890. CHARLOTTE JOHNSON (Zerelda5 Wilcoxen, Elijah4, Samuel3, John2,        ) m. 21 Sept., 1848, Fairview, Fulton Co., Ill., John Burnet, b. 14 March, 1828, Howard Co., West Va.; d. 11 June, 1913, Drakesville, Iowa, son of William (b. 1801, in Ireland) and Sarah (Poland) Burnet. They moved to Blacksburg, Iowa, Sept., 1850 and to Davis Co., Iowa, in 1864. John and Charlotte Burnet celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, 21 Sept., 1898, and six sons and daughters attended the dinner to honor them. When they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary, only two of their 13 children were present to congratulate them, Hannah McConnell and Lottie Burnet.     CHILDREN:   (Bible Record.)
    +1935 Rachel Burnet, b. 16 Sept., 1849.
    +1936 Moses Calloway Burnet, b. 9 Feb., 1951 [SIC, 1851].
    +1937 William Poland Burnet, b. 2 Jan., 1850.
       1938 Mary Burnet, b. 29 Jan., 1854; d. in infancy.
    +1939 Hannah Burnet, b. 29 Nov., 1855.
       1940 James M. Burnet, b. 5 April, 1857; d. in Washington.
    +1941 John Melville Burnet, b. 13 Jan., 1859.
    +1942 Margaret Jane Burnet, b. 15 Oct., 1860.
    +1943 Charles Fremont Burnet, b. 10 May, 1862.
    +1944 Ellen Burnet, b. 26 Nov., 1863.
    +1945 George M. Burnet, b. 17 Oct., 1865.
       1946 Franklin Burnet, b. 23 March , 1867, Davis Co., Iowa; d. 11 Dec.,
                 1867, Drakesville, Iowa.
       1947 Charlotte Burnet, b. 21 June, 1873, Davis Co., Iowa; d. 29 March,
                 1917, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Never mar.

On 26 Jul 1850 when Mary H. was 16, she married Abraham WALLICK,14,6,13 thought at this point in our research to be the son of John Abraham WALLICK & Elizabeth SHALLENBERGER, in Illinois.¹⁴ Abraham was born, according to his gravestone, 1 Jan 1819, in Indiana (possibly in Ohio, Indiana).¹⁴ He was was listed as "Abram Wallock," 29, in the 1850 census in Canton, Fulton Co., Illinois, which would make his birth year about 1821. Abraham was listed as 57 in the 1870 census, born in Indiana, which would make his birth year about 1813.¹⁵ But his gravestone and the records of the S.P. Hageman family (written by his grandchildren) say he was born in 1819.  Abraham immigrated in 1868 to Nebraska.¹⁴ Occupation: cabinetmaker,¹⁶ farmer, carpenter.¹⁵ Alias/AKA: Abram WALLOCK,¹⁶ Abraham WOLLACK,¹⁵ Abram WALLICK.⁶ Abraham died in Seward County, Nebraska on 17 Jan 1892; he was 73.¹⁴ Buried in Seward Cemetery, Seward County, Nebraska.^14,13

[Read the story of this webmaster's visit to Abraham Wallick's gravesite]

As the emblem next to his grave attests, Abraham was a veteran of the Civil War. Abraham had been wounded (possibly lost an arm) in battle in May 1863, when General Ulysses S. Grant opened the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Photo ofAbraham WALLICK Grave
Abraham WALLICK Grave Close-up

At the top portion of Abraham's gravestone is an engraved star, with the following inscription inside it:
"Comp. D Iowa Inft."
Below that star the inscription reads:
"In Memory of
A WALLICK
Born Jan. 1, 1819
Died Jan. 17, 1892
Aged 73 yrs. 16 dys.
-----
WALLICK"

To the left of Abraham's grave stands that of one of his sons, William Melville Wallick, equally tall and of similar design. The cross-shaped emblem for veterans of the Spanish-American War is planted next to his stone, and the date of his early death suggest he might have died in combat.
Abraham and William Melville WALLICK Graves
William Melville WALLICK Grave

His inscription reads:

"Wm. M. Wallick
Mar. 14, 1863
Apr. 26, 1900
-----
A Member
of Co. L.
1st South Dakota
Volunteers
of
Spanish American
War of 1898
-----
He sleeps in peace
life's battle over
-----
WALLICK"

"WALLICK, ABRAHAM, 22ND IA INF, Post 3"

152 "Wollack, Abraham" 57 M W Farmer - Carpenter IN
"Wollack, Mary" 35 F W Keeps house IA
"Wollack, Christina J." 15 F W at home IA
"Wollack, John L." 14 M W at home IA
"Wollack, Sara E." 12 F W at home IA
"Wollack, Abraham" 10 M W at home IA
"Wollack, Martha" 8 F W IA
"Wollack, Elizoh ?" 7 F? W IA
"Wollack, Wm. M." 7 M W IA
"Wollack, Wallace G." 5 M W IL
"Wollack, Mary L." 4 F W IL
"Wollack, Henry" 3 M W IL
"Wollack, Addia" 3 Mo. F W IL
"Wollack, Jane" 3 Mo. F W IL

      Abraham Wallick was born in 1819 and died in Seward in 1892. He was the great grandson of Gottlieb Wallick who immigrated to the United States from Switzerland in the 1700s. He married Mary Johnson in 1834. He served in the Civil War even though he was then the father of 10 children.

      He and Mary had 13 children including two sets of twins. Mary died in 1871 at the age of 37 leaving her family of small children. The children were separated, living with various relatives. Abraham died in 1892. Both he and Mary are buried in the Seward cemetery.

      Their children were: Elizabeth, John Franklin, Christian, Sarah Ellen, Viola, Wallace, Mary Louisa, Moses, Elijah, Melville, Henry, Jane, and Addie.

      Viola married Simon P. Hageman* and was the mother of Grace Hageman Fosler.

      Abraham was a great grandfather of Wayne Fosler, Eleanor Fosler Vogt, and LaVerne Fosler Bjorback, all of the Seward area.

      Mary H. Johnson was born Jan. 3, 1834, in Fulton county, Illinois. Was married to Abram Wallick, July 26, 1850. Moved to Iowa in 1853. Joined the Baptist church in 1858. Moved to Seward county in 1868, where she died in February, 1871.
      Mrs. W. was the mother of thirteen children, as follows: Elizabeth V. Smith, now dead, Christian J., John F., Ellen, Abram M., Martha N. [SIC, should be Martha V.], Elvira [SIC, should be Elijah], Melville, Wallace, Mary L., Henry C., Ada, and Jane.
      Mrs. Wallick is remembered by all the older settlers a s a very worthy Christian lady, who went through great tribulation to her brighter home in the skies to receive her crown.

JOHNSON, ELIJAH     STREET, SARAH J     FULTON     10/24/1861     00D/0002     00000231

Was born in Fulton county, Ill., Oct. 8, 1838. Was raised a farmer boy. While young was in poor health, and for some time it was thought that he would not live to become a man. His school privileges were meagre. His father was killed by accident when the lad was but twelve. At fourteen he resided with his grandparents at Lewiston. At eighteen commenced teaching in his native county, and until he was twenty-six he taught and went to school alternately, at the Lewiston Seminary. His health failing, he was compelled to abandon teaching. Married Miss Jane Street, in October, 1861. Shortly after their marriage they were both converted, under the pastorate of Rev. J. V. B. Flock, of the U. B. church, at Johnson school-house in Fulton county. He soon became impressed with the idea that it was his duty to preach the gospel. Was licensed in August, 1864. His health was so very poor that a change of climate was a necessity, and in 1866, May 13th, the family settled in Seward county. For six years his health was so poor that he could do but little preaching. He organized the first U. B. class at the residence of C. J. Neihardt. Commenced his regular work in the ministry in 1872 and 1873. Organized several churches in the county in the years 1874 and 1875. Conducted some revivals, in which a hundred or more were converted, and seventy-five were organized into classes. Was elected presiding elder in 1875, and was appointed to the south-east district of Nebraska. His labors were very successful, and during that year over four hundred were added to the church. Was re-elected in 1876, and sent to Fairmont district. This embraced Polk, York, Seward, Saline, Jefferson, Fillmore, and part of Hamilton counties. Overcome with labors, he rested during 1877, but was in the pulpit nearly every Sabbath. Was again elected elder in 1878, and sent to Omaha district, but was compelled to resign on account of ill health, but did service on West Blue circuit in York county. His labors were blessed, witnessing fifty conversions, and under his leadership Bethel church was erected. In 1879 was assigned to Lincoln creek circuit, and labored in Seward county and this year organized Seward church. In 1880 was appointed to Seward circuit, and that year their church was built and witnessed a revival. Was again elected presiding elder in 1881, and was assigned to Omaha district, but was unfortunately compelled again to resign. In 1882 was sent to Crete circuit, and labored with success, witnessing forty conversions.
[p.260]
Remained in charge of Crete circuit during 1883. In 1884 was again elected presiding elder, and sent to Plattsmouth district, where he remained in that honored position until the present. Was elected for fifteen consecutive years as corresponding secretary of the conference. Mr. Johnson has now regained his health and is quite rugged. His life has been thus far a very useful one in spreading the gospel in this new land.

Moses M. Johnson, b. 5 Aug., 1839; m. 24 Dec., 1868, Eliza J. Dowman; had 3 sons and 3 daus.

JOHNSON, MOSES M         DOWNING, ELIZA JANE         FULTON       12/24/1868     D/ 132       331

THURMAN, CHARLES J     JOHNSON, DEBORAH     KNOX     01/29/1863     00B/0094     00005491

SKILLMAN, JOHN S         JOHNSON, ZERILDA E         KNOX         09/03/1863        B/ 104         5653

CASE NO         PLAINTIFF                 DEFENDANT                         DATE
____________________________________________________________
5624         SKILLMAN, ZERILDA         SKILLMAN, JOHN S.         1872-06

REECE, ALLEN J         SKILLMAN, ZERILDA MRS         FULTON         09/22/1875         E/ 29         224

GROOM                                BRIDE                                    CNTY          DATE            VOL/PAGE      LIC

SKILLMAN, THOMAS        JOHNSON, AMERICA        KNOX        12/08/1864        B/ 130        6070

"Mrs. Skillman (America) was an Aunt of Martha Viola Wallick and took her to raise when her own mother died when she was only 9 years old. America was a sister of Martha Viola Wallick's mother, Mary H. Johnson Wallick."¹⁴

"Page, 11, Milford P.O., Seward Prct., 5 July 1870"
120 " Skillman, Thos,"               26              M              W              Farmer              NJ
              "Skillman, America" 23              F              W              Keeps house              IL
              "Skillman, Jeremiah" 3              M              W              NE

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.

Thomas David Skillman, one of Nebraska's territorial pioneers, son of Randall Skillman and Magdelene Vorhees, 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."

Their marriage license is listed in the online Illinois state records as:⁵

WAGONER, JOHN     JOHNSON, ORRENA E     FULTON     03/09/1873     00D/0212     00000071