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E. D. NASH, grain dealer, and proprietor of St. Joseph Elevator No. 1.  One of the most important features of the commerce of St. Joseph is its grain trade.  The largest dealer in this branch, not only in St. Joseph, but in the Northwest, is E. D, Nash, who came to Missouri from his native State, New York, in 1859, and has since been closely identified as a buyer and shipper of grain.  The capacity of the St. Joseph Elevator is 175,000 bushels.  Mr. Nash was formerly, for several years, in the grain trade at Savannah.  He commenced business in St. Joseph in 1869, the firm being Waterman & Nash.  In 1875 he built the St. Joseph elevator.  During the year 1880 the receipts amounted to one and a half million bushels.  Mr. Nash buys at Savannah, Rosedale, Bolckow, Barnard, Pickering, Hopkins, Forest City, Craig, Mound City, Maitland, Skidmore, Whitman and other points.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 837

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EDWARD B. NEELY, was born in Accomac County, Virginia, December 25, 1828.  He enjoyed the benefits of early and classical training under his father, Professor John Neely, a gentleman of fine attainments as a linguist and great ability as a teacher.  Edward, in his seventeenth year, entered the junior class of Washington College, Pennsylvania, and soon after was appointed tutor of ancient languages.  He was graduated with honor in 1847, and commenced his life-work of teaching, accepting the position of assist ant in an academy near Baltimore.  A year later he went to his native county and conducted a select school, and upon the death of his father succeeded him as principal of Margaret Academy, in East Virginia.  From the first was an enthusiastic and successful teacher.  Was married, May 5th, 1852, to Miss Charlotte Slagle, daughter of Hon. Jacob Slagle, of Washington, Pennsylvania.  He moved to St. Joseph in 1854, and, in connection with a fellow student, established an academy, infusing into the management and teaching his individuality and enthusiasm.  Mis associate soon turned his attention to commercial pursuits, leaving Mr. Neely in sole charge of the academy, and he soon won for himself and school the confidence and support of the people.  Upon the organization of the St. Joseph public school system, in 1860, he consented to become principal of the High School.  The public schools were suspended during the late civil war, and Mr. Neely again opened his private school.  In 1864, the public schools were reopened, and Mr. Neely was unanimously appointed superintendent.  So ably and wisely did he fill this position that he has held it ever since.  From this point on, the history of St. Joseph public schools and that of Mr. Neely are synonymous.  In 1866, he was President of the Missouri State Teachers' Association, and was the same year, also, County Superintendent of public schools, receiving, for that position, a vote far in excess of any party strength.  He was, in 1870, appointed a member of the Board of Regents of the State Normal Schools, and by that Board elected its President.  The best evidence of Mr. Neely's ability, enthusiasm and success as a teacher is shown in the fact that he has been for seventeen consecutive terms elected Superintendent of the St. Joseph public schools, and was for six years and a half of that time County Superintendent of schools, each time elected with an increased majority.  The Board of Public Schools have honored themselves and complimented him by naming one of their finest buildings the "Neely School."  Mr. Neely's professional standing is well attested in the above outline of his career.  He is a genial, studious, hardworking, painstaking gentleman, of great administrative ability, who infuses into his teachers much of his own individuality, and makes his home as pleasant and charming as his public life is unblemished, honorable and successful.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 837

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GEORGE A. NELSON, farmer, Section 27, post office St. Joseph, was born Apr. 18, 1830, and is a native of Norway.  He was reared in his native country till sixteen years of age, receiving his education in the common schools.  In 1846, with his parents, he came to America, and located in Buchanan County.  In 1853, he went to California, where he remained till 1861, and while there was engaged in mining.  His farm contains 100 acres, all of which is well improved.  He was in the Missouri State Militia twelve months.  He was married Aug. 26, 1873, to Miss Osa Thompson.  She was born in Norway, Jan. 31, 1850.  They have four children, Irena M., born Sept. 20, 1874; Newton P., born May 27, 1876; Thomas N., born May 8, 1878, and Clarence, born Dec. 3, 1880.  His father, Peter, who now lives on the adjoining farm, was born in Norway, June 10, 1794, and while in his native country he was principally engaged in boat building and working on the sea.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 838

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J. J. NEWELL, dentist, was born in Green County, New York, June 17th, 1846, and when quite young removed to Ulster County, with his parents; his father, J. J., who is a native of Richmond, Virginia, was a contractor and builder, and died when the son was thirteen years old.  Our subject received the benefits of the common schools, after which he commenced the study of dentistry, at Kingston, New York., under Dr. Travis, a graduate of the Boston Dental College.  After becoming thoroughly familiarized with the details of the profession he took a course in the College of Dentistry, in Boston.  He commenced to practice in January, 1867, at Jeffersonville, New York, remaining three years, when he came to Missouri, locating at Plattsburg, where he practiced successfully until January, 1877, then removed to this city.  The family are of English extraction; his mother was Lucy Shaffer, the Shaffers being an old time York State family.  Casper Shaffer was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.  Mr. N. was married, in October, 1871, to Miss Clara Zook, daughter of Thomas Zook, well known in the commercial circles of northern Missouri. They have three children: Aulbion, Eddie F. and Beulah.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 839

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CHARLES T. NICHOLS, millwright, was born in Lewis County, New York, Apr. 18, 1830, and was there educated.  When seventeen years of age he went to Carthage, Jefferson County, where he learned the millwright trade, and worked in various parts of the East, in 1861 assisting in organizing a company for the United States service.  On account of inability for duty he was obliged to remain from the contest.  His three brothers, U. S. Merritt, S. and James L. were soldiers in the Union cause, the latter dying in the service from disease.  His father, Samuel, was  a bridge builder and stone contractor.  In 1865 Mr. Nichols came West, spending the greater portion of two years at Helena and Virginia City, Montana.  He erected the first saw-mill in Helena, and during his stay there was also interested in mining.  He afterwards returned home, going to San Francisco and thence by steamer to New York.  the spring of 1867 found him in St. Joseph, where he has since been a resident.  His business extends throughout Northern Missouri, portions of Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.  The St. Joseph Glucose Works, one of the largest institutions of the kind in the country, was fitted and placed in running order by Mr. Nichols.  Millwright work is his specialty, but he is an adept in the various branches of mechanism.  He married in 1864 Miss L. A. Pardee, of New York.  He is a member of hte Masonic fraternity.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 839

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S. W. NIEMEYER, dealer in lime, cement and painters' sundries, was born in Prussia, Germany, Jan. 18, 1830, and was reared, educated and learned the painter's trade in his native country.  when in about his twenty-fourth year, he came to America, previous to which he spent one year in London, England.  After remaining one year in New York, he went to New Orleans, spending over a year in New York, he went to New Orleans, spending over a year, when he came to St. Louis, there residing until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as Sergeant.  Was in the engagements at Springfield, Missouri, Pea Ridge, and with Curtis in the campaign from Pea Ridge to Helena.  In 1863, while in a skirmish, he was severely wounded, which resulted in his being honorably discharged.  He returned to St. Louis, resided there for a time, and thence to Leavenworth, and in the spring of 1865 came to St. Joseph.  Until 1879, he was engaged in painting, and in that year opened his present house, which he has made a success.  Was married in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Gregory, who died, and he was again married in 1868, to Josephine Fitore.  By this union they have five children - william, Gustave, Annie, Lizzie and Fred.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 840

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C. NIEMANN, is a native of Prussia, Germany, and was there reared, educated, and learned the cabinet making trade.  In 1852, he came to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for three years, after which he came to Quincy, Illinois, engaging in the manufacture of furniture, and, for a time, did a large and lucrative business.  Unfortunately, his factory was burned, which proved a serious loss financially.  In 1866, he came to St. Joseph, and for five years was the junior member of L. Hax & Co., and since has been superintendent.  He is an artist in all departments of the furniture trade, a close observer, and a skilled manager.  Mr. Niemann is a member of the Catholic Church, and the German Catholic Benevolent Society.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 840

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E. M. NILES, of Niles, Riblet & Co., proprietors of the Vulcan Machine Shop, manufacturers of engines, boilers, etc., is a native of New London County, Connecticut, and was born Feb. 16, 1840.  When quite young he came West, and located at Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he resided four years, and learned the machinist's trade.  He resided in Colorado and other localities until 1866, when he became a resident of St. Joseph.  For several years he was foreman in the foundry now operated by Crowther & Rogers, and for nine years was in the employ of the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad Company.  In the spring of 1881, he engaged in trade.  He has had a varied experience as a machinist, and is a very thorough one.  Was married in 1870, to Miss Annie Tracy.  They have four children - Harry, Fred, Milton and Calvin.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 841

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CHARLES NOLD, carpenter and builder, was born in Prussia, Germany, Mar. 29, 1842.  His father, Adam Nold, died in 1874.  Charles, remained in his native country until seventeen years of age, when he crossed the ocean, taking up his abode in Illinois.  There resided until 1866, when he came to St. Joseph.  Among the buildings that Mr. Nold constructed is Hax's furniture establishment, the Beigly & Robinson three stores, and others.  He was married in Illinois, to Miss S. Keefer.  They have four children, John W., Carrie, Henry, and Harrison.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Humboldt Lodge, 130.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 841

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C. B. NORRIS, foreman, Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad Company, is well known among railroad officials and employes.  He was born in Waldo County, Maine, Aug. 19, 1839, and was reared in the town of Searsport.  His father, Cyrus B., was a blacksmith, and the subject adopted and learned that profession.  For several years he was a seafaring man, and was second mate on a brig.  In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Nineteenth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was transferred to the navy and served until 1864, when he was honorably discharged.  In 1867 he came West, and for a few years was engaged in mining in Montana, and after that he came to St. Joseph, engaging with the Kansas City Company as blacksmith, afterwards was fireman on the road, and eventually engineer.  In 1879 he took charge of the round-house. Few railroad men are more familiar with the general detail of the business than Mr. Norris.  He was married in the autumn of 1866 to Miss Hattie J. Patterson, of Maine.  They have two children, Hattie L. and Clara E.  He is a Mason, belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandry.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 842

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THOMAS NORRIS, dealer in dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, groceries, etc., Pateetown, is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and was born Feb. 8, 1831.  His father, Thomas Norris, was a native of that state.  At an early age our subject removed to Baltimore, Maryland, where he learned the cabinet making trade, and in 1850, came to St. Joseph and engaged in working at his trade, for a time being with D. J. Heaton.  In 1853, he went overland to California, returning in 1857, and remained until 1859, when he again drifted westward, going to Pike's Peak.  In 1860, he came here again, and engaged in merchandising, the firm being Norris & Turner, afterwards Norris & Ray, and latterly Norris & Payne.  He has been closely associated with the progress of the city and county.  In 1861, Miss Margaret Louden became his wife.  She is the daughter of Hugh Louden, one of the pioneers of the county.  They have seven children living: William, Annie, Edwin, Thomas H., Richard, Lula and Nellie B.  They lost three: Eppa, Ida and Thomas.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 841

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C. NOWLAND, contractor, is a native of London, England, and was born Feb. 6, 1847.  His father, Henry, was a contractor and builder, in that city, and there our subject became proficient in the business.  In 1869, he came to America, taking up his abode in St. Joseph.  Few contractors are more widely known than Mr. Nowland.  His wife was formerly Miss Mary Jones.  They have five children, three of whom are living: Alice, Minnie and Maud; lost two: Freddie and Edith.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 841

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NUNNING & SON, brewers. Henry Nunning, the senior member, was born in Province of Westphalia, Prussia, and emigrated to America in 1849, locating at LaPorte, Indiana.  He engaged in business, and after closing out, emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1854.  The son, junior member of above firm, was born in LaPorte.  Mr. Nunning established the brewery in St. Joseph in 1854.  August was taken into the firm in 1879, and has been the successful manager ever since.  The old brewery was situated corner of Eleventh and Faraon Streets, but became too small, and they were compelled to build a new one on its present site.  This building is 208x64 feet, two-stories high, with 400 feet of cellar; four dry kilns, sixteen fermenting tubs of fifty barrels capacity each, and three of sixty-five barrels capacity each.  They do their own malting.  The capacity of this brewery is sixty-five barrels at a brew, consuming 38,000 bushels of barley per year.  They give employment to thirteen men, and their salaries amount to $1,000 per month.
Source:  History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881 - Page 842