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

Abraham Voorhees Skillman (1847-1902)
Husband of Lucinda A. Morton ©2004 Sally Watkins

Biographies and Obituaries, "S" 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 "S" INDEX

SAMPSON, SCHAAL, SCHERER, SHAW, SKILLMAN, SMETTER, SMITH, SNODGRASS, STUTZMAN, SWEASEY

SAMPSON, Rebecca, wife of W. W. COX: see Rebecca (SAMPSON) COX
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SCHAAL, Christian, husband of Lydia (STENESTEL). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 163:
[Surnames: SCHAAL, STENESTEL]

CHRISTIAN SCHAAL

A rustling wide-awake German boy, born December 23, 1851. He loved the old home of course, but he saw something beyond the seas that he loved better, so in 1880, after getting Miss Lydia Stenestel interested they started soon after May 20, 1880, on a wedding trip, which led them all the way to the present home in Seward County, in "C" precinct, where he now owns a splendid farm. Mrs. Schaal was born in Germany, in 1856, November 16th.
They have five Seward County boys and girls, viz: Carl, Ernest, Fritz, Martha and Albert all at home. Well done for the young German-American family. Their church home is with the Evangelical Lutherans.
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SCHERER, Arnold F., son of Charles and Emelia (NEUJAHR) SCHERER, husband of Frances STRINZ. This obituary is from the Seward County Independent, dated December 15, 1976, from a newspaper clipping in the files of the Seward County Genealogical Society.
[Surnames: BEREUTER, EHLERS, EICKENHORST, FISCHER, KOVAC, MEYER, NEUJAHR, PRIESS, REILING, SCHERER, SHIELDS, STAEHR, STRINZ]

ARNOLD SCHERER
Arnold F. Scherer, 68, retired Utica farmer, died December 10 at Seward Memorial Hospital. His funeral was held December 13 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Utica. Rev. John Kovac read the service. Organist was Mrs. Ferd Fischer. Serving as pallbearers were Arlin Bereuter, Rupert Bereuter, John Ehlers, Jr., Larry Staehr, Daniel Scherer and David Scherer. Burial was in Utica Cemetery.
Survivors are his wife, Frances, a daughter, Mrs. Robert Eickenhorst (Mary) Utica, two brothers, Carl Seward and Darrell, Gibbon, Minn. five sisters, Mrs. Dallas Shields, Mrs. Walter Reiling and Mrs. Henry Reiling all of Utica, Mrs. William Meyer, Seward, and Mrs. Adolph Priess, Lincoln, also five grandchildren.
Arnold Scherer was born near Utica, Feb. 3, 1908 and was the son of Charles and Amelia (sic) Neujahr Scherer. On Aug. 31, 1936 he married Frances Strinz of Utica. They first farmed near Gresham, and for the last 40 years the lived on a farm southeast of Utica. Because of his illness they retired last August and moved to town. Scherer had served his church for many years, first as an elder, then as a trustee. For the past three and one half years he had suffered from cancer.
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SCHERER, Barbara (KRAUS), wife of John George SCHERER, Utica NE. This obituary is from The Utica Sun, Utica, Seward, NE, Thursday, May 1, 1913, front page. Submitted by great-granddaughter Susie Carroll Summers. This photo (c.1869, the year of their marriage) of Barbara and John is from the album of Emma Amelia Scherer Morton in the possession of granddaughter, Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: KRAUS, MORTON, SCHERER, VOLZKE]

OBITUARY — Scherer.
Barbara Kraus was born at Beiern, Germany, August 31, 1846, and died at her home near Utica after a brief illness of plural pneumonia on April 20, 1913. She was at the time of her death 66 years, seven months and twenty days of age.
She came to this country in 1869, to the state of Illinois, where she was married to John Scherer. To this union were born four children, three daughters and one son.
In 1879 the family came to Seward county and settled on a farm, where they endured the many hardships of pioneer life. Seven years ago this month her husband was called to the Great Beyond and one daughter passed away in infancy.
She united with the Lutheran church at the age of fourteen and was a faithful member until her death. She leaves to mourn her sad departure two daughters, Mrs. Barbara Volzke and Mrs. Emma Morton of Tamora, and one son, Chas. Scherer, who lives on the home place, two sisters, two brothers and seventeen grand-children.
Funeral services were conducted at the Lutheran church at Utica on Tuesday, April 22, and the remains were laid to rest in the Utica cemetery. Rev. Nolte had the services in charge.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness, death and burial of our dear mother, and also to the Ladies Aid for the beautiful floral offering.
MRS. BARBARA VOLZKE
MRS. EMMA MORTON
CHAS. SCHERER.
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SCHERER, Carl W., son of Charles and Emelia (NEUJAHR) SCHERER, husband of Malinda LEHR. This obituary is from the Seward County Independent, dated March 7, 1979, from a newspaper clipping in the files of the Seward County Genealogical Society.
[Surnames: BREMER, GEARHART, GRAY, KLENKE, LEHR, LUTRINGER, MEYER, MILLER, NEUJAHR, NUTTLEMAN, PRIESS, REILING, SCHERER, SHIELDS]

Deaths
CARL SCHERER
Carl W. Schere [sic], 72 of Seward, died Wednesay [sic], Feb. 28. He was born at Utica on July 30, 1906 to Charles and Amelia (sic) Neujahr Scherer and was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Utica. He married Malinda Lehr on Oct. 18, 1933. He farmed and worked for the maintenance department at Concordia College.
Survivors include his wife Malinda, three sons, Donald, Richard and Wesley, all of Lincoln; two daughters, Delores (Mrs. Robert) Gray of Seward and Wilma (Mrs. Dean) Gearhart of Ft. Collins, Colo.; five sisters Nora (Mrs. Dallas) Shields of Utica, Lillian (Mrs. William) Meyer of Seward, Emelia (Mrs. Walter) Reiling of Utica, Vera (Mrs. Adolph) Priess of Lincoln, LaVerna (Mrs. Henry) Reiling of Utica; one brother Darrell of Gibbon, Minn.; 14 grandchildren; one great grandchild.
Services were held at St. John Lutheran Church, Seward on Friday, March 2, Pastor Jonathan Stein officiating. Burial was in the Seward Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dennis Gearhart, Terry Gearhart, Donald Scherer, Jr., Timothy Scherer, Bob Gray, Jr., Ricky Gray. Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Miller, Luther Klenke, Anton Lutringer, Franklin Bremer, William Nuttelman.
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SCHERER, Charles August, son of John George and Barbara (KRAUS) SCHERER, husband of Emelia Marie Caroline (NEUJAHR). This obituary, dated September 18, 1957 is from an unnamed newspaper clipping on file in Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, NE. Submitted by Susie Carroll Summers. This photo of Charles August Scherer is from the c.1900 album of Emma Amelia Scherer Morton in the possession of granddaughter, Susie Carroll Summers.

[Surnames: LOESEL, NEUJAHR, PRIESS, REILING, SCHERER, SHIELDS, VOLZKE]

OBITUARY
John (sic, Charles) August Scherer, the son of John and Barbara Scherer was born Sept. 21, 1879 near Utica.
He was united in marriage with Emelia Marie Caroline Neujahr on June 27, 1901. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1951. She died Feb. 23, 1946 (sic, 1956).
To this union six daughters and four sons were born.
Mr. Scherer passed away on August 16, 1957, at the age of 77 years. He had been in poor health for a number of years.
He is survived by four sons: Carl of Goehner, Arnold of Utica, Clarence of Osceola and Darrel of Gibbon, Minn.; and five daughters, Nora Shields, Emelia Reiling and Laverna Reiling all of Utica; Lillian Lehr of Seward and Vera Priess of Lincoln. One daughter, Ellen Volzke preceded him in death. He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Aug. 20 at St. Paul's Lutheran church in Utica with Rev. H. C. Loesel officiating. Burial was in the Utica Cemetery.
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SCHERER, Emelia Marie Caroline (NEUJAHR), wife of Charles August SCHERER, daughter of William and Elizabeth (STITCH) NEUJAHR. This obituary is from the Seward Independent, Seward, NE, Wednesday, February 29, 1956. Photo is from the c.1900 album of Emma Amelia Scherer Morton in possession of Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: AEGERTER, GRUEBER, LEHR, NEUJAHR, NUTTLEMAN, PRIESS, REILING, SCHERER, SCHLEIF, SCHIELDS/ SHIELDS, VOLZKE]

OBITUARY
Emelia Marie Caroline Neujahr, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Neujahr was born August 30, 1875 at Janesville, Wisconsin and was baptized on the 28th of November, 1875 by Rev. J. Schleif. She came to Nebraska with her parents as an infant and was confirmed on the 14th day of April, 1889 in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in D County by Pastor K. Theodore Grueber.
She was united in marriage with Charles Scherer on June 27, 1901, with whom she lived in this community for the rest of her life.
They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary of their marriage in 1951.
To this union six daughters and four sons were born. She passed away on February 23, 1956 at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 24 days, after a lingering illness of nearly four months.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Scherer, four sons, Carl of Goehner, Arnold and Darrell of Utica and Clarence of Osceola, five daughters, Nora Schields, Emelia Reiling, Laverna Reiling, all of Utica, Lillian Lehr of Seward and Vera Priess of Lincoln. One daughter, Ellen Volzke, preceded her in death on March 14, 1944.
She is also survived by four sons-in-law and four daughters-in-law, 28 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Louise Aegerter of Seward, and Mrs. Charles Nuttleman of Gresham. Five brothers, George and William of Denver, Colorado, Emil of Sleepy Eye, Minn., Albert of Gresham and Leonard of York. One brother and one sister preceded her in death.
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SCHERER, Emma Amelia, 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, WILLIAMSON]

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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SCHERER, John George, husband of Barbara (KRAUS), Utica NE. This obituary is from the Seward Independent, Seward, NE, Thursday, April 12, 1906, page 4. Submitted by great-granddaughter Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: KRAUS, NOLTA, MORTON, SCHERER, VOLZKE]

OBITUARY
John George Scherer was born at Beiern, Germany, Dec. 31, 1842, and died at his home near Utica, April 5th, 1906. He came to America in 1869, to the state of Illinois, where he was married to Barbara Kraus. To their union were born four children, three daughters and one son. In 1879 he moved to Nebraska with his family on the farm, where he resided ever since. He leaves a widow, two daughters and one son to mourn his loss, one daughter having gone before him in infancy. He became a member of the Lutheran church at the age of fourteen, in which he has been a faithful worker until the time of his death.
Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church at Utica at 2 o'clock, Saturday, and were conducted by Rev. Nolta, pastor of the German Lutheran church, interment being in the Utica cemetery.

CARD OF THANKS
We deire [sic] to thank our neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness, death and burial of our beloved husband and father.
Mrs. J. Scherer,
Chas. Scherer,
Emma Morgan (sic. Morton),
Barbara Volzke.
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SCHERER, Margaret Ellen, wife of Fred VOLZKE, daughter of Charles and Emelia (NEUJAHR) SCHERER. This obituary is from the Blue Valley Blade, Seward, Nebraska, March 22, 1944. Submitted by Susie Carroll Summers.
[Surnames: EHLERS, EVERS, JANSSEN, LEHR, NEUJAHR, NIEMAN, NOLTE, POPP, PRIESS, REILING, SCHERER, SHIELDS, VOLZKE]

OBITUARY
Margaret Ellen Scherer was born on Oct. 31, 1904 to Charles Scherer and his wife, Emelia Neujahr; in Utica, Nebr. In the same year, on Dec. 11, she was baptized in the Lutheran faith by Pastor Wm. Nolte. At the age of 14 years she was confirmed by Pastor Theo. Evers in St. Paul's Lutheran church of Utica. On June 6, 1928, she was united in holy wedlock with Fred Volzke.
On the 8th of March she was operated on in the Lincoln General hospital and seemed to be recuperating nicely until March 14, when she took a sudden turn for the worse and passed away quite unexpectedly. The cause of the death was embolism.
She leaves to mourn her departure her grief stricken husband, both her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scherer; five sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Dallas Shields of Utica, Mrs. John Lehr of Waco, Carl Scherer of Gresham, Arnold Scherer of Utica, Mrs. Walter Reiling of Staplehurst, Clarence Scherer of Utica, Mrs. Adolph Priess of Beatrice, Mrs. Henry Reiling of Utica and Darrel Scherer of Utica. Also four step-children: Mrs. John Ehlers of Utica, Kenneth Volzke of Waco, Mrs. Edna Nieman of Staplehurst and Merlin Volzke, stationed at the present at Ft. Sill, Okla. Also one grandchild, Gary Lee Ehlers.
Besides these she leaves many other relatives and friends to mourn her departure.
The deceased lived to reach the age of 39 years, four months and 14 days. Her entire life was spent in the vicinity of Utica.
Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon at 2:30 at St. Paul's Lutheran church, the Rev. Arthur O. Popp officiating. The pall bearers were John Lehr, Henry Reiling, Walter Reiling, Walter Janssen, Adolph Priess and Dallas Shields.
Card of Thanks
We wish to take this means to express our sincere thanks for all the kindnesses our many friends have shown us during our recent bereavement occasioned by the death of our wife, daughter and mother, for all the floral offerings, the memorial wreath, to the pastor for his comforting message, to the teacher and the choir for the music and singing.
Fred Volzke and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scherer and Family
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SHAW, Osceola A., husband of Ruth (CADY). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, page 163:
[Surnames: CADY, SHAW]

OSCEOLA A. SHAW

One of the early and most respected citizens of "I" precinct. Was born July 11, 1862, at Keokuk, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and received his education. 1875, March 10th, he concluded a good bargain with Miss Ruth Cady, in Des Moines County, Iowa. She was an Iowa girl born in Des Moines County, in 1863. They have two boys, Fred F. and Ernest L. They came to the present home in 1885, on section 12, "I" town. Mrs. Shaw is a working member of the M. E. church at Pleasant Dale. Mr. Shaw belongs to the Maccabees and is a member of the school board of the village.
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SKILLMAN, Abraham Voorhees, husband of Lucinda A. (MORTON), son of Randall SKILLMAN (ca 1815-23 Feb 1849, NJ) and Magdalena Voorhees (STRYKER) SKILLMAN HAGEMAN, stepson of William Brown HAGEMAN. This biography, transcribed and photo-scanned by half great-great grandniece Pat Ryan White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 159-160:
[Surnames: HAGEMAN, MORTON, SKILLMAN]

—————
ABRAHAM V. SKILLMAN

One of the brave lads who came to Seward County in 1865 with his elder brother, Thomas, when but a lad of sixteen years. Grew to manhood in the wilderness and schooled in the ups and downs of pioneer life. As years rolled on he developed many traits of character worthy of emulation. He became an energetic and successful business man, respected by all who knew him. Abe, so everybody called him, was born at Harrington (sic: Harlingen), New Jersey, September 11, 1848 [sic? gravestone says 1847]. His father died when the boy was but two years old. Two years later his mother was married to William Hageman and the family moved to Fulton county, Illinois, where Abraham was educated in the common schools and in the fields of his stepfather. The lad longed for the freer air of the west and sought the first opportunity to break away from his old environment. In 1872 he wooed and won the heart and hand of Miss Lucinda Morton. This estimable young lady was born and raised in Green [p.160] County, Wisconsin, and with her parents came to Seward County but a short time before Lucinda was born, in 1854.
Mr. and Mrs. Skillman were both in poor health for many years and yet each of them displayed a degree of courage and ambition most remarkable. They helped nobly to build Nebraska and earned and saved quite a competency. After much suffering Mr. Skillman finished his work and was called up higher on July 22, 1902. His remains are resting in the beautiful Seward Cemetery.

The following obituary for Abraham Voorhees Skillman, transcribed by half great-great grandniece Pat Ryan White, is from the General History of Seward County, Nebraska, John H. Waterman, 1914-1920, page 321:

A.V. SKILLMAN,

An 1865 homesteader in Seward county, died at his home in Seward, Tuesday morning, July 22, 1902. He spent a long period of time upon a farm, finally moving to the city and engaging in business from which he retired on account of failing health a few months previous to his death.
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SKILLMAN, Lucinda A. (MORTON), wife of 1) Abraham Voorhees SKILLMAN, and 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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SKILLMAN, Magdalena Voorhees (STRYKER), wife of 1) Randall SKILLMAN (son of Sarah HIGHT and Samuel SKILLMAN of NJ), and 2) William Brown HAGEMAN: see Magdalena Voorhees (STRYKER) SKILLMAN HAGEMAN
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SKILLMAN, Thomas David, husband of America (JOHNSON), son of Randall SKILLMAN (ca 1815-23 Feb 1849, NJ) and Magdalena Voorhees (STRYKER) SKILLMAN HAGEMAN. The first biography, transcribed by great-grandniece Alice Stipak, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska, 1888, p. 268:
[Surnames: JOHNSON, SKILLMAN]

THOMAS SKILLMAN,

The first settler in F precinct, was born in New Jersey on Nov. 1, 1843. His widowed mother moved to Fulton county, Ill., in 1851, where Thomas was a resident until the spring of 1865. Married Miss America Johnson in December, 1864. The young couple moved to Seward county the following spring, and Mr. Skillman made his claim (the present farm) on Lincoln creek, and was for a time our most western settler. These young people had many hardships to endure, as they were just beginning life and had but little means, but by perseverance and energy they have succeeded in making for themselves a pleasant home and are now quite independent. They have only one child (a son), Jerry T., now past twenty-one, and is one of the few grown men that were born in this settlement.

The second biography of Thomas David SKILLMAN, submitted by relative Connie Jean Baylor Miller, is from Nebraska: the Land and the People: Volume 2, pages 521+522:
[Surnames: BIRNEY, BOYES, COX, DAVIS, DURLAND, HAGEMAN, HENRY, IMLAY, JOHNSON, ROBERTS, SAMPSON, SKILLMAN, SLONECKER, STRYKER]

Thomas David Skillman, one of Nebraska's territorial pioneers, son of Randall Skillman and Magdelene Vorhees [Stryker], was born in Somerset County, near Trenton, New Jersey, on November 1, 1843.
His father died in 1849 and two years later his mother was remarried to William Hageman and the family moved to Fulton County, Illinois.
At the age of about twelve years Thomas was "farmed out" to a man by the name of Davis for his clothes and keep and $12.50 per year. Later this was raised to $25 per year. In the winter months he and Mr. Davis did considerable work in a coal drift, hauling much of the coal to Peoria on bob sleds. He always spoke very kindly of Mr. and Mrs. Davis.
In 1861 he presented himself for enlistment in the Union army and was turned down, being told by the examining physician that he had only one lung and the other was nearly gone, and that he could not possibly live more than a year.
In 1864 he married Miss America Johnson. In the early spring of 1865 this young couple, together with a younger brother, Abraham V. Skillman and three other young couples, Mr. and Mrs. John Roberts, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sampson and Mr. and Mrs. John Durland, left by wagon train for the territory of Nebraska. At this time there was only one log cabin at present site of the City of Lincoln.
The Skillmans selected a piece of land for their future home at a point on Lincoln Creek about a mile north of present Highway No. 11 and two and one-half miles west of the present City of Seward. They spend the winter of 1865 and 1866 on their land thus becoming the first settlers on Lincoln Creek, which by the way had only received its name about March 1, 1864, when W. W. Cox, William and David Imlay were exploring the valley and admiring the beauty of the stream.
Their first home was a dugout, a place dug in the ground about three or four feet and the top part built up with logs cut on the creek. The roof was clap board and sod made by splitting the larger logs. In this home their son Jerry Thomas Skillman was born on September 6, 1866. He thus claimed the distinction of being the first white child to be born on Lincoln Creek.
In the spring of 1866 Mrs. Skillman's brother, an ordained United Brethren minister, Rev. E. W. Johnson and his wife arrived from Illinois and made their home on a piece of land that joined the Skillman's on the south. The first school was taught in the summer of 1868 in a cabin on the Rev. Johnson's place and the first church organization was effected by him at the old Slonecker school house, date unknown. These two families were neighbors for nearly forty years, starting with practically nothing but their homestead right, going through the years of drought and privations and eventually building permanent homes for themselves. Timber and water being a major consideration they settled close to the creek and in later years Mr. Skillman used to tell how on most any day when they first came to Nebraska, he could see antelope grazing on the ridge to the west. There were also deer and a few elk but he never saw a buffalo at that location.
He was a very jolly man of small stature and energetic almost to the point of eccentricity. An idea of his explosive nature might be given from one incident, when after a particular hard siege of drought and grasshopper years when their crops had withered and died or been destroyed by pests and hail and the settlers could barely eke out a livelihood, help was offered them from Illinois (most all of them came from Illinois in this particular locality). A meeting was called at the school house and a list was being prepared, each party designating what they considered they needed most. When Thomas Skillman was asked his needs, he got up, his blue eyes fairly shooting sparks, and pounding the desk to emphasize his words, said: "He didn't need a damn thing, that when he couldn't make a living for his family there in [p. 522] Nebraska he would move back to Illinois." In consequence of this the meeting broke up and none of them sent for a thing.
Until 1873, when the railroad came to Seward, Nebraska City or Plattsmouth, over the Missouri River, a distance of about eighty miles, was their trading post. The round trip could be made in about four days with good luck.
A good many Indians came down Lincoln Creek hunting and trapping. One of Mr. Skillman's first experiences with them was when a small party surrounded him as he was chopping wood along the creek and wanted "tobac". He being a used of the weed, handed his plug to an Indian expecting him to pass it around, but instead he put it in his pocket, thereafter when an Indian wanted "tobac" he cut him off what he wanted to give him. Only once did the Indians ever act hostile and that was when a party of 800 warriors, squaws and papooses, were returning from a fight with the Sioux, and made camp on the creek just northwest of the homestead. They staged a sham battle at that point and several of the settlers, including Mr. Skillman, went to see the camp. In the course of the fight several arrows came real close to them and they left.
One incident Mrs. Skillman always enjoyed telling happened when their son Jerry was quite small. She had sent him down to the spring which served as their pioneer ice box, to bring the butter for a meal. He was gone longer than usual and as she went to the door to look for him, met him on the steps, dripping wet. She threw up her hands and exclaimed, "Land sakes," which was a characteristic gesture and exclamation of hers, "what happened, Jerry?" and Jerry, a sturdy little fellow, answered back, "Ma, I fell in the spring and drowned." As I remember the old spring it started in a crystal clear pool nearly three feet deep.
After the land was surveyed for roads it was found that their dugout was partly in the road. Their next house was a frame one made from logs taken to H. L. Boyes's saw mill over on the Blue River and made into lumber. As late as 1900 I can remember the depression at the side of the road where the dugout was located. In those early times there were many large walnut trees on the creek and E. W. Johnson, who was quite adept with tools, sawed some of the logs into lumber by hand and made them into useful pieces of furniture. An old cupboard that he made is still in the Skillman family.
Mrs. Skillman, who was a devout worker in the United Brethren Church, died on March 1, 1904, of pneumonia. Uncle Tom, as Mr. Skillman was known, then went to live with his son J. T. Skillman, who at that time lived at Pleasanton, Nebraska. He died from the effect of the flu at the J. T. Skillman home of Lexington, Nebraska, on October 23, 1923, lacking only a few days of being eighty years of age.
One other son was born to them, Moses, who died at the age of one month. Jerry T. grew to man hood in the environment of the new country and on June 20, 1889, was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Birney, a teacher in the Seward schools and daughter of another Illinois family. He died of a paralytic stroke at his home near Lexington, June 29, 1931. To this union one child was born, Cleon B. Skillman of Lexington, who married Miss Gertrude Henry of Bloomington, Illinois.
A fitting conclusion to this sketch is the following notation by the grandson, Cleon B. Skillman:
"Occasionally I travel down Highway No. 11, known to the old folks as "the steam wagon road," and I cannot resist turning the corner when I come to the by-road that leads by the old homestead. The fine orchard, the large cotton wood trees, every sign of the buildings, are gone from the old Skillman place, but always I recall some incident of pioneer life, for instance, the time the dugout door blew open in the night and when Mr. Skillman awoke and, slipping out of bed to close it, he was knee deep in snow that had drifted between the door and the fireplace. Then as I go on to the cemetery on the hill, to the lot with the two stones marked, respectively, 'Skillman' and 'Johnson,' a peaceful quiet seems to hover over the place where these pioneers sleep, peacefully, side by side in death, the same as they struggled, worked and lived side by side in life."
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SMETTER, Clara Mae (MILLER), wife of Joseph Benjamin SMETTER, daughter of William Jacob 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, Neb r., 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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SMETTER, Joseph Benjamin, son of Frank and Lena (ROTH) SMETTER, husband of Clara Mae MILLER. This first obituary is from the funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: BURKEY, HARVEY, MILLER, ROTH, SMETTER, WOOD]

Joseph Benjamin Smetter, son of Frank and Lena (Roth) Smetter was born near Milford, Nebraska, February 25, 1889 and died at Lincoln General Hospital March 6, 1974, at the age of 85 years and nine days.
On October 3, 1918, he was married to Clara Mae Miller. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. His wife, Clara, son Gerald, and daughter Mrs. Ruth Burkey preceded him in death. Also one grandson and one step-grandson.
In his youth he accept Christ as his Savior and united with the West Fairview Mennonite Church in which faith he died.
He retired at the age of 83 from Russell Stover Candies. He enjoyed life and visiting with young people. He was a faithful and loving father and will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially by his family.
He leaves to mourn his loss one son Donald of Gretna, Nebr.; one daughter, Mrs. Elna Wood of Lincoln, Nebr.; one daughter-in-law, Nelda; one son-in-law Lorence Burkey; five grandchildren and one step-grandson; one brother Irvin, Goehner; sisters Elsie, Goehner, and Mrs. Clyde (Ella) Harvey, Utica; also many other relatives and friends.

This second obituary is from the Beaver Crossing Times, March 8, 1974. Submitted by Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: BURKEY, HARVEY, SMETTER, WOOD]

Joseph Smetter, 85, Lincoln, died March 6. Services were held March 8 at West Fairview Church, Milford, with Rev. Lloyal Burkey in charge. Interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy, Ricky, and Rory Wood, David and Donald Smetter, and Verlin Burkey.
Smetter who was born in Milford is survived by a son Donald, Gretna, a daughter Mrs. Elna Wood, Lincoln; two sisters, Elsie of Goehner and Mrs. Clyde Harvey of Utica, a brother, Irvin, Goehner, and six grandchildren.
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SMETTER, Lena (ROTH), wife of Frank SMETTER. This obituary is from the Milford News, February 10, 1985. Submitted by Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: EICHER, HOUDER, KENNEL, KUHNS, LEICHTY, MARTIN, ROTH, SMETTER, TROYER]

Lena (Roth) Smetter was born in Henry County, Iowa, near Wayland, on April 1, 1864; died at her home near Goehner, Nebraska, February 7, 1985, aged 70 y., 10 m. 7 d. She was married to Frank Smetter in February,1887. To this union were born 7 sons and 7 daughters, 2 sons and 1 daughter preceding her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure her loving husband, 5 sons--Alvin and Irvin at home, Edward of Goehner, William of Beaver Crossing, Joseph of Friend; 6 daughters--Mary, Elsie, and Ella at home; Emma of Utica; Mrs. Katie Houder of Goehner; Mrs. Maggie Martin of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. She also leaves 24 grandchildren, 2 having preceded her, and 2 great-grandchildren; also 3 sisters--Mrs. Anna Leichty of Baden, Ontario; Mrs. Mary Troyer of Shickley, Nebraska; and Mrs. Katie Eicher of Milford and one brother, Ben J. Roth of New Hamburg, Ontario. Many other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors who have learned to know and love her during her stay here, also mourn her loss. Death came as a result of heart trouble with other disorders. Her sickness was of only a few weeks duration and death came quietly and peacefully to usher her soul beyond this vale of tears and suffering. In her youth, she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the Mennonite church in which faith she died. Funeral services were held at the West Fairview Church February 10 in charge of Ezra Roth, assisted by Henry Kuhns of Flagler, Colorado and Peter Kennel of Shickley, Nebraska. Text: Isa. 66:1. Interment in the cemetery adjoining the church.
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SMETTER, William, husband of Carrie (BECKLER). This obituary is from an unidentified newspaper. Submitted by Ann Miller White.
[Surnames: BECKLER, GANSHORN, HANSEN, HARVEY, MCCLATCHEY, ROTH, SMETTER, SCHREURS]

William Smetter, son of Frank and Lena (Roth) Smetter was born at Goehner on January 19, 1895. He died at his home near Beaver Crossing on January 24, at the age of 77.
He was united in marriage on January 9, 1916, to Carrie Beckler. To this union were born two sons and one daughter. He spent all of his life as a farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie, two sons, Homer of Beaver Crossing and Kenneth of Lincoln, one daughter, Mrs. Verle (Dorothy) McClatchey of Corydon, Iowa; two brothers, Joe of Lincoln, and Irvin of Goehner; two sisters, Mrs. Ella Harvey of Utica and Elsie of Goehner and ten grandchildren.
Services were held at the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church January 27. Ministers were Rev. W. L. Schreurs and Rev. James Hansen of Lincoln. Music was by organist Alma Ganshorn and a women's quartette. Burial was at the Beaver Crossing cemetery.
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SMITH, Blanche B., second wife of Ernest W. WALL: see Blanche B. (SMITH) WALL
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SMITH, William H., husband of Della (FLETCHER), son of W. L. and Maria (EDWARDS) SMITH. This biography is from pages 216-217 of the 1967 book On A Bend of the River, posted here (with photo from p.168) courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff.
[Surnames: BIVINS, BRYAN, EDWARDS, FLETCHER, MEAD, SMITH]

SMITH
by Mrs. T. E. Bivins
Seward Independent Democrat newspaper building, north of Seward Street

William H. Smith was born at Morristown, Illinois, November 3, 1873, the son of W. L. Smith and Maria Edwards Smith. He was educated in the public schools of Cedar County, Iowa.
In 1897 at the age of 24 he came to Seward, Nebraska, with the ambition of editing and publishing a newspaper. On March 11, of that year, he issued his first newspaper which he named the Seward County Democrat. In June of that same year, his Seward County Democrat merged with the Seward Independent, and was published under the name of Seward Independent-Democrat until the title was shortened to Seward Independent in the thirties.
On June 12, 1901, he was married to Della Fletcher of Seward.
His first publishing venture was during the time when the county had gone through a series of crop failures and hard times. Money was scarce. There had been, however, a good corn crop in 1896 and there were a lot of cobs on the farms. A co-operative creamery had been organized, and arrangements were made to sell cobs to the creamery for a dollar a load. The Democrat advertised to accept cobs on subcriptions, and as fast as they were received they were turned to the creamery. The corn cob arrangement helped carry the paper through the summer of 1897.
An active Democrat, he took part in party politics, and remained active in political circles his entire life. From 1909 to 1913 he served as Secretary of the State Senate, and in 1913 was elected to the office of State Senator, a position he held until 1915. That year he was elected State Auditor, a position he held until 1919. In 1923 he was appointed State Tax Commissioner by Governor Bryan. He served in that capacity from 1923 to 1924 and again from 1931 to 1941. He was chairman of the State Emergency Relief Commission from 1933 to 1935, a member of the State Board of Conciliation from 1933 to 1941, and a member of the State Planning Board from 1937 to 1941.
He was president of the Nebraska Press Association in 1947. He served as secretary of the Seward County Fair Association, and was secretary of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers for 17 years.
In 1937 he wrote and published a history of Seward County entitled Early Days in Seward County. In 1940 he was author of the history of Seward County which appeared in the book, Who's Who in Nebraska. It is indicative of his modesty that while many names are mentioned in that history, he fails to speak of his own career.
Wm. H. Smith was active in all community [p. 217] affairs and he stood for and took part in all civic improvement and advance. He was a member of the Methodist Church, Rotary and I. O. O. F. On October 1, 1928, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Seward Equitable and Loan Association, and was elected president in 1941, an office he still held at the time of his death.
In 1949 the Seward Independent was sold to Henry Mead of Aitken, Minnesota. At this time Concordia Teacher's College presented Wm. H. Smith with its Award of Distinguished Service in recognition of his outstanding public service and the Chamber of Commerce presented him with a bronze plaque in recognition of his unselfish contribution of service to his community.
His life was singular and unique in that he achieved success, power, and prominence without enemies. He was a man who was completely honest, not only in his business, but in his mind, in his heart, and in his philosophy.
Wm. H. Smith died October 8, 1954.
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SNODGRASS, Zerilda Jane "Jane" (WILCOXEN), wife of 1) Moses C. JOHNSON (of Fairview, IL), and 2) James SNODGRASS. She is the mother of early Seward residents Rev. Elijah W. JOHNSON, Mrs. America (JOHNSON) SKILLMAN, Mrs. Mary Hazel (JOHNSON) WALLICK, and Mrs. Emma (SNODGRASS) MUNDWILER. Note: Her gravestone in Seward (North) Cemetery says "Zerilda Snodgrass." She was a double-descendant of Daniel Boone's sister Sarah. Submitted by great-great-great granddaughter Alice Imig Stipak. This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska, 1888, p. 244.

MRS. JANE SNODGRASS,

The mother of Rev. E. W. Johnson, was born Aug. 4, 1812, in North Carolina. She was the daughter of Elijah Wilcoxsen. When she was eighteen her parents moved to Kentucky [sic, she was 3], from thence to Fulton county, Ill. [when she was 18], and located near the present town of Lewistown. Here she married Moses C. Johnson, in 1831. In 1851 her husband was killed by a runaway team. She was the mother of nine children; two sons and seven daughters. Among these children were Rev. E. W. Johnson; Mrs. Abram Wallich, now deceased, and Mrs. Thomas Skillman. In 1853 she was again married to Mr. James Snodgrass, and by him had one daughter. The old lady died at Seward, Oct. 16, 1874. Her death was caused by injuries received from a fall from the car steps at Seward depot one dark night. She suffered much pain for several months from the injuries. When death came to her relief it found her ready, and she quietly fell asleep in the arms of her Savior.
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STRYKER, Magdalena Voorhees, wife of 1) Randall SKILLMAN (son of Sarah HIGHT and Samuel SKILLMAN of NJ), and 2) William Brown HAGEMAN: see Magdalena Voorhees (STRYKER) SKILLMAN HAGEMAN
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STUTZMAN, Donald D., husband of Judith Ann CARR. This obituary is from the funeral pamphlet. Submitted by Ann Miller White, 1st cousin once removed of deceased.
[Surnames: CARR, KINNETT, MARTIN, STUTZMAN, TUTTLE]

Mr. Donald D. Stutzman, 60 Died: February 14, 2004, in Homestead Health Care Center, Lincoln, NE
In Loving Memory Of Donald D. Stutzman

Donald Duane Stutzman, of Beaver Crossing, died Saturday, February 14, 2004, at Homestead Healthcare Center in Lincoln at the age of 60 years, 2 months and 19 days. He was born November 26, 1943, on a farm near Beaver Crossing, Nebraska to Lester and Velma Irene (Martin) Stutzman, the youngest of four children. In his youth he attended West Fairview Mennonite Church where he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour at the age of 12. Donald attended Seward County Walnut Creek School District #16 through the 7th grade. He then transferred to Beaver Crossing Public Schools where he later became a 1962 graduate. After graduation he was employed at Rediger Chevrolet in Milford. On November 15, 1963, he was united in marriage to Judith Ann Carr and to this union three sons were born, Craig Donald, Thomas Wade, and Kirk Allen. In March of 1964, Don started farming the family farm of three generations. He continued farming until March of 1984. After leaving the farm, he worked briefly for Lincoln Electric System. In 1991, Don began work at Southeast Community College-Milford Campus as a maintenance mechanic until June of 2002, when he had to retire due to his poor health. Don is a member of the Friend Christian Assembly in Friend and was a very active member of the Beaver Crossing community where he served on the Farmers Coop Elevator Board, City Council, Volunteer Firemen, Emergency Medical Technician, and 4-H leader, all of Beaver Crossing and was active on various Church boards. Don often lent a helping hand when needed for his father-in-law and brother-in-law, Dale and Bob Carr, with their new home construction business. He was always eager to lend a helping hand with his many hours of volunteer work maintaining the municipal pool in Beaver Crossing. Don practiced being a good samaritan and was known for filling up gas tanks, doing mechanic work or buying tires for strangers he met during his travels. He enjoyed pro and college football, especially Nebraska, and loved to listen to country gospel quartet music. Don especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and special events. He loved to go hunting and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Judith, Beaver Crossing, sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Christina, Newport News, VA, Thomas Stutzman and Sommer Kinnett, both of Beaver Crossing, Kirk and Laurie of Greeley, CO, grandchildren, Amanda, Justin, Makaylee, Austin, Jadeyn and Brody Stutzman, his parents, Lester and Velma Stutzman of Milford, brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Thelma Stutzman, Beaver Crossing, sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Paul Stutzman of Wood River, NE, many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sanford and Lizze Stutzman, Peter and Maggie Martin and an infant brother. Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at Friend Christian Assembly, Friend, with Pastor Phil Tuttle officiating. Interment is in Beaver Crossing Cemetery. Visitation is 3-9:00 p.m. Monday, 9-9:00 p.m. Tuesday at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Beaver Crossing. Memorials may be directed in care of the family. Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Beaver Crossing, is in charge of arrangements.
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STUTZMAN, Elizabeth (KUHNS), wife of Sanford STUTZMAN. This obituary is from Gospel Herald, September 9, 1947. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-granddaughter of deceased.
[Surnames: BURKEY, EICHER, KUHNS, MILLER, ROTH, SCHWEITZER, STUTZMAN, ZIMMERMAN]

Stutzman. — Elizabeth Kuhns was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Feb. 10, 1872; died at her home, near Beaver Crossing, Nebr., Aug. 1, 1947; aged 75 y. 5 m. 21 d. Death was caused by a stroke. On Feb. 14, 1892 she was united in marriage to Sanford Stutzman, who predeceased her on May 14, 1935. Two daughters also preceded her in death. Surviving are 4 daughters and 2 sons (Jemima Burkey, Milford, Nebr.; Cassie Schweitzer, Broken Bow, Nebr.; Bert and Lester, Beaver Crossing; Iva Miller, of Beaver Crossing; and Ida Roth, Crete, Nebr.), 31 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, one brother, and a large number of friends. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and joined the Mennonite Church. She was a kind and loving mother. Funeral services were held at the West Fairview Church, Beaver Crossing, in charge of William R. Eicher; Ezra Roth, and J. E. Zimmerman. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
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SWEASEY, Riley, husband of Cora Elisabeth (KING), son of William and ? (WELCH) SWEASEY. This biography is from pages 215-216 of the 1967 book On A Bend of the River, posted here (with p.215 photo) courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff.
[Surnames: BERTKE, BREWER, CUMMINS, HILL, HOLLINGSWORTH, KEITHLEY, KING, KRIBBELER, MINER, REECE, SKINNER, SWEASEY, WELCH, WIEHENKAMP]

SWEASEY