Southeastern Nebraska Archives – Page 7 of 8

Biography of Robert G. Gilmore of Beatrice

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

Robert G. Gilmore, a retired farmer in Beatrice, Nebraska, and Civil War veteran, was born on July 28, 1839, in Venango County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in Company D, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on August 17, 1861, and fought in significant battles including Antietam and Gettysburg. Wounded and captured at the Battle of Spottsylvania, he was later paroled and promoted to sergeant. After the war, Gilmore married Lucy M. Clough in 1867 and moved to Gage County, Nebraska, in 1876, farming until his retirement in 1892. Active in the G.A.R., he was a charter member and commander of the Cortlandt Post and a member of Rawlins Post No. 35 in Beatrice.

Biography of Samuel L. Caldwell of Auburn

Samuel L. Caldwell, a prominent merchant in Auburn, Nebraska, was born in Ross County, Ohio, on November 26, 1849, to Allen and Ellen J. Caldwell. Allen Caldwell, a pioneer in Ohio, was born on March 24, 1816, and was the son of Crawford Caldwell, an Irish immigrant. Samuel spent his early years on his father’s farm and later pursued education at the National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio. He taught school and studied law, being admitted to the bar in 1879. Samuel moved to Auburn in 1884, where he became a school principal and later a police judge. In 1887, he married Mary A. Wood, who successfully ran a millinery and dry goods store in Auburn. Samuel Caldwell was active in community service, notably as an Odd Fellow, and served multiple terms as a police judge.

Biography of Captain C. F. Nye of Clay Township

Captain C. F. Nye was a well-known citizen of Clay Township, Pawnee County, and a pioneer of this part of Nebraska, having arrived in 1867. Born on December 17, 1838, in Highgate, Vermont, he was the son of Nelson Nye and Eliza Fairbanks. Nelson Nye, born on December 17, 1810, in Keene, New Hampshire, lived to be ninety-three. C. F. Nye, educated at the University of Vermont, left to join the First Vermont Regiment during the Civil War, later serving in the Tenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry and rising to the rank of captain. After the war, he graduated in law and moved to Pawnee City, Nebraska, where he practiced law and served as county treasurer. Nye later focused on farming and stock-raising on his 640-acre farm. He married Maggie B. Dorrance in 1871, and they had five children. A lifelong Republican and a Mason, Nye was respected both as a private citizen and public official.

Biography of Thomas B. Skeen of Auburn

Thomas B. Skeen, born January 19, 1838, in Buchanan County, Missouri, is one of Nemaha County, Nebraska’s oldest residents. His family, originating from England and later Scotland, emigrated to America, with his father, Alexander D. Skeen, settling in Nebraska in 1854. Thomas experienced pioneer life, including interactions with Native Americans and participating in the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. He married Eunice Harger in 1860, and they had several children. Thomas became a successful freighter and landowner, eventually operating a flouring mill and engaging in the cattle-feeding business. He moved to Auburn in 1888, where he continued farming and became a prominent local figure. Active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Master Mason, Thomas’s life exemplified diligence, perseverance, and community involvement.

Biography of William White of Beatrice

William White, a long-time resident of Beatrice, Nebraska, was born on May 8, 1845, in Greene County, Tennessee. He hailed from an esteemed southern family; his father, Abraham White, and mother, Nancy Jennings, were both Tennessee natives. During the Civil War, William enlisted in Company G, Fourth East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry on November 7, 1862, and served bravely under Colonel Patterson and Captain West. Post-war, he managed the family farm until 1874 before moving to Illinois and then to Nebraska. William settled in Beatrice after a few years in Pawnee City and successfully ran a hotel. He suffered from chronic rheumatism due to wartime diseases. William married Mary J. White in 1866, and they had three children: Lydia, Josie, and Ella Hill.

Biography of George T. Dustin of Auburn

George T. Dustin, born September 11, 1844, in Dubois County, Indiana, was a respected liveryman in Auburn, Nebraska. His father, Timothy Dustin, died before George’s birth. His mother, Louisa T. (Combs) Dustin, relocated the family to Bureau County, Illinois, in 1846, and later to Peru, Nebraska, in 1860. George supported his family from a young age, taking various jobs including working as a teamster. He spent four years in Montana hauling freight and later turned to breaking prairie in Nemaha County. In 1874, he started a livery business in Peru and eventually moved to Auburn in 1890, expanding his operations significantly. He married Hulda Capwell in 1880, and they had seven children. George was active in local politics as a Republican and was involved in the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of William Gaede

William Gaede, born November 28, 1861, in Germany, is the cashier of the Nemaha County Bank in Auburn, Nebraska. His parents, Dietrich and Elizabeth (Pagels) Gaede, emigrated from near Berlin, Germany, to Nebraska in 1870, settling in Peru, Nemaha County. The family invested in property in Nebraska and Kansas. William, who attended the State Normal School at Peru, managed his brother-in-law H. M. Mears’ business in Peru before entering banking in 1892. In 1901, he co-founded the Nemaha County Bank, where he has served as cashier since its opening in 1902. William and his sister, Lena Mears, reside together in Auburn.

Biography of W. H. Richards

W. H. Richards, a prominent attorney in Liberty, Nebraska, was born on August 27, 1853, in Atchison County, Missouri. Admitted to the bar in 1894, he handled diverse legal matters across Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. Richards partnered with his brother, L. S. Richards, in the real estate business, with significant holdings in several states. Another brother, J. T. Richards, was a successful pump and windmill dealer in Liberty. A long-time Nebraska resident since 1859, W. H. Richards was also a co-owner of the Central Hotel in Liberty. Married to Minnie F. Thorp in 1900, they had one daughter, Wilma Ruth in 1904.

Biography of John Hamilton Shook

John Hamilton Shook, born on July 31, 1838, in Carlinville, Illinois, is a notable figure in Auburn, Nebraska, known for his varied life experiences, including Civil War service and frontier activities. His great-grandfather emigrated from Germany, and his father, James Shook, moved the family to Illinois. John and his brother William arrived in Nebraska in 1859, initially engaging in prairie farming. John served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, participating in major battles like Pittsburg Landing and Vicksburg. Post-war, he and his brother ran a successful sawmilling business. John married Ella Pike in 1870, and they had five children. He held several public offices, including postmaster and county commissioner.

Biography of Austin C. Mutz

Austin C. Mutz, a prominent nurseryman in Auburn, Nebraska, was born on February 18, 1850, in Edinburg, Indiana. His grandparents emigrated from Germany, initially settling in Pennsylvania before moving to Ohio. John Mutz, Austin’s father, married Phoebe Williams in 1847 and relocated to Nebraska in 1857. Austin received his education in Cass County, Nebraska, and pursued farming and the nursery business, establishing a successful nursery in Auburn. He married Mary Seybolt in 1884, and although they lost their only biological child, they adopted a son, Otto. Austin was active in educational matters and politics, identifying as a Bryan Democrat.