Nebraska Biographies






Webster County Biographies
 F. C. BUSCHOW, farmer, Section 10 post office Blue Hill, was born in Prussia. Came to Woodford County, Ill., in 1867 with
   his parents, and there engaged in farming. In 187? came to Webster County, Neb., where he has since resided. He owns 320
   acres of land, which is improved with over twenty-two acres of forest trees and other improvements. He is now Justice of the
   Peace, and has been School Director. Married Miss Mary Kuhblank, also a native of Prussia. She came to Nebraska with her
   parents in 1881.


CANFIELD & PARKER, hardware, stoves, etc. A. B. Canfield was born in Canandaigua, N. Y. Moved near Toledo, Ohio, in 1837, and engaged in farming and merchandising. In 1875 he came to Edgar, Neb., and also engaged in merchandising. In the fall of 1881 he came to Blue Hill, and established this business. W. G. Parker was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. He came to Ashland, Saunders Co., Neb., in 1862. In about 1871 he removed to Nuckolls County. Was clerk in a hardware store there till the fall of 1881, when he came to Blue Hill, when this firm was established. He was married in the fall of 1880 to Miss Jessie Canfield, of Ohio. They have one son -- W. Earle.


JOHN S. HOOVER, grain and live stock, was born in La Porte County, Ind. He came to Decatur, Ill., in 1856, and there was engaged in selling clocks. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Co. K, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, and served over four years. Soon after entering the service he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Was detailed on Gen. John A Logan's staff as Aid-de-Camp, and promoted to the rank of Captain and Aid-de-Camp. On their march to Washington he was again promoted to Major and Aide-de-Camp. He was mustered out in Cincinnati in 1865 with the brevet rank of Colonel, then returned to Indiana, and engaged in merchandising. July, 1876, came to Hastings, Neb., and engaged in grain. In 1879 he came to Blue Hill, built this elevator, and has since been engaged in this business.


JOHN S. MCCLELLAND was born in Scotland, and there raised. In 1864, he came to Oxford, Canada. In the fall of 1879 he came to Blue Hill, and built the Central Hotel. Enlarged this house in the spring of 1882, and sold it. He was married in 1850 to Margaret Mathison, of Scotland. They have six children -- one son and five daughters.


SOLOMON MANDELBAUM, manager for M. Weinberg & Co., general merchandise, was born in Saxony, Germany. Came to Cincinnati in 1860, and there learned the cigar trade. In 1863, he came to Chicago, and worked at the business two years. He then started a cigar factory, and employed from ten to fifteen hands. He continued this business for about five years. Also carried on the furniture trade about eight years. In 1876 he came to Hastings, Neb., and was manager of the firm of M. Weinberg & Co. about three years. He then came to Blue Hill, and opened this store, where he has since been in charge of this business. He also opened a branch store for this firm at Ayr, which is now in charge of one of his clerks. He was married December, 1868, to  Miss Adaline, daughter of David Weinberg. She was born in New York City. They have two children -- Carrie and Jacob.


G. M. MOREY, agent for the Burlington & Missouri Railroad and American Express agent, was born in Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., and came with his parents to Missouri in 1859. His father was agent for the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad at Shelbina, Mo., during the war. They then returned to Rochester, N. Y. They afterward removed to Danville, N. Y., where he was employed as Teller in a bank. In 1867 the family returned to Missouri, and engaged in farming. About 1868 he commenced to learn the telegraph business in Osborn, Mo., and has been engaged in railroad business most of the time since. Since 1876 he has been in the employ of the Burlington & Missouri Railroad. Took charge of the station September 5, 1879. Was married in October, 1879, to Miss C. B. Williams, of Forest City, Holt County, Mo. They have one daughter -- Maude.


. A. SIMPSON of the firm of Simpson & Sweezy, bankers, was born in Ontario County, N. Y. He came to Clinton County, Iowa, in 1872, and there taught school and carried on a farm. In 1879 he came to Blue Hill, where he has since been engaged in loans, real estate, and banking.


DR. PH. D. SHUNK, physician and surgeon, was born in Washington County, Wis., and raised in Waukesha County. Took an academic course at the Waukesha College, and also attended the State University three years, and taught school one year. He attended the Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he graduated February 24, 1880. He then came to Blue Hill, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. 


C. G. WILSON, farmer, Section 10, post office Blue Hill, was born in Jay County, Ind., there raised, and assisted on a farm. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. A, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served to the end of the war. Participated in the capture of Vicksburg, capture of Mobile, and was in all the battles of that campaign. In 1872 he came to Nebraska, located in Adams County, and there took up a quarter section, which he  improved.  This he has since sold. In the spring of 1882, he removed to his present farm, consisting of 160 acres. When in Adams County was one term County Commissioner, and Justice of the Peace two terms. Married in 1864 to Miss Emma Harper, of Ohio. They have six children -- three sons and three daughters.


C. F. ALLEN, of the firm of C. F. Allen & Co., lumber, doors, sash and blinds, is a native of Orono, Maine. At the age of two
    years came with his parents to Whitewater, Wis., his father then being engaged in the lumber business; at first assisted
    with his father, and in fact has always been since a boy engaged in this business. In 1874 he came to Chicago; was
    engaged in the commission firm of L. C. Platt & Co., and continued two years. In the fall of 1875 he came to Leon, Iowa.
    In the fall of 1879 he came to Guide Rock and established this business.


CHARLES G. CODMAN, sheep business, is a native of Boston, Mass., and was there raised and educated. In 1878 he came to Nebraska. The following year he with Mr. Prescott engaged extensively in sheep raising. They own now about 3000 head.


J. W. CRARY, general merchandise, was born in New London County, Conn. At the age of eighteen he came to Grundy County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. In 1870 he enlisted in the Third United States Infantry, and served five years. In the fall of 1875 he came to Guide Rock, formed a partnership with A. Garber. This continued till 1880, when he withdrew from the firm, and established his present business, which he has since continued.


A. H. CRARY, farmer, section 4; post office, Guide Rock, was born in the town of Preston, New London County, Conn., in 1865. At the age of twenty-three he came to Clayton County, Iowa. In 1867 he came to Grundy County. In 1872 he came to Guide Rock, took a claim of 160 acres, where he now resides. He now owns and controls about a section and a quarter. He also owns 182 head of cattle, 200 sheep, four teams and employs two hands constantly, and is one of the largest and most successful farmers in the county. He has been three years county commissioner. In 1874 he bought a half interest with A. Garber in his store; retained this interest till the fall of 1879, when he withdrew from the business.

A. GARBER, general merchandise, was born in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. He came to Clayton County, Iowa, in 1851, with his parents. He enlisted in 1861 in Company D, Third Missouri Infantry, and served his enlistment of three years. He then returned to Iowa and engaged in farming. June 10, 1870, he came to Guide Rock, located his claim, and is one of the earliest settlers of the county. In 1874 he opened a store on his homestead, which is located half mile east of town; carried on the business there till 1877, when he built a store in Guide Rock. Mr. G. is one of the oldest merchants in this locality. He has been connected with the school board since it organization. He owns two-fifths of the town site, and other property in town.

JOHN S. MARSH, Esq., of Guide Rock, Neb., dealer in live stock, also of the firms of Proudfit and Marsh, general hardware, and George Proudfit & Co., lumber dealers. He was born in Seneca County, N. Y., and was there engaged in farming, and also taught school. In April, 1878, he came to Saline County, Neb. In November, 1878, he removed to Bloomington, Neb., and was there engaged in the lumber business one year. In November, 1879, he removed to Guide Rock, Neb., and there engaged in the lumber business. In the spring of 1879, he engaged in the hardware business, which business he has since continued.

E. O. PARKER, post master, was born in New Bedford, Mass., and there raised. At the age of fifteen he engaged in the whaling service. This he followed about seven years. He then went to California and engaged in mining about five years. In 1854 he came to Jones County, Iowa, and engaged in farming about twenty years. He came to Guide Rock in 1874, and also engaged in farming. In 1880 he was appointed post master. He is also justice of the peace and notary.

A. S. PROUDFIT, of the firm of Proudfit & Marsh, hardware, stoves &c., was born in Milwaukee, Wis. At the age of thirteen the family removed to Grant County, Wis., where he assisted them on their farm. In 1876 he came to Friendville, Neb., and worked at the carpenter trade there about one year. In 1877 he came to Sidney, and in the fall removed to York. In 1878 he came to Red Cloud. In 1879 came to Bloomington, and in the fall of 1880 he came Guide Rock, and has since been engaged in this business. Their sales amount to $20,000 a year.

DR. J. W. ROBINSON, physician and surgeon, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., 1852, and came to Independence, Iowa, in 1869, there took up the study of medicine, and later attended two courses of lectures at the State University of Iowa. In January, 1878, he came to Webster County, Neb. In the spring of 1879 he came to Guide Rock where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, also carrying on the drug business, this being the only drug store in Guide Rock.

J. B. SABIN, proprietor Guide Rock House, was born March 11, 1832, in Madison County, N. Y. At the age of twelve he came with his parents to Kenosha County, Wis., and assisted on their farm. In 1856 he came to Steele County, Minn., and engaged in farming. In 1865 he removed to Mitchell County, Iowa, and there also followed farming. In April, 1870, he came to Gage County, Neb., bought a crop and engaged in farming there till the fall of 1871, when he came to Guide Rock, took a homestead two miles east of town. This he improved. June 1881, he bought this hotel, which he has since managed. There are thirteen rooms for the accommodation of guests, each in perfect order and comfortably furnished. He was married July, 1856, to Miss Louisa Ward, of Sauk County, Wis. They have three children -- Mary E., Addie J., and William P. The land Mr. Sabin settled on and improved, was the first homestead taken in Webster County.

DR. J. E. SMITH, physician -- and engaged in sheep raising -- was born in Jefferson County, N. Y. He came to Ingham County, Mich., in 1842; there took up the study of medicine. After receiving a preparatory course of studies he attended the Cleveland Homeopathic College, and graduated in 1856. He returned to Michigan and practiced in Ionia and Jackson till 1872, when he came to Guide Rock and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He owns a sheep ranch of 280 acres, where he feeds about 1000 sheep, and now intends devoting his entire attention to raising sheep. The Doctor was a member of the Legislature from 1876 to 1880. In the fall of 1881 he was elected county commissioner. He has also been connected with the schools most of the time since coming here.

ANDREW M. TALBOT, agricultural implements and real estate, was born in Portage County, Ohio. At the age of thirteen he came with his parents to La Salle County, Ill., and assisted on their farm. He enlisted October, 1861, in Company I, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, and served about three years. He returned to Illinois and engaged in merchandising. On June 10, 1870, he came to Guide Rock and took a claim of 160 acres, which he still owns. He also owns six blocks in Talbot's addition. Mr. Talbot was the first Past Master of Guide Rock, and held the office about two years. He has been school director and treasurer of District No. 1 two terms. He is now engaged in the agricultural business.

JOHN L. VANCE, real estate and farming, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, and served four years, four months and 15 days. He was discharged with the rank of captain. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Adair Creek and Ather's. He returned to Ohio and engaged in merchandising. In 1877 he came to Guide Rock and opened a drug store. This business he continued about three years. He owns eighty-five acres of land adjoining town; also half of Vance's addition and second addition. He was married in 1870 to Miss C. E. Alexander, of Alexandria, Indiana. They have two children -- one son and one daughter.


L. P. ALBRIGHT, President of the Webster County Bank, was born in Mifflin County, Pa., and there raised. He was engaged as a commercial traveler about two years. In 1878 came to Red Cloud, and followed live stock and farming; also a short time engaged in the music business. He has been Deputy Sheriff and Town Trustee. This bank was established October 1, 1881.
   Mr. Albright bought Dr. Shilder's interest January 1, 1882. He then became President. R. V. Shirey, Cashier of this bank, is a native of Clearfield County, Pa. Was raised in Illinois. Received a course of studies at the Mount Morris Seminary. In the fall of 1876 came to Chicago, and was employed with a wholesale chemical house two years. In 1879 came to York, and entered the banking house of Sayre & Atkins, where he remained for two years. In the fall of 1881 came to Red Cloud, and has since been connected with this bank.


A. T. AYERS, farmer, Section 32, Town 2, Range 12, post office, Riverton, was born October 1, 1830, in Madison County, Ohio. When a year old his parents moved to Tazewell County, Ill. There he assisted on their farm. In 1850 came to Cedar County, Iowa. There married Miss Lucinda Snow, of Indiana. They have one son. In 1867 they removed to Linn County, and followed farming. In November, 1870, they came to Nebraska city. Settled in Webster County February, 1871. Took a homestead of 160 acres, where they now reside. He has since followed farming, and is largely engaged in live stock. Mr. A. has been County Commissioner one term, and has held most of the local offices in his precinct. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. G, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry. Was mustered out as First Sergeant at the close of the war.

GEORGE W. BALL, of the firm of Ball, Cover & Co., farming implements, sewing machines, wagons, etc., was born in Fulton County, Ind., and there raised. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, Eighty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Was discharged on account of physical disability January, 1863. Re-enlisted November 18, 1863, in Co. G, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry. Was mustered out in May, 1868. Was Second Lieutenant. He participated in thirteen battles, among which were the battles of Nashville, Franklin, Atlanta, and others. Was engaged on patrol duty the last year in the service. Returned to Indiana, and was engaged in merchandising about two years, and in farming November, 1870, came to Webster County. Took  claim of 160 acres four and one half miles east of Red Cloud. Engaged in farming about eight years. This farm he still owns. July, 1878, the firm of Miller & Ball was established. This continued till January 1882, when the firm changed to Ball, Cover & Co.

J. P. BAYHA, County Clerk, war born in Wheeling, W. Va., and there raised. Enlisted in 1862 in Battery D, First West Virginia Light Artillery. Served to the end of the war. In 1865 came to Dakota City, Neb., and engaged in merchandising. In the spring of 1878 came to Red Cloud. Was employed as bookkeeper for Samuel Garbon. Held this position till January 1, 1882, when he assumed charge of this office, having been elected County Clerk in the fall of 1881.

CHARLES BUSCHOW, County Treasurer, was born in Prussia. There learned the trade of shoemaking. Worked at it three years. In 1867, came to Woodford County, Ill. Followed this trade one winter, then engaged in farming. In the spring of 1873 came to Webster County, Neb. Took a homestead claim of 160 acres, which he still owns. Mr. Buschow has been Assessor of Potsdam Precinct since it organization, and School Treasurer. Was United States Census Enumerator for 1880. In the fall of 1881 he was elected County Treasurer.

O. C. CASE, firm of Case & McNeny, attorneys at law, is a native of Rochester, N. Y.; was there raised and received his early education. In 1874 came to Iowa City, Iowa, entered the Law Department of the State University; graduated in 1876. He then practiced law in Iowa till 1879, when he came to Red Cloud, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. James McNeny, of the above firm, was born January 28, 1854, at Port Henry, N. Y. He entered the Port Jarvis Academy, where he received a preparatory course of studies. He also attended the University of Ottawa, Canada, three and a half years. August, 1876, he entered the Elizabethtown College, there remained till April, 1878, when he came to Red Cloud, Neb. Studied law with H. S. Kaley, subsequently with O. C. Case. Was admitted to the bar November, 1880. The following October he became a member of the law firm of Case & McNeny, which has since continued.

A. COOK, boots and shoes. Was born July 11, 1827, in Prussia, there learned this trade. In the fall of 1846 came to St. Louis, Mo. There worked at his trade. In 1858 he removed to Louisa County, Iowa. Carried on this business in Wapella till December, 1879, when he came to Red Cloud, and opened this store. Married in 1859 to Christina Beck, of Germany. She died in 1864, aged 30 years. Have one son. Second marriage to Charlotte Raco, in the spring of 1871. She is also a native of Germany. They have two daughters.

JOSEPH GARBER, meat market. Was born July 4, 1840, in Logan County, Ohio. In 1851 came to Clayton County, Iowa, and engaged in teaching school. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. D, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Served to the end of the war. Returned to Clayton County, and continued teaching. June, 1870, he came to Webster County. In 1872 removed to Nuckolls County. Held the office of County Clerk two terms. In 1875, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention. Returned to Red Cloud in 1877. Has since been engaged in farming. During 1871 he held the office of County Commissioner. Mrs. Garber was the first resident white woman in Webster County. They have four children, three daughters and one son.

SAMUEL GARBER, retired, was born December 11, 1821, in Rockingham County, Virginia. At the age of 11 years he came with his parents to Logan County, Ohio. There assisted on their farm. In 1851 came to Clinton County, Iowa, followed farming. October, 1871, he came to Red Cloud. He, with his brother Silas, opened a general store, which was the first general store in Red Cloud. Mr. Richardson was also a member of this firm one year. His brother Silas retired from the firm in 1876, he being elected Governor. Mr. Garber continued this business until January, 1882, when he sold out his stock to A. Kaley. He, with his brother, owns the northern part of the town site. He also owns 400 acres joining the town on the north, and 320 acres in Nuckolls and Webster Counties. Also 307 acres in Kansas. He with his son-in-law are carrying on a general store in Salem, Kansas under the firm name of S. Garber & Co., carrying stock of about $10,000.

HON. SILAS GARBER, retired, is a native of Logan County, Ohio. Was born September 21, 1833. There received a preparatory course of studies. At the age of seventeen he came to Clayton County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Third Missouri, known as the Lyon Regiment, and served for about one year. He then returned to Clayton County, Iowa. Again entered the service as First Lieutenant, Co. D, twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. This company he raised. He served in this capacity for about three months, when he was promoted to Captain of this company. He held this position to the end of the war. He participated in all the battles of the Red River campaign, and Pleasant Hill, La., battles of Old Oaks, Miss., Nashville, Tenn., and others, under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith. He then returned to  Clayton County. Soon after went to California, where he remained for four years. In May, 1870, he came to Nebraska, and located in Webster County. He is now the oldest resident of Red Cloud. At this time there were but two settlers in the county. He engaged in farming and general merchandising. He owns this town site, also eighty acres of land with his residence, which is one of the finest in the county. He also owns a tract of land of 101½ acres north of town. He was the first Probate Judge in this county. He also represented Webster, Nuckolls, and Jefferson Counties in the Legislature. After serving one year as Register of the United States Land Office, at Lincoln, he was elected Governor, which office he held two terms, from 1874 to 1878. He is now engaged in raising live stock.

GILHAM & TULLEYS, attorneys at law. J. A. Tulleys was born in Ross County, Ohio, and was there raised. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Co. H, Twenty seventh Ohio Infantry. Served three years. Returned to Ohio. Soon after came to Memphis. Was clerk in the Freedman's Depot about six months, then came to Illinois. Soon after returned to Ohio, and engaged in school teaching. In 1871 came to Iowa. May, 1872, came to Red Cloud. There was but four buildings here at that time. He engaged in teaching during the summer, and was subsequently employed as clerk in Mr. Garber's store. In the spring of 1873 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk. Held this office till January 1, 1882. During this time he pursued the study of law. Was admitted to practice March, 1882.

W. E. JACKSON, retired, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio; there he was raised. Enlisted in 1846 in the Mexican war, Co. H, Third Ohio Infantry. Served one year. In 1851 he came to Alamakee County, Iowa. There engaged in farming. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. B,  Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Served to the end of the war.  Returned to Iowa, and continued farming. July, 1870, he came to Webster County; the following month came to Red Cloud. Took a homestead claim of 160 acres, which has since been mostly sold for railroad purposes. he also owns 160 acres one-half mile east of town. He was the first Postmaster of Red Cloud; held the office two years. Was also the first County Superintendent. Married January 7, 1851, to Julia Miner of Perry County, Ohio.  They have three children -- one son and two daughters. Mrs. Jackson was the first white woman who resided in Red Cloud. They built a stockade, where they lived during the winter, accompanied by James Calvert and Finis E. Penny.

C. W. KALEY, attorney at law, was born in Mifflin County, Pa. At the age of seven came with his parents to Wyandot County, Ohio. Attended school and assisted on their farm. In 1874, came to Red Cloud, and studied law with his brother, now deceased. He was admitted to the bar in 1876. He was elected a member of the Legislature in the fall of 1881, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of his brother, H. S. Kaley. He was appointed by the Governor a member of the State Normal School Board. This position he still holds. In the fall of 1879 he was elected County Judge. His brother was the recipient of many important offices, and was appointed by the President Consul to Chemnetz, Germany, and was also a delegate to the Cincinnati Convention at the time of the nomination of President Hayes. He died August 26, 1881.

W. H. LUDLOW, brick manufacturer, was born in Hoboken, N. J., January 1, 1814. At the age of four years he came with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio. There he was apprenticed to the tanner's trade. He lived there and in Butler County in all about twenty-five years. In 1850 he came to Clinton County, Ind., and engaged in farming.  In 1854 removed to Benton County, Iowa, and also followed farming. In 1873 came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land. The past year he has been engaged in the manufacture of brick.  He was married in 1852 to Miss P. C. Bailey, of Indiana; have five children -- four sons and one  daughter. He has three sons by a former marriage. His son, Grant S. Ludlow, is now employed in the office of the Red Cloud Chief.

DAVID LUTZ, farmer, was born May 31, 1831, in Union County, Pa. At the age of five years came with his parents to Madison County, Ohio. Assisted on their farm. In January, 1854, came to Benton County, Iowa. There married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Rev. John Summers, then of Benton County. Have four children, one son and three daughters. His son, at the age of seven years, declaimed the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1875, at Red Cloud. November 13, 18976, with unshod feet, standing on the veritable table, he also declaimed the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia. Mr. Lutz followed the mason trade in Iowa till the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in Co. I, Second Iowa Cavalry. Served one year. Lost his right arm,  July, 1862, during a cavalry charge near Booneville, Miss. He then returned to Iowa. Was  engaged in teaching nine years. In 1871 came to Red Cloud, and engaged in the drug business a short time. Since then has been engaged in farming.

M. B. McNITT, Postmaster, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, and there raised. Enlisted in the fall of 1862 in Co. G, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, and served to the end of the war. Returned to Ohio, and engaged in farming. He came to Red Cloud September 8, 1872, put up a house, and opened a hardware store. Continued this business about eighteen months. He was appointed Postmaster January 1, 1874, which office he still holds.

A. S. MARSH, general merchandise. Was born in Oneida County, N. Y. Since a boy he has always been engaged in merchandising. In 1864 came to Chicago. In 1868 came to Beatrice, Neb. May, 1880, came to Red Cloud, and established this business worth about $40,000 a year.

MRS. SARAH MICK was born January 7, 1806, in Servier County, E. Tenn. When a child she came with her parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, where she lived until she was married to Lewis Kiser, January 16, 1823. Then lived within six miles of Dayton till 1830, when she came to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where she lived until 1847. A daughter on the verge of womanhood died in September, 1846. Her husband, Lewis Kiser, died in July, 1847, with erysipelas. Eight days later, a son, twenty-two years old, died with congestive fever. They both became Christians the year before they were married. He was one of the pillars and supporters of the Christian Church at West Point, Ind., and was Elder when he died. They had lived there near thirty years very happily. Her mother being dead, her father had made his home with her for twenty years. He was a preacher in the Christian Church. His names was James Kinkeman. He was born in Maryland, and died at her home February 12, 1853.  The next year after her husband died, her oldest son, James Kiser, and oldest daughter were both married. She was left with her two youngest children and her father, and he was getting old and feeble. In about three years she married Charles Mick, and they lived together over ten years, when she was again left a widow. She remained in Indiana, living with her son, James Kiser, until the war broke out. He  volunteered, and raised a company, and he was made Captain. This company was called the Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He, however, did not engaged in a battle, as he took sick, and was sick a long time. He was told to go North or he never would regain his health. Accordingly he went home and stayed at home three weeks. But on account of frequent request to return to the army, he returned too soon, and as soon as he went on duty he was taken sick and died in a few days at Corinth, Miss. His wife and mother had him taken home to bury. He was a good Christian man. He used to get "the boys" together and have prayer meetings in the tents. He died in May, 1862. In 1864 she went to Iowa, having three children married and living there. James had two little daughters -- Maggie and Arminta Kiser.  In about six years their mother died, leaving word on her deathbed for their grandma to come and get the children. She went from Iowa to Indiana and got the children and had them two years in Iowa. Her youngest daughter was married in Iowa to W. T. McBride, and lived there three or four years after they were married. Mrs. Mick, her son, Luther Mick, and her daughter and husband, McBride, concluded they would come to Nebraska. In 1870 they came to Nebraska with the two little Kiser girls. The McBrides had two small children, the first ever brought to Webster County. There names were Lena and Carrie McBride. Luther Mick was married at Red Cloud, Neb., and now lives at Salem, Jewel County, Kas, keeping store with Garber & Co. He is a good, honest business man. The two Kiser girls are both married. Maggie is Mrs. Dr. Robinson, of Guide Rock, Neb. Arminta is Mrs. Curtis Evans of Red Cloud, Neb. Mrs. Mick has lived alone a great deal in the last two years. He  granddaughter, Carrie McBride, is now living with her and going to school. She took a homestead at Guide Rock and lived there six and a half years, and then sold her homestead and came to Red Cloud, the county seat of Webster county, and built a house, and has money left to live on. She obeyed the Gospel in early life, and always tried to live up to her professions. She is seventy-six years old, but is still very active.

J. L. MILLER, dealer in harness and saddles, was born in Fulton County, Ind. Enlisted in 1863 in Co. H, Twentieth Indiana Infantry. Served to the end of the war. Returned to Indiana. In 1867 came to Nebraska, and followed contracting and building in Otoe and Johnson Counties. April, 1874, came to Red Cloud, and put up a few buildings. Afterward employed by Garber & Co. as clerk about eighteen months. He then bought out W. T. McBride, harness, etc. Has since been engaged in this business.

LEVI MOORE, farmer and real estate, was born in Pocahontas County, Va., and there lived till the age of twenty-two, when he came to McHenry County, Ill., and engaged in farming. In 1851 came to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and also followed farming. June, 1873, came to Red Cloud. Has since been engaged in the loan and real estate business, also farming. He owns a farm of 660 acres and one of 160 acres, also his residence in town with ten acres, the Commercial Hotel and livery barn, with twelve lots, the store building now occupied by A. S. Marsh, and other property.

Dr. J. M. MOSENA, physician and surgeon, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and there raised. Attended the Little Miami Seminary two years. In 1855 came to Burlington, Iowa. Attended the Baptist Collegiate Institute two years. He then took up the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. Ransom and later with Dr. A. P. McCollough. Then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa. Graduated in 1878. The following year he came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided. The Doctor has been in active practice since 1871. Dr. L. D. Denney, firm of Mosena & Denney, is a native of Brown County, Ohio. Received his medical education with Prof. North, of Keokuk, Iowa. Graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. In the spring of 1882 he came to Red Cloud, and became a member of the above firm.

E. M. PERKINS, of the firm of Besley & Perkins, hardware, tinware, stoves, etc., is a native of Bureau County, Ill. At the age of 20 years he entered the employ of Hibbard, Spencer & Co. Continued with this firm about eight years. Most of the time as traveling salesman. In 1880 came to Red Cloud. Has since been a member of the above firm.

A. C. POPE, farming implements, was born in Erie County, Pa.; raised in Wisconsin. He entered the State University, at Madison, and graduated in 1870. He then engaged in school teaching, which he continued till 1874, when he came to Webster County, located in Oak Creek Precinct, and engaged in farming. In 1876 he was elected County Superintendent. Held this office one term. In 1878 came to Red Cloud, and has since been engaged in his present business. He formerly was a resident of Blue Earth County, Minn. There held the office of Deputy Clerk of the Court. Also engaged in school teaching.

C. H. POTTER, real estate, was born in Canada. At the age of sixteen he came to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1871 he came to Red Cloud, Neb., and took a homestead of 160 acres, three miles west of Red Cloud. He also owns about a section of other land in Webster County; also four business houses, two residences, and other property in Red Cloud. All of this property he has acquired since coming to Webster county. In 1873 he opened a drug store. This business he continued until May 22, 1880, when he sold out to Henry Cook, who has since carried on the business.

C. E. PUTNAM, groceries, flour and feed, is a native of Broome County, N. Y. He enlisted in 1864 in the Fifth New York Cavalry, and served during the war. In 1877 he came to Peoria, Ill., and there engaged in merchandising and farming. In the fall of 1878 he came to Red Cloud. May, 1879, he established this business.

W. N. RICHARDSON, live stock dealer, was born in Dunkirk, N. Y.; raised in Illinois. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. D, Seventieth Illinois Infantry, and served his enlistment of three months. Returned to Illinois, and engaged in the live stock business. In the spring of 1871 he came to Lincoln. In June, of this year he came to Red Cloud, and in company with Gov. Garber engaged in merchandising, this being the first general store opened in Red Cloud.  Continued this business two years. He then engaged in live stock and real estate, which he has since continued.  He owns two well improved farms, also property in Red Cloud.

AUGUSTUS ROATS, farmer, was born in Baden, Germany. At the age of eleven he came with his parents to Cape Vincent, N. Y., worked in a shingle mill, farmed, and carried on the cooper business. He enlisted in 1862 in the Tenth Heavy Artillery, and served to the end of the war. Returned to Cape Vincent, and carried on coopering and farming. In 1867 came to Juno County, Wis., and followed farming. July 19, 1870, he came to Webster County, where he has since resided. His family are among the earliest settlers of the county. Mrs. Roats has not been absent one night from this farm since they located here. Mr. R. was married in 1866 to Sarah Blanchard, of Wolf River, Canada. They have five children -- two sons and three daughters.

W. H. SAYRE, of the firm of Potter & Sayre, Red Cloud Mills, is a native of Yates County, N. Y. After finishing a preparatory course of studies, he entered Starkey Seminary, where he remained three years, in 1878 he came to Red Cloud, and became a member of the firm January 14, 1882.

S. C. SMITH, of the firm of Smith Bros., bankers, is a native of Ridgefield, Fairfield County, Conn. At the age of thirteen he secured employment with H. K. Scott, general merchandise, where he remained about six years; he then removed to Stamford, Conn., was clerk in the dry goods house of C. H. Scofield & Bros., one year, and then went to Danbury, Conn; had charge of the dry goods store of Benedict & Nichols two years; he then, with Mr. F. H. Austin, purchased their stock and carried on this business about three years under the firm name of Austin & Smith; in June, 1872, with his brother, J. E. Smith, came to Nebraska, and after looking up a location, they finally settled in Beatrice, and in August, 1872, they opened a banking office under the firm name of Smith Bros. They continued it until 1876, when the First National Bank was organized, with John E. Smith as President, and Samuel C. Smith as Cashier, which still continues. In March, 1878, the firm of Smith Bros. & Thompson established their bank in Red Cloud. Mr. Thompson withdrew from the firm in May, 1881. Mr. Smith's residence in Red Cloud is by far the finest in the county. It was built in 1879, and cost, with barn, and other improvements, about $6,000. He was married, August 10, 1875, to Miss Nellie, daughter of John C. Higby, of Omaha, and niece of United States Senator A. S. Paddock, of Beatrice. They have two children -- Nellie E., aged five years, and Charlotte P., aged two and one half years.

E. B. SMITH, farmer, was born in Wyoming County, N. Y. At the age of thirteen he came to Holley, Mich.; worked there in a blacksmith shop about nine months; he then removed to Lake County, Ill; engaged in fishing and blacksmithing about fourteen years; in 1864 he came to Wyoming, Jones County, Iowa, and carried on the blacksmith trade; May 3,1872, he came to Red Cloud, where he has since resided; he owns the farm where he resides, consisting of 160 acres of land, also seventy acres in Smith & Moore's addition, and other town property; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and three terms Assessor.

CHARLES W. SPRINGER, County Superintendent, was born in Lamoine, Hancock County, Maine. After receiving a preparatory course of studies, he entered the Eastern State Normal School, and graduated in 1871.  He then came to Dawson County in 1873, and in January, 1874, he came to Red Cloud and engaged in teaching.  In April, 1880, he was licensed to preach by the Baptist denomination. In the fall of 1881, he was elected County Superintendent. Ordained a Baptist Minister April 30, 1882.

W. H. STROHM, was born in Centre County, Penn., in 1848, and there resided until February 7, 1863, when he entered the Union Army, until August, 1865. After the close of the war he took a course of study and graduated at Dickinson College in 1870. He then read law in Mifflin County, Penn., and was admitted to practice in 1873. In 1874 he was elected District-Attorney of his District. In 1878 he removed to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He was appointed County Surveyor in the spring of 1879 and elected to same office in the fall of same year.

J. L. THOMAS, editor and proprietor of the Red Cloud Chief, was born in Monroe County, Ohio. Came to Nebraska in the fall of 1866, located in Plattsmouth, attended the Plattsmouth High School. In the spring of 1871 came to Red Cloud, took a homestead claim of 160 acres, improved and afterwards sold. This paper was started by C. L. Mather in 1873. Mr. Thomas brought it out Oct. 9, 1876, and with the exception of eighteen months he has since edited this paper.

DR. I. W. TULLEYS, physician and surgeon, is a native of Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio. After receiving his preparatory course of studies he attended the Salem Academy. In 1854 came to DeWitt County, Ill., taught school and studied medicine. He graduated from the Missouri Homeopathic College at St. Louis; in 1875 came to Red Cloud, Neb. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. The Doctor has been County Judge for four years. He is also examining physician for pensions and for several insurance companies, also Commissioner of Insanity Examining Surgeon. He is the oldest practicing physician in this locality.

R. W. VAN DYKE, firm of Van Dyke & Sawdey, proprietors of Boys' Home, was born n Pontiac, Mich. At the age of about four years his parents came to Kendall County, Ill., there he was raised and assisted on their farm; he afterward removed to Bellville, Kansas, engaged in farming and lives stock, in the fall of 1879 came to Steele City, Jefferson County, Neb., run a hotel about eighteen months; in the fall of 1881 came to Red Cloud.  He with A. A. Sawdey bought this hotel which they have since managed.

J. C. WARREN, livery and sale stables, was born in Lima Livingston County, N. Y.; when a year old came with his parents to Cass County, Mich., and was there raised. He enlisted in 1864, Company G, Eighth New York Cavalry; served to the end of the war; in 1871 came to Jewell County, Kansas, and laid out the town of Big Bend; in 1873 came to Red Cloud, built the Valley House, which he run about five years, and also run a livery stable, which he still continues, the hotel he has since disposed of; he owns a farm of 160 acres, this livery and barn consisting of twenty head of horses, his residence and other property in town, all of which he has acquired since coming to Nebraska.

H. A. WATSON, livery, was born in DeKalb County, Ill., there raised on a farm and engaged in live stock, he afterwards removed to Iowa, also engaged in live stock at Mapleton, Manona County; in the spring of 1882 came to Red Cloud, brought with him his livery stock, consisting of twelve horses, five buggies, etc.; was married in 1880 to Miss Eora Needles, of Iowa.




Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Governor A. C. Shallenberger has for many years been one of the most prominent residents of Alma, Nebraska, and is widely known through Harlan county and the surrounding country as a successful agriculturist and stockman. He is President of the Bank of Alma, which he established in 1887, and of which he was Cashier for six years, from 1887 to 1893 inclusive, then became the head of the institution. He served for some time as Mayor of Alma and represented this district in Congress in 1900. In 1906 he was the Democratic candidate for governor of Nebraska, and again in 1908, when he was elected to that office.
     Mr. Shallenberger was born in 1861 at Toulon, Illinois. He came to Nebraska in 1880, settling in Polk county. He was then eighteen years of age, and for some time after locating here was employed as a clerk in a store in Osceola, Nebraska, and also at Stromsburg, Nebraska. He has five brothers, two of whom are managers for the International Harvester Company, and three are engaged in the banking business, so it was only natural for him to select this line of work. The Bank of Alma has a capital of $30,000. To illustrate the rapid growth of the Bank of Alma it is only necessary to say that while seventeen years ago the deposits were only $8,000, they are today $200,000. Then there were no farmers' accounts, and now the bank carries over five hundred accounts, the greatest portion of them being from farmers, which shows the wonderful progress of this vicinity and the prosperity of the farmers and stockmen. Since 1890 lands in this section of Nebraska have advanced from 200 to 300 per cent. Mr. Shallenberger is the owner of one thousand seven hundred and twenty acres of fine farm land located near Alma, and since 1890 he has raised and fed large numbers of cattle and hogs each year. The farm land about here has become so high that he has gone out of ordinary stock, and breeds only the best, and keeps only thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, preferring these as they serve the dual purpose of beef and dairy, and the latter pays better on high priced land than beef cattle. At the Nebraska State Fair, in 1906, "Bar None II" took first prize and sweepstakes, and at the Royal Exhibit held at Kansas City he captured second prize for yearling bulls. Mr. Shallenberger captured eleven first prizes in 1907, and in 1908 captured nine first prizes. He has now seventy-five to one hundred, thoroughbred Shorthorns in his herd, and at his sales held each year, buyers come from all over Nebraska and Kansas, recognizing the fact that they will get nothing but the best of stock.
     In 1906, he had forty acres of white corn, yielding one hundred bushels to the acre, which is an enormous crop, the average in Harlan county being fifty bushels per acre. He also has two hundred acres of alfalfa, and is experimenting with Turkestan variety. He is making these experiments at the request of the United States Agricultural and the Nebraska State Agricultural Departments. The average corn crop of Nebraska exceeds the average of both Illinois and Iowa for the same periods, and this state's corn holds the third place in quantity of product for these ten years. Out of ten hay states Nebraska ranks second in quantity and value of hay produced, and still has less acres devoted to its culture than any of the ten, showing a great yield per acre, which shows the immense possibilities as this state increases the acreage of hay and alfalfa. An average of 10,000 head of cattle are fed each winter within a radius of eight miles from Alma, and this furnishes a fine market for hay, grain and rough feed.
     There is probably no man in western Nebraska who has made a closer study of the financial and agricultural conditions and possibilities through this section of the state than Mr. Shallenberger, and he recognized as an authority on all matters of this kind.
      Mr. Shallenberger was married in 1884 to Miss Eliza Zilg, of Spring Green, Wisconsin. They have three children, Martin Shallenberger, who is second Lieutenant of the 16th U. S. Infantry; Grace Shallenberger, at the University of Nebraska, and Dorothy Shallenberger, six years of age, at home.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Hon. Charles H. Cornell, an old settler, and one of the organizers of Cherry county, is one of the most prominent business men in this part of the state. 1877 he went to Wyoming, traveling by wagon from Green River on the Union Pacific Railway, thence to Fort Waskakie, a military post 150 miles north on the Little Wind River, and came from there in 1880 with the troops that established Fort Niobrara in Cherry county, where for a time he was connected with the Traders' Store, at the post. In 1884 Mr. Cornell laid out the town site of Valentine at the time the railroad came in here, opening a general store. He disposed of this store in 1886, to give his entire attention to the Bank of Valentine which he had established two years before and of which he was the head. 1904.
     In 1902 Mr. Cornell was married to Miss Bertha Childe, whose father, Edwin P. Childe, is a leading physician of Omaha. Mr. and Mrs. Cornell are the parents of two fine boys, Elmore and Cyril. Mrs. Cornell is an active and enthusiastic member of the Episcopal church.
     Mr. Cornell is Republican in politics, standing high in the party councils of the state. He is a member of the Governor's staff, participating in the presentation of a silver service to the battleship Nebraska, in May, 1908, at San Francisco. He has been chairman of the congressional committee of his district since 1902. Fraternally he affiliates with the Minnechadusa Lodge No. 192 of Valentine, and Chapter No. 61, R. A. M., at Long Pine. He also holds membership in the A. O. U. W. of Valentine. A portrait of Mr. Cornell will be found elsewhere in this work.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ELISHA CUNNINGHAM CALKINS.
     Mr. Calkins was born in Erie county, New York, in 1847. In the civil war he served as a private in Company B, Tenth New York Cavalry, from September, 1864, to June, 1865, and was present with his regiment in actions at Stony Creek Station, Jarrett's Station, Bellfield, Hatchers Run, Dinwoodie Court House, Sailors Creek, Farmville and Appomattox Court House.
     He studied law and was admitted to practice in the supreme court of New York in 1869 and practiced there until his removal to this state in 1873. He settled in Kearney and has practiced his profession there continuously until his appointment as one of the commissioners of the supreme court in April, 1907. He was state senator in 1877 and Regent of the State University from January, 1902, to April, 1907, and president of the State Bar Association for the year 1906. He has been much interested in educational affairs and a member of the school board in his home city for more than twenty years.
     He has been identified with the Grand Army of the Republic since its first organization in Nebraska, having been the first Commander of Sedgewick Post No. 1.
     Mr. Calkins is the only son of Harrison and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Calkins. Harrison Calkins was born in Clinton county, New York, and his father, Elisha Calkins, was a native of Vermont. Harrison Calkins was a member of the state militia in 1837 and served in those disturbances on Canadian border that have passed into history as the "Patriot War." The maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch, David and Phoebe (Bloomfield) Cunningham, lived in the Mohawk Valley before they settled in Erie county.
     Mr. Calkins was married in New York to Arethusa Jewitt Patch and they have become the parents of the following children: Harrison V. of Lindsay, California; Jessie, wife of George Windel of Payette, Idaho, and Arethusa, who resides with her parents at Kearney.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAMS J. WATKINS
     Among those who have made Perkins county their home for many years past and who have aided materially in the development of the agricultural and financial resources of the region, the gentleman above named deserves a prominent place. Mr. Watkins has held public office in the county for the past several years, serving as sheriff since 1903, and he makes his residence in Grant, where he has a pleasant home and is one of the leading citizens.
     Mr. Watkins was born in Will county, Illinois, and reared on a farm. His father was Richard Watkins, a native of England, who married Katherine Russell, also born and reared in England, they coming to this country and settling in Illinois. They lived on the same farm until our subject was twenty-five years of age, although he had begun farming on his own account when he became of age. In 1882 he came to Seward county, Nebraska, where he carried on farming on rented land for five years, then moved to Perkins county and homesteaded on section 26, township 9, range 40, driving to his new location from Ogallala. His first dwelling was a frame shack which he put up himself, later went through the "sod house experience," proving up on his claim and improving the place as he was able. He engaged in mixed farming and stock raising, and succeeded in building up a good home, adding to his farm until he became owner of a good ranch of eight hundred acres, all well improved with good buildings, fences, and every convenience for its proper operation.
     In November, 1903, Mr. Watkins was elected sheriff of Perkins county on the fusion ticket. He was re-elected in 1905 and 1907, and is now serving his third term.
     In 1904, while still sheriff, Mr. Watkins moved to Grant, and has since made it his home. He was married in 1877, at Joliet, Illinois, to Miss Eleanor Francis, of English descent, born and raised in Illinois. To them have been born the following children: Martha, John, Sylva, Clarence, Emery, Arthur, Lucinda, Elmer, Ora and Rosco.
     Mr. Watkins has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He served as justice of the peace in Grace precinct, near Venango, for four years and has held some school office twenty years out of the twenty-one years he has lived here.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN H. WELTON.
     The gentleman above named is one of the leading citizens of Mullen, Nebraska, and for many years past has taken an active part in the development and growth of the western part of the state. He is editor of the Hooker County Tribune, also the Thomas County Herald, the latter being under the management of his son, Ross H. Welton, and published at Thedford, Nebraska, and has always been unceasing in his efforts to boom every laudable enterprise which has been started for the benefit of Hooker county. As a citizen he is broad-minded and public-spirited to the last degree, and he had taken a prominent part in local politics, at the present time serving as United States commissioner of the Nebraska district.
   John H. Welton was born in Cleveland, Minnesota, January 12, 1865. His father, Barnabas, was a native of New York state, a farmer by occupation, and he married Adelaid Huntley, daughter of Lodwick Huntely, a famous Indian scout and fighter, both he and Barnabas Welton being among the pioneers in the state of Minnesota. During their early settlement there they took part in several Indian battles and skirmishes with General Sibley, at New Ulm and Mankato, and later on served in the United States regular army with the Fourteenth Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and saw hard service in the civil war.
    Our subject grew up in his native state, following the typical life of the frontier, father, mother and six children coming to Nebraska in 1879, and settling in Holt county, where they were again among the earliest settlers. There they established a ranch, and the former was elected one of the first sheriffs of that county after its organization, later served as police judge for several terms and became one of the best known men of the county and a leading citizen of the times. He died at O'Neill, February 27, 1894, at the age of sixty-four years, and was greatly missed by all as a man of superior judgment and active public spirit, always standing for the best interests of his community.
   Our subject grew to manhood in Holt county, receiving his education in the country schools, later attended high school at O'Neill, and there first started in the newspaper business. For a while he published the Danbury Review at Danbury, Iowa, but in 1897 returned to Nebraska, settling in the western part of the state and there followed newspaper work in various towns. He was connected with the Beacon Light, at O'Neill, during a number of years, which paper exposed the startling robbery of $94,000 from the county treasury by grafters, which theft, was perpetrated while our subject was a resident in that town.
    He was married to Mary M. Chisholm in 1893, and four children were born to this union. In 1901 he was married to Mattie E. Everett, to which union one son was born, the little one passing away at the age of one year.
   Mr. Welton was finally compelled to seek change of climate on account of failing health, so traveled through the west for a time, but returned to Nebraska and settled permanently at Mullen, purchasing his present business in 1901. This paper was established in 1895, by F. M. Cudebeck, and subsequent proprietors had charge of the organ in the order mentioned: Edgar Phillips, from 1897 to 1898; Charles Schilling, from 1898 to 1900; E. L. Everett, from 1899 to 1901, and the paper then came into the hands of our subject, who has since been sole owner, editor and publisher. It is at present the only newspaper in Hooker county, and is loyally supported by the people of the county with a circulation of more than 700 copies, and an advertising patronage that gives promise of a prosperous, steady growth.
    In political matters Mr. Welton is a Republican, and a member of the congressional committee for the sixth district, also chairman of the Republican county central committee, and takes a prominent part in all party affairs. He is a member of the village council, and his life has been spent in doing all in his power to help build up his part of the state.
   Mr. Welton has now devoted twenty-seven years to newspaper work in Nebraska, is one of the best known men in the profession, and also has followed the business in South Dakota, Iowa and several other states in the Union.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles W. Potter occupies a foremost position in Brown county, Nebraska, as a citizen of worth, and a successful and prosperous business man of Ainsworth.
      Mr. Potter was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, October 19, 1841. His father, Martin M. Potter, a farmer, was a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, descended from old Yankee stock, and came west settling in Illinois in 1831 or 1832. The nearest market place from his farm at that time was one hundred and twenty-three miles away, and this was Chicago, then a comparatively small town. Dianthony Pratt, a New Yorker, was our subject's mother, he being the third member in a family of four children. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, where he secured a good sturdy training which fitted him for the work of his later years, and at the age of nineteen enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, under Colonel John B. Wyman, in the year 1861, one of the first regiments to go to the front during the war. He was at the battle of Vicksburg, at Wilson Creek and Pea Ridge; he was with the Army of the Tennessee,and with Sherman to Atlanta, where his time expired and regiment was discharged in Woodville, Alabama. He immediately re-enlisted in Company I, Fifty-sixth Illinois Regiment, and served until August, 1865, receiving an honorable discharge at Little Rock, Arkansas.
      After the war closed he was transported by sea from Savannah to Washington, taking part in the Grand Review, a spectacle at which the nations of the Old World marvelled (sic). During all his career as a soldier he was never severely wounded, receiving slight scratches from time to time. In the spring of 1865 he returned to his old home and began farming, remaining here until the spring of 1872, when he came west, locating in Shelby county, Iowa. He remained at that point until 1884, then came to Nebraska, settling on a farm in Brown county. He lived on this place for eight years, then leaving the farm moved to Ainsworth. In 1899 he was elected county judge by the Populist party, serving two terms. In 1905 he was re-elected, and is serving his county in that capacity at the present time. In 1889 he was the nominee of the Independent party for lieutenant governor, on the ticket of which David Butler was the head.
      Mr. Potter was married on Christmas day, 1866, in Prophetstown, Illinois, to Miss Harriet Shorett, a Canadian. Her parents were of French descent, residing at Toronto, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have a family of two sons, Marion J. and Clayton W.
      Mr. Potter is one of the old settlers in the western part of Nebraska, and has done his full share towards the building up of the country. He is now a Democrat in politics and a member of the G. A. R. Post at Ainsworth.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
George S. Todd, residing in section 18, township 21, range 13, who came to Nebraska many years, in 1884, and is well known all over Garfield county as a progressive and successful agriculturist, is now living on twenty acres of land where he settled twenty-five years ago, having sold most of his land of late years.
      Mr. Todd was born in Ohio in 1841, and is of Scotch descent, his grandfather on his mother's side being one of the Stuarts of the family of the Queen of Scots. He was reared as a mechanic, and followed that work in his native state until he was twenty-five years of age. He joined in the struggle of his county for liberty and freedom, entering Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and served for three years. He saw active service through the Vicksburg campaign, to the Gulf, and then to Washington, District of Columbia, where he was mustered out. In 1866 he engaged in the work of building and contracting in Iowa, which he followed for some years.
      In 1887 Mr. Todd settled in Nebraska, starting a farm in Wheeler county. He put all his energy into his enterprise and succeeded in developing a splendid farm, which he has sold of late, only retaining twenty acres. He is well satisfied with the results of his labor in this state, and thinks a man's chances are much better here than in the East, as the investment of a small capital here will bring greater returns in a less number of years. However, to make money, a man must be industrious and able to adapt himself to the country and prepared to fight hard and overcome many discouragements and failures. A poor man, can of course, make a good living here, but if a man has a little capital to start with he is able to build up a fortune rapidly. Land here has advanced nearly a hundred percent, in the past ten years, and one who began with a small farm then and has added to its acreage constantly since that time would now be a pretty wealthy man.
      Mr. Todd was married in 1865 to Miss Eda L. Brainard, a native of Ohio, daughter of L. D. and Maria (Vaughn) Brainard. To Mr. and Mrs. Todd have been born nine children, seven of whom are living, named as follows: Zeros Z., Clara E., Mabel M., Viola V., Samuel S., Nina R., Logan D., Tetulah M. (deceased), and Stuart (deceased). The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and all are held in the highest esteem in their community. Mr. Todd is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Masonic lodge at Correctionville, Iowa. In 1893 he was elected county judge of Garfield county, by the Republican party. He still takes a deep interest in local politics but does not seek office, preferring to lead a quiet home life.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
F. S. WILCOX
      The above gentleman is known as one of the successful business men of McCook, Redwillow county, Nebraska, and recognized as among the best judges of live stock and all conditions of ranching, farm lands and markets in the western part of the state of Nebraska. He is an authority on the subjects of breeding and feeding all kinds of stock, and one of the leading men of this locality.
      Mr. Wilcox was born in Canaan and reared in Columbia county, New York, settling in Gilman, Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1870, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for fourteen years. His brother, the Honorable J. A. Wilcox, is a merchant residing at Alma, Nebraska, and his sketch appears in this volume on another page. Our subject first came to Nebraska in 1884, embarking in the mercantile business, and the following year started in the live stock business in addition to his other interests, buying and shipping stock. He owns a large ranch of seven hundred acres situated on the river opposite McCook, and this he uses for feeding purposes. He is also the proprietor of another ranch of one thousand seven hundred and twenty acres on Dry Creek, and on this he keeps one hundred head of registered Hereford cattle, having one of the finest herds in this locality, selling these animals at private sales throughout this state, Colorado and the west, where he is well known. He begun (sic) with Hereford cattle in 1902, and has been most successful in this line of work. He ships about two hundred cars of hogs and the same number of cattle each year, and during the year 1907 expects to even exceed this amount, now having on feed about one thousand one hundred head of cattle which he bought in Nebraska and Colorado. Since first locating here he has raised, bought and shipped hogs, and finds this very profitable. He was one of the first in this locality to sow alfalfa, beginning in 1889. This has added greatly to the wealth of this state, and is a wonderfully successful product. His first crop in 1889 cut five tons to the acre in 1906, and has never needed re-seeding. He has refused eight dollars per ton, which equals forty dollars per acre for this grass. He contends that this country is as nearly perfect as can be found anywhere for feeding and fattening cattle, as the cattle do well through the mild and dry winters. One winter he fed at Hooper, Nebraska, and says he would give from five to eight cent per bushel more for corn here owing wholly to weather conditions, as a person can make cattle so much more comfortable here and fatten quicker and cheaper. All of the Divide land has doubled in the last eighteen months, and he has bought and sold a great deal. Bottom lands are scarcer and have been held firm owing to the culture of beets and alfalfa. The land here today is not selling for one-half what it is worth, when a man can raise from thirty to forty bushels of wheat to the acre. Mr. Wilcox has now on his three places about nine hundred head of hogs. He always selects the best breeds, but these he does not register. He has settled on the Black Poland China as the best suited to his purpose, after trying all other breeds, as when fat they sell for more money and they mature quicker and it takes less corn to fatten them.
      Mr. Wilcox was married in 1875 to Miss Katie Lovejoy, and this union has been blessed with one child, a son, named Harry J.
      Mr. Wilcox is one of the representative men in western Nebraska, highly respected and esteemed by his fellowmen. He has built up a fine home in McCook, and is one of the wealthiest men in this locality.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Peter M. Person, residing on section 18, Lake township, Phelps county, is proprietor of a fine one hundred and sixty acre farm, which he took up as a homestead in 1879, building a sod house and starting a home and farm. For the first five or six years he was unable to raise a crop, and up to 1884 he met with much discouragement in his work. After that he had good success, and for the past six years has raised a fine crop of winter wheat each season, and as he has tried all kinds, states that winter wheat is the best for his locality. When Mr. Person first settled here Kearney was the nearest market place, and the country very thinly settled, and he has watched the development and growth of the region from its earliest beginning, and has been no small factor in its development.
      Mr. Person is a native of Sweden, who came to this country when about twenty-six years of age. He was a sailor on the lakes, settling in Chicago after landing in this country, where he remained for eleven years. He was captain and owner of a two-masted schooner, and was also engaged in carrying lumber on the lakes. Prior to this he spent twelve years on the ocean as first mate on the brigs Rosetta and James Crow. While in this work he traveled all over the world and had many interesting experiences, being shipwrecked at one time. Before going as a sailor four or five years he attended the navigation school in his native country, and graduated as captain of a first-class ship under a rigid examination. His father, Martin Person, was a teacher for thirty years in the public schools there, and his son naturally followed in his footsteps and acquired a splendid education. He has been treasurer of Lake township for several terms, and his early training and education has eminently fitted him to take a leading place among his fellows. From all his experience gained by travel of the different parts of this country, he considers this part of Nebraska the best he has ever seen, for health, farming or stock-raising, and he is content to remain here for the balance of his time.
      Mr. Person was united in marriage in 1873 to Miss Hannah Erickson, born in Norway, who came to this country about 1865, at the age of fifteen. Their marriage has been blessed with a splendid family of children, who are named as follows: Edwin B. is manager of the grain elevator at Funk, Phelps county; Albert W. is holding the same position at Sacramento, this county; Julius and Ernest T. are both living at home, and one daughter, Annie Caroline, is the wife of A. T. Curtis, of Sacramento, manager of a grain elevator at that place. Emma died at the age of twenty-one. John Martin is in the wholesale store of Granger Bros. at Lincoln, Nebraska.
      In political sentiment Mr. Person is an independent and reform voter.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Floyd H. Field, residing at Dunning, in Blaine county, Nebraska, is one of the old timers of that region. He came to the locality ahead of the railroads, when the country was full of wild game of all kinds, and most of the land raw prairie with settlers few and far between, and has watched every change which has taken place here since that time, and has the satisfaction that much of the success now enjoyed by the people of the locality has come about through his aid. He is one of the wealthy residents of his county, enjoying a fine home, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
      Mr. Field was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1852. His father, Oliver, who married Narcissa Miner, was a farmer, and both were born and raised in Vermont. Floyd grew up in Illinois, twenty-two miles west of Chicago, and helped his parents carry on the home farm until he was about eighteen years of age, then left home and begun (sic) railroading on the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, working as a trainman for eleven years. During his career as a trainman he was in two serious wrecks, and on one occasion was buried in the debris of a baggage car, but was fortunate enough to escape without injury.
      He and his brother, F. W., came west to southern Colorado and worked in the mines at Silverton, remaining there for two years, then they came to Merna, Nebraska, landing there in 1880. He filed on a homestead and improved the place to the extent of one hundred and twenty-five dollars, than sold out for twenty-five dollars, living on the place for a part of one year, then went to Cherry county, south of Fort Niobrara, where he spent three or four months. His next move was to Lena, near where Dunning now stands, and there he began working for the C. O. D. Cattle Company, and worked as a cowboy for two years, roughing it all of that time, most of the time camping out on the plains, winter and summer. He finally went into the stock business for himself in 1884, establishing a ranch near Dunning on land which had formerly been used by the C. O. D. Cattle Company, and has been in the business ever since. He has a ranch of three thousand acres of deeded land, and runs from five hundred to seven hundred head of cattle each year. The place is well improved with substantial buildings and fences, has fine water supply, etc., and is one of the widely known stock ranges of the west. Our subject and his brother, F. W., have been associated in business together ever since they came to Nebraska, and personally superintend their large ranch and both have fine residences in Dunning.
      Mr. Field is married and has one child, Albert Floyd Field. Our subject is among the prominent men of his section, and remembers all the old Nebraska times, having hauled posts from Upper Dismal river to Grand Island, which he traded for groceries in the first years of his residence here.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Harvey L. Millay, banker and successful business man of Springview, Keya Paha county, is accorded a high station among the worthy citizens of this locality. Mr. Millay is the active manager of the Stockmen's Bank of Springview, organized in 1900, incorporated and opened for business March 1st, of that year. This bank was the first institution of the kind in Springview since 1893, and is now the oldest bank in the town.
Mr. Millay is a native of Leland, La Salle county, Illinois, born October 17, 1866. His father, Robert Millay, was a stockman and pioneer settler in Keya Paha county, coming here in 1884, four years prior to his death. He came to this section in its early days, and was one of those who helped to establish the county-seat of Springview. The mother of our subject was Miss Ellen Deach, a native of Blane, Pennsylvania, who joined her husband in this county a year after his advent here, and she now lives in Springview. She was reared and educated in Livingston county. Our subject attended high school at Odell, Illinois, whither his parents moved in 1869, from which institution he graduated in 1883. The following year he entered the employ of a large grocery establishment in Chicago and remained with this concern until 1887, when he came to Nebraska and located in Keya Paha county. Here he clerked for D. A. Davis for two years, and then purchased the hardware business of Wolf & Logan, which he conducted for the following ten years. In 1895 he was elected county clerk and served in this capacity for four years, and at the expiration of his term established the bank of which he is now the cashier, Mr. E. D. Reynolds, a capitalist of the east, being president. In 1904 these two gentlemen, together with Mr. J. M. Hackler, organized the Gregory State Bank, located at Gregory, South Dakota, on what was the Rosebud Reservation. This was the first banking institution established on that reservation, and opened for business in 1903 with a capital of $25,000. Its growth has been phenomenal, and now does the largest business of any bank in that territory. Mr. Millay is active manager of the bank, dividing his time between this and the Stockmen's Bank at Springview. Besides these interests he owns three bodies of land aggregating two thousand acres, situated in Keya Paha county, and engages to a large extent in stock raising, personally managing the affairs of the ranches.
      Mr. Millay was married in September, 1888, to Miss Emma Banks, born in Clayton county, Iowa, a daughter of James Banks, who is a prominent farmer of Clayton county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Millay, who are named as follows: Edna E., Robert Lloyd, Fern, Don B., and Ruth, all born in Springview excepting Edna, who was born on the old homestead in Custer precinct, within sight of the town.
      Mr. Millay has since his residence in this section taken a deep interest in all affairs that tended to the general improvement of his community, and has been instrumental in the development of the commercial and educational opportunities throughout the county. He has held local office at different times, and at present is a member of the town board. Fraternally he is an active member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Highlanders of Springview.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Louis John Frederick Iaeger, better known throughout the western part of the United States as "Billy, the Bear" is one of the prosperous and prominent citizens of Dawes county, Nebraska, where for the past twenty-two years he has resided and acted in many official capacities, having been elected four terms as police judge and justice of the peace in the early days of the county when times were red hot for officials of any character. He was also elected for eleven years as city clerk of his favorite city of Chadron, Nebraska, and is at present serving a four-year term as clerk of the district court of Dawes county, as well as filling the offices of deputy clerk of the United States circuit and district courts. He is a native of Pennsylvania, where, in 1855, he first saw the light of day. His ancestors were all of strong German pioneer stock; his great grandfather was spiritual adviser to Frederick the Great and the use of the royal coat of arms was given the Iaeger family, which fact is a matter of historical record, at this day, in Washington, District Columbus (sic). His grandfather on his father's side was the Rev. G. F. I. Iaeger, a pioneer who helped to settle Pennsylvania and whose record is monumental among the Lutheran synods of that state for his good deeds in the pulpit of Berks county. From this venerable ancestor it is believed that the subject of this sketch inherited his own truly charitable instincts, his exceptional business integrity and his systematic quality of mind. His father, Charles S. Iaeger, was a coachmaker by trade and followed his profession at Hamburg, Pennsylvania, up to the time of his death which occurred when Louis was five years of age. A year later his mother was stricken with paralysis, caused from a runaway team, which killed his father the year before and at which time our subject was with his parents, but was unhurt in the affair.
      His democratic principles, as the meaning of liberty and freedom of speech, never suited his next of kin after the death of his parents and at the tender age of six he was sent, via Central America, to California, where he was raised by his father's brother in Yuma, California, who, at that time, was one of the wealthiest and largest contractors on the Pacific coast and who was known as Don Diego. From 1861 to 1869 our subject's associates were mostly Spaniards, his uncle being married to one of the Castile's beauties, and together with his cousins attended Spanish school until after the civil war, after which his education was entrusted to private tutors. His progress was rapid among the arts and mechanics of those days while nautical works were the preferred studies of this wonderful boy of only thirteen who, by this time, had learned to be a pilot on one of the river boats, of which uncle was owner.
      At sixteen years of age he passed the educational examination for the Annapolis Naval Academy, but was rejected on account of a slight defect with one of his ears. He never faltered, however, and in the fall of the same year underwent a critical examination before the New York Nautical Academy and was granted his diploma and two years later he received a navigator's certificate as a sailing master entitling him to sail the high seas as a captain notwithstanding he was at that time under the age limit and was compelled to undergo a severe examination in consequence. In 1873 he entered the employ of W. R. Grace & Co., of New York city, in what was then known as the California Grain Fleet between Liverpool and San Francisco; but his blood was too fast for so slow going crafts and the following year, after having made a trip overland from New York to San Francisco, he was especially employed as quartermaster on board the City of Pekin, one of the finest 5,000 ton liners then plying between San Francisco and the Oriental ports including the Yellow Pearl domain, and which vessel was a sister ship to the City of Tokio, both of which belonged to the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company. Having already traveled twice around the world as sailor and tourist and while thus employed as quartermaster on one of his trips, he made the acquaintance of a rich nobleman's son, who taking a fancy to his roving spirit and bright disposition, sought him as a partner and guide in his travel over the world, offering to pay all bills, which offer was accepted and the "Ropes" were again overhauled and the world was seen from "High Points."
      In 1876 he cast anchor in the publishing house of A. L. Bancroft & Co., of 721 Market street, San Francisco, where he worked as proof reader on the Herbert H.. Bancroft series, the most remarkable original historical work ever produced on this side of the Atlantic by a single brain. "Around the world in eighty days" again took him to Australia in the early part of 1877 and, returning to San Francisco in June of that year, he appeared on the boards of the Grand Opera House in the play of "Snowflake." Buffalo Bill was that time touring the Pacific coast with "The Buffalo Bill Combination Company," and soon Mr. Iaeger was engaged to play the part of a bear in the play of "Red Right Hand," with which Cody was taking the Californians by storm. He soon became Cody's private secretary and, with the closing of the season, he accompanied the noted scout to North Platte, Nebraska, where he decided to cast his lot with the plainsmen and cowpuncher of the frontier, anything for novelty and newness being his sole enjoyment.
      The opening up of a new cattle country on the famous Niobrara river in the northern part of Nebraska next caught his fancy and in 1878 he was one of the leaders there in the warfare on the Cheyenne Indians who were burning ranches and killing the cattlemen. For two years this suited him and the hardships of a nomadic life proved to make a man of steel. Soon, however, civilization commenced to move westward, and Fort Niobrara, was established at Valentine, Nebraska. Sheridan and Fort Robinson were military posts further west and the white covered wagons of the early settlers were getting too numerous and consequently it was no more a good cattle country and "Billy" migrated to the Snake creek country on the Black Hills road on the shores of Broncho Lake years before it could have been dreamed that Alliance would come and drink up its waters. In 1881 he again "moved camp" and went to Texas, where he purchased one thousand five hundred head of stock horses and, to use his own words, made a "wagon full of money."
      In the same year the Wood river gold excitement attracted his attention in Idaho and not until he had wasted $45,000 of money "that was good in Europe," did he make up his mind that mining was out of his class. Those were the days of strenuous and tumultuous life or spectacular times,--up one morning and down the next. The man who could stand loss was a safe one to tie to, but woe to him who sorrowed for gold. Our subject was not of the latter kind; he was constructed of steel bands, and when he came down, he found himself in the saddle once more punching cows for Sudduth and Montgomery on Rock creek in Wyoming, content with $75.00 per month.
      Soon, however, Mr. Iaeger's services were sought by eastern capitalists then organizing a monster cattle company to be known as "The Yellow Stone Cattle Company." and Colonel Cody, his old friend, was foremost in testimonials touching Mr. Iaeger's qualifications to manage this vast undertaking, but his star of fate seems to have been against him from this point, for this engagement was the forerunner of the saddest experience of his life, and which has been to him a tragedy for the past twenty-five years, and will be so no matter how hard he may seem to want to forget it until his remains are laid away in the silent tomb.
      He was on an errand in obedience to his employers, when, overtaken in a Wyoming blizzard, he lost both feet and all his fingers, after having been exposed for five days and four nights to the coldest weather Wyoming has ever experienced. His detailed story of those days and nights are enough to chill one's blood and, but for the fact that he has refused to re-write it for this work, we would gladly give it space.
      Left penniless and almost distracted at his loss, he still relied on science to assist him in the world. He at once procured a set of Kolbe Artificials and set about to educate himself more with a view of adapting himself to clerical work. From the time of his release from the hospital at Laramie City, Wyoming, May 5, 1883, to April, 1886, he continued his studies and exerted his all-powerful will to overlook his own wants and disadvantages and assist others who might be in greater distress. He has certainly accomplished wonders and bears the name throughout the entire west as a liberal, generous-hearted man, ever ready to lend a hand for the purpose of uplifting a brother in need. In 1882 he married one of the brightest and handsomest young ladies of his county and today stands as a living monument among his fellow citizens as a man fully and thoroughly capable of having a good home of his own adorned by a loving and devoted wife and two boys, aged fifteen and seven, who will soon be able to assist their father in his work for the advancement of mankind, He cast his maiden vote for Samuel J. Tilden and thereby incurred the displeasure of an uncle who cut him short $59,999, leaving him $1.00, while to his brothers and sisters, each was given $60,000.
      He is a Democrat to the core, and studies other governments in unison with our own. He swears by W. J. Bryan and hopes the God of Fate may be with his cause. His friends in fraternal orders are legion and especially so among the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in which order he holds high office, both at home and throughout his state, being recognized as a worker for anything that may befriend and do good to a brother in distress.
      Judge E. S. Ricker, ex-county judge and journalist, of Chadron, has this to say of him: "I have been personally acquainted with L. J. F. Iaeger in an official and a business manner as well as in a friendly relation for twenty-one years, and it gives me much happiness to say he possesses exceptional work as a man; a well recognized capacity for business, which has been developed by study and experience and that in his long service in minor judicial positions he has displayed sound and impartial judgment which recommend him to his fellow citizens for re-election.
      "Whenever called to any position of honor or trust he has not failed to continue to deserve the respect which raised him to the public place or confidential connections. He has seen much of the world, and his knowledge of men and of human nature helps to fit him with a special competency for the high and honorable place to which his aspirations invite him.
      "He is courteous and obliging in disposition, which qualities of the agreeable man distinctly mark his intercourse with others and at the same time he may be depended upon for ready decision and prompt action, springing from his ability for both, and afterwards to maintain these by such firmness as gives stability to all proceedings.
      "It is to me both a personal pleasure and privilege to pay this tribute to such a remarkable and deserving man while he lives; it could do him no good after he is dead."


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 Michael D. Jordan, county treasurer, is one of the old settlers of Sioux county, Nebraska, who has gone through many hard and bitter experiences during the early settlement of this region, and on three distinct occasions in his career experienced the sensation of being down to "rock bottom" so far as finances were concerned. He has seen as much of the seamy side of pioneer life as any one who has settled in the wilds of Nebraska, but through it all has done his best to assist in the development of his locality, and his name will occupy a prominent place in the history of its growth.
      Mr. Jordan was born in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, on a farm, April 15, 1848. His parents were of Irish birth, both emigrating to this country when children, and were raised and educated here, where their parents settled in the early days.
      Our subject grew up in his native state assisting his father in carrying on the home farm, early learning to do all kinds of hard work, and when he was nineteen years of age the family left Wisconsin and moved to Boone county, Iowa, where they lived until Michael was thirty-eight.
     In 1886 Mr. Jordan came to Sioux county, Nebraska, and during the first several months in this region was employed on construction work on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway which was then being laid through to Douglas, Wyoming. He filed on a tract of government land situated twenty-five miles northeast of Harrison, and rapidly improved it and proved up on the claim. In 1893 he established a general merchandise store at Adelia., Nebraska, and conducted that place for about thirteen years, and did well in that line. In 1901 he purchased a nice ranch in section 19, township 33, range 53, and still owns the property. It is well improved, and is at present rented out, while he is attending to his duties as county treasurer at Harrison. He occupies a handsome and pleasant home in Harrison village, where the family have a host of good friends and congenial neighbors. Mr. Jordan is one of the organizers of Sioux county, and was the first postmaster at Adelia, which was established in 1892.
     In 1907 our subject was elected county treasurer on the Republican ticket, and is now serving in the capacity, and has proven a most capable and popular public official.
     Mr. Jordan was married in 1905 to Mrs. Clara Davis.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 H. M. Warriner, proprietor of one of the finest farms in Franklin county, Nebraska, is one of the oldest settlers in this locality. He has done his full share toward the development of the agricultural resources of the region where he chose his home, and is a widely known and universally respected citizen.
      Mr. Warriner was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1836, and brought up in that state. His father, William Warriner, was also a native of Ohio, the family originally coming from New York state, and after our subject grew up, the father came to Nebraska and bought a farm on one hundred and sixty acres situated near Riverton, which he lived on up to the time of his death. The mother, prior to her marriage, was Miss Emily Bushnell, daughter of Martin Bushnell.
     In 1861 our subject enlisted in the Forty-first Ohio Infantry, and served as a soldier for two years and a half. He took part in many of the large battles, among them the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Vicksburg and all the battles of the sixteenth army corps. He was obliged to leave the army on account of sickness, and he then went to Iowa where he farmed in Delaware county. Since his experience here in Nebraska he states that this is a much better farming country than Iowa, as the land is fully as good, and the crops are as good as can be raised anywhere. Besides this, the climate is delightful, and one man can do as much work here as two can do there. Mr. Warriner has a farm of four hundred acres and has it in the finest shape imaginable. He has good buildings and everything in the way of modern machinery to properly run the place. He is assisted in its operation by his eldest son, Willard David Warriner, who is married and living at home, taking the heaviest burdens from the shoulders of his father. They carry on mixed farming, and keep quite a large number of grade cattle, also many hogs for market.
      Mr. Warriner was married to Miss Abbie Walder. Besides the son mentioned above, Mr. and Mrs. Warriner are the parents of the following children: George, married, and father of two children; Roy, attending school, and Blanche, a teacher in the Franklin county schools. Mr. Warriner is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and for forty years has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and one of the earnest workers in that lodge. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
     In political sentiment our subject is a strong Republican, and takes an active interest in party affairs. He has served Franklin county as sheriff for two terms, from 1900 to 1903, and in 1902 was superintendent of the county farm up to 1905. He has been a member of the school board for many years, and acted as secretary and treasurer of that body during a long period.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOSEPH OBERFELDER
      Among the business enterprises which contribute in a marked degree to the prosperity of Sidney, Cheyenne county, Nebraska, as a business point, the clothing and gents' furnishing goods store of Joseph Oberfelder occupies a prominent place. This is one of the best and most complete stores in this section, and the proprietor is well known to the people of the county for his honest methods and careful attention to the needs of patrons.
      Mr. Oberfelder was born in New York city, September 18, 1858. His father was a merchant there, and the family is of Bavarian stock, the father coming to America in 1830, while his mother, who was Miss Betsy Bachman, came to this country in 1834. Our subject was educated and grew up in his native city, graduating from the grammar school when he was thirteen years of age. In 1875 he came west to Omaha, and there secured a position as cashier and bookkeeper for Maxmeyer & Co., and had entire charge of the financial part of that concern. He remained there for two years, then came to Sidney and opened a store, carrying a general line of clothing, revolvers and ammunition, saddlery, pocket cutlery, blankets, chaperajos, boots, shoes, etc., also all kinds of sporting goods. He has built up a good trade and an enviable reputation as a business man, and now carries a complete stock of clothing, gents' furnishing goods and sporting goods, and is well-known throughout this section and highly esteemed for his strict integrity and industry. Mr. Oberfelder has been in business here for thirty years in all, and is the owner of valuable property in Sidney and all through Cheyenne county. He has associated with him his brother, Robert S., and the Oberfelder block in Sidney is owned by the two brothers, as is also a fine ranch near Lodgepole. They are also extensively engaged in buying all kinds of school and county warrants and municipal securities.
     In 1881 our subject returned to New York city and was there married to Miss Hannah Rosenthal, daughter of Gustave Rosenthal, importer of cloths and woolens. Mrs. Oberfelder is a graduate of the grammar school in New York, and is a very estimable lady. Eight children have been born to them, named as follows; Blanche, Sidney, Lillian, Clara Belle, Arthur M., Beatrice Hazel, Irving Tobias, and Leonie, all born in Sidney.
      During the time Mr. Oberfelder lived in New York city he was president and secretary of the Cooper Union Literary Class, president of the Charles Sumner Literary Union, also secretary of the Hamilton Literary Society. Since locating in Nebraska Mr. Oberfelder has been active in educational affairs, and has served as county superintendent of the public schools in Cheyenne county, from 1881 to 1883. He was mayor of Sidney from 1887 to 1889. He is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge here, Frank Welch No. 75, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Sidney Lodge 196, Ancient Order of United Workmen; Modern Woodmen of America No. 1096, and Legion of Honor. He belongs to the Mystic Legion of America, and takes an active part in the social affairs of Sidney. He is now Master Workman of the A. O. U. W. and Venerable Consul of the Modern Woodmen of American Camp. In political views he is a loyal Democrat, and is a particular friend and warm supporter of William Jennings Bryan.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
John F. Troxel, deceased, was one of the very first settlers in Loup county, locating in 1879. He was born on a farm in Maryland in 1845, and was the son of John and Sophia (Wilhide) Troxel.
     John F. Troxel, deceased, saw service in the civil war as a member of Company G, Third Maryland Infantry, and when the war was over he came west to Illinois, where, in 1868, he was married to Miss Mary J. Groves, a native of New York state. Her father was Jeremiah Groves, who lived and died in New York; her mother was Miss Susanna Livingston before marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Troxel had seven children: Harvey, Alice, John, George and Harry ; Annie and Ernest are deceased.
      In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Troxel came west to Saunders county, Nebraska, where they lived for ten years, and when they first came, only a few shacks could be seen. They migrated to Loup county in March, 1879, and located a homestead eleven miles up the Loup river from Taylor. They came overland in a covered wagon and were two weeks on the road. The nearest trading points were North Loup and Ord; and a little later Burwell and Seargent. Mr. Troxel's first house was a log cabin with a sod roof, and everything was of the most primitive nature.
      John F. Troxel died in the fall of 1888 when the oldest boy was eighteen years of age. Mrs. Troxel, from this time on, had to take all the responsibility of looking after the farm and providing for the family. The dry years came and these were hard times for the pioneers. But Mrs. Troxel has succeeded by her good management in making a fine home and bringing the farm of three hundred and twenty acres to a high state of improvement. She has good buildings and machinery, a fine grove of forest trees and a nice bunch of cattle and other stock.
      In August, 1907, Mrs. Troxel moved to Taylor and left the oldest son, Harvey, in charge of the farm.  Mr. and Mrs. Troxel were among the first settler and took an important and honorable position in the growth of the community. They had many hard experiences during their pioneer days, but they survived them and grew in wealth and prosperity. Once, while her husband was gone for supplies, a number of Indians made their way into the house without her knowledge. After giving her quite a scare, the Indians asked for a little flour, but, as her supply was low, she had to refuse them. They made no trouble but hung around the house. Fortunately, Mr. Troxel arrived the next day, with his load of supplies, and a trade was made with the Indians so that they got their flour and went away happy.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
IRA E. TASH
     Among the early settlers in western Nebraska, who labored for the upbuilding of that region and has met with marked success as a business man and gained a high station as a citizen, none commands higher respect and esteem than the subject of this review. Mr. Tash is a gentleman of active public spirit, and has been prominent in local and county affairs for many years past, serving in different official capacities, to which he was elected on the Republican ticket, and is also well known in Masonic circles throughout this country. He resides in Alliance, Box Butte county, and has acted as postmaster of the place since 1903, proving a most popular and efficient man for the place, universally esteemed as a true and worthy citizen.
     Mr. Tash was born in Clark county, Iowa, in 1862. His father, Louis Tash, was a native of Indiana, whose grandfather was of an old South Carolina family. He married Miss Mary E. Weeter, and they started life together in a log cabin on a farm, where our subject grew up assisting his parents in carrying on the farm work and at the same time attending the country schools until he was nineteen years of age. He progressed rapidly and was able to teach in their vicinity during the winters, and his summers were spent in railroading. He followed this work for seven years, and in 1887 left Indiana and came west, first settling east of Box Butte county. There he was engaged in the real estate and farm loan business for ten years, aiding materially in settling the country and developing the commercial and agricultural resources of the region. In the fall of 1889 he was elected county clerk and served his term, then the county seat was moved to Hemingford. At the expiration of his term of office he, together with S. P. Tuttle, opened a law, loan and real estate business, which they continued with success from 1892 to 1899, in September of the latter year our subject removing to Alliance, where the county seat had finally been established, he also moving his dwelling house to Alliance. For the following two years he worked at railroad construction on the Union Pacific. In 1902 he became associate editor of The Times, a leading newspaper of Alliance, retaining this position for one year, then was appointed postmaster, which position he is now filling with much credit. In 1905 he was appointed receiver of the Bank of Hemingford and satisfactorily disposed of that business. Mr. Tash is a man of superior business tact and executive ability, and had filled numerous responsible positions.
      In 1888 our subject married Miss Eva M. Wilcox, daughter of B. J. Wilcox, a farmer of Union county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Tash have been born the following children : Charles C., Emma E., and Nellie M.
     Since locating in Alliance Mr. Tash has been actively interested in all local affairs and has held numerous offices, in each of which he has discharged his duties faithfully and well, gaining the confidence of his fellow-men by his strict integrity and honest dealings. He is past master of the Alliance Lodge No. 183, A. F. and A. M., and a member of the Sheba Chapter No. 54, also a member of the Eastern Star, and Bunah Commandery No 26, Knights Templar.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ALFRED C. KENDALL
     In reviewing the list of prominent pioneer business men of Rock county, a leading place is accorded the name of Alfred C. Kendall. This gentlemen has been intimately associated financially and socially with the development of this section of the country, and has been a potent factor in its upbuilding.
     Mr. Kendall was born in Canton, Bradford county, Pa., on January 4, 1837, the second in a family of three children. His father, Seneca Kendall, a native of Vermont and a wagonmaker by trade, was of Irish descent, and his mother, Miss Sally Andrus, was of German stock, and died when our subject was a small lad. He was raised in Pennsylvania and remained with his father until the latter's death, which occurred in 1877. In 1862 our subject was married to Miss Susan Andrus of American ancestry, and six children were born to them, namely: Carrie, wife of J. B. Gould, of Brown county; Guy, who married Gertrude Harrison; Monroe, whose wife was Edyth Piersall; Chester C.; Kate, who married Mr. Trogood and lives west of Bassett; and Minnie. The wife and mother died January 2, 1891, and Mr. Kendall was subsequently married to Mrs. Anna (Matson) Andrus.
     While in Pennsylvania Mr. Kendall followed carpentry, and after working at this for twenty years came to Cass county, Nebraska, locating twenty miles east of Lincoln, in 1881, buying a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he remained for three years. In 1884 the family moved to Rock county, settling on a government tract located in section 11, township 31, range 20, where they lived for twelve years. This land was subject to drought and he sold out and in 1896 bought part of his present farm, situated in section 26, township 32, range 20, paying $650 for one hundred and sixty acres, this being entirely unimproved land, with a good growth of natural timber on it, and located close to the Niobrara river. Since then they have added to this farm and improved it, until now, together with his sons, he has sixteen hundred acres of homestead and deed land and leases four hundred acres additional, operating altogether two thousand acres, enclosed by thirteen or fourteen miles of fence. They also have a good set of farm buildings, a fine orchard of sixty bearing trees, and a twenty-acre tract of irrigated land, which is conceded to be the best market garden in northwestern Nebraska. Three reservoirs have been built on the range by damming the spring streams which run from the hills, one built in 1900, another in 1901, and the third in 1902, and from these Mr. Kendall conserves water enough to irrigate the twenty acres above mentioned, although there are years when no irrigation is necessary, the natural rainfall being sufficient. Dairying is one branch of industry of this enterprising family, the cream of twenty cows being shipped to eastern markets. Farming and ranching also have their place on this productive estate, each of which is conducted on an extensive scale. Mr. Kendall insists that much credit is due his family, and in particular his son, Guy R. Kendall, who is business manager, for their part in the building up and improving of this property. Of the Kendall ranch thirty acres are situated on the river bottom, and this has been cleared of brush and timber, thus forming a valuable (sic) portion of the farm.
      During the Rebellion Mr. Kendall volunteered twice and was rejected. Later he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, in September, 1863, at Williamsport. He was assigned to duty with the Army of the Potomac under Colonel Dwight, serving six months during the winter of 1863 and 1864 on guard duty along a railroad, a crippled foot preventing his participating in long marches, a disability for which he was discharged in the spring of 1864.
      Mr. Kendall is a strong Republican, takes an active part in party politics, both local and state, having attended numerous conventions as a delegate. September 7, 1907, he was appointed postmaster at Cuba postoffice and the daily mail is now distributed from his ranch.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Guy R. Kendall, a well-to-do young farmer of Rock county, Nebraska, where he is regarded alike for his manly qualities and his farmer-like ways, was born in Canton, Pennsylvania, in 1873, and reared in Bradford county, that state, until he was eight years of age. He is a son of Alfred C. Kendall, of whom a sketch appears on another page of this work.
      In 1881 the family moved to Nebraska and settled in Cass county, twenty miles east of Lincoln, and in 1884 moved to Rock county, some two and a half miles south of their present dwellings. At an early age our subject began to handle a team and do farm work, and grew up accustomed to all sorts of hard work always to be found in carrying on a farm. He has remained at home with his parents, and has given all his time and best efforts in assisting in the improvement and operation of the large farm described in his father's sketch, being the business manager of their large and varied industries.
      Mr. Kendall was married June 23, 1903, to Gertrude K. Harrison, born near Jefferson, Green county, Iowa, in 1874. Her people were old settlers in Nebraska, where she was reared and educated. He parents, James H. and Emma (Robinson) Harrison, were old settlers in Keya Paha county, where they started as pioneers, the family at first living in a log house, there first farming being done with a yoke of oxen. They built up a comfortable home in this locality, and were regarded as among the leading citizens of their community. Mrs. Kendall was, prior to her marriage, a teacher in the schools of Rock county for several years, and was a competent instructor and a very estimable lady.
Mr. Kendall has always taken an active part in the school work of his neighborhood, and has held different offices for the past twelve years. He is also active in political matters, and was appointed county commissioner of Rock county in 1900, serving for one term. He was a Republican. Of the fraternal orders he is a member of two, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
REINHARD GEISERT
     A sketch of the history of western Nebraska would be incomplete without mention of Reinhard Geisert, one of the most prosperous of the early settlers of this region. Reinhard Geisert was born in the little village of Eichstetten, province of Baden, Germany, August 3, 1861. His father, Matthew Geisert, was a farmer, and lived and died in Germany. His mother, who was Louisa Hornecker in her youth, died in Ogallala, July 31, 1908, at the residence of her son.
      Mr. Geisert remained in Germany until he was eighteen years of age, when he came to America, sailing from Havre, France, February 10, 1880, and landed in New York after a voyage of thirteen days. He came direct to Henry County, Illinois, where several uncles had preceded him, and here he spent three years, at times engaged in farm labor and work in a sawmill, and attending school one winter during that time.
      In 1883 he turned west through Iowa and eastern Nebraska, looking over the country, seeing Keith county during the fall of this year. At that time cowboys and gamblers ruled the town of Ogallala and he saw many thousands of dollars piled on the gambling tables of the town. Men were frequently killed in quarrels during these days and drunken cowboys often rode through the town killing horses for which they afterward had to pay.
      In the fall of 1883 he filed a homestead in section 28, township 13, range 37, which he improved the following year, farming a little and building a frame shanty and sod barn. He at times worked out for other settlers in eastern Nebraska, helping them to shuck their corn, to increase his income, when not employed on his own place.
      Until the winter or 1885 Mr. Geisert had been alone in this country, but at that time he revisited his old home and brought his mother, four brothers and a sister to this country, returning to Nebraska with them in 1886. Here his brothers settled on claims and commenced farming with very little capital, after a time buying horses, cattle and machinery.
      They were obliged to endure many hardships during the dry years following 1890. From 1890 to 1895 they had but one good crop, the crop of 1892. In spite of all these discouragements they persevered and began to raise cattle and horses, which made it possible for them to succeed when farming proved to be unprofitable.
     Mrs. Geisert has from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head of cattle and fifteen head of horses. He milks from thirty to forty cows, whose cream brings in a comfortable and steady income. At times he raises hogs to help out his other enterprises, but does not raise a large herd every year.
      He was married in 1886 to Miss Katie Miller, a native of Germany, whose father, Fred Miller, a native of that country, spent his entire life there. Mr. and Mrs. Geisert have eight children: Dora, wife of Otto Pankonin, of Perkins county; Louisa, a teacher in the Keith county schools; Caroline, Reinhard, Jr., Minnie, Robert, Mary and Ida.
     Mr. Geisert has taken a prominent part in the establishment of the schools and has been school officer ever since the schools were established. He also helped to build the first county church in the county. He was compelled to endure many hardships during the first years of his life in Nebraska and was often lost on the prairie where there were no roads or trails. The family all belong to the Lutheran church.
      Mr. Geisert is one of the most highly respected of the old settlers and has held many offices of trust, having been justice of the peace several terms and precinct assessor. He is a stanch Democrat.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
R. Lisco is vice-president and general manager of the Rush Creek Land and Live Stock Company, with the home ranch located on section 33, township 16, range 46, situated at the head of Rush creek, in Deuel county, Nebraska. This company was organized in 1890, and was formerly known as the Club Ranch, formed in 1883, was closed out in 1886 and reorganized under the present name in 1890, with officers as follows: Thomas E. Wells, president; R. Lisco, vice-president and general manager.
     R. Lisco, the subject of this sketch, was born in Worth county, Iowa, November 21, 1858. He grew up in Iowa, receiving a good schooling, following farming as a boy, and came to Platte county in 1873 and to Deuel county in 1881. Upon landing in this region he became interested in ranching and stock raising, and has devoted all his time to that pursuit ever since. The firm which he now represents owns forty-eight thousand acres of ranch land, besides other property. It is improved with good buildings of every kind and well equipped for the proper handling of a large herd of cattle, being one of the most complete outfits of its kind in the west. They run from six thousand to eight thousand cattle each year, besides a large number of horses, at the present time having three hundred and fifty head on the ranch.
      Our subject was married at Chappell, Nebraska, February 5, 1895, to Miss Addie R. Miller, who was born in Michigan and came west in 1894. They have no children. Mr. Lisco's father is living with him at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
      Mr. Lisco has always taken an active part in local affairs and has been a leading citizen of his county since locating here. In 1889 he was elected sheriff of Deuel county, and served in all for four terms.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Colonel Harry W. Kirby, one of the old settlers of Thomas county, Nebraska, now residing in Thedford, is a leading citizen and popular member of the business and social life of that community.
     Mr. Kirby was born in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1845, of American stock. His maternal grandfather, Jacob Bear, was of Pennsylvania Dutch blood, and one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio, having settled in Harrison county in 1813. The father of our subject, Ephraim Kirby, was born in 1808 at Bedford, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1824 with his mother, three brothers and four sisters, all of whom were reared, educated and married and had large families. Ephraim taught school and entered a quarter of land, upon which he lived until his death in September, 1888. He married Elizabeth Bear in 1832, by which union they reared nine children, six boys and three girls, the colonel being fourth in line.
      At the age of fifteen our subject taught school and entered college and in 1861 he, with fifteen of his classmates, enlisted in the Eightieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This regiment followed the fortunes of Grant and Sherman through every southern state except Florida, and stained the soil with their blood at Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, march to the sea, and up the coast to final surrender and grand review at Washington. He was a brilliant soldier and held the position of lieutenant colonel of his regiment at the close of the war.
      After returning home when peace had been declared Colonel Kirby entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and took up a literary course, graduating with high honors in 1869. He then read law and was admitted to the bar in his native state and later in Indiana, where he spent the ten years from 1880 to 1890 in law and editorial work as proprietor of the Decatur Journal. As a Republican he has always taken an active part in politics. He came to the state of Nebraska in 1904, took up a section of land under the Kincaid law and has been twice elected county judge.
      Colonel Kirby was married in March, 1907, to Miss Elizabeth P. Crawford, a charming and accomplished lady, also from Ohio.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
W. C. Elder, of North Platte, Lincoln county, Nebraska, was elected judge of the county court in 1905. Prior to this he was clerk of the district court for fifteen years, and throughout all his public career has had the confidence and esteem of all who knew him for his honesty and integrity in all matters of public interest.
      Mr. Elder is a native of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and his father was also born in that county. His grandfather, James Elder, was a fuller and farmer. In 1853, at the age of seven years, our subject came to Green county, Iowa, with his parents, where he afterwards farmed it for some time. He was justice of the peace in that section, also assessor and deputy sheriff. He was the first man to sink a coal shaft in central Iowa, and was fortunate in obtaining a large amount of good coal.
At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and served in the western army. He was at the battle of Red Mound, Tennessee, and scouted all over the central part of the latter state after the battle of Lookout Mountain. He was at Altoona Pass, Georgia, where the Thirty-ninth Regiment held the fort, over one-half their number being killed or wounded, nine out of the eleven officers losing their lives in the encounter. At the same battle our subject received two wounds which incapacitated him from service for a time, but he rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, North Carolina, in April 1865, and took part in the grand review at Washington in May, 1865.
     In 1882 Mr. Elder came to Nebraska and located at Medicine Creek on a farm, where he engaged in stock raising, holding this property up to 1905, then sold out his interest. He settled in North Platte in 1889, and has been prominent in politics for forty-one years, always a strong Republican. He was justice of the peace for many years, and is widely known all through this section of the country as an active public-spirited citizen.
      Mr. Elder was married in 1867 at Rippy, Iowa, to Mrs. E. A. York. They have one son, Ora, of North Platte, who is a prominent real estate dealer and actively interested in county and state politics. He is chairman of the Republican county committee, and also of the senatorial committee. Our subject's first wife died at North Platte, Nebraska, in October 1883, and on January 5, 1898, he married Mrs. Mary H. Clerk, of North Platte. This union has been blessed with one son, W. C., born September 8, 1900.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN A. SLATER
      For the past twenty-five years the citizens of Minden, Kearney county, Nebraska, have had in their midst a gentleman who has been identified with the development and growth of this region from its early settlement. Mr. Slater is engaged in the real estate and loan business, and has occupied the office where he now carries on his business since the year 1883.
      Mr. Slater is a native of Whiteside county, Illinois, born in 1856. His father, Roswell Slater, was a member of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, and died while fighting for his country in 1863.
      Mr. Slater is now chairman of the county board of supervisors, serving his second term. He is also president of the First National Bank at Bertrand, and controls most of the stock of that bank, which was established December 13, 1906. The contracts for the new $80,000 court house is under his control as chairman of the county board, and much of his time is spent in looking after these different matters. He has been county surveyor a great deal of his time since coming here. Kearney county rates as high as any, the best land averaging seventy-five dollars per acre, and in 1905 Mr. Slater sold sixty farms in Gosper county. In 1906 he sold from thirty to forty quarter sections in Cheyenne county, also a great deal in Phelps county and Kearney county. He has been one of the leading real estate men in western Nebraska for many years past. The Swedes who settle here buy land but do not often sell, and some of them own up to two sections.
      Mr. Slater is owner of over two thousand acres in this and the adjoining counties, all of which he rents out, and he states that the land in this region has more than doubled in value during the past four years. Four years ago he bought three hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid eight thousand dollars, and only recently was offered twenty-two thousand dollars for it, but refused the offer. One of his farms is stocked with cattle and horses, and the balance are devoted to grain culture.
     Mr. Slater occupies a fine residence in Minden, his family consisting of his wife, one son, Roscoe J., who is cashier of the First National Bank of Bertrand, and one daughter, Alena, wife of R. J. Strabel, and two unmarried daughters, Edna and Loretta. For the past ten years Mr. Slater has been a member of the board of trustees of the Wesleyan University for Nebraska. This school has had a hard struggle for existence, and he has given liberally of his money and time to help the institution along. He is a member of the executive committee, and the school now has about one thousand students and is developing rapidly. He has been on the board of the Minden Methodist Episcopal church since he first located here, and this church has recently built a fine new brick building.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 Timothy Morrissey, deceased, one of the most prominent early settlers in western Nebraska, was proprietor of a fine ranch of six thousand acres located twenty-four miles from Chadron, residing prior to his decease with his family in that town, where he moved in 1906 in order to give his children the advantages of the city schools. Mr. Morrissey was among the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Chadron, there being very few white men here when he arrived. He was an important factor in the development of the financial resources of that region, and was widely and favorably known throughout Dawes and the adjoining counties.
      Mr. Morrissey was born in Livingston county, New York, in 1860. His father was Andrew Morrissey, born in Ireland, who came to this country when a young man and started a farm in New York state. He had brought his bride, who was Katherine Dowling, of Queens county, Ireland, with him to the new country, and together they began life in the land of the free, building up a comfortable home, They raised their family in Livingston county, where they were taught to do all kinds of farm work, and in his boyhood days our subject worked out on different farms in the vicinity of his home.
      In 1884 he came west and arrived in Nebraska on March 31, camping out on the Bordeaux creek, Dawes county, in Pete Nelson's yards, where Chadron first started. Mr. Morrissey had footed it through this county from Valentine, as he had no team and the railroad was not at that time through this section. In the spring of that year he filed on a pre-emption north of Chadron and later returned to Valentine, where he remained for a short time and then went farther west, traveling by ox team through the country. His was the first shack ever built in what is now the town of Chadron, and he drove the first well on the upland near that place. The present site of Chadron was then "prairie dog town." During the winter of 1885-86 he was city marshal and made Chadron his home up to the spring of 1889, serving as deputy treasurer of Dawes county under DeForrest Richards, and that same year moved to twenty-four miles south of Charon, where he took up a homestead and timber claim, all of which was wild land. Here he tried farming for the first few years, but did not have very good success, so went into the stock raising business. He put up good buildings and improved his place constantly. He was owner of six thousand acres of good ranch land, engaging exclusively in sheep raising, and made a pronounced success of this line of work. When the C. & N. W. Railway was put through the sand hills in Cherry county, Mr. Morrissey was one of those who assisted in the work. Mr. Morrissey had a fine house containing nine rooms, the building being two stories high. His barn is 28x56, and plenty of good shed room, etc., and he put six wells on his place, with four windmills and everything necessary to make a model ranch. He had telephone connections at his ranch home, building the line himself out of his own pocket. In September, 1906, Mr. Morrissey purchased his town residence and moved his family there, and until his demise divided his time between his ranch and city home, devoting all his attention to the building up of these places. Mr. Morrissey died the 20th day of December, 1907.
     Mr. Morrissey was married in April, 1889 to Miss Agnes L. Bartlett, daughter of Alfred E. Bartlett, farmer and ranchman of Dawes county, of Yankee stock, originally from Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrissey were born five children, namely; May, Inez, Harry, Reta and Mart, all of whom were born on the ranch, Mart, the baby, last named, died the 16th day of December, 1907, four days before her father's decease.
     For six years Mr. Morrissey acted as justice of the peace in Dawes county, during that time performing many marriages among the people of this region. He also held the position of postmaster at Dunlap, this county, for five years, and through these offices became a familiar and widely known citizen of the county.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
W. H. Miller, county attorney of Franklin county, Nebraska, is one of the leading citizens of his vicinity. He is the only child of A. V. Miller, retired, of Franklin, who is one of the oldest settlers in western Nebraska, having located in this county in 1880, homesteading in Macon township one hundred and sixty acres, breaking up the land and building a sod house, and who went through all the pioneer experiences of failures of crops and the discouragements familiar to the early settlers in this state. A. V. Miller was born in Waldoboro, Maine, in 1841, and enlisted in the United States navy in 1864, serving on the sloop "Brooklyn" and the gunboat "Ottawa" on the Atlantic at the battle of Fort Fisher under Admiral Porter. He was mustered out at the Brooklyn navy yard in 1865.
     His father, Gilmore Miller, served in the Twentieth Maine Regiment through the Civil war, from 1862 up to 1865. He was in the Army of Port Hudson, under General Banks. Our subject's grandfather, Frank Miller, of Lincoln county, Maine, was in the war of 1812; also his father, William Miller, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, so that the Millers were of fighting blood from the earliest days, and were brave soldiers and patriotic citizens. Hiram Miller came to this country from Germany as early as 1767. A. V. Miller's mother was Elizabeth Hahn, of Waldoboro, Maine. He married Miss Asenith Mack at Lawrence, Massachusetts, daughter of George and Louise Chase Mack, of Eaton, New Hampshire. Mrs. Miller was born in Carroll county, that state, and her mother was a daughter of Oliver and Abigail (Fernal) Chase, whose family settled there before the Revolutionary war. Our subject is the owner of a fine four-hundred-acre farm in Ash Grove township and Bloomington township, while his son, W. H. Miller, owns two hundred and forty acres under ditch on Snake river, in Carbon county, Wyoming. The latter married Miss Verna Furry, of Franklin, daughter of L. E. Furry and Carrie Bender Furry, both of whom came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, whose parents were early pioneers in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two sons, Leonard Avy and Herbert Ross.
     Attorney Miller was born in Butler county, Iowa, in 1870. He attended Franklin Academy and studied law at the Lincoln State University, and graduated from that institution in 1897, at once opening an office in Hildreth. He was elected county attorney the following year and served one term, and re-elected in 1906, on the Republican ticket. He is recognized as one of the leading men of the profession in this part of the state, and has gained a high position in the estimation of his associates as a man of superior ability and judgment in all matters. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the fraternal order of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A portrait of Mr. Miller appears on another page of this volume.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HENRY H. PROUTY
     The history of Kimball county, Nebraska, would be incomplete without the life story of Henry H. Prouty, one of the most prominent of the pioneers of western Nebraska. Mr. Prouty was elected judge of the county in 1895, and, with the exception of the years 1897 and 1898, has held the office ever since, being the present incumbent. Judge Prouty has served his country with rare fidelity and acceptability and has won a high place in the esteem of his associates.
     Henry H. Prouty was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, December 18, 1842, being the youngest of ten children in his father's family. Mr. Prouty was reared in his native state, receiving a good education and working for years in a carriage factory in Brattleboro. In April, 1886, he came west. locating in Kimball (then Cheyenne) county, Nebraska.
     Mr. Prouty saw active service in the Civil war, enlisting June 20th, in Company C, Second Vermont Infantry. He entered the service as a private and when mustered out in 1865 he had risen to the rank of senior captain of Company B of his regiment. Our subject participated in many severe battles from Bull Run to Appomattox. He was shot through both thighs May 4, 1863, at Salem Heights, Virginia, and was confined to the hospital for three months, after which he returned to his company. He was adjutant and quartermaster on the regimental staff, serving with honor and distinction, and was mustered out at Balls Cross Road, Virginia, July 28, 1865, after which he returned to Vermont.
     Henry H. Prouty was married in Brattleboro, Vermont, March 16, 1867, to Julia M. Hurley, a native of Ireland, and who died in Kimball, Nebraska, May 14, 1908. She was sincerely mourned by her family and a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty were the parents of children: Edward M., married and living in Kimball, Nebraska; Ella M., now Mrs. E. M. Farley, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Caroline M., who is Mrs. Frank Lynch and a resident of Kimball; Harriet L., married to Lucian Stedman and living at Gardner, Massachusetts; and Julie M., married to Thrulaw Weed and living in North Loup, Nebraska.
     Our subject, on coming to Nebraska, located on a claim in section 14, township 16, range 56, and later took a tree claim. In 1868 he sold his ranch and moved to Kimball, the county seat, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Prouty was postmaster of Kimball under president Cleveland's second administration. Judge Prouty is a Democrat in politics and his popularity is shown by the fact that, although he is a Democrat in politics, he has been elected in a strong Republican county and at the last election he was also nominated at the Republican primaries.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CHARLES F. BOYER
     The above is one of the old settlers of Nebraska who came to this state when it was practically in its infancy and has remained to see it grow from a wild prairie tract to the fertile and productive country it has now become. While building up a good home and competence for himself he has also aided materially in the growth of his locality and is now prepared to enjoy the fruits of his many years of hard labor and share in the prosperity of the region. He has a comfortable residence and pleasant home in section 14, township 15, range 33, Cherry county, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
     Mr. Boyer was born in Grayson county, Virginia, in 1874. He is a brother of Fiels L. B. K. Boyer, whose sketch appears in the book, and a son of Hugh Boyer, an old settler of Cherry county, of old American stock. When our subject was nine years old the family settled in Madison county, in the eastern part of Nebraska, and with his father made the trip to Cherry county about 1886, where they picked out a location on which they made settlement in that year. the balance of the family coming here later on, traveling through the country by team with a covered wagon containing their goods.
     At the first they put up a rough building and started to break up land for a farm. All supplies had to be hauled from Purdum a distance of fifty miles from their claim, and their nearest trading post.
     When Charles was eighteen years of age he started out for himself in Madison county, where he farmed for three years, then returned to Cherry county for a time, and was back and forth between the two places up to 1898, finally settling permanently nine miles northwest of Mullen. He is now owner of a good ranch consisting of eight hundred acres, which is devoted to cattle raising, and he is also interested in the dairying business on quite a large scale.
     In 1901 Mr. Boyer was married to Stella Hewitt, daughter of Wilson Hewitt, an old settler and owner of a good farm located near Kearney, Nebraska, where Mrs. Boyer was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are the parents of four children, namely; Esther, Wava, Bertha and Leonard. Mr. Boyer is independent in politics, voting for the men and measures he believes best suited to the needs of the people.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
David Hanna, one of the older settlers of Cherry county, Nebraska, and a popular resident of Wood Lake, has watched the development and growth of this section for the past twenty-five years, and has gained an enviable reputation as a successful business man and worthy citizen. He is engaged in the banking business and is widely known throughout this and adjoining counties.
     Mr. Hanna was born near Lisbon Center, St. Lawrence county, New York, Judy (sic) 4, 1844. His father, John Hanna, was of Scotch-Irish stock, farmer by occupation, and his family of eight children were reared and educated on the farm where our subject early learned to perform all sorts of hard labor, and received a good old-fashioned training which fitted him for the struggle with fortune which he encountered later in life. He first started out for himself at the age of nineteen years, when, together with one brother, he came west to Winona county, Minnesota, where they worked on farms for three years. In 1888 the parents with five sons followed and each bought land on the Winnebago reservation. In 1883 Mr. Hanna first came to Cherry county in company with his youngest brother, driving a bunch of cattle from Minnesota to this county, and immediately settled in section 18, township 29, range 27, on a homestead and tree claim and started in the stock raising business. He proved up on these places and having improved it with good buildings and fences, it is now considered one of the best ranches in the county. It is personally managed by himself and he derives a good income from the stock which he keeps on the place. The range contains eight thousand acres, and he runs about sixteen hundred cattle and two hundred and fifty horses on it. The surrounding country is well settled now, but when Mr. Hanna came here the nearest neighbor was thirty miles from his place, and he and his brother were the first white men to settle west of the village of Johnstown. There was no one living between his farm and Valentine, and no one south between his ranch and Broken Bow. He has always done his share in advancing the interests of Cherry county, and has built up a fine estate, which would be a great credit in the older and more thickly settled portions of the country. April 1, 1904, he bought a half interest in the bank at Wood Lake, purchased a fine residence and moved into town to give personal attention to the business. In 1890 Mr. Hanna was elected sheriff of this county, serving one term, and in 1902 was sent to the state legislature to represent the county as a member of the lower house. Since 1906 he has been a member of the state senate from his district.
     Mr. Hanna was married to Miss Janette Lambie, who was born in Hammond, St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1854, of Scotch descent. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanna, four of whom are living, named as follows; Niel, Florence, Mary and Charlotte, all reared in Cherry County. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church.
     Mr. Hanna with his family occupies a beautiful six thousand dollar residence in Wood Lake, and devotes his time to his different enterprises. He takes a keen interest in politics and keeps abreast of the times in matters of local and national importance. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with the blue lodge at Wood Lake, the Chapter at Long Pine, the Commandery at Norfolk and the Shrine at Omaha. He also holds membership in the A. O. U. W. at Wood Lake.
     One of the most interesting illustrations in this work, and, which is shown on another page, is a view of the home and its surroundings. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hanna will also be found elsewhere.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN GENTRY
     Among the oldest settlers of western Nebraska who has taken an active part in the development of that region and gone through many bitter experiences in building up a home and competence out of nothing excepting his strong heart and willing hands, the gentleman above named deserves prominent mention. He came here when this part of the state was entirely undeveloped, towns were few and far between, supplies had to be hauled from North Platte to his claim, which was located twelve miles northwest of where the town of Whitman now stands, before the railroads were put through any portion of Grant county, and has come out victorious from the struggle. He had just gotten his home established and his farm nicely started when along came a destructive prairie fire and everything was swept away with the exception of his house, which was a rude affair built of sod. This occurred in 1894 and was a terrible calamity to him at that time, as well as to many other poor settlers in the vicinity, as it burned off miles of range and destroyed many humble homes.
     John Gentry was born on a farm in Monroe county, Indiana, in 1858, of American stock. He grew to the age of six years on the home farm, when the family moved to Illinois, settling in Hancock county, where he was reared and educated. In 1876 he left home and emigrated to Kansas, securing employment on a ranch and worked as a cowboy, riding all over the western part of that state, eastern Colorado and into Nebraska, spending many years in that section of the country. He came to Grant county, Nebraska, in 1886, the following year took up a homestead in Cherry county, twelve miles northwest of Whitman and started at once in the cattle business. His first buildings were a sod house and barns, corrals, etc., and he lived on the place for about eleven years. This ranch now consists of three thousand acres, all good range land, partly fenced and supplied with good farm buildings. There are four flowing wells on the ranch, and, he has a large bunch of cattle and other stock, and has made a decided success in the ranching business. He puts up many hundreds of tons of hay each year and has some fine lakes on his ranch, which abound in many wild ducks and other kinds of wild fowl. Mr. Gentry personally conducts his ranching interests, but in 1896 removed to Hyannis with his family, where they occupy a handsome residence.
In 1888 our subject was united in marriage to Fannie Monahan Abbott, whose father is a prominent pioneer in this part of Nebraska. They have two children, Carver and Raymond. Both children are at home with their parents and are very bright boys, who attend school in Hyannis during the session.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Judge Fred N. Morgan, who enjoys an extensive and lucrative law practice, is one of the leading citizens of Bassett, Rock county, Nebraska. He is recognized by the legal profession as an able representative of the Nebraska bar, and his successful practice is the result of his earnest efforts and sound judgment. He was elected the first county judge of Rock county, and held that office for eleven years, being re-elected six time.
     Judge Morgan was born in Marion county, Indiana, September 22, 1858. His father, Granville Morgan, was a farmer and one of the pioneer settlers in Indiana, of American stock. When he located in that state he filed on a tract of government land situated three miles from the city of Indianapolis. Our subject's mother was, prior to her marriage, Sarah J. Smith, whose father was a Virginian and served in the War of 1812. He was an old settler in Kentucky, where the daughter was born. Mr. Morgan was reared and educated in his native state, during his boyhood years remaining on his father's farm and assisting in farm work, following the plow and getting a good sturdy training. He attended the country schools, and afterwards went to school in Indianapolis, graduating from the high school there at the age of nineteen. After school he spent one year on the home farm, then came to Nebraska, settling in Washington county, making his home at Blair, where in 1882 he began the study of law. In 1885 he moved to Newport, remaining four years, then came to Bassett, where he received the nomination as county judge and was elected, being the first judge of Rock county after its organization. He had been practicing law for several years prior to this, having been admitted to the bar in 1887 at Ainsworth. In 1904 he was elected county attorney, serving in that capacity two years, and has come to be recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the locality. He devotes his attention to the building up of his practice and has been successful in a marked degree. In 1904 he was appointed commissioner of the United States, having jurisdiction over land cases and preliminary hearings in cases that may come before the criminal branch of the court.
     October 7, 1889, Judge Morgan was married in Ainsworth to Miss Jessie C. Smith, a native of Iowa, daughter of Newton F. and Adaline (McAhren) Smith. This union is blessed with three children, namely: Alta Pauline, Genevieve Irene and Lyle Newton.
     Judge Morgan is one of the influential and public-minded citizens of his community, and stands firmly for the principles of the Republican party. The entire family holds communion with the Episcopal church. while the judge affiliates with the Masonic order and the order of the Eastern Star, the Elks, the Workmen, the Woodmen and the Royal Highlanders.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 Webster E. Bowers, a prosperous and successful member of the business community in Mullen, Hooker county, is an old settler in western Nebraska, having settled on the Dismal river in the southern part of what is now Hooker county in the spring of 1884. At this time there was no county organization. In fact, there were but two other families in that part of the country, and during the years in which this section of the state has been developing into a prosperous and comparatively populous region he has taken an active part in its growth and upbuilding.
Judge Bowers was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in July, 1856. His father, James M., was a well-to-do iron worker when the Civil war broke out, and was among the first to enlist in West Virginia for the defense of the Union. The close of the war found him broken in health and financially ruined. The agitation regarding the admission of the territory of Nebraska into the union of states had brought this region prominently before the public and in 1869, with his worldly possessions in a wagon, he left La Salle county, Illinois, for Nebraska, locating in the fall of 1869, fifteen miles southwest of Fairbury, Jefferson county, where he saw the uninhabited prairie grow into a prosperous, well tilled farming community and was an important factor in that development. The following sketch of his life is from the Fairbury Journal of March 21, 1903:
     "Captain James M. Bowers died at Fairbury, Nebraska, Monday, March 16, 1903, aged seventy-one years, eight months and twelve days. He was born July 4, 1831, in Blair county, Pennsylvania, and spent the early years of his life in that region. October 1, 1854, he was married to Miss Margaret Twinam at Marshall, West Virginia, and for the next ten years their home was at Wheeling. In 1861, when President Lincoln made the first call for volunteers, Mr. Bowers was among the first to enlist, being enrolled as a private in the First Virginia Regiment, United States Volunteers. He was almost immediately introduced to the realities of war, being actively engaged in McClellan's brilliant campaign whereby the rebels were driven from West Virginia and that portion of the Old Dominion saved to the Union. He was loth (sic) to speak of his military services, but it was evident that they were very honorable to him, inasmuch as he was promoted to the captaincy of his company within five months after his enlistment. He was subsequently engaged in the operation of the armies opposed to General Lee and participated in the battle of Gettysburg. On account of impaired health he was honorably discharged in August, 1863.
     "After the Civil war he resided for a short time in Illinois, and removed from there to Nebraska in 1869, residing for a short time at Blue Springs and since 1870 in Jefferson county on his farm near Reynolds. Some twelve years ago he began to feel the serious infirmity of the disease that ultimately resulted in his death and so retired from active labor and made his home in Fairbury. He has been known here as a quiet and honorable citizen, respected by all, beloved by the few whose privilege it was to know him intimately. So humbly that his good works were known to only a small number of his nearest friends, he was systematically charitable to the poor and distressed, and many suffering families have received the relief which he was so glad to extend without knowing who their benefactor was. Though himself a man of moderate means, he was thus one of the most useful and worthy citizens. His kindness of heart was the fruit of a strong Christian faith. He had been a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years and was at one time a local preacher of that denomination. He was also an Odd Fellow and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Funeral services at the Methodist church were conducted by Rev. W. M. Balch and at the grave by the Grand Army of the Republic.
     "He is survived by his wife, six sons and two daughter, and was preceded in death by two of his children."
     Margaret Bowers, widow of the old vetearn (sic) and pioneer, still lives in the old home at Fairbury, and her gentle and lovable character has brought her the love and respect of all who are so fortunate as to know her. Though she is now seventy years of age, she is ever to be found where there is need of sympathy, or more substantial help.
     The long drive from Illinois developed in the subject of our sketch a slumbering desire to ramble, and after four years of drouth (sic) and grasshoppers with the old folks, at the age of seventeen he struck out on his own hook. Marysville, Kansas, was on the old Mormon and California trail, and the well known Independence ford across the Big Blue river was only a few miles below this town. As this was a general resting place for the traveler on the way to the coast country, or the Mormon bound for Utah, it promised a contrast to the lonely life on the claim, and accordingly it was attractive to the youth in search of a change of scene. Though no longer the activity of former years prevailed here, still it presented many attractions to the eye of young Bowers. United States soldiers, trappers, scouts and Indians were often on the streets of the little town, and he was soon on the great plains hunting the then numerous herds of buffalo. Several years of hunting and trapping followed, with many adventures of different kinds, from riding day and night without rest and nearly without food to bring help for an injured comrade who lay nigh the jaws of death, a long hundred miles from a surgeon, to the plain matter of fact diet of straight jerked buffalo meat an alkali water. 
"Web," as he commonly called, is not much of a talker, but his story of a little too much whisky is amusing:
     "A party of hunters were coming in from a very successful hunt, and one of the number, Rug. Beulis, an old United States soldier, was extremely fond of the red liquor. The crossing of the Republican river, near the mouth of Whiterock creek, was a hard one on account of quicksand, and Enoch Martin, who lived on the creek near its mouth, was engaged to help get the wagons over, and so save a great deal of labor unloading. When the crossing was made, and we were preparing for the night, Rug was missed. A couple of the boys went back to the north side of the river, where he was last seen near the camp of a party of trappers, where he was found, dead to the world with whisky he had obtained by trading the last of his ammunition to a trapper who had more whisky than gun feed. Martin was again pressed into service, and Rug. loaded into the wagon. When nearly across the river on the way to our camp, a trace which had probably been strained in the previous heaving pulling, broke, and Martin tumbled out to repair the trace. During this operation Rug. roused enough to see the fringe of cottonwoods along the stream and hear the ripple of the water, and he broke the silence with 'Boys, letsh camp, wood and water sho handy,' and then he was gone again. We had been where wood and water were appreciated."
     In November, 1877, Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Roxy L. Ripley, daughter of Amos J. and Huldah S. Ripley, at Marysville, Kansas. To them were born nine children. In the spring of 1884 they located on the south branch of the Dismal river, in what is now Hooker county. At that time this was a hunters' (sic) paradise. Antelope, deer and elk were roaming the country by the hundreds. Here again began the life of the pioneer, with all that the term implies. North Platte, by the route then traveled, was seventy-five miles distant, and was the nearest trading point, and postoffice, and the road was sandy and hilly, but over it was hauled, one way timber and posts from the Dismal, and the other the necessary supplies for the family. The trip usually required about seven days, and often ten. Grub, bedding fuel to cook with, summer or winter, and a supply of water for man and team, a great part of the time, all had to be hauled in addition to the regular load. From the river to the Platte was but one settlement; one Chapin, had a small ranch at the head of the South Loup river. The eternal drag through the sandhills can be estimated at its true meaning only by one who has had the actual experience.
     In 1889 Mr. Bowers began the study of photography, and in time became thoroughly proficient in that work. For about ten years he traveled in Hooker and surrounding counties, making pictures of ranches, stock and the babies. Today the most highly prized mementos of many of the old timers are the pictures made by this wandering photographer.
     In 1890 he sold his homestead on the Dismal, and moved to Mullen, where he now lives. Domestic dissension caused a rupture in time which lead to a separation of Mr. Bowers and his wife. In 1901 he married Martha E. Ripley, a sister of his former wife. To them have been born two children.
     In 1901 our subject established the only photograph gallery in Hooker county, at Mullen, where he has built up a good business, and is regarded as one of the best artists in the state, and is one of the substantial citizens of the town, and a worthy representative of his community. Judge Bowers has served his county in various official capacities, and has given satisfaction to his people as justice of the peace, county commissioner and county judge. He is a strong Republican, active in party politics.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
FRANKLIN R. HOGEBOOM
     The subject of this review was born in Ghent, Columbia county, New York, March 11, 1854, of American-born parents. His father, John T. Hogeboom, was a civil engineer and lawyer by profession. The family came from Amsterdam, Holland, and settled in New Amsterdam, now New York City. His mother's maiden name was Sarah McClellen, and her father's name was Dr. Samuel McClellen of Nassau, New York. Our subject was reared in New York, remaining until 1878, when he traveled in the west, and worked on different ranches. * He also came up with cattle to Ogallala, which was the end of the old cattle trail from Texas, where over three hundred thousand were delivered and placed on northern ranges, to be shipped later to the Chicago markets; was located at one time seventy-five miles west of Old Fort Hartsuff on the North Loup river and no one was between them and Rosebud Indian reservation many miles to the west; was present at a Sioux Indian pow-wow at the mouth of Goose creek, where a beef was butchered and the pipe of peace--Calumet--was smoked and good feeling prevailed.* The Sioux came to the ranch not in the best of good feeling, as they were returning from an unsuccessful trip east, where they had been after stolen ponies. He came to his present location on the head of the South Loup river four years prior to the organization of Logan county. Settled on unimproved prairie land and was the first homesteader who settled in the unorganized territory and has developed a splendid ranch, all improved and fenced in up-to-date manner, giving his attention to stock raising, where one of the attractions is the herd of registered Mule-Footed hogs.
     Mr. Hogeboom was married in 1882 to Mrs. Georgiana C. Hilgard, widow of Theodore C. Hilgard, M. D., whose father was Theodore E. Hilgard, lawyer, born in Nassau, Germany, immigrated to Illinois in 1835 with a family of nine children. Her father was Albert C. Koch, M. D., who immigrated to this country from Germany, coming here to make collections for the European museums. Among his collections were three skeletons of a big lizard seventy-five to eight feet long, "Zeuglodon maciospondylus." One was burned at Chicago during the great Chicago fire.
     Judge Hogeboom had excellent educational advantages in his early life and prepared himself for the legal profession by graduating from Columbia College of New York.
     He was well equipped with learning to participate in the political affairs of his county and to perform the duties of prosecuting attorney of Logan, which position he held. He was county judge when the county was first organized and is at present time the county judge.
     He was the first postmaster in Logan county, did surveying for many years, and quit only after his private and public interests demanded it. No man has been more closely identified with the growth of Logan county than has Judge Hogeboom, and he is esteemed everywhere for his sound principles and wise counsel.
* Words between the asterisks appear exactly as they are in original book. Interpretation is left to the descendants.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ARTHUR R. BOWEN
     The subject of this review is now the oldest settler on the North Loup river in Custer county, Nebraska. He has taken an active part in the development of his locality and is one of the successful old-timers of this part of the country.
     Arthur R. Bowen was born in Garden Grove Village, Decatur county, Iowa. August 26, 1856, and was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father, Daniel L. Bowen, was a native of Ohio and a pioneer of Nebraska, being the first man to bring a family west in 1873. He was an old-time homesteader and drove to the state overland in a covered wagon, locating near the North Loup river. The father and our subject and brothers made trips with ox teams to Grand Island, a hundred miles away, to haul cedar posts and other supplies and materials. They built rafts of cedar posts and floated them down North Loup river to Columbus, where they sold them.
     Our subject's mother died in 1884. His father died in 1907 at Sheridan Wyoming, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. He built up a good home and was prominent and influential among the old settlers.
     Arthur R. Bowen entered a homestead in Custer county in 1877 and has been an interested witness of the growth of the territory. He had to meet all the pioneer hardships, among them drouth (sic), grasshopper raids for two years and resulting crop losses. In 1904 a tornado wrecked his property in terrible shape, tore down buildings, windmills, trees, and his home, built of sod, was swept away from over their heads. His wife had to be dug out from under the sods and from under a heavy oak table after the storm had spent its fury. This was an awful experience and it is stamped indelibly on the minds of the family. Our subject has now a beautiful farm of four hundred and eighty acres with splendid improvements, and he has plenty of timber in the canons (sic) on the ranch. He cultivates two hundred and thirty acres and is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising.
     Arthur R. Bowen was married in 1879 to Miss Mollie Hollopeter. Her father was American-born, but of German parents. He was a prominent Dunkard minister. Her mother, Eliza Zigler, was American-born, but her parents were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have one child, Theresa, now married and living in South Dakota.
     Mr. Bowen is a strong Democrat in politics and is a stanch supporter of the principles promulgated in the platform of his party. He has held several minor offices with credit and distinction. He organized the Kent school district and built the school house years ago.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. H. Gregg, a well known resident of Kearney, Nebraska, is a typical representative of this hustling and enterprising western city, and illustrates in his own career the conditions of success at the present day. For many year she has lived in the city, where his clean and spotless life, his genial disposition and pronounced ability won him a host of friends, whom he has fortunately retained. For some seventeen years he has been in the dry goods business; lately he has been president of the hardware company, an institution organized and set in motion by him in 1904. He is a director of the business men's association of Kearney, and in that way has been able to greatly promote the welfare of the city. His public interests are many and varied and in a history of Kearney and Buffalo county his name would appear many times.
     Mr. Gregg is a native of Bracken county, Kentucky, where he was born in 1865. He was reared in Kentucky and educated in Wheaton, Illinois, College. After attending Wheaton College, Mr. Gregg taught school for one year at Albion, Iowa. He came to Ashland, Nebraska, in the spring of 1886 and was in the clothing business for Hon. H. H. Shedd. In 1887 he married Miss Maude Taylor. He came to Kearney in 1890 to engage in business and has since been prominently identified with the business interests of Buffalo county.
     C. H. Gregg was on the city school board for five years, and his familiarity with school matters made him enthusiastic in the work of securing the location of the state normal at this point, an achievement largely due to his knowledge of the situation, his tireless zeal and his ability to approach men. In 1904 he was appointed a member of the State Board of Education, and served on the executive committee until the completion of the normal at this point. Its construction was under his management, and what has been done here is largely due to his energy and marked business ability. The normal is an enterprise of much moment, and it has cost up to date (1906), more than $50,000. Mr. Gregg served on the furnishing committee. The land on which the normal stands consists of twenty-four acres west of town and at the head of Twenty-fifth street. The location of such an institution was agitated as usual a considerable time, and there was intense rivalry for its location, fifteen towns seeking to have it in their midst. The contest for the normal is one of the historic struggles of the state. The business men of Kearney united in the effort to bring it to this city, and appointed a strong committee of the best men of the place, with Mr. Gregg as chairman, to work for it. Mr. Gregg's known business ability, and his strong personality, coupled with social qualities of a high degree, and backed by the natural advantages and splendid location of Kearney, in addition to the work of a strong committee and pledges of $50,000 in cash for the institution, gave Mr. Gregg a long start in the struggle, and he threw himself into the fight to win. He watched the progress of the bill through the legislature, and staid right there until the bill for the appropriation and the location had safely gone through, and was duly signed. More than a thousand pupils were enrolled the first year, and what this school means educationally, socially and materially to Kearney, even the most sanguine have not realized.
     Mr. Gregg gives close attention to his mercantile interests and at the same time has been a shrewd investor in Buffalo county realty, having at different times owned several farms, which he has sold at good profit.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Joseph G. Armstrong, residing at Rushville, Nebraska, was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 1850. His father, Alexander Armstrong, was a merchant in Millbrook, Toronto, born in the north of Ireland, and his mother was of English birth. The family consisted of eight children, of whom he is the third member, and when he was five years old his parents came to the United States, locating at Fairfield, Iowa. Here he was raised and educated until he was eighteen years of age, then came west to Wyoming, obtaining employment on the Union Pacific railroad as a fireman, and followed this for two years. From there he went to southwestern Nebraska and took up a homestead and tree claim, also preemption, and proved up on all three. He lived in a dugout, later sod house, then log house, and hunted buffalo all over that part of the country and into Colorado. He followed a typical hunter's existence, camping out half the time, and roughed it winter and summer. He has camped out at night when the ground was covered deep with snow, being two hundred miles from any settlement, when the woods were overrun with wild animals of all descriptions, and passed through many exciting and dangerous experiences.
     For twelve years Mr. Armstrong made Beaver City, Nebraska, his home, during that time working at freighting from Cheyenne to the Black Hills. On more than one occasion on these trips his wagon was fired into and he had narrow escapes from the Indians. For eight seasons he drove large bands of sheep from New Mexico to Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas. In 1884 he first came to Rushville, driving in from the Black Hills country. He located in the town of Rushville, buying land, and established a bank in 1886, this being the second bank opened up here. He continued in this enterprise for twenty years, and also during that time has been engaged in the land business, dealing in Colorado and Mexican lands. In 1889 he established the Rushville Mercantile Company, which is now one of the largest stores in the place. This concern occupies a building 25x100 feet, with basement, and they do an immense trade through the county. Mr. Armstrong still owns large ranching interests in Cherry county, dealing in stock raising constantly. He has accumulated a large and valuable property thorough his industry and good business ability, and is numbered among the leading men of this section, who has always done all in his power to promote the best interests of his community, and his name will go down in history as a prominent old-timer of Nebraska.
     Mr. Armstrong was married in April, 1889, to Miss Mary E. Jack, whose father, George B. Jack, was one of the early settlers in Sheridan county. Two boys have been born to them, George J., born in January, 1891, and Joseph T., born in December 1898. In political faith Mr. Armstrong is an independent.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Peter Thies, one of the leading most influential of the pioneers of western Nebraska, lives in a pleasant ranch home on section 24, township 14, range 38, in Keith county. Mr. Thies has traveled a great deal and lived in a number of different states, and now after a long life of useful endeavor has established himself in comfortable circumstances and is considered one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.
     Peter Thies first saw light in the village of Wormaldange, near Luxemberg, (sic) the capitol city of the Grand Duchy of Luxemberg, (sic) under the protectorate of Holland, February 2, 1844. His father, John Thies, had an estate on the Moselle river, and was a miller and wine-grower in the old country. His ancestors were Hanovarian. Like all his race he was of a martial sprit and took part in the revolution in which Holland and Belgium were engaged. One of the family was a general in Napoleon's army. His mother, Magdelina Punell, was of French ancestry. In coming to America in 1857, the family visited relatives in Paris for a week before sailing from Havre on the old sailing ship "Santa Anna." After a voyage of fifty-six days, during which Peter became enamored of the life of a sailor, they landed in New Orleans. Then they ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where a month was spent visiting relatives who had preceded them to the new world. The father settled in Iowa county, Wisconsin, where he started a brickyard, which he operated until the outbreak of the civil war. Peter's enlistment deprived him of his bookkeeper and manager. Our subject was reared in Wisconsin and was tutored by John Commons of the public schools, an Irishman, to whom, in turn, Peter gave lessons in the French language, which he knew as fluently as the German, Dutch and Luxemberger (sic) tongues.
     When the civil war broke out, our subject enlisted in Company E, Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry at Mineral Point. He was in the detached service scouting and on police duty and was in many dangerous situations during the time he gave to his adopted country. For a time his command was stationed at Milwuakee to enforce the draught and because of his intelligence and aptness in clerical work was assigned duty much of the time under General Pope. In 1863 he was sent into Minnesota to engage the Sioux Indians, capturing many and putting an end to the Indian war. They marched across Minnesota to Fort Ridgeley and thence across the plains where they built a fort called Fort Wadsworth, later changed to Sisseton, returning to St. Louis in the fall. Later they were sent on a dangerous expedition hunting guerillas (sic) in Kentucky. His service was of long duration over a wide extent of country in which he experienced many perils. After the war was over, Mr. Thies returned to Wisconsin and was with his father for a time, going thence to Pikes Peak, Colorado, in the spring of 1866, and remaining in the far west with a brother until 1867. He again returned to Wisconsin where he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits, operating three farms during a period of six years, accumulating considerable means. His health still remained poor, and he again sought relief in the mountains of Colorado, residing in Central City four years engaged in mining when able to work. Going to Colorado Springs, he was employed in the mines for a year before being placed in charge of the stamping mills, which were running at a loss until he took charge. Returning to Wisconsin in such poor health that he had to stop off in Topeka, Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Freeport to recuperate, he entered politics and was at one time candidate for city treasurer. In 1885 Mr. Thies sold out all his chattel property and came west to Keith county, Nebraska, settling on his present farm. He came to the new country principally for his health and also to furnish his children the opportunity of securing farm homes to a larger extent than could be done in the east. Mr. Thies found a country conducive to good health and he has built up a splendid ranch home of six hundred and forty acres and placed himself in very good circumstances. He has taken an active part in the affairs of his locality and has done his part toward the material advancement of the community. Together with his sons and daughters, he owns over four thousand acres of fine land, much of it in the immediate bottoms of the North Platte.
     In Wisconsin, October 5, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Peter Thies to Miss Mary Wenner, a native of the village of Coutern, three miles from the capitol of Luxemberg, (sic) a daughter of John Wenner, a farmer, besides, being an architect and builder. He was intrusted with the keeping in perfect repair the fortifications of the city of Luxemberg, (sic) the strongest inland fortress in the world. Mr. and Mrs. Thies have had six children; Mary Kathrine, who died in Colorado and was buried in the cemetery at Central City, Colorado; Mary May Magdalena, wife of George Williams, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Michael J., a ranchman, of Keith county; John, accidentally killed at Sidney, Nebraska; Perry J., also engaged in ranching on the North Platte, and Annie V., one of Keith county's most successful teachers, now perfecting her title to a Kincaid claim north of her brother's ranches in Keith county.
     Mr. Thies is a stanch Republican in political views. He was reared in the Catholic church in the old country. He was made a Mason at Black Hawk, Colorado, and was member of the Ogallala Post, Grand Army of the Republic.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
B. F. Hastings, a banker of Grant, Nebraska, is one of the leading men of his community as well as one of the old settlers in western Nebraska, and to his efforts and influence during the past many years have been due much of the prosperity enjoyed by the residents of that region.
     Mr. Hastings was born in McHenry county Illinois, in 1863, and reared on a farm there, where his father was among the pioneers, he a native of Connecticut, as was also, his mother. Our subject received a good common school education and later attended the Oberlin College and graduated with the class of '86 in the classical course, and the same year came to Nebraska, locating at Crete and entering the law office of George H. Hastings. In December he came to Grant and filed on a homestead near the town, proved up on it in due time and made it his home for some time. In 1888 he was admitted to the state bar, and nominated for county judge, receiving the election and served for four years in that capacity, then begun (sic) the practice of law. He built up a good patronage and was most successful., and in 1900 was appointed county attorney, serving since that time as such. In 1899 he established a banking and loan business, carried it on for several years, and then organized the Commercial Bank of Grant in 1905, of which he is president and general manager.
     Besides his banking business Mr. Hastings is quite heavily interested in the lumber and coal business at Madrid, Nebraska, also in farming and ranching in Perkins county. He is a gentleman of excellent business ability, a first-class financier and one who has the entire confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
     Mr. Hastings was married in 1890 to Miss Elizabeth Buckland, daughter of David Buckland, an early settler of New York state, where she was born and raised. Mr. and Mrs. Hastings have an interesting family of four children, all born in Perkins county, and named as follows: George, Irene, Louise and Charles.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
MRS. FRANCES MARIA BRAINARD O'LINN
     The estimable lady who bears the above name is one of the early settlers in western Nebraska, and is well known throughout the state as a successful attorney and prosperous business woman. She is a woman of high literary attainments, possessing a highly gifted mind thoroughly educated, and recognized as one of the leading citizens of Dawes county, esteemed and admired by everyone in the region. Mrs. O'Linn and her daughter reside in Chadron, where they have one of the pleasantest homes the city affords.
Mrs. O'Linn was born in Birmingham, Iowa, in 1848, and is a daughter of Daniel Egbert Brainard, a prominent attorney and judge of the circuit court of Iowa, who served on the bench for thirty years. He was a native of New York state, born at Watertown in 1809, and married Elizabeth Anne Pickett, a Kentuckian. General Pickett of the southern army, being her own cousin, and Senator Clark, of Kentucky, her uncle. The Pickett family were prominent members of the old southern aristocracy, many of the male members occupying high positions in public life in the earlier days. Our subject was reared and educated in Iowa, graduating from the state university in 1865, and after leaving college, followed the profession of a teacher at Magnolia. She was married at the latter place in 1868, to Dr. D. H. O'Linn, a rising young physician of that city, and they had a family of three children, namely; Daniel Egbert, Hugh Brainard and Elizabeth Anne, of but the last named is now living, widow of Clarence C. Smith, of Chadron, and mother of two children, Frances Minerva and Henry Holden.
     In 1872 the family moved to Blair, Nebraska, and were among the pioneers of that town, Dr. O'Linn practicing his profession up to 1880 when he died, deeply mourned by his family and friends. Mrs. O'Linn was principal of the schools at Blair and Tekamah for many years, resigning her position as such in 1884, when she first settled in Dawes county. Here she took up a homestead and built a log house, the place being located on the White river, now called Dakota Junction. She remained on the place until proving up on her claim, and it was while living there that her son, Egbert, was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun, while attempting to scare away the range cattle from their hay stacks. The region was then very sparsely settled, and there were not enough neighbors to bury him, so the mother was herself compelled to do her share of the work of preparing him for burial.
     In 1885 our subject moved to Chadron, and was the first postmistress at that town, the office having been just established, and she carried on that work for several years, and had previously held the same office at the Junction, which was called O'Linn, named so by the cowboys for the son, who was killed. She took up the study of law during this time, following the work she had already done with father, and in 1887 was admitted to the bar of Nebraska, and in 1891 to the supreme court of Nebraska, and also, on October 17, 1893, admitted to the bar of the supreme court of the United States. She has become well known throughout the country as one of the most brilliant lawyers in the profession, and as a woman of great intellectuality and strength of character. Mrs. O'Linn practiced from that time on, and in addition to attending to her practice, is engaged in the settlement of estates, titles, doing abstracting and all the branches of the work. She is also interested in the insurance business and has a large clientage (sic) throughout Dawes and the surrounding county.
     Her second son, Hugh Brainard O'Linn, was killed by being thrown from a train just east of St. Louis, July 8, 1899. He was returning home from Central America, where he had been sent by the Associated Press.
     Her son-in-law, Clarence Cinclair Smith, was killed at Harrison, Nebraska, August 10, 1907, by being run over by a train, thus depriving, for the third time, the family of a loved one in a shocking and heart-rending manner, without a moment's warning.
     Mrs. O'Linn is a lady of charming personality, broad-minded and liberal in her views of people and things, and her name will occupy a prominent place in the history of the state of Nebraska.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles Callahan, proprietor of the electric light plant of Sidney, Nebraska, is a gentleman of wide experience in the business and has met with excellent success in his career.
     Mr. Callahan is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, born in 1861, and is a son of John P. Callahan, of American stock, engaged in the nursery business in Indiana. Our subject grew up in the city of his birth, and from the time he was twelve years of age he hustled for himself, learning the printer's trade when a boy. He later worked in Chicago, St. Louis, and for a time was in Canada, and most of his education was self-taught, gained through contact with business men and in travel. In 1884 he first struck Sidney, and for a time worked on The Telegraph, purchasing a half interest in that organ in 1886, two years later buying the whole paper and was sole proprietor and editor up to 1891. He left Sidney for a time, spending about four years at Omaha, Hot Springs, and other places, always engaged in newspaper work. In the fall of 1894 he came back to Sidney and again took up his position as editor and proprietor of The Telegraph, and continued in that capacity for eight years. In 1897 he was elected postmaster of Sidney, and held office for five years, proving a most capable official, well liked by all. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Sidney, started in 1902. He was also engaged in the banking business at Sidney, but sold out his interests. He now owns a fine business block. In 1905 our subject established the Sidney electric light plant, and is now sole owner and operator of the concern, the plant being built in duplicate to avoid a shut-down in case of accident to machinery.
     In 1899 Mr. Callahan was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Cleburne, daughter of Joseph Cleburne, an old-timer of Cheyenne county, and pioneer previous to 1870. Our subject is a Republican, and takes an active part in local party matters. He is a thirty-second degree Mason.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Edgar M. Traver, residing on section 7, township 22, range 44, Deuel county, Nebraska, has built up a comfortable home and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1865, and raised on his father's farm. He is a son of Cyrus Traver, a native of New York, whose ancestors were among the early settlers on the Hudson river. He was a farmer, and his wife, who was Abby Moorehouse, is also a native of the same state; her family having settied on the Hudson river on landing here from Holland in early pioneer days. Our subject's father was married twice, and had a family of seven children, of whom he was the third member in order of birth. He left his parents' old home and came west in 1885, driving one thousand miles by team accompanied by his father and one brother, following the line of the Chicago & Northwestern railway. They settled in Box Butte county, Nebraska, the father taking a homestead in section 26, township 25, range 48, and our subject also took up a preemption on coming of age and held this for eight years, and had also taken up a homestead during this time. He followed farming part of the time, and was on this place during the dry years, and also drove the mail stage in 1890, which was one of the worst years in this section. He had made quite a little money up to this time, but spent it all to pull through the hard times, and was compelled to sell his land and go into the cattle business to make a living.
     In 1895 he came to the sand hills and located on a farm here, and started out with one cow. Here he put up hay and baled it. hauling this to Lakeside and in this way paid for his cow. It was slow work getting a start in the cattle business when he had so little capital, but he gradually added to his herd and made a success of the business. He has a farm of six hundred and forty acres of deeded land now, and uses his brother's hay ranch for feed for his stock, of which he has two hundred head of cattle and about twenty horses. He has bought and paid for all of his place excepting an additional homestead of four hundred eighty acres. He is well satisfied with this region, and will remain here as long as he has to work for a living as his family likes the country and there is an excellent school within half a mile of his farm. His family consists of his wife, whose maiden name was Miss Maggie Schramling, whom he married in 1894, and their family of two children, namely. Elmer and May, both born and raised in this locality. Mrs. Traver is a daughter of Avery Schramling, of German descent, who was one of the first settlers in Jackson county, Iowa He was one of those who went through this state over the California trail during the go fever of 1849, and afterwards located on a farm in the above county.
     Mr. Traver gives all his time and attention to the building up of his home and farm, and has never held office, although he takes a lively interest in all local and state affairs. He votes the Republican ticket, always going for the best man. His postoffice is Lakeside.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. W. HOXIE
     The gentleman above named is prominently known as one of the leading business men and worthy citizens of Kearney, Nebraska. Mr. Hoxie is president and founder of the Hoxie Grocery and Mercantile Company of that city, and is one of the public spirited men of this section of the country.
     Mr. Hoxie is a native of Vermont. He began his business career at the age of seventeen years. In 1883 he came to Nebraska from Ottawa, Illinois, locating in Lincoln. There he was principally engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and, like all energetic Nebraskians, in farming and buying and selling farm lands. He was deputy sheriff of Lancaster county, Nebraska, for four years, being appointed in 1891, and in 1897 he was appointed superintendent of the State Industrial School at Kearney, filling this position with credit for three years, retiring February 1, 1900. In March of that year he bought the grocery business of M. A. Nye, located on Central avenue, Kearney, and organized the Hoxie Grocery & Mercantile Company, with W. J. Vosburg, then assistant superintendent of the State Industrial School, as vice-president. In 1902 Mr. Vosburg retired from his position at the Industrial School and since that time has devoted all his time to the business. During the latter year the company bought the Nelson grocery store located on North Central avenue, which establishment is managed by Mr. Vosburg. The following year they purchased the Johnson store on South Central avenue, and at the present time own and operate these three stores. The business has grown steadily, and both Mr. Hoxie and Mr. Vosburg are known as two of Kearney's most successful business men. Mr. Hoxie is a member of the city council, representing the third ward, and has been in this office since 1904. He served as president of that body, and chairman of the financial committee, also a member of the streets and alley committee.
     Mr. Hoxie was married November 12, 1879, to Mary M. Atkinson, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Hoxie are members of the St. Lukes (sic) Episcopal church and Mr. Hoxie is one of the vestry men. Mr. Hoxie has a wide reputation as a business man of exceptionally good judgment, conservative in all matters of moment, and has gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
FIELS L. BOYER
     The gentleman whose name heads this personal history is one of the old settlers of Nebraska, a gentleman of sterling character, honest, industrious, and who has made his mark in the affairs of his locality, and incidentally built up for himself a competence by dint of good management and thrift.
     Mr. Boyer was born in Grayson county, Virginia, in 1870. He father, Hugh, was a farmer and pioneer in Nebraska, and a sketch of him, also of two brothers, appear in this volume. When our subject was twelve years of age, in 1882, the family left Virginia and came west, settling in Madison county, Nebraska, where they rented a farm for about five years. He lived with his parents until he was above seventeen, then started for himself. following farm work at first, then learned the trade of a telegraph operator and worked at that off and on for a number of years. In 1890 he came to Cherry county, spent one summer, then went to California and worked as an operator for the Santa Fe & Los Angeles Terminal company, remaining in their employ for six years. In 1900 he returned to Nebraska and filed on a homestead on the Loup river, in Hooker county, northwest of Mullen, and there begun ranching and farming, living on that place up to 1905, then moved to his present ranch in section 28, township 25, range 32. He put up good buildings at the start, drilled wells and put up windmills, and has every improvement. The place contains nine hundred and sixty acres, about eighty acres of which is devoted to farming and the balance used as a stock ranch.
     In 1894 Mr. Boyer was married to Alice Osborn, a daughter of T. C. Osborn, who is a well known ranchman and old settler in eastern Nebraska, and one of the first homesteaders in Madison county. Two children have come to bless the union of our subject and his good wife, named as follows; Glenn, aged twelve years; and Lynn, aged ten years.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
S. L. ROBERTS
     In compiling a list of the prominent business and professional men of Alma, Harlan county, Nebraska, who have been intimately identified with the upbuilding of the commercial interests of that locality and are widely and favorably known, a foremost place must be given S. L. Roberts.
     Mr. Roberts is a native of Clark county, Ohio, born in 1845, near Springfield. He is a son of William V. Roberts, a native of Berkeley county, West Virginia, and his grandfather, Captain James Roberts, was captain of the Ohio troops in the war of 1812. In 1856 our subject's parents moved to Warren county, Iowa, and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, Company G, serving for four years and ten months. He was never off duty only when shot off, and was wounded at the battles of Shiloh and Atlanta. Was taken prisoner at Corinth, and paroled from Vicksburg in a few weeks and exchanged in January, 1863. He was all through the battles around Vicksburg and was at the siege of Vicksburg. He was with Sherman in the Georgia campaign, was with the company on their march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and took part in the Grand Review at Washington.
     Mr. Roberts came to Harlan county, Nebraska, locating on a homestead in Alma in the year 1873, and seven years later moved into Alma, which had just been started as a town, the railway having been put through in 1879. He established himself in business as abstractor of titles, in 1890, and was one of the first trustees for the village of Alma in 1880. He served first the village, later the town, on the board and council for a number of terms. In 1895 he was elected county clerk and register of deeds, and was re-elected in 1897, holding office up to 1901. Back in the '80s he was justice of the peace for a number of years, and was on the school board in 1885, when the old school house was built, and has been a member off and on ever since then, and is now holding the office of president of the school board of Alma. They are this year building a fine new high school, to cost when completed, $25,000. This will contain ten rooms, and be an up-to-date, modern building in every respect.
     Mr. Roberts was married in 1872 to Miss Anna McGlathery, of Cass county, Missouri. One son, John W. Roberts, is now superintendent of the Alma city schools, appointed in 1906. He was born and raised in Alma and educated at the high school here, later attending the state university, graduating in 1904. For two years he taught Latin and German at Falls City high school, and at the end of that time was tendered the position he now holds, without having applied for it. One daughter, Grace A., is a graduate of the Alma high school, also the state university, entering the latter institution when but sixteen years of age, and was for two years teacher of mathematics and Latin in the city schools, retiring in 1905. She has a brilliant record as a scholar, both at school and later as a teacher. Mr. Roberts is a Democrat.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
IRA L. BARE
     The above mentioned gentleman is one of the prominent residents of North Platte, Lincoln county, Nebraska. He is editor and publisher of the Semi-weekly Tribune, established in 1885 by L. A. Stevens.
     Mr. Bare is a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and was reared and educated there. The North Platte Semi-Weekly Tribune was established in 1885 by L. A. Stevens, and in June of the same year our subject bought a half interest in the paper. In 1901 he bought the whole paper, and was sole proprietor. From the time of first getting an interest in it, he has been the editor and active member of the firm. This paper has been a Republican organ from the start and always taken a firm stand in upholding the party principles. It has always stood for the best interests of North Platte and its growth and advancement as one of the leading cities of western Nebraska, and been an earnest advocate of the schools and all improvements which would add to the prosperity of this locality. The paper started and led the fight which resulted in the building of the new high school in 1905, at a cost of $25,000, and the city still needs four more rooms to accommodate the pupils properly. The only debt which the town has is $30,0000 which was expended for sewers, and the city is now negotiating for the purchase of the water plant. This paper has also always dealt fairly by the Union Pacific railway, recognizing it as the principal factor in building up the city. It has a large circulation in this and the adjoining counties, and is the leading news medium of this locality. The job department is thoroughly equipped for executing orders promptly, and gives universal satisfaction.
     Mr. Bare was married in 1887 to Miss Mollie Thompson, of northeast Pennsylvania, and by which union a daughter and son are living.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN MORGAN COTTON
     The gentleman whose name heads this personal history is the popular editor and manager of the Ainsworth Star-Journal, the oldest paper published in Brown county, Nebraska. This paper is a reliable news medium, and has a wide circulation all over Brown and the adjoining counties. The Ainsworth Star-Journal is the successor of the Western News, established in 1880, The Journal, The Star, The Idea, The Home Rule and The Herald.
     Mr. Cotton is a native of Indiana, born in 1853, of Irish descent. His grandparents were born in Virginia. His father, Isaac Cotton, was a farmer, and his mother was a daughter of John Morgan, a captain in the war of 1812. He is the elder of three children, and was raised in Iowa, where the family settled about 1855, locating on a farm in Story county. He received his early education in the common schools, and then attended the college at Ames, Iowa. In 1872 he was appointed a civil engineer on the Santa Fe railroad, and followed this work for some years. He then resigned that position and began teaching school. He was admitted to the bar in Nebraska, in 1875, and has the distinction of being the first person to be admitted to the supreme court on examination in that state. He is a graduate of the University Law School in Kansas, and subsequently practiced in Kansas for five years. After having had about two months' experience in the printing business he located at Louisville, Kansas, in 1880, and became editor of the Louisville Reporter. The former editor of that paper had been arrested and charged with a serious crime two months after Mr. Cotton had settled in Louisville, and he was asked to take charge of the paper, and also to defend the editor in the suit which was brought against him. After a hard fought legal battle Mr. Cotton secured his client's acquittal in spite of the fact that public sentiment was strongly against the man. In fact, although he was proven not guilty,. the feeling against him was so bitter that he was at once compelled to leave town. This, of course, left our subject as editor and manager of the Reporter. After some years in newspaper work he was on the road traveling for different lines of business, all over Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Manitoba, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado and in some sections of Wisconsin and Michigan. He was engaged in the newspaper business in Lincoln for three years, also in Omaha for a time, and in 1903 located in Owatonna, where he acted as editor of the daily and weekly Journal for over two years. In the year 1905 he purchased the paper of which he is now editor and manager.
     Mr. Cotton was married in 1900 to Miss Nannie Remy, a native of Indiana, a daughter of Dr. G. O. Remy, of Ainsworth.
     Mr. Cotton has been very successful in his newspaper work, and is highly respected by the entire community for his active public spirit, and his paper is the exponent of all that tends to the advancement of the locality in which it is printed.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. C. SMITH
     The gentleman above named is a well known business man and respected citizen of Alliance, Nebraska. He has given liberally of his time and influence in building up the financial interests of the town, and has taken an active part in every movement to better the conditions of his community.
     Mr. Smith is a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, in 1856, of American parentage on his father's side, the latter having settled in England in his young manhood and there married Sarah Barton, of English birth. The father was a horse dealer, and when our subject was a boy the family came to America and settled in Iowa where he was reared and educated. When he reached the age of twenty-one years he begun (sic) railroading, beginning as a machine hand in the shops and working up to be engineer for the company he started with. He continued at this work up to 1892, the year previous having located in Alliance, and at that time was engineer on the Burlington railroad, having been with that company for fourteen years. In May, 1905, he met with an accident, and was obliged to quit the road. In May, 1906, he started in the livery business in Alliance, and has had a good patronage since the beginning. He has also been engaged in the real estate and land business here.
     Mr. Smith was married in 1884 to Miss Addie Brenanstall, daughter of R. R. Brenanstall, who is a large dealer in the hide and grease business at Creston, Iowa.
     Mr. Smith is a Republican politically, and active in party affairs. In 1906 he was elected a member of the town council, and the following year was nominee for mayor by all parties and elected by a goodly majority. He has been a member of the school board for a number of years, and is one of the leading public men of his community, enjoying a host of warm friends and the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GEORGE P. EMIG
     One of the leading and most successful business men of Taylor, Nebraska, is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review. He has been engaged in the drug business ever since 1883 and has built up a large and prosperous trade. He is an enterprising and successful business man and has the esteem and confidence of the entire community.
     Mr. Emig was born in Columbus, Bartholomew county, Indiana, in the year 1849 and was the son of Michael and Permilla (Anderson) Emig, the former a native of Germany and the latter of New Jersey. The father was a barber by trade, and was a veteran of the Mexican war.
     George Emig was reared in Indiana, receiving a good education in the city schools.  Early in life he exhibited excellent business capabilities, learning the tannery and the boot and shoe business and also the drug line. At the age of sixteen years he was so proficient that he was placed in charge of thirty workers in the tannery and twenty employes in the boot and shoe department, and he followed this employment up to the year 1879. He then went west, locating on a farm at Ord, Nebraska, where he remained for two years. At this time he went into the drug business in the village of Ord, remaining there for four years.
     In 1880, while on a hunting expedition, he visited Loup county, and in 1886 concluded to make it his home. On arriving in Taylor, the county-seat, he purchased his present drug business which had been established in about 1884 by F. A. and Otto Witty. At that time the stock was very small and Mr. Emig began at once to enlarge it and make it adequate for the increasing demands of the trade. For twenty-two years it has been Mr. Emig's constant aim to make his store one of the most modern and up-to-date establishments in this part of the country. He has been a warm supporter of educational matters, assisted in the establishment of the independent school district and has been an active member of the school board.
     George P. Emig was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary Matilda Whiteside, a native of New York state. Her father, William Whiteside, was born in Canada; her mother was a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Emig have two children: Charles M. and Emma.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
H. P. WAITE.
     Among the popular residents of McCook, Red Willow county, none is better known or more universally esteemed than the gentleman above named, who has been mayor of the town for the past two years. Mr. Waite was elected in 1905, and succeeded himself the following year. His duties are many as McCook is growing very rapidly and its municipal government consequently becoming important, imposes a greater tax upon the time and ability of the mayor. During his term of office one of the most important and beneficial steps for the present and future good of the town has been inaugurated and completed, and much praise is due him for the very successful culmination of this enterprise. The sewerage system Is referred to by the above. McCook is much better situated than most western cities for sewerage disposal, being on high land overlooking the Republican River, and although it was an immense undertaking, it is now in full operation and proving an important factor in the growth and development of its industries and commercial value. This work will cost the town about $40,000. The main sewer is one mile long, and empties into the river, the laterals being from eight to nine miles in length. With the fine supply of water from the works put in here in the year 1883, McCook is thoroughly up-to-date in all respects,, and the health of the citizens and progress of the city is assured.
     Mr. Waite is a native of Vermont. He came to McCook in 1888, and in 1996 established a hardware business here and since locating has been one of the active-and successful citizens of the place. He is a director of the First National Bank. He has served the town as alderman for two terms. 'The city is building a new high school to cost between $40,000 and $50,000, and Mr. Waite was instrumental in getting this for the city. During the term of his office as mayor the Carnegie gift of $10,000 for a public library has been accepted, and the city has guaranteed a fund of $1,000 per year to support this, Mr. Waite having appointed the trustees for this.
     McCook has between four and five hundred B. & M. railway men residing here with their families. This is a division headquarters with the superintendent and many officials living here, also the roundhouse and machine shops are located here, which employ a large number of men.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 Simon Fishman is one of the prosperous business men of Sidney, where he is engaged in the general merchandise business and has built up a good trade through his industry and good managament (sic), and is deservedly placed in a high rink among the worthy citizens of that thriving town.
     Mr. Fishman was born in the village of Thisit, Germany, in 1880. His parents were Jews, and lived in Germany all their lives.
     Our subject remained at home until he as thirteen years of age, then came to America, and from that time on has made his own way in the world. He located in Trenton, Tennessee, and spent four years in that city. At the end of that time he came west to Sterling, Colorado, and there began working as a clerk and continued in this work for four years when he started in business for himself at Sterling, being just twenty-one years old, opening a general merchandise store. He ran this place up to 1903, then sold out and came to Sidney, Cheyenne county, Nebraska. Here he opened up in the same line of business and has built up a good patronage. He has a nice store building with a frontage of 50x135 feet and occupies two floors, carrying a large and complete line of merchandise.
     In 1901 our subject was married to Mary Firee. Mr. Fishman is looked upon as one of the city's substantial and successful business men, and is always active in local affairs promoting the commercial or educational interests. He is a member of the city council, and is now serving in that capacity. In 1907 he was elected mayor of Sidney, and is one of the best public officials the town has ever had, highly esteemed by all.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ROBERT S. CAROTHERS.
     Perseverance and integrity are the stepping stones by which many men have reached a success, but of the early settlers in the west these characteristics were required in a greater measure than usually falls to the men of a more settled region. Here they had little incentive to perseverance when their every effort was almost fruitless for so many years, and the blasts of winter or storms and pests of summer destroyed the results of their toil. Those who remained through the pioneer days and witnessed a most radical change in the landscape and conditions are worthy of great praise for their work as developers of the country, and are citizens of whom their fellowmen may feel justly proud. Such a man is Robert S. Carothers, and he now resides in Perkins county, where he has a finely developed farm and valuable estate.
 Mr. Carothers was born at Frankfort Springs, Pa., August 15th, 1864. He comes of American stock, Scotch-Irish descent, and his father was a native of Pennsylvania also. When Robert was just one year old the family settled in Mercer county, Ills., where he grew to manhood, he going to Missouri in 1882, and there followed farm work. In the spring of 1886 he settled in Perkins county, locating on section 20, township 10, range 36. On coming to this region he shipped to Ogallala, which was the nearest trading point, driving to his new location, and for two years every trip for supplies for his home was made to that town. His father had settled in the vicinity in 1885, and was hard at work building up a home. He had hauled water for household use from Stinking Water Creek, several miles away, and was also going through the hardships and discouragements incidental to establishing a farm. His farm was on section 19, and his house a stopping place for many people who came to the region in search of homes, at one time he having twenty people crowded in his sod shanty for the night. He was one of the most hospitable of men, and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to the newcomer in getting located and his home started.
     Our subject's first dwelling was a sod shanty, and in this he led a bachelor existence up to 1891, then was married to Miss Nellie Coates. She was born in Wisconsin, the family settling in Keith county in 1885, and later her father, C. C. Coates, located in North Platte, where he opened a real estate office. During the construction of the C. B. & Q. Railway through the county Mr. Carothers helped survey the line through Perkins and Chase counties. He spent some time subsequently in Colorado and Kansas in company with surveying parties, roughing it on these trips, and passed through several exciting experiences. At one time near Sterling, Colo., a blizzard struck the camp and blew their tents away, and they had a hard time to save themselves from severe suffering trying to find shelter, for two hours wandering around seeking an abandoned shack in which to pass the time until the storm abated, finally succeeding in locating the shanty and saving themselves from exposure and possible death by freezing.
     In 1893 and '94 our subject met with severe crop losses on his farm and during these times was compelled to work away from home in order to make a living for his family. After these times passed he gradually got ahead, improved his place in good shape and added more land to his original homestead until he became proprietor of a section of good farm and range land, which is supplied with good buildings, including a comfortable dwelling, commodious barn 28 x 54 feet with 14-foot posts, besides sheds, etc. He has 200 acres cultivated and uses the rest as pasture and hayland for a large herd of stock. It will be of interest in this connection to say that in the spring of 1894 our subject hauled hay from near Keystone, on the North Platte river, thirty-five miles away. In the spring of 1886 hay was hauled from the South Platte.
     Mr. and Mrs. Carothers have a family of six children; namely: Roy N., Glen, Rex, Fern, Ray and Robert, and their home is one of the pleasant spots to be found in the community.
     Mr. Carothers is a populist. In early days he was actively interested in the Farmers' Alliance and was secretary and treasurer of the Perkins county organization.
      Mr. Carothers relates many incidents of pioneer life that are interesting. On January 12, 1888, there was a school exhibition in the neighborhood, when the blizzard of that date occurred, and the people were compelled to spend the night in the sod house where the exercises took place. Mr. Carothers' father, Robert L. Carothers, was justice of the peace of his neighborhood for ten or twelve years in early days. It is related that when he performed his first marriage ceremony in pioneer times, the bridegroom called him out after the ceremony and asked for a chew of tobacco and told the magistrate that he was financially "strapped" and would have to postpone paying the fee. For years this first marriage fee that Mr. Carothers received was a standing joke in the neighborhood.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. S. Hoagland, a prominent resident of North Platte, Nebraska, of the firm of Hoagland & Hoagland, attorneys at law, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1847. He is a son of W. V. F. Hoagland and Sarah L. Hoagland, his father at that time being engaged in the drug business in New York City in partnership with Dr. J. H. Schenk, of Philadelphia, and it was at the latter's request that our subject was named J. Schenk Hoagland.
     In 1857 Mr. Hoagland moved to Bunker Hill, Illinois, and remained there up to 1872, then came to Nebraska, locating at Lincoln. He was educated in Illinois, studying law at Bunker Hill and at Lincoln, Nebraska. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the 152nd Illinois Infantry and served his country as a private for nine months.
     Mr. Hoagland was married in 1868 to Miss Maria L. Waples, of Madison county, Illinois. They have two sons, one of whom, W. V., is in partnership with his father in his law business, and A. B. Hoagland, a prominent merchant of North Platte.
     Mr. Hoagland is a strong Republican. He has been judge of Lincoln county, and was elected a member of the Nebraska State Senate in 1895. He has been the representative of Nebraska to the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows since 1889, and recognized as one of the most faithful and efficient members of this splendid body of representative men. He is a gifted orator and eagerly sought as a speaker on all occasions in the different cities in which they meet by the order itself and also other orders by which the Grand Lodge is entertained.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM P. HALL
     Among the leading citizens and prominent business men of Holdrege, Nebraska, none occupies a higher position than the gentleman herein named. Mr. Hall has been engaged in the practice of law for the past twenty-five years, and is closely identified with every movement which has been inaugurated for the benefit of his locality, and his name will figure prominently in the history of the region.
     Mr. Hall is a native of Morgan county, Illinois. He studied law at Jacksonville, Illinois, after having received his earlier education in the public schools, and was admitted to the bar in 1884. In that year Mr. Hall located at Holdrege, and at that time there was not a school building, church or a sidewalk in the town. He was the second mayor, elected in 1889, and served one term. In 1898 the population of Holdrege was 1500, and it is now 4000. There are now two ward schools, a high school, eleven churches with many fine residences and altogether it is one of the most up-to-date towns of the state.
     Our subject served five terms as city attorney in the '90's, and also during 1904 and 1905. He has an extended practice throughout this section of the country in all courts of the state, and is recognized everywhere as a man of superior ability and sound judgement.
     In June, 1906, Mr. Hall was appointed postmaster, and is now serving in that capacity, proving a most popular and efficient official.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ROBERT WILBERT.
     The gentleman herein named has for many years been devoted to the interests of his community in public matters, displaying an enterprising spirit and the exercise of good judgement in a manner that commends him to all as a worthy citizen. Mr. Wilbert resides near Ainsworth, Nebraska, where he has a pleasant home and is proprietor of a large farm and ranch, to which he devotes all of his time and attention.
     Mr. Wilbert was born in Pennsylvania in 1847. His father, Israel Wilbert, was of old American stock, a farmer by occupation, who died when our subject was a boy, leaving a family of six children and a widow, who was Elizabeth Eakert, of Pennsylvania Dutch blood. Of these six children, he is now the only one living. His mother, now in her eighty-third year, is living at Dustin, Holt county, Nebraska. When he was thirteen years old he enlisted in the army serving in Gen. Sheridan's cavalry troops for three years and nine months. Was at the battle of Appomattox, Five Forks, and other campaigns, and was present at Lee's surrender, but most of the time was spent in the Shenandoah valley.
     After he left the army he spent one year at home, then traveled through the south for three or four years, and about the year 1870 went to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he scouted for the government, and also hunted and trapped. He took part in all the preliminary surveys of the Northern pacific railway from Bismarck to Musselshell, Montana, and spent five years in that country. He next came to the Niobrara Valley in Holt county, and hunted and trapped for five years, and in the spring of 1881 moved to Brown county before it was organized, where he settled on a homestead in section 13, township 31, range 23. At that time there were only a few ranchers in this county, and the land abounded in wild game which very nearly supplied all his wants, which were few and simple. He built a log house and started to build up a ranch, but for the first few years had a hard time getting along, experiencing many losses in crops and stock, going through several dry seasons and destructive hail storms. He stuck to the work through all disappointments, and now has a farm of 1,480 acres, of which 650 are cultivated, and he engages in stock raising and ranching. He runs about 150 cattle, thirty-five horses and three hundred and fifty hogs. His place is well improved with good buildings and fences, and he has a very valuable property and is well known throughout this part of the country as a successful and prosperous ranchman and farmer. Mr. Wilbert was married while living in Holt county in 1877, and the wedding was the first ever held in that county. His bride was Miss Martha A. Berry, born in Boonesboro, Iowa, and came to Holt county in 1873 with her parents. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert, namely: Mabel, born in Holt county in 1879, and Hattie, born on the present homestead in 1886. Mr. Wilbert has been prominent in political circles for many years past, and was a strong Peter Cooper man, a greenbacker, later deeply interested in the union labor question and anti-monopolist. He was a member of the Farmers Alliance and supporter of the populist party, always taking sides with the reform parties. He has never held any remunerative office of any kind, but for several years was postmaster at Mabelo, which has since been discontinued. Our subject is a man of superior intelligence and great energy of mind, and a truly self-made man, never having attended an English school. He is among the oldest settlers in Brown county and this part of the state of Nebraska, his nearest neighbor as a pioneer, being ten miles away. His first garden was also ten miles from his house, and the nearest postoffice when he was first married was Paddock, Holt county, Nebraska.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Walter P. Mann, a prosperous ranchman and worthy citizen of Dawes county, Nebraska, is a man of wide experiences in business pursuits who has met with pronounced success and enjoys a comfortable home and the respect and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances as a result of his integrity and sterling character. Mr. Mann resides in Chadron, where he is engaged in business.
   Mr. Mann was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1869, of American stock. His father, Elias Mann, was a dentist. He married Miss Harriet Ballard, and came with his family to northwestern Missouri when our subject was an infant, settling in Nodaway county at the county seat, which was then Maryville, and there our subject was raised and educated. When he was fifteen years old he ran away from home and came to Dawes county, Nebraska, with a freighting outfit, the party camping out nights and roughing it generally. He then put in ten years on different ranches in Wyoming, working as a cowboy, and saw all that country, including the Dakotas and parts of Montana, making Chadron his home and headquarters during all of the time. He grew familiar with the whole western country, and liked Nebraska better than any part of the west, so finally bought a ranch situated fifteen miles northwest of Chadron which he operated for some time and still owns and personally manages the place.
   Mr. Mann is recognized as one of the leading pioneers of western Nebraska, and has done his full share in building up the region where he chose his home. He has always taken an active interest in every movement that tended to the advancement of the interests of his community, and deserves a first place among those who have helped make this country what it is to-day. In political sentiment he is a Democrat.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Geo. F. Scott, postmaster and influential merchant of Taylor for the last twenty-four years, coming here in 1884, is a native of Minnesota, and was born near Albert Lea, February 12, 1857. His father, L. T. Scott, was one of the pioneers in Minnesota and was in the state during the Indian massacre. In early life he was a farmer, but, later, turned his attention to banking and the mercantile business. Our subject's mother was Marion Purdy before marriage and was of Scotch descent.
    Geo. F. Scott grew up on a frontier farm and was used to the hard work and the rough life of pioneer life. He came to Nebraska in 1878, locating in Furnas county, where for six years he was engaged in the mercantile business. He then removed to Taylor, where, in company with C. F. Wheeler, he opened a store with a small capital of about $2,000. For twenty-four years Mr. Scott has been successfully carrying on his large business which has increased as the years went by. He is interested in a store at Burwell which was opened in 1891, and the management of that business is in the hands of our subject's nephew, L. A. Howard.  
   Geo. F. Scott was married in 1885 to Miss Della Farrand, a native of Michigan. Her father, A. Farrand, was a pioneer of Furnas county, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have one child, a daughter named Aural.
   Mr. Scott was appointed postmaster of Taylor, in 1885, and has held the position ever since. He has become thoroughly identified with the interests of Taylor, and also of Loup county, and has done his share in building up the prosperity of the community. He has proven eminently successful as a business man and has merited the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
EUGENE HARTWELL HILL
   Eugene H. Hill, residing in the thriving town of Grant, is well known throughout western Nebraska as a business man of exceptional ability, who has for the past many years been extensively interested in the financial and commercial affairs of the region. He is at present engaged in the real estate business, handling land all over Nebraska and also in Colorado. Mr. Hill was born in Richland county, Wisconsin, June 15, 1862. In the paternal line he is descended from an old eastern family, who resided in Lewis county, New York. Goodwin John Hill, father of our subject, was born in Louis county, New York, in March, 1824, where he was reared on a farm and lived with his parents until he was married in 1843 to Miss Caroline Matilda Hubbard. They emigrated to Wisconsin in the pioneer days of that state, settling in Richland county, where there was born to them three sons and two daughters, the oldest son being Ralph K. Hill, now a resident of Hardy, Nebraska; Mortimer W. Hill, now residing on a farm near Alexandria, Nebraska, and Eugene Hartwell Hill. Mrs. Fannie Stanclift, one of the daughters, passed away in 1886 and the other daughter, Mrs. Lillian Jackson, is now residing in Spokane, Washington. Goodwin J. Hill died March 28, 1884. His wife survived him and passed away July 10, 1899. She was the daughter of William Hubbard, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died at the age of ninety-three years. His wife's maiden name was Caroline Elizabeth Bush.
    Our subject was raised in Richland Center to the age of eight years, then the family emigrated to Nebraska, locating in Jefferson county in 1870, driving the entire distance from Wisconsin with a two-horse team and covered wagon. After arriving in Nebraska they settled right among the Indians, living on the old Farrell ranch near Big Sandy River in Jefferson county, and there our subject grew to manhood. In 1883 he left home and started for himself, having previously learned the printer's trade, and followed the work considerably from that time on, employed on different newspapers through eastern Nebraska. He came to Grant in April, 1888, purchased the Grant Enterprise in partnership with L. S. Lacey, and ran this paper for about four years, acting as editor and publisher. This was the first newspaper published in Perkins county. He sold the organ in 1892 and went into the real estate business, also in the stock business in 1898, carrying on both enterprises up to 1903, owning at different times large tracts of land, and running from 4,000 to 6,000 head of sheep on his ranches. He opened his present real estate establishment in 1903, and has been successful in making some large deals, and has induced many settlers to this part of the state. He is at present owner of a ranch containing one thousand one hundred and eighty acres situated four miles north of Grant, and on this place he carries on stock raising and farming, having several hundred head of cattle, horses and hogs.
    Mr. Hill was married December 27, 1889, to Miss E. Alice Sexson, of Grant, Nebraska, who was born on a farm in Center township, Green county, Indiana, October 11, 1856, a daughter of John Granvill and Martha S. (Walker) Sexson. She emigrated with her parents to York, Nebraska, March, 1883, where she taught school until 1886, when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Perkins county, Nebraska, where she again resumed her profession as teacher and was principal of the Grant high school at the time of her marriage to Mr. Hill. Her father was born in Kentucky April 27, 1825, and in early childhood moved to Greene county, Indiana, with his parents, to whom were born sixteen children. This family moved west on horseback all of that distance. He was married in 1850 to Miss Martha S. Walker and passed away March 13, 1896, while his wife died May 15, 1896. She was born in Bledsoe county, Tennessee, November 16, 1823, and moved with her parents to Monroe county, Indiana, when a young girl, where she was reared amid the scenes and environments of pioneer life. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Granvill Sexson were as follows: Mary Abigail, who was born in 1851 and died May, 1852; Joseph Joel was born January 4, 1854, and is employed in the mail service running from Hastings to Omaha: E. Alice was born October 11, 1856; Edward Hanigan and Edgar Harris were born June 3, 1858. Edward, who lived in Greeley, Colorado, died January 6, 1899. Edgar served in the capacity of county treasurer of Perkins county, Nebraska, two terms, but is at present engaged in ranch business; Rebecca Cornelia was born August 2, 1860, is engaged in the millinery business in Grant; Viola Florence was born May 9, 1862, died January 26, 1890; Carol Speed was born August 11, 1864, engaged in farming and stockraising in Perkins county, Nebraska; John Granville, Jr., was born August 9, 1867.
   Mr. and Mrs. Hill have become the parents of a son, Eugene Harold, born August 11, 1893. Mr. Hill was made a Mason in Plumb Lodge No. 186, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in 1889 and is now a member of Ogallala Lodge, Ogallala, Nebraska. He and his family are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of Grant, Nebraska.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Henry J. Lowe, a leading business man of Mullen, Nebraska, has been closely identified with the development of Hooker county for many years past. He is proprietor of the leading general store in that town, carrying a large line of merchandise, lumber, coal and farm machinery, and enjoys a good trade from the surrounding country. Mr. Lowe is a man of much enterprise, and no one is more highly esteemed as a worthy and deserving citizen than the gentleman above named.
   Mr. Lowe was born at Cambridgeshire, England, in 1861. His father, Henry, Sr., was a carpenter by trade, and came to America in 1872 with his family, settling in Marshall Village, Michigan, where our subject grew to manhood. At the age of seventeen he left home and emigrated to Iowa, remaining there but a short time, then determined to go farther west, traveling by team and covered wagon, and finally settling in Goodland, Sherman county, Kansas, landing at that place in March of 1885. He settled on a pre-emption and later took a homestead, and started to build up a home. During that year the Indians had begun troubling the settlers, and while they were considered extremely dangerous, our subject stayed on just the same, spending in all ten years in that region, and succeeded in establishing a good ranch and home.
    Mr. Lowe was married there in 1889 to Mary Kudrua, whose parents were early settlers in that state, and she grew up there. The young couple began on a small scale and went through the usual pioneer experiences, and lived in a dugout the first six month, working faithfully to accumulate a comfortable home, but, in 1894 they, with many other settlers, left the region on account of the hard times and unfavorable conditions. They came to Hooker county, Nebraska, settling on a ranch situated ten miles west of Mullen, and after living on the place for a year traded a bunch of horses for a stock of merchandise valued at $500, which was his start in the business world. He put in a large line, and constantly extended his patronage throughout the county, and is now considered one of the leading merchants of his county, his trade at the present time amounting to $50,000 per year. He has a handsome and modern building, equipped with the most complete line of goods in this part of the state, and his floor space covers an area 25x60 feet, containing his smaller goods, while the shed, 14x70 feet, is used for flour and other goods. The machinery and lumber occupy a half block west and adjoining the main store. The upper floor of his store is used as a town hall.
    Besides his mercantile business Mr. Lowe owns a fine ranch situated three miles northeast of Mullen, on which he runs from 700 to 800 head of cattle and about 125 horses, also 700 sheep, and he personally superintends the operation of this extensive ranch.
    Mr. Lowe's family consists of himself, wife and two children - Lewis, aged seventeen years, and Elliot, aged fifteen years. They have a beautiful home, and are well liked by all with whom they come in contact, occupying a foremost place in the social life of the town.
    Mr. Lowe is a stanch Republican in political views, and was county treasurer for four years. He was appointed postmaster at Mullen, and held that office for eight years.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. W. Jackson, of Loomis, is one of the largest landowners of Phelps county, Nebraska, being proprietor of two thousand one hundred and eighty acres, a part of which is located very near Holdrege and the balance near Loomis, all of which is improved land. Mr. Jackson is one of the progressive and up-to-date agriculturists of this region, and it is through his good management and enterprising spirit that he has reached the success he now enjoys. 
Mr. Jackson was born in Maryland in 1848. His father, Joseph Jackson, came west in 1856, settling in Logan county, Illinois, where our subject was reared and made his home until February, 1884.
   He first came to Nebraska in 1884 and settled in Phelps, section 3, Laird township. In 1884 he bought this land in Laird township, having $2,500 capital, which was the proceeds of a fifty-acre farm near Lincoln, Illinois. The following year he built and operated the first store at Loomis, the railway having made that a station. He also petitioned for a postoffice, and was appointed the first postmaster, holding that office for nine years. From 1893 to 1901 he was engaged in the lumber business with one August E. Anderson, and they also put up the first grist mill and elevator at Loomis, with a capacity of fifty-five thousand bushels, the building costing thirty thousand dollars. He has since sold out his interest in this business.
   For four years he operated a general store at Loomis with an eight thousand dollar stock of goods, and during the dry years when so many became discouraged he went right on buying farms and farming with success. In those years he grew mostly rye and had big crops. At that time land in that vicinity was worth from fifteen dollars to twenty dollars per acre, and the same land is now worth sixty to one hundred dollars per acre, and he is still buying Phelps county land at these increased prices. Mr. Jackson rents out his land in three hundred and twenty-acre farms, and thus, at one outlay, has better buildings and conveniences, giving his tenants a chance to do well and remain with him for several years. He believes in grain raising and only keeps stock enough for farming and domestic purposes. His annual grain crop is about fifty thousand bushels, which is his one-third interest in the farms rented.
    Mr. Jackson is an authority on farming lands all over the west. He has investigated farming lands with a practiced eye all over Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kansas, etc., and considers western Nebraska the best of all. The soil here is very productive and can raise any kind of grain if properly tilled and cared for. His idea is to cultivate and keep cultivating the surface of the land, keeping it level; if allowed to become ridged up it willl not hold moisture in dry seasons. In 1889 he bought a farm, broke it up and put in a crop of wheat, and the first year's crop paid for the land. Then came on a dry spell, and while other farmers were sticking to wheat and getting nothing out of it he planted rye and got a yield of thirty-five bushels to the acre, and kept at this, keeping the land absolutely level by harrowing and keeping the ground floated down, and his opinion is that this country will stand dry and wet spells better than any place he knows of. He advocates plowing under cornstalks, as they hold the moisture, whereas stubble should be burned off and not plowed under, as this tends to make the ground dry and the burning also kills all insects of wheat and oat stubble. As an example, plant trees with cornstalks or any rubbish under them and they will grow much better, as the ground is kept moist.
    In 1892 Mr. Jackson erected a fine farm residence in which he and his family lived up to the fall of 1906, and he also owns considerable property in the town of Holdrege. He was married in 1872 to Miss Annie Bruner. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have a family of seven children, namely; Alfred C., of Holdrege; Albert, deceased; Andrew and Loda, Ada, Nellie and Lina. The younger children are all attending school.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HENRY E. GAPEN
   Prominent among Cheyenne county's worthy citizens is the gentleman above mentioned, as he has been largely instrumental in bringing about the present financial and commercial prosperity. Mr. Gapen located in this county in 1887, and since that time has done his full share in building up the section in a business way, giving liberally of his time and money to every movement which tended to improve conditions here. Cheyenne county is free of all debt and everything is run on a cash basis, and to Mr. Gapen great credit is due for this state of affairs. He resides in Sidney, where he is engaged in the practice of law, and his clientage (sic) extends throughout Cheyenne and the adjoining counties.
   Mr. Gapen was born in Wayesburg, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1863. His father was William E. Gapen, a prominent attorney, and judge of the municipal court at Bloomington, Illinois, where the family moved when our subject was three years of age. William E. Gapen was a delegate at the first convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for President of the United States, and also a delegate to the national convention nominating James A. Garfield. He was well known all over the country, and was a college mate of James G. Blaine. He married Miss Helen Minor, also a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Gapen grew to manhood in Illinois, receiving a common school education, and after leaving school he began studying law in his spare hours with his father. In the fall of 1885 he came west, locating in Deadwood, South Dakota, where he took a position as clerk in the government land office, being obliged to travel from Chadron, Nebraska, to Deadwood by stage through a perfectly wild and unsettled country. He remained at Deadwood until the spring of 1887, then came to Sidney in June of that year, where he had secured the position of chief clerk in the government land office, which was opened in July, 1887. Here he served for seven years, then began the practice of law, and in the fall of 1895 was elected to the office of county attorney, and has been re-elected for four successive terms, at present serving his fifth term in that capacity. He has done a general law and land business, and has stumped and canvassed Cheyenne county many times in different political campaigns. He is recognized as one of the leading old-timers and foremost barristers of this section of the country. and enjoys an enviable reputation as a business man and good citizen. Politically he is a Republican.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles G. Elmore, a leading physician and surgeon of Chadron, Nebraska, is an exceedingly proficient member of his profession and has an extensive practice throughout Dawes and the adjoining counties. He is a man of keenest perception and superior ability, and has gained an enviable reputation by his strict attention to his work and for his unfailing sympathy and aid in times of need to his patrons.
   Dr. Elmore was born in Alamo, Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1858, of American stock, Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a merchant and farmer, and our subject was reared in the state of his birth, attending the academy at Alamo, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty. He immediately began the study of medicine, devoting three years to this work at Crawfordsville, and also attending the medical department of Butler University at Indianapolis for two years. He remained in the vicinity of the latter place and practiced for a time, then returned to school, taking a course of study at the University of Tennessee, and graduated from that institution in 1887. In that year he came to Nebraska, locating at Gordon, where he opened an office and built up a good practice through that region. He constantly kept up his studies and received a diploma from the New York Polyclinic School, this being post-graduate work, and he is considered one of the best read men in the profession. He also has attended John Hopkins University and done post-graduate work in Chicago. When he first settled in Gordon, that now thriving town was a regular "wild west" town, and he took an active part in building up the place and was one of the pioneers of the region, his practice in those days extending all through that section of the country, covering Pine Ridge Reservation and for many miles in each direction.
   Dr. Elmore came to Chadron in 1896 and opened an office, which he has maintained ever since, enjoying a good practice and an enviable reputation as the leading physician of the county. He has been coroner of Dawes county for a number of years; surgeon for the C. & N. W. Railway, and the United States pension examiner for years at this point.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 W. L. Black, residing in Prairie township, Phelps county, farmer, stock shipper and dealer in Jersey Red Duroc hogs, pure-bred, is one of the leading stockmen of this locality. He is an authority on this subject, and has made a pronounced success since he has been engaged in the work.
   Mr. Black is a native of Illinois. His father, John L. Black, was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, and a sketch of his brother, Richard S., appears in this volume. The father was a soldier in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war and lost his life in defense of the Union. Our subject came to Phelps county in March, 1897, purchasing a farm of eighty acres adjoining the town of Holdrege and another of seventy-six acres near by. The places were supplied with good buildings, and he paid ninety dollars per acre for the land containing eighty acres and one hundred for other property, and it is worth much more today. Prior to this he lived in Harlan county for nine years, where he farmed over eight hundred acres, most of it in small grain and corn. There he fed cattle and hogs during the winters, and made a success of the business. In 1906 he sold the land, consisting of two hundred and ninety acres, for sixteen thousand dollars, and when he bought it he only gave twenty dollars an acres, showing a good advance. Mr. Black lived in Iowa for four years, then in Missouri for ten years, and states that from his experiences he thinks Nebraska by far the best place he has ever seen, taking one year with another. One has better crops here, it is healthier, better water, and the land is easier worked, one man being able to till twice the number of acres that he could in either of those states. When Mr. Black came here ten years ago he had very little to start with, and he has been one of the successful men of the section, and is now proprietor of a valuable estate. He now has sixty head of pure-bred Duroc Jersey hogs and feeds out and sells to the local markets over two hundred head each season. He has dealt in these hogs for the past six years and has met with decided success, and is of the opinion that the Durocs are the best hogs for this country, being healthier and better rustlers, making quicker growth and larger litters, usually getting a third more pigs. They are always in good demand and are the best lard hogs in the world. Mr. Black also ships from two to three cars of cattle and hogs each week during the shipping season, usually sending them to the St. Joe market.
   Mr. Black was married in 1893 to Miss Luella Lawler. By a former marriage Mr. Black had three children, one of whom was an adopted child. One son, C. C. Black, died in 1905 at the age of twenty-one. In the family there are now three children, named as follows: Frederick L., Henry L. and Irene.
   Our subject went into the dairy business in 1906, and has a herd of forty-five dairy cows. He sells all his milk at the city of Holdrege. He has made a success in this business; in fact, in his community he can't supply the demand for dairy products. He has gradually increased his land until now he has a ranch of two hundred and forty acres, although his start was made with only seventeen cows.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ORLANDO U. LENINGTON
   To the pioneers of a county is due most of the credit for the prosperity enjoyed there in after years, and among those who have spent many years in assisting the development of the agricultural and commercial resources of western Nebraska, the gentleman above named is accorded a prominent place. He went through the hardships of a pioneer's life, starting in when but a boy, and despite many losses and discouragements which overtook him at different times worked steadily and earnestly on, and is now one of the substantial citizens of Dawes county, residing in Chadron, where he is engaged in the feed and grain business.
    Mr. Lenington was born at Marietta, Ohio, in 1866. His father, J. B. Lenington, was a farmer, of American stock, and the family remained in Ohio until our subject was six years old, then went to Minnesota, settling in Stearns county, on a farm, where he was reared and educated. He was brought up to do all kinds of hard farm work, and he and his father carried on the farm up to 1885, when they came to Nebraska, where the latter took up a homestead and started a farm. He was only here two years when he died, and our subject was left to run the farm, which he did for two years. They had put up a log house and lived in that all the time they were on the place. He remained on his farm, also working out in the vicinity of his home, and part of the time worked as an engineer in a sawmill, where he had full charge of the lumbering operations. He then was employed as foreman of a horse ranch in Cherry county for five years. Mr. Lenington came to Chadron and for three or four years was engaged in the cattle business on his own account, and made a success of the work, but opened his present feed store in 1899 and has built up a fine trade in that time.
    In 1891 our subject was married to Miss Ada M. Canaday, whose father died when she was a baby. To Mr. and Mrs. Lenington two children have been born -- Marcie, aged fourteen, and Eva, aged nine.
   Mr. Lenington has taken a very active part in local affairs since coming to Chadron. He has been assessor in Chadron for several terms and has assessed nearly half of Dawes county eight different times. Politically he is Republican.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
H. HAPEMAN, M. D.
   The gentleman whose name heads this personal history is a widely known physician of Kearney county, Nebraska, who has been a resident of the town of Minden for the past twenty-five years.
   Dr. Hapeman is a native of La Salle county, Illinois, born in Earlville, Illinois. Dr. Hapeman first came to Minden in 1884 and opened up in the office he now occupies, being the oldest physician in this county. He has made a specialty of surgery, and his practice extends over the state and into Colorado and Kansas. He devotes his entire time and attention to his clients, and has gained the confidence and esteem of a host of people, all of whom recognize in him a master of his profession. Prior to coming west Dr. Hapeman practiced in Polo, Illinois, for two years. He received his education and training at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He is a member of the State Medical Society and District Medical Society, also railway surgeon, and is surgeon for the B. & M. railway at Hastings.
   Dr. Hapeman is interested to some extent in farming lands in this section of the country, and is thoroughly familiar with all important matters relating to agriculture, and has seen the value of lands in this section raise from eight dollars per acre to seventy-five dollars in the past few years.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GRANVILLE H. COX
    In compiling a list of the prominent business men of Purdum, Blaine county, who have been for many years intimately identified with the upbuilding of the commercial interests of that locality and are widely and favorably known, a foremost place must be given Granville H. Cox. He is engaged in the general mercantile business at that place, has established a splendid trade throughout the section, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he has had to do. He is also one of the earliest settlers in the county, coming here in 1887, and has watched the growth of this region from almost its very beginning as a farming community.
   Mr. Cox was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1872, and while a small boy the family lived in Iowa, Indiana and later in Nebraska. Levi Cox, the father, having been an early settler in this state, locating at first in Custer county, Granville being about fourteen years of age when they came to Nebraska. In 1887 they came from Custer county to Blaine county, driving the entire distance with a team and covered wagon, and settled on a homestead which they farmed for a number of years. Their nearest trading point at that time was Ainsworth, about fifty miles from the claim, and our subject lived with his parents, assisting them in building up the home farm, until he was past twenty-one, then filed on a claim for himself and started to develop a farm and ranch. He was married in 1896 to Miss Gertrude Keller, whose father, George Keller, is a pioneer in this vicinity, and together they worked faithfully to build up a comfortable home, going through many hardships and privations at the first, but gradually improved their place, proving up on the land, which he still owns.
   In 1900 Mr. Cox was appointed postmaster at Purdum, so removed to the town and soon afterwards established his present business, beginning with a capital of about four hundred dollars, putting in a small stock of general merchandise, and during the first weeks of his career as a merchant his sales amounted to something like two dollars and half each day. His store was a rude little building, 12x14 feet floor space, and from such a start he has grown to be one of the leading business men of the town, occupying a building 14x50 feet in size, and nearly as much used as a store room. He carries a very complete line of general goods and furnishings, hardware, groceries, shoes, etc., having a machine shop 30x36 feet for this stock. He has made a success of the enterprise, and is one of the well-to-do men of the town, taking an active part in local affairs and recognized as a gentleman of superior business ability and a worthy citizen of the community.
   Mr. Cox has a pleasant home, and the family occupy a prominent position in the social affairs of the town. There are three children, Kyle, Bessie and George.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
A. T. Davis, one of the leading farmers of section 31, township 26, range 38, is also one of the old settlers of Cherry county, Nebraska. Coming here in the early days of its settlement, he has aided materially in the development of the region, and well merits the high standing he has gained as a citizen and progressive agriculturist and stockman.
   Mr. Davis was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1858. He is a descendent of an old American family, his father, Robert, being a native of New Hampshire and an early pioneer in Ohio. He married Elizabeth McNeil.
   When our subject was a lad of seven years the family came to Illinois and settled in Wayne county, where they lived on a farm for seven years, and then emigrated to Nebraska, locating in Redwillow county. They landed there in 1873, traveling by team and covered wagon through the wild and unsettled country, camping out along the road on the journey, and met with numerous exciting experiences. During the early settlement in Nebraska father and son did quite a good deal of hunting and killed many buffaloes and other wild game, and they went through the pioneer incidents, encountering many difficulties in getting their home established and opening up a ranch and farm. Our subject received his education in the country schools during his early boyhood, and later attended the State University for two years, the family having settled in Lincoln county, where the father died. After several years the mother with her little family came to Cherry county, arriving here in 1888, our subject settling on a ranch sixteen miles north of Hyannis, and was among the earliest settlers in that vicinity, which was later named "Davis Valley," one of the greatest hay valleys in the county, yielding annually about twenty-five thousand tons of hay.
   Mr. Davis worked faithfully and succeeded in building up a good home, improving the place in good shape and grew into the stock business gradually, and now has some of the finest herds of cattle and horses in the county, which brings him in a nice income, and he has made a great deal of money in that line. He is now proprietor of a two thousand-acre ranch, all deeded land and splendid range country. Although he has prospered in a wonderful degree since coming here, he has at different times met with reverses, in 1889 losing his entire hay crop by fire, besides other property. Also, several times he has had serious cattle losses on account of severe storms, but has in the main had great success in his ventures, now standing in the front ranks of the well-to-do men of his county.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. B. BILLINGS & SON
   The above firm, successful business men of Alma, Harlan county, Nebraska, are engaged in the real estate and investment business at that place. They are special agents for the Burlington Railway lands, and have acted in this capacity for over twenty years; also for the B. & M. railroad and the Lincoln Land Company. They established this firm in 1877, and have carried it on continuously ever since that time, and have built up an enormous trade, extending all over the western part of the state of Nebraska and part of northern Kansas. It is the pioneer real estate business in Alma, and father and son are well and favorably known all over this section of the country.
   J. B. Billings was a pioneer of Wisconsin, born in Montgomery county, New York, in 1846. He has three sons, namely: Aubrey A. Billings, who lately was cashier of the Bank of Alma, having held that position for the past fourteen years, and has recently resigned; James Earl Billings, a dentist, of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Robert F., associated with his father in the real estate business. For several years Mr. Billings was a resident of Parkersburg, Iowa, and then came to Harlan county in 1872, where he located on a farm near Alma, and remained on this place for eight years. He then moved to the town. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, and was police judge of the city several years. He was county commissioner for six years, and was appointed postmaster of Alma under President McKinley, proving a most efficient and popular public official. He was the first mayor of Alma, and a member of the town board for several terms. He also served on the school board for many years.
   The firm of J. B. Billings & Son have been potent factors in the development and growth of this section, and have aided materially in the building up of the community. They have brought many settlers to this county, and have the greatest faith in land here. They own several large tracts of land, having twelve hundred acres located in Phelps, Harlan and Furnas counties, most of which is in the first named. During the past four years lands in this part of the country have advanced more than double. On the first of March last year this firm closed sales of over one hundred thousand dollars.
   J. B. Billings is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and takes an active part in all local and state affairs. In political faith he is a Republican.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CLELL LA BELL
   In the story of the career of this enterprising and successful citizen of Newport, Rock county, Nebraska, we have a story of far more than the usual interest, and yet one that is repeated thousands of times in the redemption of the children of the old world from the oppression of intolerable conditions, and their introduction into the larger life and liberty of the new. The transference of such vast multitudes from the almost hopeless poverty, destitution and toil that so largely rule across the ocean to the freedom and enlightenment that attend manhood and industry on American soil is a marvel of history, and gives a zest and a glory to the humble life of many who have toiled and labored here never dreaming of the possibilities their achievements bring, not only to their own descendents (sic), but to the land of their adoption as well.
   Mr. La Bell was born in Italy, near the city of Rome April 10, 1865, where his father died when he was only eight years of age. At that time he was brought to this country by a German musician who agreed to teach him music, pay his mother $12 per year for his time and return him to her at the end of four years. On the arrival of the steamer the German was arrested for kidnaping (sic) a boy some three years before and Clell and three other lads were left strangers in a strange land to make their own way in the world alone. Cast adrift in the city of New York, it was his good fortune that he did not remain a homeless waif on its streets, but was cared for by the Humane Society and through them adopted by Elijah Longbottom, of Rockford, Iowa, where for some three years he was employed in farm labor. He was cruelly treated here and to escape a threatened flogging for staying overtime at a neighbor's ran away. From there he went to Hamilton county, after being abandoned by a brother of his adopted parent, and was fortunate to fall into the hands of Abraham Johnson, who gave him the advantages of school and a Christian home, and here he remained until eighteen years of age. The following year was spent by him in Montana in labor and mining, from whence he returned to Hamilton county, remaining until he attained his majority. That year Mr. La Bell came to Rock county, Nebraska, and filed on a homestead entry six miles southeast of Long Pine, where he "kept bachelor's hall' for a year, and for two years did his farm work with oxen.
   Clell La Bell and Miss Luda O. De Witt were married April 5, 1891, and by this union he has become the father of two children, Ethel and Mabel. Mrs. La Bell is a daughter of Solomon De Witt, who comes of an old American lineage. Mr. and Mrs. La Bell passed through several protracted drouth (sic) periods and have seen hard times, but success has greatly crowned their efforts. With the opening of the year 1896 a fire swept away their hay and cattle sheds, causing a loss of about five hundred dollars, at that time a serious blow. However, with true grit he recovered from it, and when he sold out in 1902 had acquired an entire section of land for his homestead, on which he had a five-room residence and a barn that could shelter a hundred head of cattle. We show a view of this homestead on another page, together with a view of the prairie at the time of his coming, covered only by the prairie grasses. We also show a view of his residence and business property in Newport. There was an abundance of water and an orchard that attested faithful care. With the proceeds Mr. La Bell came to Newport and engaged in trade, opening a general store and inviting patronage especially to his harness, hardware, boot and shoe and grocery departments. He has been in business since leaving the farm and his store has become widely and favorably known alike for its reliable goods, fair treatment and the courteous manners of its management. In political affairs Mr. La Bell is a Republican. The family are all members of the Methodist church, while Mr. La Bell is a member of the Newport clan of Royal Highlanders and was formerly affiliated with the Knights of Pythias.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
George M. Cleavenger, residing in Mullen, Hooker county, Nebraska, is one of the leading and substantial citizens of that thriving town, highly esteemed for his unswerving integrity and sterling worth.
   Mr. Cleavenger was born in Hardin county, West Virginia, in 1847, and is of English and Irish descent. His father, Thomas, was a farmer and blacksmith, and he followed his calling in Hardin county, West Virginia, for many years. The family moved to Ohio in 1851, remained there for about two years, then emigrated to Iowa, settling in Union county, where they were among the pioneers and spent several years on the frontier, our subject growing up in that vicinity. When he reached the age of eighteen he left home and went to Kansas, locating in Washington county. At that time the country was full of Indians, also buffalo and other wild game, and a great deal of his time was spent in hunting. He took up a tract of land and developed a good farm, living there for twenty-two years. He was married while in that region, in 1871, taking as a wife Belle Lavering, daughter of William Lavering, an early settler in Kansas. Mrs. Cleavenger's mother was Ann Snyder, and the former grew up and was educated in Kansas. Our subject succeeded in accumulating a good home and farm in Kansas, but in 1888 disposed of the farm and moved to Montana, settling in Custer county, the family driving through the country to their new location from Whitewood, South Dakota. As soon as they reached Montana he took up a desert claim and began to open a ranch, starting at once in the stock business. His ranch was situated one hundred and twenty miles from the county seat, Miles City, which was also his nearest trading point, and his nearest postoffice was a distance of forty miles. Mr. Cleavenger succeeded well in the ranching business, and remained on the place for ten years, then came to Nebraska, settling in Hooker county. This trip was also made by team, they being on the road for forty days, camping out along the way, sleeping under their wagon and cooking their meals over camp fires. As soon as he arrived here Mr. Cleavenger bought land and began to start a ranch, also farmed some from the beginning, and has been following the same work for the past ten years. He deals principally in horses, raising the animals for breeding and market purposes, and is considered one of the best judges of horses in the region, well known all over this county as an authority on all matters pertaining to horseflesh.
   Mr. Cleavenger's family consists of seven children, who are named as follows: Elvery B., Carrie May, Georgia, Frank, Charles, Grace and Estelline.
   Our subject has always taken an active part in local affairs and is known throughout his locality for his liberal views on all matters of public interest. He was elected county commissioner of Hooker county in 1899 and served in that capacity for five years.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JUDGE ALBERT MULDOON
   Judge Albert Muldoon, a prominent attorney of North Platte, Nebraska, is a gentleman of exceptional ability as a lawyer, one of the best informed men in the state of Nebraska, and is highly respected and esteemed as a worthy citizen. He is probably the most widely known man in the profession in this section of the country, and has built up a large and lucrative practice since settling here.
   Judge Muldoon was born January 28, 1860, in Logan county, Illinois, and was educated in the schools near his home, afterwards attending the State Normal located at Normal, Illinois. After this he engaged in teaching and followed that occupation for six years in Logan county. His parents, James and Mary Costello Muldoon, both natives of County Derry, Ireland, came to America in 1858 and settled in Illinois, where they raised their family, and they still reside there. Our subject came to Nebraska in 1889, locating at Ogallala, and there practiced his profession for about seven years, and then moved to North Platte, where he has resided ever since, following his chosen work. He was elected county judge of Keith county on the Republican ticket in 1890, serving one term, and county attorney for two terms. He has served on the county central committee for Lincoln and has been on the district committee.
   While in Ogallala he finished his studies, which were begun in his young manhood, and it was there that he was admitted to the bar. He is now district attorney for the Union Pacific Railway, and attorney for the Exchange Bank of Ogallala, the Sutherland and State Bank and the Commercial Bank of Paxton, Nebraska. His time is fully occupied in looking after the interests of these different concerns, together with the general practice which he enjoys and which extends all over the western part of Nebraska, and the success which he has attained in his profession proves him to be one of the foremost lawyers of his time.
   Judge Muldoon was married in 1886 to Miss Mary E. Lucas, a native of Logan county, Illinois.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
   Peter Dahlsten, of Barlett, Nebraska, is one of the old settlers of Wheeler county and a public official of enviable reputation, well known throughout the northwestern part of the state of Nebraska. He is the present county clerk, and his popularity is best evidenced by the fact that for the past fifteen or twenty years he has constantly held office in Wheeler county in some capacity or other, serving as postmaster at Erickson for six years, receiving his appointment under President Cleveland's regime. He has also held the office of treasurer of the county for four years, and was representative from the Forty-ninth District, consisting of eight counties -- Greeley, Wheeler, Garfield, Loup, Blaine, Thomas, Hooker and Grant -- elected to that office in 1900 on the People's Independent ticket. In 1905 Mr. Dahlsten was elected county clerk, and is still acting in this capacity, now serving his second term. He is a popular and efficient public official and one of the foremost men of this region, noted alike for his active public spirit in every matter pertaining to the good of the locality and for his many sterling qualities of heart and mind.
   Mr. Dahlsten was born in Clayton county, Iowa, December 4, 1862. His father, Carl Dahlsten, was a native of Sweden, as was also his mother, Carrie (Hansen) Dalhsten. Our subject's father died in Madison county, Nebraska, November 2, 1905, and his mother in the spring of 1883. The family came to American in 1857, making the trip across the ocean in a sailing vessel, the journey taking three weeks from the time of leaving their native country up to the time of landing in New York City, and during the trip they were exposed to much hardship and suffering.
   In 1876 our subject, with his parents, three brothers and a sister, moved from Clayton county, Iowa, to Cuming county, Nebraska, where they lived for three years. They then moved to Madison county, Nebraska, where our subject assisted in opening up a homestead filed on by his father in 1883. When twenty-one years of age he came to Wheeler county and took up a homestead and tree claim on Cedar river, which is now three miles southeast of Ericson. Here he now has a ranch of six hundred and forty acres of deeded land, besides six hundred acres leased school land. He has forty thousand cottonwood and ash trees and a large orchard growing on his place, mostly planted by himself.
   On December 25, 1893, Mr. Dahlsten was united in marriage to Hannah McCart, a native of Nebraska, born in Otoe county, February 13, 1875. Her father, Henry O. McCart, and her mother, Minerva (Blevins) McCart, were pioneer settlers of Otoe county, near Palmyra, Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Dahlsten the following children have been born: Belle, aged fourteen; Carl, aged eleven, and Anna, aged nine, this being October 22, 1908. The family are all active members of the Lutheran church and highly esteemed by all. Mr. Dahlsten is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ELMER J. SWEET
   The above name will be readily recognized as one of the leading business men and worthy citizens of Sidney, Nebraska. Mr. Sweet is one of the oldest settlers in this part of Nebraska, and has various financial interests in Sidney and vicinity. He is a man of strict integrity and of energy and one of the wide-awake and influential men of his community.
   Mr. Sweet was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, June 8, 1858, on a farm. His father was Dodge Sweet, of American stock and came west as far as Denver as early as 1849. He married Miss Susan Crawford, of Ohio. Our subject was raised in his native state, attended the country schools and helped his parents in the farm work up to 1881. He had learned the carpenter's trade when a young fellow, making the farm his home for years, his father having died when he was four years old, and Elmer assisting in the care of his mother and the family. When he was twenty-three years of age he came to Sidney, settling there, where he followed his trade up to 1904. He did contracting here and all over the surrounding country, and he put up some of the finest buildings in the place and is considered one of the foremost men in his line of work. In 1903 he opened a lumber yard and carries a large stock of lumber, feed, building material, grain, etc., and has done a flourishing business since starting up. He also owns land in this vicinity.
   In 1881 Mr. Sweet was united in marriage to Miss Lucy M. Rogers and she died in 1890, leaving a family of four children, named as follows: Samuel R., Arthur W., Susan and Henry, the latter having died in infancy. Mr. Sweet was married the second time, in 1894, to Miss Luella Fetterly, and she died in 1900, leaving one child, Irene.
   Mr. Sweet is interested in politics along reform lines and votes the Prohibition ticket. Fraternally he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. H. DENSLOW
   The gentleman above named is a representative Nebraskan and one of the progressive farmers of Sioux county, owner of a fine estate of sixteen hundred acres in section 35, township 31, range 54. He is a young man of excellent business capacity and well merits his success and enviable reputation as an up-to-date agriculturist and worthy citizen.
   Mr. Denslow was born in Dodge county, Nebraska, in 1870, on a farm. His father, Jeremiah, was a farmer and pioneer in this state, settling here in 1856, and he experienced all the phases of frontier life, freighting through the country when this region was practically a wilderness and was here ahead of the railroads. He gradually worked into the stock business, and in later years was recognized as one of the leading stock growers and ranchmen in western Nebraska.
   Our subject grew up on the home farm, receiving his education in the country schools, spending his youth in eastern Nebraska, farming in Dodge county, and later coming to Sioux county, arriving here June 22, 1902. This, however, was not his first trip to this section, as he had been through the territory previously, locating the tract on which he settled, which lies fifteen miles west of Crawford, on the White river, and on seeing this locality was so well pleased that he decided to make it his home, which he did. The tract was entirely unimproved land at that time. The town of Glenn lies one and a half miles east of the place and is his postoffice. The ranch is well supplied with timber and is all good land, on which he has built a fine set of farm buildings and many miles of fence. His entire time has been spent in developing his farm and making it a model ranch home, and he intends soon to have one hundred and twenty-five acres under irrigation. He is a young man of energetic character and indomitable will, and is on the high road to wealth and success, who is doing his full share in building up the commercial and financial resources of this section.
   Mr. Denslow was married while living in Dodge county in 1892 to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin, daughter of B. J. Baldwin, a well known farmer residing at Fontanelle, Nebraska, and an old settler in that locality. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Denslow taught school in Dodge county, and is a lady of superior mental attainments. To our subject and his good wife have been born the following children: Aurelia, Grace, Rachel, Clyde, Ford and a baby, named Nina. The family occupy a pleasant home, and theirs is one of the most hospitable places to be found anywhere by the traveler through this part of the state. In politics Mr. Denslow is a supporter of Mr. Bryan and the policies he represents.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
   J. L. Kay, prominently known as a leading physician throughout Redwillow county, resides in McCook, Nebraska. He has an extended practice all over this and the adjoining counties, and by his skillful methods in all cases has won the confidence and esteem of every one in this section of the state.
   Dr. Kay was born in the state of Ohio, in 1853. He came to Nebraska in 1883 from Cullom, Livingston county, Illinois, where he had practiced his profession from 1876 up to that time. He is a graduate of the Louisville (Kentucky) Medical School, class of 1876.
   For some time after locating in McCook Dr. Kay held the position of physician for the B. & M. Railway, traveling from Hastings to Denver. Owing to failure of his health, in 1897 he removed to Joplin, Missouri, where he built up a large practice and was recognized as a master in his profession. He returned to McCook in 1905, and has rapidly regained his old practice, his patients of former years welcoming him back, and he has also gained many new once (sic) since McCook has grown rapidly during the latter years.
   Dr. Kay is the owner of the Commercial Hotel, located on one of the best corners of the Main street. This is conducted by his son, Elmer Kay, and is the leading hostelry in McCook.
   Dr. Kay takes an active interest in all local affairs, and has served on the city council for two terms, also on the city school board. He is prominent in Masonic circles, and is a past master and high priest of the Chapter. He is a member of the Commandery and Scottish Rite.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
 Hon. J. B. Beeler, a prominent attorney of North Platte, Nebraska, is a gentleman of excellent qualifications and enjoys universal esteem all through western Nebraska.
   Mr. Beeler is a native of the north of Holland and came to the United States when a small child, and has made a trip back there once since coming to this country, in 1872. He received his education at Hedding College, Abingdon, Knox county, Illinois, and also studied law at Bushnell, Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in Nebraska in 1890, and was elected county attorney, serving from 1895 to 1898, inclusive, on the Fusion ticket. He was a member of the board of education for six years, and is now serving his third term as chairman of that body. During his earlier years Mr. Beeler followed teaching as a profession and taught in Illinois, later in Holdrege, Nebraska, for about twelve years. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs in his community and helped build the twenty-five thousand dollar high school building at North Platte, also the wings on each of the ward buildings. The schools in this town are exceptionally well equipped, and has (sic) a force of twenty-seven efficient teachers.
   Mr. Beeler is at present acting as attorney for the town of North Platte, also in the same capacity for the McDonald State Bank and the N. P. Land and Water Company. In 1906 he was nominated to represent the Fusion party from his district in the state senate. He first located in Lincoln county in 1886, and in 1890 began the practice of law, coming to this place in 1895, where he has since resided, and has practiced all over the thirteenth judicial district. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a trustee of the same, acting on the building committee. He is a prominent worker in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge here, and trustee of the Workmen.
   Mr. Beeler was married in 1881 to Anna D. Thomas, of Abingdon, Illinois. To this union four daughter have been born, namely: Winnie O., married to Marshall B. Scott, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Cuba, Illinois; Fenna C., who is attending the State University at Lincoln; Jennie G., married to Charles F. Temple, stenographer and law student, and Myrtle, who is attending school.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
   R. C. Whitaker, one of the leading citizens of Lake township, Phelps county, is the owner of the celebrated Duroc Jersey farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 5. He has this year sold off one hundred and sixty acres, and will now devote most of his attention to the breeding of pure-bred Duroc Jersey hogs. In 1892 our subject and his father, N. M. Whitaker, came to this county from Macon county, Illinois, and bought four hundred and eighty acres, and started in the hog business here. They had owned a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Illinois and there made a specialty of raising and feeding hogs for the Chicago market, and were very successful, and numbered among the best shippers in their locality. They are of the opinion that Nebraska is superior to that state for the successful raising of hogs, as the dry atmosphere here is much better for their culture, while in Illinois the wet weather in the spring and fall is very damaging to their perfect growth and development. Since they have located here they have not lost one hog, where in that state they lost a dozen, and again, the alfalfa raised here and used as a food gives this country a wonderful advantage. In 1903 our subject established himself in the Duroc Jersey pure-bred business, and he now has ninety head of hogs from the best strains in the country. He will hold his first sale in February, 1907, and as every farmer and stock raiser in the sections knows the quality of his animals, he will be able to dispose of whatever he has on hand at a good round sum.
   While living in Illinois he also handled a big bunch of cattle, but since coming here he has given up handling those animals and confines his attention to handling Duroc Jerseys exclusively. Mr. Whitaker considers Nebraska far ahead of Illinois for farming, as one man can attend to eighty to ninety acres of corn here while there forty acres would be all one man could successfully cultivate, and the yield and quality here will be just as good. His own farm is exceptionally well located for the markets at Holdrege, the county seat, which is five miles west, and Funk, located three miles to the east. Sacramento, two miles distant, is also a good shipping point, so that they have only a short distance to drive their stock when ready for shipment. When they came to this locality they paid eight thousand five hundred dollars for one-half a section, and recently sold a quarter section for ten thousand dollars, which shows conclusively the rapid advance in land values.
   Our subject's father died here in 1903, aged seventy-one years. He was a native of Indiana, son of B. B. Whitaker, and his parents located at Lincoln, Illinois, when he was an infant. He married Mary C. Novell, who is now living with her son, he having been the only boy in the family, with four sisters, one of whom Mrs. G. O. Perrine, now resides in Illinois, and two in Kansas, Mrs. T. F. Bridget and Mrs. L. E. Street; one in Alberta, Mrs. B. M. McCurdy.
   Mr. Whitaker married Miss Irene Erickson, daughter of Andrew Erickson, of Lake township, Phelps county, who is a successful farmer. The Whitaker are of Kentucky descent, and our subject and his two sons, Lloyd and Clinton, are the only representatives in a direct line on his father's side. He is an "old-line" Democrat, all the time, and has always taken an active part in politics. 


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
   Clarence Elmer Lawson, known throughout Cherry county as a prosperous young agriculturist and ranchman and worthy citizen, resides on his well improved estate in section 15, township 25, range 39. He is a gentleman of good business judgment and is the proprietor of a valuable property by dint of his industry, economy and honesty.
   Our subject was born in Lynn county, Missouri, in 1873. His father, W. J. Lawson, was a pioneer settler in Dawson and Custer counties, Nebraska ,a native of Tennessee. He married Miss Dicie Montgomery, a native of Kentucky. Clarence grew up on a farm in Dawson county, receiving a limited education in the country schools, and became well acquainted with the life on the frontier. He started for himself in 1894, coming to Cherry county, and the following year located on the place he now occupies, which lies in section 15, township 25, range 39. Here he at once put up a sod house and stables, beginning to farm a little the first year, but did not have very good success at first. He improved the ranch as fast as he was able and kept it up in splendid shape. There are three hundred and twenty acres of deeded land, all in one piece, and he also controls a thousand acres of leased land lying near Motler Lake, and he is part owner of this lake, which is a beautiful body of water, where many ducks and other wild fowl abide, making an ideal place for the sport during the hunting season.
   When Mr. Lawson first settled in this vicinity the whole country round was raw prairie land, and one look at it now will convince the spectator that he has certainly done some work to accomplish the task of developing it into the fine ranch it now appears. He has been earnest and painstaking in all his efforts, always striving to get the best possible results from his labors, and is one of those men who aim for the making of good homes and upright citizenship. He has good buildings and a comfortable home.
   Mr. Lawson was married in 1902 to Laura Woodruff. Mrs. Lawson was a native of Canada, daughter of Emmet Woodruff, one of the best known pioneer ranchmen of Cherry county, and her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Perrett, was born and reared in England. One child has been born to our subject and his estimable wife, a daughter, Lois, aged five years.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GEORGE L. MATHEWS
   Among the prominent citizens of Thedford, Thomas county, who has for the past many years taken an active part in the development of the county and is familiar with the changes which have taken place throughout the section, we mention the name of George L. Mathews. This gentleman is one of the well-to-do residents of Thedford, where he was the first man to build a house.
   Mr. Mathews was born in New York state in 1854, reared on a farm in Delaware county, and is of American stock. His father, Robert, was a farmer all his life, his wife's maiden name being Jane Riddle. Our subject lived in his native state until he was twenty-one years of age, then came to Nebraska, settling in Lancaster county, where he was among the earliest settlers. He spent one year there, then went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, remained but a short time and drifted to Colorado, where he spent three years, engaging in mining near Leadville. From there he went to Arizona, remained for eight months, then to California for sixteen months, following mining nearly all of this time. A part of his time was occupied in ranching, following lumbering, etc. In 1884 he went to Utah. landing there in the spring of that year, and after a short time there returned to Leadville, Colorado. His next move was to Dunning, Nebraska, and there was ahead of the railroad, that not entering Blaine county for some little time afterwards, and there was not a building up in that place when he arrived there. He finally landed in Thomas county in 1887, and his was the first house built in Thedford, he having previously taken a homestead about a mile and a half from the town site. There he put up a house and began developing a ranch and lived on it for twenty years, transforming the tract from a barren prairie to one of the best improved ranches in the vicinity. He moved to Thedford in 1907 , and here has a comfortable and pleasant home, and his family are among the foremost in the little town. For six years he held the office of county clerk of Thomas county, and is a popular and capable public official, enjoying the esteem and confidence of his associates.
   Mr. Mathews was married in February, 1888, to Miss Addie Dunn, daughter of E. P. and Arabella (Thornburgh) Dunn, who were pioneers of Blaine and Loup counties and for several years Mr. Dunn held the office of county surveyor in that county. Mr. Dunn was born in Massachusetts, where he was reared, coming to Nebraska in 1878. *Mrs. in Nebraska * (sic) Mrs. Mathews was reared and educated in Iowa, and has taught school to quite an extent in this vicinity. Our subject has a family of four children, as follows: Robert, Jane, Ella and Sarah, all of whom were born on the homestead, which Mr. Mathews sold in 1907, the family then coming to Thedford to reside.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ERNEST KRUSE, JR.
   Among the younger residents of Sidney, Nebraska, who have spent the greater part of their lives in western Nebraska, we mention Ernest Kruse, Jr., a successful business man and worthy citizen.
   Mr. Kruse was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1872, and is a son of Ernest Kruse, a well-known carpenter of Davenport, born in Hamburg, Germany, who came to this country as a young man and built up a home and competence for his family in the western states. One brother of our subject, Rudolph, born at Davenport in 1877, is now a partner in the latter's business. When Ernest, Jr., was fifteen years of age the family moved to western Nebraska, landing in Sidney in January, 1888, the father taking up a homestead nine miles northwest of the town of Sidney. Here they lived in a tent for a time, and built a sod shanty and frame house combined, and while living there went through all sorts of pioneer experiences, seeing many hard times and suffering much privation. When he was seventeen years old he went to Colorado and worked in the brick yards for three years, then returned to Nebraska and filed on a homestead adjoining his father's place, and proved up on it. Three years and eight months were spent in working in the round house at Sidney, his brother Rudolph keeping house for our subject and another brother who also worked in the round house. Rudolph was graduated from the High School at Sidney, and was one of the brightest pupils in his class. The two brothers opened their present business, in 1897 and have been very successful. They are now erecting a 28x48 ft. one-story stone building on the principal street of the town, and are among the substantial citizens of Sidney, giving all their time and attention to their business.
   In 1901 Ernest Kruse was married to Miss Mame E. Tobin, born and raised in Sidney. Rudolph was married in 1899, to Grace Moore, also born in Sidney. Albert, another brother of our subject, was married in 1904 to Miss Sophia Urbach, daughter of Morris Urbach, one of the pioneers in Sidney. They have one child, Myron. The brothers are all highly esteemed in the community, and are good citizens and substantial business men. Mr. Kruse has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1898.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
    W. R. Watt, one of the prominent residents of Minden, Kearney county, has for the past twenty-five years been closely identified with the development and growth of this section of the country. Mr. Watt is an active member of the community in which he lives, taking a deep interest in whatever tends to improve conditions relative to commercial and social affairs, and is widely known throughout the country as a public-spirited citizen.
   Mr. Watt is a native of Warren county, Illinois, born in 1868. He came to Minden in 1883, opening a farm in Logan township, and remained on that up to 1895. He then started in the horse business, buying and selling horses and mules, shipping these to the eastern and southern markets. His operations extend all over the state of Nebraska, and during each year handles from 1000 to 1200 head. During the war between England and the Boers, and also the war between the Spanish nation and United States, he furnished a large number of animals for the government to be used by the soldiers. In the past twelve years Mr. Watt has bought and sold over 15,000 horses and mules, and is well known throughout the entire country for the superior quality of the animals he handles, and through his strict integrity and honest dealings has won the confidence of all classes of people with whom he deals. He has a farm of eighty acres adjoining Minden which he uses for feeding purposes, also owns 640 acres on the Platte River devoted to ranching purpose. He give his entire attention to this business, and is the largest exclusive dealer in horses and mules in western Nebraska south of the Platte River.
   Mr. Watt was elected Mayor of Minden in 1903 and served his term, making a popular and efficient official. He has been Chief of Police for the last six years, and still holds this office. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and one of the foremost citizens in all matters of local importance.


Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS LYON
    The gentleman named above is one of the leading business men of the thriving town of Grant, in Perkins county. Mr. Lyon, as his name would indicate, is a man of patriotic spirit, untiring energy and active mind, and has done his full share toward the development of the financial interests of the community where he has spent so many years.
    Mr. Lyon was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1866, and was reared on a farm. His parents were Virginians, and his father was one of the earliest settlers in Perkins county, coming here as early as 1887, proved up on a good homestead and made it his home until his death in 1906. When our subject was five years of age the family settled in Missouri and lived there for three years, and came to Nebraska in 1875, locating in Otoe county, south of Nebraska City, where they were among the pioneer settlers. There Mr. Lyon grew to manhood, becoming familiar with every phase of frontier life. He had a common school education, spending his entire time on his father's homestead, and at the age of about sixteen located in what is now Perkins county, spending three or four years there, and in the summer of '86 went into Colorado with a party of surveyors, and was in that vicinity for three years, two years for the B. & M. Railroad and one year for the Union Pacific, roughing it most of the time, spending many nights camping out on the plains in all kinds of severe weather, winter and summer. During the winter of 1888 he returned to Perkins county, and opened up a butcher shop in Grant, which he ran for a short time, then started in the draying and livery business, also was engaged in the implement and flour business, in which he worked up a good trade in short time. He also bought and sold hogs and cattle through the country during the hard times in the "'90's," (sic) continuing in the above lies up to 1901, then sold out all his enterprises and purchased his present store which was then but a small establishment. He put in a general line of goods, handling all kinds of merchandise, and has built up a good business throughout the surrounding country. He has two buildings, one of which is 22x110, and the other 22x50 ft., and conducts one of the finest and largest stores of its kind in Perkins county,. He is a thorough business man, of splendid ability, and is making a success of his work.
   In 1892 Mr. Lyon married Miss Grace C. Hull, daughter of Milton B. Hull, a pioneer settler of Perkins county. To them were born four children, Fay, Estelle, Bruce and Cecil, and Mrs. Lyon died in the fall of 1907.
   Mr. Lyon is a Democrat and takes an active part in local affairs.






 












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