My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. CLAPP is the oldest settler now living on Rebecca creek, Franklin county, Nebr. He was born September 27, 1847, in Bradford county, Pa. His father, Benjamin Clapp, was a native of New York, born February 18, 1809, and was a farmer by occupation.

The mother of our subject was a native of New York State, born July 31, 1813. The families on both sides have been noted for their long life. The father has one brother and three sisters now living, the youngest of which is over sixty years of age. The mother has now living three brothers and one sister, the youngest of which is over sixty years.

George W. Clapp, the subject of this notice, lived in Pennsylvania until ten years old, and in 1857 moved with his parents to Wolworth county, Wis., where he resided on a farm for two years. The family then moved to Linn county, Iowa, and settled on a farm where they remained eighteen months and then moved to Delaware county, Iowa, where he resided seventeen years on a farm.

He enlisted in the war of the rebellion February 25, 1864, in Company B, Fourth Iowa cavalry, and participated in the raids near Meniphis, Tenn., during the summer of 1864, and was in the battle of Tupelo, lasting four days. December 14, 1864, while on picket duty, he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, where he was confined four months and fourteen days. He experienced all the harrowing distresses common to the inmates of that place, and when released weighed but seventy-five pounds, having lost sixty-five pounds during his confinement. He was mustered out June 9, 1865, and returned to Iowa, and, after recuperating about one year, engaged in farming. He came to Franklin county, Nebr., December 14, 1870, and homesteaded his present claim at the mouth of Rebecca creek. His family came the following spring. He was among the first settlers in the county, and wild game was plentiful. He has experienced all the hardships and vicissitudes of pioneer life, but his theory has always been, “Stick to it and all will be right in time,” which his prosperity of later years has fully verified.

He was married December 21, 1869, to Serilda Akers, who was born July 16, 1844, in Hendricks county, Ind. The union has resulted in the birth of six children — Charlotta L., Fred E., Frank (deceased), Autlie, John (deceased) and Acie.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Clapp are members of the Methodist church in good standing at Naponee, Nebr. Politically he affiliates with the republican party. He served as constable of the township from l878 to 1885; is a member of the G. A. R. and has filled the office of quartermaster and chaplain in his post.