My Genealogy Hound

WILBERT S. HORMEL. With the many representative and successful farmers of Buffalo county, Nebr., is Wilbert S. Hormel, born in Warren county, Ohio, in March, 1857. His father, Joel Hormel, a native of Ohio and a carpenter by trade, married Miss Jane Hoffman, also a native of Ohio. To this union were born two sons — Wilbert S. and Benjamin. Wilbert passed his early days in Warren county, receiving an education at the common school. In September, 1874, with his father, became to Nebraska, settling in Buffalo county on the southeast quarter of section 10, township 9, range 15. Here he improved the land and lived fifteen years. In 1879 he bought his father out, and became the sole owner of the farm, which he afterwards so successfully managed until the fall of 1888, when he sold this property and bought his present farm. This tract of eighty acres is situated in the south half of the southeast quarter of section 15, township 9, range 15, consisting of the finest improved land in the county. He has built a commodious house, fine barn, granaries and outhouses, also a large windmill for grinding grain. He raises mixed crops, and is giving considerable attention to the dairy business.

At the age of twenty-seven, Mr. Hormel married Miss Jennie Willhelmy, a daughter of Theodore Willhelmy, a native of Wisconsin, who came to Nebraska and located on a farm in the neighborhood. Of this union was born three children, viz. — Bertha, Francis and Earl S. Politically Mr. Hormel is an ardent democrat and his fellow-citizens have honored him by electing him four consecutive terms as school director. He is also a member of the Farmer’s Alliance. The mother of the subject of this sketch died in 1839, and Joel Hormel took for his second wife, Miss Anna, daughter of James Ward, of Ohio, and to this union were born seven children, all of whom are residents of Nebraska. This lady died in 1879. Joel Hormel served in the late war about three months, and is now making his home in Nebraska. W. S. Hormel, although only thirty-three years of age, has demonstrated his ability to conduct a farm on strictly business principles. He exhibits good taste in all things, and his wisdom is shown in his selection of the best agricultural implements and the convenient arrangement of his barns and other outbuildings, and the cheerful and neat appearance of his comfortable dwelling.