Gage County Archives – Nebraska Genealogy

Biography of Samuel B. Dooley

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

Samuel B. Dooley, born in 1836 in Boone County, Indiana, was a Civil War veteran and a respected resident of Beatrice, Nebraska. He enlisted in the 14th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in 1861 and served under General Grant and General Sherman, participating in major campaigns like Shiloh and the March to the Sea. Captured in 1864, he endured six months in Andersonville prison. After the war, Dooley settled in Beatrice in 1882 and became active in the mercantile business. A dedicated member of the G.A.R., he also served as commander of Rawlins Post No. 35 and was active in local civic and religious life.

Biography of Daniel Confer

Daniel Confer, born March 3, 1838, in Hocking County, Ohio, was a respected farmer and citizen of Adams Township, Gage County, Nebraska, residing there from 1884. A Civil War veteran, he served in the Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry and participated in significant battles, including the siege of Vicksburg. After the war, Confer moved to Nebraska, where he became a successful farmer and community member. He married Mary L. Robb in 1864, and they had six children. Confer was active in the Grand Army of the Republic and a member of the United Brethren Church, known for his strong character and community contributions.

Biography of Thomas J. Stockman

Thomas J. Stockman, born April 28, 1838, near Goshen, Elkhart County, Indiana, was a well-known businessman in Adams, Nebraska. Along with his son Samuel, he operated the Adams livery and sales stables and served as a land agent. A Civil War veteran, Stockman enlisted in 1863 in the Nebraska Cavalry and served on the frontier. After various relocations, he settled in Gage County, Nebraska, in 1887. He married Mary Jane McKibben in 1859, and they had seven children. Stockman was respected for his business acumen and community contributions.

Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska

This compilation, titled “A Biographical and Genealogical History of Southeastern Nebraska,” presents 457 biographies of individuals who have significantly contributed to the region’s development. Published in a two-volume set by the Lewis Publishing Company, the work aims to provide a reliable historical account through the lens of personal achievements and contributions.

Biography of Henrick L. Watson

Henrick L. Watson, born May 2, 1845, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, was a prominent blacksmith and repair shop owner in Adams, Nebraska. He settled in Adams 23 years ago, having worked in his trade for 40 years. Watson served briefly in the Civil War with the 161st Ohio Infantry. He gained expertise as an iron and steel worker in Denison, Ohio, and later worked in Illinois and other states before moving to Nebraska. Married to Jennie Shaw in 1887, they had six children. Watson was a Republican and active in the Presbyterian church, known for his community contributions and successful business.

Biography of Daniel Goodman

Daniel Goodman, born in 1845 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, was a notable farmer and stock-raiser in Gage County, Nebraska. A Civil War veteran, he served bravely with the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry. After initially settling in Illinois post-war, he moved to Nebraska in 1874, later establishing himself in Gage County. Married to Emma Reed in 1881, the couple had one daughter, Essie, who married Oscar Vanderpool. Goodman was a respected community member, a staunch Republican, and affiliated with the G.A.R. at Adams. He owned 85 acres of land and was well-regarded for his business acumen and social qualities.

Biography of Lieutenant Joseph K. Pittman

Lieutenant Joseph K. Pittman, born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1840, served in the Third Maryland Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. After the war, he moved to Illinois in 1865, then to Kansas in 1878, and finally settled in Gage County, Nebraska, in 1888. Married to Mary F. Bower in 1868, the couple had twelve children, eleven of whom survived to adulthood. A dedicated farmer and respected community member, Pittman was active in the G.A.R. and the Masonic order, and he and his wife were members of the Baptist church.

Biography of William R. Chaney of Adams

William R. Chaney, born October 24, 1840, in Greene County, Illinois, was a well-known citizen of Adams, Gage County, Nebraska. An Irish descendant, his parents, James and Sarah Chaney, were pioneers in Greene County. William was raised in Mason County, Illinois, and enlisted in the Civil War in 1864, serving in the 133rd Illinois Infantry. He moved to Gage County, Nebraska, in 1880, becoming a prosperous resident. Chaney married Pamelia Finley in 1864, and they shared a life for forty years. A Democrat, he was active in the G.A.R., the Baptist church, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Biography of James E. Doyle of Liberty Township

James E. Doyle, born in 1829 in Zanesville, Ohio, was a respected resident of Liberty Township, Gage County, Nebraska, and a Civil War veteran. He enlisted in November 1861 with Company E, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving honorably for three years. After the war, he resumed his trade as a wagon and carriage maker in Bloomfield, Indiana, before moving to a farm near Bloomfield in 1867. In 1885, he relocated to Gage County, Nebraska, where he successfully farmed 120 acres. Doyle married Mary Weiser, who died in 1856, leaving one son, Martin. In 1861, he married Sarah Bender, with whom he had several children. A staunch Republican, Doyle served six years as justice of the peace and was active in the G.A.R., serving as post commander and adjutant. He was also a long-time Mason, affiliated with Lodge No. 65.

Biography of John Frederick of Hooker Township

John Frederick, born February 11, 1847, in Württemberg, Germany, was a successful farmer in Hooker Township, Gage County, Nebraska. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1854, settling in Maryland before moving to Illinois and Missouri. At fifteen, he enlisted as a drummer boy in the Eighty-second Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, participating in numerous significant battles and enduring sixty days in Libby Prison. After the war, he moved to Nebraska in 1870, purchasing land and gradually amassing 320 acres of well-improved farmland. On November 12, 1878, he married Elizabeth Gillett, and they had nine children. Active in the community, John was a Republican, a member of the Grand Army post at Adams, and attended the Methodist Episcopal Church.