Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 84

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

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ENRY A. BRAINERD, editor and publisher of the Lancaster Union, a man of practical good sense and an efficient journalist, was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 4, 1857. Ile received a primary education in the schools of his native city, living there until a lad of fourteen years, then going to Providence, R. I., entered the Bry- ant & Stratton Business College there, from which he emerged to become a student of Kent's Hill Seminary at Readfield, Me. In this latter institu- tion he remained something less than two years, and this completed his schooling.

Young Brainerd now returned to Providence, R. 1., where for a period of three years he was em- ployed by the American Screw Company. In the meantime he had imbibed a longing for the Western country, and in 1881 turned his steps toward the Mississippi, locating finally in Seward County, this State. In August, 1887, coming to Bennet, he pur- chased the paper of which he is now owner, and which he has since conducted in a manner which has commended it to the people of the county as their standard news journal. IIe is a modest, un- assuming gentleman, correct and methodical in his business affairs, prompt to meet his obligations, and in all respects a valued member of society. Mr. Brainerd has fulfilled in a worthy manner all the duties of a good citizen with the exception that he still remains a bachelor, He is a member of the Associated Press and the Nebraska State Press, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Midland Lodge No. 12, of Bennet. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party.

The parents of our subjeet were Henry II. and Maria L. (Stetson) Brainerd, the father a native of Connecticut and the mother of Maine. The latter died at their home in the city of Boston in 1862, when her son, Henry A .. was a little lad five years of age. He was reared by his aunt, Angeline Bates. His sister, Marion H., is a music teacher in Provi- dence. R. I.

In the conduct, of his paper Mr. Brainerd exer- cises that cool and temperate judgment which, po- litically, aims at truth without giving offense. As an exponent of current news the Union has become indispensable to the people of this section, as is evinced in its steadily increasing patronage. The portrait of him who stands at the helm and guides the craft so wisely, will be viewed with interest not only by the readers of the Union, but by the many who receive the ALBUM of Lancaster County into their homes as something to be preserved to pos- terity.

OHN C. KETTELIIUT. In the view found elsewhere of the homestead built up by the subject of the following notiee, and which is eligibly situated in Stockton Precinct, is most nearly illustrated the perseverance and industry which have been the distinguishing traits of his character through life. It is a favorite remark of the pseudo philosopher, and the man who, at every turn of life, flings at you some such threadbare proverb or saying of old and forgotten sage, that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." This may or may not be true, but the fact is before the whole world, viz: that thousands in other lands turn with hopeful hearts toward our beloved Amer- ica. She not only receives countless emigrants from older countries, but under her banner the manly and energetic worker may speedily become, if not rich, at least comfortably settled in life, and this we must proudly accept as the highest compli- ment and flattery, using this word in its purest sense.

The subject of this writing is one of the many who have paid this tribute to the great Republic, and has not been disappointed. IIe is a native of Germany, and was born Dec. 18, 1836. Having ob-

yours truly HA Pramen

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tained some education in the schools of the Father- land, he began the herding of sheep, in which occu- pation he continued until his thirty-second year. Often when away from the busy haunts of men, in some quiet pasture, with no companionship save that of his flock, had he meditated and planned re- garding the country beyond the great sea, of which he had heard so much, but knew so little. He finally concluded that there was more room for him in that New World, more opportunity, more scope for the effort he knew he was capable of making. There- fore, in 1868, he left his herds, home and country, and, after weeks upon the ocean wave. landed upon American soil in New York City.

By the counsel of friends, Mr. Kettelhut proceeded westward to Lancaster County, Neb., and home- steaded eighty acres of Government land on section 12, Stockton Precinct. Since that time he has been a resident here, and has received the highest respect of the community. He owns 320 acres of some of the finest land in the county, the quality of which has been largely improved by his assiduous labor. His residence is situated on seetion 11; his farm buildings, although not elegant, are substantial, ex- tensive, and arranged with a view to the various requirements of the progressive agriculturist. Mr. Kettelhut has been careful to accumulate the diverse implements and machines needed upon his farm, and which enable him to achieve suecess from his labors, In addition to general agriculture he takes great pride in stock-raising, and devotes much care and attention to this industry.

While yet in his native land our subject was married to Miss Johanna Ilapke. This lady was the daughter of John and Charlotte Hapke, and was born Aug. 6, 1844, in Pommern, Germany. She was united to our subject in marriage on the 10th of February, 1865, and their home has been bright- ened by the advent of eight children, who are named respectively : Augusta, Robert, Bertha, Chris- topher, Amelia, Otto, Eda and Otto (2d). Of these we have to record the decease of the two boys, Otto (1st) and Otto (2d). The eldest daughter is mar- ried to Gotlieb Ruckenbach, and is a resident in Cass County, this State. The remaining children live at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ket- tellut are consistent members of the German Luth-

eran Church; their family have been reared in the same communion. Our subject is not a man prom- inent in polities, but has made himself master of the main questions of the political situation and aflili- ates with the Republican party.

ICHIAEL KILROY. The present sketch presents briefly the salient points of the biography of one of the representative far- mers and stock-raisers of West Oak Preemnet, where, on section 16, lies a beautiful farm comprising 320 acres, in as fine condition and as fully supplied with the multitudinous details indispensable to efficiency in farming and stock-raising as any of its neighbors. This property is owned by our subject.

The father of Michael Kilroy, whose given name was Peter, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, upon Easter Sunday of 1814. In the schools of that county he received his education, and afterward gave his time to the mastery of the mysteries of milling, as restricted in that county to the manufacture of flour. In the year 1836 he left his home and the green Isle of Erin, emigrated to America, and settled in Oswego, N. Y., where he followed his old occu- pation of miller. Ile was a resident of that place at the time of the great fire, shortly after which he entered into the wholesale grocery business in the same city, and continued until 1857. In that year, accompanied by his family, he went to St. Paul, Minn., purchasing an extensive farm, which he con- tinued to work with much prosperity until 1872. when he retired and took up his residence in the city, and left his youngest son and daughter to carry on the farm.

Peter Kilroy, while a resident at Oswego, and at the age of twenty-three years, was united with Bridget McGinty, who was born in County Mayo. Their family included nine chiklren, seven of whom it was their privilege to bring to maturity. Both the father and mother of our subject are still living, and considering their age are enjoying good health. They have always been earnest, consistent members of the Catholic Church. Miss Bridget McGinty came to this country from Ireland in 1816, when she was eighteen years of age, took up her residence

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at Oswego, and it was during this period that she met and was united to her husband. Her father, John McGinty, followed the occupation of farming in his native country.

Our subject was born March 28, 1847, at Oswego, N. Y., and the third child born to Mr. and Mrs. Kilroy. His education was received in the Oswego schools, where he was enabled to lay a firm found- ation on which to rear the various undertakings of his future life. After passing through the classes of these institutions he spent some time at Council Bluffs, where he attended and was graduated from the Business College. The next eighteen years were spent upon the road as salesman for the firm of the Chicago Company. His duties in this relation took him all through, and made him per- feetly familiar with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Msssouri and Kansas. Seeing so much of the conditions of life in these States, he was enabled to more intelligently select his farm when he deter- mined to follow that occupation. The result was his location upon the property where he now re- sides, which he purchased in the year 1880.

It was not until the year 1886 that our sub ject entirely severed his connection with the firm for which he had been traveling, and left the road for the more quiet and restful life at the farm. Our subject has devoted himself with enthusiasm and energy to the work of improving his property, and the various works and buildings thereon are the result of his own efforts, and in the main the work of his own hands. He is devoting much attention to the raising and culture of all kinds of trees, both useful and ornamental. He has already over 1,000 apple trees of excellent grade and variety, and about 500 others, including plum and cherry trees. This year he has added to the already ex- tensive and finely selected collection of forest trees over 2,000 new ones, all of them thrifty and in ex- cellent condition. From the time of his purchasing this property our subject has been unremitting in his efforts for the improvement of his farm, and not only his orchard and grove, but the fields, testify to the care and labor bestowed. Amid the various duties and responsibilities devolving upon him in connection with the above he still finds abundant time to devote to the interests of stock-raising, in

which he is extensively engaged and takes much pleasure, bringing to bear upon this department as upon the others the full vigor of his thought and benefit of his experience.

When sixteen years of age our subject enlisted, but his father entered strong objections to his con- tinuing in the service, and after seven months he was withdrawn. During this time he was con- nected with Company H of Hatches' Battalion, under Gen. Sibley, and the greater part of it was on duty at Ft. Snelling, but saw considerable of active service in other districts. The political sympathies of Mr. Kilroy are with the Democratic party, and although he has not been hitherto prom- inent before the State in the political arena, his well- known character, ability and intellectual force would seem to indicate that he has yet to be heard from in this regard. He continues his allegiance to the faith in which he was reared, and is a mem- ber of the Catholic Church and in good standing. Whether we consider Mr. Kilroy as a business man, farmer or stock-raiser, whether we view him in his domestic relations or as a man and citizen, it is only just to him and to his fellow-citizens to say that he is the recipient of the highest possible regard of the entire community.

L EONARD B. KING is a practical, sagacious farmer of Nemaha Precinet, who, discour- aged by ill success in his old home, brought about by his sickness, came to this State with his family in 1876, and here began life anew with but $40 in his pocket. Soon. under the revivifying influ- ence of the splendid climate of Nebraska, he began to regain his lost health, and with it his old courage, confidence and animation, With much of his old energy he set about repairing his shattered fortunes, with what success may be judged by the appearance of his farm on section 27, with its well-tilled acres, and its many improvements in the shape of a com- fortable house, barns, sheds, etc. Thus in the space of the twelve years that he has been a resident

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of this place his industry has accomplished much, and he has raised himself from poverty to pros- perity.

Mr. King comes from an ancestry that dates back to Colonial times, and of which he has reason to be proud, some of his forefathers being of pio- neer fame in the early days of the settlement of Kentucky. His grandfather, Armstead King, a citi- zen of Kentucky, bore an honorable part in the War of 1812. The parents of our subject, Isaac and Amanda (Seigester) King, were born in Kentucky, the father on the banks of the Licking River, being children of early settlers of that State. They were married in Rush County, Ind., where the father engaged in farming for a short time, and then re- moved to Cass County, in the same State, where they are still living on their farm in the enjoyment of a competency gained by their united labors. The father is seventy-one years old, and the mother sixty-eight, and they are both justly esteemed for the many good qualities of mind and heart that have made them valued members of the commu- nity where they have so long made their home. They are the parents of six children, namely : Mary, Leonard B., Armstead, Edward, Richard and Isaac M., Jr.

Leonard B. King, the subject of this biographieal sketch, was born May 21, 1841, in Rush County, Ind., near the town of Milroy. He was six years of age when his parents removed to Cass County, and there the remainder of his boyhood and youth was passed in the performance of the duties that early devolved on the farmer's boys. When scarcely more than a child he learned to swing an ax with skill and precision. He continued an in- mate of his father's home, assisting him in the management of the farm until his marriage, in 1862, to Miss Hannah, daughter of G. W. and Elizabeth (Birch) Hendy, natives respectively of New York and Canada. Her parents were married in the latter country, and came to Indiana in 1849, where her father engaged in his trade of millwright, and also managed a farm that he owned. le prospered well, and is now, at the age of seventy-one years, living a life of retirement at Royal Center.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ilendy died at the age of sixty- three years. Twelve children, seven sons and five

daughters, completed this household, of whom Mrs. King was the eldest. She was born Dec. 19, 1844, near Niagara Falls, in Canada. She was four or five years old when her parents went to live in Indiana, and there she was educated in the common schools. Of the twelve children born to her and her husband, eight were natives of Indiana, and four of Nebraska, and all are living and enjoy fine health. They were named Mary E., George E., Manson L., Melissa E., Thomas II., Amanda 11., Martha J., Alice A., Isaae M., Alfred R., Grover C. and Armstead C. Mary is the wife of W. B. McClun, a prosperous farmer of Colorado, and they are the parents of three children-Jessie L., George LeRoy and Hannah E. George E. lives in Ne- maha Precinct; Manson is a farmer in Colorado; Melissa married Daniel J. Grim, and they have one child, Anna Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. King's other children reside with them.

Mr. King carried on farming in Indiana for sev- eral years, but met with many losses and discour- agements through sickness in his family, etc. At last he decided to settle up his affairs in that State, and try his fortunes in Nebraska, hoping not only to better his pecuniary condition on its remarkably rich and fertile soil, but at the same time, with his family, derive benefit from its pure and health- giving air. Accordingly he came hither in 1876, with a team and wagon, accompanied by his wife and children, and soon purchased eighty acres of railroad land on time, which, with the eighty acres presented to him and his wife by her father, now constitutes his farm. We have already spoken of the success that has followed his efforts, and the able assistance afforded him by the best of wives. Since coming here he has enjoyed good health, and is contented and happy in the companionship of his wife and children in the cosiest of homes, whose bountiful hospitality, extended by the noble- hearted and generous host and hostess, often makes glad the hearts of the friend or stranger who hap- pens within their gates, Mr. King is public spirited, and heartily seconds any scheme to advance the welfare of the township or county. Ile has served as Road Supervisor, and gave good satisfaction to his fellow-townsmen while holding that otlice. In his political views he is a solid Democrat, earnestly

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believing that the principles of that party are the best suited for the government of the country.

The success with which Mr. King has labored is indicated in the building of one of the most com- fortable homes in Nemaha Precinct, a fine litho- graphic view of which appears on another page in this work.

OLNEY A. MARKLE. The greatest debt this country of magnificent distances, mar- velous natural wonders, and home of free- dom, can ever contract will not be so much with the millionaire monopolist or its gazetted elite as it will with the noble, self-denying men and women who have launched out into the trackless wilds beyond the frontier. Men may speak of Columbus, and sneer at his discovery, call him a restless, shiftless rover. without resource and execu- tive ability, and eynically speak of the "accidental stumble" against the West India Islands by that world-renowned navigator, but sueh tongues should be silent before the grand army of pioneers who went out from their Eastern homes, and pushed be- yond the confines of civilization in order to develop and open up to the world the boundless resources of this glorious country, which but a few decades ago was the home of the Indian and the wild beast.

One of the most prominent as well as earliest pioneers of the Far West is Volney A. Markle, the subject of this sketch. who resides on section 29, West Oak Precinct, This gentleman is the son of Elijah Cody Markle, born near Cleveland, Ohio. lle was educated in the common schools, and as a young man proceeded to Canada, where he was em- ployed working on ship timber. In January, 1846, during his residence in Canada, he met Deborah M. Rightmyer, a lady capable of making life com- plete for him, and to whom he could give the strongest affection and highest regard of his man- hood, and they were accordingly married in the same year. The family continued to live in Canada after their marriage for a period of two years, when a removal was effected; they settled in Hancock County. Ohio, and the father of our subject followed the business of pump maker, and although he has

given considerable attention to farming, and is the owner of a very nice farm of sixty acres in Findlay, Ohio, upon which he lives, he has always continued to follow his trade. Physically, he is still hale and hearty, but has discontinued doing any heavy work.

Mr. Markle, Sr., was born Jan. 6, 1820, and al- though he has almost completed the allotted term of human life, he journeyed, accompanied by his wife, from his home at Findlay to Nebraska on a visit to his son. When the Ohio National Guard was organized, one of the first men to offer him- self for enlistment was the father of our subject, and afterward, although he was rapidly approaching the time of life when he might be truly ealled old, with a spirit patriotic and heroic, he was again one of the first to offer himself in defense of his country and its flag. When from the capitol at Washing- ton the bugle note, the eall to arms, was sounded, he was mustered in the 15th Corps, 47th Ohio Vol- unteers. His wife was born in Canada, about Nov. 10, 1820.

The subject of this sketch was born in Canada, Nov. 10, 1846, where he remained with his parents until he was five years of age, when he accompanied them to the home near Cleveland, Ohio, and after- ward to Findlay. In the common schools of that city our subjeet received his education, which was afterward completed in the High School, and in these institutions he made the preparation which has enabled him successfully to fight the battle of life. When the thin lines of gray, and the solid columns of brigades of armed men, gathered around the stars and bars, and began to march northward, our subject promptly answered the call for men to oppose themselves to these forces, and in defense of the Union and the only flag of the Republic, he en- listed in the 21st Ohio Volunteers. This occurred in the year 1863, from which time until the elose of the war he continued in the service. He was one of the men who, although unmentioned by name, are always thought of as the companions of the great Sherman in that famous march which has be- come a household word, and has furnished the theme for the song of the patriot. Besides a num- ber of minor engagements, our subject was an active participant in the battles of Atlanta, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Peachtree Creek, Altoona- Pass, Kennesaw

fraternally Hours Jawolfes

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Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Jonesboro, Love- joy Station and Bentonville, and continued to fill his place in the ranks until discharged by general order. Returning from the bivouac, the trench and the battle-field, he returned once more to his school books, and studies in the High School. Having completed the course he removed to Amherst, Ohio, where he began his business career as clerk in a grocery store until 1867. when he returned home and worked with his father until 1868.

Twenty years ago, when our subject first came to Lincoln, it was far from being a city, and hardly worthy the name of a village. It was the 17th of November, 1868, when for the first time he sighted the town; it consisted of twenty-eight houses, one of which stood upon the site of the present Journal Building, and was used as a hotel, and also carried the town clock. Ile now began to work for dif- ferent persons, and took up a homestead on section 32, West Oak Precinct, which he speedily improved and built on, and where he continued to reside un- til 1880, when he sold it and purchased property where he now resides. In this second acquisition the old process had to be repeated, and he set to work to till and cultivate his land. Ile has with his own hands built and supplied all the buildings and improvements to be seen upon his farm. Thus in two instances has he taken the wiki prairie, tamed and subdued it, brought it to a high state of eultiva- tion, and made it obedient to his labor. Our sub- ject is justly proud of the splendid result which has crowned his efforts in tree culture. The beautiful grove near the house ean only be truly appreciated by those who have enjoyed its seeluded retreat and cooling shade. Mention must also be made, al- though but ineidentally, of the remarkably fine orchard, which is not one of the least attractions and beauties of his farm.

Our subjeet has been called upon at various times to fill different school offices, for which his earlier work and education have rendered him eminently fitted. The office also of Assessor has been filled by him to the general satisfaction of those concerned. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal communion, are among its most earnest workers, supporters and advocates, and are held in deservedly high esteem.

May 14, 1871, our subject was united in marriage with Phebe Ann Sutton, who was born in Appa- noose County, Iowa. Aug. 21, 1852, and is the daugh- ter of Schuyler Sutton. There have been born to them eight children, and it has been their joy and privilege to rear all but one of them. Until the year 1870 the father of Mrs. Markle continued to reside in Iowa, when he came to Nebraska, stopping for a time near Lincoln. Ile afterward made his home near Swan City, where he continued for sev- eral years engaged in the occupation of farming. Ile then went to Kansas, but returned to this vicinity, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1882. While in the army he by some means contracted a bone trouble, which continued to work upon his system and ultimately caused his death. ITis widow, who still enjoys good health, makes her home with her daughters, Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Markle.

ON. JACOB V. WOLFE. After some years spent in a professional life, when he was also a prominent factor of the Demo- cratie party of his State, our subject retired to the quiet pursuits of agriculture in the fall of 1872, having purchased a tract of land in Grant Precinct, this county. He has since been one of the moving spirits in this locality, especially in mat- ters closely allied to the elevation of the people, morally, socially and intellectually. Ile is a liberal- minded and progressive man, warmly interested in educational matters, always earnestly advocating the establishment and maintenance of such institu- tions as shall give to the rising generation those advantages which will constitute them intelligent and praiseworthy citizens of a great Republic.

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Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska, Part 84

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

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