Nemaha County Archives – Page 5 of 6

Biography of William M. Kauffman

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

William M. Kauffman, a leading merchant in Brownville, Nebraska, was born on February 2, 1848, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Of Swiss descent, he moved to Nemaha County in 1868. His father, John M. Kauffman, was also from Lancaster County, born in 1818. William worked as a clerk before establishing his own business in 1887. He married Teresa McLaughlin in 1881, and they had two sons, William and John. Kauffman was active in community affairs, serving as treasurer of Brownville and the school board, and was a prominent Mason and Democrat. He and his family have lived in Brownville since 1894.

Biography of Charles August Wey

Charles August Wey, a retired butcher from Peru, Nebraska, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1837. He immigrated to the United States in 1867 and initially settled in Peru, Indiana. After a brief stay in St. Louis, he moved to Brownville, Nebraska, and then to Peru, Nebraska, in 1869, where he established the town’s first meat market. Wey’s successful 20-year career in butchering was marked by perseverance and hard work. He married Mary Margaret Wissig in 1884, and they had nine children, six of whom survived to adulthood. Wey was a respected community member, known for his integrity and reliability.

Biography of Andrew H. Gilmore

Andrew H. Gilmore, a pioneer and merchant in Auburn, Nebraska, first passed through the area in 1850 en route to California and settled there permanently in 1869. Born on January 8, 1829, in Preble County, Ohio, he belonged to a large Scotch-Irish Presbyterian family originally from Virginia. Gilmore made a significant journey to California during the Gold Rush and later returned to the Midwest, eventually moving to Nebraska. In Auburn, he established multiple businesses and contributed to the town’s development. Gilmore married Josephine Allen in 1862, and they had eight children, five of whom survived to adulthood. He was a prominent Republican, serving as county treasurer and in various local offices, and was an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Biography of Frank W. Riesenberg

Frank W. Riesenberg, born December 21, 1856, in Peoria, Illinois, was a successful farmer in Nemaha County, Nebraska, owning 480 acres in Glen Rock Precinct. Moving to Nebraska in 1879, he initially bought and later sold land in the southwestern part of the state. In 1896, he purchased land in Nemaha County, where he established a prosperous farm. Known for his mechanical inventions, Riesenberg’s ingenuity contributed to his success. He married Frances Virginia Peck in 1885 and, after her death, Isabel Tapping Foster in 1898. Riesenberg was active in his community and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Jeremiah Marlatt

Jeremiah Marlatt, born June 1, 1833, in Mendon, Monroe County, New York, was a prominent farmer and merchant in Nemaha County, Nebraska. Moving to Nebraska in 1856, Marlatt pre-empted a farm and later purchased eighty acres southwest of Brownville. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Aspinwall from 1881 to 1885. Marlatt married Ellen Gulick on January 11, 1857, and they had two daughters, Effie and Sarah Ellen. Marlatt served as a teacher before his business endeavors and was known for his active involvement in the community. He and his wife traveled extensively and were respected residents of Brownville.

Biography of Daniel D. Davis

Daniel D. Davis, a prominent agriculturist and stock raiser in Nemaha County, Nebraska, was born on July 21, 1833, in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The son of David and Maria Daniels Davis, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1856 with his wife, Rachel, and her family. After initially settling in Wisconsin, Davis moved to Nemaha County in 1863, where he expanded his farming operations and became a significant landowner. The couple had nine children. Davis was active in public service, including two decades as a justice of the peace. Rachel passed away in 1890.

Biography of Josiah Gilliland

Josiah Gilliland, a farmer from South Auburn, Nebraska, was born on September 17, 1834, in Belmont County, Ohio. Moving with his family to Morgan County, Ohio, he later ventured to Illinois, Missouri, and ultimately Nebraska in 1876. Known for his industrious nature, Gilliland built a successful farming career. He served in the 43rd Missouri Infantry during the Civil War. Gilliland married twice, fathering 13 children across both marriages. Active in his community, he was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and contributed to building a local church. In later years, he settled in South Auburn.

Biography of Clarence E. Ord

Clarence E. Ord, a respected farmer in Douglas Precinct, Nemaha County, Nebraska, was born on May 19, 1858, in Cleveland, Ohio. His family is of English origin, with his father, Joseph E. Ord, emigrating from Durhamshire, England, to the U.S. in 1832. Clarence was raised in a farming environment and graduated from the Nebraska State Normal School in 1882. He taught locally before marrying Clara Richards in 1891. The couple settled on a 160-acre farm where they raised their two daughters. Active in the community, Clarence served as a county commissioner and was a dedicated member of the Methodist Church.

Biography of Edward J. Tucker

Edward J. Tucker, a longtime resident and businessman of Howe, Nemaha County, Nebraska, was born on January 10, 1859, in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. His family settled in Nemaha County in 1860, where Tucker was raised on a farm. After attending district schools and the State Normal School, he began his business career. He co-founded a general goods store and managed the Howe Lumber Company for over two decades, while also running a successful grain-shipping and farm implement business. In 1885, he married Kate Scott, and they had one son, Clarence. Tucker remained active in his community and civic life.

Biography of Fred Parker

Fred Parker, a prominent farmer and stockman in Washington Precinct, Nemaha County, Nebraska, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1841. He settled in Brownville, Nebraska, in 1866, and over nearly four decades developed a successful farming operation on sections 4, 5, and 13 near Johnson. Starting with a quarter section of raw prairie, Parker expanded his farm to include multiple residences, barns, and extensive groves and orchards. Known for raising thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, Parker was also active in civic affairs, serving as justice of the peace, town councilman, and school board member.