Southeastern Nebraska Archives – Page 3 of 8

Biography of William H. Allvord of Highland Township

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

William H. Allvord, born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania in 1842, was a distinguished Civil War veteran and pioneer of Gage County, Nebraska. He was one of five brothers who served in the war, three of whom were wounded. Enlisting first with the Second Pennsylvania Infantry in 1861, Allvord later re-enlisted with the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He endured imprisonment at Andersonville and was severely emaciated by the experience. After the war, Allvord settled in Nebraska, where he farmed in Highland Township and engaged in public service. He was married to Martha Buchanan, and they had two daughters, one of whom survived to adulthood.

Biography of Hon. P. H. James of Highland Township

Hon. P. H. James, born July 4, 1842, in Pike County, Ohio, was a Civil War veteran and pioneer of Highland township, Gage County, Nebraska. Son of Samuel and Catherine James, he enlisted in the 26th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861, serving until 1865. In 1871, he moved to Nebraska, initially settling in Johnson County before establishing a 320-acre homestead in Gage County. An influential farmer and Republican, he served as postmaster and state legislator. Married to Catherine Keppler in 1866, they had six children. James passed away leaving a legacy of public service and community development.

Biography of Thomas J. Keedy of Auburn

Thomas J. Keedy, a respected resident of Auburn, Nemaha County, Nebraska, was born on January 27, 1840, in Washington County, Maryland. Of German descent, he served in the First Maryland Infantry during the Civil War. In 1864, he married Sarah Snyder, and they had five children. In 1881, Keedy moved to Nebraska, where he successfully farmed before retiring to Auburn in 1893. His legacy includes significant contributions to his community and family, marked by his prosperous farming endeavors and independent political and religious views.

Biography of William C. Parriott of Auburn

William C. Parriott, born June 13, 1872, in Peru, Nebraska, was the county superintendent of schools for Nemaha County. Son of William C. Parriott Sr., a West Virginia native who moved to Nebraska in 1866, William graduated from the State Normal School at Peru in 1896. After teaching for three years, he became county superintendent in 1899. He was re-elected in 1901, showcasing his dedication and popularity as an educator. On February 12, 1902, he married Bessie Tynan of Stella, Nebraska. The couple resided in Auburn, where William continued his impactful work in education.

Biography of Lorin Rounds of Howe

Lorin Rounds, born December 9, 1843, in New York, was a respected landlord of Howe, Nebraska, who led a varied and successful career. Son of John W. Rounds, a painter from Pennsylvania, Lorin moved to Wisconsin before enlisting in the 40th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Afterward, he worked as a carpenter. On May 18, 1885, he married the widow of Daniel McLean, and they moved to Nebraska in 1890. They built and operated the Cottage Hotel in Howe until 1903. A Republican and Methodist, Lorin was known for his industry and community spirit, leaving a lasting impact on Howe.

Biography of Edward H. Dort of Auburn

Edward H. Dort, born July 17, 1860, in Harpursville, New York, was a prominent druggist and book store owner in Auburn, Nebraska. Son of John Luke Dort, a wagon-maker who moved to Missouri and then Nebraska, Edward began his career at 14 with W. H. McCreery in Brownville. In 1885, he purchased Dr. A. S. Holliday’s drug store in Auburn. Despite a fire in 1890, he rebuilt and continued his successful business in a new brick building. Edward married Florence M. Fisher on June 7, 1887, and they had three children. He was active in local politics, fraternal organizations, and the Auburn Mutual Lighting and Power Company.

Biography of G. T. Belding of Pawnee City

G. T. Belding, born in 1841 in Richmond, Wisconsin, was a prominent attorney in Pawnee City, Nebraska, starting in 1870. Son of Elijah Belding, Jr., and Mary James, he served in the 22nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, enduring 25 days as a prisoner in Libby Prison. After the war, he married Cetta M. Jones in 1865 and moved to Pawnee City in 1870. Elected county judge in 1879, he served for 20 years before practicing law. Belding managed several estates and represented various clients, establishing himself as a leading figure in Pawnee County’s legal community.

Biography of Abraham Lincoln Lawrence of Brownville

Abraham Lincoln Lawrence, born December 25, 1863, in Brownville, Nemaha County, Nebraska, served as sheriff of Nemaha County. His parents, Samuel S. Lawrence and Rosena Moyer, were early settlers in the region. Samuel S. Lawrence, originally from Ohio, moved his family to Iowa in 1852 and then to Nemaha County in 1863. Abraham grew up on his father’s farm and received education in local schools and Brownville. He married Kate Agnes Penny on February 1, 1885, and they had several children. Elected sheriff in 1901 and re-elected in 1903, Abraham was also a successful farmer and active in numerous fraternal organizations.

Biography of James A. Stephenson of Nemaha

James A. Stephenson, born January 16, 1862, in St. Lawrence County, New York, was a successful farmer in Nemaha County, Nebraska. He owned 120 acres and rented an additional 175 acres, where he grew corn, wheat, and oats, and raised high-grade livestock. His grandparents, Robert Stephenson and Miss Hutchison, emigrated from Ireland. James’ father, William Stephenson, settled in New York in 1831 and married Helen Watson in 1839. James married Louise Watson on February 3, 1884, and they had four children. Active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Methodist Episcopal Church, James was also a Republican and served as school director.

Biography of Mrs. Harriet Hoover of Aspinwall

Mrs. Harriet Hoover, a resident of Aspinwall precinct, Nemaha County, Nebraska, was the widow of Dr. Jerome Hoover, a respected physician and one of the founders of Nemaha City. Born December 20, 1830, in Monroe County, New York, Harriet married Jerome on July 4, 1849. Jerome, born August 9, 1809, in Miami County, Ohio, moved to Nebraska and pre-empted the townsite of Nemaha City, where he contributed significantly to its development until his death on May 27, 1876. Harriet and Jerome had nine children, of whom three survived: Flora, Frederick E., and Harriet. Harriet lived with her son Frederick on a 156-acre farm in Aspinwall precinct.