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.
Abner R. Loofbourrow, born January 2, 1829, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was a respected farmer who lived in or near Peru, Nebraska, for over 30 years. He moved to Nebraska in 1869, having previously resided in Iowa. Loofbourrow initially bought and improved prairie land in Jasper County, Iowa, before purchasing a farm in Richardson County, Nebraska, and later settling in Peru. He married Mary Jane Carr in 1851 and had six children. After her death in 1889, he married Millie Carl in 1892. Loofbourrow was known for his contributions to the community and involvement in the Baptist and Methodist churches.
John W. Barnhart, born November 8, 1856, in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, was the proprietor and publisher of the Nemaha County Herald in Auburn, Nebraska. Descended from Alsace-Lorraine immigrants, Barnhart’s family has deep American roots, with one ancestor serving under Washington in the Revolutionary War. Barnhart started his newspaper career in Pennsylvania before moving to Nebraska in 1877. He established several newspapers, including the Nemaha County Herald in 1888. Barnhart married Clarabel Foster in 1883, and they had five children. A dedicated Democrat, Barnhart was active in local politics and community affairs, including serving in the state legislature.
John Edward Lambert, born August 19, 1837, in Franklin County, Virginia, was a leading agriculturist and stock-raiser in Nemaha Precinct, Nebraska. Lambert moved to Nemaha County over 35 years ago, transforming his initial poor health and financial state into prosperity through hard work. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, experiencing capture and imprisonment by the Confederates. In 1867, Lambert relocated to Nebraska, eventually acquiring 586 acres of farmland. He married Tena Webber in 1873, and they had five children. Lambert’s success in farming and commitment to community marked his long residency in the county.
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.
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.
Louis H. Rohmeyer, born February 5, 1860, in Hanover, Germany, was the editor and publisher of the Westlicher Beobachter, a prominent German newspaper in southeastern Nebraska. He immigrated to America in 1890, initially working as a compositor in St. Louis before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1898. In 1900, he purchased the Western Observer in Auburn, significantly increasing its circulation and elevating its standards. Rohmeyer was married to Johanna Tieman in 1884, and they had five children. He was active in several fraternal organizations and a member of the Republican Party.
Hon. John H. Pohlman, born August 25, 1839, in Neumuenster, Germany, settled in Washington precinct, Nemaha County, Nebraska, in 1867. A veteran of the 47th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, he established a successful farm, raising cattle, hogs, and fine horses. Pohlman married Elizabeth Crawford in 1863, and they had fifteen children. Known for his integrity and community involvement, he served two terms in the Nebraska legislature and nine years as a county commissioner. A staunch Republican and Lutheran, Pohlman made significant contributions to the agricultural and civic life of Nemaha County.
Chester Reuben Camp, born March 4, 1828, in Ontario County, New York, was a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Nemaha County, Nebraska, for forty years. Moving from Michigan in 1863, he bought and developed a farm in Glen Rock precinct, achieving significant success through diligent work. Camp retired in 1899, selling his farm and relocating to Auburn. He married Sally M. Phillips on December 17, 1852, and they had two children, Alvaretta and Calvin. A dedicated Democrat, Camp served as a school director and road supervisor, and he and his wife were active members of the Highland Baptist Church.
Casner Barnes, born on November 14, 1847, in West Point, Iowa, was a prominent farmer in Nemaha County, Nebraska, for forty-five years. Grandson of John Barnes and son of John Barnes Sr., he moved to Nebraska in 1857. Casner married Ophelia McIninch on April 1, 1877, and they had nine children. He owned 320 acres, excelling in general farming and stock-raising. A Republican, Barnes served on the school board for twenty-five years and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His contributions significantly shaped the local agricultural landscape.