My Genealogy Hound

EZRA READ, an enterprising young hardware merchant of Loomis, Phelps county, was born in Iowa, September 29, 1850. He is a son of John and Ann (Sturmm) Read, both natives of England. They emigrated to America in 1850, and came west as far as Madison county, Iowa. The senior Read was a carpenter by trade but followed farming largely. He was born February 8, 1813, and died August 23, 1888. His wife was born December 25, 1812, and died October 31, 1888.

Ezra Read, the subject of this sketch, worked with his father in the milling business till he became of age, when he started out for himself, continuing in the milling and lumber business till September, 1878, when he came to Nebraska. He was one of the first settlers in Industry township, Phelps county. Taking a homestead there, he made a hole in the ground and lived in it all winter. He had to haul water over two miles. The prairie had been burnt and there was no grass or feed to be had. When he got settled on his claim he had only $2.80 left to live on during the long winter. He lost his team after he had been there about two months, and had to go in debt for another in the spring. There were times when he did not know where his next meal was to come from, but he managed some way to get along.

Mr. Read was married June 29, 1872, to Barbara Lukecart. She is of German descent and was born in Iowa August 14, 1855. Four children grace their happy home — Annie, born May l4, 1873; William O., born December 19, 1874 (deceased); Lester, born August 17, 1876, and Benjamin F., born November 15, 1888.

Mr. Read sold his homestead November, 1889, and moved to Loomis, where he opened a hardware store December 1st, that year. He carries a splendid stock, comprising a general line of hardware, including a stock of harness. Mr. Read is a careful business man and enjoys the confidence of his community, and although he has only been in business a few months he is succeeding beyond his most sanguine expectations.

Both himself and wife are zealous members of the United Brethren church, and are always found at their post when any religious duty is to be performed.