Southeastern Nebraska Archives – Page 6 of 8

Biography of Edward H. Dort of Auburn

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

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 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 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 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 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 William H. Allvord of Highland Township

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 Albert B. Mutz of Auburn

Albert B. Mutz, born in Cass County, Nebraska, in 1857, was a commercial traveler based in Auburn, Nebraska. After completing his education at Nebraska State Normal School, he transitioned from teaching to a long career in the grocery trade. In 1894, he married Minnie Furnas Teare, a former teacher from Brownville, Nebraska. They had five children, with four surviving past infancy. Mutz was known for driving his own team to various points in southeastern Nebraska for work and spent his Sundays at home. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and a Democrat.

Biography of Thomas Copeland of Diller

Thomas Copeland, born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, served as the mayor of Diller, Jefferson County, Nebraska. A Civil War veteran who served in the Twenty-first Indiana Light Artillery, he moved to Nebraska in 1880 after stints in Indiana and Iowa. Copeland married twice and fathered six children. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Odd Fellows, and was active in the Methodist Episcopal church. His political career included serving as mayor and on the board of trustees in Diller.

Biography of Clayton E. Blessing of Auburn

Clayton E. Blessing, born on June 21, 1855, in Burkittsville, Maryland, moved to Auburn, Nebraska, in 1883, where he became a prominent fruit farmer and co-founder of Blessing & Tankersley. Descended from German ancestry, his grandfather George Blessing was a War of 1812 veteran and a staunch Union supporter during the Civil War. Clayton initially worked as a carpenter before transitioning to fruit farming. He married Emma F. Knox in 1876, and they had six children, with four surviving. An active Lutheran and Republican, Clayton served as assessor of Nemaha County for four years and was involved in the Masonic order and the Fraternal Union of America.

Biography of Robert C. Boyd of Auburn

Robert C. Boyd, assistant cashier of the Carson National Bank of Auburn, Nebraska, was born in Upton, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1866. He gained his education through practical experience, initially working in his father’s store before moving to Nebraska in 1884 to clerk at his brother’s bank. Boyd was promoted to assistant cashier in 1891. He and his brother played a key role in establishing Auburn’s electric plant in 1901 and have been active in real estate. Boyd married Lillie Angle on April 24, 1890, and they have three children. A dedicated Mason and Republican, Boyd has also served as city treasurer for eight years.