Independent Order of Odd Fellows Archives

Biography of Charles Loree

Charles Loree (1852-1916), a prominent official and settler of Richardson County, Nebraska, was born in Lebanon, Ohio. Moving to Nebraska in 1866, he transitioned from farming to various official roles, including county clerk, register of deeds, and clerk of the district court, a position he held for fourteen terms. Known for his geniality and deep knowledge of county affairs, Loree’s career spanned over 40 years, contributing significantly to the county’s development. A Democrat, he was also active in state politics and involved in numerous fraternal organizations. He married Emelie Lange in 1882.

Biography of Edward J. Tucker

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

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 Andrew H. Gilmore

Andrew H. Gilmore, a pioneer and merchant in Auburn, Nebraska, first passed through the area in 1850 en route to California and settled there permanently in 1869. Born on January 8, 1829, in Preble County, Ohio, he belonged to a large Scotch-Irish Presbyterian family originally from Virginia. Gilmore made a significant journey to California during the Gold Rush and later returned to the Midwest, eventually moving to Nebraska. In Auburn, he established multiple businesses and contributed to the town’s development. Gilmore married Josephine Allen in 1862, and they had eight children, five of whom survived to adulthood. He was a prominent Republican, serving as county treasurer and in various local offices, and was an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Biography of James Raynor

James Raynor, a retired farmer from Auburn, Nebraska, was born on May 1, 1834, in Nottinghamshire, England. He emigrated to America in 1837 with his family. His father, Thomas Raynor, was born in Lincolnshire, England, on December 18, 1796, and died in Ohio in 1864. James served in the Civil War as a lieutenant and was brevetted captain. After the war, he engaged in wagon and carriage manufacturing before moving to Kansas in 1870 to farm. James married Harriet Vrooman in 1854, and they had two sons. Harriet passed away in 1902. James was active in Masonic and veteran organizations and served as a justice of the peace.

Biography of George Buchanan Armstrong

George Buchanan Armstrong, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Nemaha County’s Bedford precinct, was born on June 25, 1856, in Jackson County, Ohio. He moved to Nemaha County, Nebraska, in 1864. His father, Josiah Armstrong, originally from Virginia, settled in Nemaha County in 1870. George married Lizzie Hughes on March 18, 1883. Together, they had five children. George owned 320 acres of farmland, focusing on cattle and hog raising. He was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World, and served as a school director for nine years.

Biography of William R. Chaney of Adams

William R. Chaney, born October 24, 1840, in Greene County, Illinois, was a well-known citizen of Adams, Gage County, Nebraska. An Irish descendant, his parents, James and Sarah Chaney, were pioneers in Greene County. William was raised in Mason County, Illinois, and enlisted in the Civil War in 1864, serving in the 133rd Illinois Infantry. He moved to Gage County, Nebraska, in 1880, becoming a prosperous resident. Chaney married Pamelia Finley in 1864, and they shared a life for forty years. A Democrat, he was active in the G.A.R., the Baptist church, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

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 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 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 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.