Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 66

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

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low, the expenses of the journey would consume nearly the price of a load. Mr. Menlove lived to improve a good farm in the town where he made his home, and he also became the owner of a large and valuable farm of 320 acres in Plum River dis- triet. He spent his last years on his Stephenson County farm, and died respected and lamented by the whole community. His wife, whose maiden name was Miss Mary Pritchard, was also a native of England.

John Menlove, of this sketch, received his edu- cation in the primitive pioneer schools of his native county, which were constructed of hewn logs and fitted up with rude, home-made furniture. As soon as large enough he commenced to assist his father in the farm work. But the same bold, enterprising spirit that had actuated his father to become a pio- neer seemed to have animated him, and in 1867 he determined to go West and seek a location, so in the fall of that year he visited Grundy County, Iowa, and bought a tract of wild prairie land. He then went back to Illinois, and in the spring of 1868 returned to Grundy County with Mr. Ledwith, who had bought land adjoining his, and they built a shanty on their land and kept a bachelors' es- tablishment together. Mr. Menlove's investment proved to be a good one, for in the fall, after hav- ing broken forty acres and commenced a house, he sold his land at a good advance, and the money that he thus secured was the nucleus of his present fortune. He returned to Illinois, and a short time after, in 1869, came to Lincoln and bought property on the corner of Eleventh and P streets, and after spending the following winter in Illinois, he returned in the spring of 1870 to this city, and formed a part- nership with James Ledwith. They erected build- ings on their property on the corner of Eleventh and P streets, and established a feed stable. In a short time they added the livery business, and their means being small they commenced on a humble scale, but they soon increased their stock and did a thriving trade. They afterward added the sale of coal and wood to their business, which they made very profitable. They continued together eight years, when they divided their business and land, our subject taking the livery business and forty-two feet of the north part of the lots. At

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the end of a year and a half he leased the barn and went out of the trade. During that time he had bought a tract of wild land in Hamilton County, which he partly improved, and he then sold, and bought another tract of 320 acres in Saline County. which he has improved into a fine farm, and still owns. In 1879 he bought lots on Q street, and when Eleventh street was laid out these lots faced that thoroughfare, and he erected a busi- ness block on them which he still owns. In 1872 he erected his present substantial, well-appointed residence on Q street, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, his dwelling now in the heart of the city being then on the outskirts, which well illustrates the extremely rapid growth of the city within the last few years. Our subject came here with limited means, but by the exercise of sound judgment and a shrewd business policy he has placed himself among the moneyed and substantial men of the capital city. He is extensively known through his business connections, and is widely respected as possessing in a large degree those qualities which make him a desirable citizen.

The home life of our subject is made pleasant by the presence of a devoted wife, to whom he was married Nov. 28, 1872, and their four chil- dren-Bessie, Stella, Lulu and Edward. Mrs. Men- love was formerly Miss Mary A. Ledwith, a native of Dover, N. J., and a daughter of James and Mary (Carbery) Ledwith, early settlers of Stephen- son County, Ill. Her father improved a valuable farm there, on which he resided until his death. His estimable wife, mother of Mrs. Menlove, still lives on the old homestead.

Le EON G. ANDRESS. Whatever may be the engagements in life, whatever the sphere, it is assuredly true that, however liberal the education may be, there is not one useless part or adjustment to be found. From the Greek or He- brew roots, which have been dug with such painful efforts, to the bewildering concatenation of intrica- cies of Euclid's problems, everything is of use, and the educated man, other things being equal, is the man who is able to engage in new employments or

take up new and difficult tasks successfully. True, occasionally here and there you will come across an uneducated genius, but his power is cramped and warped as compared with what he would be with the enlarged outlook, and developed mental power and training.

Our subject, the owner of a beautiful and well- appointed farm upon section 3, West Oak Precinct, comprising 160 acres of very fine land, devoted to general farming and stock-raising, is the son of George H. Andress, who was born on the shores of Lake Erie, in Lorain County, Ohio, on the 5th of August. 1834. After a schooling obtained in the common institutions of his native town, his educa- tion was completed in Berea College, Ohio, from which he was gradnated in due course. From that he entered upon the duties of his chosen calling, that of farming and stock-raising, giving especial prom- inence to horse-breeding. He became the owner of 23.1 acres of ground, all of which was in later years devoted to this purpose.

Mr. Andress was most happily married to Matilda Elson, who was born Feb. 1, 1837, and their hap- piness has been completed by the birth of three chil- dren, of whom two still live, our subject and his sisters Maud, now Mrs. F. Fowler, of Ohio. Mrs. Andress died Jan. 10, 1868. She was the daughter of Joseph Elson, and was born in the town of Ver- million, Ohio. In 1872 the father of our subject was again married, the lady of his choice being Per- melia Hutchinson.

Leon G. Andress was ushered into life in the town of Henrietta, Lorain Co., Ohio, upon the 13th of March, 1865. He was a careful and earnest stu- dent while in the common school, and equally so when at Oberlin College, where he went to finish his education. At the conclusion of his studies in that institution, he passed a searching examination, and was graduated with honors. He then returned home, and worked with his father until the 1st of April, 1886, when he came to this State, and purchased his present property, which was but slightly im- proved. Although our subject is only about twenty- three years of age, he has taken hold of affairs in a very enterprising and intelligently masterful man- ner. IIe has erected a good frame house, put up a large and conveniently arranged barn and stable,

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set up all the fences, and has the only windmill in the vicinity. He has eighty acres of corn in, all of which he will require for his stock. He is raising hogs on a very extensive scale, and is the owner of a herd of high-grade Herefords and Short-horns, and has a very excellent dairy. Like his father, he is giving special attention to horses, and is the pro- prietor of a super-excellent Hambletonian stallion, registered full-blood. Knowing how greatly the eye assists the perceptive powers, we have inserted a view of the above, which we feel sure will be ap- preciated.

The grandfather of our subject, Carlo Andress, was a native of New York, and came early to Ohio, following the avocation of agriculture all his life. lle departed this life in the year 1871. Ilis son, the father of our subject, was County Treasurer of Lorain in 1886-88, and also Justice of the Peace ever since the earliest recollection of our subject, who bids fair to follow in the footsteps of his hon- ored progenitor.

Mr. Leon Andress is quite popular with the peo- ple around him, and since his eoming to this State has shown marked business ability, which has made all competent judges confident that there is a still greater future before him He is a man of steady habits, of large intellect and well-trained mental power. In politics he follows the most excellent example of his father and grandfather, and affiliates with the Democratic party, and no one who is ac- quainted with him, and watched his career, can fail to believe that among the honored names of this State in days not far distant will be found that of Leon G. Andress.

OSEPH W. WAUGHI, a prominent farmer of Denton Precinct, residing on section 15, is a native of Steuben County, N. Y. Ile was born Dec. 25, 1823. His father and mother, Abraham and Martha Waugh, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and both also of Scotch descent. They had nine children, of whom six are now liv- ing: Joseph W., our subjeet; Sarah, wife of D. S. Pryor, of Rockford, Il. ; Abraham M., also in Rock- ford; Margaret, wife of Lewis Rogers, in Living-

ston County, N. Y .; Martha E., also in Livingston County, and Adelaide, wife of J. D. Revere, of the same place.

Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county, and received a rudimentary education af- forded in the early schools of that day. Hav- ing a great fondness for reading he indulged that liking, and became well informed on general topics of the day. His general knowledge and intel- ligence have aided him materially to follow the pursuit of agriculture, of which he has made a suc- cessful study.

Mr. Waugh was married, in New York State, in 1852, to Diana Woodard, by whom he had one child, Martha, deceased. Ile was a second time married, in Illinois, to Sarah Martin, who bore him two chil- dren : Maggie, wife of Ira Jinders, of Rockford, HI., and Carrie, wife of E. Drake, of Valley County, Neb. In 1872 he married for his third wife Mrs. Margaret Robinson, she being the mother of Mrs. Frank R. Denton by her first marriage. The fruits of this union were two boys-Edgar and Albert.

In 1853 the subject of this sketch quitted his native State, and went to Winnebago County, Ill. Thence he came to this county in 1878, where he has since resided. He is essentially a self-made man in the truest sense of the word. By his industry and careful management he has become the owner of eighty acres of well-improved land. He has served with much credit in some of the school of- fiees of his precinet.

In politics our subject is a Prohibitionist. His views as to general government are liberal and well advanced. He keeps abreast of the times, and favors everything that leads to the improvement and en- lightenment of his country. He is public-spirited, and desires nothing so much as the welfare of the people.

Mrs. Margaret Wangh is a native of Ontario, Canada, the date of her birth being Aug. 8, 1835. She is a daughter of John and Jane Straight, the latter deceased, both natives of Northern Ireland, and of Scotch descent. Her parents emigrated to America early in the thirties, and settled in Canada, where the father still lives. The mother died July 15, 1876. To her parents were born nine children, seven of whom are living: Margaret, Matilda,

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Samuel, David, Elizabeth J., Thomas, John, Mary and Eunice. On the 28th of December, 1852, Mar- garet was married to David Robinson, by whom she had four children, James, John and Mary now living. Shortly after her marriage she removed with her husband to Illinois, his death occurring in that State in 1868. In 1872 she married her pres- ent husband, Mr. Waugh. She is an honored mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, well merit- ing the esteem and good-will of all who know her.

THOMAS HUDDLESTON is one of the far- mers of Denton Precinct, without mention of whom this work would be incomplete. Ile is a native of Lancashire, England, one of the northwestern counties, its coast line washed by the Irish Sea, and as well known throughout the world as the land of the Lancashire clog, whence came the "clog dancers," as from any point of its historical, geographical or commercial importance. The clog will remain identified with Lancashire as the sabot is with France and French peasants.

The birth of our subject occurred on the 11th day of November, 1855. His parents were George and Elizabeth Huddleston, also natives of the same county. There were seven children included in their family circle, six of whom are still living: Mary, now Mrs. T. A. Corvin; Isabella, wife of Daniel Jeffrey; Sarah, who is married to William Hartley ; Jane, who is united to T. J. Wilkinson, all residing in Lancashire. Besides these there are our subject and his brother John, who divides his time and residence between the old country and the new.

No man can be successful in life whose mind is not developed by some educational process. This may be received in the hard school of experience, as in the case of our street arabs, and some others who, although belonging to a higher plane of life, have no opportunities for becoming any better ac- quainted with institutions of learning than may be obtained from the exterior. One of the greatest institutions and blessings of our beloved country is the fact that, whether in the busy city with its teeming thousands of people, or in the country set- tlements, even in the far-off and newly settled

districts, the children find more or less complete in- struction in necessary branches under a regime, and by the assistance of school paraphernalia of all kinds, that even a few years ago would have been considered a prodigality.

Our subject received his education in the com- mon school and continued until he was fourteen years of age. From that time he worked upon the farm until he reached his nineteenth year, when he turned his efforts in the direction of mining iron and coal in different mines in England. This he continued to follow until his emigration to America in 1879. His journey to this country was under- taken without any definite knowledge of future un- dertaking, but with large hope of prosperity, at least to the extent of becoming his own master and proprietor of his own home.

The voyage was long and tedious from Liver- pool to Quebec, as compared with the rapid cours- ing of the "Atlantic Greyhounds," for every year witnesses some new invention, some stride for- ward in the perfecting of the bridge of boats which unites the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Our subject proceeded immediately to Nebraska, and was not long in deciding that Denton Precinct was the place for him, and accordingly he took up his residence on a farm on section 10 for a time, remov- ing in the spring of 1886 to his present property, which is situated upon the second section. 1lis hopes have been realized, for he is to-day the owner of 160 acres, cultivated to the highest efficiency, and yielding him, other things being equal, excep- tionally good crops. His home and farm buildings are well built, substantial, comfortable and pleas- ant. All of this he has acquired by his own indus- try, with the exception of a small sum given him by his father in order to start.

The success which has attended our subject has been shared in by his wife, Lois Harley, who is a sister of John Harley, of Denton Precinct. (See sketch.) She has proved to him a most faithful friend and companion through all the varied phases of their life, and now, having been his helpmate in the rush, is his associate in the more quiet but substantial clements of the hush of life. They are upon the high road to solid success, for he is in every way worthy, and if honesty, industry, intelli-

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gence and the attributes of manliness count for any- thing-and they do-he will go on prospering.

The home of Mr. Huddleston has been rendered more completely happy, and the delectable charm with which his wife has endowed it greatly increased, by the presence of their five children, whose names are here given : George E., Harriet E., Herbert E., Flossie D. and Edith. In the communion of the Methodist Episcopal Church there are very few if any members more highly esteemed for their per- sonal worth and higher life and devotion than our subject and wife, and what is true of their religious relationship is equally so in every circle outside its pale. Among friends, neighbors and fellow-citizens Mr. Huddleston and his family are accorded the honest admiration and regard which are offered to every honorable man and loyal citizen.

ENRY HAACK is one of the solid and sub- stantial citizens of Yankee Hill Precinct, where he is actively engaged in farming on section 7. lle is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born Dee. 31, 1842. His parents, John and Dora (Miller) Haaek, were natives and lifelong residents of Germany. They were justly esteemed by all about them for the uprightness of their lives and industrious habits. Six children blessed their marriage, namely: Lotta, Mary, Charles, Louis, William and Henry.

The latter, who is the subject of this biography, received a fair education in the German schools, and remained a citizen of the Fatherland until 1869, when he decided to come to America, as a land of- fering more inducements for a man to make his way to prosperity than his native country. Accord- ingly he embarked on a small steamer at Copenhagen, and went to Hull, England, where he took an ex- press train, and was whirled across the island to Liverpool. Hle there boarded an American-bound steamer, and after a passage of sixteen days on the ocean, found himself in New York City. He worked there about six weeks, and then went to Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., Pa., where he established bim- self as a carpenter, soon forming a partnership with

one Fred Miller as a contractor, which business they successfully conducted for ten years with good financial results.

While residing in Pennsylvania our subject took upon himself domestic cares, being there married, Sept. 12, 1872, to Miss Mary Oalman, daughter of George and Dora (Schuldts) Oalman, natives of Germany. She was born Sept. 26, 1848. Eight children have been born of this marriage, namely : Emma, William, Louie, Minnie, Ilenry, Adolph, and Dora and Mary, who are deceased.

In 1878 Mr. Haack closed up his business in Pennsylvania, having resolved to turn his attention to farming and to take advantage of the splendid agricultural facilities and fine climate offered by the State of Nebraska. Accompanied by his wife and children, he came to Lancaster County and lo- cated in Yankee Hill Precinct, where he has ever since been a valued citizen. He now owns a good farm, whose productive soil well repays all his care and cultivation. He has been quite prosperous since coming here, and generously attributes a part of bis success to the energetie assistance of his good wife. He is a man whose habits and conduct in life are above reproach, and the sound principles upon which he conducts his business transactions have gained him the confidence of the people with whom he comes in contact. He is a manly and sincere Christian, and a member of the Evangelical Association. In politics he stands firmly by the Republican party, using his influence by voice and vote to advance the interests of the party.

UGUST F. SEVERIN, who is widely and favorably known throughout Buda Pre- cinct, has a very fine farm on section 22. Ile has distinguished himself by the most persevering industry, and a pleasing and attractive picture is afforded to the passer-by as he glances over the premises, the well-tilled fields separated by rows of good fencing, the pastures dotted here and there with the farm animals roaming at will, while in a pleasant and well-selected spot is situated the

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FARM PROPERTY OF AUGUST F. SEVERIN, (BREEDER OF THE CELEBRATED TAMWORTH SWINE.) SECS. 22 & 27. BUDA PRECINCT. POST O. COURTLAND.NEB.

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dwelling, with convenient buildings adjacent, all in- dicative of prosperity and comfort.

The subject of this notice was born on the 12th of October. 1860, in Clayton County, Iowa, where his parents, John J. and Elizabeth Severin, settled among its earliest pioneers, and of whom honorable mention is made elsewhere in this ALBUM. August F. from there came with his parents to this county in the year 1869, and here has since made his home. He received his early education in the district schools, afterward taking a course of instruction in a German private school.

Mr. Severin before reaching the twenty-third year of his age was married, May 24, 1883, to Miss Elizabeth Geselman, who was born in Germany, and at a tender age crossed the Atlantic with her parents, Laurens and Susan Geselman. Soon after reaching America they proceeded westward across the Mississippi and located in this county. Of this marriage there are three children, who brighten with their infant prattle and charming ways the home that holds them dear. Robert R. was born June 18, 1884; Clara, July 9, 1886, and Arthur F., Aug. 24, 1887.

Although Mr. Severin received some financial aid from his parents, it may be said that in the main he is the architect of his own fortune. He has carved out by his industry and self-reliance a place in so- ciety for the honorable mention of his name. Ile is the owner of 240 acres of good land, on which he is constantly making improvements, and besides grain and all kinds of farm prodnee, he gives con- siderable attention to the raising of cattle and other live stock. He is introducing the celebrated Tam- worth stock of swine in this State. He has not only devoted himself attentively to his farm work, but has taken an active interest in the affairs of his community, serving as School Director three years, and otherwise identifying himself with its best in- terests. lle at one time held the honorable office of Vice President of the German Family Club, which has its headquarters at Cortland, also for one year served as Treasurer of the same. He is also Vice President and an active member of the Ger- man Agricultural Society, of Buda Precinct. The principles of the Republican party most nearly meet his ideas of political economy, and to these he gives

his uniform support. Both socially and in business life Mr. Severin ranks high among the citizens of his precinet, who consider his word as good as his bond.

Those who are interested in the surroundings of the progressive and self-made man, will notice with gratification the view of the homestead of Mr. Severin, which stands as the worthy monument of his persevering labor.

AVID LATTURE. In the Southern States, prior to the publishing of the Emancipa- tion Act, there were not wanting men, who, although doubtless not heartily approving of everything that was done at Washington, felt strongly that one flag and one eagle were sufficient for the land that lies north of the Gulf, and south of the Dominion line and Great Lakes. The men of the South had proved themselves in the old days and memories which encircle around the "Boston Tea Party." and Fourth of July, '76, as truly heroic .and self-sacrificing as their brethren of the more northern parallels, and to-day the South still has au increasingly large place to fill in the history of the Republic. The subject of our present sketch is one of those born south of Mason and Dixon's line, who suffered imprisonment and deprivation for what we eall the Union cause, and in spite of the arguments of friends, and the more forceful urgings of authori- ties, was nobly true to himself and country.

Among the sons of the Solid South who have yielded their children for the development and open- ing up of their native country was Samuel Latture, the father of the subject of this writing. He was born in Tennessee, and in that State he spent his whole life. By occupation he was a farmer, in which he was very prosperous. He was married to Miss Catherine Davault. To them were born five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to years of maturity. They were named as follows: Martha, Jacob, Eliza, Elizabeth, and David, our subject. Miss Davault, like her husband, was a native of Tennessee. Her husband was one of the heroes of 1812, with the rank of Lieutenant.

From such stock and such a family came our

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subject, David Latture, who was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., May 17, 1840. He received a prac- tical common-school education to assist him, at least in some measure, in the fashioning of his experience in after days. The curriculum of school being completed, he continued his residence at home, and went to work upon the farm. Our sub- ject did not escape the fortune, or more correctly speaking, the misfortune of war. During the late unpleasantness he was twice a prisoner in the South- ern army, first in the fall of 1861, at which time he was compelled either to take the oath of allegiance, or be sent a war prisoner to Tuscaloosa, Ala. Upon taking the oath he was released as a citizen. In the following year he was conscripted for the rebel ranks, but, with eighty-four others, he endeavored to evade this, and attempted to cross the mountains between the rebel pickets and Union forces, but was captured and placed in the hands of the con- scripting officers, and put in jail at Bluntsville, his native place. Thence he was sent by railroad to a more secure prison. viz : Zollicoffer or Union. After some time he was released by Gen. Carter, of the Union forces. IIe then left Tennessee with the boys in blue, and came North to recruit his health. As soon as he was strong enough to justify the act, he returned to Nashville, and enlisted in Company A, 9th Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Col. Parsons. Our subject enlisted as a private, but was at once appointed Duty Sergeant, and served in that capacity until the close of the war, when he came North, and settled in Clinton County, Ind.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 66

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

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