Biographies - Obituaries "D", Seward Co., NE

Drucilla Divan and Husband Francis Morton
©2004 Susie Carroll Summers

Biographies and Obituaries, "D" Surnames

Early Residents of Seward Co., Nebraska

Note: If you have any obituaries, biographies, photos, or stories about early residents of Seward Co., Nebraska, please consider adding them to this website. --Alice

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Biographies and Obituaries "D" INDEX

DAVIES, DAVIS, DERBY, DILLENBECK, DIVAN, DIXON, DONLEY, DUNHAM

DAVIES, John, husband of Hannah. This biography, written by his granddaughter Harriette (Davis) Meyer[s?], is from page 199 of the 1967 book, On A Bend of the River, posted here courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff, who also provided the photos (Seward County Nebraska, 1982, p.86).
[Surnames: DAVIES, DAVIS, MEYER]

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DAVIES
by Harriette Meyer

John Davies and family came to Utica in 1883. He established a bank there and also opened a law office. With a family of ten children, eight girls and two boys, the Davies home was always a center of activity. Mrs. M. A. V. Davis is one of the eight daughters. One son, Thomas Lewis Davies, later opened a lumber yard there and his son, Rex Davies, continued in the business until the time of his death in 1937.
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DAVIS, William Rose, husband of 1) Margaret Ann (BOHANNON) and 2) Hannah (COLEMAN). This biography, written by his granddaughter Harriette (Davis) Meyer[s?], is from pages 198-199 of the 1967 book, On A Bend of the River, posted here courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff, who also provided the photos of Davis Brothers Groceries (ZOOM, Seward County Nebraska, 1982, p.87) and of William Davis' daughter-in-law Lillian Davies Davis.
[Surnames: BEATY, DAVIES, DAVIS, MEYER/MEYERS, VAHL]

Davis Brothers Groceries, late 1800s
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DAVIS
by Harriette Meyer[s?]

The William Rose Davis family came to Seward in 1867. In 1868, Mr. Davis and his son-in-law, J. N. Beaty, established the first general store in Seward. Mr. Beaty built the first frame house in Seward, and Mr. Davis, the second. Mr. Davis continued in the grocery business with his two sons, Abner and Mage in the location of Vahl Drug Co. The business was continued after Mr. Davis' death, until it was sold in 1919. Miss Nelle Davis also worked in the store with her Father and brothers.
Mage Davis was married to Lillian Davies of Utica in 1893, and Seward has continued to be their home. Mr. Davis passed away in [p.199] 1936, but Mrs. Davis still resides here. Their only child a daughter, Mrs. Don (Harriette) Meyers, lives in Omaha. Mrs. Davis was recently honored as the oldest resident in Seward.

This biographical article about William Rose Davis, including his portrait [ZOOM], is from the "Fiftieth Anniversary Edition," Blue Valley Blade, Seward, Nebraska, Volume 51, Number 1, Wednesday, January 11, 1928:
[Surnames: BEATTY, CLARK, DAVIS, JONES, KRUEGER]

A SKETCH OF THE BUSINESS LIFE OF W. R. DAVIS

When my father came to Seward in 1868 he was equipped, in the matter of this worlds goods about as many pioneers who came early. A large family, furniture enough to fill a covered wagon, leaving room enough for the family, about fifty dollars in money and a working interest in the general store of Beatty & Davis. The firm sold out after a few years and each went into business for himself for a short time. Later they again went into partnership and established stores at Ulysses, Osceola and Stromsburg, but the grasshoppers were too much for them, and they failed, losing everything. They had several pieces of land, which if held now would be a fortune. All went except Mr. Beatty's homestead, now the Krueger farm.
The cause of their failure was "frozen assets", and they were frozen solid and never thawed.
During these years of adversity father never lost faith in God, the country nor his ability to make good. He started a butter and egg shipping business which took considerable capital. In this he was financed by Mr. Claudius Jones, and he always held Mr. Jones in the highest regard for his help at this critical time.
By 1879 he was financed in a larger enterprise by savings of my sister, Josie, who was then teaching in the Clark district. This was a larger business but did not take as much capital as the butter and egg business. We sold for cash and bought on time.
This is a pointer to young men starting in the grocery business. My father's credit was such that wholesale grocers who were creditors at the time of his failure, wrote offering to finance him. He lived to see his debts on account of his failure all paid and owed no man a cent when he passed to his reward in 1899.
He was continuously active in this business until his death when his interest was passed on to mother, and was retained by her until she passed away, still running under the firm name of W. R. Davis & Sons.
Father was active all his life in all things tending towards the betterment of the community. In church work, temperance, civic affairs, and public improvements.
The family altar, established in his early years, was never crowded out by the pressure of worldly affairs, and there are few men who have left a greater heritage to their children and friends than he, of his faith and God fearing spirit, his daily application of practical Christianity, his unswerving honesty, his always cheerful and happy disposition in the face of bitter trials, surely, we his children, can be pardoned if we fail, to some extent to emulate the high standards he set for us.
Permit me to congratulate the Blue Valley Blade on its Golden Anniversary. It has been coming to us every [sic] since its first issue, and we hope it will continue to give the news for many years more.
Sincerely,
M. A. V. DAVIS.
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DERBY, George A., husband of Miranda H. (BROWN). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, pages 46-47 (pp. 47+48 photo scans courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: BROWN, CARTER, DERBY, STEWART, VANDERHOOF]

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HON. GEORGE A. DERBY

One of the very earliest settlers in "E" precinct, was born March 5, 1820, in Licking County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Miranda H. Brown, March 1, 1843. She was a native of Vermont born in Orange County, January 1844. They were the parents [p. 47] of fourteen children, twelve of whom lived to be men and women, viz: Orin A., Emily E., died at eighteen, Marilla N., now Mrs. S. M. Brown, Alonzo F., Clara E., late Mrs. C. S. Stewart, Mercy A., now Mrs. H. Vanderhoof, George G., Frank N., Scott B., now deceased. The next two died in early infancy. William S., now dead, Minnie E., now Mrs. R. B. Carter, and Roderick, now dead. Mr. Derby came to the vicinity where Utica now stands and opened a farm in 1872. The reader is kindly referrd to the history of Utica for much of Mr. Derby's life work. Mrs. Derby died April 29, 1893, and Mr. Derby, full of years and full of labors, followed to the long home July 12, 1901. He was a faithful member for many years of the I. O. O. F.
The M. E. church was the family church home. Mr. Derby was a very valuable citizen of the county for nearly thirty years.

The following obituary of George A. Derby was contributed by Dianne Harsh (Salem, Oregon), great-great granddaughter of George and Miranda Derby.
[Surnames: BROWN, CARTER, DERBY, PHINUERY, VANDERHOOF]

AT REST
The cold hand of death has again visited another home and this time it stamped its impression upon the brow of G. A. Derby, an old settler in this part of Nebraska and a highly respected citizen. He was called to that better land last Friday evening at twelve oíclock from his late home at University Place, Neb. The remains accompanied by relatives arrived in Utica Monday noon and were taken charge of by the I. O. O. F. lodge of this place, of which order the deceased had been a member for many years. The burial ceremony performed by this order was very beautiful and impressive. The funeral services occurred at 1:30 in the Presbyterian Church conducted by Rev. Phinuery, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Utica Cemetery.
George A. Derby was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 5, 1820. He was married to Merinda H. Brown 1843 and fourteen children were born to them as a result of this union, seven of whom survive him. He moved to Indiana in 1854 and then to Iowa in 1855, locating in Blakesburg, Wapello County. While in Blakesburg he followed the occupation of a contractor and builder. He was also sheriff of Wapello county in 1863 and served two terms. After retiring from the sheriffís office he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements until the spring of 1872, when he moved to Nebraska and settled on the homestead near where Utica now stands. The deceased had a wide acquaintance here and was well liked by all who knew him. He was an able leader in politics and for many years was quite prominent in the republican ranks. In 1895 he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. S. M. Brown of University Place and remained there until his death. The names of the children present at the funeral are: Mrs. S. M. Brown, Mrs. M. A. Vanderhoof, Geo. J. Derby, Mrs. R. B. Carter and A. F. Derby. Frank N and O.A. Derby were absent.
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DILLENBECK, John S., husband of Lizzie (GATES). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 44-46 (pp. 45+46 photo scans courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: DILLENBECK, GATES, GREELEY, LINTINER, McCLELLAN]

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CAPTAIN JOHN S. DILLENBECK

A New York boy that took Greeley's advice and never rested till he found the trail that led to Nebraska, was born in Jefferson County, [p. 45] January 19, 1841, just after the log cabin and hard cider campaign. What time the lad was not in school he spent in the ordinary pursuits of the farmer boy, picking stones and hauling them on a stone boat, raking hay with a hand rake, in the stumpy meadows and husking corn in the barn winter evenings.
While yet a lad of twenty, he heard the drum beat calling to arms and in 1861 he enlisted and was sent to Virginia under General McClellan and was at Chancellorsville, Second Bull Run, Antietam and Mannassas [sic] Junction. Enlisted in the 20th New York cavalry and was soon promoted to the 2nd lieutenancy with Company B, then in January, 1865, was promoted to the first lieutenancy and assigned to Company L and just before his final discharge was brevetted [sic] captain. When the war was over, Captain returned to the old home and to the best girl he had left behind him, and December 25, 1867, was married to Miss Lizzie Gates, of Washington County, New York. She was born at Waltham, Massachusetts, January 19, 1849.
Lizzie (GATES) DILLENBECK

There were born seven children. Three died in infancy and four are yet at home, viz: John W., Lydia M., Wilford L., and Maude E. The family came to Seward County in May 1878 and took a homestead in "P" precinct and since that date captain Dillenbeck has proved a wide wake, enterprising citizen. Has a long time been much interested [p. 46] in the County Agricultural Society and is at this writing a leading member of the board of County supervisors. Some years ago gold was discovered on the Captain's land, which we will notice particularly in another article.
We note that Captain Dillenbeck had some honors at his old home where he was elected sheriff and served four years in Saratoga County. He was also in the mercantile business for a number of years.
He came from old revolutionary stock. His maternal grandfather, George Lintiner, was a soldier of the revolution. Mrs. Dillenbeck traces her ancestry back to the Mayflower and Plymouth rock. She is an amiable and intelligent lady of New England culture, where she spent a number of years as teacher, after receiving a thorough education at Charlestown, Massachusets [sic].
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DIVAN, Drucilla, wife of Francis MORTON, obituary from Blue Valley Blade, Seward, Nebraska, 4 November 1908, page 1. Submitted by great-great-great-granddaughter Pat Ryan White. Photo courtesy of Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: BOYES, DIVAN, HACKWORTH, HAND, JONES, MORTON, WILLIAMS]

Funeral of Mrs. Drucilla Morton.

Mrs. Drucilla Morton died at her home in Seward, Neb., Oct. 28, 1908, after an illness of four weeks, aged 73 years, 6 months and 3 days.
Drucilla Divan was born in Ohio, April 27, 1835. She was married to Francis Morton, Aug. 28, 1853, in Green county, Wis. She moved from Ohio to Wisconsin when a girl, where she lived until she came to Nebraska about the year 1872, and has lived here ever since. She with her husband united with the Seventh Day Adventist church in 1875, from which time she has lived a faithful christian.
She was the mother of ten children, 6 sons and 4 daughters, 9 of whom survive her. Her remains were laid to rest in the Ruby cemetery by the side of her husband, who passed on before on Aug. 8, 1908. She was a loving wife and an affectionate mother.
Words of comfort were spoken by Elder Jones of College View, in her own church.
A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled
The boon his love hath given,
And though the body slumbers here
The soul is safe in heaven.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to tender our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the neighbors and friends, and also the choir, who so kindly assisted us in the last sad rites of our dear departed mother.
Mrs. Lucinda Williams.
Mrs. Catherine Hackworth.
Mrs. Mary Hand.
Mrs. Addie Boyes.
Urias Morton.
Francis Morton.
Thomas Morton.
Charles Morton.
Ira O. Morton.
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DIVAN, Mary A. (HACKWORTH), wife of Walter DIVAN, daughter of Elizabeth (MORTON) and William HACKWORTH. This obituary is from the Seward Independent, Seward, NE, Thursday, September 14, 1905. Submitted by relative Pat Ryan White.
[Surnames: BROWN, DIVAN, DONLEY, HACKWORTH, STALL, WILCOX]

OBITUARY
Mary A. Hackworth was born in the state of Kentuckey[sic] Dec. 16, 1828, although part of her girlhood was passed in the state of Illinois. She moved with her parents to Green county, Wis. where she was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Walter Divan Dec. 26, 1861. There was born to this union seven children, as follows: Wm H, who died in infancy, Mary E, formerly Mrs. Ed Brown of Milford, Neb., who departed this life some years ago; James A, who resides in J town this county; Sarah C, now Mrs. G.W. Donley of Seward; Leiucritio E, now Mrs. Jos Stall of Milford; John A, who also died in infancy, and Charles W, who resides in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Divan was an exemplary christian lady, a kind, indulgent mother, beloved by all who knew her.
She leaves four living children and a number of living relatives, among them two brothers. She died Sept. 9, 1905, having arrived at the ripe age of 76 years, 8 months and 24 days. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon by Rev. H.G. Wilcox, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near Ruby.
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DIVAN, Walter, husband of Mary A. (HACKWORTH), obituary from the Seward Independent-Democrat, Seward, NE, Thursday, March 31, 1904. Submitted by relative Pat Ryan White.
[Surnames: BROWN, DIVAN, DONLEY, GRIGSBY, HACKWORTH, STAHL]

OBITUARY
Walter Divan was born in Koshackton [sic] county, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1831, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. W. Donley, in Seward, March 27th, 1904, aged 73 years, 1 month and 5 days.
In 1847 Mr. Divan moved to Green county, Wis., with his mother, his father having previously died. On Dec. 28th, 1852, he was married there to Mary A. Hackworth and to them were born seven children--Willie, who died when a babe, Mary E, who was Mrs. Ed Brown of Milford and died a few years ago, James A, Sarah, now Mrs. Geo. W. Donley of Seward, Ella, now Mrs. Joseph Stahl of Milford, John, who died in Wisconsin at the age of 2 1/2 years, and Chas. W., of Philadelphia, Pa. He served during the civil war in the 5th Wisconsin Independent Battery, and came to Nebraska with his family in the spring of 1873. In 1874 he settled on a farm in this county, which he owned until the time of his death, and upon which he resided until the latter '80's, when he moved to Seward and had resided here since.
The deceased was honest in his dealings, temperate in his habits, having used no liquors or tobacco for the past thirty years, and by hard work had accumulated considerable property. About a year ago he was stricken with paraletic rheumatism, from which he never recovered.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Grigsby of the M.E. church. Short services were first held at the home of Mrs. Donley, and the remains were then taken to Ruby where regular services were conducted in the M.E. church. The remains were laid away in the Ruby cemetery.
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DIXON, Richard L., husband of Maria "Marie" (AKA "Rita") Louisa (HAGEMAN), who was the daughter of Garret Vanderveer and Louisa Nancy (BABCOCK) HAGEMAN. This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 56:
[Surnames: DIXON, HAGEMAN]

RICHARD L. DIXON

An English boy, born July 9, 1875, and found Seward in his early boyhood, at the tender age of six. Here he grew up and was educated in our schools and has become a pretty good American boy. In 1901, October 24, he married a native girl, Miss Marie Hageman. She was born on her father's homestead December 26, 1876. They have one little boy, William S.
Mr. Dixon is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Dixon is a growing young man.
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DONLEY, Mrs. Sarah C. (DIVAN), wife of George W. DONLEY, daughter of Mary A. (HACKWORTH) and Walter DIVAN, obituary from newspaper clippings on file at Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, NE; handwritten date, 13 March 1930. Submitted by relative Pat Ryan White.
[Surnames: DIVAN, DONLEY]

Former Milford Resident Dies
Mrs. Sarah Donley formerly of Milford community passed away at her home in Lincoln Monday at the age of seventy-three. She is survived by her husband George, three sons, John R. of Omaha, Claude E. and Cecil C. both of Lincoln; and one brother, Charles M. Divan of Mechanicsville, N.J. There are seven grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at Splain and Schnell's, Rev. J Kenney O'Heeron officiating. The body was taken to Ruby for interment in Mount Pleasant cemetery.
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DUNHAM, James P., husband of Emma E. (McGINNIS). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, pages 53-54 (p. 53 photo scan courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: DUNHAM, McGINNIS]

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JAMES P. DUNHAM