Independent Order of Odd Fellows Archives – Page 2 of 2

Biography of Robert C. Boyd of Auburn

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

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.

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 Ilus Couch of Ogallala, Nebraska

Ilus Couch occupies an enviable position among the extensive ranchers and prominent settlers of the valley of the South Platte river, where he operates a very large and growing stock business. Ilus Couch was born in Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois, October 7, 1857. His father, Benjamin C. Couch, was a native of New Hampshire, born in the village of Boscawen, September 19, 1822. His parents were native of England. Our subject’s mother, Martha J. Calf, was also a native of Salisbury, New Hampshire, born March 3, 1825, and died December 31, 1860, when he was but three years old. The … Read more

Biography of Hon. Thomas R. Burling of Buda, Nebraska

Portrait and biographical album of Lancaster county, Nebraska title page

Hon. Thomas R. Burling is one of the leading citizens of Nebraska, of which he was an early pioneer, and with whose interests he has long been identified as an agriculturist, as a statesman, and as a merchant, and in all that relates to her commercial, social and political life, he is pre-eminent. He is now carrying on an extensive business in the town of Firth, as a dealer in dry-goods, hardware, clothing, boots, shoes, groceries, and other merchandise. He is a native of England, but coming to this country when a child, he has become thoroughly Americanized, reared, as … Read more