Historical and Biographical Sketches of Madison County Nebraska Collections – Page 2 of 3

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Charles Mathewson

Hon. Charles Mathewson. A brief sketch of the life and character of the Hon. Charles Mathewson, may appropriately be introduced in connection with the history of the town, which owes its present prosperity more to his energy and business ability than to any other cause. Col. Mathewson, as he is most frequently called, was born in Brooklyn, Conn., March 24, 1812. His worth and abilities were recognized by his fellow citizens of Connecticut, by their electing him twice to the State Legislature, and three times to the State Senate. During the war of the rebellion, he evinced his patriotism by … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Herman Gerecke

Herman Gerecke, of the firm of Pilger & Gerecke, lumber, is a native of Prussia; came with his parents to Dodge County, Wis. In 1854, there worked on a farm. December, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry; was discharged on account of a wound received in battle April 6, 1862. The following year he came to Decatur, Neb.; again enlisted in Company C, Seventh Iowa Cavalry; was mustered out May 26, 1866. In 1869, he came to Norfolk; followed the mill-wright trade until1878, when he, with Mr. Pilger, established that business.

Biographical Sketch of Herman Fricke

Herman Fricke, wines and liquors, is a native of Hanover. In 1861, came to McHenry County, Ill.; engaged in farming. In 1863, came to Richardson County, Neb.; also engaged in farming. In 1880, he removed to Madison, and engaged in his present business. Married, in 1866, Johannah Ruegge, of Hanover. They have eight children–three sons and five daughters.

Biographical Sketch of H. G. Seidel

H. G. Seidel, firm of J. E. North & Co., lumber, lime, etc., is a native of Germany; in 1867, came to Butler County, Penn.; worked at millwright business there about eight months, then came to Benton County, Iowa; also followed the millwright trade; in 1870, came to West Point, followed this business, rebuilt the Papillion Mills, the Lyons Mills, also the Madison Mills; in the fall of 1873, he went to Oakland, built the Oakland Mills; he then returned to Madison County, engaged in farming; in 1877, he removed to Columbus, there engaged in lumber; in 1879, came to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of H. E. Becker

H. E. Becker, furniture and undertaking, is a native of Germany. In 1853, came to New York. Soon after, removed to Connecticut. There followed the carpenter trade. He enlisted, in 1861, in Company I, Tenth Regiment Connecticut Infantry; was discharged in 1864; returned to Connecticut; continued the carpenter trade. In 1874, came to Madison, Neb. Soon after, established this business. Mr. B. was one term County Commissioner. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees; has been a member since 1876. He is also Secretary of the Madison Town Hall and Court House Association. Was also School Director for one … Read more

Biographical Sketch of H. D. Kelly

H. D. Kelly, firm of Searles & Kelly, attorney at law. Mr. K. commenced the study of law in Ohio; in the spring of 1877 came to Belle Plaine, Benton Co., Iowa, also continued his studies; he attended the State University, graduated from the Law Department in 1880; he then commenced the practice of law in Cedar Rapids; May, 1881, came to Madison; has since been a member of this firm.

Biographical Sketch of George B. Fletcher

George B. Fletcher, attorney at law, was born February 20, 1845, in Lowell, Ohio; raised in Anamosa, Iowa. After finishing his preparatory course of studies, he attended the Sinsinawa Mound College about two and one-half years. About the close of the war, he went south, and was connected with the Government service. In 1867, returned to Jones County. The following year, he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and commenced reading law with Barker & Shields; returned to Anamosa, and continued the study of law with George W. Field; was admitted to the bar at Council Bluffs, July, 1870. He then went … Read more

Biographical Sketch of F. Wegener

F. Wegener, proprietor of the Norfolk House, is a native of Prussia. In 1851, he came to Jefferson County, Wis., and followed farming about three years; he then ran a saw-mill several years; sold this mill in 1859. He then opened a general store in Watertown, Wis., and continued this business about ten years. In 1870, he came to Norfolk, opened a boarding house and saloon, and three years later he built the Norfolk House, this being the first hotel built in Norfolk; has since carried on this business. He was married in 1854, to Amelia Hans, of Prussia. They … Read more

Biographical Sketch of F. W. Wolf

F. W. Wolf, firm of Fritz & Wolf, proprietors of Madison Mills, was born in Germany; when a child came with his parents to Waukesha County, Wis.; assisted on their farm; in 1867, came to Franklin County, Iowa, there engaged in farming; April, 1881, came to Madison and became a member of this firm. Married, in 1876, to Carrie Stracke, of Waukesha County, Wis. They had two children, one living, Herbert Garfield.

Biographical Sketch of F. W. Fritz

F. W. Fritz, County Treasurer and firm of Fritz & Wolf, Madison Mills, is a native of Prussia. In 1856, came to Dodge County, Wis., with his parents. There assisted on their farm. Enlisted, in February, 1864, in Company H, Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry; served to the end of the war. In 1865, came to Hardin County, Iowa; engaged in farming. In 1870, removed to West Point; engaged in merchandising, grain and implement business; also ran a branch store at Wisner; continued this unti11873. He then came to Madison, and commenced the erection of this grist-mill, which was completed in the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of F. W. Barnes

F. W. Barnes, firm of Barnes & Tyrrel, bankers, is a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. In 1866, the family came to Columbus, Neb. May 3, 1867, they removed to Madison County, where he has since resided. Mr. Barnes entered 160 acres, on which the town of Madison is now situated. He laid out this town in 1870. In 1872, he engaged in banking, also in real estate, has since been engaged in this business. He has held the offices of County Surveyor, County Judge, Town Treasurer, Town Clerk and other offices.

Biographical Sketch of F. Hoffman

F. Hoffmann, jeweler and watchmaker, is a native of France. In 1874, came to New York City; worked at the Marion, N. J., watch factory about two years. In 1876, came to Elgin, Ill.; worked at the Elgin Watch factory about two and a half years. March, 1880, came to Madison, where he has since carried on this business. Married, in 1855, Anna Champion, of Switzerland. They have three sons–Louis P. (now Deputy County Treasurer), Charles and Julius.

Biographical Sketch of E. F. Prince

E. F. Prince proprietor of Prince Hotel, and dealer in general merchandise. Was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1827; came to Columbia County. Wis., engaged in farming; in 1876, came to Madison, built this hotel, which is the largest in the county; he also built this store, and in the fall of 1881, opened a general stock, and has since carried on this business. Mr. P. was appointed Town Trustee when the town was first incorporated; held the office four years, and held other local offices.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. S. J. Bridenstine

Dr. S. J. Bridenstine, physician and surgeon, is a native of Pennsylvania. When a child, came to Johnson County, Iowa, with his parents. He attended the State University about six years; graduated from the medical department in 1875. He then came to Madison, where he has since actively engaged in his profession. He is one of the Commissioners of Insanity for Madison County. He is also surgeon for the Omaha, Niobrara & Black Hills Railroad.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. F. Verges

Dr. F. Verges, physician and surgeon, was born August 21, 1833 in Prussia. He commenced the study of medicine in 1854, in Cothen Homoeopathic Medical College; graduated in 1856; practiced in his native country till 1868, when he came to Chicago in the fall of 1868; came to Nebraska in 1869; came to Pierce County, and took a homestead of 160 acres, which he improved. He now owns 480 acres, which is one of the best improved farms in the county. In the spring of 1880, he came to Norfolk, and has since followed his profession; has been County Commissioner … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. D. R. Daniel

Dr. D. R. Daniel, druggist and physician, is a native of Independence, Va. In 1869, he commenced the study of medicine; came to Omaha March 17, 1872. In the fall of this year, he attended the State University of Iowa, and graduated from the Washington University, of Baltimore, February 24, 1876. He has practiced medicine in Norfolk and vicinity since 1873. In the fall of 1876, he was appointed United States Examining Surgeon of Pensions He has also been Examining Surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad. November, 1878, he opened this drug store, which he has since continued.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Alex Bear

Dr. Alex. Bear, physician and surgeon, is a native of Virginia. After completing a common course of studies, he attended the University of Virginia, in 8554, 1855-56; graduated from the University of Maryland in 1860; in 1865, came to Fremont, where he took up the practice of medicine; he also practiced in West Point from 1871 to 1873. He then came to Norfolk, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He is the oldest practicing physician on the Elkhorn Valley. He has been a member of the State Senate two terms, and member of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Charles P. Mathewson

Charles P. Mathewson, banker, was born in Windham County, Conn. The family removed to the Winnebago Agency, his father being appointed agent of the tribe; held this office four years. In 1869, they removed to Norfolk, and in company with Mr. Olney, engaged in merchandising. They also erected the Norfolk Mills, soon after coming here, which they have successfully operated since. He, with his brother, Mayor Joseph Mathewson, established this bank in 1872. This brick structure was erected in 1880, at a cost of about $5,000, and is occupied in part, for banking purposes. His brother entered the service, August … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Carl Asmus

Carl Asmus, general merchandise, was born in Prussia; came to West Point, Neb., in 1867; the following year he went to the Rocky Mountains; in the fall of 1868, returned to West Point, took a homestead, engaged in farming, and, later, in the liquor business; in 1871, came to Norfolk, opened a small store. His business has rapidly increased. He now owns and occupies a very fine brick store 23×80 feet, built in 1880, cost about $8,000. By strict attention to business, Mr. Asmus has acquired this and other property since coming to Nebraska.

Biographical Sketch of C. Selah

C. Selah, editor of the Norfolk Journal, was born in Tazewell County, Ill.; came to West Point, Neb., in 1871, and there worked on the Republican. In 1876, he, with Mr. Bartlett, bought out and published the Neligh Journal. In November, 1877, he and Mr. Bartlett established the Norfolk Journal, which has since been ably conducted by Mr. Selah.