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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 1906)
BRIEF LIFE SKETCH OF A PIONEER NEBRASKA!! Historical Review of the Lite of the Late Levi 6. Todd Was Prominent la Earl) State Politics Once I Candidate for Goternor (Written by llasll Kamsey) Levi Goodsell Todd was born lo Stockton, Chautauqua county, New York, on March 22, 1829, and was one of a family of sixteen children,' ten sons and six daughters, all of whom have now answered the last summons. Ills father was Bel a Todd and mother, Lucy, whose maiden name was Hem ningway. Mr. Todd left the home of bis birth In boyhood, when twenty-one years old or about 18.0. Like many other ambitious young men of the eastern states, he turned his steps westward and for a time resided In Mills county, Iowa, where he taught school during the winter of 1853-4. During this winter our subject fre quently visited the Nebraska side of the Missouri river, stopping with one, Samuel Martin, then residing near Plattsmouth, and who was one of the noted Indian traders of that time. Mr. Todd became the owner of about 200 acres of land south of Plattsmouth the old fair grounds. This valuable tract of land he sold to James It. Por ter about the year 1857, and then re moved to the farm at Buck's Grove, where he resided the greater part of his life, or until Dec. 13, 1904, when, owing to the infirmities of age he gave up farm life and removed to Union, where he has since resided. The Todd farm, near Buck's Grove, which our subject brought to a high state of cultivation and where he and his most estimable family lived for nearly half a century, is one of the many tine grain and stock farms in Cass county. It was here Mr. Torkl took a genuine pride In the finest pro ducts of grain and the rearing of fin est horses, cattle and hogs. And dur ing the freighting period in the sixties, before railroads were constructed in Nebraska, many a wagon load of pro duce from this farm was hauled over land to Denver and other western mar kets.' MAUKIAOE AND FAMILY. At West Point, Iowa February 20, 1855, Mr. Todd was united in marriage to Miss Ljflla Jones, of Monroe, Ohio, .jvtrj has ever proved a most helpful as sistant to her husband in building up fortune and fame. To this union the following named children were born: Albina P. Thomas, born at Platts mouth, Neb., Feb. 20, 1850; died at Plattsmouth, Neb., April 18, 1898. Elizabeth Todd Eigenbroadt, born March 28, 1858; died Feb. 20, 1880. Lewis C. Todd, born May 20, 1800; re sides near Nehawka, Cass county, Neb. Albert L. Todd, born Feb. 23, 1882; died March 0, 1804. An Infant son, died in Infancy. Horace G. Todd, born Feb. 9, 1804; resides at Murray, Cass county, Neb. Miss Jessie B. Todd, the only living daughter and now living with her mother at Union, Neb. John B. Todd and Levi Goodsell Todd, both residing at Union, Cass county, Neb. There are twenty-twogrand-children and live great grand-children, and it is a singular coincidence that Mr. Todd's grand-child, George W. Thomas, and great grand-child, Carl Thomas, each has the same birthday as that of their distinguished ancestor, the first March 22, '75, the latter March 22, '01, and In this connection It Is a matter of his toric interest to note that the hrst white girl baby born In Cass county was Albina P. Todd, who married Thomas J. Thomas, and was the moth er of George W. Thomas, and grand mother of Carl Thomas above referred to. M r.todd's educational advant auks Id boyhood and early manhood Mr. Todd had few educational advantages. He attended the common schools of his native county and acquired a fair business education. However, he was a student all his life, and few persons were better posted on the current Is sues of the day, whether in politics, religion, finance, or the sciences. In fact he had few superiors when It came to argument, upon any subject which he had investigated. CI.KUK K ELECTION IN 1854. Under a proclamation of Acting Ter ritorial Governor Thomas B. dimming a general election was held on Decem ber 12, 1854, for the election of mem bers of the Territorial Council and House from Cass county. This pro clamation described Cass county as, "The county lying between the Platte river on the north and the Weeping Water on the south, and from the Mis souri river on the east to the ceded lands on the west." It was divided Into two precincts Martin's, toraprlslng the north part of the county, and Kenosha the southern V Died At Union, Cass county, J Nebraska.ua February 1Kb, at 1 I 2:30 o'clock, p. m., Levi Goodsell j J I Todd, aged 76 years, 11 months part. Fur judged and clerks of that election, Governor Cummin made the appointments, and our deceased friend was appointed one of the clerks for Martin's precinct. ELECTED J l STICK OK THE PE ACE. At this election Mr. Todd and Allen Watson were elected justices of the peace for Plattsmouth precinct, then comprising what had been Martin's precinct, Kenosha precinct having been changed to Rock Bluffs precinct. 'Stl'IKK TODD'S FIKST LAW Sl IT. On April 18, 1855, 'Squire Todd tried his first law suit a case of forcible en try and detainer. James O'Neill, one of the early pioneers of Plattsmouth, was plaintiff, and one James Raines was defendant. The trial resulted In judgment in favor of O'Neill, and Raines Is said to have appealed to the district court. For some reason the docket of the district court was lost, and likewise the record of this case. This is believed to be the first case ever tiled In the district court for Cass county.-. In the capacity of justice of the peace it has been said that 'Squire Todd gave universal satisfaction, but no Inducement could persuade him to hold the office beyond the one term. COl'NTY COMMISSIONKll IN 1800. In the year IStiO Mr. Todd was elect ed county commissioner for Cass coun ty. He served with signal ability in this capacity for one term but could not be Induced to serve longer. The office of county commissioner then as now necessarily absorbed much of the official's time, and Mr. Todd found more congeniality in cultivating and improving his now famous farm near Buck's Grove than In hearing peti tions for roads and attending to the routine of the office of county commis sioner. MEMIIKIl OF THE LKOISLATU UK IN 1802. In 1802 our subject was elected a member of the house of representa tives for the Territory of Nebraska. This was during "war times" and the people generally were more absorbed In the great conflict between the north and south, than In legislation, hence little legislation was done during this session. STAUNCH KKlTltUl AN IN I'KIXEEK DA VS. From the time of his settlement in Cass county, Mr. Todd took sin active and leadim: part in the development of the country. Mis large, beautiful LEVI C. TODD and well Improved farm, noithwestof Union, where lie lived for so many years, Is a living monument, commem orative of 1 1 is energy, Industry and great success as a fanner. He took an active part in politics throughout his entire life, and there were few who could compete with him in forensic discussion. In the early days he was a stanch Rupportcr of republican prin ciples and ther were few campaigns in which he did not take an active part, lie was well known, not only in Cass and adjoining counties, but throughout the state as well. But In 1870, there arose disaffection in the republican ranks and particu larly In Cass county; many of the lead ing republicans bolted their regular nominees and joined hands with the democrats In an independent move men,. Mr. Todd was an earnest and loyal supporter of this Independent movement, and was rewarded by the election of the Independent legislative ticket In Cass county with one exeep tlon. This bolt in republican ranks was directed against the re-elcctton of Governor Pavld Butler for a third term, and also against the re-election of General John M. Thayer, United States senator. The former was re elected but the latter was defeated. OIM'OSKS STATE 0I!0 AN l.ATION IN 1800. Old settlers will recall the great con test for state organization In 1S00. It was a contest to organize Nebraska Territory Into the State of Ncbrask Levi G. Todd was one of the strongest opponents of the proposed change. In that celebrated contest he was com pelled to oppose his ow n party and e.S' pcclally the republican nominee for governor David Butler. As the writer remembers, this was the only time Levi G. Todd and the late J. Sterling Morton met on common political grounds. Both were opposed to state organization, although Morton was the democratic candidate for governor, The result of election was In favor of state organization and of Butler for governor. BOLTS HKITIILICAN TICKET IN 1870 Four years after the contest for state government. Mr. Todd, with many other good and loyal republi cans, bolted the republican nominees for different offices, among them being that of Governor Butler for re-election for a third term and the re-election of General John M.Thayer for United States Senator. An independent leg islative ticket for Cass county, com posed of republicans and democrats was elected with one exception. The result of that election was the defeat of Senator Thayer, hut Governor But ler was re-elected for a third term by a greatly reduced mojorlty. It was in that election that party lines were completely broken In Cass county, and a number of old-time re publicans gradually drifted away from party affiliations and among them, our deceased friend. Not long afterward the old greenback party was organized and became a potent political factor In the United States and more partic ularly In the west and south, although there were many strong advocates of the principles of this party through out the east. OKEEMIACK CANDIDATE FOR UOV- KIlNOIl IM 1878. About this time the Greenback party began Its formation. Our de ceased friend was one of the first con verts to the doctrine advocated by this party and became one of Its strongest advocates. The party con tinued to grow in numerical strength all over the nation, more particularly In the west. In 1878 Mr. Todd was the candidate of this party for governor of Nebraska and polled 9,475 votes. Although de feated, yet he never surrendered his views and convictions upon the doc trine as advocated by, George II. Pen dleton, James B. Weaver and many other Intellectual giants and states men of national fame. When In 1890, William J. Bryan became a candidate for congress from the First district of Nebraska. Mr. Todd became a great admirer of the young statesman and became a con vert to Bryan's theories upon tariff and silver coinage. And In lS'.M and 1900 Mr. Bryan had no more earnest and enthusiastic supporter than Levi G. Todd. LAST SAD KITES. On Monday, February 20, 1900, at 12 o'clock in., at the family home in l'n Ion, Cass county, Nebraska, funeral services were held, where many gath ered to pay the last tribute of respect to one of the honored pioneers of Cass county. l!cv. Newton Mann of Omaha conducted the services, and dwelt in beautifully chosen words on the long, upright life of the deceased. The choir consisted of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Farley, the Misses Florence White and Estella Balrd, and Messrs. B. A. Mc Elwaln and Ralph W. White, all of Plattsmouth, and whomost touchlngly rendered the fellowing: "Lead Kindly Light," "Abide With Me," "Nearer My God to Thee." The honorary pall bearers were: Lewis Bird, Isaac Pollard, M. H. Shoe maker, D. W. Foster, R. D. Clark and J. W. Pitman. The active pall bearers were: John Bramblet, J. D. Cross, W. B. Banning, F. A. Frimple, T. W. Swan and W. D. James. Interment was made in Buck's cem etery, near Union, where many of the old pioneer settlers of Cass county now silently rest In that last, long, dream less slumber. I'.IUEK TltllllTK. Levi G. Todd was a man of more than ordinary intellectual equipment. Handicapped by very limited educa tional advantages In his youth, yet with a mind at once strong and assid uous In investigation, he soon grasped Ideas, and was fitted by nature not alone to communicate the same tooth ers, but to carry conviction with his logic. Somewhat positive In his con victions, yet he always treated with great courtesy and consideration those who differed from him, whether the differences were political, scientific or religious. He was most genial and social In his nature, and his home one of hospital ity. Although surrounded by wealth and the many comforts of life which many years of hardest toll of himself and family had accumulated, yet Ms hospitable home was always open and a cordial welcome awaited all, espec ially the old pioneers cf Cass county. Like the autumnal leaves which so silently fall, the old pioneers of Caw county arc rapidly falling by the way side. Our deceased friend had come to Cass county when only a hoy. His fortune and fame were to be carved out of what, with personal effort and Industry, the future might bring. Here more than half a century ago the boy of twctitv-one saw a wild, untamed west. The Iudlans and various wild animals were the principal settlers. But w ith sturdy courage and energy the New York boy went to work. He not only founded a home; he accumu lated waalth. Ho became a leading, valued, Influential citizen. He became prominent, useful and commanded uni versal confidence In his Integrity. His life work Is a legacy to children, grand children and great grand-children. And as with all who pass tlie final boundary of earth-life, we must bow to the Inevitable and patiently await the next summons to return home. AMONG JOURNAL FRIENDS The Editor Takes i Couple of Days Off for i Recreation Trip. VISITS AT UNION AND NEHAWKA Two of the Thrifty and Enterprising Towns of Cass County. On Friday last the Journal editor, coming to the conclusion that a visit among the people of Liberty and Ne hawka precincts would do him much good socially, physically and finan cially, he boarded the southbound train on the M. P. at 9:45, for Union. The Journal has a host of friends In and around Union, and we always feel at home among them, and spent much of the time In that village. We visited a number of the princi pal business houses, among them were Koy Fpton, the hardware man, and R. H. Frans & Co., the merchant prince of the town. Roy was up to his eyes in business, and Mr. Frans and ids clerks were as busy as bees dispensing dry goods, groceries, etc. Mr. trans carries the largest stock of general merchandise of any firm in the town, and his goods are as finely displayed as are the goods of those who carry on business In towns of from .1,000 to 0,000 Inhabitants. Mr. Frans had just returned from Ottum wa, Iowa, where he and Mrs. Frans had been called on account of the sick ness and death of F. W. Young, an uncle of Mrs. Frans. The wife of the deceased returned with them and will make her homo with Mr. and Mrs. Frans for a short time. Mrs. Young Is 70 years of age, and is an only sister of R. II. Fitch. We called upon numerous other business men, among whom were W. F. Tracy, the genial bank cashier, W. B. Banning, ex-county commissioner, and the lumber king of Union; Joe Banning, W. A. Taylor, F. W. Young and J. II. Frans, all of whom renewed their allegiance to the old Reliable fur another year. And not only do wc feel grateful to these gentlemen for their favors hut we also desire to tlio.uk the following gentlemen who became new patrons at the. I'nion postoillee: B. F. Iloback. R. D.Stlne, M. Lynde, Will Frans, Ell Eaton, Ed McCleve and Reuben Foster. The latter gentleman is an old resident of Union and vicinity, and formerly re sided in London, Ohio, where the old man if the Journal first saw the light of (fay sixty-three years ago. Union is one of the most important points in Cass county, and Is situated In the center of some of the finest farming lands in Eastern Nebraska. It is well built up, the citizens oner get icand enterprising, and we seriously doubt if there is a town of the same size in Cass county that can equal it as a business point. Situated as it Is, at the junction of the Lincoln branch and main line of the Missouri Pacific, Union Is destined at no very distant day to be one of the most Important points on the Missouri Pacific railroad in Nebraska. Saturday morning wc jumped aboard of one of Blair Porter's elegant turn outs, and with Blair hold of the reins, we were hurried out to the home of Charley Banning, where we found many Journal friends who were at tending the public sale of Mr. run ning's effects, previous to that gentle man's removal to Fuinas county, Ne braska. Here we met our good friend, J. G. Wunderlich, who steered us around and Introduced us to many w hom we never had the pleasure of meeting before, who very materially assisted In our enrolling quite a num ber of new patrons to the Journal. For his kindness in the Journal's behalf we desire to return to Mr. Wunder lich our most sincere thanks. From the sale we drove Into Ne hawka for a few hours, where we met a number of patrons of the Journal and where we secured a number of new ones. While In Nehawka we vis ited the store of F. P. Sheldon, and was very much surprised to find such a mammoth establishment In the town. Mr. Sheldon Is an up-to-date merchant, and the Immense stock of goods he carries denotes that he Is doing an Im mense business, as well. He Is a mast clever gentleman, and his popularity among the farmers of that section of Cass county is supreme. His store Is one of the nicest In Cass county, which demonstrates that lie Is energetic, en terprising and a splendid business man. Cunningham Bros, have the only livery barn In Nehawka, and their facilities for accommodating the trav eling public are thorough and up-to-late. Our time was limited In Ne hawka, but as we expect to visit the town again In a short time we will refer further reference to the pros rorous vtllago until we can give It a more worthy write-up. The following Is a list of new names aided to the Journal's already big list ai the Nehawka postoffice: F. P. Shel don, Cunningham Bros., W. II. Porter, J. W. Murdock, J. P. Stoll, A. B. Ticker and J. F. Dale. Obituary. James Thomas Petersen was born In Keya Paha county, Nebraska, on the 28th day of (Vtober, iss;, andlwith his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. II. Petersen, came to Plattsmouth aliout twelve years ago, where he attended the public schools. While In school ho maintained the respect of his teachers an ! the good will and esteem of his fellow students. About three years ago, desiring to learn a trade he quit school and entered the employ or the Burlington railroad in their shops in this city. He at first worked In the hammer shops and subsequently decided to learn the blacksmith trade, and with that end In view entered the emulov of the Burlington blacksmith shops under Foreman Mike Mau.y. He was Industrious and was always gonial and was held In hlirh regard both by his employer and fellow workmen. The esteem In which ho was held was evidenced by the beautiful floral offer- Ings and by their attendance In a body at the funeral. The funeral services were held Sun day afternoon at tho home, and were conducted by Rev. Youtzy. Many beautiful Moral tributes were presented by loving friends and relatives of the deceased, and accompanied by a large cortege the remains were conveyed to Oak Hill cemetery, where they were intered. THE PASSING OF AN OTHER PIONEER CITIZEN Martin Propst Died This Morning at His Home Southwest of Plattsmouth. The remains of tho wife has scarcely been laid at rest, when the Journal is called upon to chronicle the death of the husband, Martin Propst passed away at his homo, five miles southwest of Piatt. mouth this morning at 10 o'clock. His death was rather a surprise to his friends, as he had been 111 hut a short time, and was caused from stomach trouble. Wc have failed to learn the exact time of his funeral, hut it will occur sometime tomorrow, when his remains will be Intered in the Horn ing cemetery, beside those of his wife, who preceded him hut a few days since. The deceased came t j Nebraska in lxoi, ami located In Casscounty, where he has since resided. He was "5 years of age, and a most worthy citizen, highly respected by thos-c who knew him. Thus another Cass county pioneer lias passed to the unknown. Torture by Savages. "Speaking of the torture to which some of the savage tribes in the Philip pines subject their captives, reminds me of the Intense suffering I endured for three months from inflammation of the Kidneys," says W. M. Sherman, of dishing, Me., "Nothing helped me until I tried Electric Bitters, three bottles of which completely cured me." Cures Liver Complaint, Dyspepsia, Blood disorders and Malaria; and re stores the weak and nervous to robust health. Guaranteed by F. G. Frickc & Co., druggist. Price 50c. District Court. In the district court the case of Mrs. Katie Johnson vs. Louis Boedeker ct al., Is being tried In the court today. From the facts gathered In regard to the case It appears that as an adopted child of Louis Boedeker, deceased, the plaintiff lays claim to a chare In the estate against the children of Louis Boedeker, deceased. The plaintiff claims that the adoption papers were made out In the state of Iowa, and that she was duly adopted by Louis Boedeker, deceased, but that the pa pers were cither lost or destroyed re cently. There are ten children against whom the action Is brought by the plaintiff, through her attorney, A. N. Sullivan. The estate of which she claims a share Is valued at $12,000 to 115,000. Bodies-Our Gordens. Shakespeare says through Jago: "Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardners; we can cither have It sterile with Idleness, or manured with Industry." We can as well through our own negligence make our bodies the seat of constant dis comfort and sickness, or by a slight effort make them fragrant gardens of health and vigor. I)j as a good gar derner Is doing; destroy the weed as soon as it makes Its appearance; you banish the sickness by lighting the first sympton Impaired appetite. Trlner's American Elixir of Bitter Wine will do It for you. It will give to jour digestive organs a solid foun dation, a fighting power against diseases. It will brings these organs to a healthy activity In a natural way, because It does not Irritate tho mucous membranes, but strengthens them; It does not destroy but It builds; It makes new, perfect blood which distri butes nourlsnment to every particle of our body. Give It to the child, to the youth, to the adult, to the senile; It will benefit every one. I'so It as soon as you will notice a decline of your appetite or your strength. At drug stores. Jos. Trlner, 7'.w S. Ashland ave., Chicago, III. DEATH OF MRS. SVOBODA At 2 O'clock This Marnier, la the loin uel Hospital at Omaha. SHE UNDERWENT A SURGICAL OPERATION All the Children and Husband Were at Her Bedside to Say the Last Farewell. Tho sad news was received In this city this morning of the demise of Mr9. John J. Svoboda, sr., at 2 o'clock this mojnlng at the Immanuel hospital In Omaha, where she was taken about two weeks ago to undergo an operation for a tumor. The operation was thought to have been successful, and the deceased seemed to he Improving until Sunday, when the stitches were removed from tho Incision, after which the deceased lcgan to decline very rapidly, and on Tuesday morning the doctors In attendance stated that Mrs. Swohoda would not he able to survive another day, so all tho children were summoned to her bedside for tho last fond look and sad farewells. Mrs. SwolK)da, nee Frances Schor, was liom on the 4th day of September, 1815, In Brotkovye, Moravia, whereshe was married to John J. Svoboda on tho 7th day of November, 1S70. The happy young couple Immigrated to the United States In 187,1. coming direct to Plattsmouth, where they made their home and reared tlielr family of six children, all of whom live In Platts mouth. The children who mourn tho loss of their dear beloved mother arc John J. Swoboda, Jr., Mrs. W. J. Bookmeycr, Mrs. Geo. Koelirike, Miss Josephine, Frank and Tom Swoboda; besides tho husband, live grand children and many other relatives and friends or the do ceased. Tho remains will arrive this evening at 4:25 over the Burlington. No ar rangements have yet been made, and a notice of the funeral will be publish ed later. Rates to Lincoln March G. Tin' Lincoln Journal says: "Ar rangemcnts have been made with the railroads to give reduced rates to the democrats who will journey to I, In. coin on March 0 to attend t lie "dollar dinner" that will be given at that time. T. S. Allen has received a letter from the western passenger associa tion which says that un open rate of a fare and one-third will Ijc given from all points in Nebraska to Lincoln and return good going March 5 and (i and returning to and Including March 7. Tills will permit the people of the state who desire to make the trip to the capital city on reduced rates and will enable the democrats to come in large numbers to the big celebration which the leaders In this city have planned for March 0." Doctors are Puzzled. The remarkable recovery of Ken neth Mclver, of Yanceboro, Me., Is the subject of much Interest to the medical fraternity and a wide circle of friends. IIesaysofhlsca.se: "Owing to severe Inflammation of the Throat and congestion of the Lungs, three doctors gave me up to die, when, as a last resort, I was Induced to try Dr. King's New Discovery and I am happy to say, It saved my life." Cures the worst Coughs and Colds, Bronchitis, Tonsllitls, Weak Lungs, Hoarseness and LaGrlppo. Guaranteed at F. G. Frlcke & Co.'s drug store. 50c and ll.oo. Trial bottle free. Just received a car of the American fencing. If In need of any please give us a call before buying. Ahkmisskn & Loccks. REPORT OF THE CONDITION OF TUB Plattsmouth State Bank of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Charter No. 71 Incorporated In the Htateof Nebraska, nt thu clow of business. Kcl). 17. IM HnuiCRi'KM: loans and Discounts f Si Overdrafts, nee tired and unsecured, no 7J Stocks, Securities. JlldKtlirllts, etc. NONE HankiuK house furniture. tuture.. 714 SO other real estate fl(i:,7 un Current minuses iind tux,., puld... ' m f Cash Items 24 u Due from national. Mine mill private hank unit hankers ,: jj Cheek and Items of ex- ehuiiKH 3) ! Cash ill :il.!K 01 Total 1 M I.IAIIII.ITIKS: Cuill ul Mt.n-k paid In I 3J.D0 Surplus fund .'no i I'lullvlded proNls I.WI7 O? Individual deolls nule- Jeet Ui check 7il.?.i Kl Demand ccnlllcatcs of deposit IMM Tin rtlltcale of de posit. 7.0I JO-SMI? 73 Notes ami hills rv-dlscouuted mini IIIIIi payable sunn Total f II MM SO Statu of h run ask v County of Cass, f I. J. M. Koncrt. raslucrof tin, above namrd hank, do solemnly swear that the nlxivo stat tnt'iit Is correct and a trim copy of tlm report made to the Mate Hanking Hoard. J. M. Honr.HT. Attwt! Casiner. 8uhcrlled and sworn to U-foro nu thli 84th davof February, num. Mai Mi'iichy. , , ... Notary Public. My commission eplro Novemlx-r 10, mi.