Southeastern Nebraska Archives – Nebraska Genealogy

Biography of John H. Coatney

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

John H. Coatney, a prominent farmer and stock grower in Peru Precinct, Nemaha County, Nebraska, settled in the area in 1864. Originally from Cass County, Illinois, he arrived with his family during Nebraska’s early pioneer days. Over forty years, Coatney transformed an 80-acre plot into a prosperous farm, adding a modern farmhouse, a large barn, and a thriving orchard. Married in 1860 to Margaret Holtzman, Coatney and his wife raised ten children. Known for his community involvement, he served as a road overseer and school board member for decades, earning respect for his dedication and integrity.

Biography of Samuel B. Dooley

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 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.

Biography of Bernard Ottens

Bernard “Barney” Ottens, born in Germany in 1830, was a pioneering farmer and civic leader in Nemaha County, Nebraska. Emigrating to America in 1851, Ottens initially worked as a farm laborer in Wisconsin before settling in Nebraska in 1857. He pre-empted 160 acres of land in Washington Precinct, building his farmstead from scratch and later constructing a stone house using local materials. Known for his resourcefulness and community spirit, Ottens retired to South Auburn in 1898. He and his wife, Mary McCarvel, raised twelve children and were active in founding St. Joseph’s parochial school in Auburn.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.