Webster County NEGenWeb

👤 L. P. ALBRIGHT
President of the Webster County Bank, was born in Mifflin County, Pa., and there raised. He was engaged as a commercial traveler about two years. In 1878 came to Red Cloud, and followed live stock and farming; also a short time engaged in the music business. He has been Deputy Sheriff and Town Trustee. This bank was established October 1, 1881. Mr. Albright bought Dr. Shilder's interest January 1, 1882. He then became President. R. V. Shirey, Cashier of this bank, is a native of Clearfield County, Pa. Was raised in Illinois. Received a course of studies at the Mount Morris Seminary. In the fall of 1876 came to Chicago, and was employed with a wholesale chemical house two years. In 1879 came to York, and entered the banking house of Sayre & Atkins, where he remained for two years. In the fall of 1881 came to Red Cloud, and has since been connected with this bank.

 👤 A. T. AYERS
Farmer, Section 32, Town 2, Range 12, post office Riverton, was born October 1, 1830, in Madison County, Ohio. When a year old his parents moved to Tazewell County, Ill. There he assisted on their farm. In 1850 came to Cedar County, Iowa. There married Miss Lucinda Snow, of Indiana. They have one son. In 1867 they removed to Linn County, and followed farming. In November, 1870, they came to Nebraska City. Settled in Webster County February, 1871. Took a homestead of 160 acres, where they now reside. He has since followed farming, and is largely engaged in live stock. Mr. A. has been County Commissioner one term, and has held most of the local offices in his precinct. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. G, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry. Was mustered out as First Sergeant at the close of the war.

👤 GEORGE W. BALL
Of the firm of Ball, Cover & Co., farming implements, sewing machines, wagons, etc., was born in Fulton County, Ind., and there raised. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, Eighty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Was discharged on account of physical disability January, 1863. Re-enlisted November 18, 1863, in Co. G, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry. Was mustered out in May, 1868. Was Second Lieutenant. He participated in thirteen battles, among which were the battles of Nashville, Franklin, Atlanta, and others. Was engaged on patrol duty the last year in the service. Returned to Indiana, and was engaged in merchandising about two years, and in farming. November, 1870, came to Webster County. Took a claim of 160 acres four and one half miles east of Red Cloud. Engaged in farming about eight years. This farm he still owns. July, 1878, the firm of Miller & Ball was established. This continued till January 1882, when the firm changed to Ball, Cover & Co.

👤 J. P. BAYHA
County Clerk, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., and there raised. Enlisted in 1862 in Battery D, First West Virginia Light Artillery. Served to the end of the war. In 1865 came to Dakota City, Neb., and engaged in merchandising. In the spring of 1878 came to Red Cloud. Was employed as bookkeeper for Samuel Garbon. Held this position till January 1, 1882, when he assumed charge of this office, having been elected County Clerk in the fall of 1881.

👤 CHARLES BUSCHOW
County Treasurer, was born in Prussia. There learned the trade of shoemaking. Worked at it three years. In 1867 came to Woodford County, Ill. Followed this trade one winter, then engaged in farming. In the spring of 1873 came to Webster County, Neb. Took a homestead claim of 160 acres, which he still owns. Mr. Buschow has been Assessor of Potsdam Precinct since its organization, and School Treasurer. Was United States Census Enumerator for 1880. In the fall of 1881 he was elected County Treasurer.

👤 O. C. CASE & JAMES McNENY
O. C. Case, firm of Case & McNeny, attorneys at law, is a native of Rochester, N.Y.; was there raised and received his early education. In 1874 came to Iowa City, Iowa, entered the Law Department of the State University; graduated in 1876. He then practiced law in Iowa till 1879, when he came to Red Cloud, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession.

James McNeny, of the above firm, was born January 28, 1854, at Port Henry, N.Y. He entered the Port Jarvis Academy, where he received a preparatory course of studies. He also attended the University of Ottawa, Canada, three and a half years. August, 1876, he entered the Elizabethtown College, there remained till April, 1878, when he came to Red Cloud, Neb. Studied law with H. S. Kaley, subsequently with O. C. Case. Was admitted to the bar November, 1880. The following October he became a member of the law firm of Case & McNeny, which has since continued.

👤 A. COOK
Boots and shoes. Was born July 11, 1827, in Prussia, there learned this trade. In the fall of 1846 came to St. Louis, Mo. There worked at his trade. In 1858 he removed to Louisa County, Iowa. Carried on this business in Wapella till December, 1879, when he came to Red Cloud, and opened this store. Married in 1859 to Christina Beck, of Germany. She died in 1864, aged 30 years. Have one son. Second marriage to Charlotte Raco, in the spring of 1871. She is also a native of Germany. They have two daughters.

👤 JOSEPH GARBER
Meat market. Was born July 4, 1840, in Logan County, Ohio. In 1851 came to Clayton County, Iowa, and engaged in teaching school. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. D, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Served to the end of the war. Returned to Clayton County, and continued teaching. June, 1870, he came to Webster County. In 1872 removed to Nuckolls County. Held the office of County Clerk two terms. In 1875, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention. Returned to Red Cloud in 1877. Has since been engaged in farming. During 1871 he held the office of County Commissioner. Mrs. Garber was the first resident white woman in Webster County. They have four children, three daughters and one son.

 👤 SAMUEL GARBER
Retired, was born December 11, 1821, in Rockingham County, Virginia. At the age of 11 years he came with his parents to Logan County, Ohio. There assisted on their farm. In 1851 came to Clinton County, Iowa, followed farming. October, 1871, he came to Red Cloud. He, with his brother Silas, opened a general store, which was the first general store in Red Cloud. Mr. Richardson was also a member of this firm one year. His brother Silas retired from the firm in 1876, he being elected Governor. Mr. Garber continued this business until January, 1882, when he sold out his stock to A. Kaley. He, with his brother, owns the northern part of the town site. He also owns 400 acres joining the town on the north, and 320 acres in Nuckolls and Webster Counties. Also 307 acres in Kansas. He with his son-in-law are carrying on a general store in Salem, Kansas under the firm name of S. Garber & Co., carrying stock of about $10,000.

👤 HON. SILAS GARBER
Retired, is a native of Logan County, Ohio. Was born September 21, 1833. There received a preparatory course of studies. At the age of seventeen he came to Clayton County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Third Missouri, known as the Lyon Regiment, and served for about one year. He then returned to Clayton County, Iowa. Again entered the service as First Lieutenant, Co. D, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. This company he raised. He served in this capacity for about three months, when he was promoted to Captain of this company. He held this position to the end of the war. He participated in all the battles of the Red River campaign, and Pleasant Hill, La., battles of Old Oaks, Miss., Nashville, Tenn., and others, under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith. He then returned to Clayton County. Soon after went to California, where he remained for four years. In May, 1870, he came to Nebraska, and located in Webster County. He is now the oldest resident of Red Cloud. At this time there were but two settlers in the county. He engaged in farming and general merchandising. He owns this town site, also eighty acres of land with his residence, which is one of the finest in the county. He also owns a tract of land of 101½ acres north of town. He was the first Probate Judge in this county. He also represented Webster, Nuckolls, and Jefferson Counties in the Legislature. After serving one year as Register of the United States Land Office, at Lincoln, he was elected Governor, which office he held two terms, from 1874 to 1878. He is now engaged in raising live stock.

👤 GILHAM & TULLEYS
Attorneys at law. J. A. Tulleys was born in Ross County, Ohio, and was there raised. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Co. H, Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry. Served three years. Returned to Ohio. Soon after came to Memphis. Was clerk in the Freedman's Depot about six months, then came to Illinois. Soon after returned to Ohio, and engaged in school teaching. In 1871 came to Iowa. May, 1872, came to Red Cloud. There were but four buildings here at that time. He engaged in teaching during the summer, and was subsequently employed as clerk in Mr. Garber's store. In the spring of 1873 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk. Held this office till January 1, 1882. During this time he pursued the study of law. Was admitted to practice March, 1882.

👤 W. E. JACKSON
Retired, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio; there he was raised. Enlisted in 1846 in the Mexican war, Co. H, Third Ohio Infantry. Served one year. In 1851 he came to Alamakee County, Iowa. There engaged in farming. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. B, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Served to the end of the war. Returned to Iowa, and continued farming. July, 1870, he came to Webster County; the following month came to Red Cloud. Took a homestead claim of 160 acres, which has since been mostly sold for railroad purposes. He also owns 160 acres one-half mile east of town. He was the first Postmaster of Red Cloud; held the office two years. Was also the first County Superintendent. Married January 7, 1851, to Julia Miner of Perry County, Ohio. They have three children—one son and two daughters. Mrs. Jackson was the first white woman who resided in Red Cloud. They built a stockade, where they lived during the winter, accompanied by James Calvert and Finis E. Penny.

👤 C. W. KALEY
Attorney at law, was born in Mifflin County, Pa. At the age of seven came with his parents to Wyandot County, Ohio. Attended school and assisted on their farm. In 1874, came to Red Cloud, and studied law with his brother, now deceased. He was admitted to the bar in 1876. He was elected a member of the Legislature in the fall of 1881, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of his brother, H. S. Kaley. He was appointed by the Governor a member of the State Normal School Board. This position he still holds. In the fall of 1879 he was elected County Judge. His brother was the recipient of many important offices, and was appointed by the President Consul to Chemnitz, Germany, and was also a delegate to the Cincinnati Convention at the time of the nomination of President Hayes. He died August 26, 1881.

👤 W. H. LUDLOW
Brick manufacturer, was born in Hoboken, N.J., January 1, 1814. At the age of four years he came with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio. There he was apprenticed to the tanner's trade. He lived there and in Butler County in all about twenty-five years. In 1850 he came to Clinton County, Ind., and engaged in farming. In 1854 removed to Benton County, Iowa, and also followed farming. In 1873 came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land. The past year he has been engaged in the manufacture of brick. He was married in 1852 to Miss P. C. Bailey, of Indiana; have five children—four sons and one daughter. He has three sons by a former marriage. His son, Grant S. Ludlow, is now employed in the office of the Red Cloud Chief.

👤 DAVID LUTZ
Farmer, was born May 31, 1831, in Union County, Pa. At the age of five years came with his parents to Madison County, Ohio. Assisted on their farm. In January, 1854, came to Benton County, Iowa. There married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Rev. John Summers, then of Benton County. Have four children, one son and three daughters. His son, at the age of seven years, declaimed the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1875, at Red Cloud. November 13, 1876, with unshod feet, standing on the veritable table, he also declaimed the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia. Mr. Lutz followed the mason trade in Iowa till the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in Co. I, Second Iowa Cavalry. Served one year. Lost his right arm, July, 1862, during a cavalry charge near Booneville, Miss. He then returned to Iowa. Was engaged in teaching nine years. In 1871 came to Red Cloud, and engaged in the drug business a short time. Since then has been engaged in farming.

👤 M. B. McNITT
Postmaster, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, and there raised. Enlisted in the fall of 1862 in Co. G, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, and served to the end of the war. Returned to Ohio, and engaged in farming. He came to Red Cloud September 8, 1872, put up a house, and opened a hardware store. Continued this business about eighteen months. He was appointed Postmaster January 1, 1874, which office he still holds.

👤 A. S. MARSH
General merchandise. Was born in Oneida County, N.Y. Since a boy he has always been engaged in merchandising. In 1864 came to Chicago. In 1868 came to Beatrice, Neb. May, 1880, came to Red Cloud, and established this business worth about $40,000 a year.

👤 MRS. SARAH MICK
Was born January 7, 1806, in Sevier County, E. Tenn. When a child she came with her parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, where she lived until she was married to Lewis Kiser, January 16, 1823. Then lived within six miles of Dayton till 1830, when she came to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where she lived until 1847. A daughter on the verge of womanhood died in September, 1846. Her husband, Lewis Kiser, died in July, 1847, with erysipelas. Eight days later, a son, twenty-two years old, died with congestive fever. They both became Christians the year before they were married. He was one of the pillars and supporters of the Christian Church at West Point, Ind., and was Elder when he died.

Her father, James Kinkeman, a preacher in the Christian Church, lived with her twenty years and died at her home February 12, 1853. After her husband’s death, her oldest son and daughter married. She later married Charles Mick, lived with him over ten years, and was again left a widow. Her son James Kiser raised a company in the Civil War (Fortieth Indiana Volunteers) but died of illness in 1862 at Corinth, Miss. She later moved to Iowa, then to Nebraska in 1870 with family members. She took a homestead at Guide Rock, lived there six and a half years, then moved to Red Cloud. She is described as active, devout, and self‑reliant at age seventy‑six.

👤 J. L. MILLER
Dealer in harness and saddles, was born in Fulton County, Ind. Enlisted in 1863 in Co. H, Twentieth Indiana Infantry. Served to the end of the war. Returned to Indiana. In 1867 came to Nebraska, and followed contracting and building in Otoe and Johnson Counties. April, 1874, came to Red Cloud, and put up a few buildings. Afterward employed by Garber & Co. as clerk about eighteen months. He then bought out W. T. McBride, harness, etc. Has since been engaged in this business.

👤 LEVI MOORE
Farmer and real estate, was born in Pocahontas County, Va., and there lived till the age of twenty-two, when he came to McHenry County, Ill., and engaged in farming. In 1851 came to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and also followed farming. June, 1873, came to Red Cloud. Has since been engaged in the loan and real estate business, also farming. He owns a farm of 660 acres and one of 160 acres, also his residence in town with ten acres, the Commercial Hotel and livery barn, with twelve lots, the store building now occupied by A. S. Marsh, and other property.

👤 DR. J. M. MOSENA
Physician and surgeon, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and there raised. Attended the Little Miami Seminary two years. In 1855 came to Burlington, Iowa. Attended the Baptist Collegiate Institute two years. He then took up the study of medicine under Dr. Ransom and later Dr. A. P. McCollough. Then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa. Graduated in 1878. The following year he came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided. The Doctor has been in active practice since 1871.

Dr. L. D. Denney, firm of Mosena & Denney, is a native of Brown County, Ohio. Received his medical education with Prof. North, of Keokuk, Iowa. Graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. In the spring of 1882 he came to Red Cloud, and became a member of the above firm.

👤 E. M. PERKINS
Of the firm of Besley & Perkins, hardware, tinware, stoves, etc., is a native of Bureau County, Ill. At the age of 20 years he entered the employ of Hibbard, Spencer & Co. Continued with this firm about eight years, most of the time as traveling salesman. In 1880 came to Red Cloud. Has since been a member of the above firm.

👤 A. C. POPE
Farming implements, was born in Erie County, Pa.; raised in Wisconsin. He entered the State University at Madison, and graduated in 1870. He then engaged in school teaching, which he continued till 1874, when he came to Webster County, located in Oak Creek Precinct, and engaged in farming. In 1876 he was elected County Superintendent. Held this office one term. In 1878 came to Red Cloud, and has since been engaged in his present business. He formerly was a resident of Blue Earth County, Minn. There held the office of Deputy Clerk of the Court. Also engaged in school teaching.

👤 C. H. POTTER
Real estate, was born in Canada. At the age of sixteen he came to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1871 he came to Red Cloud, Neb., and took a homestead of 160 acres, three miles west of Red Cloud. He also owns about a section of other land in Webster County; also four business houses, two residences, and other property in Red Cloud. All of this property he has acquired since coming to Webster County. In 1873 he opened a drug store. This business he continued until May 22, 1880, when he sold out to Henry Cook, who has since carried on the business.

👤 C. E. PUTNAM
Groceries, flour and feed, is a native of Broome County, N.Y. He enlisted in 1864 in the Fifth New York Cavalry, and served during the war. In 1877 he came to Peoria, Ill., and there engaged in merchandising and farming. In the fall of 1878 he came to Red Cloud. May, 1879, he established this business.

👤 W. N. RICHARDSON
Live stock dealer, was born in Dunkirk, N.Y.; raised in Illinois. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. D, Seventieth Illinois Infantry, and served his enlistment of three months. Returned to Illinois, and engaged in the live stock business. In the spring of 1871 he came to Lincoln. In June of this year he came to Red Cloud, and in company with Gov. Garber engaged in merchandising, this being the first general store opened in Red Cloud. Continued this business two years. He then engaged in live stock and real estate, which he has since continued. He owns two well improved farms, also property in Red Cloud.

👤 AUGUSTUS ROATS
Farmer, was born in Baden, Germany. At the age of eleven he came with his parents to Cape Vincent, N.Y., worked in a shingle mill, farmed, and carried on the cooper business. He enlisted in 1862 in the Tenth Heavy Artillery, and served to the end of the war. Returned to Cape Vincent, and carried on coopering and farming. In 1867 came to Juneau County, Wis., and followed farming. July 19, 1870, he came to Webster County, where he has since resided. His family are among the earliest settlers of the county. Mrs. Roats has not been absent one night from this farm since they located here. Mr. R. was married in 1866 to Sarah Blanchard, of Wolf River, Canada. They have five children—two sons and three daughters.

👤 W. H. SAYRE
Of the firm of Potter & Sayre, Red Cloud Mills, is a native of Yates County, N.Y. After finishing a preparatory course of studies, he entered Starkey Seminary, where he remained three years. In 1878 he came to Red Cloud, and became a member of the firm January 14, 1882.

👤 S. C. SMITH
Of the firm of Smith Bros., bankers, is a native of Ridgefield, Fairfield County, Conn. At the age of thirteen he secured employment with H. K. Scott, general merchandise, where he remained about six years; he then removed to Stamford, Conn., was clerk in the dry goods house of C. H. Scofield & Bros. one year, and then went to Danbury, Conn.; had charge of the dry goods store of Benedict & Nichols two years; he then, with Mr. F. H. Austin, purchased their stock and carried on this business about three years under the firm name of Austin & Smith.

In June, 1872, with his brother, J. E. Smith, he came to Nebraska, and after looking up a location, they finally settled in Beatrice, and in August, 1872, they opened a banking office under the firm name of Smith Bros. They continued it until 1876, when the First National Bank was organized, with John E. Smith as President, and Samuel C. Smith as Cashier, which still continues. In March, 1878, the firm of Smith Bros. & Thompson established their bank in Red Cloud. Mr. Thompson withdrew from the firm in May, 1881.

Mr. Smith's residence in Red Cloud is by far the finest in the county. It was built in 1879, and cost, with barn and other improvements, about $6,000. He was married August 10, 1875, to Miss Nellie, daughter of John C. Higby, of Omaha, and niece of United States Senator A. S. Paddock, of Beatrice. They have two children—Nellie E., aged five years, and Charlotte P., aged two and one half years.

 👤 E. B. SMITH
Farmer, was born in Wyoming County, N.Y. At the age of thirteen he came to Holley, Mich.; worked there in a blacksmith shop about nine months; he then removed to Lake County, Ill.; engaged in fishing and blacksmithing about fourteen years; in 1864 he came to Wyoming, Jones County, Iowa, and carried on the blacksmith trade. May 3, 1872, he came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided; he owns the farm where he resides, consisting of 160 acres of land, also seventy acres in Smith & Moore's addition, and other town property; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and three terms Assessor.

 👤 CHARLES W. SPRINGER
County Superintendent, was born in Lamoine, Hancock County, Maine. After receiving a preparatory course of studies, he entered the Eastern State Normal School, and graduated in 1871. He then came to Dawson County in 1873, and in January, 1874, he came to Red Cloud and engaged in teaching. In April, 1880, he was licensed to preach by the Baptist denomination. In the fall of 1881, he was elected County Superintendent. Ordained a Baptist Minister April 30, 1882.

👤 W. H. STROHM
Was born in Centre County, Penn., in 1848, and there resided until February 7, 1863, when he entered the Union Army, until August, 1865. After the close of the war he took a course of study and graduated at Dickinson College in 1870. He then read law in Mifflin County, Penn., and was admitted to practice in 1873. In 1874 he was elected District-Attorney of his District. In 1878 he removed to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He was appointed County Surveyor in the spring of 1879 and elected to same office in the fall of same year.

 👤 J. L. THOMAS
Editor and proprietor of the Red Cloud Chief, was born in Monroe County, Ohio. Came to Nebraska in the fall of 1866, located in Plattsmouth, attended the Plattsmouth High School. In the spring of 1871 came to Red Cloud, took a homestead claim of 160 acres, improved and afterwards sold. This paper was started by C. L. Mather in 1873. Mr. Thomas bought it out Oct. 9, 1876, and with the exception of eighteen months he has since edited this paper.

👤 DR. I. W. TULLEYS
Physician and surgeon, is a native of Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio. After receiving his preparatory course of studies he attended the Salem Academy. In 1854 came to DeWitt County, Ill., taught school and studied medicine. He graduated from the Missouri Homeopathic College at St. Louis; in 1875 came to Red Cloud, Neb. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. The Doctor has been County Judge for four years. He is also examining physician for pensions and for several insurance companies, also Commissioner of Insanity Examining Surgeon. He is the oldest practicing physician in this locality.

👤 R. W. VAN DYKE
Firm of Van Dyke & Sawdey, proprietors of Boys' Home, was born in Pontiac, Mich. At the age of about four years his parents came to Kendall County, Ill., there he was raised and assisted on their farm; he afterward removed to Belleville, Kansas, engaged in farming and live stock. In the fall of 1879 came to Steele City, Jefferson County, Neb., ran a hotel about eighteen months; in the fall of 1881 came to Red Cloud. He with A. A. Sawdey bought this hotel which they have since managed.

👤 J. C. WARREN
Livery and sale stables, was born in Lima, Livingston County, N.Y.; when a year old came with his parents to Cass County, Mich., and was there raised. He enlisted in 1864, Company G, Eighth New York Cavalry; served to the end of the war. In 1871 came to Jewell County, Kansas, and laid out the town of Big Bend; in 1873 c—

👤 J. C. WARREN
Livery and sale stables, was born in Lima, Livingston County, N.Y.; when a year old came with his parents to Cass County, Mich., and was there raised. He enlisted in 1864, Company G, Eighth New York Cavalry; served to the end of the war. In 1871 came to Jewell County, Kansas, and laid out the town of Big Bend; in 1873 came to Red Cloud, and has since been engaged in the livery business. He owns a fine barn, well stocked with horses and carriages. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary E. McBride, of Michigan. They have three children—two sons and one daughter.