

At this homestead was born John Porter, the father of James L., and its surroundings formed the environment of his childhood, youth and early married life. In after years this home was also the birthplace of the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch.

In the year 1830 John Porter and his family, which included his wife and seven children, started westward, and two wagons drawn by their six horses were sufficient to convey their belongings to their prospective home. Traveling by day, encamping

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in some inviting nook by night, as they journeyed in this somewhat primitive way, they presently arrived, without meeting, as far as is known, any special incident or any adventure, in Montgomery County, Ind. The land of this district, although heavily timbered, was rich and fertile, promising abundant recompense for any labor intelligently directed that might be bestowed upon it. Ilere, then, the family determined to settle, and procured a tract of land about eight miles from Crawfords- ville. Speedily trees were felled, logs were hewn, and a primitive mortar manufactured. Then, with strong hands and hopeful hearts, they raised their cabin-the home in the wilderness. That pioneer home presented a striking contrast, we would not say to the palatial residences upon the boulevards of our great cities, but the present pioneer homes of such districts as Montana, Dakota or Idaho. Its furniture, like its walls, doors and roof, was the work of their own hands, and a thousand and one conveniences and necessaries, as we call them, were conspicuous by their absence. Nevertheless, it was, in the truest sense, "home."

Of work there was plenty for each and all to do. The fathers and sons were employed, even to the youngest, in clearing and preparing the ground for the reception of seeds and cuttings, the mother, besides her household and dairy work, in spinning and weaving material for clothing and other pur- poses. At that time deer, wild turkeys, and a large variety of other game, abounded in the district; naturally, therefore, James became a very expert hunter, and doubtless learned in this school lessons of self-control, caution, taet and patience, no less valuable because not learned, as were his other lessons, from a well-thumbed speller and reader in the log school-house. School-house, did we say ? It were hard to recognize in that little log cabin, with its rough door and rougher benches, an in- stitution of learning; and yet, 'tis even so, and, day by day, the sunlight struggled to gain an entrance through the oiled paper that served for a window. if, by any chance, it might aid in illuminat- ing the undeveloped but capable intelligences there present, many of them destined to make their mark in the days of larger opportunity and horizon.

When twenty-five years of age James L. Porter

left home for Missouri, where he made good prog- gress, working as a carpenter in Lawrence County. He continued to reside in that State for some twelve years, and in 1851 proceeded to Iowa, where he purchased a tract of wild prairie land in Harrison County, and gave his attention to agricultural pur- suits. Having built his house and farm buildings, he made various and important improvements from time to time, and continued to make that his place of residence until 1866, when he sold out and came to Nebraska. This removal, similar to that of his earlier recollections, was made in primitive style, by team, for, unlike the pioneer of the present date, he found no bands of steel, lightning express and vestibule train, to carry him to the door of his "claim shanty." He now bought land west of Lin- eoln, but after a time took up a homestead four miles south of Lincoln, living first in a sod house until he could erect more substantial buildings. Upon this farm he continued to make his home until the fall of 1870, when he again sold out, and settled where he now resides, on section 29, Middle Creek Precinct.

In Phebe McMullen, a native of Ohio, Mr. Por- ter found a lady who possessed every qualification to adorn his home and complete his life's interest. Accordingly they were married Sept. 29, 1842. They are both members of the Primitive Methodist Church, in which communion they find congenial surroundings and thought, which harmonize with their religious convictions. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of six children, three of whom are living, named as follows: John R., Francis M. and Seyrus N .; the two last-named are married, and live in Middle Creek Preeinet.

As we have already noted, as a necessary result of his pioneer life, the educational advantages en- joyed by Mr. Porter were very few and limited in scope, but being the happy possessor of a studious mind, logical thought and retentive memory, we see him grasping every opportunity, using the same to the fullest extent, until he has educated himself for business and social life, not forgetting also fit- ness for the duties and responsibilities of citizen- ship. His orchards are among the finest in the country, containing upward of 300 well-selected trees. In addition, he has also an extensive seed

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and tree nursery, for the products of which he finds a ready market. Mr. Porter is one of the oldest settlers in this section of country, for at the time of his settlement there were but two or three buildings on the present site of the city of Lincoln. Where are now busy streets was then the home of the antelope, the prairie dog, and other creatures found on the western prairie in its natural state,

Being one of the representative men of this county, we take pleasure in presenting Mr. Porter's portrait in connection with this sketch.

OHN WILLIAM BLIZZARD. Of the pro- fessions in which men engage none requires a more thorough and complete preparation and course of training than that which has for its basis materia medica, Besides the cultiva- tion of the intellectual faculties there should be a cultivation of those virtues which are innate in every true and noble heart, for the physician must not so much prepare to mingle in the society of those well-balanced and fortunate men and women who know not physical ailments, as that he shall prepare to minister to all phases of distress and wretchedness. When the body is racked with pain, how sensitive to outward influences does it become, and what odd fancies do the mental faculties enter- tain! With what confidence does that physician inspire the distressed patient and his friends, who possesses a truly refined and cheerful demeanor and is kindly solicitous for the comfort of the invalid! His step light, his voice pleasantly modulated, cheerful and sympathetic, his touch firm and gentle, with unboasting but well-grounded confidence in self, he is a welcome friend and confidant.

An honor to the profession of which we have been speaking and a model to those beginning the practice is Dr. Blizzard, the subject of this sketch, Possessing unusual ability he has qualified himself by thorough study and a successful practice of over twenty years to rank at the head of his profession as a physician and surgeon, He is a son of John and Elizabeth Blizzard, his grandfather having been a native of France. John Blizzard, Sr., was born in South Carolina, and went to Delaware when a young man.

In the War of 1812 he served as a Sergeant at the storming of Georgetown. Elizabeth, his wife, nee Sharp, was a native of Delaware. They settled in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, in 1824. being early pioneers of that county. The husband was a carpenter and ship builder, and he worked at his trade after coming to Bellefontaine. He died in the year 1868, at the ripe age of eighty-two years and three months. His wife survived him for half a score of years, and she too, having by that much passed her "threescore and ten" years, died at the age of eighty in the year 1878.

The subject of our sketch was the youngest of seven children, two girls and five boys, three of whom are living. Bellefontaine was his birthplace, and the date thereof, the 25th of January, 1841. Ile attended the village school and afterward took the completed course at High School. At an early age he decided to prepare himself for the practice of medicine, and with that end in view he began to study with his brother, Dr. S. R. Blizzard. Mean- while the war broke out, and he enlisted on the 13th of April, 1861, for three months' service. lle was mustered in at Columbus, Ohio, and participated in the campaign of Virginia, serving in the Eastern Division of the army in detached service. Ile was mustered out on the 1st of September, and imme- diately upon his release from the duties of a soldier he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. From this college he was graduated with much honor in the class of '64. Immediately after his graduation, with laudable magnanimity he offered his services in behalf of the wounded soldiers of the Union. This generous offer being duly appreciated and accepted, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon, serving with the Army of the East in the field hos- pitals of Virginia.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 51

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

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