Richardson County Archives – Page 3 of 4

Biography of Daniel Riley of Rulo

Daniel Riley, a prominent and well-known farmer in Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on January 6, 1855, in New Jersey. His parents, Michael and Mary (O’Brien) Riley, emigrated from County Tipperary, Ireland, and settled in Nebraska Territory in 1859. Daniel spent his entire life in Richardson County, contributing significantly to its development from its pioneer days. He married Mary Elizabeth (Wheeler) Whitney in 1912 and owned a substantial 800-acre farm. Known for his community involvement, Daniel Riley was an influential figure in local politics and agriculture until his death in 1884.

Biography of Charles Henry Thornton of Humboldt

Charles Henry Thornton, a notable commercial photographer in Humboldt, Nebraska, was born on October 17, 1868, near St. Joseph, Michigan. His parents, John M. and Jane (Brady) Thornton, originally from England, moved the family to Iowa in 1874 and later to Nebraska in 1880. Charles transitioned from farming to photography after a stint in Kansas. He established a successful photography studio in Auburn before relocating to Humboldt in 1904. Married to Grace Elliot in 1899, they had two sons, Dale and Leland. Active in the Christian church and local fraternities, Thornton was a prominent community member and Democrat.

Biography of Daniel B. Ratekin of Rulo

Daniel B. Ratekin, born on October 2, 1881, near Rulo, Nebraska, served as sheriff of Richardson County following his election in 1914. He was the son of William L. and Mary Ann Vaughn Ratekin, who settled in the county in 1864. Daniel grew up on the family farm and later engaged in various business and public service roles in Rulo, including assessor, school treasurer, and mayor. He moved to Falls City in 1912 to enter the automobile business before becoming sheriff. He married Minna A. LaBlanc in 1904, and they had one daughter, Mary H., born in 1905.

Biography of John C. Helfenbein of Arago

John C. Helfenbein, a lifelong resident of Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on February 22, 1866, in Arago precinct. His parents, John and Lena (Buck) Helfenbein, emigrated from Germany and were among the earliest settlers of the county. John C. Helfenbein grew up on the family farm and later established his own 110-acre farm in Arago precinct, where he made significant improvements. On April 21, 1892, he married Mary Miller, with whom he had four children: Leila, August, Edna, and Ernest. Active in his community, Helfenbein was a Republican and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Biography of Leander C. Prichard of Arago

Leander C. Prichard, a prominent farmer and stockman in Arago precinct, Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on January 15, 1854, in Boyd County, Kentucky. He was the son of William and Caroline (Newman) Prichard, both from Kentucky. In 1880, Leander moved to Nebraska and acquired a 150-acre farm in Arago precinct. He married Laura L. Vaughan on February 21, 1881. Laura, born on January 24, 1864, in Lawrence County, Ohio, moved to Nebraska with her family in 1865. Leander was a Democrat and focused on progressive farming practices, including breeding Duroc-Jersey hogs. The Prichards were well-regarded in their community for their contributions to local development.

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 Captain Absalom M. Enoch

Absalom M. Enoch, a prominent figure in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska, was born on September 18, 1825, in Miami County, Ohio. Moving to Nebraska in 1869, Enoch became a well-respected community member. He served as a captain in the Civil War with the Ninth Minnesota Infantry, participating in significant battles and conflicts with the Sioux Indians. After the war, he settled in Humboldt, where he engaged in farming and hotel-keeping, notably running the Enoch House for two decades. Enoch married twice, first to Elizabeth Caulfield and later to Anna Brickey. He remains active in his community, having served in various civic roles.

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 Henry A. Scott

Henry A. Scott, a prominent retired merchant in Humboldt, Nebraska, was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, on January 1, 1844. A Civil War veteran, he served in the 3rd Iowa Infantry and endured imprisonment in Southern camps before resettling in Richardson County in 1867. After farming his homestead, Scott moved to Humboldt in 1874, becoming a successful hardware merchant. He later co-owned Scott and Skalak, a thriving business for 15 years. Scott and his wife, Margaret Smith, were active in civic and social life. They traveled extensively and enjoyed their later years in Humboldt, where they built a comfortable home.

Biography of Joseph Ogle

Joseph Ogle, born in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1849, became a prominent farmer and stockman in Richardson County, Nebraska, after settling there in 1873. Starting with limited resources, Ogle developed a successful 320-acre farm in Grant Precinct, near Dawson. Known for his diligence and skill, Ogle built a thriving homestead, including a fine two-story residence constructed in 1903. He married Lourette Swisegood in 1874, and together they raised seven children. Active in the community, Ogle served on the school board and played a significant role in local agricultural development.