These biographies were transcribed from Goodspeed’s Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties. They are only the biographies for individuals who resided in Hall County Nebraska in 1890 whose surname starts with the letter B.
BAKER, Hon. Alexander Hall
Hon. Alexander Hall Baker, agent in the United States land office at Grand Island, Neb., and receiver of public lands, is a native of York State, his birth occurring at Springwater, Livingston County, January 29, 1823, his parents being Samuel and Saloma (Eldred) Baker, also natives of that State, and sturdy, honest and thrifty tillers of the soil. Both belong to prominent old New England families, the paternal grandfather being George Baker, and the maternal grandfather Capt. James Eldred, who was the commander of a United States merchantman. Hon. Alexander H. Baker was reared to manhood in Genesee County (now Wyoming County), and his earliest recollections are of assisting his father on the home farm and attending the common schools near his home. The husband and father died when just in the meridian of his manhood, and left his wife in somewhat straitened circumstances and with quite a large family to support, and Alexander was obliged to do his share in making a living. Upon attaining man’s estate he engaged in farming for himself and became very successful, but the people of the East were too slow and plodding to suit one of his ambitious and enterprising disposition, and he longed for more room and better opportunities to try his strength, and these desires were soon gratified, for the fertile prairies of Nebraska were about this time opened to the settler, and the young farmer and ex-postmaster of Westerfield, N.Y., directed his footsteps thither in the spring of 1857. He pre-empted a homestead in Douglas County, which is now within the city limits of Omaha, and for many years was very successfully engaged in tilling the soil there. He was active in promoting the farming interests of that locality, and soon became well and favorably known, and during 1874–76 represented Douglas County in the General Assembly of Nebraska, which was a very fitting compliment to his citizenship, as the district was strongly Republican. During the years 1864–66 he was interested in freight transportation between Omaha and Salt Lake City, and this business was the means of his becoming thoroughly familiar with the country throughout the West. In 1881 he went to Rock Creek, W.T., and kept the Union Pacific Hotel for two years, then returned to Grand Island, where he expects to make his permanent home. Upon the incoming of the Democratic administration in 1884, Mr. Baker received a general endorsement, both Democratic and Republican, for his present incumbency, and has filled the position very satisfactorily up to the present time. He is a liberal supporter of all good measures for the advancement and growth of his locality, and he is one of the directors of the Grand Island Improvement Company, and one of the original stockholders. He is also a director of the Citizens’ National Bank, the United States Investment Company, was one of the chief promoters of the Grand Island Street Car Company, and has served as its president since its organization. He is also a liberal contributor to churches, schools, etc., and is a man whose residence in any locality is to be desired. He buried a wife and two children, the only issue of the marriage, in his native State, and formed a second union with Miss Mary J. Berlin, a lady of many attainments, a daughter of Jonathan Berlin of Pittsburgh, Pa., and by her is the father of a son, Alex Nelson, who is an intelligent young man, and is now taking a regular collegiate course at Stamford, Conn.
BAKER, Daniel
Daniel Baker, one of the pioneers of Hall County, located here in 1860 in what is now Wood River Township. He was born in Switzerland in 1829 and was the son of Jacob and Barbara (Walker) Baker, natives also of that country, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a ropemaker by trade. Daniel Baker remained in his native country until eighteen years of age, and there received his education. He then took passage for the United States, and after arriving here was in the livery business for a number of years. He then traveled for some time, and later was engaged in freighting through Nebraska, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with this country. In 1863 Mr. Baker took up a claim which was partly improved, and in 1874 he homesteaded eighty acres, which he began improving. He was married in Hall County, in 1864 to Mrs. Ellen Fry, the widow of Charles Fry (who was killed in service during the late war), and the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Smith, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Hall County in 1861, and in February 1862, he and two sons were killed by the Indians. The mother lived here for a number of years, and now resides in Beloit, Wis. Mr. Baker has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and is independent in his views, although he generally votes with the Democratic party. He has been a member of the school board for years, and is a man who has the respect and esteem of his neighbors. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their marriage have been born three children: Anna (now Mrs. Judy, of Hall County), Matilda (attending school at Doniphan) and John. Mrs. Baker had three children by her first marriage, two living: Esther (married, and in Hall County) and Maria (now Mrs. Lord, also of Hall County). Mr. Baker has seen the complete growth of the county, having been a resident of Hall County since 1860, a period of thirty years, and has always taken a decided interest in all that relates to the good of the county.
BALDWIN, C. A.
C. A. Baldwin, the present surveyor of Hall County, Neb., is a native of York State, born in 1835, being a son of Anson and Elizabeth (Cadwell) Baldwin, who were also natives of that State, the former’s birth occurring in 1809, and the latter’s in 1814. They died in 1840 and 1835, respectively, Mr. Baldwin having been a captain in the New York State Militia. But little is known of his family, except that his father was Curtis Baldwin, who was married on April 15, 1779, to Polly Chittenden, whose ancestry can be traced back to William Chittenden, originally from the parish of Marden, County of Kent, England, where he was born in 1594. He was one of a company of twenty-five from the Counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, who forsook their native land and immigrated to the wilderness of North America, for the sake of religious liberty. He was one of the signers of the covenant on shipboard to live on one plantation, and on May 20, 1639, they sailed for American shores and arrived at New Haven on the 10th of the following July, and settled at Guilford, Conn. William Chittenden became prominent among the leaders of the colony, and was one of a committee of six who were appointed to purchase the site on which the town of Guilford now stands, from the Indians. He was also a member of a board that had charge of the civil government and spiritual affairs of the colony for some time, and was the principal military man of the settlement, bearing the title of lieutenant. He had fought with the English army in the Netherlands, also in the Thirty Years’ War, and had reached the rank of major. He was magistrate of the colony and deputy to the general court until his death. His old homestead has been in possession of some members of the family ever since, and at last accounts was owned by Hon. S. B. Chittenden, of New York. William Chittenden was married in England to Joanna Sheaffe, of Wanbrook, County of Kent, and by her became the father of eleven children. His son, Sergt. John Chittenden, was married to Hannah Fletcher, and died in April 1716, at the age of seventy-three years, having become the father of six children, of whom Joseph was the third child. The latter wedded Mary Kimberly, of New Haven, and he also became the father of six children, and resided in Guilford until his death, September 11, 1727, when fifty-five years of age. His fourth child, Daniel W., married Abigail Downs, and five children were the result of their union. He was born in 1700, and died May 18, 1781, at Guilford, having become the father of five children. Jairus was his fifth child, and was married to Rebecca Hall, removing with her to New Durham, N.Y., in 1788, where he died March 9, 1828, at the age of eighty-two years. He was the father of nine children, of whom Polly, the eldest, became the wife of Curtis Baldwin, the grandfather of C. A. Baldwin, the immediate subject of this sketch. The latter was reared to manhood in the State of New York, and received a thorough education in one of the best academies of that State, giving special attention to his mathematical studies, for which he had a natural aptitude and in which he became proficient. After reaching a proper age to engage in business, he became a hatter and built up a very large trade throughout the South, which bid fair to bring him in a fortune; but the breaking out of the Civil War ruined his prospects. At the early age of eighteen years he was elected by the town of Durham to represent it in the county convention, and served as a delegate in some capacity up to the date of his removal from that State. Finding himself out of business, Mr. Baldwin went to Iowa in the spring of 1861, but the inducements to engage in business in that State were very discouraging, so he went to work by the day for a contractor and builder, and by the next spring had become so proficient that he was made foreman, and at the end of another year was contracting and building for himself. He continued to reside in Iowa during the War, and at the close went to Illinois, and for seventeen years worked as contractor and builder, also in the plow and machine shops at Bushnell. In 1884 he removed to Nebraska, and began contracting and building grain elevators, of which he has about twenty-three in the State, and as many more in Iowa and Illinois, exclusive of the work done in Kansas. Mr. Baldwin is a man of decidedly superior intelligence and takes an active interest in questions connected with his county and State; and owing to his especial fitness for his present position he was nominated by the Republican county convention for the office of surveyor, and was elected without opposition. He is looked upon by all as a man who will receive many honors in the future, and to say that he will deserve them would be to express the opinion of the public at large very mildly indeed. Socially he is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the I. O. O. F. He was married in New York State to Miss Frances Ham, a native of that State, and by her became the father of three children: Elba, Ord and Lillie. The mother of these children was born in 1837, and died in Independence, Ia., in 1865. Two years later Mr. Baldwin wedded Mrs. Lucy McNeal, and by her he also has three children: Frank, Fred and Myrtle.
BARNES, Eli Allen
Eli Allen Barnes, receiver’s clerk in the United States Land Office at Grand Island, Neb., is a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and is one of the managers of that institution. He was born in Cayuta, Chemung County, N.Y., September 14, 1836, and is a son of Maj. Jesse and Rachel (Swartwood) Barnes, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation and a son of Abram Barnes, who was a native of Sullivan County, N.Y., and a soldier in the War of 1812, his father being a Revolutionary soldier from Connecticut. Rachel Swartwood was a daughter of Gen. Peter Swartwood, an 1812 soldier. On both sides of the genealogical tree the ancestors were pioneers of the “Nutmeg State” from the Old World. Eli Allen Barnes obtained a good knowledge of the “world of books” in the common schools near his home and in Ithaca Academy, of Ithaca, N.Y., and after completing his course was engaged in wielding the ferule for some time, although his early occupation had been that of farming. October 1, 1856, found him in the State of Illinois, located on a farm in DeKalb County, and there he remained until the breaking out of the Civil War, and in 1862 joined Company G, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, and did active and honorable service for Uncle Sam until the latter part of 1864, when he was honorably discharged and returned to DeKalb County, Ill. He was married there February 22, 1865, to Miss Nancy E. Crego, a native of Chenango County, N.Y., and a daughter of Daniel and Ann (Kelley) Crego, who were also born in the “Empire State.” In February, 1871, Mr. Barnes located upon a soldier’s homestead in Hall County, Neb., and after making his home for twelve years moved to Grand Island, and has since been engaged in clerical work in different retail houses, and has been postal and railway mail agent. He has always been interested in the agricultural affairs of the county, and was active in the early establishment of the Hall County Agricultural Society, and has contributed liberally to its maintenance. He served in the capacity of president four years, secretary four years, and has been a member of its executive board ever since its organization, with the exception of about three years. He was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture in 1876, and has been re-elected each continuous term since. He has been superintendent of agricultural halls for eight years, was elected one of the board of managers in 1889, and is re-elected for 1890. He is one of the original members of the Grand Island Improvement Company. He is a Royal Arch Mason, having become a member of that order in 1860, is a Sir Knight of Mount Lebanon Commandery, and is the present generalissimo; also a member of Lodge of Perfection No. 1, A. & A. S. R., and a member of Ashlar Lodge No. 33, A. F. & A. M. He has served two years as councilman from the Second Ward, and the last year was president of the council.
BARR, Prof. Robert J.
Prof. Robert J. Barr, who for the past eight years has been superintendent of the city schools of Grand Island, Neb., was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., October 31, 1849, being the eldest of four children, three now living, born to the marriage of Jackson B. Barr and Lamantha Brink, both natives of New York. About 1852 they removed with their family to the vicinity of Greenville, Mich., and here the father followed the occupation of farming throughout the summer months, and that of lumbering during the winter season. Prof. Robert J. Barr remained on the farm near Greenville until he was eighteen years of age; but at the age of twelve years he had entered the high school of Greenville, and being studious, industrious and intelligent, he made rapid progress in his studies and received a thorough intellectual training. Not being entirely satisfied with his knowledge of books, he, after teaching school near Greenville, in the spring of 1869, entered the State Normal School of Michigan, at Ypsilanti, in the spring of the latter year, and this institution he attended four years, completing the full classical course, and graduating in June, 1873. During the fall of 1873 he was engaged for two months as a teacher in a district school in Washtenaw County, Mich. In January, 1874, he took charge of the graded schools of Algonac, St. Clair County, Mich., and held this position until the spring of 1875. In the fall of the latter year he became principal of the high school in Big Rapids, Mich., a position he held until March, 1876; then returned to Algonac and again took charge of the schools there, continuing until June, 1878. In September of the latter year he was married at Ypsilanti, Mich., to Miss Eva A. Bellows, a daughter of C. F. R. Bellows, professor of mathematics in the Michigan State Normal. In the fall of 1878 Prof. Barr took charge of the schools of Oscoda, Mich., where he remained for two years, and for the following years he had the management of the schools of Au Sable, Mich. In the fall of 1882, he entered upon his duties as superintendent of the public schools of Grand Island, Neb., and has filled this position with characteristic ability and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He and wife have an only son, whose name is Albert S. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Prof. Barr is a member of the Masonic Lodge, in which order he has advanced to the Chapter degrees and the Fourteenth degree in the Scottish Rite. He is also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the A. O. U. W. He has become well known as a successful educator, and as a citizen his standing is of the best.
BARTENBACH, George
George Bartenbach, alderman from the Second Ward, dealer in paints, oils etc., and a proprietor of the Grand Island Opera House, is a native German, his birth occurring in Tuttlingen, Wurtemburg, January 22, 1844, he being a son of Henry and Rosina (Stengelin) Bartenbach, the former a tanner and currier by occupation. George was the eldest of their five children, and after receiving a good schooling in his native land, he learned his father’s business, and in 1866 came to America, landing in Castle Garden in May of that year, and sought employment at his trade, but found little encouragement to pursue that calling. He then turned his attention to other pursuits, and after working at various employments for some time, he entered the employ of Steinway’s Sons, of New York City, and remained with them seven years, saving considerable money during this time. In 1878 he came to Grand Island, Neb., and after working for nearly two years in the Union Pacific Railroad yards, he opened a small shop of his own, and began selling paints and oils, and gradually increased his business until he now has an establishment which brings him in a comfortable income. Like all his countrymen, he is industrious and frugal, yet enterprising, and these characteristics, together with strict honesty, close application and perseverance, have placed him among the wealthy men of this section. His career is an excellent example for the rising generation, and shows what can be accomplished when there is a thorough determination to succeed, for on coming to this country he possessed but little means, was without a profession or trade which was of any use to him, and was unacquainted with the English language. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., the Liederkranz, of which he is treasurer, and he is a stockholder in the Grand Island Improvement Company, the Grand Island Canning Company, and also the creamery of that place. He built the Opera House Block, one of the finest buildings in the city, and he is also the owner of a handsome residence. He was married in New York City to Miss Charlotta Seivers, a native of Holstein, Germany, born March 1, 1844, and by her he has a son and daughter: Henry (who is associated with him in business) and Ella Ch. A son, Adolph, died. Mr. and Mrs. Bartenbach are members of the Lutheran Church.
BOECK, John
John Boeck is a successful druggist at Cairo, Neb., and is a proper representative of the energetic young business men of Hall County, which has done and is doing so much for the advancement of the material interests of this section. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 15, 1861, and received an excellent education in the common and high schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen years he entered college, taking a most thorough course, and from this institution was graduated in 1881, his course of study including pharmacy and a practical knowledge of drugs. Soon after leaving college he emigrated to the United States, and until the fall of 1883 he was engaged in clerking in a drug store in Grundy County, Iowa, which position he held for about two years. He then removed to Hall County, Neb., and first located at Grand Island, where he remained for about four years, and in the month of October, 1888, came to Cairo, and after clerking some time over one year he purchased his present establishment, and has since been actively engaged in business for himself. Being active, intelligent and enterprising, he has built up a paying trade, and his stock of drugs and medicines, paints, oils, school books, stationery and notions is quite complete. He is married, Miss Mary Wede, a native of Germany, being his wife. She was reared and educated in her native land. They have a family of three children: Etta, Meta and Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Boeck are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the A.O.U.W. He is a man of excellent business qualification and habits, and has made many warm friends since locating in Cairo, fully deserving the patronage he has won.
BÖHNE, Alfred Herman
Alfred Herman Böhne, a leading undertaker and furniture dealer of Grand Island, Neb., is a highly respected and esteemed citizen in both business and social circles. His father, Henri Herman Böhne, who was a native of Osterkaplin, Hanover, Germany, emigrated to this country in 1834, being then twenty-eight years of age, and located in Beardstown, Cass County, Ill., where he was united in marriage in 1840 with Miss Selina Beard, of Burton, Ohio. Of this marriage there were three children, the eldest of whom was born August 27, 1842, and is the subject of this sketch. The father died April 8, 1847, at the homestead in Beardstown, thus leaving the young wife and mother alone to maintain the children and, unaided by a father’s precept and example, to rear them to manhood and womanhood. How well her work is doe the integrity of her sons and daughter will testify. In 1859 the widow became the wife of Rev. David Crawford, an Englishman by birth, and who died in 1881. The mother survived him until October 7, 1886, passing from this life at the home of her son in Grand Island, aged seventy-six years two months and twenty-six days. The early life of A.H. Böhne was spent in the vicinity of Beardstown, where he was employed in farm work. August 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was sworn into the Union army before his nineteenth birthday. He served with this regiment until May 1, 1863, when he was wounded in a battle near Port Gibson, Miss., after which he was placed in hospital at Memphis, Tenn. Having partially recovered he was removed to St. Louis and transferred to Company A, Second Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. In December, 1863, he was sent to Jackson, Mich., when for several months he was on provost guard duty. Mr. Böhne received an honorable discharge from the service at Detroit, Mich., September 2, 1864. In 1865 he entered Eastman’s National Business College at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but being a victim of inflammatory rheumatism was compelled to leave the institution before he had completed the course. Returning to Illinois, he located in Champaign County and engaged in farming. October 7, 1869, Mr. A. H. Böhne and Miss Lyde M. Craig, of Urbana, Ill, were united in marriage. In the spring of 1873 Mr. Böhne sold his farm in Champaign County, and accepted a position in the office of the Illinois Central Railroad at Rantoul. He remained there for three years. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Bohne removed his family to Morgan County, Ill., where he turned his attention to the manufacturer of drain tile for two years. The increasing demand of a young and growing family warned the father that he must take a long look ahead and provide for the proverbial “rainy day.” Having tried farming, railroad work and manufacturing industry successively he became convinced, like many others, that to win in the battle for bread that should have its share of butter, or in other words to become a prosperous business man, he must “go West and grow up with the country.” Grand Island, Neb., was the point selected. The move was made accordingly, the family arriving in grand Island March 11, 1878, where they have resided. The capital invested during the first five years consisted alone of that kind of stock that always insures safe returns, namely, industry, energy and economy, combined with the strictest integrity and a determination to gain a foothold. His first work was as salesman in an agricultural implement establishment; following this he was employed at the office of the Union Pacific Railroad for nearly two years. Subsequently he was in the employ of H. L. Burkett, at that time the leading undertaker and furniture dealer in Grand Island. In 1882 Mr. Böhne commenced in business for himself, and has since been prosperous in both branches as undertaker and furniture dealer. In 1887 Mr. George F. Ryan became associated with Mr. Bohne, the firm still existing as Böhne & Ryan. It is ranked among the leading firms of Grand Island; gentlemanly and accommodating in their business relations, honest and upright in all their transactions, their ultimate success is both deserving and assured. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Böhne, six of whom are now living. The family occupy high social relations, and are esteemed for their intrinsic worth. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and congregation. Mr. Böhne is a member of Lyon Post No. 11, G. A. R., also of the A.O.U.W., being at the present time receiver of Charity Lodge No. 91. Mrs. Böhne is president of the Grand Island Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, to which position she has recently been elected. She is also a member of the Nebraska State Board of Associate Charities and Reforms, and as such is a trustee of one of the State charitable and reformatory institutions. As a member of the Women’s Relief Corps Mrs. Böhne was twice elected to fill the responsible position of department president of the Nebraska Women’s Relief Corps. Mrs. Böhne’s father, William Craig, was born in Shelby County, Ky., October 12, 1810, and in 1830 removed with his parents to Illinois, and was married in 1834 to Miss Martha Ann Dicky. He made that state his home until 1855, at which time he located on a one-fourth section of land near Omaha, Neb., which was then a mere straggling village, expecting to remove his family there from Jacksonville, Ill, at a very early date. He subsequently returned to Illinois, giving up his Nebraska enterprise on account of the ill health of his wife, but in 1859 he again returned to this State and engaged in mechanical business in Grand Island. In 1886 he visited Astoria and Coquilla City, Ore., and while there was stricken with a disease which necessitated the amputation of his limb. Since then he has been bed ridden, and in this condition was brought back to Grand Island, the home of his son in law, where he desires to end his days. He is a remarkable instance of physical courage and Christian fortitude, and although eighty years of age, bed ridden, partially paralyzed, and almost speechless, he retains to a remarkable degree his vigor of mind and unusually cheerful appearance.
BRAGE, G. Frederick
G. Frederick Brage is a well-known architect of Grand Island, Neb., and like others of this calling in the town has won an enviable reputation, and is a skilled workman. He was born in Prussia, Germany, July 25, 1852, and is a son of David and Christena Brage, with whom he came to America in 1868. They first located near Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis., and here resided during the summer of 1868, but in September moved to Juda, Green County, Wis., and from there to Butler County, Iowa, in 1877. Two years later they settled in Franklin County of that State and in 1882 came to Nebraska, and both parents are residing in Merrick County of that State, their home being six miles north of Central City. In May, 1876, G. Frederick Brage left the home of his parents in Green County, Wis., and went to Milwaukee, but a few weeks later removed to Racine, and was there engaged in working at the carpenter’s trade from June, 1875, until December, 1876, then spent the following winter and summer in Green County. In the fall of 1877 he accompanied his parents to Iowa, and this State continued to be his home until 1885. In 1878-79 he followed his calling in Hampton and vicinity, and during the remainder of his residence in Iowa he followed his trade in different places, and one summer was spent in millwrighting. After coming to Nebraska in the spring of 1885 he made his home in Hastings for a few months, but in November of that year moved to Grand Island, which place has since continued to be his home. He possesses much natural aptitude for his calling, and ever since his residence in this town he has been associated in business with C. C. Rittenhouse, of Hastings. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and the A. O.U.W.
BRININGER, Charles W.
Charles W. Brininger is the present city clerk of Grand Island. He is a practicing United States land attorney and is also engaged in the real-estate business, being a member of the well known firm of Ross & Brininger. He was born in Middlebury, Elkhart County, Ind., December 14, 1864, and is a son of John and Julia Ann (Smith) Brininger, who was born, reared and married in Snyder County, Pa., and after the consummation of the latter event they moved to Indiana, in 1861. The father was a stone mason by trade, and was a man who possessed many worthy traits of character. The mother died January 1, 1890, in full communion with the Lutheran Church, and is now lying in the family cemetery at Vistula, Ind. Four sons and six daughters of their family are living, of whom Charles W., is the youngest. He was reared in Indiana up to the age of fourteen years, then came to Nebraska and made his home with his brother, Alfred F., a merchant of Central City, and while with him learned all the details of mercantile life. He also followed the occupation of teaching for some time, and in August, 1883, came to Grand Island, as register clerk in the United States land office, and this position filled with ability until July, 1887, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Ross, and has been associated with him ever since. He was married in Grand Island to Miss Mary E., a daughter of John Johnson, a blacksmith of Greeley Center, Neb. Mrs. Brininger was born in Paterson, N. J., and has borne her husband a son, named Lucius Roy, and a daughter named Carrie Fay. They attend the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Brininger belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the A.O.U.W., and is a stockholder in the Grand Island Improvement Company, and a director in the Grand Island Building and Loan Association, and is now filling his second term as city clerk.
BRUCE, Russel S.
Russel S. Bruce, farmer and stock raiser, Underwood, Neb. To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can only be one result – that of success and a high position of esteem from those among whom he has made his home. And the case of Mr. Bruce is no exception to the rule, for from boyhood he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his strict attention to this calling accounts for his success. He was born in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, in1832, and was the eldest in a family of eleven children, the result of the union of James A. and Experience (Shaw) Bruce, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. The father left his native State when a boy, emigrated to Ohio, and was married in Brown County of that State, September 14, 1814, to Miss Shaw. He was a cooper by trade, and in 1850 moved to Illinois, settled in Bureau County, and there his death occurred. The mother is still living, and resides in Putnam, Putnam County, Ill. Their children were named as follows: R.S. (subject), John (married and resides in Putnam County, Ill.), William (died April 24, 1836), Ann (died in 1866), Mary M. (now Mrs. Smith, of Princeton, Ill.), Joseph (resides in Putnam County, Ill.), Carey I. (married and resides in Poweshiek County, Iowa), Irene (now Mrs. Bobeck, of Bureau County, Ill,), Experience E. (now Mrs. Biddulph), Emeline (now Mrs. Burnside, of Putnam County, Ill.) and James F. (married and residing in Putnam County, Ill.). Russell S. Bruce was early taught the duties of farm life, received his education in the schools of Ohio, and under the tutorage of L.D. Whiting, of Tiskilwa, Ill, and at the age of eighteen years went to Illinois, where he commenced farming for himself. He was married in Bureau County, of that State, in 1855, to Miss Mary A. Owen, a native of Marshall County, Ill, and the daughter of Roderick and Nancy (Adams) Owen, natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively. Mr. Owen emigrated to Ohio when a young man, was married in 1822 and settled in that state, where he learned the trade of a machinist and also worked at blacksmithing in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He and family came to Illinois at an early day, and in 1832 he erected a flour mill on Crow Creek, the first in that section, people coming sixty miles to the mill. Later he engaged in the plow manufacturing business, on a small scale, in Lacon, Ill. (1836), and after that began the manufacture of plows at Indiantown, later called Tiskilwa, where he built up a big business, and there his death occurred in 1860. His death was mourned by all. Mrs. Owen died September 28, 1849, at the age of forty-three years. Their union was blessed by the birth of the following children: William R. (enlisted in the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, Company D., and served five years; was in the siege of Vicksburg, and was with the Western army; at the close of the war he returned to Illinois, and now resides at Tiskilwa), Pardon H. (married and resides at Port Byron, Ill., and is a teacher by profession), Sarah A. (now Mrs. Sheldon, resides in Louisville, Polk County, Ore.), John Q. (manufacturer now resides in Denver), Mary A., Permelia A. (was killed in Illinois in 1885), Ferguson (resides in Salem, ore.), Harriet (died at the age of thirteen), and Helen (now Mrs. Starrett, of Denver, Colo.). After his marriage Mr. Bruce settled in Illinois and there remained until 1856, when he removed to Benton County, Iowa, and engaged in farming in that and Poweshiek Counties. In 1874 he moved to Nebraska and settled where he now lives, on eighty acres of land. This he has improved very materially, and has an excellent place. He is active in politics, is independent in his views, and his vote is cast for the best man and for the best measures. He was justice of the peace for about eight years. Socially he is a member of the South Platte Alliance, was one of the first members in the southern part of the county, and this is the oldest alliance in the same. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce are members of the North Hastings Congregational Church, and are active workers therein. Their marriage has been rendered happy by the birth of four living children: Edgar F. (married to Miss Mary Dings, and they have four children: Roy, Donna Belle, Edna Grace and Ada May; they reside in Grand Island), William M. (married to Miss Lola M. Oliphant, and they have three children: Earl, Loyd, and Winnie; they reside in Banner County, Neb.), Winnie (now Mrs. L.T. Coulter, is the mother of one child, Vinnie, and resides on Elm Island, Hall County), and Edith May (now Mrs. Harvey Johnston). Mr. Bruce has seen the complete growth of the country south of the Platte, and there was very little settlement in this part of the country when he came here. Mrs. Bruce’s grandparents, Amasa and Elizabeth (Dana) Owen, were natives of Connecticut, and emigrated to Scioto County, Ohio, at an early day. The material grandparents, Joseph and Abigail Adams, were natives of New York, and at an early day emigrated to the Buckeye State. Both died in Ohio.
Source: Goodspeed brothers. Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state: a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties… Chicago: The Goodspeed publishing co., 1890.
Back to: 1890 Hall County Biographies
Back to: Hall County Nebraska History and Genealogy Project