Seward County, Nebraska Genealogy

Biographies and Obituaries "M" INDEX

MARTIN, MATZKE, MAUER, MAYLAND, McKAY, McLAIN, MERRILL, MEYERS, MILLER, MILLS, MOFFITT, MOLER, MOORE, MORGAN, MORTON, MUELLER, MYERS

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MARTIN, Richard R., son of Noah and Hannah (PREST) MARTIN, husband of Emma (LEZOTTE), who was a daughter of Charles and Mary (LITTLE) LEZOTTE. This biography is from the Compendium of History, Reminiscence and Biography of Nebraska, Alden Publishing Company, Chicago, 1912, pages 525-526:
[Surnames: CONWAY, DIMERY, LEZOTTE, LITTLE, MARTIN, PREST, TIDYMAN]

RICHARD R. MARTIN.

    Richard R. Martin, a prosperous and public-spirited citizen of Custer county, is a self-made man and one who has many friends. He is an early settler of the state and has passed through many stages of its history. In years past he spent considerable time in helping to locate homesteaders on government land, for which work he was well fitted by training and experience. In his youth he hunted and trapped through the west and many times acted as guide to parties desiring to hunt buffalo. For the past few years he has devoted much attention to real estate, dealing chiefly in land in Texas and Old Mexico.
    Mr. Martin was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, January 1, 1854, next to the youngest of the eight children of Noah and Hannah (Prest) Martin, the father a native of New York state and the mother of Pennsylvania. His three brothers, Jerry, John and Asa, and also two sisters. Mrs. Ordelia Dimery and Mrs. Caroline Tidyman, live in Seward county, Nebraska, and another sister Mrs. Hattie Conway, lives in York, Nebraska.
    Mr. Martin's father was of Irish descent. He served in the civil war as a private in the Third Wisconsin Infantry, for two years. In the fall of 1868 he settled in Nebraska, and in 1869 took up a homestead in York county, being murdered on his way to the homestead from York, December 10, 1879. He was a millwright, and intended starting the next day to build a mill in Harlan county, one hundred and twenty-five miles west. His sons completed the work the following year. His widow died at Beaver Crossing, Seward county, Nebraska, in 1894.
    Richard R. Martin grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving his education in local schools, and later engaged in farming and in the milling business. On November 28, 1876, in York county, he was united in marriage with Emma Lezotte, daughter of Charles and Mary (Little) Lezotte, and a native of McHenry county, Illinois. She came with her parents to Seward county in 1874, her father being a homesteader [p.526] there. He was born in New York, of French descent, and died at Beaver Crossing, in 1895. Mrs. Lezotte was born in Vermont, also of French descent, and now lives at Beaver Crossing. Mrs. Martin has four brothers and two sisters in Nebraska.
    In the spring of 1883 Mr. Martin brought his wife and their two sons to Custer county, and shortly thereafter pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land near Mason City. The following year he erected the first flouring mill in the county, at Algernon, its capacity being one hundred barrels per day. The railroad refusing to make a station here, the town and mill were abandoned. He hauled one hundred and seventy-six loads of lumber and machinery from Kearney, a distance of about fifty miles. Mr. Martin has operated three different mills in the vicinity, the Algernon mill, followed by the Old Muddy Mill near Litchfield, and a mill three and one-half miles south of Mason City and known as the Mason City mill; he remained in the business for twenty-one years. He has added to the home farm until he now has a ranch of seven hundred and twenty acres of improved and well equipped farm land, including the original pre-emption, on which he erected a comfortable cottage in 1905, and which remained the home place since he located there until the fall of 1911, when he built a fine seven-room dwelling east of the creek. This is lighted with acetylene gas, and is piped for water, which is supplied from a five hundred barrel cistern on the hill, giving a pressure of one hundred and ten feet.
    Mr. Martin has always been deeply interested in the progress and development of his locality, and is one of the best known men in central Nebraska. While a resident of York county he acted as locater of homesteads for several years, and had many meetings with the Indians in those early days. When the railroad was built in Custer County, he had a contract for forty miles of repair work along the line. He is interested in various mining propositions and has valuable holdings of land in the southern and western states, He and his wife have traveled widely through the south, west and east, in connection with their various interests or for pleasure. He served for some years as director of his school district, number twelve, and has always been the friend of progress and education.
    Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had five children: Charles W., married and living on the old home place, has one son; Asa C., Jennie E., who has a school of cutting and fitting at Broken Bow, under a system of which she is the patentee, Emma C. and Ida M., at home.
    Mr. Martin is republican in politics, and a member of the Odd Fellows. He is a typical westerner in his hospitality, and even goes most of them one better. While many object to having the public cross their land, this jovial Nebraskan has a sign posted at the mouth of a lane on his south line, "Welcome, Road Here. R. R. Martin." This "welcome road" is a great accommodation, as it is the only convenient cross road in several miles.
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MATZKE, Charles F., husband of Elorrie (FOSLER). The following biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 108: [Surnames: FOSLER, MATZKE]

CHARLES F. MATZKE

    Came to our good land when a yearling and has snuffed the breezes of our prairie about all his life. Was born in the Badger state in Green County, September 13, 1873, and came to Milford in 1874, and when he came to the proper age he captured a Seward County girl, Miss Elorrie Fosler, March 1, 1894, at Seward. She was born at Milford August 19, 1874. They have two children: Stanley A., and Goldie E.
    Charles was raised on a farm on section 30, northeast of Milford in "I" precinct. Commenced the mercantile business at Goehner in 1902, and seems to make a success of it. He is now the postmaster there. Is a member of K. O. T. M. Church home is with the Evangelical Association.
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MAUER, John, husband of Leah (BENDER). The following biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 108:
[Surnames: BENDER, MAUER]

JOHN MAUER

    Was born in Alsace, France, and his parents came to Iowa when he was a lad of six years. John was born March 13, 1846. Was raised in Davis County, Iowa. John lived a bachelor until thirty-two when he married Miss Leah Bender, January 29, 1878, in Henry County, Iowa.
    She was born in Ontario, Oxford County, April 27, 1864. They have four children, viz: Amanda D., Elmer, Emma and Edward J.
    Mr. Mauer came to the present home on section 11, "N" town in 1892. Mrs. Mauer died at the family home June 5, 1901.
    Mr. Mauer is a first class farmer. Church home is with the Amish people.
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MAYLAND, Chris, husband of Licettie B. (KROGER/KROEGER). The following biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 108:
[Surnames: KROGER/KROEGER, MAYLAND]

CHRIS MAYLAND

   One of the bright boys born on the frontier that started out in life with a purpose to accomplish something. Was born on the father's homestead on Lincoln Creek December 22, 1870, and was one of the first white children born in "F" precinct. Educated in the common frontier schools. Married October 14, 1902, to a Seward born girl, Miss Licettie B. Kroger [sic?Kroeger?]. She was born Feb. 20, 1881, and educated in the schools of Seward. Mr. Mayland commenced in the stock trade at twenty-three and has stuck to the text until today he ranks with the best stockmen of the county. Owns a splendid farm only a mile out of the city. Full of energy and business.
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MAYLAND, Henry D., husband of Annie E. (IMIG) (daughter of Friedrich and Anna [IMIG] IMIG). The following biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 108 (photo courtesy Della Meinberg):
[Surnames: IMIG, MAYLAND]

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HENRY MAYLAND

    A Seward County boy. Was one of the first born boys of "H" precinct. April 5, 1873, Henry came to light and life. He has grown up among us and served his time as a farmer boy. February 26, 1897, was married to Miss Annie Imig at Seward. She was born at Mineer[sic, Minier], Illinois, January 1, 1877, and came to Seward County in her early childhood. They have one child, Alma. The young people now live in "J" precinct. The church home is with the Lutherans.
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McKAY, George C., husband of 1) Melissa (KNAPP) and 2) Mrs. Rachel (?) HATHAWAY. This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 112 (p. 111 photo scan courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: HATHAWAY, KNAPP, McKAY, WADSWORTH, WEAVER]

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GEORGE C. McKAY

    The founder of Staplehurst and one among the first that broke the sod on the great prairie in "C" precinct. Was born among the rocky hills of York state September 14, 1807, and there remained during his boyhood. In 1839, July 13, Mr. McKay married Miss Melissa Knapp at Charleston, Ohio. Two children were born to them, viz: Manning and Mrs. Wadsworth. Mrs. McKay died some years later. Mr. McKay was married the second time in 1845 to Mrs. Rachel Hathaway in Ohio. She was born October 23, 1810, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. They had four children, viz: Mrs. A. A. Weaver, D. C. McKay, Homer M. and Albert A.
    The family located in "C" precinct in 1870, where Mr. McKay took a prominent part in the development of his locality. Was for years a justice of the peace and county commissioner of the county. The church home of Mr. McKay was with the Christian church and Mrs. McKay was a Presbyterian. Mrs. McKay died February 23, 1894. Mr. McKay died June 28, 1882.
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McLAIN, Hon. John E., husband of Marietta B. (TAYLOR). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 116 (p. 128 photo scan courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: McLAIN, TAYLOR]

HON. JOHN E. McLAIN

    An Illinois boy, born in Henderson County, November 14, 1856, where they had the usual experiences of a farmer boy in the common schools and working, just as all worthy boys do, at all kinds of farm work. He remained in Illinois until his removal to Seward County, in 1886. In 1877 he was married to Miss Marietta B. Taylor, a native of the old Keystone state. They have six children.
    The young people settled on a farm just northeast of Seward and have opened and improved a nice farm. Mr. McLain has taken a decided interest in public matters at his new home. For many years he has been master of Oliver lodge No. 38 of the A. F. and A. M. and is also a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen. Was for some years treasurer of his township. He is a full fledged republican and his party made him standard bearer for representative in the fall of 1902, and elected him, and his faithful committee work and close attention to business insured his renomination in 1904. He is a wide-awake, valuable citizen and has rendered valuable service to the county and state. He was elected to succeed himself.
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MERRILL, John H., husband of 1) Catherine (SHIELDS), 2) Lucy A. (CARRUTHERS) and 3) Belle (CARRUTHERS). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 110:
[Surnames: CARUTHERS/CARRUTHERS, MERRILL, SHIELDS]

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JOHN H. MERRILL

    An English born boy with many experiences. The parents came to Painesville, Ohio, when John was six months old, but they took a notion to try Canada. They soon took the backward track and made a permanent home in Ohio. John was born in Cheshire, England, July 27, 1854. He married Miss Catherine Shields, June 22, 1874. She was born in County Gray, Ontario, February 29, 1855. There were born to them two boys, Wilber and Edgar.
    Mrs. Merrill died, date unknown. September 14, 1886, Mr. Merrill married Miss Lucy A. Caruthers. She was born at Tecumseh, Canada, November 19, 1863. Three children were born to them, viz: Ethel, Hazel and Lucy. Mrs. Merrill died December 6, 1894 at Pleasant Dale.
    January 22, 1896 Mr. Merrill married his wife's sister, Miss Belle Caruthers, also a native of Ontario, born October 22, 1865.
    To this union were born two children, Arthur and Wiston. The family came to Pleasant Dale in February 1880 and located in "P" precinct. He owned part of the land on which the village is built, and which he platted as a town site, and from that day to this he has with might and main struggled to help his town to the front. He now owns and is president of the bank and is proprietor of a large hardware and implement house. Is one of Nebraska's builders and a valuable business man and citizen. The family church home is with the M. E. church. He is a leading member of the time honored A. F. and A. M. and also of the Modern Woodmen and a member of the school board. They say he keeps his end up in all public enterprises.

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This next biography, as well as the photos, for John H. Merrill are from the Pleasant Dale, Nebraska Centennial History Book, 1882-1982, pages 69-70:
[Surnames: BISHOP, CARRUTHERS, FOUGERON, JAMES, LOSTROH, MASON, MERRILL, PERKINS, SHAW, SHIELDS, VANANDEL, WALLACE, WHISTON]

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JOHN H. MERRILL FAMILY

    The Merrill family lived near Nantwich, England, which is about 30 miles from Manchester. Samuel and Martha (Whiston) Merrill left England in 1850 with their six children, namely: Joseph, Mary, William H., Martha, Samuel Jr., and John H. and settled near Toronto, Canada, where they farmed and the children grew up. In 1871 the Samuel Merrill Sr., family moved to Meaford, Canada. It was there that their son, John H. Merrill met and married E. Catherine Shields. After their marriage, they moved to Painesville, Ohio, where their sons, J. Wilbur S. Merrill and S.J. Edgar Merrill were born. In 1880 the John H. and Samuel Merrill Sr., families moved to Pleasant Dale. In 1881, John H. Merrill's wife, Catherine, died leaving 2 boys ages 5 and 3. They were cared for by their grandpa and grandma, the Samuel Merrills. Wilbur later married May White and Edgar married Mabel Gertrude Perkins. Samuel Merrill died July 1884 and Martha (Whiston) Merrill died April 1889.
    In 1886 John H. Merrill married Lucy Carruthers, daughter of John and Ann (Wallace) Carruthers. They had 3 daughters, namely: Ethel, who married Ernest Shaw, Hazel, who married Ralph Bishop, and Lucy, who married John VanAndel. Lucy (Carruthers) Merrill died shortly after her daughter, Lucy, was born. Grandma Carruthers took care of the baby. In 1896, Bell Carruthers, also a daughter of [p.70] John and Ann Carruthers, became the third wife of John H. Merrill. They had 2 sons, Arthur, who married Elaine Abel, and Wiston, who married Amy Fougeron.
    John H. Merrill bought 160 acres of railroad land, and the village of Pleasant Dale was plotted on part of this land. His early machinery business partner was Carleton Mason and the name of the business was Mason and Merrill. In 1890 he was General Manager of Pleasant Dale Horse Company, raising thoroughbred Percheron stallions on his farm. In 1898 he became owner of J.H. Merrill store which sold hardware, farm implements, furniture, buggies, and caskets. This store was located at the corner of 1st and Main. It is still standing, and is the store room for Pleasant Dale Grocery owned by Will and Pam James. Mr. Merrill was mayor of Pleasant Dale and president of the Pleasant Dale State Bank. In 1909 he had gall bladder surgery which was performed in his home. At this time surgery was a very new method of treatment.
    John H. Merrill died April 1909 and Belle C. Merrill died January 1946.
                                                                                                        Joanne Lostroh

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MERRILL, Rev. Joseph, husband of Jane E. (CHRISTENER). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 113:
[Surnames: BUNN, CHRISTENER, LEWIS, MERRILL, WESTHOVER]

REV. JOSEPH MERRILL

    Was born September 2, 1831, in England. While yet a young man he caught sight of the star of empire in the west but somehow he got wrongly located and landed in Canada. He soon found his mistake and in 1872 we find him in Ohio, but before leaving Canada he married Miss Jane E. Christener, a Canadian girl. So Uncle Sam's dominions was the gainer by his sojourn in that country. We gained two in place of one.
    She was born February 1, 1839. They were the parents of eleven children, viz: Elizabeth P. W., now Mrs. E. Lewis; Frank J. W., Samuel A. V., Susan C., now Mrs. A. Westhover, Fred H., Martha F., now Mrs. F. A. Bunn; Walter H., Charles E., Hamilton B., William J. W. and Richard A. C.
    Rev. Merrill came to Seward County in 1881 and located at the Oak Groves. He was a local preacher in the M. E. church for many years but never took to the regular work of the ministry. After a long life in the labor of love he was called home October 6, 1896. Mrs. Merrill died December 13, 1901.
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MEYERS/MYERS, Thomas W., son of Jesse W. MYERS: See MYERS, Thomas W.
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MILLER, Clara Mae, wife of Joseph Benjamin SMETTER, daughter of William Joseph and Matilda "Tillie" (TROYER) MILLER. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times. Submitted by her grand-niece, Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: BURKEY, DOLAN, EICHER, HARVEY, MILLER, OTTO, ROTH, SMETTER, TROYER, WOOD, YODER]

    Clara Mae (Miller) Smetter, daughter of William and Tillie Miller was born near Milford, Nebraska July 8, 1900 and died at her home in Beaver Crossing, Nebr., December 19, 1948 at the age of 48 years, 5 months, and 11 days. On October 3, 1918 she was married to Joseph Smetter. To this union were born two sons and two daughters of which one son, Gerald, and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Burkey, have preceded her in death, also one grandson.
    At the age of seventeen she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the West Fairview Mennonite Church in which faith she died. Her death was sudden and came as a shock to her family and friends. She was a kind and loving wife and mother, and was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever she could She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially by her family in the home.
    She leaves to mourn her loss her loving husband, one son, Donald of Lincoln, Nebr.; one daughter Mrs. Elna Wood of Cambridge, Nebr.; one daughter-in-law and two son-in-laws, and two step-grandsons; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller of Beaver Crossing; three sisters, Mrs. Minnie Roth of Milford, Nebr., Mrs. Laura Otto of Lincoln, Nebr., Mrs. Wilma Dolan of Wichita, Kansas; seven brothers, Homer, Leslie, Wilber, and Lyle of Beaver Crossing, Henry of Torrence, California, Lloyd of Wilber, Nebr., Floyd of Milford, Nebr., also many other relatives and friends.
    Funeral services were held Wednesday p.m. December 22, at the West Fairview Mennonite Church in charge of Ezra Roth, assisted by J. R. Troyer, W. A. Eicher, and D. A. Yoder. Interment was made in the church cemetery.
        All is over, hands are folded,
        On a quiet peaceful breast,
        All her toils and trials ended
        And Dear Mother is at rest.
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MILLER, Donna E. (BERRY), wife of Lyle Harold MILLER, daughter of Lee "Hap" W. and Edith (REED) BERRY. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times. Submitted by Ann Miller White, grand-niece of deceased.
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BERRY, BURKEY, HESER, LIEF, MILLER, REED, ROARK, ROMOHR, SMETTER, TEACHOUT, ZIMMER]

    Donna E. Miller, 71, of Beaver Crossing, died Wednesday, June 23, 1993, at Warren Memorial Hospital, Friend. She was born May 20, 1922 on a farm southeast of Beaver Crossing to Lee "Hap" W. and Edith (Reed) Berry. As a young girl, Donna attended school and later became a 1939 graduate of Beaver Crossing High School. Soon afterwards she taught country school around the Beaver Crossing area for several years. On May 27, 1949, she was united in marriage to Lyle H. Miller in Beaver Crossing and to this union, three children were born. Donna was a lifelong resident of Beaver Crossing.
    Donna was a former correspondent for the Seward County Independent, Friend Sentinel, and the York Daily News Times. She also took School census in Beaver Crossing for the Centennial School District. She was a member of the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the American Legion Auxiliary #178. Donna was an avid spectator sports fan and enjoyed working in her garden.
    Survivors include husband Lyle H. of Beaver Crossing, sons Jim of Beatrice and Jack of Beaver Crossing. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Susan in 1953.
    Services: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, June 26, 1993 at Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church with Rev. K. Dan Teachout officiating. Interment is in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery. Pallbearers: Don Smetter, Jack Roark, Don Lief, Lyle Zimmer, Mark Romohr and Dale Anderson. Organist: Mary Heser and music by the Burkey family. Memorials may be sent in care of the family. Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Beaver Crossing, in charge of arrangements.
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MILLER, Duane Homer, husband of Rose Marie (SCHUSTER) MILLER, son of Homer and Iva (STUTZMAN) MILLER. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times, May 9, 1959. Submitted by Ann Miller White, daughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: BARBER, CHRISTIAN, EBERSPACHER, ENGEL, GEIS, HARRIS, HENKE, MCCRACKEN, MILLER, NOLER, REED, RICENBAW, SCHUSTER, SONDAY, STEWART, TENOPIRL, WEBER]

Duane Homer Miller (1924-1959)
Beaver Crossing H.S. Class of 1941  ©2004 Ann Miller White
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    Duane Miller, beloved son of Homer and Iva Miller, was born in the Beaver Crossing community November 1, 1924 and died suddenly at his home early Sunday May 3, 1959, at the age of 34 years, 6 months, and 2 days. His boyhood was spent on a farm near Beaver Crossing. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Beaver Crossing. He graduated from Beaver Crossing High School with the Class of 1941. On January 22, 1945, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Schuster. Following their marriage, they lived 6 months at Crete, and two years at York, before returning to Beaver Crossing where he was in business with his father the past 12 years.
    Duane was a prominent business and civic leader. He was past president of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Board of Education and Fire Department. He was a member of the Methodist Church and served on the official board. One son, Douglas Duane, preceded him in death. Survivors include his loving wife, Rose Marie, a daughter, Ann Marie, son, Alan Lee, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Miller, one sister, Mrs. Jean Barber of South Sioux City, three nephews and two nieces, his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Schuster, one sister-in-law Mrs. Catherine Reed of Lincoln and two brothers-in-law, Jack Reed of Lincoln and B. B. Barber of South Sioux City, fifteen uncles and fourteen aunts, a host of relatives and friends. There were of 500 in attendance at the funeral services which were conducted at the Beaver Crossing Methodist Church Tuesday by Rev. E. B. Stewart. Music was provided by Mrs. Clarence Sonday and Paul Geis who sang "When you Come to the End of a Perfect Day" and "Nearer My God to Thee". Ushers were: Ben Engel, Walter Miller, George McCracken, and Kenneth Weber. Helping with the flowers were Darrel Ricenbaw and Ed Tenopirl. Pallbearers were Dick Christian, Lyle Henke, Berle Noler, Max Eberspacher, Loren Harris and Lyle Miller. Burial was in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery.
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MILLER, Emma E., wife of Chris REIL, daughter of Joseph R. MILLER and Margaret Jane (EICHER) MILLER. This funeral pamphlet obituary was submitted by Ann Miller White, great-grand niece of deceased.
[Surnames: BUENTING, EGLI, GREISER, HANIFEN, JANSSEN, KLEEN, MILLER, REIL, SCHWEITZER]

    Emma E. Reil, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Miller, was born July 8,1878 at Washington, Iowa. She passed away at the Good Samaritan Center, Manson, Iowa on January 22, 1975, having attained the age of 96 years, 6 months, and 14 days.
    On February 24, 1898 she was married to Chris Reil at Milford, Nebraska. To them eleven children were born.
    Emma moved to Nebraska with her parents as a small girl. She was raised in Nebraska and educated there. Following her marriage, she and Chris made their home in Nebraska until 1919 when they moved to a farm near Twin Lakes. In 1945 they retired and moved to town. Following the death of her husband, she made her home in Fort Dodge with her son, Vernon, and later moved to Des Moines where she lived with her daughter, Edith. She entered the Good Samaritan Center several months ago.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband who passed away in January, 1955; one daughter, Margaret Egli; two sons, Harry and Woodrow; and one great-grandchild
    She is survived by her children, Earl of Pomeroy, Edith Hanifen of Des Moines, Eleanor of Manson, Grace Janssen of Gaylor, Minnesota, Mrs. Herman Kleen of Lake Park, Mrs. Louie Buenting of Palmer, Harold of San Pedro, California, and Vernon of Morongo Valley, California. Also surviving are 35 grandchildren, 83 great grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Schweitzer of Corvallis, Oregon and Mrs. Cora Greiser of Washington.

[NOTE: While Emma was born in Iowa and died in Iowa, all of her formative years were spent near Beaver Crossing and Milford, Nebraska.--transcriber]
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MILLER, Homer William, husband of Iva Helen (STUTZMAN), son of William Joseph and Matilda "Tillie" (TROYER) MILLER. This obituary is from his funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White, granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: BARBER, DOLAN, FUGLEBERG, MILLER, MUIR, OTTO, ROTH, SMETTER, STUTZMAN, TROYER, WHALE, WHITE]

OBITUARY:
    Homer William Miller was born to William Joseph and Matilda Troyer Miller in Seward County on September 29, 1901. He attended rural school in Seward County. On December 20, 1923, he was united in marriage to Iva Helen Stutzman at the West Fairview Mennonite Church. To this union two children were born...a son, Duane Homer, and a daughter, Jean Arleen.
    Homer and Iva farmed in the Beaver Crossing area after their marriage in 1923. In 1938 they moved to the Beaver Crossing community and operated a Hardware and Produce store until 1959 when they closed the store following the death of their son, Duane. Homer then worked for the Seward County Roads Department until his retirement in 1966.
    Homer and Iva became members of the Methodist Church of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, on March 25, 1951 during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. E. G. Whale.
    Homer was a member of the Beaver Crossing Volunteer Fire Department, the Cemetery Board, and the Methodist Church Board.
    Homer passed to his Eternal Home on Sunday, March 4, 1990 at the Bethesda Care Center at Exeter, Nebraska.
    He is survived by his wife, Iva, daughter Jean, Mrs. Bates Barber of Omaha, Nebraska and brothers Henry and his wife Mildred of Seattle, Washington; Floyd and his wife Elsie of Seward, Nebraska; sister Mrs. Laura Otto of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; brother Lyle and his wife, Donna, of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; and sisters-in-law Fannie Miller and Mary Miller of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska as well as four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
    Grandchildren include:
Terry K. Barber, Debby Fugleberg, Ann M. White and Alan L. Muir.
    Great-grandchildren are:
Douglas White, Troy White, Patricia White, Zach Barber, Cassie Barber, Josh Barber, and Nick Barber, Alicia Fugleberg, Jake Fugleberg, and Sarah Muir.
    Homer Miller was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Duane Homer, brothers Lloyd, Leslie, and Wilbur, and sisters Wilma Dolan, Clara Smetter, and Minnie Roth.
    Words cannot contain the life of our loved ones but God continues to hold them in love and we are led to follow in the Way of God's Son whose words remind us "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." John 14:6.
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MILLER, Iva Helen (STUTZMAN), wife of Homer William MILLER. This obituary is from her funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White, granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: BARBER, FUGELBERG, KUHNS, MILLER, MUIR, OTTO, ROTH, SCHWEITZER, STUTZMAN, WHITE]

OBITUARY:
    Iva Helen Miller, 94, of Beaver Crossing, died September 13, 1997 at the Friend Manor in Friend. She was born March 19, 1903 on a farm near Shickley, Nebraska, the fourth child of Sanford and Elizabeth (Kuhns) Stutzman. As a young girl her family moved to Seward County where she attended a country school. After Iva finished her education, she later was united in marriage to Homer Miller at West Fairview Mennonite Church, rural Beaver Crossing, on December 29, 1923. To this union a son, Duane, and a daughter, Jean, were born.
    Together they lived on a farm east of Beaver Crossing, later moving into Beaver Crossing in 1938. Iva helped her husband operate the "Miller's Produce and Hardware Store" in Beaver Crossing until 1959.
    She was a member of the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church and enjoyed crocheting and other crafts.
    Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Jean and Bates Barber of Lincoln; four grandchildren, Ann and Ron White, Lincoln; Terry and Barb Barber, Lincoln; Debby and Wade Fugelberg, Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Alan and Kay Muir, Quincy, California, 11 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Lester and Velma Stutzman of Goehner, six sisters-in-law, Laura Otto, Friend; Elsie Miller, Seward; Mary Miller, Beaver Crossing; Esther Miller, York; Mildred Miller, Ellensburg, Washington, and Elma Roth, Milford, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Homer in 1990, son Duane in 1959, brother Bert Stutzman, sisters Cassie Schweitzer, Jemima Burkey, twin sister, Ida Roth, and infant sisters, Amanda and Mattie.
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MILLER, Joseph R., husband of Margaret Jane (EICHER) MILLER. This obituary is from the Milford News, November 2, 1918. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-great granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: EICHER, MILLER, SCHLEGEL, WHITAKER]

OBITUARY:
    Joseph R. Miller was born April 11, 1851 in Lee County, Iowa; died at his home near Milford, Nebraska October 30, 1918 aged 67 years, 6 months, 19 days. He gave his heart to God, united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth, and was a faithful member. He was married to Margaret Eicher November 25, 1875. To this union were born 4 sons and 3 daughters. One son preceded him to the great beyond. He leaves his loving wife, 3 sons, 3 daughters, 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and a host of friends and acquaintances. He died of apoplexy. A short funeral service was held at the West Fairview Church November 3rd conducted by Brother William Schlegel (Text, 11 Cor. 5:1) and Brother Joe Whitaker (Text,Psalm 89:48). Interment in East Fairview Cemetery.
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MILLER, Lyle Harold, husband of Donna E. (BERRY), son of William Joseph MILLER and Matilda (TROYER) MILLER. This obituary is from her funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White, grand-niece of deceased.
[Surnames: BERRY, DOLAN, HUGHES, KLIPPENSTEIN, MILLER, OTTO, ROTH, SMETTER, TROYER]

    Lyle Harold Miller, 77, of Beaver Crossing, died Thursday, February 9, 1995 at Bryan Memorial Hospital. He was born March 28, 1917 on a farm near Beaver Crossing to William Joseph and Matilda (Troyer) Miller, the youngest of eleven children. As a young man, Lyle attended school and later became a 1934 graduate of Beaver Crossing High School. Soon afterwards, Lyle entered into the U.S. Army and served during WW II in France, Germany, and also Panama. For a short time after he returned from the service, he worked for Klippenstein Implement of Friend and Hughes Bros. of Seward before beginning his career with the Beaver Crossing Public Schools. Lyle also served as Village Superintendent for the town of Beaver Crossing for 23 years. On May 27, 1949 he was united in marriage to Donna E. Berry at the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church and to this union three children were born.
    Lyle was a member of the American Legion Holmes Post #178 of Beaver Crossing, Lincoln 40&8 Voiture #103, and was instrumental in starting the Avenue of Flags at the Beaver Crossing Cemetery. He served many years on the Beaver Crossing Volunteer Fire Department, receiving his retirement jacket in 1995. Lyle was extremely pleased and honored when the village named the Lyle H. Miller Baseball Field in his honor. Lyle was a life-long sports enthusiast, playing and coaching baseball teams for all ages, and attended any sporting event his children were involved in. When he retired, he learned to play golf and really enjoyed the sport. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
    Lyle is survived by his sons, Jim Miller of Beatrice and Jack Miller of Beaver Crossing; sister Laura Otto of Beaver Crossing; brother, Floyd Miller and his wife Elsie of Seward. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna in 1993; daughter Susan in 1953; brothers Wilbur, Leslie, Lloyd, Homer, and Henry; and sisters, Clara Smetter, Minnie Roth, and Wilma Dolan.
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MILLER, Margaret Jane (EICHER), wife of Joseph R. MILLER. This obituary is from the Seward News, September 21, 1935. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-great granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: BOSHART, CONRAD, EICHER, FREY, GRABER, GRIESER, JACKSON, MILLER, OTTO, REIL, ROTH, SCHWEITZER, TROYER, WYSE, ZIMMERMAN]

OBITUARY:
    Margaret Jane (Eicher) Miller was born near Wayland, Henry County, Iowa on October 4, 1856 and died at her home west of Milford, Nebraska on September 18, 1935 at the age of 78 years, 11 months, and 15 days. On November 25, 1875 she was married to Joseph R. Miller at Wayland, Iowa. Several years after their marriage they moved to Nebraska, located on the farm on which they lived all the rest of their lives. To this union were born fours sons and three daughters. One son, Elmer, preceded her in death on December 11, 1904. Her husband also preceded her on October 30,1918.
    In her youth she united with her Mennonite church, which faith she retained her affiliations until her death. During the last thirty years she was a member of the West Fairview congregation near Beaver Crossing. She suffered from a complication of ailments for a number of years and these grew more intense and severe in the past three or four years. Her last illness was pneumonia, resulting in death after only a short duration.
    She leaves to mourn her departure, three sons and three daughters, William and Edward of Beaver Crossing, and Harry of York, Mrs. Emma Reil of Manson, Iowa, Mrs. Cora Grieser of Filer, Idaho, and Mrs. Ida Schweitzer of Milford. Besides these, she also leaves five brothers and five sisters, J.R. Eicher of Bentenville, Ark., Dan R. and M. J. Eicher of Milford, William R. Eicher of Wayland, Iowa, and Frank Eicher of Manson, Iowa, Mrs. M. Roth, Albany, Oregon, Mrs. Barbara Conrad of Smithville, Ohio, Mrs. Sarah Boshart, and Mrs. Caroline Wyse and Mrs. Emma Graber of Wayland, Iowa. One sister, Anna Roth and one brother, Levi Eicher, preceded her to the Beyond. She also leaves thirty grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends who have learned to know her during the years of her sojourn here. Funeral services were held on Friday September 20 at the West Fairview church in charge of Ezra Roth, assisted by J. E. Zimmerman, E. L. Frey of Wauseon, Ohio and George Miller. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the East Fairview cemetery.
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MILLER, Matilda "Tillie" (TROYER), wife of William Joseph MILLER, daughter of Joseph and Magdelena TROYER. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times, June 8, 1954. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: DOLAN, JACKSON, MILLER, OTTO, ROTH, TROYER]

    Mattie Matilda Troyer Miller, daughter of Joseph and Magdelena Troyer, was born in Howard County, Indiana October 25, 1878 and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alvin Roth on June 1, 1954 at the age of 75 years, 7 months, and 7 days. On July 20, 1899, she was united in marriage to William Miller at the East Fairview Church near Milford. Together in 1949 they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary. To this union were born seven sons and four daughters. Her husband, William, and one daughter, Clara, preceded her in death. She moved with her parents to Plattsmouth when five years old. Most of her entire life was spent in and around Beaver Crossing. She was the last survivor of a family of eight children. A member of the Methodist Church, she was also affiliated with the Women's Society of Christian Service and the Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include 7 sons: Homer, Leslie, Wilbur, and Lyle of Beaver Crossing, Henry of Torrence, California, Lloyd of Lincoln, and Floyd of Milford; three daughters, Mrs. Minne Roth of Milford, Mrs. Laura Otto of Lincoln, and Mrs. Wilma Dolan of McCook. She leaves also 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist Church, Rev. Walter Jackson officiating. Burial in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery.
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MILLER, Susan Beth, daughter of Lyle Harold and Donna E. (BERRY) Miller. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times. Submitted by Ann Miller White, 1st cousin once removed of the deceased.
[Surnames: AMOS, ANDERSON, BERRY, BURKEY, CHRISTIAN, CROSS, DIVAN, DOLAN, EICHER, EMERY, HANNAH, HANSEN, HART, HOHNBAUM, JOOSTEN, MANKAMEYER, MCCRACKEN, MILLER, NEIMANN, OTTO, PAINTER, PETERSON, PFIEFFER, RASMUSSEN, REED, RICENBAW, ROMHR, ROTH, SCHNEBERGER, SMETTER, SONDAY, WARNER, WHITNAH]

    Susan Beth Miller, daughter of Lyle and Donna Miller, was born at Friend Memorial hospital on April 8, 1951 and passed away at the Friend Memorial Hospital on January 24, 1953 at the age of 1 year, 9 months, and 16 days. She was baptized in the Methodist church at Beaver Crossing, June 10, 1951. She leaves to mourn her loss her parents and one brother, Jimmy, her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Berry, and a host of relatives and friends.
                "How brief the stay as beautiful as fleeting
                The time that baby came with us to dwell
                Just long enough to give a happy greeting
                Just long enough to bid us all farewell".
    Those attending from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Otto, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller and Sharon, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Joosten, Mr. and Mrs. Don Smetter, Joe Smetter, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Reed, Mrs. B. Pfieffer, Betty Jo Emery, Jack Mankameyer, Jr., Harry and Roland Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hannah, Helen Warner all of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mankameyer and Kay of Sutton; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hohnbaum of Waco; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Romhr of Gresham; Mr. and Mrs. Chas Peterson and Mr. and Mrs. Ward Painter of Long Pine, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Miller and Janet, Mr. and Mrs. Will Eicher, Mr. and Mrs. Al Roth, Mr. and Mrs. Loyal Burkey of Milford; Mr. and Mrs. Fay Divan of Elm Creek; Eugene Schneberger of Gresham; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Schneberger of Ohiowa, Mr. and Ms. Ray Neimann of Staplehurst; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rasmussen of Exeter; Mr. and Mrs. Brad Dolan of Homer, Nebraska; and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. McCracken, Rising City. Pallbearers were four uncles of Susan, Wilber, Les, Floyd, and Lloyd Miller. A male quartet, Mark Whitnah, Art Ricenbaw, Grover Amos and Harry Cross sang accompanied by Mrs. Clarence Sonday. Ushers were Carl Christian and Grand Hansen. Burial in the Beaver cemetery. Rev. Hart officiated.
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MILLER, William Joseph, husband of Matilda (TROYER) MILLER. This obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times, March 18, 1953. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-granddaughter of the deceased.
[Surnames: BARBER, BUENTING, DOLAN, EICHER, GREISER, JACKSON, JOOSTEN, LICHTI, MILLER, OTTO, RANKING, REIL, ROTH, SALTZMAN, SCHWEITZER, SMETTER, TROYER, WALSH, WINCHESTER, WOOD]

    William Jacob[sic, Joseph] Miller, son of Joseph and Margaret (Eicher) Miller, was born in Henry County, Iowa, September 8, 1876, and passed away at his home in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, March 14, 1953 at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 6 days. On July 20, 1899, he was united to Tillie Troyer at the East Fairview church near Milford. To this union were born seven sons and four daughter. One daughter, Clara, preceded him in death on December 19, 1948.
    He came to Seward County when five years old. Most of his entire life was spent farming near Milford and Beaver Crossing. He retired in March 1941, moving to Beaver Crossing. In his youth he was baptized and united with the A.M. Church near Milford.
    Survivors include his wire, Tillie; seven sons, Homer, Leslie, Wilbur, and Lyle of Beaver Crossing, Henry of Torrance, California; Lloyd of Lincoln, Floyd of Milford; three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Roth of Milford, Mrs. Earl Otto of Lincoln, Mrs. Wilma Dolan of McCook. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ed of Beaver Crossing and Harry of York, Nebraska; three sisters, Mrs. Emma Reil of Pomeroy, Iowa, Mrs. Cora Greiser of Twin Falls, Idaho and Mrs. Ida Schweitzer of Filer, Idaho besides many other relatives and friends.
    Relatives from out of town attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Reil and Louise Buenting of Pomeroy, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Troyer and Mrs. Bernard Walsh of Omaha; Mr. Harry Miller of York; Mr. and Mrs. Don Smetter, Mr. Joe Smetter, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Joosten, Mr. and Mrs. Joe E. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Winchester and Eddie of Lincoln; Mrs. Earl Wood of Kansas City, Missouri; Mr. and Mrs. Bates Barber of Homer, Nebraska; Mrs. Don Ranking of McCook; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Lichti and family of Hesston, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Saltzman of Geneva and Mr. and Mrs. John Troyer of Aurora.
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MILLS, Naomi, second wife of Abraham Wilson HAGEMAN, see: Naomi (MILLS) BAKER HAGEMAN
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MOFFITT, Lewis, husband of Mary A. (THOMAS). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 118-120. Photos of Lewis Moffitt and his wife Mary (also seen: "May") are from the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Blue Valley Blade, 11 January 1928, scan by Pat Ryan White. Picture of their Seward home "Englewood," as well as the photo of Lewis at the top of this page, compliments of Jane Ramsay Graff, from her 1967 book On A Bend of the River, pp.112 and 107.
[Surnames: CLOYD, HARRIS, HARTMAN, MOFFITT, ROBERTS, THOMAS]

—————
LEWIS MOFFITT

    Founder of Seward and one among the early pioneers of the county, was born December 1, 1834 in Indiana, and married Miss May A. Thomas in 1854. The young people found a new home in Jasper county, Iowa, where they resided until their removal to Seward county. In February, 1865, Mr. Moffitt visited this locality and was so well pleased with the outlook that he bought of the government the land upon which the city of Seward now stands and while here he also homesteaded a quarter of land on Lincoln Creek. Soon after this he sold the homestead to old Mr. Hartman, father of Fred and Wm. Hartman. He never moved onto the homestead.
    In July, 1865, the family moved to the future town site and built a double log house which served the family for a home and it was open for all public gatherings of the community for a time. Our first Sabbath school was organized at this humble home and we also had the use of the house for religious meetings. Mr. Moffitt was our first post master and his home was our post office.
    [p.119] In May, 1868, Mr. Moffitt platted 80 acres into town lots. These consisted of four rows of blocks beginning at Jackson avenue and extending to the south line of the north half of the southwest quarter of section 21, T 11, R 3 east, making thirty-two blocks. The square was dedicated to the town for public use.
    Mr. Moffitt was quite liberal in donating lots for schools, churches, etc., and he was liberal with his means in defraying expenses of our county seat contest. Later he arranged with Mr. Cloyd and what is known as Cloyd's addition was made. By and by Mr. Harris became interested, and the southeast quarter of section 20 was platted, and also forty acres of Mr. John Roberts' homestead was brought into the corporation. Mr. Moffitt did not take such interest in the town as to launch out in building ventures. He built a beautiful home on adjacent lands and there spent a quiet life. His health had been failing many years. A short time before his death he and his wife made provision that four hundred acres of valuable land should go to the county, the proceeds of sale should be used in the building of a court house that is to cost not less than eighty thousand dollars. In late years Mr. Moffitt and his wife spent much time in California, looking for health. [p.120] They had one son, Leroy, who died in 1874. At this writing the wife still lives, but is a great sufferer.
    Among the public bequests were two blocks at the foot of Seward street for a public park. Mr. Moffitt died June 17, 1900.

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MOLER, Harvey, husband of Sally (SHOEMAKER). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, page 121:
[Surnames: MOLER, SHOEMAKER]

HARVEY MOLER

    Was a Hoosier born boy and came to light in Madison County, June 19, 1847, where he remained until he enlisted in Company E, 34 Indiana veteran volunteers in 1864. Served one year and was discharged in 1865. In 1868 he went to Knox County, Illinois where he married Miss Sally Shoemaker. She was a Knox County girl born in 1845. They have four children, viz: Melvin J., Ira, William, and Fred. They came to Seward County in 1888 and located near Bee. Mr. Moler is a farmer.
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MOORE, L. C., husband of Bercie (HUMPHREY). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 123:
[Surnames: HUMPHREY, MOORE]

L. C. MOORE

    Was a New York boy, born in Yates County, September 1, 1861. Went to Michigan in childhood and was raised by an older sister. Came to Ohiowa, Nebraska, in 1884, and later to Lawrence, and to Utica in 1889. October 18, 1893, was married to Miss Bercie Humphrey, a Seward born girl born November 11, 1874. She was educated in the Seward high school and Seward Commercial college. The young couple moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, soon after the wedding, but came back to their first love in 1904. He is a machinist by trade. Is now engaged in selling heating, lighting and water systems for buildings. Mr. Moore is a man of energy and business ability.
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MOORE, William H., husband of Lizzie (WALKER), who was the daughter of W. H. WALKER. This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, pages 121-123 (p. 122 photo scan courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: BARRETT, KRIBBLER, MOORE, WALKER]

WILLIAM H. MOORE

    A native of the old keystone state, where, like other boys of that rugged old state of stumps, stones, and everlasting hills generally, William spent the first twenty years of his life chasing the cows up and down the stony paths, rolling stones, building stone fences, grubbing brush and attending school in the little red school house. He was born October 10, 1858, in Fayette County. The Moore family found the western trail in 1878, which led them to Seward, where William worked with an older brother at the carpenter's trade for some years, when he went to work with W. B. Barrett in the lumber business and some years later he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Barrett and bought the furniture store of John Kribbler, and after the death of Mr. Barrett Mr. Moore became sole proprietor. Mr. Moore formed the acquaintance of Miss Lizzie Walker of Seward, and they were married April 16, 1884, at Seward. She was a native of Illinois, born in 1865, and came to Seward when a child with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Walker. They now have six children, viz: Elsie, Albert, Wanda, Roy, Merle and Nellie.
    [p. 123] Mr. Moore came to Seward in December, 1878. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Church home is with the Congregationalists. Mr. Moore erected a beautiful home on sixth street in the summer of 1904. He is among the foremost of our wide-awake business men.

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MORGAN, Thomas K., husband of Mary Jane (HENDRICKS), son of Daniel and Anginette "Ann" (FIRMAN) MORGAN. This obituary, transcribed by great-great-great granddaughter Mary Aston, is from the Nebraska Reporter newspaper, October 1877 (the 1870 series, Reel#.71, Call#J95H). Photo of Anginette Morgan courtesy of her great-great grandson Roger Morgan.
[Surnames: MORGAN, WEST]

An Old Pioneer Gone

    Thomas K. Morgan died suddenly last Thursday, October 4th. 1877, on his homestead, six miles south of Seward, leaving a wife and seven children to mourn his departure to the spirit world. He had been complaining of a sore throat for a week or ten days, but did not seem to be in any danger particularly, until he arose from his bed on Thursday morning, between 12 and 1 o'clock, told his wife that he felt a choking sensation in his throat and had to go out to get some fresh air, asking her at the same time to arise and give him a wet cloth to wrap around his neck. All the warning Mrs. Morgan had that anything was wrong, was when she heard her husband walking on the porch and suddenly fall; and on hurrying to his side she found him quite dead.
    Thomas West, of West Mills, is accredited with being the first permanent settler of this county, and Thomas K. Morgan the second. Mr. M. came to this state in 1859 into Seward county in 1861, and has resided on his homestead since 1862.
    Having been a member in good standing of the Seward Temple of Honor, No. 8, his remains were interred in Mount Pleasant Cemetery under the auspices of the Templars, and with the appropriate ceremonies of the Order, on last Friday. About thirty Templars attended in full regalia, and the funeral procession was quite large.
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MORGAN, Rev. Walter Daniel, son of Thomas K. MORGAN and Mary Jane (HENDRICKS), husband of Rebecca (PERKINS). This obituary is from the Seward County Independent, April 25, 1945:
[Surnames: ELLIS, GRIFFIS, HAMMOND, HAWKINS, HAYES, KITCHEN, MORGAN, PERKINS, WHEELER]

    Rev. Walter Daniel Morgan was born in Otoe county, Nebraska, January 27, 1858 and died April 14, 1945, at his home in Milford at the age of 87 years, two months and 18 days.
    At the age of 3 years he came to Seward with his parents, who settled on a homestead near Ruby. He lived there for 19 years, until the death of his father, and then he moved to Seward.
    On June 27, 1882, he was married to Rebecca Perkins. In 1883 they moved to Springfield, Nebraska, returning to Milford in 1884.
    At the age of 32 he was converted and a few months later became an ordained minister of the United Brethren church. In 1916 the family moved to Dawson county, Nebraska, where he transferred his membership to the Walnut Grove Methodist church. In 1917 he had charge of the Methodist church at Comstock, Nebraska.
    In 1918 the family again moved to Milford, where he lived until his death. For many years he taught the I. H. N. class and for years he was minister at the Soldiers & Sailors home, bringing much joy and comfort to the members there.
    In passing he leaves to mourn his wife Rebecca, two sons, Lee and Firm of Kennewick, Washington, three daughters, Mrs. Grace Hayes of Lincoln, Mrs. Bertha Wheeler and Mrs. Myrle Hammond of Milford; one brother, Elijah of Tolent, Ore.; three sisters, Mrs. John Kitchen of Los Angeles Calif., Mrs. Frank Griffis of Gothenburg and Mrs. Anthony Ellis of Broken Bow, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and an aged aunt, Mrs. John Hawkins of Lincoln, other relatives an a host of friends. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and will be greatly missed by his relatives and friends.

---

This biography of Rev. Walter Daniel Morgan is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, 1905, page 109:
[Surnames: COX, MORGAN, PERKINS]

REV. WALTER D. MORGAN

    Is truly a child of the frontier and if his birth had been postponed a little over two years we might have claimed him as a Seward County boy. Was born in Otoe County, January 27, 1858, and his father, mother and grandparents came to Blue river just near where Ruby station now stands, in the spring of 1861, where his younger sister, Ellen, the first white child of the county, was born the same year.
    Walter grew to manhood in this wilderness and was nearly grown before the cars reached Seward. With very meager opportunities for an education yet he was of good mettle, and determined to make a man of himself, and he did. June 27, 1882, he married a lady who came from Augusta, Maine, Miss Rebecca Perkins. She was born April 2, 1863, and came to Nebraska twenty-eight years ago. There have been born to them: Bertha, now Mrs. S. B. Cox; Ethel, Firman V., Grace I., and Leroy.
    Mr. Morgan studied for the ministry and commenced preaching in 1892 and is a very successful and eloquent preacher. At present pastor of the United Brethren church and also preacher at the soldiers' home and at the industrial home.
    This is another fine instance of what the children of the wilderness can do where there is a determined will. With scarcely any opportunity for mental training or classic education he stands erect as a valuable teacher of the people, loved and honored by his church and the community.
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MORTON, Alta Gay (WAIT), wife of (1) Roscoe Plin WEST, (2) Abraham J. F. MORTON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. WAIT. This obituary is from the Seward County Independent, Seward, Nebraska, September 22, 1965, from the files of the Seward County Genealogical Society. Submitted by Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: CAMPBELL, EICKMAN, GRABEN. JANKY, KIPP, KRUGGER, McGREW, MORTON, NUETZMAN, STIER, WAIT, WEST] ]

                                                        ALTA GAY MORTON
    Alta Gay West Morton was born August 19, 1890 in Seward and died Tuesday, September 14, 1965. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Wait, pioneer settlers of Nebraska.
    She attended the Seward Public schools and was graduated in 1910. She taught in a country school for one year and was married May 30, 1911 to Roscoe Plin West, Blockton, Iowa. West died in December, 1918. Mrs. West was associated with the Seward Creamery Co., and then the Blue River Power Co. Later she spent 11 years as District Accountant for the Iowa - Nebraska Light and Power Co.
    In 1936 she was married to Abraham F. Morton, Seward. In 1940 they moved to Portland, Ore., where they lived for 23 years, moving to Lincoln in 1963.
    Survivors include her husband, Abraham; a daughter, Ruth Stier, Lincoln; a brother, Weldon Wait, Seward; and two grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held Thursday, September 16, at 2 p.m. at the Wood Chapel, Seward, Rev. Raymond Nuetzman officiated. Mrs. Dale Eickman was organist.
    Pallbearers were Carl McGrew, Arthur Krugger, Louis Janky, William Kipp, Charles Campbell and Charles Graben. Burial was in Seward Cemetery.
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MORTON, Drucilla (DIVAN), 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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MORTON, Emma Amelia (SCHERER), wife of Thomas MORTON, daughter of Barbara (KRAUS) and John George SCHERER. This obituary is from the Seward-Independent, Wednesday, February 9, 1949, page 1, on file at Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, Nebraska. Submitted by granddaughter, Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: BUTLER, CARROLL, CLYDE, LUHE, MORTON, SCHERER, STEWART]

          Funeral Services Held for Mrs. Emma Morton

    Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Seward at 2 p.m. Tuesday for Mrs. Emma Morton, widow of the late Thomas Morton, pioneer resident of Seward county. Mrs. Morton died at the home of her son, Dr. H.B. Morton, in Lincoln early Sunday morning. She was 77 years of age, and was born in Livingston county, Ill., Feb. 15, 1871, moving with her parents to the Utica community in her early years. She was married to Mr. Morton in 1889 [sic: July 19, 1892), and thereafter moved to Seward, where she lived until three years ago when she went to Lincoln to make her home with her son, Dr. Morton. Her husband died ten years ago.
    Three daughter and three sons survive, the daughters being Mrs. J.M. Butler, Sacramento, Calif.; Mrs. R.P. Stewart, Alliance, and Mrs. W.E. Carroll, Fairbury. The sons are Dr. Morton of Lincoln, A.F. Morton, Portland, Ore., and A.H. Morton, David City. There are also seven grandchildren. A brother, Charles Scherer, lives at Utica.
    She was a member of the Presbyterian church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
    Rev. J. Douglas Clyde of Lincoln and Rev. G.G. Williamson of Seward were in charge of the services in Seward, with Mrs. Vera Luhe providing organ music. The O.E.S. also conducted its ritualistic services at the church. Burial was in the Seward (north) cemetery.
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MORTON, Francis, husband of Drucilla (DIVAN). This obituary is from the Blue Valley Blade, Seward, Nebraska, 12 August 1908, page 5. The first obituary was submitted by great-great-great-granddaughter Pat Ryan White.
[Surnames: BOYES, CRAFT, HACKWORTH, HAND, MORTON, WILLIAMS]

OLD SETTLER PASSES AWAY.

    Francis Morton died at his home in Seward on Saturday, at the age of 75 years. He had been a resident of this county for thirty-six years, having taken a homestead in J precinct, southeast of Seward in 1872. He was one of the large number who made the overland trip to California in 1846 in search of gold, and returning later located in Seward county. Mr. Morton was one of the highly respected citizens of Seward and had many friends throughout the county.
    The deceased leaves a wife, four daughters and five sons to mourn his loss, as follows: Mrs. John Hand and Mrs. Katherine Hackworth of Seward, Mrs. B.T. Williams of Kansas, Mrs. Addie Boyes of Colorado; and Tom, Ira, Charley, Frank and Uriah Morton. All of the children were present at the funeral except Mrs. Williams and Uriah, who were unable to attend.
    Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from the Seventh Day Adventist church, by Rev. Jacob Craft of College View, and interment was made in the Brokaw cemetery, near Ruby, where the deceased lived for many years.

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The following biography, transcribed by Alice Stipak, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska, 1888, p. 264:
[Surnames: BANKS, BOYES, DIVAN, HACKWORTH, HAND, MORTON, SKILLMAN]

FRANCIS MORTON

Was born in Vermilion county, Ill., in 1833. His parents moved to Green county, Wisconsin, when Frank was but ten years old. Here he became a playmate of the author of this book. Was raised a farmer boy until he was seventeen years old, when he was taken violently with the gold fever, and in company with many of the neighbors made an overland trip to California, where he remained three years. Saved and brought home some money. Married Miss Drucilla Divan in 1854. Lived in the old neighborhood until their removal to Seward county in 1872, when they settled on a homestead about five miles south-east of Seward. Mr. and Mrs. Morton helped organize the Seventh Day Advent church at Seward. Mr. Morton enlisted in Company D, Wis. Vol., and served until wounded at Cedar Mountain. Was in Banks' famous retreat from Winchester, and had several close calls. Is now a member of Seward post. To Mr. and Mrs. Morton were born ten children, nine now living, as follows: Lucinda, now Mrs. A. Skillman, of Seward; Catherine, now Mrs. Alex Hackworth; Mary, now Mrs. John Hand, of Seward; Urias, now of Wray, Col.; Francis, Jr., of Ruby, Neb.; Thomas, of Wray; Ada, now Mrs. M. Boyes, of Wray; and Charles and Ira, of Ruby.
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MORTON, Lucinda A., wife of 1) Abraham Voorhees SKILLMAN, 2) Edmund P. WILLIAMS, daughter of Francis and Drucilla (DIVAN) MORTON, obituary from unnamed, undated newspaper article on file at Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, Nebraska. Submitted by great-great grandniece Pat Ryan White. Photos courtesy of Susie Carroll Summers. [view photo of older Lucinda]
[Surnames: BOYES, FUQUA, MORTON, SKILLMAN, WILLIAMS]

                                OBITUARY
    Lucinda Morton was born in Green County Wisconsin, October 24, 1854, and passed away at her home in Wellington, Colo., on April 11, 1931 at the age of 76 years, 5 months and 18 days, after an illness extending over a long period of years.
    She moved with her parents to Seward County, Nebraska in March 1871, where she taught school until her marriage with Abraham V. Skillman, Dec. 31, 1872. To this union were born three children all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Skillman passed away, July 22, 1902.
    On November 21, 1907 she was united in marriage with Edmund P. Williams, removing from Seward, Nebr. to Wellington, Colo., where she resided until the time of her death.
    Mrs. William was a member of the Presbyterian church while living in Seward, and after moving to Wellington, she united with the Congregational church. The deceased leaves to mourn her death, her husband, one sister and four brothers. They are Mrs. Addie Boyes, of Wray, Colo., Urias Morton of Wray, Colo., Charles Morton of Lexington, Nebr., Thomas Morton of Seward, Nebr., and Ira Morton of West Plains, Mo.
    Her parents, two sister, and two brothers preceded her in death.
    Services were held in Fort Collins, Sunday.
    The body was brought to Seward for burial on Tuesday morning at ten o'clock at the Chain and Wood chapel. Rev. Leonard C. Fuqua conducting the services. Interment was made in the Seward cemetery.
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MORTON, Thomas, husband of Emma Amelia (SCHERER), son of Francis and Drucilla (DIVAN) MORTON. This obituary is from the Seward Independent, Seward, Nebraska, October 5, 1939 (copy on file at Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, Nebraska). Submitted by granddaughter, Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: BOYES, CARROLL, MORTON, SCHERER]

OBITUARY
Thomas Morton

    Thomas Morton, son of Francis and Drucilla Morton, was born in Green county, Wis., on Jan. 10, 1866, and passed away on Thursday, Sept. 28, 1939 at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 18 days.
    Since the age of five years, he had been a resident of Seward county.
    He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Scherer on July 19, 1892, and to this union were born four boys and three girls.
    Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Emma Morton; three brothers, Urias of Wray, Colo., Ira of Lincoln and Charles of Lexington; one sister, Mrs. Addie Boyes, of Wray, Colo. Six children, Abraham, Gladys and Mrs. Leona Carroll of Seward, Herschel of Lincoln, Barbara of Wray, Colo, and Arthur of Allen, Nebr., and two grandchildren. One son, Clee R. preceded him in death.
    The last rites were held at Seward on Saturday, Sept. 30th, at 2:00 p.m., with interment in the Seward cemetery. Nephews of the deceased served as pallbearers.
                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                                  Card of Thanks
    We wish to thank our friends and neighbors, also the minister and singers, for their many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy at the time of the loss of our husband and father,
                      Mrs. Thomas Morton and Family.

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The following biography of Thomas MORTON is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, 1905, page 109; photo of the Morton brothers courtesy of his granddaughter, Susie Carroll Summers:
[Surnames: MORTON, SCHERER]

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THOMAS MORTON

    Was born in the Badger state in Green County, January 10, 1867 (sic: 1866), and came to Seward County in early childhood and helped his father, Mr. Frank Morton, open a farm upon south east of Seward in "J" precinct. Thomas married Miss Emma Scheerer (sic: Scherer) July 19, 1892, at Seward.
    She was born February 15, 1871, in Illinois. They have five children, viz: Clee R., Abraham J., Herchell (sic: Herschel) B., Gladys I., and Barbara F.
    Mr. Morton lives in Seward and is an employee of the city at this time. He is a member of the A.O.U.W. The Morton family came to the county in 1873.
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MUELLER, John, husband of Martha (SCHROEDER), son of John and Friedericka (LANGE) MUELLER. This biography, written by his daughter, is from page 210 of the 1967 book On A Bend of the River, posted here courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff.
[Surnames: AHRENS, BIEHERICH, DAEHLING, DITTMAN, FOSLER, HANS, HINKELMAN, LANGE, MAILAND, MUELLER, NIEMAN, PETERS, SCHOEPF, SCHROEDER ]

MUELLER
                        by Mrs. John (Lydia) Peters

    Mr. John Mueller was born on April 7, 1883, the son of pioneers John Mueller and Friedericka nee Lange near Staplehurst, Nebr.
    Mr. Mueller had 4 brothers Fred, Otto (deceased) and two small brothers (deceased) and 4 sisters Lonise Mailand (deceased), Emelia Daehling (deceased), Maria Daehling (deceased) and Clara Hinkelman.
    The family had many hardships of pioneer life. Indians camped in a ravine near the home and the children feared them very much when they would come to beg for food.
    The parents of the Mueller children died very young and the younger children were cared for by the older sisters.
    On April 23, 1907, John Mueller was married to Martha Schroeder, daughter of August Schroeder and his wife Maria nee Bieherich of Staplehurst.
    The Schroeder family had moved here from Bingen, Indiana, where Martha Mueller nee Schroeder was born March 24, 1887.
    The family moved to Nebr. in November 1898 and settled near Staplehurst.
    Mrs. Mueller has a brother Martin Schroeder, 5 sisters Elisa Hans (deceased), Lena Schoepf, Frieda Dittman, Hulda Ahrens, Ella Nieman.
    Mr. Mueller was born on the same farm where they have lived all their married life and still live with their son Chris and his wife who do the farming. They also have 2 daughters Mrs. John (Lydia) Peters and Mrs. Wayne (Lawilda) Fosler, 13 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.
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MYERS/MEYERS, Thomas W., son of Jesse W. MYERS. These biographies are from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 114 and 121:
[Surnames: MEYERS/MYERS]

THOMAS W. MEYERS

    A Seward County boy born near Germantown, August 3, 1884, on a farm. The father's family now reside north of Seward.
    Thomas had the misfortune to lose his mother in early childhood. He has the reputation of being an industrious boy of excellent habits, and as the years roll by will have more history to relate, as he loves to read.

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THOMAS W. MYERS

    A Seward County boy born August 3, 1884, northeast of Seward. His father, Jesse W. Myers, was born in McDonough County, Illinois, December 21, 1853. His mother was born in Beryan County, Michigan, June 5, 1853 and died January 1, 1893. The old folks came to Seward County at an early day and were among the pioneer settlers. Thomas has four brothers, viz: John and Joseph, twins; Edward, Jesse, also a baby sister that died. Thomas is a wide-awake, energetic boy and will make his mark in the world if we mistake not.
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