Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 63

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

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After marriage the parents of our subject lo- cated npon a farm in the above county, of which the elder Spellman in due time became owner, at the same time also owning and operating an iron furnace and a store of general merchandise. He was suc- cessful in his labors and business transactions, and continued a resident of the Buckeye State until about 1863, then, resolving to push on further westward. he crossed the Mississippi into Clayton County, Iowa, and there also carried on general merchandising for a period of five years. Upon selling out again he came to Nebraska, and pur- chased land from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, which later he sold to his son, our subject, and removing to Cortland, Gage County, is there spending his declining years retired from active labor, and with his estimable wife, in the enjoyment of a competence. Both have passed their threescore years, during which they have built up for themselves a good record as hard- working, honest people, who have striven to do their duty wherever in life they have been placed. Both are members in good standing of the United Brethren Church.

Our subject is one of the younger members of a large family, four sons and six daughters, seven of whom are living and are residents mostly of Ne- braska. He was a little lad nine years of age wlien his parents came to this State, and completed his education in the schools of Centerville. Ile was early in life taught those habits of industry and ! meaning of the word orphan, he began a new chap-

principles of honor which form the basis of every worthy character, and, like his father before him, is one of the most highly esteemed citizens in his community. Ile worked with his father until ap- proaching his majority, and when ready to establish domestic ties of his own was united in marriage, at the home of the bride in Centerville, March 31, 1881. to Miss Lydia Bohl.

The wife of our subject was born near Musca- tine, Iowa, Jan. 21, 1862, and came with her father, Nicholas Bobl, to Nebraska when a young child. Her parents are now living in this State. Her edu- cation was completed in the schools of Centerville Precinct, of which her father is a prominent resi- dent and successful farmer. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children- George N., Nellie and IIenry. Mrs. Spellman attends the German Methodist Church. and our sub- jeet, politically, is a solid Republican.

NSON S. WILLIAMS. a resident of section 21, Yankee Hill Precinct, is a native of Hampshire County, Mass., and was born Feb. 7, 1840. When Yankee Hill was yet but little known, and its broad acres were yet un- tilled, when the settlers were so few that their num- bers could be counted upon the fingers, our subject first made his home here, and is therefore one of the pioneers of the district.

Mr. Williams' family are descendants from the Puritanie and liberty-loving New Englanders, who have transmitted tendencies and influences whiel, though often misdirected and confined by mistaken religious zeal and bigotry. contain within themselves the settled powers that under other circumstances go to produce the American character, which is at once known and respected throughout both hemi- spheres. Ile is the son of Morris and Clarissa Williams, but it was his ever-to-be-mourned mis- fortune and irreparable loss that they were removed by the hand of death while he was but six years of age. Left alone, hardly realizing the meaning of the thickness of the dark cloud which now over- shadowed his young life. beginning to learn the

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ter in his life's history, and went to reside with his uncle. Spencer Searl.

This gentleman was a brother of Mrs. Williams, who, prompted by affection to his sister, and the «lesolate helplessness of her child, did his best to fill the void occasioned by her death. and for nine years gave him such opportunities and training as were within his power. At fifteen years of age he went to live with his sister, Mrs. Sarah Lyman, in Mas- sachusetts, and continued with her until he was about eighteen. At that time he was engaged as clerk in a store, and continued in that occupation for several years. By striet attention to business and its details, he gave general satisfaction, and re- ceived promotion. He next entered, for part of the years 1864 and 1865, the office of the Quarter- master, as clerk in the Army of the Potomac, and when the necessities of the case rendered further service here unnecessary, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in the city of Chicago, IN., forming a part- nership, and doing business under the firm name of Williams & Stoddard. Snecess again attended his efforts, which were, however, limited to a period of two years.

In 1868 our subject journeyed West, and bought 160 acres of land, for which he paid $10 per acre, on section 21 of this precinct, which comprises the farm upon which he is still a resident. In the un- tamed land which formed the new objeet of his en- ergies, he found sufficient demands for his best thought and persevering efforts. The difficulties which were to be overcome, the unceasing toil de- manded, were simply those common to all who en- ter into a new country, where for the first time the lordship of the man is asserted, and his scepter demands submission. There were large calls upon his self-denial and endurance in these earlier years of the combat with untamed Nature, and when these were overcome new difficulties presented themselves, of which, perhaps. the most noteworthy would be the plague of grasshoppers and drouth.

Our subject has certainly achieved success in both business and agricultural life, more especially when we remember the surroundings and happenings of his early life. IIe was married, Nov. 27, 1873, to a lady of rare culture, possessing the rare and amiable qualities which are the charins of true wom-

anhood. This lady, Mary C. Brown, is a daughter of Samuel and Mary J. Brown, all natives of Ohio. The fruit of their union was George L., born Sept. 12, 1875; Homer D., born June 10, 1877; Watson born July 6, 1885; an infant, Frank A., born May 23, 1888; Ella, born Sept. 22, 1880, died March 14, 1887; Ralph A., born March 21, 1882. died Feb. 13, 1887; and Myron, born Oct. 25, 1883, died Ang. 22, 1887.

Mr. Williams holds a very high place in the es- teem of the best citizens, and for nine years has served faithfully and with much satisfaction to the community, teachers and others concerned, as School Director. He is a member in good stand- ing of the order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which, locally, he holds a first place. His life evidences that he has endeavored to order his life according to the designs marked out by the Grand Master of the craft upon His trestle board. His political aspirations and sympathies are upon the line of Republicanism, which party aeknowl- edges him a friend and supporter.

Mr. Williams has watched the development of the county and this section of the State with keen interest, and nothing which looks toward its im- provement and advancement is neglected by him ; every project and enterprise commended by wis- dom as practicable receive at all times his heartiest co-operation and support.

R OBERT McDEVITT. Among the farmers of North Bluff worthy of the name repre- sentative, both as a citizen and business man, is the subject of the present writing, a native of Ireland, of Irish parentage. His prop- erty is situated on section 26, and is in every re- gard well cultivated, and supplied with the various implements and machines for its careful and intel- ligent cultivation ; of this the reader will be better assured by a careful consideration of the view of the residence and its environments which has been so faithfully portrayed by the artist.

The father of our subject. James McDevitt, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, about 1818, and all his life followed the occupation of farming.

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Ifis life partner and companion was Mary Arnold, to whom he was married in the year 1839. She was the daughter of Robert and Sarah (McCowin) Arnold. They were natives of Ireland, and of the same county. The family circle includes four children, of whom our subject is the only one living. The names of his brothers and sisters were IIugh, Mary Ann and Susan, whose remains lie in the cemetery of their native town, as do also those of their father. Mrs. MeDevitt contracted a second alliance in 1852, and became the wife of John McClusky, of Glasgow, by whom there was one child born. Her second husband died in the year 1855. and his widow resides with our subject in Lancaster County, having come to this country in 1854.

The subject of this sketeh was born Nov. 12. 1842, in County Donegal, in the northern part of the Emerald Isle, one of the counties included in the Province of Ulster. In 1854, in company with his mother and step-father, he came to the United States and made his home in Connecticut, where he resided until the year 1858. In that year they re- moved to Cass County, in this State, and entered land for farm work. After about eight years spent in this way our subjeet came to North Bluff of this county, and bought a farm of 440 acres on Salt Creek, and has continued ever since to make it his home. The first experience in Cass County for our subject was not at all enviable. He contracted malarial trouble almost immediately upon arrival, and suffered every day for almost seven months the effects of this difficulty, which shook not only the body, but also undermined the constitution. At the early period of settlement the white man was by no means so secure as now from Indian interference and outrage, and many recitals might be given for instance in this line.

Mr. MeDevitt was most happily married to Miss Kate Daily, at Lincoln, in 1868. This lady is endowed with much womanly grace, and in every way competent to make the life and home of he hus- band complete. She is the daughter of James and Ann (Scott) Daily. Her mother was a native of Mayo, born in the year 1823; her Father was born in County Kerry in 1813, where he made his home until he came to Canada, in 1830. Eighteen years after this he was married, and the result of the union was

a family of seven children, six of whom are living. Their names are recorded as follows: John, now of Denver, Col .; Michael, living at Leadville, in the same State; Kate, the wife of our subject; James, who is living at Cheyenne; Sarah, now Mrs. James McLaughlin, a prosperous farmer in Wyo- ming, and Ellen, married and living in Boston, Mass.

The wife of our subject was born Dec. 20, 1852, at Tippecanoe, Ind., and was married upon her birthday in the year 1868. So far from being wealthy at this time, our subject was compelled to borrow $10 from a friend to cover the matri- monial expenses. The service which made them lawful man and wife was performed in Lincoln, by the clergy of the Catholic Church. After this our subject handled lumber from Plattsmouth and Omaha to Nebraska City. The lumber to build his house cost him $80 per 1,000 feet, exclusive of hauling.

In 1870 Mr. MeDevitt bought 120 acres from his mother. The first crops upon this land they cut with a cradle and threshed it on a rail floor, and screened it with the wind. It was then hauled to Nebraska City and sold for thirty-five cents a bushel, and the trip with oxen took five days to make. For several years they raised only what grain they required for their own use, but when wheat came up to $1.50 a bushel they were enabled to raise a large crop and dispose of it profitably. He then bought eighty acres of land from the State, and subsequently another eighty, both at the rate of $8 per acre.

As remarked, the special attention of our subject is given to stock-raising. He is the owner of a nice herd of high-grade stock, besides other less val- uable cattle. Hogs, also, he raises in large numbers, but next to his cattle is most particular in regard to horses. Of these he has some splendid speci- mens, and a good foundation is already established therein. For fifteen years our subject has been School Director of his district, and Supervisor for nearly eleven. Both he and his family are devoted members of the Catholic Church at Lincoln, where they are most highly esteemed. In politics he was for many years a Republican, but latterly, for rea- sons satisfactory to himself, has crossed to the plat-

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form of the Democratic party, and as he is a man of shrewd intelligence and unquestionable integrity. he retains the respect of his okl friends, at the same time enjoys that of the new. A certain political leader upon being twitted by an opponent on ae- count of his change of opinion and policy, remarked in substance, that the only possible reason his friend was so staneh in his adherence could be, that his opinion was borrowed and his mind a nonentity. The only man who can change is he who has some- thing to change; this is, therefore, a sign of ad- vancement and progress, rather than retrogression.

REDERICK HERPOLSHEIMER. Almost every man has his hobby, and hobbies are almost a necessity in the nature of things. Like almost everything else, there are hobbies and hobbies; some harmful and injurious, others inno- cent and beneficial. Seldom is Prussia thought of without a passing reference from memory's inex- haustible collection concerning Prussia's great Emperor, Frederick, and his hobby, as expressed in his world-renowned guards of colossal stature. We are not so likely, however, to remember what is equally true, that many of the citizens of this Re- public, who stand head and shoulders above their fellows in those qualities which go to make the noblest manhood and most loyal and patriotic citi- zen, are of that Empire or descendants of Prussian parents.

Our subjeet, whose stock farm is situated on sec- tion 31, Denton Precinct, was born May 16, 1838. in the above-named country, and is the son of Christian and Anna Herpolsheimer. His mother died in St. Joseph County, Ind., in the year 1885. When our subject was eleven years of age his par- ents emigrated to this country, and Milwaukee, Wis., was the first place of residence, and in that city they continued for three years. At the end of that time a removal was effected to St. Joseph County, Ind., where the father of our subject settled upon a farm. Ilis son Frederick received his education in the common schools of that county, and continued to make his home with his parents until he arrived at the age of full manhood. He

has, however. always considered the mental dis- cipline and schooling of youth as initiatory and introductory to the years of larger opportunity and experience, and accordingly his life has been marked with a desire for knowledge, and books have been his constant companions and instructors.

In August of the year 1860, our subject enlisted in the 2d Regiment of the United States Infantry, of the regular army. His army experience extends over a period of five years, and is full of thrilling ineidents. Ile was an active participant in fourteen major engagements. Among these might be men- tioned Malvern Hill, Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Bull Run (second), Yorktown, Shepherdstown Ford, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, bat- tle of the Wilderness, Ann River and Cold Harbor, besides a large number of minor engagements and skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in the month of August, 1865, returned home for a short time, and then went to Iowa and took a farm on rental, in Pottawattamie County.

New York City was the next scene of labor, and here our subject was engaged as superintendent in a manufacturing business. In the month of December, 1867, he engaged with his brother-in- law, George Zucker, with whom he remained for a period of twelve years, and after that returned to St. Joseph County, Ind., where he made his home for about eighteen months. From Indiana he came to this State, and located in Lincoln in the year 1880, and the following spring settled upon his present farm, which comprises an entire section, or 640 acres of arable land, which is kept in splendid condition, and in every portion and department indieates the superintendence of an intelligent, care- ful master-mind.

Shortly after leaving the army, in the year 1865, the subject of this sketch bade farewell to the soli- tary pleasures of celibacy, and became the husband of Catherine Butz, a lady in every way congenial, and by education, culture and refinement capable of making the home bright with the sunlight of af- fection, and healthful with the pure atmosphere of ennobling moral principles. There were born to them ten children, eight of whom are still living and bear an honorable part in life. After a happy union of twenty years the guiding star of this mortal house-

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hold and happy home bade husband and children a last adien, and departed to take her place in the home which knows no sadness or parting, whither her two children, Mary and Henry, had preceded her. Those still living are Anne, Emma, Lizzie, Frederick, Katie, Louisa, Daniel and Minnie. The eldest daughter is the wife of Henry Haase, and Emma is married to Federick Ilaase, both residents of this precinet.

Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which communion he was brought up, and has always remained faithful. Realizing the importance of the advancement of society, and the elevation of the community, he is earnestly in favor of every measure, organization or society which has these objects in view. As a loyal citizen and public- spirited man he is second to none in his district. Although living solitary and alone since the death of his wife, the happy influence of the years spent in her company is still with our subject and his family, and without doubt can be traced in the his- tory of to-day, for she left behind a memory which still has its charm among many beyond the narrow cirele of her household, and a wealth of affection more happy and enduring than any funeral cenotaph. In matters political Mr. Herpolsheimer is attached to the principles of the Democratic party, although in nowise slavishly held to its ticket unless he can do so with the full indorsement of his conscience, intelligence and moral conviction. When either of these opposes he exercises his right to place his suf- frage where the nation or State will be most bene- fitted, and the happiness of the largest number assured.

DELBERT W. REDDISH. The splendid farm of the subject of this sketch is a stand- ing monument to his industry and enter- prise, and attests fully the leading points of his character. It is finely located on section 32, Yankee Hill Precinct, of which Mr. Reddish has been a resident since 1879, locating upon his land in the pioneer days. He first homesteaded eighty acres, and being prospered, in due time added eighty more, so that he now has a quarter-section, which under his judicious management yields in abun-

dance the richest crops of Southern Nebraska. In the growth and development of Lancaster County Mr. Reddish has been no unimportant factor, his very example itself proving a stimulus to the men about him.

Our subject was cradled over forty-six years ago, in Wyoming County, N. Y., his birth occurring on the 7th of May, 1842. The son of Iliram J. and Eliza M. (Watkins) Reddish, he sprang from one of the best families in Wyoming County, who trace their ancestry back to the Highlands of Scotland. Ilis paternal grandfather, John Reddish, carried a musket in the War of 1812, and spent his last years in Warsaw, N. Y.

To Hiram and Eliza Reddish there were born ten children, nine of whom are still living: Mary is the wife of James Thomas, of Saunders County, this State; Allen C. is farming in Yankee Hill Pre- cinet, this county ; Ortiville H. continues in Wyo- ming County, N. Y .; Adelbert W. was the fourth child of the family; Edgar W. lives near the old homestead in Wyoming County; Charles M. is a commercial traveler; Frank O., Eugene A., and Florence, the wife of E. D. F. Miller, continue resi- dents of their native county.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent mostly upon a farm, and he received a fair educa- tion in the common school. In the fall of 1861, soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, he en- listed in Company A, 9th New York Cavalry, and was present at twenty-six engagements with the enemy, being in the battle at Petersburg, the seven- days fight in the Wilderness, at Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fredericksburg, operating entirely in Vir- ginia and Maryland. Although experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, and having a horse killed under him at Winchester, he fortunately came out un- harmed from his army experience, receiving his honorable discharge in July, 1865, and was mus- tered out as a Corporal, being promoted soon after his enlistment.

Upon becoming a civilian Mr. Reddish returned to his native State, where he occupied himself at farming, making preparations to establish a home of his own. On the 27th of February, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Marian C. Ran- ney, who was born in Genesee County, and was the

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daughter of Ozias and Abigal Ranney, who were natives of New York State, and spent their last years in New York. ITis union resulted in the birth of two children : Oscar D., who was born Aug. 17, 1875, and Clarence V., Aug. 9, 1879.

Mr. Reddish, in March, 1879, turned his face to- ward the Mississippi, and coming to this county, took up his residence in the manner already de- scribed. He is intimately acquainted with the hard- ships and privations of life in a new country, and has witnessed with warm interest the growth and development of Southern Nebraska. He has con- tributed his quota to the march of progress by building up one of its most desirable homesteads, which not only reflects eredit upon himself, but adds to the value of property around him. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and, with his estimable wife, is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To those enter- prises which have been set on foot having for their object the general welfare of the people, he has been a cordial supporter, and given of his means as he was able to every good cause.

THEODORE HORN. The thrifty German element which has always been existent in the West since the opening up of the coun- try to settlement, is working its impress upon this State as upon all others, and finds one of its most worthy representatives in the subject of this sketch. lle came to Nebraska in 1880, and located upon his present farm in Yankee Hill Precinet, where he has operated with the perseverance and industry common to the men of his nationality, and has met with the results which legitimate labor invariably brings. A substantial roof now shelters his head, while around him are fertile fields, which yield a generous ineome and promise case and comfort for his later days.

Our subject first opened his eyes to the light in what was formerly the Kingdom, but is now the Prussian Province, of Hanover, on the 28th of April, 1835, and continued upon his native soil until he was thirteen years of age. Then, with his father's family, he started for America. They took

passage on a sailing-vessel at the port of Bremen, and landed in New York City after an ocean voy- age of seven weeks and three days. At once pro- ceeding directly westward to Illinois, they located in LaSalle County, where the father engaged as a tiller of the soil, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. The mother only lived eight years after coming to this country, her death taking place in 1858. The father survived his part- ner a period of twenty-six years, passing away in 1884, at an advanced age.

The parents of our subject, Charles and Hattie (Behines) Horn, were of pure German ancestry, and their family included two children. Theodore continued with his parents in LaSalle County, Ill., and was there married, Sept. 8, 1856, to Miss Bibi- ana Klotz, a native of his own country, who came to America with her father. Mr. Horn followed his trade of carpenter until 1880, and in the spring of that year, deciding upon a change of location, crossed the Mississippi into this State and located on his present farm. He has eighty acres of good land, which property he has accumulated by his own persevering industry, having nothing at the time of starting out for himself. His household in- cluded in due time eight healthy and intelligent children, who were named respectively : Charles G., Amel, Hattie, Theodore, Jr., Oscar, Emma, George and Otto. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen, Mr. Horn identified himself with the Re- publiean party, and is one of the oldest members of that following in the United States, having cast his vote for Fremont in 1856, at the time of its organization. Coming from a land which had no sympathy with human slayery, he was from first to last totally averse to the peculiar institution, and during its existence was never backward in express- ing his opinion. His father before him was also a decided Abolitionist, and in religious matters a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 63

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

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