Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 74

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

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After his discharge from the army Mr. Tower returned to Minnesota, and resided there until 1868, when he removed to Nebraska, the journey from Minnesota 'being made with a team in about six- teen days. Ile made a claim to Government land in Mill Preeinet, and getting some lumber at Platts- mouth, about forty-five miles distant, erected the first frame house in the vicinity. Plattsmouth was the nearest market and depot for supplies. The country roundabout was in a very wild and unset- tled condition, antelope and elk being plenty, and a few miles west buffaloes were numerous. Our subject improved quite a tract of land, planted fruit and shade trees, and resided there until the fall of 1870. He then sold that place and bought land near there, which is now included in the city, and engaged in the nursery business, being a pioneer in that line. The first year he cleared 81,000 on bis nursery stock and small fruits, and he continued to do well until 1874, when the grasshoppers destroyed his crops, and he lost about $6,000 thereby, and

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nearly all of his hard earnings was swept away in his honorable desire to fulfill his obligations. Noth- ing daunted by his ill luck, he removed to Fillmore County and bought a homestead claim, and lived on it in a sod house for nearly two years. He then erected a frame house, and improved a good farm, setting out fruit and shade trees, and otherwise in- creasing its value. Prosperity smiled on his per- sistent efforts, and he was enabled to increase the aereage of his land until he owned 320 acres. In 1870 he sold half of his farm, and renting the re- maining half, moved to Carleton, Thayer County, that he might obtain better schooling for his chil- dren. He built a fine residence there, and lived in that place until 1883, when he again took up his abode in Lincoln. His return to this city was very opportune, as it was just before the rise in real estate, and with great shrewdness and foresight, he made many investments that were exceedingly profitable, and have placed him among the moneyed men of Lancaster County. IIe has speculated much in real estate, and has built and sold houses. He erected his present beautiful home on Second and Twenty-fourth streets, and here he and his family enjoy all the comforts and luxuries afforded by a well-appointed dwelling and an ample income.

Mr. Tower has been twice married. 1lis first marriage, which took place in Walworth County, Wis., in October, 1860, was to Miss Chloe L. May- nard, a native of that county. Her father, Rufus. Maynard, a native of Vermont, was an early pio- neer of Walworth County. Mrs. Tower died at St. Charles, Minn., in 1867, leaving two children-Al- mon and May. Mr. Tower's second marriage, Jan. 17, 1869, was to Miss Mary Evans, a native of Wales, born Nov. 12, 1832. She is a daughter of Daniel M. and Sarah (James) Evans, natives of Wales, who emigrated to America in 1833. They lived in New York City four years, and then moved to Utica, whence they went in 1856 to Minnesota, going by lake to Chicago, thence by rail to Galena, and from there on the river to Winona, Minn. The father was a tailor, and followed his trade there for some years. Ile then turned his attention to agri- culture, and bought a farm near St. Charles, and later settled in Faribault as Superintendent in the tailor department at the asylum for deaf mutes, and

continued his residence there until his death, in 1880, his wife having died several years before. They were thoroughly good people; both members of the Cour egational Church, of which he was Deacon for many years, and he was also a great worker in the Sunday-school, being the first Superintendent of the first Sunday-school established in Winona. Mrs. Tower resided with her parents until her marriage, receiving a fine education, which well qualified her for the profession of teacher, which she followed for some years. Of her parents' family the two ohlest children were born in Wales, three in New York City, and the rest in Utica, N. Y. The oldest son, David Evans, is a graduate of Williams College, where he was a classmate of Garfield. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel of the 35th New York In- fantry, and also Colonel of the 20th New York Cavalry. He was in the United States Mint at Philadelphia a number of years, and now edits a paper at Millbank, Dak. Mrs. Tower's brother John J. was a gallant soldier in the late war, serving in the 1st Minnesota Infantry ; Benjamin is dead ; George was graduated from Philadelphia Medical Col- lege, and established himself in the practice of his profession in that city, where he died; William served in the late war in Company K, 6th Minne- sota Infantry; he served as County Treasurer of Grant County, Dak., for a number of years, and also Chairman of the Railroad Commission. Mrs. Tower's sister Sarah resides in Faribault, Minn., where she taught some years; Elizabeth married Carlos Brewer, and they live in Faribault; Margaret was graduated from Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., and is now preceptress at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn; Hattie is a teacher in the schools of Faribault. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tower, all of whom died in infancy.

A man of Mr. Tower's incorruptible integrity and sound business policy wields a good influence in any community, and his councils are valuable to his fel- low-citizens, and when he has been persuaded to take part in public affairs he has performed the duties of office with a single eye to the best inter- ests of the municipality. While a resident of Fill- more County he held the office of Justice of the Peace. He was appointed Assessor of Lincoln in 1872, and again in 1888. In politics he has always

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been a stanch Republican. Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Tower are members of the Presby- terian Church, and they have done much toward building it up. The portrait of Mr. Tower is given on an adjoining page.

R EV. EDWIN HARTZELL, a licensed minis- ter of the United Brethren Church, preaches when his services are in request, and being fond of rural life, is also engaged as a far- mer on section 24, in Yankee Hill Precinct. A man of intelligence, a close student and an extensive reader, he represents the intelligence of his commu- nity in a marked degree, and exercises over it a healthy influence.

The paternal ancestors of our subject came from Switzerland to America during the Colonial days. Ilis grandfather served as a soldier in the Mexican War. On his mother's side he is of English de- scent. Ilis parents, Peter and Rebecca Hartzell, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives, the mother passing away Sept. 27, 1856, and the father Jan. 26, 1872. The latter was a farmer by occupation and a man of standing in his community. The household circle included thirteen children, eight of whom survive. Samuel, the eldest living, continues a resident of the Key- stone State; Sarah is the wife of J. S. Unangst, of Grant Precinct, this county; William is carrying on farming in his native county ; Mary C., Mrs. Fraley, now a widow, is a resident of Logan County, this State; George C. is farming in Otoe County; Benjamin F. is in Logan County. and Amelia, Mrs. Jacob Fisher, resides in Middlesex County, N. J. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native State, where he received a liberal edu- cation, mostly through his own efforts, being a bright and ambitious youth and realizing the ad- vantage of practical knowledge. He has always been occupied more or less with farm pursuits, and made his way to this State in 1878, locating at once in this county, of which he has since been a resident. Ile secured his present property in 1880, which embraces a fine farm of eighty aeres, which he has subjected to a thorough process of cultiva-

tion, and which is now the source of a handsome in- come. Ile has the true and fine appreciation of a country life, and takes pride in his home and its surroundings.

The marriage of Rev. Edwin Hartzell and Miss Adelia Taylor was celebrated at the home of the bride in Nebraska, on the 1st of Jannary, 1887. Mrs. Hartzell was born in Sangamon County, Ill., Dec. 24, 1868, and is the daughter of Valentine and Rosie Taylor, who are natives of Kentucky, and are now residents of Harlem County. this State. Mr. Hartzell, politically. is a Republican, with strong temperanee proclivities, being entirely averse to the use of intoxicating drinks, a drop of which has never passed his lips. He became identified with the United Brethren Church in 1886, and holds membership with the society at Jamaica.

B ERNARD GRADY, one of the early pioneers of West Oak, is the subject of this sketch, who, however, although still owning his farm in West Oak, makes his residence in Raymond Village. To his son he has given a farm of eighty acres, part of the original West Oak prop- erty. The father of our subject, John Grady, was born in Prussia, in the year 1782. He was united in marriage with Catherine Taske, and to this union were born seven children, all of whom it was their privilege to see grow up to manhood and womanhood. The family comprised five boys and two girls, our subject being the youngest child. John Grady was by occupation a farmer, and in this he was as successful as was possible in his time. He died in the year 1845, and was survived by his wife several years.

Our subject was ushered into life in Prussia, Nov. 26, 1825. He spent the years of boyhood in the common schools of his native country, and after- ward continued with his father, occupied in agri- cultural work until he was about sixteen years of age. In 1848, while enjoying the full strength and vigor of life he emigrated to this country and set- tled in New Jersey. While in Prussia he had taken time to make himself acquainted with the trade of a carpenter, and for twenty years continued to sup-

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port himself by working at the same, continuing for that period in the same State. About the year 1865 he removed to Fond du Lac County, Wis., where he took land and began the life of a pioneer. Year after year saw his farm more improved, and brought to a higher state of cultivation, until after the lapse of a few years he realized that the neighbors were getting too thiek around, and owing to the high state of efficiency to which he had brought his farm and stock, he was enabled to sell at a good price, then, freed from all impediments, he pushed out into the Far West, settling finally in this State.

Mr. Grady now began for a second time pioneer life, and took up a quarter-section of land on section 25, West Oak Precinct. This was in the year 1874. He went to work with vigor, and now found his New Jersey experience serve him well, for he was enabled to put up a superior residence with less labor than many of his fellows. To this he added as demands were made upon him the various barns, stables and other farm buildings. The land was no longer left in its native untamed condition, but was made subject to his intelligence and labor. In a very short time he had an improved farm, and as the seasons succeeded each other in rapid succession, the land was brought to a high state of cultivation, until it became one of the best in the whole district. Great attention has been given to the production and culture of ornamental and fruit trees. These, however, can only be truly appreciated by those who have made a near acquaintance with them, who have enjoyed their fruit, beautiful, ripe and lus- cious, or have rerlined in the heat of the day under their refreshing shadows, and been kissed by the breezes made by the continual fanning of their leaves. In this delightful home our subject con- tinued to reside until Nov. 27, 1883, when he re- moved to his present residence at Raymond, which is also the work of his own hands. In Raymond our subject enjoys the quiet ease and rest which he has earned so well through the long years of toil, danger and difficulties of his pioneer life, and it is gratifying, doubtless, to him to realize as he looks around, that the property accumulated, and the beautiful home now enjoyed, are the reward of those years of toil.

Our subject was united in the bonds of wedded

life, in the year 1852, with Ann Kennedy, who was born in Belfast. To them were given two sons and one daughter: Charles, now residing in West Oak Precinct; John, who occupies the old homestead; and Anna, now Mrs. JJohn W. Leckliter, of Lincoln. His wife was removed from his side by death in 1864. Between two and three years after a second alliance was entered into, with Mrs. Harriet Ilarmer. They were married May 12, 1866. They have one child, Katie Alice, who resides at home with her parents. Mrs. Harriet Grady was born Oct. 9, 1828, in the State of Vermont. She is the daughter of Abial and Dianthia Stickney. When she was about one year old her parents removed to New York, and she continued to reside with them until she was eighteen. In that city she received her education and training for after life, and about 1846 removed with her parents to Illinois, where she met the gentleman to whom she was first mar- ried, which event transpired in the same State. It was her misfortune to lose her first husband, who died in Wisconsin. She afterward met and was united to our subject, as noted above.

The father of Mrs. Grady was an intelligent and prosperous farmer, and after the removal to Illi- nois continued his residence there until his death in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Grady are not only united in the bonds of marriage, but are also one in their re- ligious sentiments, and find their religious home in the communion of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Raymond, and are justly the recipients of the highest esteem and regard, which are commanded by their social position and noble Christian char- acters.

Charles, the eldest son of our subject, was united in marriage with Isabel Elliot, daughter of Charley Elliott, in 1876. Their home has been gladdened by the birth of one child, named Frank Elsworth.

We have only to add one word by way of con- trast, of the condition of things in the district at the time our subject first settled, and that upon which he looks to-day. Where are now large cities, filled with busy, bustling people, with elegant homes, extensive business blocks, fine school-houses, and comfortable churches, or where are prosperous, bustling towns, villages and hamlets, farmhouses with their broad acres of fields, and pasture lands,

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then was wild, nntamed prairie, upon which the eye could see nothing but the wild-cats, wolves. deer and other game, or the wigwam of the then numer- ous and even more untamed Indian.

Our subject has always given his undivided at- tention to the working of his land and its culti- vation and the improvement of his stock, and has never been prominent in the community in its political affairs. Ile is, however, a warm supporter of the Republican party. In the community our subject and his family are regarded among its most honored and representative citizens. and are ac- corded by all, as is justly due, the fullest confidence and highest regard.

W ILLIAM D. GULICK, an enterprising busi- ness man, is proprietor of one of the oldest established bakeries in Lincoln. His father was an early settler of this city, coming here when it was in its infancy. Our subject, being then a yonth of fifteen, has witnessed the wonderful growth of this enterprising metropolis from a small town to a wealthy and populons city of 50,000 inhabit- ants. He is a native of New Jersey, born in the city of Newark, Feb. 17, 1857, to Peter J. and Mary Ann (Outcalt) Guliek.

The father of our subject was likewise a native of New Jersey, as, it is supposed, was his father, Voorhees Gulick. He married in his native State, his wife being a native of that State too, and they spent the first years of their wedded life there. In 1857 he moved with his family and his father to Illinois, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years in that State. The grandfather of our subject settled near Bushnell, Ill., and there carried on farming until his death. In 1865 Mr. Gulick (the father of our subject) moved to Galesburg, Ill., where he established himself in a bakery, which hie managed in that city for cight years. In 1872 he came to Lincoln and opened a bakery, thus being one of the pioneers in this line of business in this city, and he conducted it with good financial suc- cess until his death, in July, 1881. He was well known in this city, and the honesty and rectitude of his life caused him to be universally respected,

and at his death, a valuable citizen who had always worked for the advancement of the community was taken away. The noble wife, who had faithfully aided him to prosperity, preceded him to the grave, dying in Lincoln in 1879.

Eight children were born of the union of those worthy people, of whom our subject was the second child in order of birth. He was an infant when his parents left the home of his birth and went to re- side in Illinois, where most of his boyhood was passed. His education was obtained in the city schools of Galesburg and Lincoln, and as soon as he was old enough he had to assist his father in the bakery, and gained a thorough knowledge of the trade. He continued with his father until 1878, when he started out to see something more of the world. We next hear of him in Texas, where he had established himself at his trade in the town of Terrell. He remained there two years, and then retraced his steps to this city in 1880, and entered into partnership with his father in his present busi- ness, and continued the same until his father's death the following year. He has a well-appointed es- tablishment, that is first-class in every particular, and by close attention to business and square deal- ing he has built up a large trade.

To the wife who makes his home bright and at- tractive, Mr. Gulick was united in marriage March 4, 1878. She was formerly Miss Ida Alexander, a native of New Castle, Ind., and a daughter of D. B. and Martha Alexander. Of this marriage five children have been born: Ray A., Pearl and Inez (twins), Eula May and Claude. Mr. Gulick is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., Lincoln Lodge No. 128, and he is also identified with the Modern Woodmen, belonging to Capital City Lodge No. 190. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

SAAC WORRALL is the owner of eighty acres of very fine farming land on section 12, West Oak Precinct, which is devoted to stock-raising and general farming. Our subject is the son of Thomas Worrall, who was born in 1801, in Clark County, Ind. Ilis early education was received in the home, and by that best of all educators, mother.

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When of proper age he was sent to gather more learning in the common school. From that until he became of age he was at work upon his father's farm. Upon attaining his majority he purchased a farm in the same county, which he continued to oper- ate with much prosperity until the year 1851, when he removed to Coles County, now Douglas County, Ill. There he entered Government land, which he improved and cultivated with success until the death of his wife.

Mr. Worrall was the husband of Hannah (Can- field) Worrall, who was born in 1800, and after re- siding at home nntil her twentieth year, was married. Five sons and four daughters were born to this union, who lived to attain their majority, and one child who died in childhood. The names of the living children are as follows: Nathan, Rachel, Elizabeth, James, Isaac (our subject), John, Mary, Thomas M. and Hannah Naomi, all of whom went to Illinois when their father removed thither. Mrs. Thomas Worrall died upon the Coles County home- stead, as above noted, in April, 1863. The great- grandfather of our subject, James Worrall, was by occupation a farmer, a native of Kentucky, but for many years a resident of Clark County, Ind., where he enjoyed, during the latter years of life, the fruit of his early labor, and at last lay down and quietly closed his eyes in the last sleep.

Our subject was born on the 20th of November, 1832, in Monroe Township, Clark Co., Ind. His education was received in the schools of that dis- trict, and by a natural process he passed from school to farm, to labor upon the same until his parents removed to Illinois, and continued to live with them until the day of his marriage to Miss Rebecca Jane Landers, on the 3d of January, 1856. To our subjeet, by this union, have been born twelve chil- dren, of whom nine are still living: Thomas D., Hannah O., Nellie S., Maek Oliver, John C., William L., Viola, Edmund B. and Lulu Mabel. Mary T. died at the age of eight years; Dolly, aged two years and five months, and Maud, aged two years.

After his marriage our subject farmed for nine years in Illinois, near Camargo, where the three eld- est children were born. In 1865 he removed to Otoe County, Neb., and after continuing prosper- ously until 1867, removed to this county. He

took up the northeast quarter of section 2, West Oak Precinct; went to work to make all needed im- provements, including the erection of house, barn, granary and farm buildings, setting out the hedges, planted the orchard, and bringing the remainder to a high state of cultivation. This eontinned to be his home until 1882, and here the residue of his family were born. In March of the above year our subject sold this property with the idea of going West, but finally purchased his present home, which was slightly improved and had the house already erected upon it. What other improvements there are have been made by our subject, including the exceptionally fine orehard, grove and hedges, which go far to make the home surroundings picturesque and pleasant.

Rebecca J. Landers, the wife of our subject, was born Aug. 24, 1836, in Coles County, Ill., and is the daughter of Daniel and Eliza Landers. Iler father was born April 12, 1812, in Putnam County, Ind., which was always his home, and where he fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer. He became the husband of Eliza Montgomery, and to them were born four children, of whom Mrs. Worrall is the only one living. Her father died Oct. 6, 1830, upon his farm. Her mother, who afterward married again, lived until Dec. 28, 1855. Of the children of our subjeet, Thomas D. has become the husband of Mary Glassburn, and they are the parents of a son, named Byron K .; Nellie S. is now Mrs. Will- iam Clift, and lives with her husband and two chil- dren, Jessie J. and Hubert E., in Saunders County. Hannah O. was married to C. H. Hoover; they reside in California, and have four children -- Will- iam, Nora, Hubert and Mand.

Our subject and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and in that communion are among the most earnest and faithful members. They have seen this county through all the changes of its evolu- tion. When they first settled its original owners, the Indians, had not yet vacated, and the wild game was all around them. They have not been spared the difficulties and toils of pioneerism, but have al- ways met and bravely battled, side by side, with every difficulty, and now it is their happiness to- gether to enjoy the golden fruit success, which has ripened within their reach. Our subject has

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with honor and dignity filled well the office of School Director for over six years, and has also been Supervisor and Justice of the Peace, in which office every transaction was marked by care, intelligence and impartiality. When upon the seat of justice the stern goddess was always strictly blindfolded to anything of favoritism or any other means by which the right and the just might be prostituted. Whether in office or private life his conduct has been marked by those traits and qualities which have earned for him, as they must for all honorable men, the unwavering regard and esteem of all whose friendship and appreciation are worth pos- sessing.

[ R. ABRAHAM L. HOOVER, proprietor of the Lindell Ilotel, which is located at the intersection of Thirteenth and M streets in the city of Lincoln, is the subject of a most interesting career, during which he has fought with the circumstances common to the lot of man. By a course of economy, frugality, and years of in- dustrious labor, he is now in the enjoyment of a competence; but in the midst of his prosperity he generously gives prominence to the fact that he has been materially assisted by his most excellent wife and her mother, and later on their son. Many wives, mothers and sons have done well, but how few receive the reward of recognition.

The subject of this sketch, a man still in the prime of life, was born in Wayne County, Ind., forty- seven years ago, Sept. 15, 1841. Ile is the son of John and Esther (Zook) Hoover, who were born and partially reared in Pennsylvania, their parents moving from there to Indiana at an early day. The grandparents on both sides were born in Germany. Jonas Hoover, the paternal grandfather, entered a quarter-section of land in Wayne County, Ind., near what is now Hagerstown, and there, with his estimable wife, spent the remainder of his days, la- boring industriously and opening up a farm from the wilderness of heavy timber. The wife and mother rested from her labors at about the age of

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 74

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

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