Ralzeman Emery

EMERY

Posted By: Melody Lager (email)
Date: 3/2/2026 at 07:54:27

Greeley Center, Neb., March 9 - [Special Correspondence.] Few men have entered upon the stage of life with as serene a line before its glarish foot-lights as Balramen Emery of Greeley Center, Neb.

On the 17th day of August, 1795, he was born in the town of Temple, N. H. His father was of English and his mother of Irish stock. but both parents were born in New Hampshire. For the first twenty-four years of life he trod his native hills, the greater portion of the time being devoted to herding sheep.

At 24 he married and with the true spirit of a pioneer, after receiving the parental blessings, with his young wife started for the dim, distant, wild and woolly west, and after an eventful journey he arrived in Oneida County, New York. This was then the boundless west. Here he remained until 1846, when he removed to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1880, when he removed to Nemaha County, Nebraska and in 1888 moved to Greeley Center, his present home.

Grandpa Emery, as he is now lovingly called, was tall in stature, gaunt in flesh, sickness he never experienced and today his stalwart form is erect and has every faculty of the body and mind unimpaired.

His political career has been peculiar. His first vote was for James Monroe in 1816 and at every election since the sacred portals of the ballot box received with the true impress of democracy stamped upon it. His faith in the sublime principles of the Democratic Party never faltered, and adherence to his party since he began his first campaign in the golden days of the "era of good feeling" until to this, has been faithful, consistent and fearless. He never was a candidate for office. He has been a great reader and his memory is marvelous. Pope and Homer are his favorite authors and he can recite the entire "essay on man." He has never used tobacco. He has been temperate but was never a total abstainer. Though a firm believer in revelations, he has never joined any church denomination. His first and only love, whom he married at 24, died twenty years ago. He did not remarry. Four sons were born to him and are all living. He is at present living with his son, A. B. Emery, and his grandson, Will Emery, and his great grandson, Frank Emery, also reside with him.

He joined the Free Masons in New York in 1819, and has ever since been an active and honored member of that organization. His life struggle has been an honorable conflict. In him right has always found a champion. Generous of heart, pure of soul. Firm in his convictions, no wonder that Ralzamen Emery was beloved by his friends and respected by all.

Morning World-Herald - April 20, 1891