Benjamin Ryder Stouffer

Benjamin Ryder Stouffer, South Omaha, Neb., son of Jacob and Eliza (Ryder) Stouffer, was born at Chambersburg, Pa., June 26, 1844. His ancestors came from Switzerland, first settling in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1774. They were adherents of William Penn and identified with the movement of which he was the head, although not members of the particular Penn religious organization. The Stouffers were millers, and for a century were foremost in this line in their section and were very successful. Benjamin R. Stouffer received a common school education, was reared in the milling business, and continued to be associated with his father and brothers until 1873 when, suffering financially in the panic, he resolved not to engage in the milling business again.

In 1876 he removed to Nebraska, settling on a farm he had purchased in Richardson County, where he remained until 1882, when he moved to Bellevue and soon after engaged in farming and dairying. He followed this occupation at Bellevue until 1896, when, six months after the organization of the State Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co., he became its secretary. Since then he has devoted his energies to the building up of the business of this company and with marked success. From a small constituency, the company has increased its business until now there are over 7,000 policies in force.

Transcribed and contributed by David Stouffer.