Biographies - Gage County, Nebraska

Robert D. Boice, a citizen of prominence in business, social and religious relations at Geneseo, has been a dealer in hardware at that place since 1858, He was born Aug. 14, 1830, in the city of Pittsburg, Pa.

His parents, Eben and Nancy (De France) Boice, were natives of Penn Manor, Franklin Co., Pa. The father was a descendant from a family of Scotch-Irish extraction, and the ancestry of the mother was of French origin.

Mr. Boice was approaching manhood when, in 1848, his father made a transfer of his family and business relations to Ashland, in the county of the same name in Ohio.

He there was first engaged in the hardware trade, and there acquired a familiarity with its details, and prosecuted his interests until, in 1858, he removed to Henry County, where he arrived Jan. 25, of the year named.

The issues which resulted in the formation of the Republican party were being agitated at the time Mr. Boice arrived at the dignities of citizenship, and he cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Since that time he has been an adherent of the "grand old party" without shadow of change in principle or acts.

He has discharged the duties of several minor official positions at Geneseo. He is engaged in the prosecution of extensive farming interests in Gage Co., Neb., and is in connection with a banking enterprise at Costland, in the same county.

Mrs. Boice is the daughter of John and Rachel Smith and is a native of Ashland, Ohio.

Daniel Freeman, M. D. and farmer, Blakeley Precinct, was born in Ohio in 1826. At the age of six months, his parents moved to New York, and located in Genesee County, remaining there until 1835, when they settled in Knox County, Ill.

In 1847, Mr. Freeman began the study of medicine at Peoria, Ill., remaining there eighteen months, when he entered the Eclectic Institute at Cincinnati and graduated in 1849, locating in Ottawa, Ill., and commenced the practice of medicine, remaining there until 1861, when he enlisted in the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private.

Soon after, he was transferred to the secret service, remaining until the close of the war.

In 1862, he came to Nebraska in the employ of the Government, and while in the State located on Section 26, Town 4, Range 5, and put up a house and moved his family there January 1, 1863.

He took out the first homestead papers issued by the Government, having homestead papers No. 1, and has lived on the place ever since.

He has added to the farm until he has 840 acres, situated on Cub Creek, on Sections 23, 26 and 34.

He has been County Commissioner two terms, County Sheriff one term, and Justice of the Peace in his precinct several terms.

He was married in February, 1865, to Miss E. A. Suiter. They have five children-- Eliza J., Samuel, James H., John and Frank.

Previous to this, he was married in 1853 to Elizabeth Walber, of Ottawa, Ill. They had three children--Charles, Gerald and Lourella.

Samuel C. Smith, Cashier of the First National Bank of Beatrice, is a native of Ridgefield, Conn.

He came to Nebraska in August, 1872, and, in September of that year, he and his brother, J. E., commenced the banking business here under the firm name of Smith Bros.

In April, 1877, the First National Bank was chartered and commenced business. John E. Smith, President, and Samuel C. Smith, Cashier, which positions they have since held.

In April, 1880, Smith Bros. organized the Blue Springs Bank, which they operated until January 1, 1882, when it was bought by J. C. Williams, their former Cashier.

Samuel C. Smith now resides at Red Cloud, Neb., where he conducts the business of Smith Bros., private bankers.

Hon. J. A. Smith, Police Judge and attorney, came to Nebraska in 1879. Prior to that he resided at Iowa City.

He is an attorney at law; was born near Geneva, Ill., November 22, 1844, and lived there and in Chicago until moving to Iowa; enlisted in the First Missouri Cavalry at St. Louis, September, 1861, and was wounded at Sugar Creek, Ark., February 19, 1862, and discharged September 22, 1862. He lost his right arm and one finger of the left hand.

He was married in Iowa City, November 23, 1868, to Calista Sanders, a native of Iowa City.

Christ J. Meints, whose well improved homestead farm is situated in Section 26, Hanover township, has by his own ability and energy achieved large success in connection with farm enterprise in this
county and, now venerable in years, he is living virtually retired from the arduous labors which so long marked his career.

Mr Meints was born in East Friesland, province of Hanover, Germany, on the 28th of December, 1834, and there he was reared and educated. In the same province was solemnized his marriage to Miss Rika Dorn, and they came to America in 1865, arriving at Golden, Illinois, two weeks prior to the assassination of President Lincoln.

In his native land Mr. Meints had learned the carpenter's trade and this he followed after establishing his home in Illinois, besides which he did expert service in brick-laying and plastering in that state until 1883, when he came to Gage County, Nebraska, which state he had previously visited, this action having been prompted by a request made to him by former residents of Illinois who wished him to do some building work for them. He finally became so favorably impressed that he decided to establish his home in the county -- an action that he has never regretted. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in Section 26, Hanover township, where he has since maintained his home, and his ability as a carpenter is shown in the substantial and attractive type of the buildings which he has erected on his home farm. He brought to bear marked energy and business sagacity in his activities as a farmer and eventually accumulated a valuable estate of five hundred and sixty acres, a considerable portion of which he retains, the remainder having been sold to his sons.

His devoted wife passed to eternal rest in 1907, a devout member of the Lutheran church, as is he also.

Of their children, the eldest is Henry, a prosperous farmer in Logan township; Maggie is the wife of Broer Gronewold, of Dawson county; John was a resident of Holt township at the time of his death; Bruno is a successful farmer in Logan township; Christina is the wife of Ben Aden, of Dawson county; Heye is a substantial farmer in Holt township; Addie is the wife of Louis Stevens, of Hanover township.

Though he has passed the age of four score years Mr. Meints is hale and active and continues to find occasion for practical service about his farm, as may be inferred when it is noted that recently he used a trowel actively and effectively in the construction of a cement floor in one of the buildings on his farm.

His son-in-law, Louis Stevens, has the active management of the farm and is more specifically mentioned in appending paragraphs.

Louis Stevens was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, January 29, 1878, and has been a resident of Gage County since 1895. In 1901 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Addie Meints, and they have seven children -- Grace, Mabel, Christ, Elmer, John, Henry, and Emma.

Mr Stevens is a progressive exponent of farm enterprise, is a Republican in politics and he and his wife are active communicants of the Lutheran church.

Harm M. DeBuhr -- From East Friesland, a picturesque district in the extreme northwestern angle of the province of Hanover, Germany, have come an appreciable number of well known and representative citizens of Gage County, both in the present and earlier generations.

In that district of Germany Harm M. DeBuhr was born June 12, 1865, and he was ten years of age at the time of the family immigration to America. The generous measure of his achievement is demonstrated in his ownership of a fine landed estate of four hundred and twenty acres in Gage County, and his attractive homestead farm is situated in Section 22, Hanover township. He is a son of Menne J. and Jennie (Harms) DeBuhr, both natives of Germany, where the latter passed her entire life.

Menne DeBuhr was born December 30, 1822, and was a resident of the state of Illinois at the time of his death, in 1887. After the death of his wife he continued to be identified with business enterprise in
East Friesland until 1875, when he came with his children to the United States and established a home in Champaigne County, Illinois, in which state he passed the remainder of his life, he having been a
wagon maker by trade.

Of the five children three are living, the subject of this sketch being the youngest; Rixty is the wife of George E. Zimmerman, of Hanover township, who is individually mentioned on other pages; and Antye is the wife of Martin Hendricks, a farmer in Illinois. The parents were lifelong members of the Lutheran church.

Harm M. DeBuhr gained his rudimentary education in his native land and was ten years old when he accompanied his father to America, his educational training having been completed in the public schools of Illinois. In that state he continued his association with farm enterprise until 1885, when he came to Nebraska and established his home in Gage County. Here he farmed on rented land for nine years, and he then purchased eighty acres in Hanover township, after having accumulated sufficient money to partially pay for the same. Later he sold this property and purchased his present homestead place, which then comprised one hundred and sixty acres and to which he has gradually added until he now owns a valuable farm estate of four hundred and twenty acres in Hanover township. Mr DeBuhr has erected good farm buildings on his homestead, the small house that was on the place when he purchased the property having been supplanted by a commodious and attractive modern residence, and scrupulous care having been given to keeping the farm property up to the best standards throughout. While thus furthering through well directed industry and enterprise his personal advancement, Mr DeBuhr has at all times been mindful of his civic responsibilities and has given his cooperation in the furtherance of those things that have tended to conserve the general well being and progress of the community.

He is independent in politics, is now serving as a member of the school board of his district, has been road overseer in his precinct and his high place in popular confidence and esteem is indicated by his being the incumbent, in 1917-1918, of the office of township treasurer. He is a vigorous and successful exponent of agricultural and live-stock industry and is essentially one of the representative citizens of Hanover township. He and his wife are zealous communicants of the Lutheran church.

In 1889 Mr DeBuhr wedded Miss Minnie Ehman, whose father, the late William Ehman, was numbered among the honored pioneers of Gage County, adequate data concerning the family being given on other pages, in the record concerning Henry W. Ehman, a brother of Mrs DeBuhr. In the
concluding paragraph of this article is given brief record concerning the children of Mr and Mrs DeBuhr:

Menne, who is a prosperous farmer in Hanover township, married Miss Katie Walken, and they have two children, Harm and Trinty; William, a representative farmer of the younger generation in Hanover township, wedded Johannah Zimmerman; John is a farmer in Hanover township and the maiden name of his wife was Bena Huls; Henry, Amka, Jergen, Bernhard, Trinty, and Martin remain at the parental home.

John J. Gronewold has gained through his insistent energy and ability a secure vantage-ground as one of the substantial exponents of farm enterprise in Hanover township, where he is the owner of a well
improved farm property of two hundred acres, his attractive homestead being situated in Section 31.

Mr Gronewold was born in East Friesland, Germany, on the 9th of October, 1873, a son of John and Anna (Heinrichs) Gronewold, the father having been born in 1847 and his death having occurred in 1891, his entire life having been passed in his native land, where his widow still resides, she having been born in 1844.

Of their six children four are living: Soaka remains in Germany; John J., of this review, is the next younger; William is engaged in farming in Gage county; and Galscha remains at the old home in Germany. The other two children, Dick and Weaka, sacrificed their lives in the great European war of the present day.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church and the father gave his entire active career to farm industry, in which his success was unequivocal, his old homestead farm in East Friesland comprising seventy acres.

John J. Gronewold gained his youthful education in the excellent schools of his native province and was but sixteen years old when, in 1889, he came to the United States and established his residence in
Gage County.

Here for ten years thereafter he was employed as a farm hand, and though he never received large wages he carefully saved his earnings, as he was ambitious to establish himself independently as a farmer. After his marriage he continued in the employ of others until 1900, when his financial resources had become such as to enable him to make partial payment on a farm of eighty acres, in Hanover township. With characteristic energy he gave himself to the improving and general operations of the farm, which he eventually sold advantageously, and he has not only become and independent and successful agriculturalist and stock-grower of the county but has also accumulated a fine landed estate of two hundred acres. He keeps the farm in the best of condition throughout, has erected good buildings to supplement those already on the property, and he orders with much circumspection and attendant success all branches of his farm enterprise, which includes diversified agriculture and the raising of cattle, swine and chickens of the best type. He gives special attention also to the raising of beans and has made this enterprise notable successful. A hard worker and a man of good judgment, he has achieved prosperity through his own endeavors and is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Hanover township.

In politics he is independent of strict partisan lines, he has served as road overseer and as a member of the school board, and he and his wife are active communicants of the German Lutheran church.

In 1897 Mr Gronewold wedded Miss Anna Gerdes, who was born in Germany, where her parents, John and Freda Gerdes, passed their entire lives.

Mrs Gronewold was fourteen years of age when she came to the United States in company with one uncle and her sister Tena. Mr. and Mrs. Gronewold have four children, all of whom remain at the parental home: Anna, Jennie, John and Freda.

Each successive stage of a life that has been worthily lived bears its full measure of compensation, and the man who has passed life's meridian, who has stored up the lessons of rich and varied experience, and who has wrought wisely, justly, and effectively, must find each successive year thereafter radiant in personal contentment and gracious in memories. Such a sane, direct, and productive life has been that of Arnott Duncan McCandless, who is one of the representative members of the bar of Gage county and whose buoyant optimism has enabled him to get the best out of life in its varied relations. He is a writer of exceptional talent and another dominating attribute of his makeup is his love for the vital sports field and afloat, in which domain of recreation he has gained distinct prestige. He is engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Wymore and his status as a citizen, a lawyer, and as a genial and popular man makes it specially pleasing to accord him recognition in this history.

Mr. McCandless is of staunch Scotch ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides, as the respective names fully indicate. He was born on a farm six miles east of Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois, on the 27th of August, 1849, and is a son of William Wallace McCandless and Sarah (Duncan) McCandless, both natives of Pennsylvania.

A literal and fully substantiated fact pertinent to the McCandless family is singularly in consonance with a statement all too tritely made concerning the founding of other families in America. That is, the original progenitors of the McCandless family in this country were the proverbial three brothers, but it has been clearly established that one of the number established a home in Pennsylvania, that another located in the south and that the third became a seafaring man. From the one who settled in the old Keystone state the subject of this review is descended.

Arnott D. McCandless was five years old when his parents removed from McDonough county, Illinois, and settled on a farm one- half mile southwest of Aledo, Mercer county, and he was a lad of about thirteen years when his loyal and patriotic father went forth to battle for the nation's integrity as a soldier of the Union in the Civil war. On the 14th of August, 1862, William W. McCandless enlisted as a private in Company H, Eighty- fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with his command he set forth from Quincy, Illinois, marched across Kentucky and on to Nashville, Tennessee, the soldiers of his regiment sleeping at night under the open sky, as they were not provided with tents. Mr. McCandless was destined soon to sacrifice his life in the righteous cause, for he was killed at the battle of Stone River, on the 31st of December, 1862, little more than four months after he had enlisted. He had become the father of six children, and his widow and two of her married daughters eventually came to Nebraska and settled in Box Butte county. While visiting at the home of her son Arnott D., of this review, at Wymore, the widowed mother was summoned to eternal rest, her death having occurred in 1910, at which time she was eighty-eight years of age. Arnott Duncan McCandless attended the district schools in Mercer county, Illinois, and thereafter attended for two years a Presbyterian select school in that state. He was at this time about eleven years old and thereafter he attended school only three months until after he had attained to his legal majority. The death of his father compelled him to assume heavy responsibilities when he was but a boy, and through his application to farm work he aided in the support of his mother and the other members of the family. His insistent determination to broaden his education led him to take his Latin grammar into the field with him, in order that he might apply himself to study during his all too few leisure moments. In the meanwhile his advancement had been such that he proved himself a successful teacher during four months of pedagogic service in the district schools of his native state.

Soon after reaching his legal majority Mr. McCandless entered the law office of Isaac N. Bassett, a leading lawyer at Aledo, Illinois, and, at a stipend of sixteen dollars and seventy-five cents a month, he here took charge of a set of abstract books, the while he vigorously applied himself to the study of law. In 1874 he had so effectively absorbed and assimilated simulated the science of jurisprudence that he was admitted to the Illinois bar, at a session of the supreme court of the state held at Ottawa. In 1875 Mr. McCandless went to the new town of Creston, Iowa, and became one of its pioneer lawyers. There he built up a substantial practice and there he continued his professional activities until 1882, when he again evidenced his predilection for being in at the start of things in a new town, as he cast in his fortunes with the village of Wymore, Gage county, Nebraska, a place that had been founded about one year previously. A man of vigorous thought and action, he proved a staunch force in furthering civic and material development and progress at Wymore, and he has continued as one of the valued and public- spirited citizens of this thriving little city, even as he has been recognized as one of the able and representative members of the bar of the county. For fifteen years after their marriage Mr. McCandless and his wife kept their textbooks constantly at hand in their home and devoted themselves earnestly to study and reading, vying with each other in enthusiasm for advancement along educational lines.

In 1873 Mr. McCandless wedded Miss Gertrude Cabeen, who was born at Keithsburg, Illinois, a daughter of Richard C. Cabeen, an early settler and influential citizen of Mercer county, that state. Mr. and Mrs. McCandless have no children, but their devoted companionship during the long years has been of ideal order � intensified, as it were, by their having had no child to divide even measurably their interests.

In politics, as in other matters of vital importance, Mr. McCandless thinks and acts for himself, and he has not been constrained by strict partisan dictates. In his home village he is affiliated with Wymore Lodge, No. 104, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons ; Hiram Chapter, No. 28, Royal Arch Masons ; and Cypress Council, No. 22, Royal and Select Masters.

For many years prior to the death of his loved mother Mr. McCandless made regular visits to her and his two sisters, in Box Butte county, and incidentally he made interesting hunting expeditions in Cherry county. As he says, he "loves to sleep out on the sand hills, with only a blanket for protection, to breathe the air no one else ever breathed, and to determine the time of the night by observing the position of the Great Dipper." Along literary lines Mr. McCandless has gained no little repute by reason of the specially original and interesting articles which he has contributed to the periodical known as "Forest and Stream," his articles having been entitled "Days in Cherry County" and "Boyhood Days in Illinois." These articles have attracted wide attention on the part of devotees of outdoor sport, and Mr. McCandless has not only received letters of marked appreciation from the editor of "Forest and Stream," but they have led also to his being called upon to act as escort to wealthy and influential sportsmen in expeditions in western Nebraska. Among such millionaire sportsmen with whom Mr. McCandless has been thus pleasantly associated may be mentioned Mr. Wilbur, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Liles, of Aurora, Missouri. Mr. McCandless is an expert shot and has made splendid record at the traps, in which connection he has come in close competition with Thomas Marshall, of Keithsburg, Illinois, the two having become acquainted when they were boys.

Even this brief article indicates the broad mental grasp of Mr. McCandless and shows that while he has concentrated and won success in his profession he has had appreciation of other things that go to make up the full and complete life, and that he has made the passing years count not only in achievement but also in giving the benefices of happiness and contentment.

In the career of the late John Strough, who was a resident of Gage county for more than a score of years, success and honor were inseparable, and he made his life count for good in its every relation. His sudden death, as the result of heart disease, occurred at his home in the city of Beatrice, November 23, 1917, he having been stricken while engaged in his customary evening work about the home, at 1423 High street.

Mr. Strough was born in Henry county, Indiana, on the 28th of January, 1844, and was a son of John and Sarah (Miller) Strough, who reared to years of maturity a family of eleven children. John Strough, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1808, and in the earlier part of his career he followed the trade of tailor.

As a young man he went to the historic old state of Virginia, and later he numbered himself among -the pioneers of Henry county, Indiana, where he became a prosperous farmer and where his death occurred on the 20th of May, 1863. His wife was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in which state she was reared and educated, and there their marriage was solemnized, her father, George Miller, having been a native of Pennsylvania: she was born about the year 1835 and passed to eternal rest about 1887, her first three children having been born in Virginia, prior to the family removal to Indiana, where she continued to reside until her death.

The subject of this memoir was reared on the old homestead farm in Indiana and acquired his early education in the pioneer schools of Henry county, that state. At the time of the Civil war he gave efficient service as a soldier in an Indiana volunteer regiment, .and his service covered practically the entire period of the conflict between the North and the South. In his native state his marriage was solemnized in 1867, and in 1870 he removed with his family to Holt county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, near the village of Craig. There he continued his successful activities as a farmer until 1890, when he and his wife established their home in Gage county, Nebraska, after he had disposed of his farm in Missouri. Upon coming to Gage county Mr. Strough purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Section 33, Holt township, and, with his progressive policies and mature judgment he there proved notably successful in his farm enterprise, the while he made excellent improvements on the homestead. He remained on the farm until 1908, when he retired from active labors and removed with his devoted wife to the city of Beatrice, where he passed the residue of his life, secure in the high regard of all who knew him. Mr. Strough was well fortified in his convictions .concerning governmental policies and was a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He took deep interest in community affairs and while living on his Gage county farm, he served as a member of the school board of his district. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and his widow holds membership in the Congregational church of Beatrice.

In the year 1867 Mr. Strough wedded Miss Sarah Ann Bowers, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, April 14, 1849, a daughter of George and Lydia (Weane) Bowers, both natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, where the former was born in the year 1819 and the latter on the 9th of August, 1831. Upon his removal to Indiana, Mr. Bowers became a pioneer of Henry county, and there he became a substantial farmer and influential citizen of his community. He was one of the venerable pioneer citizens of the county at the time of his death, in 1891, at the age of seventy-two years, and his widow, who attained to the age of eighty-one years, was a resident of Henry county, Indiana, at the time of her death, in 1908. Since the death of her honored husband Mrs. Strough has continued to reside in the attractive home which he provided upon their removal to Beatrice. In conclusion is given brief record concerning their children, eleven having been born to them and two of the number having died in infancy: Laura is the wife of Giles Laughlin and they reside near Sheridan, Arkansas; Mary B. is the wife of Thomas Harding, a prosperous farmer of Holt township, Gage county, Nebraska ; Joseph Leonard resides in Beatrice, this county, where he operates a garage ; Dora E. is the wife of John Coonley, who is engaged in the grocery business in West Beatrice; Lloyd L., who owns and resides upon his father's old home farm in Holt township, is individually mentioned on other pages of this volume; Rufus F. is engaged in the oil business in the city of Beatrice; Jesse F. is a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa; and Nona E. is the wife of William Sherwood, a prosperous farmer in Logan township.

Isma P. Mumford was born in the state of Maryland, while Elizabeth Mallock, and was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1830. She was the granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier and the daughter of a man who bore arms for his country in the war of 1812. When twenty-one years of age she became the wife of Isma P. Mumford. Shortly after their marriage, in 1853, they mi-prated from Ohio to the new state of Wisconsin, and in 1857 they came seeking a home in the new territory of Nebraska. On the way out they were joined at Plattsmouth by William and Nathan Blakely, and together these heroic pioneers of Gage County made their slow way across the unmarked, trackless prairies of southeastern Nebraska. Hearing that the Big Blue River valley offered great advantages to settlers, on account of the abundant timber and rich bottom land which lined its course, they traveled thither, and on the 17th day of July, almost by accident, stumbled upon the members of the Beatrice Townsite Company.

Who were engaged in erecting a company house on their town site, which building later became the property of Albert Towle and widely famous as "Pap's Cabin." They also found a cluster of covered wagons and tents, in the neighborhood of the Kees Manufacturing plant, a little above the junction of Indian creek and the Big Blue River. Learning that the representatives of the Townsite company had founded a town and purposed to remain and carry their enterprise to fulfillment, and pleased both with the prospect and company, the little party resolved to cast in its fortunes with that old guard which then and for many succeeding years held this remote outpost of civilization against all hardships, privations and discouragements.

For several months Mrs. Mumford and a Miss Bailey, who accompanied the party, were the only white women in the settlement, and probably the only white women in the county. Of Miss Bailey this writer is unable to give any further account, but Mrs. Mumford enjoyed the distinction of being the sole representative of her sex in Gage County until the arrival of Mrs. Catherine Towle, in the autumn of 1857. The names of both these good ladies must be forever spoken with reverence by those for whom the early history of Beatrice and Gage County has the slightest interest. Both possessed unusual mental vigor; both were endowed with those traits of personal character that always command and retain the respect of mankind; both have long since passed to their rest. One sleeps beside her honored husband in the old cemetery, near this city, and the other is wrapped in kindred earth of a sister state. To Mrs. Towle belongs the honor of being the mother of the first child born in Gage County, a daughter, Katie Towle, and to Mrs. Mumford, the honor of being the mother of the first white male child born within the boundaries of our county. Both these children, having reached the age of maturity, were long ago gathered to the bosom of Mother Earth. Katie Towle became the wife of George V. Ayers, of Deadwood, South Dakota. She died on the 28th day of March 1890, aged thirty-two years. Her remains lie with those of her parents in the family burial ground in the Beatrice Cemetery, while the turf that en�folds a father's and a brother's clay wraps also the dust of Dawson Mumford, he having perished in an accident, at the age of twenty-two years � the age when most men begin life.

Shortly after his arrival, Isma P. Mumford began the erection of the building which in his hands became, and long afterward continued, to be a leading public inn of the struggling village of Beatrice. "Pap's Cabin" consisted of an unhewn story-and-a-half log structure, which stood about where the baggage room of the Burlington station is located. It was the first structure of any kind erected in Beatrice, and Mumford's inn the second. Mumford's building differed from Pap's Cabin, in being a hewed instead of a round log house. It still stands.

The remaining history of Isma P. and Elizabeth Mumford may be briefly told. On August 7, 1857, at an election attended principally by the members of the Beatrice Townsite Company for the purpose of organizing Gage County by electing a complete set of county officials, Mr. Mumford was chosen county treasurer, and he held that office one year. He bears the distinction of being the first county treasurer of Gage County

During the great Indian panic of 1864, which swept over this portion of Nebraska with irresistible force, the Mumfords, with many other families, left the territory, some never to re�turn. But in the spring of 1865 Isma P. and Elizabeth Mumford, with their children, established a home near what was know as the "Steam Wagon Road," six miles west of Nebraska City.

Here, in 1873, Isma died, and his wife, in 1875, removed permanently from the state, taking up her residence with a son, in Nodaway County, Missouri, where she died in March, 1897. They were the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. One son, James, became a prominent Congregational minister, and as far as known to this writer, all their children who reached maturity became useful and worthy members of society.

Deceased, one of the first settlers of Gage County, Nebraska, was born near McConnelsville, Ohio December 5, 1818, and died on his farm in Gage County, February 20, 1875.

His parents, John and Sarah Wallace Kilpatrick, were of Scotch-Irish descent, and their rugged characters impelled them to keep ever at the front of the pioneer movement.

When the son was yet a child the parents moved on to Indiana, and there the boy spent his early life in toil incident to the pioneer life, securing whatever of education might be picked up in the schools of that day. He worked upon farms in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, but felt the inherited impulse to move onward to the frontier.

In 1844 he moved to Jasper County, Missouri, and engaged in farming for several years, moving to Benton County, Iowa, in 1857.

In 1859 he settled in Nebraska, Plattsmouth being his first stopping place. From Plattsmouth he went to Nebraska City, and from the latter place to the section now known as Gage County, where he took up a claim of 120 acres, which he later entered as a homestead. He lived upon this homestead until his death.

By hard work and the exercise of frugality he secured an additional quarter-section. When he located his claim his nearest neighbor lived about ten miles away, and often the settlers, were forced to flee before the Indians who still disputed the right of the white man to settle upon the broad prairies of Nebraska.

This original homestead included the north half of the northwest quarter, southwest half of the north�west quarter of Sec. 31, Twp. 4, R. 5 East.

He was a republican, although he never took an active part in politics. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

On May 20, 1844, he married to Rachel Thompson at Joliet, Illinois. Ten Children were born of this union, four of whom are living:

Coming to Nebraska when it was a territory and comparatively unknown, Samuel Kilpatrick lived to see it become a state that promised to rival the older states of the far East in population and riches.

In this development he took an active part, and the work performed by him has left its impress upon the history of the commonwealth.

A jeweler, was born at Mt. Morris, Ogle County, Illinois., in 1854, where he remained sixteen years, attending school part of the time and part of the time was with his father on the road for his health until 1870, when he went to Galena and learned the jeweler's trade, coming to Nebraska in 1879 and locating in Beatrice.

He opened a jewelry store, 24x60, two stories, and used the second story for organs and pianos. Mr. Alden has a very neat store. At the right as you enter is two large upright show cases eight by ten, two feet deep, and in imitation black walnut, for silverware and small musical instruments, and five two by ten feet cases for the center, with one large show case for outside. He has a full line of musical instruments, from a piano to a jewsharp.

Stock-raiser and proprietor of the Blue Valley Meat Market, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1849, remaining there until 1860, when he went to Colorado and worked at anything he could get, putting his money into cattle, until 1875, when he had 500 head of cattle, which he drove into Chase County, and at present has 800 head of cattle and between fifty and sixty head of horses.

In October, 1881, he bought out the Blue Valley Meat Market, which he has been running since.

In October, 1880, he was married to Miss Lena Rowley, a native of Illinois. She was born in Aurora, Illinois., in 1851.

Attorney, located at Pawnee City, Nebraska., October, 1869, and practiced law there until he went to Beatrice in February, 1880, where he has since followed his profession.

He was a member of the Legislature in 1873-74. He is now City Attorney, having held that position since his residence here.

He was born at Bath, Steuben County, New York, June 4, 1836, and moved with his parents when quite young to Michigan, where he lived until he came to Nebraska.

He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company H, Eighteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was afterward promoted to the captaincy of Company E, Eighteenth Michigan. He served until July, 1865, having been in all the engagements of his command.

He was married at Pawnee City, May, 1880, to Jeannette DuBois, a native of Madison, Florida. They have one child, Laura Eleanor, born March 18,1881.

Mr. Babcock graduated from the Law Department of the Michigan University in the class of 1868.

Real estate and mortage broker, of the firm of Burnham. Trevett & Mattis,. came to Beatrice in August. 1881.

His partners reside at Champaign, Illinois. They deal in land, but loaning money on real estate is their principal business.

Mr. Baker was born at LeRoy. Michigan, June 17, 1886, being a son of Herman and Eliza Barnes Baker, who reside at Vicksburg, Michigan, and was the first white boy born in that township.

He resided at Champaign, Illinois, for twenty years prior to coming to Nebraska, being engaged in his present business there.

He was married in LeRoy, Michigan, September 1, 1861, to Araminta D. Gould, a native of Parma, Monroe County, New York. They have four children�Leona, Channing G., George D. and Vesta I.

Deputy Sheriff, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1848, going with his parents to Warren County, Iowa, where he lived until 1869.

In May, 1872, he located in Beatrice and worked at his trade of plastering, until 1876, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under A. P. Hazard, holding the position two years, when he was elected City Marshal.

In July, 1878, he was again appointed Deputy Sheriff, under Eugene Mack, and has held the office continuously since, at present under Capt. Herron,and is considered a competent and trust�worthy officer.

Attorney, was born near Ypsilanti. Michigan, in 1855, his parents moving soon after to Grass Lake, Jackson County, remaining about four years, then removing to Canton, Illinois, where he remained seven years, attending the school at that point.

In 1874, he emigrated to Nebraska and located in Beatrice. He was in the mercantile business two and one-half years, when he went into the office of Colby & Hazlett and read law; was admitted to the bar in 1879, and in 1880 was taken into partnership with Colby & Hazlett; is Secretary of the Beatrice Bar Association and Manager of the Beatrice Telephone Company and Stock Company, worth $2000--60 per cent paid In capital, H. W. Parker, President. There are thirty seven instruments in use.

He was married in 1879, at Lincoln, Nebraska, to Miss Kate Gillette, of that place. They have been blessed with one daughter�Ella C., born January, 1881.

Mr. Bales is a member of the Beatrice Lodge, No. 26, and the A., F. & A. M., and is Adjutant of the First Regiment Nebraska National Guards.

Has by industry and perseverance acquired valuable property during his four years residence in Lincoln Township, having risen from moderate circumstances since his arrival in this county, in the spring of 1884.

Previous to his residence here he lived in Beatrice for a few months, to which place he had come from Eagle Point, Ogle Co., Illinois.

He was born near Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, on the 22nd of August, 1854, an disason of Jeremiah and Susan (Cross) Carpenter, the former of whom was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Washington County, Maryland.

The parents were married in the latter-named place, and there made their home, a family of seven sons and two daughters growing up around them.

In 1874 they came to Illinois, and made their home near Polo until they came to this state, and they are now making their home in Holt Township.

The father is aged seventy, and the mother sixty-eight years, and they are members of the Church of God, enjoying in their later days the fruits of their early industry, and the esteem and friendship of the people of their community.

Our subject spent the early years of his life in his native county, where he was educated in the public schools, and instructed in the duties pertaining to and agricultural life, after which he was united in marriage, near Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of April, 1872, to Miss Anna Osbaugh. She was born in the above named city on the 14th of February, 1855, and is a daughter of William and Harriet (Ruthruaff) Osbaugh, the former of whom is now living near Springfield, Illinois, aged about threescore years.

He is a cooper by trade, and in connection with that business he owns and has charge of a store.

The mother of Mrs. Carpenter died while she was making a visit I Lee County, Illinois, in 1884, when she was about fifty-six years old. She and her husband were members of the German Reformed Church , and were highly respected all by all who knew them.

Mrs. Carpenter passed her girlhood days in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and as she grew to womanhood she completed her education in various branches of learning, and cultivated the womanly virtues which have made her so estimable a lady.

In 1874 our subject with his wife and his father�s family moved to Ogle County, Illinois, where they remained for some time.

They now have a family of four bright, intelligent children, whose names are Iva E., Zoe Adrian, Roy II, and Harley G.

Since their residence here they have been prosperous and successful, and are rapidly becoming situated in a condition to enjoy life without so much hard labor, which speaks well for the industrious disposition and careful management of our subject.

He is a genial and affable man, and has won a large circle of admiring friends by his kindly, considerate nature and his true, manly courtesy.

He has held the office of Treasurer of his township with credit to himself and with satisfaction to the community, and where political matters are discussed he proves himself a well-informed and ardent Democrat.

The name of William H. Allvord is inscribed high on the roll of the honored veterans of the Civil war and of Gage county's pioneers.

He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1842, being a son of George and Mary (Shumper) Allvord, also natives of the Keystone state, and the former was of German descent. The mother died when her son William was but a child, leaving six sons and five daughters, and five of the sons served as soldiers in the Civil war,�H. Fred, David.

William H., George and Jacob. Three were wounded, David, William H. and Jacob, but all returned home at the close of their services, and the military, record of this family is pne of which the members have every reason to be proud.

William H. Allvord spent the early years of his life on a farm in Perry County, Pennsylvania. At the first call of Lincoln for troops, seven days after Fort Sumter had been fired upon, this patriotic lad offered his services to the Union cause, enlisting with the three-months men in the Second Pennsylvania Infantry, but four months elapsed before his discharge. He was under fire at Williamport, Virginia, and Chambersburg and after his second enlistment, in 1863, in Company E, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Brooks commanding, he took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Poe River, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and on to Petersburg, taking part in the siege of that place. He was wounded near that city, and on the 16th of June, 1864, was taken as a prisoner of war to Andersonville, where he was confined until the following December, a period of six months and four days. While there incarcerated he was threatened by Colonel Wertz that if he did not obey and move more quickly a ball and chain would be put on him. On entering this prison pen he weighed one hundred and seventy-five pounds, but ere his term had expired his weight was reduced to seventy-five pounds, being thus emancipated through starvation and exposure, and he suffered all the horrors of that noted rebel prison. After his release Mr. Allvord returned home on a thirty days' furlough, on the expiration of which period he went to Petersburg, where he was wounded in the right leg on the 31st of March, 1865. He was then taken to a hospital at Washington, D. G, where he was honorably discharged from the service as a corporal, having been promoted for gallant conduct on the field of battle.

After the close of the struggle Mr. Allvord returned home, and for a time thereafter was engaged in the mining of coal in Pennsylvania for eastern parties. During the past twenty-six years he has made his home in Nebraska, and his valuable and well cultivated farm is located in Highland township, Gage county. Ere leaving the state of his birth and while home from the war on a furlough, he was united in marriage to Martha Buchanan, who was called to the home beyond at the age of fifty-four years, passing away in Gage county. She was a loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor, and was loved and honored by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. At her death she left one daughter, Sarah Sloan, who makes her home in Saline county, Nebraska. One daughter, Mary, is deceased. In political matters Mr. Allvord is a stanch Republican,and on its ticket has been elected to offices of public trust, having served for one year as road overseer and has also been a member of the school board. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through membership with the Grand Army of the Republic, having joined one of the first posts organized in the east. Religiously he is a believer in the Church of Christ, and his wife was identified with the United Brethren.

A Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska - Volume 1 - 1904

Hon. P. H. James, a prominent agriculturist of Highland township. Gage county, Nebraska, is numbered among the veterans of the Civil war and is a worthy representative of the early pioneers of this region. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 4th of July, 1842. a son of Samuel James, also a native of the Buckeye state, and the latter's father was born in Virginia, where the family were early represented and its members took part in the early wars of the country. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Catherine Taylor, and was a descendant of Wolfenbarger, a Revolutionary soldier. Ten children were born to Samuel and Catherine James, six sons and four daughters, and three of the sons served as soldiers in the Civil war,�Marion. P. H. and Gilbert, all members of Ohio regiments. Mr. Samuel James was called from this earth at the early age of forty-six years, and the mother survived until her seventy-fifth year, both passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they were worthy and consistent members, and the father was a life-long farmer.

P. H. James was reared and educated in the public schools of his native state, and on the 13th of July, 1861, before reaching his twentieth year, he offered his services to the Union cause, enlisting in Company I, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain W. C. Appier and Colonel E. P. Fife, having been the first to enlist from Marion township, and remained in service longer than any other man in that township. For a time he was stationed in West Virginia, under Generals Cox and Rosecrans. Later he was in the forced march under General Buel to Shiloh. Thence to Corinth, then Iuka and returned to Kentucky and participated in the campaigns of that state; was in battles of Stone River, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge and shortly afterward returned home on a furlough. Mr. James then took part in the Atlanta campaign, under Generals Sherman and Thomas, and later under General Thomas returned to fight Genera! Hood's forces at Franklin and Nashville, during which time he had charge of his company. From Nashville they were ordered to Texas, via Louisiana and the Gulf, and there he was honorably discharged from the service as a non-commissioned officer. October 14. 1865. Out of the twelve men who left Marion township to fight for their country only two returned. Mr. James and Samuel Umphreys. Though only nineteen years old at the time of his enlistment, Mr. James performed his arduous tasks with the steadiness and discretion of a man twice his age. and his military record is one of which he has every reason to be proud. He draws a meager pension of six dollars per month.

In 1871 Mr. James left his Ohio home and with team and wagon set out for the then new country of Nebraska, being accompanied on the journey by his wife and two children, and twenty-eight flays were spent on the road. On arriving here they located first in Johnson county, but in 1872 came to Gage county and secured his present homestead in Highland township. His valuable homestead now consists of three hundred and twenty acres of as good land as can be found in the entire commonwealth, all of which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation and has erected all the commodious buildings which now adorn the place. He is devoting his efforts to general farming and stock-raising, and in both occupations is meeting with a well merited degree of success.

He is also well known as a public-spirited citizen and as an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. For a number of years he held the office of postmaster, and was also the representative of his district in the state legislature in 1892, in which he served with honor and credit.

In Pike county, Ohio, in 1866, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Keppler, who was born, reared and educated in Pike county, a daughter of Conrad and Christena (Eherman) Keppler, both of whom died in Ohio. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. James have had six children, namely: David F., a resident of Beatrice, Nebraska; Alice Clare, of Lancaster, this state; Addie Clough, who makes her home in Gage county; Cora Randall, also of Beatrice; and Nelly, at home and a talented musician. A sad event in the life of Mr. and Mrs. James was the death of their son Morton who passed away when only sixteen years of age.

He was an unusually bright boy, and had served as a page in the state house and as messenger boy to Governor Thomas Majors. Mr. and Mrs. James are numbered among the best known citizens of this community, where their friends are legion.

A Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska - Volume 1 - 1904

One of the well-to-do and successful farmers of Hooker Township, Gage County, Nebraska, residing on section 16, has been in this part of Southeastern Nebraska for over thirty years. While now accounted a man of means, he began life poor, and his individual efforts have been crowned with a more than ordinary degree of prosperity. He is esteemed as one of the strictly self-made men of the county, as a foreign-born citizen who took loyal part in the Civil War, and as a man who can be relied upon for help and co-operation in all things affecting the public welfare of his county and community.

Mr. Frederick was born in Wurtenberg, Germany February 11, 1847, a son of Lewis and Catherine (Francis) Ferderick, who brought their family to America in 1854, settling first in Maryland, then in St. Clair County, Illinois, and later in Missouri. His father died in Keokuk, Iowa, but his mother is still living at the age of ninety-three, and retains the energy and vitality sufficient to walk two miles. The three children living are Mary, in Beatrice, John, and Lizzie, in Gage County, Nebraska. They were all Lutherans.

John Frederick was reared on a farm, and worked out by the month for several years after attaining his majority. He was only fifteen years old when he enlisted from Springfield, Illinois, as a drummer boy in Company F, Eighty-second Illinois Infantry, under Captain Weaver and Colonel Hecker. He was at Chancellorsville, Jackson, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, in the Georgia campaign, at Resaca, New Hope Church, Burnt Hickory, at Atlanta, and many other engagements. He was captured and held prisoner in the ill-famed Libby prison for sixty days, but was then liberated, and after a short time went home. It was after a three days� march out of Savannah, Mr. Frederick and a companion went off from the regiment foraging, and while sitting in a log cabin about a dozen �Johnnie's� came upon them. The doors of the cabin were instantly closed and a volley fired fro the window, killing one man and a horse. The Johnnie's started to run but finally decided to return, and did so, firing many shots through the door in a room occupied by several parties, three children being in the room, but no one was killed. Mr. Frederick and his companion were captured and later landed in prison. On the way several times threats were made to kill the prisoners but one level-headed man prevailed upon the rest not to kill them. For the last two years of his service he carried a gun in the ranks. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois, in January, 1865, having gained an excellent record as a soldier. He had some narrow escapes, and once had a comrade shot down at his side. He was frugal and diligent from early youth, and with what he had saved he came to Nebraska in 1870 and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Gage County for seven dollars and a quarter per acre. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres in this county, and it is worth sixty dollars an acre, and is finely improved with good house, barns and a grove of seven acres. It is a model farmstead, one of the many pretty places of which Gage County can boast.

Mr. Frederick was married November 12, 1878, to Elizabeth Gillett, who came here from Rock County, Wisconsin, at the age of seventeen, a daughter of Hamilton and Margaret (Day) Gillett, the former a resident of Adams, Nebraska, and the latter deceased. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick: Margaret, Martha, William, Lydia, Andrew, Harrison, Jesse, Robert and Laura.

Mr. Frederick is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Grand Army post at Adams, and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.

A Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska - Volume 1 - 1904

Lieutenant Joseph K. Pittman, of Nemaha township, Gage County, Nebraska, is a resident here of fifteen years� standing. His life of over sixty years has been passed in various localities, all of which have been honored by his substantial citizenship and worthy performance of every duty devolving upon him. When in the slush of young manhood he gave his services to the nation to preserve union and personal liberty, and the meritorious and gallant part which he took on the field of battle is attested by the title which he won. Since that time he has gained success equally great in civil life, has devoted himself without reserve to individual work and the discharge of those responsibilities which come up between man and man, and for all this deserves the honor and esteem which are shown him and his excellent family.

Lieutenant Pittman was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1840, and comes of a family well known in that state, some of whose members took part in the early wars of the colonies and republic. His great-grandfather Benjamin, his grandfather Joseph and his father, Ezra, were all born in Pennsylvania. Ezra Pittman was a native of Bedford County, followed farming there all his life, was a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and a church member and honored citizen. His wife was Elizabeth Knable, a native of Bedford County and a daughter of John Knable, of an old Pennsylvania Dutch family. She is also deceased.

Joseph K. Pittman was reared on the home farm in Pennsylvania and during limited seasons attended school, but the greater part of the practical training which has helped him through life was acquired by experience which began when he was a boy. He was twenty-one years old when the Civil war came on, and on November 19, 1861, he enlisted, at Werefordsburg, Pennsylvania, in Company B, and taken into the Third Maryland Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Cardiff and Colonel Downey, and gave three years and three months of faithful service. He participated in the battle of Harper�s Ferry and in many of the engagements in Virginia, and assisted in repelling General Mosby�s raiders from the northern states. He was in West Virginia for sometime, and his regiment was ordered to Gettysburg, but arriving there too late to take part in the crucial conflict of the war. Mr. Pittman entered the service as a private, was made corporal, orderly sergeant, and then promoted to first lieutenant, with which rank he was honorably discharged, with the commendation of his superiors and the personal regard of the men of his company. In 1865, after he had returned from the war, he came west to Knox County, Illinois, and was engaged in farming near Galesburg for thirteen years. In 1878 he moved to Lincoln county, Kansas, and in the new country took up a homestead, on which he lived until 1888, when he came to Gage county, and since then has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising.

In 1868 Mr. Pittman was married in Knox County, Illinois, to Miss Mary F. Bower, and they have enjoyed a most happy union over thirty-five years, gladdened with life�s pleasures and made sweeter and closer by its sorrows. She is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Bryan) Bower, both of whom are deceased, the latter at the age of seventy-eight. Twelve children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pittman. One son died in childhood, and the others are: Jasper D., Joseph, Ulysses G., Ezra, William, Edwin, Roy, Robert, Susan, Jessie, and Mary. Mr. Pittman is a stanch Republican, and enjoys old army comradeship with the Sergeant Cox Post No. 100, G.A.R., at Adams. He is also a Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is a well informed man, genial and frank with his associates, and his home is a place of hospitality and good cheer for all who enter its doors.

A Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska - Volume 1 - 1904

Thaddeus Trimmer, one of the prosperous residents of Island Grove township, Gage county, Nebraska, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, has spent nearly all of his mature years in this state, and is known throughout his community for his integrity and personal worth.

The birth of Mr. Trimmer occurred inOhio, August 8, 1840. He is a son of Chester and Phoeba Trimmer, of New York, and a grandson of Isaiah Trimmer, of German extraction. Mr. Trimmer�s mother was a native of Vermont. His parents were married in Ohio, and in 1856 moved to Clayton County,Iowa.

Mr. Trimmer was reared in Clayton County,Iowa, and learned to work upon the farm. After attaining to mature years he moved in 1860 to Nebraska, and in 1880 took up his residence at Pleasant Hill and established the Park fruit farm. He now has one of the finest farm homes in Gage County, and raises all kinds of fruit and has made a great success of his enterprise.

In 1868 Mr. Trimmer was married to Louise Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Alfred Smith, both her parents being now deceased. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trimmer: Albrose, who married Ella Losy and now resides at Republican City, Harlan County, Nebraska; Bessie, at home; and two who died at the ages of four and twelve years. Mr. Trimmer is a Republican in politics, and has served as supervisor of the township for sixteen years and is a recognized factor in local matters. Both he and his estimable wife are highly respected throughout the entire county, and the success which has come to them is well merited.

He began his career as a soldier by his enlistment in Nebraska in 1862 in the Second Nebraska Cavalry, under Colonel Furnas and Captain Lewis Hill. He became one of the Rough Riders of the northwest. This regiment made for itself a gallant record in fighting the hostile Indians of the northwest. For a time they were stationed at Omaha, later at North Platte and Sioux City, Iowa, and they participated in the engagement at Big White Stone Hills, Dakota, where eighteen hundred Indians were either killed or taken prisoner in battle. Mr. Trimmer received his honorable discharge at Omaha, Nebraska, and returned home.

A Biographical and Genealogical History Of Southeastern Nebraska, Vol. II. Publ. 1904.

James R. Wood, one of Clarke county's most substantial farmers, is a native of the old Hoosier State, born in Rush County, June 22, 1836. His parents, Jephthah W. and Frances B. (Reed) Wood, were natives of Tennessee and South Carolina respectively. The father, who was of Welsh-German extraction, was born in 1810, and was a lad of ten years when his parents emigrated to Indiana; he was a carpenter by trade, and also followed farming in connection with his occupation. His death occurred March 17, 1887. Mrs. Wood was descended from Scotch ancestors. There were members of her family who figured prominently in the Revolutionary struggle and also in the war of 1812. Colonel Reed participated in the engagement at Bunker Hill, and Captain Jacob Reed, father of Mrs. Wood, was a line officer under command of Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. James R. is the second of a family of nine children, only three of whom survive at the present time. When he was a child of seven years his parents removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and there he grew to maturity. His father being a farmer he naturally acquired a taste for this most independent of vocations, which he has followed through life. In the year 1866 he went to Gage County, Nebraska, and there resided for a period of fifteen years. The States of the Pacific Coast offering most alluring inducements to farmers he crossed the plains and mountains in 1882, and took up his residence in Clarke County. He has a farm of 140 acres; thirty-five acres are cultivated to grain, sixty-five are in natural timber and two acres are in orchards. This tract is situated nine miles northeast of Vancouver and is a very desirable piece of land. Mr. Wood, a worthy descendant of his ancestors, has a military record quite equal to that of his grandsire. Promptly heeding the call of country he enlisted August 11, 1862, in the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the cessation of hostilities. His regiment was a part of the brigade commanded by the late President of the United States, General Harrison. He participated in many of the engagements of Sherman's memorable march through Georgia, and when he was discharged from the service it was as a brave and loyal soldier.

Mr. Wood was united in marriage in the State of Illinois, August 27, 1859, to Miss Rebecca Shanks, who was born at Moline, Illinois. They are the parents of seven children: Wilburn S., James M., Nettie, wife of J. B. Higdon, Louis W., Walter H., Ford E. and Omar E.

In politics Mr. Wood adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He has been an active member of the School Board for a number of years, and for one year served as Road Overseer. He is associated with the Patrons of Husbandry, Flat Wood Grange, No. 96.

Source: Hines, Harvey K. An illustrated history of the state of Washington. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1894. - DC