Class f ^ <^ 6 Booic > IB G I y >> M ■^ * * M/i ^ * * * m^^^ 1 11 J_i Xl Xi X iLyLliL^irl- lO i^^^"^^ * AND ^ w ^ * * * * * *1^P"Tf^lnf! mm:: 11 mm amti^- * ■» * ^ * METOQlJlS* ¥ X X OF X X ADAMS. CL.AV. HAL.L.s^ HAMILTON COUNTRIES. NHBRASKA. COMPRISING A Condensed History of the State, a number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the same, a Brief Descriptive History of eaclq of the Counties mentioned, and numerous Biographical Sketches of the Citizens of such Counties. ILLUSTRATED.ss-.:^ The Goodspeed Publishing Co. 1890. >rv @ k^ Preraoe ^^ HE method by which this book was prepared is the only successful plau yet devised for the preservation of local history and biography throughout the United States, and the number of volumes distributed seems fabulous. Over one million copies have been sold in the United States in the last 5^^ fifteen years at jjrices ranging from $10 to $25 per copy, aggregating a total valuation of fully $15,000,000. Many of these works are purely bi- ographical, containing no history whatever; others are genealogical, extending back to the origin of the family on this continent. Whatever may be the objection to the method of preparation, whatever fault may exist in the celerity of compil- ation and publication, the enormous circulation and the wonderful popularity of the works, as shown in their sale at high prices, prove that the end justifies the means. No one but an enemy of society and progress will undertake to dis- pute a proposition so manifestly true. The Publishers have few if any excuses to offer in handing this fine volume to their patrons, for whom alone it was prepared. It is a work of permanent worth, carefully compiled from the most vahiable material to be found, critically read and revised, and in mechan- ical make-up will challenge comparison with the most improved products of the art of book- making. Every biography was submitted by mail, and nearly all were promptly corrected and returned by the subjects. Much of the histoi-y was prepared by home talent and is substantially accurate. The promises contained in the prospectus used by our agents on the canvass, have been exceeded in almost every detail; a candid comimrison is solicited. The condensed State history was prepared mainly by Mr. C. F. Royce, editor of the Gazette- Journal, Hastings; several_important chapters were written by Mr. Isaiah Piatt, of the his- torical staff. The history of Hamilton County was written by Samuel Spanogle, Esq., of Aurora, and will be found to be a creditable production. The remainder of the history, save many small contributions from numerous residents, was compiled by Prof. M. A. Leeson, who has had over fifteen consecutive years' experience in local historical work. The diminutive size of the biographical department of Hamilton County is due principally to the surprising unconcern of a majority of the citizens of that county in the success of this most laudable enterprise. Thanking our ]>atrons and friends for their liberal assistance,' we respectfully tender them this beautiful volume. Chicago, May, 1890. THE PUBLISHERS. 4 k. HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER I. The Territory of Louisiana — Nebraska Originally a Part of Louisiana — Ferdinand De Soto and His Expedition — The Exploration of the Mississijipi Valley — Discov- ery of tlic Mississippi River — Death of De Soto — Ex- plorations of the Jesuits — Joliet and Marciuette — La Salle's Exploration— France Claims the Territory — Governors of Louisiana — France Compelled to Relin- — Topography and Physical features — Extent and .\rea — Rivers, Lakes, etc. — Navigalile Streams — Timber — Before the Time of AVhite Men — Natural Produc- tions 3.N-ol CHAPTER VI The Exploration of Nebraska — Early Visitors — Govern- ment Ex]ieditions — Valuable Extract by .Judge Sav- age — Nebraska as a Territory — First Otticials — Death of Gov. Burt — Formation Into Counties — Early Legis- lative Sessions — Population in lS.o.5 — The "Florence Secession " — The Slavery Question Considered — The Territory in IStil — Numerous Acts and Measures of Interest — Anxiety to Become a State 3.5-45 CHAPTER VII. Admitted Into the Union — Fcirnuition of State Govern ment — Historical Record by Hon. C. H. Gere — Condi- tion as a State Proper — First Otlicials — Lincoln, the Scat of Government — Early Elections — First Legisla- tive Sessions — Gov. Butler's Regime — The (Jovcrnor Impeached — -V Famous Trial — The James Administra- tion — Stirring Events — Blizzard and (irasshopjicr Scourge — State OIHcers Since Organization 4lj-.5li CHAPTER VIII. Nebraska's Part iu the Kel)ellion — Number of Soldiers Furnished — Sentiment of the People — Companies Or- ganized — Sketclics of Infantry Regiments- Engage- ments Participated In — Home Protection Considered — Indian Encounters — Sketches of Nebra.ska's Senators and Congressmen — Senatorial Succession — Phineas W. Hitchcock — Thomas W. Tiplon — John M. Thayer — .\lgernou S. Paddock — .\lvin Saunders — Charles F. Manderson — Charles II. Van Wyck and ( )thcrs 57-64 CHAPTER IX Counties in the State — Brief Historical .'Skctche>< — De- scriptive Account of their Origin — Location, County Seats, etc. — First Settlements- General Development — Advent of Railways — A Commercial Necessity — Sur- veys of lS.>i-.54 — Building of the Pacific Railroad — History of the Enterprise — Central Paeilic Railroad — The Consolidation ti.5-77 ^fv" CHAPTER X. Nebraska's Important Cities— Sketch of Tlii-ir Progress and Dcvelopincnt — Material Advaiuenient Noted — Character of Iiiii)roveiiients — Present Interests — At- traetions Offered — Liueolu, the Judieial Center — Omaha, the ( 'ommereial Metropolis — Pnblic Prosperity — Educational Facilities — The Public School System — Karly Enumeration— School Fuuds — Statistics — De- uoniiuatioual Institutions of Learuins; — Local Col- leges 78-89 CHAPTER XI. State Institutions — Architectural Beauty of Buildings — Convcijicnce of Construction — The Cai)itol Ediflee — History of Erection — Appropriations — Universily — Blind Institute — Normal School — Insane Asylums — Deaf and Dumb Institutions — State Penitentiary — Nebraska an Agricultural State — Productions — Valua- tion — Climatic Features — Manufacturing Interests — OlKeial Directory — .\bstract of Votes — Ecclesiastical History 00-104 ADAMS COUNTY. CHAPTER XII. .\n Historical Sketch — Localion and .\rca — Population — ■ Adaptability to Agriculture — Physical P'eatures — Nat- ural Gas — Climatic Features — Gauie — Fremont's Trav- els — Kit Carson — The Government Well — Indian Treaties — "Bill" Kress — Some First Things — Pio- neers — Original Tax Roll- Settlers' Associations. .107-117 CHAPTER XIII Establishment of County — Boundaries — Transactions of Commissioners and Sujiervisors — County Seat War — Court .Affairs — Terms from May, 1873, to January, 1800 — Important Criminal Cases — Numerous Murders, Hangings, etc. — Defalcation 118-135 CHAPTER XIV. liecord of Elections — Various Ollicials Chosen — Consider- ation of Questions of Local Importance — Under Town- ship Organization Laws— Proposition for Fundiug Bonds — Journalists and Journalism-Tlie Newspaper as a Powerful Moral Agent — Sketches of Press Enter- prises — First Issues of Sundry Publications — Their Development and InHuencc I3()-I-ts CHAPTER XV. .Military History — Survivors of the Civil War— Roster of Soldiers — Strickland Post — Juniata Post — Hansen Post — Kenesaw Post — Company F — Associations and So- cieties — Reunions, etc 149-153 CHAPTER XVI. Societies, Associations, etc., of Local Importance — Agri- cultural Society — Hastings Fairtiround Association — District and Central Agricultural Societies — Patrons of Husbandry, Grange, etc. — Aid Society — Farmers' Alliance — Medical -Associations — -Associations of Teachers — Temperance Societies and Movements — Sunday-School Convcution.s — Woman's Suffrage Asso- ciation — Railroad History — Education — School Sys- tem, etc '. 154-103 CHAPTER XVII. Hastings City— Location and .Additions — Town Company — Judicial History — Kinnan Claim — First Settlement — Beginnings of Religious and Business Enterprises — Building tlie City — Fires — Storms — Improvements — Transactions of City Council — Financial — Officials, etc. — Board of Trade — Business Men's Association — Post-offlce — Banks and Loan Associations — Wholesale Houses— Commercial Institutions — Manufactories — Churches — Schools and Colleges — Secret and Benevo- lent Societies— Y. M. C. A. — Home for the Friendless —Insane .\sylum— Sundry Societies 163-193 CHAPTER XVIII. Towns Outside of Hastings — Juniata's History — .\s the Old County Seat — Development — Present Interests — Representative Citizens — Sketch of Kenesaw and Vi- cinity — Its Founding and Subsequent Growth — Some First Things — Ayr Village — Hansen — Millingtou — Roseland — Mayflower — llolstein — Other Centers of Commercial Note — Inland — Ludlow 194-20(j CLAY COUNTY. CHAPTER XIX. Introduction — Population — Elevations — Area — Rivers and Streams — Physical Formation — Grasshopper Plagues — Effects of Same — Storms and Blizzard.s — Destroying Elements — Exploration — Pioneers — -Vn Old Settler's Reminiscences — Indian Warfare — Evacuation of Spring Rauchc — Female Captives — Organization of Old Settlers' .Association 341-303 CHAPTER XX. The Newspajjer Pres^- The Pioneer Champion — Har- vard Journals — Sutton Journalists — Fairlield Jour- nals and Periodicals— Clay Center Journals — The DeWeese Recorder — Edu<'atioual Interests — Public Schools, Teachers, etc.- Statistics — County Societies and Associations — Professional Roll, etc. — Memoirs of War — Militia Compianies — Roster of Volunteers. 304-371 \ ^1 lIa CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI. Clay Center and Sutton— Location of the Seat of .Justice —Pioneer Days of the Villasces— Early Business Houses and Dwellings — Incorporation — Schools- Churches — Secret and Benevolent Associations— Openiuiir of Railroad Connections — Telephone— Banks— Post-offices— French and Gray Settlements- General Develo])ment and Progress— Present Inter- ests—Modern Condition 373-386 CHAPTER XXII. Harvard and Fairfield- Beffinning— Pre-Emption of Town Sites— Original Surveys— Incorporations— Early Mer- chants—Pioneer Business Men— First Buildings- Mayors, Trustees, Aldermen, etc.— Official Directory —Voters of 18313-iOI— ConniK^rcial Interests— Finan- cial-Fires— Water System— Educational and Relig- ious Matters— Secret and Benevolent Organizations- General History 3ST-411 HALL COUNTY. CHAPTER XXIII. Topography and Natural History— Beginning-Limits Defined — Population — Above Sea Level — Water Courses— The Platte River-Climatic Features-Dis- turbing Elements— Indians and Pioneers— First Ex- plorers—Indian Massacres— Forts for Protection- Early White Settlements and Settlers— Reminiscences -Primitive Experiences— Establishment of Grand Island— Some First Things, etc .531-540 CHAPTER XXIV. Establishment of County— Transactions of Board— Sup- plementary Acts-Appointment of Officials- Elec- tions— An Interesting Record Book-Commissioners and Supervisors— Tax Levies— Finance— Resume of Political Events-Returns of Voters-Politicians of Note— Official Record— Judicial History— A Summary of Court Affairs -Attorneys Admitted to Practice- Trials of Importance .541-560 CHAPTER XXV. First Newspaper in Hall County-Mormon .lournals-lni- migration Induced by Journalism— Pioneer Papers- Expressed Opinions of Sundry Editors— Agricultural Societies-Grange, Alliance, etc.-Immigration So- ciety—Sugar Beet Industry— An Important Source of Income— Mortgage Record— Educatioual Interests and Teachers' Associations— Statistics— Physicians' Circle-Medical and Dental Associations— Trausporta- tion Facilities— Railroads— Railroad History .561-572 CHAPTER XXVI. Foundation of Grand Island City-First Events-Original Plat— Meeting to Organize a Village Government- Organization— Town and City Elections 1873-1883- Pioneers of the City— Building and General Advance- ment-Soldiers' Home— Public Library— Merchants' Club-Board of Trade— Post-offlce-Banks and Loan Associations— Fire Department and Fires— Manu- facturing Industries— Beet Sugar Factory and Im- provement Association— Trade Statistics— Hotels- United States Land Office— Church Organizations- City Schools— Secret Societies— Military Societies- Temperance Societies— Musical Associations and Old Base Ball Teams 573-.5<)7 CHAPTER XXVII. Wood River — Commcucemcnt — Some First Things- Growth and Upbuilding— Early Commercial Inter"ests —Pioneer Merchants— The Gazette— Incorporation— Population— Present Business— Bank— Religious So- cieties—Secret and Benevolent Organizations— Doni- phan— Location, Elevation, etc.— Events of Import- ance-Early Happenings— Fire of 1887— Churches and School — Other Villages — Alda — Underwood— Spencer— Cairo— Runelsburg and Shelton 598-604 HAMILTON COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVIII. General Description— Boundary and Area— Physical Feat- ures. Streams, etc.- Geologic Formation— Soil— Pro- ductiveness— Statistical Valuation— Poiiulatiou—Cli- mate— Storms— Days of Old— Zoology— Earliest In- habitants in County — Aborigines — Explorations- Mormon Trail— Ranches— Firsf Settlements— A Num. " ber of Pioneers— Reminiscences— Indian Depreda- tions—A Few First Things-Early Agriculturists Now Otherwise Occupied- Deceased Pioneers 713-71!) CHAPTER XXIX. Legislative Aots-Boundarics Defined-Representation- Scnatorial and Representative Districts — Section Lines— Organization and Formation— County Seat War— Commissioners' Proceedings- Estimate of Ex- penses for 1890-Judicial History— District Court— Beginning-Early Terms-Officials-Roll of Attor. neys— Present Court Officers— Cases of Civil Import- ance—Crimes and Criminal Cases 730-730 CHAPTER XXX. Political History— First Voters-Earliest Election— Form- ation of Parties— Conventions — Establishment of Party Interests— The Lines Drawn— Candidates— In- teresting Contests— History of Political Movements- Election of 1889-Statistics— Election Returns— Ros- ter of Public Servants 731-740 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXI. .loiirnnlisiii and .loiiiiialists— Kirst Kfforts hi Haiiiilton County— Ni'wspapcrs — Style of Publication — Periodi- cals — Present Ncws|ia|icr Men— Oflicc Equipments — Affairs of Military Importance— Historical Sketch — Ci. A. R. Posts— Veterans— Societies — Agricultural Associations — Granifc— First Fair — Farmers' Alliance — Hamilton County Medical Society — Scholastic Af- fairs — Organization of School Districts — First School —tirades, etc.— Superintendent's Report of 1889. . .741-74!) CHAPTER XXXII. City of Aurora— Location and Appearance— History of Proposed Origin — Orif^iual Site — Beginning — Building up the Village— Additions— First Structures — Early Business Men — Incorporation — Character of Build- ings — Puhlic Buildings and Improvements — Roster of Officers — Post-office — Railroads— Educational Inter- ests — Industries — Financial Institutions — Churches, witli Sketilic.; of llicir History— Secret Societies — Other Organizations — General Features of Aurora's .Attractiveness T.^O-Tiil CHAPTER XXXIII Other Villages and Towns in Ilauiillou County — Brief Historical Sketch— Their Imiiortaucc— Centers of ComnHT-340 Clay Couuty 411-.530 Hall County «>t-711 Hamilton County 770-783 F»ORXRAIX3. «et-*9=3c M. I.. Elsemore Between 112 and 113 K. C. Wehster Between 16S and 169 Him. .lames I.aird (deceased) Between 233 and 333 W. W. I'hilico Between '390 and 397 1). M. N. It I, ton Between 360 aud 301 George P. Schwab Between 408 and 409 Thomas H. Matters Between 484 aud 4.S.5 Edward Hoojier Between .568 and .509 Sumner Davis, M. D Between 630 aud li3I ^-^^^i- ^1 HISTORY OF NEBRASKAII^ i^ ->++<- CHAPTER I. The Territory of LonsiANA — Nebraska Originally a Part op Louisiana — Ferdinand de Soto and His Expedition — The Exploration op the Mississippi Valley — Discovery of the Mississippi Rhter — Death of De Soto — Explorations of the Jesuits — Joliet and Marquette — La Salle's Exploration — France Claims the Territory- — Go^t;rnors of Louisiana — France Compelled to Relinquish Louisiana — President Jefferson buys Louisiana. Justly Cassar scorns the poet's lays; It is to history he trusts for praise. — Pope. EBRASKA was originally a part of the great Territoiy of Louisiana, which com- prised very nearly one-third of the present area of the <,-^ United States. A history ?^ of the State would be in- complete without at least a brief reference to the earliest explorations of the region which to-day forms «^j7||^5x^-^ so important a part of our gi-eat •s if vvai Nation. The story of the earliest ex- plorations of Louisiana by the Spaniards in 1539-44 reads more like some mediteval romance than an authentic historical record. Singularlj- enough, the first explo- ration of the great vallej' watered b}- the "Father of Waters" was more the result of a love of adventure on the part of a few Spanish cavaliers, lured by visions of suddenly- acquired riches, than of a desire to enlarge the boun- daries of science or to increase the wealth of a nation. The discover}' of the Mississippi River, and the first exploration of the great valley bearing its name, are commonly attributed to Ferdinand de Soto, a Spanish captain and explorer, and one of the most famous of the Eldorado adventurers of the sixteenth century. He was the contemporary of Cortez and Pizarro, the cruel conquerors of Mexico and Peru, and was a companion of the latter in the famous campaign which resulted in the overthrow and spoli- ation of the Incas. The adventurous spirit of the times had impelled Columbus to brave the dangers and imaginary terrors of unknown seas, and the discoverj- of a new world, peopled with a new and unknown race of beings, was the result of his daring. De Soto, with others of a like ventursome disposition, was attracted to the uewh'-discovered continent, and in 1518 he is found a member of an expedition to Darien. In 1828 he made an exploration of the coasts of Guatemala and Yucatan, and again, in 1532, he led 300 volunteers to the assistance of Pizarro, who was at that time engaged in the conquest of Peru. De Soto signal- ized his campaign in Peru by many brilliant achiev- ments; and he returned to Spain with an added V IusUt to liis fame, ;uk1 his pockets lined witli riches ignobly wrested from a weak and confiding people. In the year 1 53S De Soto organized the memor- able expedition that was forever to make his name famous in the annals of history. His was no com- mon band. It was composed of the flower of Span- ish chivalry, and in its ranks manj- a scion of noble blood acknowledged the leadership of the renowned explorer. All were actuated by the same motives — the love of adventure and the hope of gain. The conquests of Mexican and Peru led them to believe that still other semi-barbarous nations were hidden in the unexplored recesses of the strange, new con- tinent. In equipment and accoutrements the expe- dition rivaled the most gorgeous descriptions of oriental splendor. The glittering armor and mag- nificent paraphernalia of the soldiers, the silken ban- ners and the resplendent trappings of the fiery war horses, together with the mysterious and picturesque rites of the priests of the Spanish church who ac- companied the expedition, were well calculated to inspire a barbai'ous foe with respect and awe. The expedition landed in safet3' at Espirato Santo Bay, on the coast of Florida, in May, 1539. Following the example of the intrepid Cortez, De- Soto burned his ships and fearlessly turned into the trackless wilds of the unexplored peninsula. For four years the little band wandered through the al- most impenetrable forests of the lower Mississippi Valley. Historj- gives us but the meager details of those four years of weary wandering; but the un- told privations and sufferings of the hapless explo- ers can in a measure be conceived. At first the Indians looked upon De Soto and his followers as gods descended from the heavens , and feared them accordingly, but when thej- saw that the white men were, like themselves, subject to disease and death, and possessed no supernatural power, their enforced friendship turned into deadly hate and open hostility. Their ill-will increased with the brutality with which they were treated whenever they incurred the displeasure of the cruel and haughty Spaniards. De Soto and his men were compelled to fight man}- pitched .battles with the Indians, who were invariably defeated. The captive Indians, who were compelled to ser\e as guides, led the greedy Spaniards farther and father into the interior by repeating tales of falju- lous wealth of the temples and palaces of great cities. Lured by the ever fleeting ignis fatuus of wealth, De Soto's band, now rapidly decreasing in numbers, plunged still deeper into the wilderness, their march being constantly retarded b}' conflicts with the Indians, and their pathway marked by the graves of those who had died by the poisoned arrow of the Indian warrior, or from effects of the fetid breath of the fever-breeding swamps. They strug- gled on and onward, until in the spring of 1541, the glorious sight of the broad Mississippi — the mightj- Father of Waters, burst upon their wondering vision. There it rolled in all its majesty, a river broad enough to float on its bosom the combineil navies of the then civilized world. De Soto crossed the mighty river in hastilj- constructed boats, and pursued his wanderings on the western side. It is more than probable that his eyes rested on the broad prairies of the now fertile State of Nebraska. Cer- tain it is that Nebraska was visited by Spanish ex- plorers long before the advent of the French or Eng- lish, for portions of their armor and equipment have been discovered in this State within the past decade; but whether or not these relics lielonged to De Soto's band is a secret forever locked in the breast of un- written historj-. But all wanderings must have an end; and, weary of their long journej-iug, and discouraged b^- their failure to find the coveted riches, De Soto's dis- heartened band turned to retrace their steps to the sea. On the homeward march De Soto was stricken with a malignant fever, fi-om the effects of which he died. Mournfully the little band consigned the re- mains of their daring leader to the depths of the mighty river which he had discovered. Electing another leader, they pushed on in an attempt t ) reach the east coast of Florida. Failing in this, they constructed boats and launched out into the Mississippi, reaching the mouth of the river after a precarious voyage of nineteen da\-s. They followed the coast until they came to a Spanish settlement, where the}- foiuid means to return to Spain. Thus ended one of the most remarkalile explor- ing expeditions ever known to history. Three pub- rrf- HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 11 lished nai'rati\'es of the expedition were given to tlie world; liut tlie Spaniards formed no conception of the magnitude of De Soto's discover}^, nor of the vast possibilities of empire that laj- within the track- less forests of the dark continent. It is useless to indulge in idle speculation as to what the histor}- of the great territory of which Nebraska is a part, might have been had the indolent Spaniards com- prehended the extent and fertilit}' of the vast regions drained by the great river and its tributaries. Had they so comprehended it, they might have founded an empire, beside which the might}' empire of Rome would have dwindled into insignificance ; but, bej'ond planting a few weak and struggling colonies in Florida, Spain did nothing to establish her claims to the Mississippi Valley, and a hundred years elapsed before civilized man again visited that re- gion. For uearl}' a century and a half after the ill- fated De Soto slept beneath the waters of the gi-eat ri^er which he had discovered, the Mississsippi Val- ley remained undisturljed in the possession of the Indians. Spain had made no effort to civilize the vast region she had claimed b}' right of discovery, and in the meantime the course of events had brought about manj- changes in the Old "World. France and England had become the two great rival powers of Europe, and both had turned eagerly to the new continent for new fields of conquest. Eng- land had established herself along the coasts of the Atlantic and was gradualh- extending her domains to the westward. France had obtained a foothold at Quebec and was slowly pushing her colonies up the St. Lawrence River. Both nations saw the al- most limitless possibilities of empire in the great vallej- of the JMississippi, and both took steps to- ward its occupation. France assumed the initiati\e and eventually acquired the coveted territory. It is a matter of history that the complete ex- ploration and final settlement of the territory which afterwards became known as Louisiana, was due more to the eflforts of Christian missionaries than to commercial enterprise or national spirit. The first men to enter upon a systematic exploration of the vast region of which Nebraska is a part, were the Jesuits, or members of the Society of Jesus, a famous religious societj" founded b}- Ignatius Lo}-- ola, a Spanish Knight of the sixteenth century. The Jesuits, unlike the other religious orders of the Catholic Church, mingled in the affairs of men, and did not indulge in those habits of seclusion and self- mortification which characterized the life of the monks. Actuated by a fervor and zeal before un- known in the history of the church, the Jesuits turned their attention to the new world and were among the first to explore its trackless wilds, and certainly the first to teach the savage the ways of Christian and civilized life. The Banner of the Cross was planted far in advance of the steadily encroaching colonies of the Europeans, and thou- sands of savages listened to the story of the new religion long before they heard the A'oice of the trader and the settler. The St. Lawrence River, with the great chain of lakes, entering the continent from the east, and the Mississippi River, entering from the south, were the two gi'eat avenues through which the Europeans en- tered the heart of the American continent. The work of the Jesuit missionaries had led to the dis- covery of the Ohio Rher and the partial exploration of two routes to the Mississippi ; but as yet the eyes of the Europeans had not rested upon the northern portion of that great river. It remained for two young men, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette, the former a fur trader and the latter a Jesuit mis- siouarj-, to make the final discovery. Joliet was born in Quebec, of humble parentage. Educated bj- the Jesuits for the priesthood, he earlj- aban- doned his religious offices for the more sordid pur- suits of fur trading. The hardihood and experi- ence of this life gave him the enterprise, boldness and determination to push the expedition to a suc- cessful issue. His companion, Jacques Marquette, presented a striking contrast. He was born in France, and, inheriting from his parents a strong religious susceptibilitj-, he was early in life imbued with the prevailing religious enthusiasm. He be- came a Jesuit, and in 1666 crossed the Atlantic to labor among the savages of the American forests. He was eminently qualified for this noble work. Possessing an indomitable will and courage, great purit}- and humility of character, and an affection- •^J 12 HISTORY OF NK15UASKA. ate inaniKM- in dealiiiir with the Tiidians, lie met with far greater success tliaii any of his fellow mis- sionaries. Ilaxing completed the necessary arrangements, these two daring explorers, with five hardy com- panions, set out on their perilous undertaking on Maj' 17, lf)73. For a month thej- pushed steadily forward, now paddling in canoes along the swift current of unknown streams, again threading their way through dense forests. On June 17, just one month from the day they started, they reached the mouth of the Wisconsin, pushed their frail canoes out into the broad, rolling Mississippi, and drifted rapidly down the current. Down the river they glided, the scenery on either side presenting an ever-changing panoramic view of wild and rugged beauty. They passed the mouth of the Missouri, its muddj' waters retaining their identitj- for miles be- fore mingling with the clearer waters of the Jlissis- sippi. Further on they reached the mouth of the Ohio, and still further down they came to the mouth of the Arkansas. It was now the middle of July, and, warned by their rapidly diminishing stores of supplies, the explorers decided to follow the course of the river no farther. Slowlj' retracing their waj- up the strong cuiTent the party reached the mission at the head of Green Bay in the latter part of September, having traveled a distance of nearly three thousand miles in less than six months. Marquette remained at the mission to recuperate his health, which had become impaired liy the ardu- ous journey, while Joliet pushed on to Montreal to re- port the results of the expedition. He was I'eceived with open anus by the projectors of the enterprise, and when ho related the success of the undertaking, their joj- was unljounded. The shrewd Frenchmen were quick to see the possibilities of large acces- sions to their territory, and immediately took steps to complete the explorations so auspiciously begun by Marquette and Joliet. It remained for another intrepid Frenchman to complete the work left unfinished liy 3Iarquette and Joliet, and to take formal possession of Louisiana in the name of t!ie King of France. Sieur de La Salle was a firm believer in the theory that the Mississippi River afforded a short and direct route to the Indies, a dream eagerly cherished 133- a long line of explor- ers, beginning with the renowned Christopher Colum- bus himself. Compelled by the result of Marquette and Joliet's expedition to abandon the theorj'. La Salle conceived the idea of finishing the exploration of the Mississippi to its mouth and claiming the entire region for the King of France. He accord- ingly ol)tained a royal commission, with all the necessary autlioi-ity to take possession of the region he expected to explore, and money to erect forts to hold it with. With ample authority and plenty of means, he sailed from France in 1G78 with thirty men. After an-iving at Quebec he reinforced his party by the addition of several experienced explor- ers, whose names aftenvards became famous. From the time he left France, La Salle labored incessantly in the prosecution of his cherished enter- prise. Two j-ears were spent in exploring the upper vallej', and it was not until December 21, 1681, that he set out from the mouth of the St. Joseph Ri\er on the final expedition to the Mississippi. The streams were covered with ice and his men were compelled to build sledges upon which to haul their canoes and supplies to the Illinois River. Arri\ing at the Illinois, they travelled down that river on the ice until they reached Peoria Lake, where the open water permitted the use of their canoes. Again embarking, thej- reached the mouth of the Illinois where it empties into the Mississippi, on Feljruary G, 1682. Then for a second time a French expedi- tion was swept southward by the hurrying current of the mighty river. The swift-flowing current soon can-ied them from the rigor of a Northern winter into the balmy spring time of the sunny South. La Salle made many landings in order to greet the natives with friendly assurances and to set up the arms of France. The resistless current of the majes- tic ri\er carried the party nearer and nearer the sea until, on the 6th of April, 16S2, the broad bosom of the gulf opened on their sight, tossing its restless billows, as limitless, as voiceless, as loneh', as when born of chaos, without a sign of life. At the mouth of the Mississippi, La Salle erected a column, In'aring the inscription: '-Louis le Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre; Regne; La ^ ^. HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 13 Neuvieme, Avril, 1G82. " In honor of his beloved king, La Salle named the country through which he had passed Louisiana, and took formal possession l)y a brilliant display, and the imposing rites of the Catholic Church. Thus, after some four years of un- told privation, and after overcoming oljstaeles which would have daunted a less intrepid spirit. La Salle had accomplished his mission and acquired a fame which will last as long as the mightj- Father of Waters pursues his restless course from the lake regions of the north to the sea. The government of France at once took the nec- essary steps to hold the vast territory claimed by La Salle. That distinguished soldier and explorer remained by virtue of his royal commission, mili- tary governor of the Territory until 1689, when a civil government was set up with the Marquis de Sanville as royal viceroj-. De Sanville governed a country immenselj- superior to France in extent of territory, but his subjects numbered onl^- 300, not including the Indians. By regular appointment of viceroys the succession was maintained until, l)j' the treat}' of Fontainbleau, concluded on November 3, 1862, France relinquished her claims to the Ten-i- tory. The following is a list of the viceroys, to- gether with the j-ears of their service: Robort, Cavalier de La Salle 1682-1688 Marquis de Sanville 1689-1700 Bienville lTOl-1713 Lamothe Cadillar 171.S-1T1.5 De L'Epinay ; 1716-1717 Bienville 1718-1723 Boisbrlant 1724 Bienville 1732-1741 Baron de Kelerec 17.53-1763 D'Abbadie 1763-1766 In 1762, France was compelled by force of mili- tar}- necessity, to relinquish her title to Louisiana to Spain. That government combined the semi-mili- tary government until 1803, when the Ten'itory passed under the flag of the United States. The following is a list of the Spanish governors: Antonio de Ulloa 1767-1768 Ale.xander O'Reilly 1768-1769 Louis de Unzago 1770-1776 Bernardo de Galvez 1777-1784 Estovar Miro 1785-1787 Francisco Luis Hortu, Baron of Caron- delet 1789-1793 Gaynso de Lemos 1793-1798 Sebastian de Casa. Calvo y O'Farrel. .1798-1799 Jean Manual de Salcedo 1800-1803 Although France regained possession of Louisi- ana on October 1, 1800, Jean Manual de Salcedo remained as governor until the United States took formal possession. The immense territory attaching to the crown of France by reason of La Salle's enterprise, comprised aljout one-third of the present area of the United States, and was by far the most extensive colonial possession of that nation. But in time the glory of France began to lose some of the luster imparted to it by the brilliant genius of Louis XIV. In the treaty which, in 1763, concluded the "Seven Years War," which had shaken the monarchies of Europe to their very foundations, France, torn, bleeding and humiliated liy the dread disasters of war, was compelled to acknowledge the sovereignty of Eng- land in America as extending westwaj-d to the Mis- sissippi River, and to cede to that nation all her rich possessions in Canada. As if this great loss of territory was not sufficiently humiliating, France was compelled by another treaty, to relinquish to Spain all claims to the immense Territory of Louisi- ana. Thus, as a result of a single war, France was dispossessed of eveiy foot of her territorj' in Amer- ica. With the acquisition of Louisiana in 1762, Spain controlled over one-half of the North American con- tinent; but her sovereignty over Louisiana was but of brief duration. Mightj' events were following each other in rapid succession. The thirteen Eng- lish colonies in America had rebelled against the mother country and had become free and independ- ent States. Napoleon Bonaparte had raised himself from Corsican obscuritj- to the throne of France, with all Europe trembling at his feet. In 1800 his mighty genius wrested Louisiana from the hands of Spain; but the dreams of a French empire in America were soon shattered by the dire necessities of Napoleon, who by force of circumstances was compelled to relinquish Louisiana to the United States for a monetary consideration. The account of the negotiations which led to the peaceful acquisition of Louisiana b}- the Govern- ment of the United States forms one of the most interesting chapters of otir National history; but as it is more pertinent to National than to State his- (2 4^ torv, a. brief reference must suffice in these pages. During the years in which Spain had controlled Louisiana the question of the free navigation of the .Mississippi Iliver stirred up no little contention be- tween the United States and the Spanish govern- ment. The Mississippi River at that time formed the only outlet for the products of the settlers west of the Alleghany Mountains; and the obstructive regulations of the Spanish authorities at New Or- leans had caused no little ill-feeling between the two nations. In all probabilit}' the distrust and ill-feel- ing wcjuld have led to an open rupture, had not the retrocession of Louisiana to France, in 1800, put an entirel}' new aspect upon affairs. If the regulations of the Spanish authorities at New Orleans had proven distasteful to the people of America, the change to French authority was likely to prove even more so. Napoleon fully appreciated the immense value of Louisiana and at once began the work of fortifying the entrance to the Mississippi. Thomas Jefferson, then president of the United States, was quick to perceive the danger of allowing so formid- able a rival to establish herself in such close prox- imitj". The "Monroe Doctrine" had not yet been promulgated, and Jefferson, with the wisdom which had conceived the Declaration of Independence, formed the plan of purchasing the Territory of Lou- siana from France. The condition of affairs in France was exceed- ingl}^ favorable to the plans of President Jefferson on behalf of the United States. Napoleon was on the eve of a mighty struggle with England, which would call for all his energies, all his resources. While keenly feeling the disgrace of surrendering Louisiana to England, he foresaw that England's superior naval force would quickly wrest that important colonial possession from him. Moreover, he was greatly in need of funds with which to prosecute the war. In addition to all this, he perceived the splendid opportunity for foiling England's in- tention of securing Louisiana by ceding that Ter- ritory to the United States. So when Messrs. Mon- roe and Livingston, the commissioners appointed to conduct the negotiatiations on the part of the United States, arrived in Paris they found all pre- liminary negotiations unnecessary, the only thing to be agreed upon being the price and the terms of sale. In meeting some of the olijections made Ijy some of his ministers to the sale of Louisiana, Napoleon used the singularly prophetic words: "Perhaps it will be objected that the Americans will be found too powerful for Europe in two or three centuries ; but my foresight does not embrace such remote fears. Besides, we maj- hereafter expect rivalries among the members of the Union. The confedera- cies which are called perpetual onlj- last till one of the contracting parties finds it to his interest to break them," The secession of the Southern States was thus clearlj- predicted by Napoleon sixty years before it was attempted ; but even Napoleon's mar- velous foresight did not permit him to look for- ward still another decade and see a united country, stronger and more powerful than before the rup- ture. After carrying on the negotiations for some days, the treaty ceding Louisiana to the United States was concluded on April 30, 1803. The price agreed upon was eightj- million francs, or about fifteen million dollars of good American monej-. The instructions given the American commissioners by the government of the United States did not authorize them to make an outright piu-chase of Louisiana; but Monroe and Livingston were so surely possessed of the views of President Jefferson in regard to the matter that they felt that they could safely transcend their authority, and rely upon the patriotism and good sense of the Ameri- can people for approbation. They were not de- ceived, and Congress ratified the treaty of purchase, and on March 9, 1804, the stars and stripes were unfurled at St. Louis in token of formal possession. Louisiana thus became a Territory of the United States. The history of the exploration and formation of the Territory of Louisiana has thus been briefly traced up to the time it passed under the authority of the United States. With a more in- timate knowledge of the subject, the reader may now turn to the succeeding chapters, which will contain a brief sketch of the history of Nebraska proper. <2 k^ HISTORY or NEBRASKA. 15 CHAPTER II. -^HSh Indian History of Nebraska — The Principal Tribes — The Poncas and Their Melancholy History — Their Treaties With the United States — Outrages by' United States Soldiers — Theik Forcible Re- moval TO the Indian Territory — Standing Bear's Escape — Arrest and Subsequent Re- lease BY' Judge Dundy — The Pawnees, Otoes and Omahas — Great Battle Bet\\'een the Sioux and Pa-r'nees — The Great Uprising of August, 1864 — The Mas- sacre at Plum Creek — Stampede of the Settlers — PEAge Restored. If justice will take all and nothing give, Justice, methinks, is not distributive. — Dryden. I^REVIOUS to the advent .f of the white man, the In- dians dominated the entire region west of the Missouri River. The countiy lying between that river and the Rocky Mountains was di- ^^s^i^'^V vided among some fortj' or fifty tribes, some friendly to each other, others ex- ti-emely hostile. The plains abounded in game, the climate was not severe, and altogether, the life of the western In- dians was more than ordinarily a happy and contented one. The principal tribes which made their homes within the present limits of Nebraska were the Poncas, the Omahas, the Otoes and Pawnees. Of these the Pawnees were the most warlike, and the history of the Poncas is probably the most interesting. In their report of their famous exploration of the Missouri River, Lewis and Clarke refer to Poncas or Poncars as ' •' the remnant of a nation once respectalile in point of numbers. They formerlj- resided on a branch of the Red River of Lake Winnipeg. Being oppressed Ijy the Sioux, they removed to the west side of the Missouri, on Poncar River, where the}' built and fortified a village, and remained for some years; but being pursued by their ancient enemy, the Sioux, they have joined and now live with the Mahas (Omahas), whose language they speak." Their numbers were estimated by Lewis and Clarke as being' onlj' about 200, all told; but this small estimate is probably to be explained by the fact that at the time of the visit of the famous explorers, the tribe was awaj' on its annual buffalo hunt, and their village had been so long empty and quiet that a buffalo was found grazing there. A few years after the visit of Lewis and Clarke, the population of the tribe was estimated at 400, and in a census of the Indian tribes, taken by Gen. Partei-s in 1829, their numlier was set down at 600. The great artist Cat- lin, who visited them a few years later, rated them a little less. He gives an interesting account of the chief of the tribe, named Shoo-de-ga-cha (smoke), and his young and pretty wife, Hee-la'h-dee (the pure fountain), whose portraits he painted. He saj's: "The chief, who was wrapped in a buffalo- robe, is a noble specimen of native dignity and philosoph}'. I conversed much with him, and from his dignified manners, as well as from the sound- ness of his reasoning, I became f uUj' convinced that he deserves to be the sachem of a more numerous and prosperous tribe. He related to me with great s ^ ' ^. IC IITSTORY OF NEBRASKA. coolness ami frankness the poverty and distress of his nation — and with the metliod of a philosopher predicted the certain and rapid extinction of his tribe which he had not the power to avert. " The day liefore Catlin arri\-ed at the village this old chief's son. the .young Hongs-kaj--de, had created a great sensation among the members of the tribe b}* accomplishing a most startling amount of bigamj- in a single daj-. Being the chief's son, and having been presented by his father with a handsome wig- wam anil nine horses, he had no ditticulty whatever in ingratiating himself into the good graces of the fathers of the most eligible marriageable daughters, and he had, therefore, offered himself to and been accepted bj' four successive f:tthers-in-law, promis- ing to each of them two horses, and enjoining u]3on them profound secrecy until a certain hour, when he would announcee to the whole tribe that he was to be married. At the time appointed he appeared, followed by some of his joung friends leading eight horses. Addressing the prospective father-in-law who stood nearest him, with his daughter by his side, he said: '-You promised me your daughter; here are the two horses. " A great hubbub immediately arose, the three others all springing forward, angry and perplexed, claiming his promises made to them. The triumphant young savage exclaimed: "You have all now acknowledged your engagements to me, and must fulfill them. Here are your horses." There was nothing more to be said. The horses were delivered, and Hougs-kay-de, leading two brides in each hand, walked off with great dignity- to his wigwam. This was an affair totallj' unprece- dented in the annals of the tribe, and it produced an impi'ession as profound as it could have done in a eivifized communitj', though of a different char- acter — redounding to the young man's credit rather than to his shame — marking him out as one daring and original enough to be a " Big Medicine." Mr. Catlin says that he visited the bridal wigwam soon afterward, and saw the ''four modest little wives seated around the fire, seeming to harmonize very weU." The treaty relations between the government and the Ponca Indians during the past seventy-five years have been anvthing but creditalile to the former. The first treaty made by the United States with this small tribe of gentle and peaceajjle Indians was in 1817, and was simply an expression of peace and friendship. In 1825 another treaty was made in which the Poncas admit that ' ' they reside within the territorial limits of the United States, acknowl- edge their supremacy, and claim their protection." They also admit "the right of the United States to regulate all trade and intercourse with them. ". The United States, on their part, "agree to receive the Poncas tribe of Indians into their friendship and under their protection, and to extend, from time to time, such benefits and acts of kindness as ma}- be convenient, and seem just and proper to the Presi- dent of the United States. " After this there is lit- tle mention, in the official records of the goverment, of the Poncas for thirty years. Other tribes in the upper Missouri region were so troublesome and aggressive that the peaceable Poncas were left to shift for themselves as best they might. In 1856, the agent of the Upper Platte mentions incidentally that the lands of the Poncas were fast being intruded upon by squatters; and in 1857 another agent reports having met a band of Poncas who made complaint that all the Indians on the river were receiving presents while thej' were overlooked ; that the men fi-om the steamboats cut their trees down ; and that the white settlers were taking all their lands. In 1858, another treaty was signed by the Poncas, in which they relinquished all the lands occupied and claimed by them except small portions on which the government proposed to colonize and domesticate them. This proceeding was deemed necessar}' in order to oljtaiu such control over these Indians as to prevent their interference with white settlements, which were extending rapidlj-. From the day the Poncas signed away their lands, in 1858, their real troubles began, and from that year, the history of the tribe is almost an unbroken record of misery and suffering. The government failed to keep faith with them, the monej' appropriated for them was stolen bj' dishonest agents and contractors, and their old enemies, the Sioux, robbed them of what little the white men left them, stole their ponies and killed many of their young men. A single instance will serve to illustrate the lonsi story s "V -rf s>\^ ■t HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. of outi'age upon this unoffending tribe. In Decem- ber of 1863 a party of Poncas, consisting of four men, six women, three boys and two girls, return- ing from a \isit to the Omahas. had encamped for the night about twelve miles from their own reser\a- tion. In the night a party of sohliers from a mili- tar\' post on the Niobrara River came to tlieir camp, and began to insult the squaws, ofToring money with one hand and presenting a revolver with the other. The Indians, alarmed, pulled up their lodge and escaped to a copse of willows near Ijy. The sol- diers fired at them as they ran awaj-, and then proceeded to destroy all their effects. They cut the lodge cover to pieces, burnt the saddles and lilankets. cut open sacks of beans, corn and dried pumpkins, and strewed their contents on the ground, and then went away, taking with them a skin lodge-covering, beaver-skins, buffalo-robes, blankets, guns, and all the small effects. Earlj- in the morning the Indians returned with their ponies, which had been hidden in the willows, picked up what few things they could find and started for home. After going but a comparatively short distance they were again discov- ered and attacked by the soldiers who fired upon them, wounding one woman by a ball in her thigh ; an- other, with a child on her back, by two balls through the child's thighs, one of which passed through the mother's side. These women were fired upon as they were crossing the river on the ice. The sol- diers then took possession of the six ponies and all the articles at the camp and left. The squaws and children, who were looking for beans, were half a mile below. A little dog belonging to them barked and revealed their hiding place. The soldiers imme- diately turned on them, dismounted, made up to them and deliberately shot them dead as the}- hud- dled helplessly together — three women and a little girl. One of the boys ran for the river, pursued by the soldiers. On reaching the river he dived into the water through a hole in the ice. As often as he lifted his head the soldiers fired at him, but he finallj' escaped. One of the murdered women had three balls in her head and cheek, her throat cut, and her head half severed l)y a sabre thrust ; another, the youngest woman, had her cloth shirt taken off and can'ied awav. and all her other clothes torn from her body, leaving it naked. The men who perpetrated this outrage belonged to Compan}' B, of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and it is quite needless to remark that they were never lirought to justice. In 1870, the government decided to remove the Poncas to the Indian Territory. By this time the Poncas had acquired many of the arts of civiliza- tion. They had comfortable homes, well-tilled farms and supported a school. It was hard for them to leave the homes where they had lived for so many years, espeeiallj' as thej- could not understand why they should be compelled to go. A number of chiefs visited the lands in the Indian Territory and found them so cheerless and so sterile that they protested vigorousl}- against the proposed removal, but all in vain. They were forcibly removed from their homes by the soldiers, and compelled to march to the Indian Territory, where they lived most un- happily. Finallj- Standing Bear and thirtj- of his people ran awaj- from the Indian Territor}-, and after a long weary foot journej- of three months reached their old friends on the Omaha reser\ation. They were again arrested. Standing Bear, in his naiTa- tive of the sufferings of his tribe, saj-s: "Half of us were sick. AVe would rather have died than have been earned back; but we could not help ourselves. " But help did reach, them from an unexpected source. The news of their arrest roused no little excitement in Omaha. At the request of an Omaha editor, Mr. T. H. Tibbies, two prominent attorneys, A. J. Pop- pleton and John L. Webster, applied for a writ of haheas corpus. Standing Bear and his people were brought before Judge Elmer S. Dundy, of the Uni- ted States District Court. The case attracted National attention. It was argued eloquently and ably by G. M. Lambertson, United States District Attornej-, on the one side and by Jlessrs. Poppleton and Webster on the other. Judge Dundy decided that the Indian is a "person" within the intent and purpose of the constitution, and released the pris- oners. The result of the ti-ial attracted general attention through the East and much sympathj' was manifested for the unfortunate Poncas. They were finally restored to their reservation, where they still reside in peace and contentment. The Pawnees were ]5robably the largest and most IS HTSTORY OF XHI'.KASKA. powi'ifnl Tudiaii nation that lived in \eljraska pre- vious to tiio advent of the white men. When Louis and ("laike visited the Platte eountry they found the Pawnees living on the south side of the Platte River, f(jrty-tive miles above its mouth. There were four branehes of the tribe at that time— the Pawnees proper, consisting of live liundred men with their families, the Republican Pawnees, .so named from their having lived on the Republican branch of the Kansas River, whence they emigrated to join the principal liand on the Platte. The}- numbered about 250, exclusive of women and children. The third was the Pawnee Loups, or Wolf Pawnees, who re- sitled on the Wolf Fork of the Platte River nearl}' a hnntlrcd miles from the main branch of the tribe. These numbered 280 men. The fourth band for- merly resided far south of Nebraska, Imt in their wars with their enemies they were so often defeated that they were compelled to move northward to a laud where they could be at jieace. The four tribes soon after the visit of Lewis and Clarke in 1804, formed a confederation and became practically one tribe. In 1834 the}' ceded to the United States all their lands south of the Platte River. By another treaty, in 1848, they relinquished still another part of their lands, and by a subsequent treaty made in 1857, after the organization of Nebraska Territory, they gave up all their lands and settled upon a reservation of 288,000 acres of land in the Loup Valley. Here they resided until 1874, when they consented to a removal to the Indian Territory, where they still reside. The Otoes, another small tribe found in Ne- liraska by Lewis and Clarke, were spoken of as the remnant of a once powerful nation. Their home was originally on the west bank of the Missouri, aljout thirty miles above the month of the Platte River. The}" were of a wandering disposition, in frequently moving from point to point. At one time their village was located upon the present site of the city of Omaha and at another time near the present site of Nebraska City. Tlieir first treaty with the government was nuule in 1834, by which they ceded to the United States a large portion of the lands they had hitherto claimed as their own. Again, in 1854, they ceded to the Ignited States all their lands, taking in lieu thereof a reservation in the southeastern part of the State, a portion of which they still occupy. The Omaha Indians formerl}- resided noi'th of the Missouri River, in Dakota; but being constantl}' harrassed by the Sioux they moved into Nebraska in the early part of the present century. When the Territory of Nebraska was organized the Omahas claimed as their territoiy the lands west and south of the Missouri and adjoining it, and north of the Platte River. In 1854 this land was ceded to the United States, the Omahas removing to a reserva- tion of 345,000 acres in the northeastei-u part of the State. The Sioux tribes more properly belonged to Iowa and Dakota; but in the early part of the pres- ent centuiy they overran the Nebraska country, and for many years claimed all that part of the State lying south of the Platte River as their hunting grounds. They were the most warlike of all the western Indians and were constantly at war with their neighboring tribes. The Pawnees were their deadliest enemies, and the two tribes were almost constantly at war. The supremacy of the Pawnees was finally settled in 1832 by one of the most des- perate encounters ever recorded in the annals of In- dian warfare. The battle was fought near the junc- tion of the Big Sandy and Little Blue River, within the present limits of Jefferson County. According to the best accounts, 16,000 savages participated in the conflict. The Pawnees were under the command of the chief Tac-po-ha-na, while the Sioux were led by Oco-no-me-woe, of whom it is claimed the cele- brated Sioux chief. Sitting Bull, is a lineal descen- dant. The struggle for supremacy lasted for three days and the Sioux were completely worsted, losing over 3,000 men. The Pawnees sustained a loss of 2,000 men. The story of this most remarkable con- flict was told in 1870 by an aged French trader named Mont Crevie, one of the inimerous agents of the American Fur Company, who were scattered all over the western plains. From the time Nebraska was formally thrown open to settlement until the white settlers became so numerous as to be formidable, the Indians, and especially the Pawnees, were exceedingly trouble- fi Xrf ®-., .L£ HISTORY OF NKBRASKA. 19 some. Their depredations, however, consisted mostly of petty thievery, with -an occasional murder and outrage. Tlie only serious uprising of Indians in Nebraska, since the organization of the Territory, occurred in 1864. A number of causes have been assigned for this uprising; but it is probable that the Indians had been nursing the accumulated griev- ances of years, until their auger had been fully aroused to a formidable outbreali. Their plans in- cluded nothing less than the complete extermination of the white settlers along the trails from the western to the eastern part of the State. The up- rising was planned with a skill and cunning known only to the savage breast. For two years the prep- arations went on. Every Sioux and Pawnee Indian was well armed with the most approved modern weapon, and for a time it was believed that these arms were secretly supplied by the agents of the Confederate government, and that the great out- break was instigated by these emissaries of seces- sion. But, whether this was the case or not, it is needless to say that but little credence has ever been paid to the story. A party of Indians had been de- tailed to attack every settlement along the Fremont trails for a distance of two hundred miles. The morning of Sunday, August 7, 1864, had been selected as the day for the assault along the entire line, and on that day the assault was made simul- taneously according to program. The first mas- sacre reported was at Plumb Creek, in Dawson County, where eleven settlers were murdered in cold blood. Plum Creek was a telegraph station, and the operator, divining at once that the threat- ened outbreak had come, immediately flashed the news along the line, giving warning of the danger. The existence of the telegraph line, together with the fact that the Plum Creek massacre occurred earlier in the day than any of the others contem- plated, saved the lives of many settlers who took measures to protect themselves upon receipt of the warning. A stampede of settlers to the eastern part of the State at once commenced. Nearlj' every settlement in the vallej- was abandoned, the settlers pushing for the Missouri River in order to escape destruction. The government threw all available troops in the west into the Platte Valle\- and after three weeks of arduous work, in which many In- dians as well as soldiers lost their lives, the upris- ing was quelled. The majority of the settlers ven- tured back to the homes they had abandoned with so much precipitation, and peace once more reigned along the Platte. The uprising of 1864 was the last serious dis- turbance raised by the Indians in Nebraska. Since that time a number of "scares" have occun-ed; but these instances are hardly of sufficient importance to be worthy of especial mention. They will be ti'eated of full}- in the history of the counties, where they are chiefly interesting by reason of their local associations. ^h r- ~^ B 20 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER III. The Settlement of the Territory — Population of Nebraska at the Formation of Tire Territory — The Earliest Visits of the White Men — The Trading Post and Settlement at Bellevue — Col. Peter A. Sarpy — The Mormon Settlement at Florence— First Attempts to found the City' of Omaha — The Settlement of Douglas County- — Col. John Boulware — The Settlement at St. Deroin — The Founding of Bkownville— Early' History of Douglas County — Stephen Story and His Settle- ment IN Richardson County. Hail, memory, hail ! In thy exhaustloss mine From age to age unnumbered treasures shine! Thought and her shadowy brood thy call obey. And place and time are subject to thy sway. — Rogers. ^N the 30tli of May, 185-i, when President Pierce affixed his signature to the Kansas- Nebraska bill, the Territory of Nebraska gave but little l)romise of the great State of """"^"^ to-day. The white popula- tion of the Territory at that time was less than 3,000 souls, scattered among the little settlements at Bellevue, Omaha, Browuville and other places along the Missouri bottoms. The oldest settlements in Nebraska were made within the present bound- aries of Sarpy county. Lewis and Clarke, in their famous expedition in search of the headwaters of the Missouri River, explored that part of Nebraska lying immediately adjacent to the mouth of the Platte River, in July 1804, and camped for some time near the present site of Bellevue. In 1805, the same spot was visited ))y Manuel Lisa, a Spanish adventurer, who had doubtless been attracted to the region more from curiosity than from any more practical incentive. It was not, however, until 1810, that a permanent settlement was attempted in Nebraska. In that year the American Fur Company, organized and controlled by the genius of John Jacob Aster, estab- lished a trading-post at Bellevue, and placed a French-Canadian l)y the name of Francis Deroin in charge. Deroin was soon afterwards succeeded by a fellow-countryman named Joseph Roubidoux, who held the position until 1816, when he was in turn succeeded bj' John Carbanne. The latter agent remained until 1823, when he was relieved bj- Peter Sarpy, a man whose name is inseparably linked with the early history of the Territory of Nebraska. He was a splendid specimen of the hardy race of pioneers who have at the present day almost entirely' disappeared. He possessed all the hardihood, all the bravery, all the endurance, necessary for a life on the ragged edge of civilization. At the time of the formation- of the Territory, Peter Sarpy was described as Ijeing about fifty-five j-ears of age, rather below the medium in height, with black hair, dark complexion, well-knit and compact features and a heavy beard that had scorned the razor's edge for man^' years. His manner was commanding, his address fluent, and, in the presence of the opposite sex, he was polished and refined. He preferred the IV HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 21 freedom of the western plains to the gaiety and refluemeut of the more civilized life of the East, and was never happier than when visiting the rude wig- wams of the Indians encamped around the old trad- ing-post. Such was the appearance and character- istics of one of the oldest settlers of Nebraska. In the same year that Peter Sarp3- arrived at Bellevue the Indian agency, which had previouslj- been located at Fort Calhoun, within the present limits of Wash- ington County, was also removed to Bellevue, mak- ing the place the most important settlement in the Territory. The trading post drew all the fur trap- pers, traders and Indians for hundreds of miles around, and in certain seasons of the j'ear Bellevue presented an exceedinglj* lively and animated appear- ance. The affairs of the little settlement pursued the even tenor of their ways until 1846, when it received new accessions. A representative of the Presbyterian Board of Missions, in the jDerson of Rev. Edward ^McKinne^*, visited Bellevue in that j-ear, and decided to establish a mission at that point. The mission was duly established, a school house erected, and D. E. Reed placed in charge. Mr. Reed was another early pioneer who was prom- inently- associated with the settlement of Nebraska. He was the first school teacher, the first regularlj'- appointed postmaster, and the first editor in the new TeiTitory. Up to the year 1852 the settlement at Bellevue had always been known as Council Bluffs. This name was not, however, entirely satisfactory to the settlers, and in that year steps were taken to form a company and lay out a town. It was not until Februar3- 9, 1854. however, that the town companj- was formally organized and the settlement given the name of Bellevue. The original incorporators of the town of Bellevue were Peter Sarpy, Stephen Decatur, Hiram Bennett, George Nepner, William R. English, James M. Galeswood, George F. Furner, P. J. McMahon, A. W. Hollister and C. A. Ford. The first postoffice in Nebraska Territory was estab- lished at Bellevue in 1849, but it was not until 1855, nearly a year after the Territory had been formally erected and thrown open to settlement, that a regu- lar postmaster, Mr. D. E. Reed, was officially appointed. At the time of the organization of Nebraska, Bellevue was the most important settlement in the Territorj-, and would have undoubtedly been selected as the capital but for the strange perversity of one man. In October, 1853, Gov. Burt and Secretary Cuming, the Territorial officers appointed by Presi- dent Pierce, arrived at Bellevue for the purpose of setting up the Territorial government. By an in- scrutable dispensation of all-wise Providence Gov. Burt died after having resided in Nebraska but ten days. Secretary Cuming, who assumed the duties of governor until a successor to Mr. Burt could be regularly appointed, proposed to locate the capital of the new Territory at Bellevue, providing 100 acres of land were donated to the future State. Rev. Mr. Hamilton, superintendent of the Presby- terian mission, which controlled the town site of Bellevue, as well as the lands immediatelj- surround- ing the town, declined to donate the land asked for, and in consequence Omaha became the first capital of the Territory of Nebraska. In 1819 the government located a military post within the present limits of Washington County. The post was then called Fort Atkinson, but after- ward this name was changed to Fort Calhoun. It stood on the spot where Lewis and Clarke held their famous council with the chiefs of the Otoe and Missouri Indians. Next to Peter Sarp\-, John Boulware is believed to be the first white man to attempt a settlement in the yet unorganized Territory of Nebraska. He established himself at Fort Calhoun in 1826 and resided there for many years. In 1846 he estab- lished, or rather, was placed in charge of a govern- ment ferrj-, at Fort Kearney, at the present site of Nebraska City. The fort was used as a military post b}' the government until 1848, when it was abandoned and the garrison removed to new Fort Kearney. The American Fur Company also estab- lished a trading post at old Fort Kearney in 1846 or 1847, and continued it until 1854. A trading post was established at St. Deroiu, in the southern part of Nemaha County, in 1853, and a town laid out. Robert Hawke, iifterward a prom- inent merchant of Nebraska City, opened a small store at this point in that year. In 1854 Richard r > TITSTOKY OF NEBRASKA. 23 the new city namerl "Omaha." The history of Omaha and Douglas Cminty would of itself fill a large volume; but as it is the purpose in these pages, and especially in this chapter, to give merelv a brief sketch of the history' of the State of Nebrasiva, no effort will Ipe made to follow up the history of sin- gle counties not included in the scope of the main Ijody of the work. Still another early settlement in Nebraska, pre- vious to the organization of the Territory, was made at the mouth of the Platte River, within the present limits of Cass County. In the spring of 1853, Sam- uel Blartin, having first obtained the necessary per- mission from the government to establish a trading post in the Platte country, crossed the river from Iowa and erected a two-story building at a point on the south branch of the Platte River, near its mouth, where the city of Plattsmouth now stands. This was the first building erected by a white man in Cass County, previous to the organization of the TeiTitorv. In June, 1854, as soon as the news of the final opening of the Territory had been received, a large number of settlers crossed the Missouri River from Iowa and staked out claims. The largest settlement was made at Plattsmouth, and in 1856, two years after the Territory had been organized, Cass Cojntj- contained a population of 1,251. Another Nebraska pioneer, whose name is worthy of especial prominence in the pre-Territorial historj' of Nebraska, was Stephen Story, who settled in Richardson County in 1844. Although born in Vermont, Story was taken to Canada by his parents when but two years of age, where he lived until he was twent3-one. In Canada he fell in with a class of young men whose adventurous spirit led them to adopt the lives of lumbermen, traders and trappers. Young Storj- joined a party of kindred spirits and all came to the West. He wandered up and down the Missouri Valley and finally settled in Richard- son County, in 1844. But the Indians made mat^ ters decidedly unpleasant for him and he was com- pelled to leave. He joined the armj' and served in the Mexican War, after which he drifted to Califor- nia. In 1850, after working in the gold mines of the Golden State for a j'ear, he turned his face to the plains and again settled down in Richardson County, this time permanently. He lived upon a farm for a number of years and started the town of St. Stephen. He was a prominent figure in Rich- ardson Count}' until the day of his death, which occurred on January 27, 1882. Two other well-known pioneers were Charles Martin and F. X, Dupuis, both of whom settled in Richardson County previous to the formation of the Territorj-. Both had been trappers and hunters, and both had passed through all the strange vicissi- tudes of a life on the plains. In the foregoing pages of this chapter has been given a brief sketch of the settlement of the Ten-i- tory previous to its formation. AVhen Gov. Burt arrived in Nebraska to assume the duties of gov- ernor of the new Territorv, he found well-estaVilished settlements at Omaha, Bellevue and Plattsmouth, with a number of smaller communities scattered along the Missouri River bottoms. « k^ 24 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER IV. TiiE Foii.MATiox OF THE Teriutory — Othek Tekiutories Adjutted— Calls for the Forsiatiox op the "Platte Country" — First Attempt to Erect the Territory op Nebraska — A Eesume of Polit- ical Events Leading to the Opposition to the Erection of Nebraska — The Mis- souri Compromise — Second Attempt to Form the Territory op Nebraska — Opposition of Southern Senators — The Slavery- Issue — Senator Douglas Introduces the Kansas-Nebraska Bill — Its Oppo- sition AND Final Passage. ITT "Set all things in their And know that order T has been shown in the preceding chapter bow Louisiana became a part of the domain of the United States. When the United States tooli formal posses- sion, Louisiana contained less than 500 white inhaliitauts ; but the tide of immigration was already sweeping westward, and in LSIO the census showed a total population of 1 . 0ri2. The influx of English-speaking ^i/*^ inhabitants steadily continued, and be- "** '-^ fore many years the struggling settle- ments enlarged into Territories, and the Territories were soon clamoring for the dignity of Statehood. Pre\ious to the year 1850, the States of Louisiana, Arkansas, Mis- souri and Iowa had been carved out of the original Territory of Louisiana. West and northwest of these States lay a vast, unorganized territory, with no form of government whatever. It was pre-emin- ently the home of the Indian. Immense herds of liuffalo grazed undisturbed on the prairies, and the entire region was as free from the civilizing restraints of the white man as when Columbus first sighted own peculiar place, is the greatest gi-ace." the palmetto trees of the West Indies. But a ten-i- tory so vast, so fertile, and so well adaptecl to the wants of man, was not to be left unoccupied. The gold excitement in California in 1849 had impelled an immense throng of adventurers to cross the plains in search of the treasure fields beyond the Rockies. The route of the emigi-ants lay along the Platte River, across the entire length of the present State of Nebraska. The whole region was then known as the " Platte Countiy," and it soon became known that it embraced lands of the greatest value to the settler. There had been calls for a Territorial organ- ization for the " Platte country" as early as 1850, and in the first session of the XXXIId Congress, which assembled at Washington in the winter of 1851-52, petitions were presented asking for the formation of a new Territory west of the Missouri River. No action was taken in regard to the mat- ter in that session; but in the next session, Mr. Willard P. Hall, a representative from the State of Missouri, offered a bill which had for its object the organization of the "Territory of Platte." This bill was introduced on December 13, 1852, and was refen-ed to the committee on Ten-itories. On Februarv 2, 1853, Representative William A. Rich- HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. arclsou, from that committee, reported a bill provid- ing for the orgauization of the • ■ Territorj' of Nebraska." This bill, it will be understood, in- cluded all the territory now comprised in the States of Nebraska and Kansas. When the bill came up for consideration in the committee of the whole, it was the signal for a liitter and formidal)le opposi- tion from the Southern members. After a \ioleiit discussion, the committee rose with a recommenda- tion that the liill be rejected; but the House passed the liill on February 10. 1853. by a vote of 98 to 43. From the House the bill went to the Senate, where its opponents were already organized for its defeat. Reaching the Senate on Februarj' 11, it was referred to the committee on Territories. Stephen A. Douglas, whose name is inseparably linked with the history of Nebraska, was chairman of this committee. On March 2 (being the last day Init one of the session^, a motion to take up the Neliraska liill for consideration was defeated, by a vote of 25 to 20. Another attempt to get the 1)111 Ijefore the Senate on the last day f)f the session was defeated and the l>ill itself laid upon the table. Thus, the first attempt to erect the Territory of Ne- braska was unsuccessful. It will not be out of place here to give a brief resume of the political events which comliined to cause so determined an opposition to the formation of the Territory of Neliraska. That opposition had been forming in the minds of the people of the South for forty years, and the implacable hostility of the Southern peoijle to the formation of the Territories of Nebraska and Kansas, form one of the most prominent of the causes of the War of the Re- liellion. The first opposition to the admission of a slave State occurretl in 1811, when Louisiana knocked at the doors of Congi-ess and demanded admission into the Union. The opposition to the admission of Louisiana was not grounded so much upon the fact that it would increase the power of the sla\'e holders, as upon the alleged violation of the constitution iu forming a State out of a TeiTitory not included in the original government of the Union. The opposition centered in tlie person of Joseph Quincy, and in the light of subsequent events, his threats of dissolving the Union read strangely enough. He declared that if Louisiana were admitted, "the bonds of the Union were vir- tually dissolved; that the States which compose it are free from their moral obligations; and that as it will the right of all, so it will be the duty of some to prepare defiuitel}- for a separation, amicably if they can, violently if they must." He maintained that ' ' there was no authority to throw the rights and lib- erties of this people into ' hotchpotch ' with the wild men of Missouri, nor with tlie mixed but more respectable race of Anglo-Hispania-Gallo- Americans who bask in the sands at the mouth of the Jlissis- sippi. " Although the people of the North did not go as far as Josiah Quincy in their objections, there was a strong opposition to the admission of Louisiana. Manj' people of the Nortli had always regarded the purchase of Louisiana as unconstitutional, and always looked upon that Territory as foreign soil; liut the agitation did not extend beyond the walls of Congress, and the bill admitting Louisiana was passed b}' the necessarj- majority. But the rapidl3Mncreasing hatred of slaverj' soon began to crystallize into organized opposition. Ben- jamin Lundy had organized his •■Union Humane Society" in 1815, and soon afterwards had written his famous appeal to the philanthropists on the subject of slaveiy. Charles Osborne had also started the Philanthropist, a journal devoted to the abolition of slavery. The influence of other pio- neers in the anti-slavery movement began to make itself felt, and when, six years after Louisiana had liecome a State of the LTnion, Missouri asked for admission on an equal footing with the other States, the agitation at once became so violent that for a time it seemed as if the Union would be disrupted. The agitation continued for a period of two years and was finally ended by the adoption of the famous '•Missouri Compromise. " By the provisions of this compromise, Jlissouri was admitted as a slave State; but it was further enacted that slavery should for- ever be prohibited in all that part of the Louisiana purchase lying north of 3G degrees, 30 minutes, north latitude. This compromise, which alone stood between the nation and cixil war. allaved to a large ^ HISTOKV OF .NEBRASKA. exU'ul the bitter feeling between the North and the Soutli. The North had secured tlie blessinu- of freedom for a larirc part of tlie then organized Terri- tory, and. as it tiionght, ciieclved the advance of till' slave power. The South felt satisfied that gen- erations would ]5ass before the development of the counti'N' would call for the formation of new States out of the unorganized territory. Uolh were con- tent; though, in the light of subsequent events. both were mistaken. However, the .Mi.ssouri cDUipromise, much as it .allayed sectional feeling at the time, could not check the sweeping tide of immigration which was surging westward. The population of the Tuited States in- creased so rai)idly that the formation of new States became an imperative necessity. The bill for the formation of the Territory of Nebraska was a result of this demand, and the determined opposition of the slave power was conclusive evidence that the famous compromise would be trampled under foot as soon as it should prove a liarrier to the further I'xtension of the slave territory. The friends of the Nebraska bill did not remain inactive. The XXXIIId Congress assembled on December 5, 1853. and on December 14 of the same year Senator Augustus C. Dodge, of Iowa, submit- ted a bill •• To organize the Territory of Nebraska." The bill was very similar to the one introduced in the previous Congress by Representative Hall, of .Missouri, and contained no intimation that the liindiug force of the Missouri compromise was to be disputed, or that the compromise itself would be meddled with. x\fter being referred to the proper committee, the liill was, on January 4, 1854, re- liorted back to the Senate by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, chairman of the committee on Territories. In his report Senator Douglas alluded to the fact ■that a ((uestion had arisen regarding the right to hold slaves in the new- Territory of Nebraska, after it should have been thrown open to settlement and the Indian laws withdrawn. The ^Missouri compro- mise clearly prohibited slavery in the new Territory ; but a ((Uestion had arisen concerning the constitu- tional |)ower of Congress to i)ass laws prescribing and regulating the domestic institutions of the vari- >. HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 31 iiii; out the magnitieent forest growth. The retreat of the secoiul ice sheet was followed by another subsidence, the land was again flooded and a lalve occupied the phiins. Then dawned the Loess epoch, the epoch in which Nel.)raslia was prepared for the advent of man. When the Loess era was inaugurated, the greater part of Nebraska was co\eretl by a vast inland sea of fresh water. Tlie waters of the lake were loaded with loess, a sediment left by the retreating glaciers. As the great lakes became tilled up with this sedi- ment they were gradually transformed into bogs and marshes. Isolated portions would first become dry land. After the first low islands appeared, they gradually increased in size and numliers until dry land conditions prevailed. The ponds and sloughs, some of which are almost lakes, still in existence, are probalily the last remains of these great lakes. The rising of the land continuing, the rivers began to cut new channels through the middle of the old lake beds. This drained the marshes and formed the bottoin lands, as the rivers of that period co\-- ered the whole of the present flood plains from blutt' to bluff. It was then, when the liluffs were new and plastic, that they were first sculptured by rains into their present iniique forms. The Mis- souri, during the closing centuries of the Loess epoch, must have been from five to thirty miles in breadth. The Platte, Niobrara and Republican Riv- ers covered their respective flood plains in the same way. In the smaller streams of the State, those that originated within or near the Loess deposits, such as the Elkhorn, Loup, Bow. Blue and Nema- has, we see the same general form of flood plains as on the larger rivers, and no fhjubt their waters were also covered with water during this period. It was during the Loess epoch in the history of the continent that man made his first appearance. Stone arrow heads and other human relics have been discovered in undisturbed loess deposits. Animal life also flourished in this epoch. The remains of rabbits, gophers, otters, beavers, squirrels, deer, elk and bufl'alo are frequently discovered. The remains of ele|)liants antl mastodons are also abund- ant. According to the most reasonable estimates, the Loess epoch covered a period of 10.200 years before it was merged into the Terrace epoch. When the rivers covered the whole (^f the existing bottoms, and had the (jld Loess lake Ijcd for a flood plain, the land still lay far below its present level, and was in the transition stage between the Loess and Terrace epochs. When the elevation became a little greater, and the drainage better, and the volume of water less, it cut a new channel amid its old lied, which now constitutes its flood plain. This fonned the first terrace and inaugurated this epoch. Here the land and the river must have stood for ages. Again there was an upward movement, the drainage be- came still lietter, the volume of water lessened and another channel formed. Thus terrace after ter- race formed, each representing a stage of quiet in the upward movement of the land. In the foregoing pages the reader has had a rapid sketch of the several geological eras that elapsed before Nebraska was considered liy an all- wise Creator inhabitable for man. A subject which should fill volumes is merely glanced at in order to round out the sketch of Nebraska's history. The student who wouhl read the story of the rocks will find the records accessible, and he will find it. in- deed, a most interesting branch of study. Neljraska is one of the largest States of the Union. It contains an area of 76,895 square miles, or 49,212,000 acres. The extreme length of the State is 413 miles, and the extreme width, 208. The general surface of the State has been compared to a recently drained lake bed. The greater part of the State is a plateau, with an average elevation of 2.312 feet above the level of the sea. Along the south line of the State, the elevation of the eastern half averages 1,200 feet; the western half 2,672 feet. Along the northern line of the State the elevation of the eastern half is 1 .353 feet ; the western half 3,525. West from Omaha the ascent is at the rate of fi^-e and one-half feet to the mile for 100 miles. The second hundred miles increases the ascent to seven feet ; the third hundred, seven and a half feet to the mile; and the fourth hundred to ten and a half feet to the mile. The ascent on the last fifty miles at the west end of the State is eighteen feet to the mile. ' • To gain a clear conception of Nebraska topographj-, " writes Prof. Samuel Aughey. in his >y ^Ja 1^ treatise on the Physical and Natural Features of Nebraska, "one must cross the valleys and divides nearly at right angles. In doing this it will be ob- served that the most rolling lands generally border the valleys or bottoms. Advancing, the rolling and sometimes broken character gradually disappears, when the divide is reached which separates the last from the next drainage system. Here the land swells out into a gently undulating plain that varies extremely in extent. Tlie extent of such a divide may be limited to a half-mile, or may extend for thirty or more miles. These swells or long tongues of undulating lands are found on the divides between nearly all the rivers of the State. Occasionally, be- tween the lesser streams, a single low bluff, a few hundred feet wide, and only slightly raised above llie general level, marks the divide. Among the most conspicuous of these' divides are the beautiful uplands between the Repulilican and the Platte, be- tween the Platte and the Blue Rivers, and between the forks of the Blue Rivers. Between the Blues and the Nemahas and between the forks of the latter similar divides exist. North of the Platte, con- spicuous for their beaut}-, are the divides between the forks of the Elkhorn and the headwaters, and lietween the forks of the Logan, and between the Elkhorn and the Loups. In f:ict, they are met with between most of the streams of the State. Some of these high uplands have great uumliers of shallow, basin-sliaped depressions, whose soil and grasses greatly resemble those of the bottom lands. The}- are evidently the remains of lakes that until recentlj- occupied their sites. Indeed, some of them still retain this character, being filled with water the whole jear round, var3'ing from one to ten feet in depth. Between these last and swamps and bogs every kind of transition form is found. Fillmore, Clay, York, Hamilton, Franklin, Phillips and Wayne Counties have a notable number of these old lake l)eds. Nothing is more surprising than the amazing numlier of valley or bottom lands. They must be numbered Ijy the thousand. Take the Republican as an example. On an average a tributary vallej- comes into the liottom from tiie north side every two miles. Now, as tliis river Hows for 200 miles through the State, it would give 100 for this section alone. Counting, however, the streams that come in from the south side, and those flowing into its larger tributaries, this number should lie inultiplied by four, giving 400 valleys, great and small, for this region alone. Now, add to these valleys those that are tributary to the Platte, the Blues, the Nemahas, the Elkhorns, the Logan, the Bows, the Missouri, between its larger tributaries, the Niobrara and the Loups, and it will increase the number to thousands. It is true that many of them are narrow, ranging from one-fourth to a mile in width, but still they are valleys, with living or extinct stream beds in the middle or towards one side of them, and having all the physical features of the larger river bottoms. As already intimated there are a few minor valleys among the smaller tributaries of the Upper I]lk- horns, Bazile, Loups, Niobrara and Repulilican, in the stream beds of which water no longer flows ; but, as will be shown further on. manj' of them are regaining — and all of them will in time — their foi-mer supply of water. Thus can be seen why, over the larger part of Nebraska, the settler can have his choice between bottom and upland. The gi-eat bod}^ of these bottom lands, though composed of the richest mold and modified alluvium and loess mater- ials, are perfectly dry. It is true that swamps are occasionally met with, but they occur at long inter- vals and are the exception. There are n(3 large lakes in Nebraska, but there are, however, a large number of small bodies of water, the largest one. northwest of Dakota City, being about fi^•e miles in length. Water beneath the surface is abundant, and is reached at depths ranging from twelve to 125 feet. Up to the present writing arteuian water has been reached in but two localities, although a number of deep wells have been bored in various parts of the State. At Omaha an artesian well 750 feet deep furnishes a fine supply of good water. At Lincoln another well 1 . 050 feet deep furnishes a constant flow of saline and mineral water. At the present writing (January, 1890) a company is sinking a deep well at Hastings, in the hopes of discovering coal, salt, natural gas, oil, or artesian water. At a depth of 250 feet a thick ileposit of yellow oi'hre was reached. At a depth of HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 945 feet a heavy ileposit of salt was discovered. The operations at Hastings are still in progress, it being the intention to liore to a depth of 4.000 feet if possible. Tlie rivers of Nebraska are nnmerous. and are distinguished for feheir width, shallowness, and the rapid flow of their currents. The Missouri River is a deep stream with a rapid current, navigable for barge Ijoats for manj- hundred miles north of Omaha. It performed a vast sen'ice to the State in the daj-s before the advent of the railroads, as it was the highwa}' of travel and traffic for all coming to the Territorj'. Next to the Missouri comes the Platte River, one of the most erratic streams in the country. It flows through the entire length of the State from west to east, dividing it into two unequal portions. Its length from its source in the Rocky Jlountains to its confluence with the Missouri River is about 1 ,200 miles. In some places the Platte is nearly a mile wide, and in other places it separates into five or more separate channels. In some portions of the year the river is almost entirely drj' ; not because the supply- of water is undiminished, but because the water disappears in the sandy bed of the sti-eam, from whence it is drained (according to the theory of Prof. Aughey) to the Republican Ri-\-er. The Republican River, next in importance m Nebraska to the Platte, has its source in Colorado. In genei'al characteristics the Republican is very similar to its big sister, the Platte, in that it is shal- low, sandy and has a rapid current. Of an entirely different character is the Niobrara River. From its source in Wyoming to its mouth, the Niobrara is 460 miles long. For a distance of 189 miles it flows, a deep and rapid stream, through a canon, the walls of which are high and steep. After emerging from the canon tlje Niobrara more nearly resembles the Platte, its bed being broad and sandy, and full of quicksands. The Elkhorn River is one of the most beautiful and picturesque streams in the State. It rises in the northwestern part of the State in a region dotted bj- a large number of small, fresh-water lakes. From its source to its mouth the main river is about 250 miles in length, and for the most part of this distance it is a rapid, clear and deep stream. It empties into the Platte in Sarpy Countj*, and for a large part of its course flows over a rock bottom. One of the principal tributaries of the Elkhorn is the Logan River, which has its source in Cedar County. Of the several branches of the Logan it is difficult to tell which is the longest, or which deserves the distinction of being the principal stream. They all originate in bogs or old fllled-up lake beds. The general direction of these Logan Rivers is southeast until Burt County is reached, after which it is south until it unites with the Elkhorn in Dodge County. The Nemaha Rivers consist of the main stream, the North Branch and the Little Nemaha. The North Branch runs in a southeasterlj- direction diagonally through Johnson and Richardson Coun- ties until it unites with the main river in the latter county. Its length is about sixty miles, and in- creases regularh' in size from its source to its mouth, by the addition of numerous tributaries. The main Nemaha has its source in Pawnee County, takes a southerly direction into Kansas, then turns northeast into Richardson Count}-, and then flows a little southeast until it empties into the Jlissouri, in the southeast portion of the State. Its length is but sixty miles, but it receives so man}' compara- tiveh' large tributaries that its magnitude at the end of its course is much greater than many longer rivers. The bottom lands are broad, beautifully ter- raced, and the bordering bluff's are beautifulh' round- ed off. The Little Nemaha is a smaller edition of the Big Nemaha, and has also numerous tributaries. The Blue Rivers are among the most important as well as among the best known in the South Platte portion of the State. The Big Blue is 132 miles in length, and drains eight of the richest, most fertile counties of the State. The Middle Fork rises in Hamilton County, and unites with the North Blue at Seward. It is about sixtj- miles in length. The West Fork unites with the Big Blue in Saline Count}'. All of the Blue Rivers are remarkable for the amount of water they carry off, and the great lieauty of the liottom lands through which they pass. Still another Blue River rises in Adams Count}', and passes out of the State in Jefferson County, and finallv. in Kansas, unites with the Big Blue. It "V '^u U lllSTor.V OF NH BRA SKA. I is a liaiulsoiiu' stream, ami in addition to nunicrous small streams is furnished nitli larire supplies of water bv the numerous sprinjjs which line its hanks. Other important systeTns of water courses are the Ijoup Rivers, in the northern half of the State. The ^Middle Loup Rivei- rises within fifty miles of the north line of the Slate and flows a distsince of ahout 230 miles heforeemptyinii into the Platte near ("ohimlms. The North Loup rises within forty-live miles of the noitll line of the State, is 15(1 miles long and empties int(i the .Aliddle Loup in the east- ern part of Howard ("onnty. The South Loup rises near the western lioundarv of Custer County and empties into the ^liddle Loup in the southwest- ern part of Howard County. There are numerous smaller rivers and streams in Xeliraska not enumerated in the foregoing pages. Among the most important of these are the Bow Rivers, in Northeastern Nebraska, the Weeping Water, in Cass County, Salt Creek, in Lancaster County, the Wahoo. in Saunders County. Elk Creelv, 111 Dakota County, and South and West Iowa Creeks, in Di.xou County. All possess more or less the characteristies of NeViraska streams. A stud}' of a i-omplete topograpliical map of Nebraska demon- strates the fact tliat the State is plentifully supplied with streams of pure running water. Every count}' ill the State has a iMuintiful supply of water, a fact which sufficiently accounts for the magnitude of its ay Judge James W. Savage, is wortliy of mention in this portion of the present volume. The extract is as follows : ■ • In the sixth volume of his collections of manuscript documents relating to America, by M. Pierre Margcy, the distinguished historical investi- gator of France, is given a brief synopsis of an account of a visit in the year 1739 to the territory now included in the State of Nebraska, which seems worthy of a translation or paraphrase, and a place in the records of the historical society of our State. It is entitled ' The Journey of the Mallet Brothers with Six Other Frenchmen from the River of the Panimahas in the Missouri Country to Santa Fe. ' To comprehend the full significance of the expedi- tion it will be useful to recall to our minds the jealousies, the rivalries, the contests, the treacheries, the massacres, the assassinations, the crimes of all sorts which the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed as the result of the discoveries by Colum- bus. ■ ■ Spain , reasonably secure in her possession of the country west of the deserts bej-ond the Missis- sippi which the valor and prowess of Cortez had given her, laid claim also b}- virtue of the revela- tions of the Genoese navigator to the whole of Florida, under which attractive name was compre- hended the entire region from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, and from the gulf to the north pole. France, grudging the glorj' and the wealth with which the new world had adorned the crown of Chai-les the Fifth, entrusted to A'errazzaao the task of finding the opulent kingdom of Cathay, and as a result of his discoveries laid claim to the same extensive country. The hostility thus begun lasted for more than two centuries. • ■ The French complained with indignation that the Spaniards thought that the new world was created expressly for them, and that no other man livinff had a right to move or brcatlie tlicrciii. The hitter ness engendered by these rival interests led to the atrocities of 3Ienendez and Gourgues, the butcheries of Fort Caroline and St. Augustine, at the narrative of which the l>lood still runs cold. That the slaughter was committed in the name of the founder of the religion of peace, adds darker shadows to the somluc stories of those days. One mild and gentle apostle addressed the king in these words; • It is la^i'ul that your majesty, like a good shepherd appointed liy the hand of the Eternal Father, should tend and lead out your sheep, since the Holy Spirit has shown spreading pastures whereon are feeding lost sheej) which have been snatched away by the dragon, the demon. These pastures are the new world, wherein is comprised Florida, now in possession of the demon, and he makes himself adored and revealed. This is the land of promise possessed bj- idolaters, the Amorite. the Amalekite, Moabite, Canaanite. This is the land promised l\y the Eternal Father to the faithful, since we are commanded bj" God in the holy scriptures to take it from them, being idolaters, and by reason of their idolatry and sin to put them to the knife, leaving no living thing except maidens and children, their cities robbed and sacked, their walls and houses levelled to the earth. ' ' ■ For many long years the struggle lietwecn France and Spain for this fairest portion of the new- world continued. Neither was destined to succeed. The pompous expeditions of both nations, their blas- phemous proclamations, their costly- settlements — all gave way in time to the simple beginnings on the banks of the James and the coast of New England. Still, for a long time after the Spaniards were con- fined to Mexico, and the French to Canada and the Mississippi Valley, the same suspicions, jealousies, rivalries and antagonisms continued. If the French made a move in one quarter the Spaniards endea^■- ored to meet it bj- a counter stroke in another. If one nation established a trading post in the wilder- ness, the other sought to seduce its servants and to render the enterprise abortive. Spies and other emissaries abounded everywhere. With an austen- tatious (fisplay of peace on both sides there were con- stant suspicion and constant watchfulness. In a letter from Bienville, governor of Louisiana, dated :kC HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 37 April 25, 1752, he says that he learns from the sav- ages of the Missouri that the Spaniards meditated an establishment on the Kansas River, and that he had ordered Sieur de Boisbriant to prevent this by send- ing a detachment of twenty soldiers to build a little fort and to remain in garrison on that river. ■■Such was the situation in the years 1739-40, when the expedition, to which I invite a few minutes' attention, started from what is now Nebraska to Santa Fe. What we know of this journey is meagre and fragmentary in a most provoking degree, con- sisting solely of an abridgment or synopsis of a journal kept by one of the travelers for the perusal of Ctov. de Bienville at New Orleans. The sum- mar\' or table of its contents is as follows : ' The brothers JIallet, with six other Frenchmen, leaving the river of the Panimahas discover the river Platte, visit the villages of the Salitane nation, and reach Santa Fe. ' The names of those who composed this venturous band were Peter and Paul Jlallet, Philip Robitaille. Louis Moriu (or as the name is some- times written, ^loreau), ^lichael Beslot, Joseph Belle- court, Manuel Gallien and Jean David. All except the last, who was from the mother-country, were Canadians of French parentage. The ostensible ob- ject of their trip was to establish trade with the mer- chants of New Mexico. What secret instructions, if am', they had, or what their real purpose was, is no where involved in their memorial, and will probably never be more than conjectured, but that the Span- iards were at least doubtful as to their character seems clear. About 100 jears later, and long after Louisiana had become the property of the United States, an expedition starting from Texas with the same pretense of amitj- and social intercourse re- ceived but scant courtesy from the Mexicans, and it is not probable that the latter were less on their guard against their hereditary enemies, the French. •■The little band, at the time when the journal was introduced to them, had reached the nation of the Panimahas, with whom the French were on friendly terms, living on a river of the same name. It may be considered as a fact, established bj' papers already |nililished in the collections of this society, that the I'animahas were the tribe since known as the Pawnees, and the Panimaha River was the stream now called the Loup Fork. " From a point on the Loup, not far from where Genoa is now situated, the Mallet Ijrothers took their departure on the 29th of May, 1739. Those who, prior to that time, had essayed to make the same hazardous journey, had supposed that New Mexico was situated on the headwaters of the Mis- souri, and had therefore attempted to reach that country by following up the course of the last men- tioned stream. But the Mallet brothers, upon the advice of some of their savage allies, determined to seek New Mexico by taking a southwesterly direc- tion across the country. Accordingly, pursuing this course, they eame on the third day to a wide and shallow river which (and here I follow the exact lan- guage of the original) they named the Platte. So far as I know, or can ascertain, this was the first time our wandering stream had received an appella- tion in a Christian tongue. Other adventurous Inish- rangers thereafter translated other titles, and L'Eau- qui-court, L'Eau-qui-pleure, the Papillion, the Chadron, the Loup and others will long retain, it is to be hoped, the soft and musical nomenclature of the Gallic race. But who named them, and when, are as yet as difficult to answer as the question Achilles assumed when he hid himself among women. This one fact alone has survived this century anut thirteen mem- I, '^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 41 bers quitted the chamber. Mr. 3Iorton then nom- inated 3Ir. Poppleton as speaker p;'o tern. The minorit}' then adjourned to meet at the regular place of liolding session, on the next day at 9 o'clock A. JI. The infection spread to the Council, where, on the 8th, Jlr. Reeves moved that the Council adjourn to meet at Florence on the succeeding morning. President George L. Miller declined to entertain the motion upon the ground that, under the organic act, no such adjournment could take place without the concurrent action of lioth Houses and the official sanction of the governor. Mr. Reeves appealed from this ruling, and, by a vote of 8 to 4, the ruling was not sustained. The president still refused to enter- tain the motion, and Jlr. Reeves, standing in his place, put the motion, and it was can'ied Ij}- a vote of 8 to 4. The eight members thereupon left the chamber. ' The Florence secession, as a matter of course, effectuall}' blocked all further legislation in that session. The seceding liranch went through the formality of holding dailj' sessions at Florence; but they accomplished nothing in the way of legis- lation. The minority branch met at Omaha from day to day until the session expired, on January 1 G. by limitation. Thomas B. Cuming, who for a second time was serving the people of the Territory as acting gov- ernor — Gov. Izard having resigned — declined to issue an order requested bj' the seceding branch, compelling the ''minorit}' Legislature,' to deliver to the majority the books and documents necessary for the proper transaction of business. Thus matr ters stood until January 12, when Gov. Richardson, Izard's successor, arrived at Omaha and assumed the duties of the office. Although waited upon b\- a delegation from the seceding branch of the Leg- islature, Gov. Richardson declined to give that bod}- an}- satisfaction. He advised the seceding memljers to return to Omaha, and assured them that their interests as well as themselves would be fully pro- tected. The Legislature adjourned on Januarj* 16, before Gov. Richardson's in\itation was accepted. A few months later, on August 14, Gov. Richard- son issued a proclamation calling the Legislature to meet in special session on September 21. In his proclamation, the Governor alluded to the fact that the disagreement between the waring factions, in the preceding session, had left the Territory without a criminal code, and to other matters of importance to the inhabitants of the Territory. The special session, which is known as the fifth session of the Territorial Legislature, assembled at Omaha on September 21, 1858, and was organized bj- the election of the following officers : House : H. P. Bennett, speaker; E. G. JIcNeelj-, chief clerk. Council : H. L. Bowen, president; S. M. Curran, chief clerk. One of the first acts of the session was the adoption of resolutions upon the death of Thomas B. Cuming, secretary of the Ter- ritory, which occurred on March 12, 1858. His life, character and distinguished services to the Territor}' were fittingly referred to in the following words : '•Thomas B. Cuming was appointed secretai-y of the Territory of Neliraska, by Franklin Pierce, President of the LTnited States, and entered at once upon the discharge of the duties of the office, arriv- ing here in the month of September, 1854. Bj- the untimely decease of Gov. Burt, he succeeded to the supreme executive, and became acting governor of the TeiTitor}-. How ably he filled that office those living can testifj-. In the organization of the first Legislature, surrounded as he was b}' conflict- ing elements, threatened by fierce and contending factions, standing in imminent danger of even per- sonal violence, he wavered not once in his fealty to the general government, nor in his fidelity to the trust imposed in him. Throughout the duration of those troublesome times he pursued a policy, the sagacity of which was proved by its success, and the wisdom of which is evidenced by the present prosperous condition of the Territory which he governed." Upon the death of Secretar}' Cuming, John B. Motlej- performed the duties of the office until Juh' 12, when J. Sterling Morton, who had been ap- pointed, assumed the office. The most interesting feature of the fifth session of the Legislature was the first contest over the abolition of slaverj- in tiie Territory-. On Novem- ber 1, Representative S. G. Dail}' introduced a bill •■to abolish slaverv in the Territory of Nebraska. " ;r>~ ^1 42 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. It was referred to a special committee, consisting of >S. (i. Daily, Jaines Stewart, John Tatte, I). P. Ran- kin and William C. Fleming. Two reports were sul)mitted by the committee, the majority report being favorable and tlie minority unfavorable. Af- ter a very brief discussion the bill was laid upon the table and not taken up again during the session. But the friends of aliolition were not to be deterred from their purpose of making Nebraska a fi-ee State in name as well as in fact. The sixth session of the Territorial Legislature convened on December 5, 185!). In the interim be- tween the fifth and sixth sessions. Gov. Richardson had resigned his office. Secretary J. Sterling Mor- ton assumed the executi\'e functions until May 2, 1859, when Gov. Samuel W. Black arrived to take the office. Gov. Black delivered his first message to the sixth session on the day following its opening. The following facts gleaned from his first message will lie of interest as showing the growth and progress of the Territory : " This Territory was organized on Maj' 30, 1854, and the first Legislature met at Omaha on January 16, 1855. In that bodj' eight counties were represented. Now, at the expira- tion of less than five j^ears, twenty-three counties have their Representatives in the Legislature, and thirty-five counties have been fully organized or their boundaries defined by law. The lands in Ne- braska actually surveyed amount to 8,851,758 acres. The surveys have been extended fi'om the dividing line between Kansas and Nebraska, on the fortieth parallel, to the latitude of 42 degrees, 51 minutes, while the average depth of the Missouri Ri\er is about 140 miles." The sixth Legislature was noted by the renewal of the contest over the slaverj' question, and by the first attempt to fonn a State government. Strictly speaking, Nebraska was not a slave Temtory. The bill erecting the Territories of Kansas and Ne- liraska left the slavery question to the decision of the citizens of those Territories. The contest o^'er the question of slavery was a bitter one in Kansas ; but, owing to her geographical location, Nebi-aska did not ofl'er a promising field for the extension of slaxery. The first official census, taken in 1854, revealed the presence of thirteen slaves. Most of them were brought to the Territory by the officials coming from slave States, and it is probalily the fact that their servitude was almost voluntary. We have already noted the failure of the first attempt to abolish slavery in Nebraska. The friends of the movement did not long remain idle. On Wednes- daj', December 7, 1859, the third day of the sixtii session of the Territorial Legislature. William H. Taylor introduced in the Council a bill -'to abolish and prohibit slavery or involuntar}- servitude. " It was referred to a special committee consisting of William H. Taylor, George W. Doane and George L. Miller. On December 12, two reports were sub- mitted from the committee, one by Mr. Taj'lor and one by Mr. Miller. In his report, Mr. Tajlor cited the fact that slavery did actuallj' exist in the Terri- tory, and gave the names of the men who held slaves. He recommended the passage of the bill for the following reasons: 1. Because no human being should lie held in slavery in this Territory now and hereafter. 2. Because slavery does practically exist in Nebraska, and should be prohibited. 3. Because the people of the Territoiy, in their Territorial capacity, have the power to pi-ohibit slavery or involuntar}' servitude, and are responsible for its continuance. 4. Because the administration and a large party in this country maintain that neither the people of the Territories nor the Congress of the United States have the power to legislate upon the subject of slaverj' ; and it is time this monstrous proposition was settled and forever put at rest liy the judicial tribunals of the land. 5. Because the passage of the bill will forever rid us of the excitement created in a neighborhood by the slavery propagandist, upon the escape of a slave from bondage. 6. Because now is the most propitious time to rid ourselves of slaverv if there is anything in popu- lar sovereignty. 7. Because if we permit people to hold slaves, and slaverj' to exist in Nebraska, when we can get rid of it, we will be justlj- censured by the present and succeeding generations. ^ '^{v HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 43 In his report Mr. Miller asserted that it was injudicious for the Legislature to lend itself to the agitation of a subject which, to the people of Ne- In-aska at least, was conceded to be really of no practical importauce. He denied the necessitj- of the bill, and claimed that "no sane person for a moment supposes that Nebraska is in the slightest possible danger of lieing either a slave Territorj' or a slave State." "Popular sentiment in Neljraska, " said Mr. Miller, ' ' is universally against the institu- tion of slavery, and even if it were not, and the public voice was to pronounce to-day in favor of its establishment here, the controlling laws of nature, peculiar to the latitude, would utterly preclude the possibility of its obtaining a permanent place among us. Suppose it true — which it is not — that the Ter- ritory does furnish a profitable field for slave labor, who is there so infatuated as to believe for an instant that this Territory, peopled almost entirely by men whose associations from infancj', and whose education in the midst of free institutions have con- ducted them into manhood, not only with all their prejudice, but with all the convictions of their judg- ment against the institution — who so foolish as to say that legislation is required or ought to be granted on this subject?'' Mr. Miller made light 'of the claims of the friends of the bill that its passage was a necessity, and concluded his report as follows: "In view of all the circumstances of the case, the admitted absence of any necessity either for the bill under consideration or the report which is made upon it, it may be justly- presumed that Iwth were designed for the single and sole purpose of agitating a subject which may be thought calculated to advance the political interests of restless and am- bitious men, at the expense of the peace, harmony and good will that ought to unite in the bonds of common hopes and common aims of the people of the Territory, which certainlj- requires the combined eflforts and energies of all to secure to it that posi- tion to which, liy its inexhaustible resources, geo- graphical situation and other advantages, it is so very justly entitled. Nor can j^our committee per- mit the occasion to pass without expressing the opinion that the effort to introduce to Nebraska the popular excitements which have agitated and dis- tracted other communities, in our neighborhood, will be a miserable failure. The people undcrstantl the motives which move men to engage in these political games, and thej^ will meet them in the proper way and b}' the proper means, regarding onlj' those things that shall best redound to the political peace and permanent prosperity of the entire Territorj-." Mv. Doane concurred, in the main, with the views expressed in the report submitted by 3Ir. Jliller. The bill also made its appearance in the House on December 7, being presented by T. M. Marquette. On the following day an attempt made to lay the bill on the table was unsuccessful. Then a mo- tion to reject the bill was defeated by a vote of 2-1: to 11. On December IG, the measure was taken up by the committee of the whole House and amended so as to prohiliit the further exten- sion of slavery in the Territory, without effecting the status of the slaves alreadj' held. After an un- successful attempt to strike out the enacting clause, the bill was engrossed and passed to a third reading. The bill came up for its final passage in the House on December 17. The opponents of the measure resorted to every form of parliamentarj* strategy to avoid a vote, but their efforts were unavailing. The bill passed by a vote of 21 to 17. In the Council, on December 20, consideration of the bill was indefinitely postponed, and for a time the friends of the measure believed that their efforts to make Nebraska a free Territory were to be unsuc- cessful. On December 29, Mr. Little offered "a joint resolution for the prohibition of slavery in Ne- braska." It was objected to on the ground that the whole matter had been disposed of by indefinite postponement. The chair decided the point of order not well taken. The resolution was then put in the form of a bill and passed. In its new form it was returned to the House, where it was again amended and passed. On the 3d of Januar}-, the Council concurred in the amendments, and the bill was finally sent to the governor. On January 9, Gov. Black returned the bill with his veto. In his mes- sage, which was an elaborate document, the governor discussed the subject in all its legal and constitu- tional aspects. He believed that the constitution, " while not canying slavery into the Territories, did A. 44 HISTOItY OF NKBItASKA. o-uanmtoo the (jropcrty right of masters in slaves, and permitted tlie owners to cany tliem wherever they desired. " Discussing the power of tlie Legis- kture to pass tlie hill, Gov. Black said: "The Territorial Legishitiiro was deemed but a temporary ilepartment, having no right or power to pass a law which was regarded as conflicting witli the individual rights of citizens — rights protected by tlie constitu- tion of the United States. " Thus the second attempt to abolish and prohiliit slavery in Neliraska pro\'ed a failure; but a sentiment in favor of making Ne- braska Territory free soil had been created, and it soon liecarae powerful enough to place the desired law upon the statute books, as will be seen further on in this volume. Another notable feature of the sixth session was the first attempt to raise Nebraska to the dignity of Statehood. In his message (lov. Black had dis- cussed the question of Statehood, but stated that Nebraska was hardly yet in a position to claim ad- mission, for the reason that the population of the Territory was not large enough. In spite of the governor's views, however, the Legislature at this session passed a bill entitled "an act to frame a constitution and State government for the State of Nebraska. " The proposition embodied in the bill was submitted to a vote of the people on March 5, 18G0. It was rejected by a vote of 2,372 to 2,094. The seventh session of the Legislature convened on Monday, December 3, 1860. Gov. Black's an- nual message indicated that at that time the Ter- ritorial debt amounted to $50,000. Various matters of importance to the development of the Territory were discussed in the message. It was during this session that the slavery question received its final quietus in Nebraska. On December 7, John M. Thayer introduced a bill in the Council ' ' to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude in the Territory." The same bill had been introduced in the House on December 6, by Representative Mathias. Both Houses passed the bill, but for a second time Gov. Black interposed a veto. His veto message was very similar to the one penned by him in the pre- vious session. It was, as may be expected, severely censured by the friends of abolition. Councilman T. W. Tipton, afterward United States Senator from Nebraska, commented on the veto message as fol- lows: " In ray hunilili^ ojiinioii this veto message is a most remarkable production — remarkalile on account of the pertinacity with which His Excellency follows up this question ^ 48 HISTORY OF XEBRASKA. of t)ie radicals for the loaves and fishes of office, and their well-known ability as puljlic plunderers, would make these constitutional limitations mere i-opes of sand, and figured up the expenses of a State so tlK\v amounted to sums far above those set by the Repulilicans as the utmost limit of expen- diture. '■ The event has shown that both sides had really a strong case. Even the sanguine soul of that red-hot optimist, Butler, fell short in its conception of the immense strides of the first decade of Ne- liraska's Statehood in the building of railroads, the development of wealth and resources of the country, and the influx of immigration; and the sarcastic tongue of the eloquent pessimist. J. Sterling Morton, his opponent in the race for the gubernatorial chair, failed to state quite high enough the figures of the annual appropriations of the State Legislature for the carrj-ing-on of the machinery of the new commonwealth. Because neither of the contestants dreamed of the mighty impulse of humanity that was about to beat across the western banks of the Mis- souri, the one could not mark high enough the future tide of wealth and improvements, and the other failed to estimate the necessities of large ex- penditures of money to meet the rapid growth and development of Nebraska. '■ It was a stoutly fought campaign and an ex- ceedingly close election. The majority for the adop- tion of the constitution was barely 200, and Butler was elected governor l\y a vote of 4,093 to 3,948 for ^lorton. So close was the election that the majority of .Judge Crounse, one of the Republican cantlidates for the Supreme Court, was only six, while William A. Little, one of the Democratic candidates for cliief justice, was elected. ' ' But the liattle at the polls was merely a pre- liminary skirmish. The advocates of the State had captured the out- works, but the citadel was yet to lie stoi-med. The Republicans had secured a major- ity of certificates of memliership in each House. l)ut there was a large numl)er of contested seats. Cass Count}- had given a large majority against the con- stitution, and. though the Republican candidates for the Senate and House from that county were declared elected, a bitter contest for their seats was opened up by their opponents, and it was considered doubt- ful if some Repulilican delegate, if an issue was made squareh' for or against an application to Con- gress for admission, would not vote with the ac- knowledged sentiment of a majority of their con- stituents, against Statehood. ' ' In consecjuence of this critical condition of affairs, when the Legislature met at Omaha in the old capitol. on the 4th day of July, 1866, excite- ment was exceedingly high. Tlic part}- leaders were marshaled on both sides in full array, much bad blood was manifested, and it was even predicted that the session might be enlivened, after the old stj'le, bj- a row in which physical force should be more potent than oratory- for the settlement of dis- puted points of parliamentary practice. * * * * In law, possession is nine points; in a Legislature, experience has never vet demonstrated that there are anj- other points, and the contested seats were a foregone conclusion when it was ocularly demon- strated that the Repuljlicans had the organization in Ijoth Houses, and could not keep it without counting in the Cass delegation, Rock Bluffs or no Rock Bluffs to the contrary notwithstanding. But the Democrats had an arrow in their quiver that seemed likely to do fatal execution. It was an adjourn- ment sine die immediately upon the organization of the Legislature, which would leave the new State suspended between the heavens and the earth, like ilahomet's coffin, and overthrow the lalior of months in the time it should take to call the roll of the two Houses. The Cass County delegation was believed to be ready to unite with them in the expedient, and that would give them one majority in the Senate and two in the House. The Cass County delegation had a secret meeting late at night on the evening of the 5th, the organization of the two Houses having Vieen completed, and. it was understood, agreed to be l)ound by a vote thus taken, which resulted in a motion to adjourn siur die. ' ' In the Senate the next morning a motion was made immediately after roll-call, that the Senate do adjourn sine die; and it was carried by a majority of one. The news spread like wild-fire, and in the midst of the reading of the journal in the House. Paddock arose, and, amid much turmoil, moved to V -tW HISTORY OF NKBRASKA. 49 dispense with its f urtlier reading. Tliis was declared out of order l>y the Speaker, and the journal was finished. Mr. Paddock immediatel}' moved that the House do now adjourn sine die, and declared that no further business could be done in anj- event, since the Senate had formallj- ended its existence. The Speaker properl}' ruled the motion out of order, be- cause an adjournment sine die, according to Legisla- tive law, could only be had l)y a joint resolution. His decision was immediately appealed from, and was reversed bj' a vote of 21 to 15. The motion was then put, and in the midst of the most intense excitement, and activity of part}- leaders running to and fro, the ayes and nays were slowly called. The votes, when the list had been completed, were 10 for adjournment to 18 against. The Speaker took the tally of the clerk and paused, as if to collect his tlioughts. Jlaxwell, of the Cass delegation, who was not in sympathy with the adjournment, had voted 'no.' The Speaker paused just long enough for Hathaway, of the same delegation, whose sym- pathies were in the same direction, to conclude that, as the delegation was not a unit, as he had supposed, he would vote to suit himself, and he changed his aye to no. . The vote was announced, and the anti- State arrow missed the buUs-ej-e by a hair's breadth. ' ' As soon as this break in the programme was made, the Senators opposed to adjournment collected again in the hall, and, on motion of Cadman,took a recess till 3 o'clock P. jM. At that hour a quorum presented itself and quietly and unostentatiously pro- ceeded to business as if nothing had happened, and the secretary as unobtrusively scored out with his ready pen all record of the matutinal hari-kari. "The next day Gov. Butler read his message to the joint convention and the machinery of the quasi State was fairly under motion. * * * * jjj the meantime the Senatorial candidates had been waging their individual warfare, and there were more of them ostensibly in the field than have been since noticed on a similar occasion. The military won the fight. Maj. General Thayer and Chaplain Tipton, who both won their spurs in the First Nebraska, came out ahead, and the joint convention that cast the ballot show that Tipton was elected 'the Senator from the South Platte,' and Thayer 'the Senator from the North Platte" — a proceeding somewhat ex- traordinary, the State of Nebraska lieiug nominated nowhei'e in the bond. " The seat of war was now transferred to Wash- ington. Senators Thayer and Tipton, armed with the proper credentials as the Representatives of the State organization, departed for the eapitol, and Hon. T. M. Marquette, who had been elected liy the people as their first Congressman, knocked at the door of the House. On July 18, one week after the adjournment of the Legislature, on the eve of the close of the long session, a liill was passed admitting Nebraska to the Union. President Johnson put it in his pocket, and Congress ad- journed, leaving the embrj-o State out in the colil. Upon the reassembling of Congress in Decemtiei-. representatives were on hand pressing their claims and urging tlie National Legislature to perform its part of the implied contract in the enabling act of 1864. But the Repuljlicans had, in the progress of their political struggles, reassured themselves of their solidity with the people, and were no longer for accessions to their strength on the floor of the Senate. There was also a growth of the stalwart feeling in favor of a franchise unlimited by a color line. The fifteenth amendment had not yet been proposed to the Federal constitution, but strong efforts were being made to accomplish its object through the action of the States in se\eralty. Tlic conservative gentlemen who had framed the constitu- tion of Nebraska had inserted the word ' white. This the Republican Congress now objected to. The Representatives of the old States were now more solicitous of preserving their sectional and individual weight in Congress against the swift encroachments of the growing Northwest than in reaching out after party accessions. It was exceedingly plain that no majoritj- less than two-thirds in each House would avail, as the President was bitterlj- hostile to the proposition. A bill was introduced in the Senate, however, and passed that body, admitting the State in accordance with the provisions of the act of 18G4. upon the following conditions : "Sections. Andbeitfui-thcr cmietccl. That this act shall not take effect except under tho fundamental condi- tions, that within the State of Xehraska thorc shall bi> -rf s ^ (S 50 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. no denial of tho elective francliise. or of any other right t(i any other person, by reason of race and color, except- hiR Indians not taxed, and upon the further fundamental prineiijh'. that the Lefrislature of said State, by a solemn public act, shall declare the assent of said State to these fundamental conditions, and shall transn\it to the Presi- dent of the United States an authentic copy of said act, upon receipt whereof the President, by proclamation, shall forthwith announce the fact, whereupon said funda- mental conditions shall be held as part of the organic law of the State, and thereupon and without any further proceeding on the part of Congress, the admission of said State into the Union shall be considered as com- l)lete. • • In the House for :i time the fate of the bill seemed uncertain. Mr. Marquette enlisted the assis- tance of his old law instructor, Mr. Shellabarger, of Ohio, one of the most prominent gentlemen and eloquent speakers on the floor of the Representative chamber, and he took the lead in championing the bill, and made a speech in its favor, of great force and brilliuncy, which was probably decisive. The bill passed the House on February 8, 1867, was \etoed by the President next day, and immediately Ijassed over his head by the constitutional majority in b()tli Houses. ■ ■ A new State Legislature had been chosen by the people of the Territory, at the Territorial elec- tion in October previous, consisting for the most part of the same gentlemen elected to the Territorial Council and House. On the 14th of February. Gov. Saunders issued his proclamation, calling the mem- bers of the Legislature to meet at the capital on the 2(lth inst. , to take action upon the conditions pro- l)osed by Congress. The Legislature assembled and passed the l)ill , accepting the fundamental conditions on Febriwry 21. * * * * On March 1, the President issued his proclamation announcing the admission of Nebraska into the Union, and on the 2d inst. Hon. T. M. JManjuette presented his credentials in the House of Representatives and con- summated the bond. Mr. Marquette's promptness was not imitated by the two Senators. The XXXVIIIth Congress was about to expire two days later, and by waiting that length of time, the com- mencement of their terms of oHice would be dated a couple of years later, it l)eing the custom to fix March 4th. upon which Congress connnoiicfd its official life. as the initial point of Senatorial terms. By waiting two days, the first Congressman's actual term of office would have been multiplied b}- .365, but he said he was tired of Washington, and, as John Tulle had been elected his successor, though at a time un- authorized In- the enabling act, he preferred to cast his lot with the expiring Congress and return to pri- vate life. He sat two days and nights, cast the decisive vote against the ap}5ropriation of $50,000 to fix up the White House according to the taste of the President, recorded his ' aye ' on the famous recon- struction act, and was honorably mustcrctl out of service. "On April 4, Gov. Butler issued his call for an extra session, and on Ma}' 18, the Legislature came together and set in motion the machinery of the State." From the stormy period of Territorial historj-, it is interesting to turn to the pleasauter and more in- viting periods of State development. In the part of this sketch devoted to State history, the subject matter will be grouped under the several guberna- torial administrations. The first governor of Nebraska was David But- ler, of Pawnee County. Associated with him in the management of the affairs of the young State were the following officers : Thomas P. Kennard, secre- tary of State ; John Gillespie, auditor ; Augustus Kountze, treasurer; Champion S. Chase, attorney- general. Gov. Butler was a native of Indiana, and moved into the Territory of Nebraska in 1858. In 1861 he served in the Territorial Legislature, in 1862 was elected to the Council for two years. He took an active part in Territorial politics and headed the Republican ticket in the ever to be remembered struggle over the question of Statehood. Gov. But- ler's first official act was the issuing of a proclama- tion, dated April 4, calling the Legislature together in special session, on May 18, for the purpose of enacting needed legislation and amending existing '■ laws to harmonize with the new form of government. Shortly after this session of the Legislature, the cap- ite issued two warrants, each for the sum of $914.13; and that in accordance with a scandalous and cor- rupt agreement, the said ^IcBird indorsed and delivered one of the warrants to David Butler, who received and kept the same ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. That Da\id Butler, governor of Nebraska, en- deavored to induce D. J. Silver & Son, contractors for the erection of the State Universit}-. to pay him the sum of $10,000, and that he refused to settle the accounts of the said D. J. Silver & Son, until they acquiesced in such demand ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. That on the 15th day of July, 1869, the said David Butler, governor of Nebraska, did willfully and corruptlj' propose to lease to one Thomas F. Hall, certain saline lands belonging to the State. providing the said Thomas F. Hall would pay hiui the sum of $5, 000, for his own use and benefit ; and upon the refusal of said Thomas F. Hall to pay the sum demanded, the said David Butler did de- cline to lease said lands, contrarj- to his duty and his oath of office ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. That on the 1st daj- of Januarj', 1871. the said David Butler did willfully and corruptlj- agree to procure the appointment of one Nelson C. Brock, as treasurer of the board of regents of the University of Nebraska, in consideration of the sum of $750 ; wherebj- said David Butler was guilty of a misde- meanor in office. That on the first daj- of July, 1869, the said David Butler received a convej-ance of -certain lands to himself as an inducement and bribe to influence the location of the State Insane Asylum, b\- which he was improperly and corruptly influenced to locate said asylum in the immediate vicinit>- of the land so conveyed ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Third. That the said David Butler, on the HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 53 IStli liny of February, ISOO, did uulawl'ully iuduee John Gillespie, auditcjr of the State of Nebraska, ti) issue two warrants in the sum of $1,000 each under the pretense that they were issued for the purpose of paj'ing one Champion S. Chase, for ser- vices rendered the State as an attorney, and that on the 22d day of February, 1860, the said David Butler did willfully and corruijtly appropriate to his own use one of said warrants, whereliv he did com- mit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Fourth. That the said David Butler did un- lawfully and eorruptlj' enter into contract with one Joseph Ward for the completion of the State Lunatic Asylum at a contract price, i. e. $88,000, greatly in access of the sum appropriated for said building ; that by the terms of said contract the foundation of said asylum was to be completed for $18,500, and that in the spring of 1870 said foun- dation was not finished, and there was due to said ^\'ard less than that sum on contract, j-et the gov- ernor approved the estimates of said Ward and caused the same to be allowed and paid to the amount of $-15,000 ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. FiFTEi. That David Butler. Ijeing a memlter of the board of regents and e.e-ojficio president of said board, did willfully and recklessly assent and become a party to a contract with D. J. Silver & Son for the erection of the State University- and Agricultural College at a price greatly in excess of the appropriations therefor, whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Sixth. That In response to a resolution passed l\v the present session of the Legislature, the said David Butler transmitted to the Legislature a com- munication in which he stated that he had collected from the National Treasury, the sum of $10,881.20. and deposited that amount in the State treasury, that in the communication the said David Butler did falsely declare that he deposited the amount of money in the State Treasury, whereliy the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a mis- demeanor in office. Seventh. That on the 30th day of Julv, 1870, the said David Butler instructed James Sweet, State treasurer, to let Anson C. Tichcnor have $10,000 of the school money of the State ; that saiil sum was loaned Tielienor without the assent of either State auditor or treasurer; and that the security was known to be wholly inadequate and insuffi<'ient ; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Eighth. That the said David Butler did in the year of 1869 receive the sum of $648.43, a Iialance of money in the hands of the Treasurer of the Board of Immigration, which he has paid into the treasury of the State, but wrongfully appro- priated it to his own use, whereby he did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Ninth. That during the 3-ear 1870, the said David Butler did improperly execute and cause to be issued to the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad Companies a patent or patents to seventy-five sec- tions of land belonging to the State, and granted bj- the Legislature to the Northern Nebraska Air Line Railroad Company; whereby the said David Butler did commit and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Tenth. That in the month of December, 1869, the said David Butler sold to one James Gerrens, a piece of land belonging to the State, for the sum of $1,920, of which sum he appropriated to his own use the sum of $1,120, whereby he committed and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Eleventh. That in the month of April, 1869, the said David Butler sold to one Andrew J. Cropsey, certain lots in Lincoln, Neb. , the title to which was in the State of Nebraska, for the sum of $2,400, a portion of which he appropriated for his own use and benefit, whereby he committed and was guilty of a misdemeanor in office. " To the aljove articles and specifications Gov. Butler made an elaliorate answer. He denied in t(jto the allegations made in each and eveiy article and specification, with the exception of the first. To that article he made, in effect, the following an- swer : Tliiit it i.-; true the governiupnt of the United States had donated to tlie vState of Nebraska the five per cent ou proceeds of tlie public lands, and the amount thereof 54 IIISTOKY (W NKBRASKA. was due the State of Nebraska, and that this respondent was authorized to i)rocure the same to be paid over to the treasurer of said State; and tliat in the spring of 1809, this respon'lent proeured to lie audited and allow(^d for the State of Nehraslva the sum of »lG,881.2(i, for wliieh amount a warrant was duly issued by the proper department at Wasliington, payul)le to the order of tlie respondent, as governor of said State ; and that said warrant was brought to Nebraslva and deposited in the First National Bank, at Omaha, to the credit of the re- spondent, as governor aforesaid ; that it is untrue that he unlawfully and corruptly neglected to discharge his duties in regard to said money, and denies that ho appro- priated the same, or any part thereof, to his own use ; but this respondent alleges that some time after said money was deposited as above set forth, he did, at the suggestion and with the consent of the treasurer of the State, Ijorrow said sum of money of the State, and that at the time the respondent agreed to and did give to the State the bonds liereinafter mentioned, and agreed to secure the same by mortgages on real estate situated in tlie State, and tlie said treasurer at the same time prom- ised to draw the mortgages, and present them to this re- spondent without delay, but the treasurer, having neg- lected to prepare the same,after the lapse of considerable time, the respondent caused said mortgages to be pre- pared, and did execute to said State, in due form of law, nineteen mortgages, on as many distinct tracts of land, amounting in the aggregate to about three thousand acres of land, which mortgages, bearing date May 25, 1869, were duly executed and acknowledged by this respondent and his wife, and were, about tlie 1st of January, 1871, delivered to said State, duly recorded in the offices of tlie county clerks in the counties respectively where said lands are situated. That at the time said mortgages were executed and recorded this respondent was seized of the same in fee simple; that they were free from incumbrances and were then and still are worth at least $30,000 in cash, and that each particular tract of land included in said mortgages is worth, in cash, at least double the amount secured thereby; that at the date of said mortgage the respondent executed to said State nineteen bonds for the aggregate sum of $16,881.26, payable to said State five years from date, with interest from date at tlie rate of ten per cent per annum, the interest pay- able annually; and that the respondent has paid the in- terest due on said bonds and mortgages for one year. Space forbids a detailed account of the trial. Suffice it to saj- that Gov. Butler was acquitted of every charge except the first, upon which he was found guilty. He was removed from his office, the duties of the executive devolving upon William H. James, secretary of State. Gov. Butler remained under this cloud until the Legislature of 187(>-77, when all record of the famous iuipcachmcnt tri;il was expunged from the records. The elevation of Secretary of State James to the executive chair was followed by stirring events. An attempt was made to impeach Auditor Gillespie, but after allowing tlie matter to rest for some time the House withdrew its charges, and the matter was dropped for all time. On September 19, 1871, a new constitution was submitted to the people of the State, but it was rejected by a vote of 8,627 to 7,986. The necessity for the adoption of a new and revised constitution was generality admitted ; but a number of distasteful amendments were attached which brought the instrument in disfavor. The leading issues of the eighth session of the Legislature, which convened on January 9, 1872, were the reconsideration of the question of a new constitution, and the adoption of a measure looking to the development of the saline resources of the State. The relations between the members of this body and Acting Governor James were not of the most cordial character. A joint resolution providing for the submission of the constitution, stripped of its ohjectional;)le features, was defeated in the House on January 19. A dead-lock ensued, whereupon the House adopted a resolution to adjourn on January 24. In the meantime the Senate had adopted a resolution to adjourn until December 31. Acting Governor James then assumed a questionable preroga- tive of issuing a proclamation, declaring that inasmuch as ' ' no reasonable hope is entertained that the longer continuance in session of the Legislature will result in the adoption of any measures which have for their object the public good, " the Legislature adjourned without day. But the Legislature refused to recog- nize the right of the acting governor to regulate its movements. The Senate assembled on the 21st, took up the concurrent resolution of the House to adjourn on the 24th, and agreed to it. An unsuc- cessful attempt was made to have the office of gov- ernor declared vacant, and the Legislature adjourned on the 24th. But the end was not yet. Acting Governor James was called to Washington, J). C. , on business. it HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 00 His enemies seized tlie opportunity to make trouble for him. Isaac S. Hascall, president of the Senate, issued a proclamation, declaring that the absence of the acting governor from the State created a vacancy in the ofBce, and calling the Legislature to convene in a special session on February 15, for the purpose of enacting laws, as he alleged, for the promotion of the State. A friend immediately telegraphed the news to Acting Governor James, who at once re- turned to the State. He issued a counter proclama- tion annulling the call for a special session of the Legislature issued by Mr. Hascall. A few of the members came together and attempted to organize, but a test case was decided against them by the supreme court, and the matter passed into history. At the general election in the fall of 1872 the following State officers were elected : Governor, Robert W. Furnas ; secretary of State, J. J. Gasper ; auditor, J. B. Weston ; treasurer, H. A. Koenig ; attorney-general, J. R. Webster; chief justice, George B. Lake. The name of Robert W. Furnas has been prominentlv identified with the State of Nebraska from its earliest days. He removed to Nebraska from Ohio in 1856, and located at Brown- ville, where he commenced the publication of the Nebraska Advertiser, one of the oldest newspapers in the State. At an early period in the Civil War he received a colonel's commission and organized the Indian brigade of three regiments, which he com- manded during its service in Kansas, Missouri, Ar- kansas and the Indian Territorj-. He afterward recruited the Second Nebraska Cavalry, and com- manded them in a notable expedition against the Sioux. For four years he had the appointment as agent of the Omaha and Winnebago Indians, a po- sition he held until a short time before his election as governor of Nebraska. He has always taken an active interest in everything pertaining to the agri- cultural and horticultural interests of the State. The ninth session of the Legislature convened on January 9, 1873. This session was made mem- orable by the first contest over the submission of a prohibitory amendment to the constitution. The friends of prohibition introduced a measure to regu- late the sale of intoxicating liquors, but after some consideration it was indefinitely postponed. The tenth session of the Legislature was a special one. convening on March 27, 1873, and remaining in session only two days. It was called for the pur- pose of taking needed action on matters relating to the boundaries of certain counties. On April 23, 1873, occurred one of the most ten-ible storms ever experienced in the history of the State. The storm began with a heavy rain, which before nightfall changed to snow, and for forty -eight hours the fall of snow, driven by a fierce, northwest wind, was so heavy that most of the time a person could not see ten feet from him. Many persons were lost and narrowly escaped death in trying to pass from their houses to the barns. Much stock perished, even in barns, the snow peneti'ating and filling them entirely, while herds were driven miles before the storm. The snow packed so firmly and drifted to such an extent that ravines and even streams were eflfectually bridged by it, and loaded teams were driven over them on the drifted snow. The }-ear of 1873 was also a memorable one in the history of the State, as it was in that j-ear that the grasshoppers first devastated the State. In July and August of, that year myriads of these insects settled down over the State, destroying the crops and leaving the farmers utterly destitute. Their coming was forestalled at times by a dark, cloud-like haze, caused by the swarms as the}' passed through the air, obscuring the sunlight of the brightest da}-. Dropping from their flight to the earth, they became a thick, seething mass of devouring insects. All green vegetation, except grasses, was rapidh" con- sumed. The damage done by the grasshoppers had an exceedingly depressing effect upon all the busi- ness interests of the State. The troublesome insects visited the State a second time in 1874, doing almost as much damage. Since that year, however, they have done no injurj' and it is not likely that they will ever again make their appearance. At the general election in 1874 the following State oflflcers were elected : Governor, Silas Garber; secretar}- of State, Bruno Tzschuck ; treasurer, J. C. McBride ; attorney-general, George H. Rogers ; superintendent of pulilic instruction. J. JI. Mc- Kenzie. Gov. Garlier came to Nebraska from Cali- ^ V 56 HISTORY OP NEBRASKA. foniia ill JsTd, and sottlcd in WcbsttT Countj. Before removing to California he had served in tlie war witli distinction. holdin nessed the memorable contest over the election of a LTnited States Senator, to succeed Senator Tipton. Algernon S. Paddock was elected. In 1876 Gov. Silas Garber was honored by a re-election. His associates during the second term of his admin- istration were : Lieutenant-governor, O. A. Abbott ; secretary of State, Bruno Tzs(.'huck ; auditor, J. B. Weston; treasurer, J. C. JIcBride; superintendent of pulilic instruction. S. R. Thompson; attorney- general, George II. Roberts ; land commissioner, F. M, Davis. The twelfth, thirteenth and four- teenth sessions of the Legislature were uneventful. At the general election in 1878 the following State officers were chosen : (lovernor, Albinus Nance ; lieutenant-governor, E. C. Cams ; secretary- of State, S. J. Alexander; auditor, F. W. Leidtke; treasurer, G. M. Bartlett; superintendent of public instruction, S. M. Tliompson ; attorney-general, C. J. Dillworth ; commissioner of lands and buUil- ings, F. M. Davis. Gov. Nance came to Nebraska from Illinois in 1871, and located in Polk County. He enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry when but sixteen years of age, and served until the close of the war. After the war he became a student at Knox College, in Galesburg, 111., and afterwarils studied law. After coming to Nebraska he en- joyed a successful professional and political career. He was twice a member of the Legislature, speaker of the House, delegate to the National Republican convention in 187li. and was re-elected governor of Nebraska in 18S0. Tv" L>> HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 57 CHAPTER YIII. Nebraska's Part in the Rebellion — Number of Soldiers Furnished — Sentiment of the People — Com- panies Organized — Sketches of Infantry Regiments — Engagements Participated In — Home Pro- tection Considered — Indian Encounters — Sketches of Nebraska's Senators and Con- gressmen — Senatorial Succession — Phineas W. Hitchcock — Thomas W. Tipton — John M. Thayer — Algernon S. Paddock — Alvin Saunders — Charles F. Manderson — Charles H. Van Wyck, and Others. The, cannon's hushfd ! nor drum nor clarion sound: Helmet and hauberk gleam upon the ground; Horsemen and horse lie weltering in their gore; Patriots are dead and heroes dare no more. — Montgomery. T the breaking out of the Rebelliou Nebraska con- tained a population of less than 30,000; but notwith- standing this fact the State sent 3,307 men to fight for 'J\^ the preservation of the Union. These soldiers comprised at least one-third of the able-bodied men of the State, consequently Nebraska furnished more troops in proportion to her population than many of the loyal States of the North. The news of the fall of Fort Sumter aroused all the patriotism of the people of the 3'oung States, and the work of raising troops to quell the Rebellion commenced on the veiy day the news was received. Under the proclama- tion of President Lincoln calling for three years' volunteers, the Secretary of War assigned one regiment to Nebraska. Gov. Alvin Saunders im- mediately called for volunteers to fill the Neliraska contingent, and the patriotic citizens readily re- sponded. The first company was formctl June 3, 18(51, and the regiment was filled bj- the organiza- 4 tion of the tenth company- Jul^- 22, less than fift}- days being required. The companies were as fol- lows : Omaha furnished two companies, the Omaha Guards, Thomas Watson, captain, John Horbach, lieutenant, and the Union Rifle Company, William Baumer, captain, and P. Walter and H. Koenig, lieutenants. Cass County furnished a company of dragoons, with R. G. Dooms as captain, and Isaac Chivington and G. D. Conley as lieutenants. Platts- mouth furnished a company under the command of Capt. R. R. Livingston, with A. F. McKinney and N. F. Sharp, lieutenants. Burt County furnished a compan}- commanded by Capt. Stephen Decatur. Florence, Nebraska Citj' and Brownville each raised companies, and two more were furnished Ijy Omaha and Douglas County. The regiment being full, Gov. Saunders appointed the following officers : John Thayer, colonel; Henry P. Downs, lieutenant-colonel; William H. McCord, major ; Enos Lowe, surgeon. On July 30, the First Nebraska Infantry em- barked on a Jlissouri River steamer for St. Joseph, JMo. , where the men were to receive their equipments. After being fully equipped the regiment was taken to St. Louis and employed in service within the boundaries of the State of Missouri until February, 58 HISTORY OF XHBRASKA. 1SG2. They encountered nianj- Ijodies of rebels lielonging to Price's coniinancl and several hot skirmishes ensued. On February 2, 1862, the regi- ment started for Tennessee where it was to partici- pate in the first campaign in which the Union armies won a decided advantage. The regiment arrived at Fort Henry, Tenn. , on Fehrnary 11, but was imme- diately sent to Fort Donelson, where it participated in the straggle which resulted in the capture of that rebel stronghold. The First Nebraska then remained comparatively inactive until April (j, when it marched for Pittsbui'g Landing, reaching there too late, how- ever, to participate in the flrst day's fighting. On the morning of the 7th they were placed in Gen. Lew Wallace's division, Col. John M. Thayer being in command of the brigade. The fighting com- menced at daybreak, the First Nebraska troops bieng placed so as to receive the brunt of the ene- my's charges. The fighting, as is well known, was furious, but the enemy were repulsed, the First Nebraska having the honor of leading the final charge that dro^'e the relsels from the field. In his official report Gen. Thaj-er spoke of the First Ne- 1 iraska troops as follows : ■ ■ The action now became general. _ I again ga\e the order to 'forward,' and the line advanced as regularly, and with a front as unbroken, as upon a parade ground, the First Ne- braska, Lieut. -Col. McCord, moving up directly in front of the enemy's battery. '' And again : ' ' Nobly did the First Nebraska sustain its reputation, wt'll earned on the field of Donelson. Its progress was onward during the whole day, in face of a galling fire of the enemy, moving on without flinching, at one time being an hour and a half in front of their battery, receiving and returning its fire ; its con- duct was most excellent." At Pittsburg Landing the First Nel)raska sustained a loss of between twenty and thirty- men. At Corinth and other bat- tles of the summer of 1862, the regiment did its full duty. From October, 1862, till the following August, the regiment was stationed at various points in Missouri and Arkansas, doing camp and picket duty. They had several skirmishes with tlie enemy, notably at Cape Girardeau and Chalk Bluffs, on l)oth occasions the enemy lieing repulsed witli great loss. August 28, 1863, they were removed to St. Louis. In November their regiment having been mounted were thereafter known as the First Nebraska Ca\'- alry. From this time uutilJune 18, 1864, the First Nebraska was stationed at different points in Arkan- sas, engaged in scouting and doing picket duty. They skirmished with the enemy at the towns of Jacksonport and Sycamore, killing a few of the enemy and capturing a great manj* prisoners. The regiment returned to Omaha in June, 1864. and were furloughed until the following August, when the}- were detailed for dut}' against the Indians, and were ordered to Fort Kearney. Here the regi- ment remained until they were mustered out of ser- vice Jnh' 1, 1866. During this tune they were engaged in scouting and escort duty, protecting telegraph lines and guarding the lives and prop- erty of the settlers from the depredations of the In- tlians. It was a constant warfare between the Indians and the soldiers. Raid succeeded raid, and the punishment wiiicli the Indians received did not seem to deter them, Init they were j-eady for new depredations and outrages whenever the opijortunity presented itself. The regiment served faithfully- in defense of the Union. Their bravery is attested on the fields of Donelson, Pittsliurg Landing, Corinth. Sycamore, Chalk Bluffs, Red Banks, Cape Girardeau, Jacksonport and others. And after they were no longer needed in crushing the Rebellion, they rushed to the protection of frontiers from the ravages of hostile Indians. In the summer of 1862, while the First regiment was in the South fighting the Confederates, it be- came necessary to devise some means by which home interests could be protected. The Indians were plundering, killing and capturing the settlers, and an organized effoit to repel their attacks must be made. The result was the organization of the Second Nebraska Cavalry, as a nine mf)nths regi- ment. R. W. Funias, Brownville, was their col- onel. In April, 186.3, the Second Nebraska were ordered to report for duty at Sioux City, pi-eparatory to joining the expedition up the Missouri under Gen. Sully. Under S'.dly the Nef)raska troops took part in various skirmishes witli the Sioux Indians. On September 3, 200 miles aliove Fort Pierre, the sireat battle of Whitestone Hills was fouuhf, witli / ±t^ HISTORY OF NEBEASKA. 59 the Brule. Yiinkton and Blaekfeet Sioux, luiinbering nearl}- 2,000 strong. In this tight the Indians were completely defeated, abandoning all their camp property and animals, losing 150 men, 300 wounded and 200 prisoners. The Xeljraska troops lost 7 men killed, 14 wounded and 10 missing. In the latter part of September, 1SG3, the regiment returned to Omaha and were mustered out of service, having served most acceptably against the Indians. In August, 1861, a call was issued for two com- panies of cavalry to join the First regiment. Under this call two companies were formed under Capts. Patrick and Croft. These companies, however, did not join the First regiment as first intended, but with two other companies, one from Nebraska City, the other from St. Louis, were merged into the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, under which name they went through the war. They were also known as the "Curtis Horse. " These four companies, designated the Neliraska Battalion, were lettered respectively A. B, C and D, and composed the First battalion. These troops served their time in the arm\' of the Southwest, where they participated in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. As a matter of no slight interest, the following brief personal sketches are given prominent mention as indicating the character of those who have been called upon to occupy honored official positions. Phineas AV. Hitchcock, deceased, was Ijoru No- vember 30, 1S31. His father was a farmer near New Lebanon, Columbia County, N. Y. , where the subject of our sketch was born. He spenc two 3"ears at school in Barrington, Mass. , and when twentj' years of age he entered Williams CfjUege. Four years later 3Ir. Hitchcock graduated from that insti- tution, and after several years of comljined law study and journalistic worlc in the State of New York, he came to the Territory of Neljraska in the spring of 1857. He at once opened a law office at Omaha, comljining with the practice of his profes- sion an agency for several insurance companies, and a general real estate business. He was elected to the Republican convention in Chicago, which, in ISGO, nominated Aliraham Lincoln, and from the first voted for Lincoln. In the winter of 1800-01 he went to Washincrton to secure from ]\Ir. Lincoln the app(Mntment of secretary of the Territory of Ne- liraska. Meeting with J. Sterling 3I(jrton, the occu- pant of that position, he visited with him at the lat- ter's old home at Detroit, Mich. , where he became acquainted with Zach. Chander and other prominent Republicans, who supported him in his application. He received the appointment of marshal instead of secretary of Neliraska. which office he held until 186-1. He was then nominated for Territorial dele- gate to the XXXIXth Congress. On the admis- sion of Nebraska as a State he was elected surveyor- general. He was elected to the United States Senate for the term commencing JIarch 4, 1871, He was remarkably successful in the passage of a large number of bills of great Importance to the undeveloped West. He originated a number of laws relative to timber culture, of Indian legislation, and of the acts admitting Colorado as a State. He belonged to the stalwart wing of the Republican party. His death occurred at Omaha, Neb., July 10, 1881. Thomas W. Tipton was born August 5, 1817, near Cadiz, Ohio. He was a student in Alleghany College, Meadville, Penn. , and graduated from Mad- ison College, Pennsylvania, in 1840. In 1849 he was appointed to a position in the United States Land Office, resigning in 1852. He .was admitted to the bar in 1844, and began practicing law in McConnellsville, Ohio, in 1853. In 1856 he re- ceived authority to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but preferring the Congregational Church, changed his church relation. In Brownville, Neb. , he served a small Congi-egational Church organiza- tion, for one j'ear, as pastor, and was elected chap- lain of the First Nebraska Infantry in July, 1861, in which capacity he served until the end of the war. In 1845 he was a member of the Legislature in Ohio; in 1859 was elected to a constitutional con- vention in Nebraska, and in 1860 was a member of the Territorial Senate. In 1865, in July, he was appointed assessor of internal revenue for Nebraska. He entered Congi-ess on March 4, 1867, drawing a term as United States Senator. In 1869 he was re- elected for a full term of six years. In 1872 he left the dominant political party antl supported Horace Greeley for president. Since that time he has su]> A J 9 GO HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. porU'd the principles of the Democratic partly, bj' whicli he was nominated, in 1880. as a candidate for governor of \elira.ska. In reply to an interro- gation as to tiie reason of his acceptance of the nomination : ''I did it in order to try and keep the lii'puUliean majority down to 25,000." John M. Thayer located in Omaha in the fall of 1854, being one of the first settlers of that place. In 1855 he went to Fontanelle to fight and subdue troublesome Indians. He was at the head of 150 men called the Territorial Militia. In the spring of 1859 he again led a force of 194 men against the Indians. He was elected a memljer of the Upper House of the Nebraska Legislature from 1850 to 18G0, and was elected a member of the constitutional convention in the fall of 1860. When the Rebellion broke out he wrote to the Secretary of War, propos- ing that Nebraska should furnish one regiment. He was instrumental in organizing the First Regi- ment, Nebraska Infantry, and was appointed colonel of the same, organized in the spring and summer of 18G1, and went to St. Louis, then to Pilot Knob and Sedalia, Mo. They then came to St. Louis, and were sent by steamer to Fort Henry, and partici- pated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was then promoted to brigadier-general, having l)een in command of the Second Brigade of Wal- lace's division at the two latter battles. Was in the liattles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post (where 4,000 to 5,000 prisoners were captured), siege of Vicksburg, and was appointed brigadier and major- general of volunteers for gallant services. He par- ticipated in the capture of Jackson, Miss., under Sherman. He was in the army of Arkansas, and participated in the liattles of Prairie de Ann, 3Ios- cow. Jenkins' Ferrj- and Saline River. Subsequently he was placed in command of the Army of the Frontier. His military sen-ice closed in July, 1865, and he was brevetted a major-general. On the ad- mission of the State he was elected to the United States Senate, drawing the four years ballot. In 1875 he was appointed governor of Wyoming Terri- tory, and served one term. In the fall of 1886 he was elected governor of the State of Nebraska, and in 1888 was re-elected to that high office, being the present incumbent. Algernon Sidney Paddock was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., Novemlier 5, 1880. He entered Glens Falls Academj- in his thirteenth j'ear, remaining until his eighteenth j'ear, when he entered Union College. Here he remained up to his senior year, when he left and went to Detroit, Mich. , but re- turned to New York after an absence of three months , and began teaching school and studying law mean- while. In May, 1857, he came to Fort Calhoun, Neb. , where he pre-empted a farm and settled. In 1872 he removed to Beatrice, Gage County-, where he has since resided. During 1858-59 he was en- gaged on editorial work on the Omaha Republican. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republi- can convention in Chicago that nominated Lincoln, and the same fall stumped New Y'ork for that ticket. He assumed the position of secretary for Nebraska April 1, ISGl. In 1864 Mr. Paddock was delegate to the National convention at Baltimore. Was de- feated for the LTnited States Senate in 1867. In 1868 he was nominated governor of Wyoming, but declined. In 1874 was elected to the United States Senate, serving in that capacity six years. Mr. Paddock was again a candidate for that office in 1880-81. Iiut was defeated liy C. H. ^'an Wyck. In 1886 he was again re-elected to the Senate, and is the present incumlient, Alvin Saunders was born in Fleming County, K3-., on July 12, 1817, At the age of twelve his parents removed to Springfield , 111, , where they re- mained until he was nineteen. In 1836 he went to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to engage in mercantile luisi- ness. He was appointed first postmaster at Mount Pleasant. In 1846 he was elected to the State con- stitutional convention, which f(jrmed the constitu- tion under which Iowa was admitted into the Union as a State. He was elected to the State Senate in 1854, and re-elected in 1858. He served as dele- gate to the first Iowa Republican State convention, and also to the Chicago convention in 1860. where he voted for Lincoln. He was appointed governor of Nebraska in 1861, and served in that capacity until Nebraska was admitted into the Union as a State, six years later. He was an earnest advocate of the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1868 he went as delegate to the Republican National convention at V^^ l^ -< g) ^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Gl Chicago. Ill 1876-77 be was elected United States Senator. He lias, for manj- years, been identified with the banking interests of Omaha. Charles F. !Mauderson was born in Philadelphia, February 0, 18.38, where lie lived until nineteen years of age, when he removed to Canton, Ohio. Here he studied law and was admitted to the bar in ISGO. In April, 1861, he raised Company A, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and subse- quently became major of that regiment, and lieuten- ant-colonel after the battle of Shiloh, and colonel after the battle of Stone River, in January, 1863. He was made brevet brigadier-general in February, 1865, but resigned from the service, on account of wounds, in April, 1865. Gen. Manderson removed to Omaha, in 1867, continuing his law practice. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1871 and 1875. In 1882 he was elected to the United States Senate to succeed Charles H. Van Wyck. He was re-elected in 1888 and is still serv- ing the people of the State in the Senate. Charles H. Van Wj-ck was born and grew to manhood in the State of New York. He represented the State in Congress for several terms, after which he moved to Nebraska, locating in Otoe County. He has represented the people of Otoe County in the Legislature several terms, and in 1880 was elected to the United States Senate to succeed Algernon S. Paddock. He championed the anti-monopoly cause during his term of office. In 1886 he was a candidate for re-election, but was defeated by his former opponent, A. S. Paddock, after one of the hottest political contests ever witnessed in the State. James Laird, for six years member of Congress from the Second Congressional district of Nebraska, was born at Fowlerville, N. Y. , on June 20, 1849. AVliile he was yet a child his parents removed to Michigan. He had received a g(jod academic edu- cation before the breaking out of the war, and on July 24, 18C2, entered the service as a private in Companj- G, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, in which regiment he served during the war. After serving in the ranks two years, he was several times pro- moted anil reached the rank of brevet-major liefore he was seventeen years of age. Two of his older brothers entered the service at the same time, and both were killed in action. Mr. Laird was engaged in all the battles of the Potomac except when dis- abled by wounds received in action. He received several severe wounds at Gaines Mill, was shot through the body and left for dead. He was twice wounded at Gettysburg, and at Laurel Hill received a sabre thrust through the right shoulder ; had his horse shot from under him at Hatch's Run, and was wounded in the ankle. All his promotions were received for service. He was, upon several occa- sions, mentioned in general orders for bravery and conduct. After the war he received a good education at Adrian College and the University of Michigan, graduating from the law school of that institution as a law student in 1871. In 1872 he emigrated to this county and commenced the practice of law. His first public service in this State was in 1875, when he was elected a memlier of the constitutional convention. In 1880, after the taking of the census, the State of Nebraska was re-districted and three Congressional districts organized. In 1882 Mr. Laird was elected to the XLVIIIth Congress and re- elected in 1884-86-88. This district embraces twenty-flve counties. The demands of so large a district impose an arduous duty upon its member, but Mr. Laird has been able to meet all demands made upon him. It has been noticed of late years that many ol the younger members of the House have shown more good sense in the framing of laws than some of their older colleagues are willing to give them credit for. Among this class of young statesmen was Hon. James Laml. In the XLVIIIth Congress, as mem- Ijer of the committee on military atfairs, he displayed great zeal in the interest of ex-Union soldiers in his efforts to secure them back pay and bounty. He championed the rights of settlers on the public lands in the West, and more especially in Nebraska, Kan- sas and Colorado. In the season of 1885-86 he was active in behalf of the working men throughout the country, and as a inemlier of the military committee of the House, rendered valuable service in behalf of his comrades. The debate over the lull for the relief of certain :rr HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. officers and sokUcrs of the vohmtcor army was led by himself, and was considered rcmarkahle in the House. The bill carried relief to veteran soldiers who were promoted from tiie ranks after re-enlist- ment, and also bounty to the privates who were dis- charged prior to two years' service and not on account of wounds. The Southern members, after fillibustei-ing over tliis measure until nearly morning, offered to allow the bill to puss, giving relief to the officers, if Mr. Laird would pei-mit them to sti'ike oat that portion of carrying the benefits to the private soldiers. This yir. Laird emphatically refused to do and the bill was defeated. J\Ir. Laird was always regarded as a good parliamentary deflator, and a hard worker. During the hours of session he was always found in his seat unless occupied with committee work. His course in Congress was most creditable to him- self and the State of Nebraska. At each re-election he was returned to Congress with a large and in- creased majority. He was becoming strong and in- fluential with his party in the House, and would soon have become one of the foremost men in Con- gress had not death ended his career while he w*as in the prime of life. During his last terra in Con- gress his arduous labors undermined his health. Every efl'ort was made l)y liis friends to restore his health, and the best medical talent in the United States was called into service ; but his usually robust constitution had received too great a shock, and on Saturday morning, August 17, 1S89, the breath of life left his long suffering frame, and James Laird was at rest. He was buried in Parkview cemetery at Hastings, Neb., on August 19, 1889, with the most imposing funeral rites ever witnessed in Ne- Ijraska. Hon. T. ^I. 3Iarquelte, Nebraska's first Congress- man, came to Nebraska in 1856 and located at Plattsmouth. He commenced the practice of law in 1857, and took an active interest in politics. He represented Cass County in the Territorial Legisla- ture in 1857, 1858 and 1859. In 1860 he was elected to the Council, and held that position foiu- years, declining a fifth nomination. Upon the admission of the State he was elected to represent Nebraska in Congress. His term of office expired two days after he had taken his seat, and he declined re-election. lie has been the general attornej^ for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad ever since that road was built into the State. His home is at Lincoln. Hon. Lorenzo Crounsc represented Nebraska in Congress from 1872 to 1870. He was born in New York State on January 27, 1834. He received his education in that State, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. He continued in the practice of his pro- fession until 18(15, when he removed to Nebraska, settling in Richardson County. He was elected from the latter county to the Territorial Legislature in the fall of 1856, and served one term. He helped frame the first constitution of the State, and advocated its adoption. In May, 1860, he was unanimously nominated for associate justice of the Supreme Court, and was elected in June of the same 3"ear. He held the office for the full term of six years, and at the expiration of his term was elected to represent his State in Congress. At the comple- tion of his service of four 3-cars in Congress he was appointed internal revenue collector for the State, holding the position for a number of years. Hon. John A. 3IcShane, who represented Ne- braska in Congress from 1887 to 1889, was born in New Lexington, Perry County, Ohio, August 25, 1850, He lived in that State until 1874, when he removed to Nebraska. He engaged extensivelj' iu the cattle industry, aud amassed a comfortable competency. He was elected to Congress on the Dem- ocratic ticket in 1887, and held his seat for one term. Hon. 'William J. Council was born at Cowans- ville, Canada, July 6, 1840, aud removed to New York iu 1857, where he received an academic educa- tion. In 1867 he came to Omaha, Neb., where he has since resided. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1809, and has been engaged in his profes- sion since that date. In 1872 he was elected dis- trict attorney of the Third judicial district, and re- elected in 1874. "Was appointed city attorney of Omaha in 1883, and held that position until 1887. In 1889 he was elected to the List Congress as a 1 Republican. Hon. Gilbert Lafayette Laws was born iu Rich- HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 03 laud County, 111., on IMairh 11. 1838; removed with his parents to Wisconsin in 1841), where he re- ceived his schooling, completing his e(lucati^- sumed editorial management of the Nebraska City News. In 1855 he was elected to the Territorial Legislature. In 1858 he was appointed Territorial secretary and became acting governor within a few months by the resignation of Gov. Richardson. He was the first democratic candidate for governor of the State and was defeated by but a few votes. He has been prominently identified with State and National politics, and is a member of the famous Cobden Club, of London. Hon. Amasa Cobb, ex-justice of the Supreme Court of Nebraska, was born in Crawford Count}', 111., September 27, 1823, and resided in that State until 1841, when he removed to Wisconsin. In 1847 he enlisted for the Mexican War. At the close of the war he returned to Wisconsin and continued the practice of law until the opening of the Civil War. when he recruited a regiment and was its colonel. In the fall of 1862 he was elected a member of Congress, but remained with his regiment a greater portion of the time. He was re-elected to Congress .Y 64 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. in ISO-i, ami again in lS(iG and 1S(J8. In IStJ'J he ivnioved to Neliraska and continued in his profes- sion. He was elected to the supreme l)ench in 187S and served two terms. George B. Lake, the second chief justice of Ne- l)raska, was liorn in Greeufield, Saratoga County, N. v. , September 15, 182G. His onlj- schooling during his minority was in the district schools of Ohio; but after he reachetl his majority he took a two years' course at Oberlin College. He commenced the study of law in 1849, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He came to Omaha in 1S57 and at once assumed a high place in the ranks of the attornej's of the Ter- ritory. He served in the Territorial Legislature and was speaker of the House in 1865. In 1807 he took his place on the supreme bench, to which he had been elected the year previously. He became chief justice in 1873, and held the position until 1878. ^ (j ^1 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 65 CHAPTER IX. CouxTiES IX THE State — Brief Historical Sketches — Descriptive Account of Their Origin — Location, County Seats, Etc. — First Settlements — General Development — Advent of Railways — A Com MERCIAL Necessity — Surveys of 18.53-.54 — Building of the Pacific Railroad — Hlstory of the Enterprise — Central Pacific Railroad — The Consolidation. Not chaos-like, together crush'd and bruised, But as the world, harmoniously confused; Where order in variety we see. And where, though all things differ, they agree. — Pope. m N the following pages will be found a very brief descrip- tion and historical sketch of a number of the counties of Nebraska. Adams County is named in the State records for the first time February 16, 1867, when the south Ijank of the Platte was fixed as its northern boundaiy. There were no inhabitants there at the time, although Jlortimer N. Kress, Joe Fonts, James Bainter and others united or made tem- porary camps here. In 1871 it was de- clared a county by executive proclama- tion and the first elections were held that year. During the days of Indian warfare there were no residents to injure, but the county is not without evidence of war. In August, 1864, numbers of immigrants were given up to slaughter at the hands of the Sioux and their prop- ertj', which could not be easily removed, given to the flames. lu 1870 the pioneers of progress began to pour in — the earlier adventurers locating on the Blue, at Juniata, and at the point now known as Hastings City. Within a few years the county took a leading place among the iwlitieal divisions of the State, and after the county seat wars were ended, Hastings bloomed into the Queen City of the State. Antelope County is situated in the northeastern part of the State. It contains 864 square miles, or 552,960 acres of land. The first recorded settle- ment was made by a French Canadian named "Ponea George," April 25, 1868. Other settlers fol- lowed in the same year. The county was raided by Indians in 1870 and 1871, but no serious depreda- tions were committed. The county was organized by the Legislature in 1871. Its county seat is Ne- ligh, and its principal towns are Oakdale, Neligh, Burnett, St. Clair and Clearwater. Boone County is in the fifth tier west of the ^lis- souri River and the third north of the Platte. It has an area of 634 square miles. The first settle- ments were made in April, 1871, bj' a party consist- ing of S. D. Avery, Albert Dresser, N. G. Myers, W. H. Stout, W. H. Prescott and others. Albion, the county seat, was platted in October, 1872, by Loran Clark. The other towns are St. Edwards, Petersburg and Cedar Rapids. Burt County is located in the eastern part of Ne- braska and contains 512 square miles. It was named in honor of Francis Burt, and was organized in 1854 by Gov. Cuming, it being one of the eight original counties. Tekamah, the county seat, was V 6G IIISTOKY UF XEliRASKA. fi)iiiiiU'il ill 1S55 Ijy A. B. Folsom, Z. B. Wililer. John 15. Folsom and otliors. Tlic ollu'r towns of llic county are Arizona. Decatur, Oakland and Lyons. Butt'alo County is located in nearly the central portion of the State and has an area of !)00 sciuare miles. It was first settled in 1858 liy the Mormons who located at AVood River. In lSti4 the county was overrun l)y the Indians who did a jireat deal of damage and frightened most of the settlers from their homes. The county was organized in 1870, with the city of Kearney as county seat. The Un- ion Pacific Railroad was completed through the county in 18(3(5. and the Burlington i.t .Missouri River Railroad in 1872. In common with the other coun- ties of the State Buffalo (Jountj- was devastated hy the grasshoppers in 1873 and 1874. Kearne\-,the county seat, was settled in 1870 and is to-da}' a city of nearly 10,000 inhabitants. By the enterprise of its citizens it has secured a fine water i)ower liy the construction of a canal from the Platte River. The l)rospects for Kearney becoming an important manu- facturing center are bright. The other important towns of the county are (Jibsou, Shelton, both on the line of the Union Pacific, and Ravenna, l?ufler Count}' is located in the eastern part of the State, fifty -one miles west of the Missouri River, and contains an area of 377,600 acres. It is well watered by the Platte, Blue and other streams. The county was first visited by the Fremont exploring expedition in 1842, and the first permanent settle- ment was made in 1857. The countj' was not organ- ized until 1868. Savannah was the county seat, but after a bitter struggle lasting four jears that distinction was confeiTcd upon David Citj-. The first railroad built through the county was completed in 1880 by the Burlington & Missouri Company-, The principal towns of Butler Countj^ are David Citj-, Ulysses, Rising City, Brainard, Bellwood and Oc- tavia. The Ijoundaries of a county named Clay were fixed by the act of March 2, 1855, and the county seat established at an imaginary town called Clayton. The act of 1856 transferred the name to the present county and defined its boundaries. Bj' an act of February 15, 1864, an old county in the eastern part of the State was abandoned, when the northern half was attached to Lancaster and tlie southern half to (iage, and by the act of February l(i, 1867, the name was coiiHnued to the present county. The procla- mation to oi-ganize was issued September 11, 1871, wliile the population was 356, The county seat wars were carried on up to 1879, when the center of the county was selected as the seat of justice. During the pioneer days (1857-66) the Indians inflicted many injuries on the whites, and during the raid on the California trail carried murder and rapine into the homes of the settlers. The county seat, outside tin; court-house, is a primitive village, but throughout the county are several towns — Sutton, Harvard, Fairfield and Edgar lieing the principal business centers, Cass County, one of the original counties of the State, is located on the Missouri Ri\er, It was visited by white men as early as in 1804, The first attempt at a permanent settlement was made in 1853 by Samuel Martin, In 1856 Cass County had a population of 1 ,251, The county was proclaimed in 1854 by Acting Governor Cuming, Plattsmouth was selected as the county seat in 1861, The first company of Nebraska volunteers in the War of the Rebellion was organized at Plattsmouth on the same day that the news of the breaking out of the war was received. The Burlington & Missouri Railroad was built through the county in 1869, the principal shops of that company being located in Plattsmouth, The Missouri Pacific Railroad was completed through the county in 1882. Plattsmouth was founded in 1853, and contains a population of from 8,000 to 10,000, The other towns of the county are Weep- ingWater, Louisville, Greenwood, Rock Bluff and Avoca, Cedar County is located in the northeast corner of the State, and has an area of 730 square miles. It was organized in 1857, In the years 1858, 1862 and 1863 the Indians committed many depredations in Cedar Count}', burning homes, stealing stock and murdering a few settlers, St. Helena is the county seat, and the other principal towns are St, James and Hartington, Cheyenne County is located in the extreme western part of the State. Previous to the construe- ,4^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. C7 tioii of the Union Pafific Railw;iy tlie settlements iu the county were few and far between. The county was organized in 1870. Sidney, the principal town, was laid out in 1867, a United States military post being established there iu that year. When the Black Hills excitement was at its height Sidnej' be- came a j'oung city, doing an immense business. But other routes to the Hills have been opened, and Sidney has lost much of the traffic that once thronged her streets. Custer Count}' is one of the largest counties of Nebraska, and is located in the geographical center of the State. It contains 2,590 square miles. It was not settled by the whites until 1877 and 1878. In the earl}' days of its historj' Custer County was the scene of much lawlessness, but to-day is one of the most prosperous and orderly counties in the State. Its count}' seat is Broken Bow, a city but a few years old, but giving evidence of remarkable prosperity. The Burlington & INIissouri Railroad was built through the county in 1887. Colfax Count}' is one of the eastern counties of Nebraska, and contains 276.480 acres of land. It was settled in 1856, but the early settlements did not flourish until the completion of tlie Union Pacific Railway through the county in 1868. With the advent of that road, however, the county grew rapidly in population. Schuyler, the county seat, was founded in 1869. It is a thriving little city. The only other town of importance is Benton. Cuming County is iu the northeastern part of the State, and contains 504 square miles. It was originally settled in 1856, although its boundaries were defined by a Territorial act in 1853. West Point, the county seat, was platted in 1869, and is one of the best known towns in the northeastern part of the State. Bancroft is the only other town of importance in the county. Dakota County is situated in the northeastern part of the State, and was one of the original coun- ties of the State. It was settled pre-\"ious to 1855, and was organized on March 7 of that year. The county seat is Dakota City, founded in 1856. The other principal towns of the count}' arc St. John's, Jackson, Homer. Hulibard and Covington. Dawson Countv is situated 215 miles west of the Missouri River, and contains 1,008 square miles. In the times of the old overland freight and emi- grant traffic, Dawson County presented many li\-el}- j aspects. Ranches were established every few miles along the route. The county was settled in 1861-6:i. On Augu.st 7, 1864, the Indians made a general attack upon all white settlements along the Fremont trail, the first attack being made in Dawson Count}- on eleven emigrants in one part}'. Troops were sent to the scene of the outbreak, and the Indians were finally driven back. Plum Creek, the county seat, was established in 1871. In 1889 the name of this town was changed to Lexington. The other towns of Dawson County are Overton and Cozad. The latter place from its location was formerly known as Hundredth Meridian. Dixon County is in the northwestern part of the State, and was organized in 1858. Previous to the advent of the whites Dixon Count}- was the abiding place of several tribes of Indians, chief among which were the Poncas. The settlement of the county was considerably retarded in 1862, b}- fears of a general Indian massacre, and in pursuance to a call of the general government a military company was raised in the county for the protection of the inhabitants. Ponca, the county seat, was platted in 1856, but the growth of the town was slow until 1876, at which time the Covington, Columbus & Black Hills Rail- road was completed to the place. Wakefield and JMartinsburg are also thriving towns in Dixon County. Dodge County is located in the second tier of counties from the Missouri River, and has an area of 540 square miles. The first settlement was made in 1856. On September 3, of that year, a town com- pany was formed and the future city named Fre- mont, in honor of the distinguished explorer. The citizens of Fremont led a troubled existence for a time, as the Pawnee Indians had their principal vil- lage on the opposite side of the Platte River, and looked upon the advent of the pale face with consid- erable disfavor. A military company was stationed there until all fears of an outbreak were allayed. The financial panic of 1857 retarded the growth of Fremont and Dodge County considerably, some of the settlers being compelled to Ijorrow money at 60 per ~^i afv OS HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. cent to tiik' them over tlu-ir iliflirulties. The I'niou Pacifie Railroad was Imill through the county in ISOC, ami from that time the populatiou rapiilly in- creased. In 1869 the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad was built into Fremont, and the same year the con- struction of the Elkhom Valley branch of that liije was commenced. To-day Fremont has a population of 10,000. and is growing rapidly. The other towns of Dodge County are North Bend. Scribner, Pebble and Hooper. Douglas County, in the eastern part of the State, was one of the original counties proclaimed bj- Act- ing Governor Cuming. The first important settle- ments were made at Florence by the Mormons in 1844; but after the exodus to Salt Lake Citj- the county was uninhabited for a number of years. The Ijarticulars of the permanent settlement of Douglas County are given in another chapter of this volume. Omaha, the county seat of Douglas County, and the metropolis of the State, was founded in 1854 by ■Jesse and Enos Lowe, A. D. Jones and others. In that same year the Territorial capital was located at Omaha, and the city at once became the principal town of the Territory. In 1856 the young city began to grow rapidly. Early in that 3-ear a num- ber of brick blocks were put up. Banks and news- liapers were est^iblished, and schools and churches erected. The panic of 1857, of course, had its depressing effect on Omaha's prosperit}', but the tide which had set in was not checked long. In 18511 business of all kinds revived to a wondei-ful extent. In 1860 it was estimated that the city had 1 , 500 buildings, and 4,000 inhabitants. During the war the growth of the citj- was slow. On December H, 1863, ground was broken for the Union Pacific Railroad, and from that time onward Omaha grew more rapidly. In 1867 the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was completed to the city. In 1870 the city had a population of 16,000. In the decade that elapsed from 1870 to 1880 the growth of the place was but little short of wonderful. In the latter year the population had increased to 36,000. To- day Omaha is a city of 150,000 people, and is growing at an unprecedented rate. Dundy County is situated in the extreme south- western part of the state. It is one of the newer counties, having been settled and organized since 1S>^8. Its county seat is Benkleman. The Burling- ton tt -Missouri Railroad was completed through the county in 1882. Filhnore County is located about twenty-four miles north of the southern boundary of the State, and has a sui)erficial area of 576 square miles. The first settlements in the county were made in June. 1866, by William Bussard and William Whitaker. These two men were the only settlers of the county until 1868, when a few more settlers came to the localitj'. It was not until 1870, however, that the rush of immigi'ation commenced. The county was organized in 1871. In that year Geneva and Fair- mount were laid out, Geneva being made the county seat. The other towns of the county are Grafton, founded in 1874, and Exeter, founded in 1871. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was built through the county in 1871. In 1888 the Fremont. Elkhorn & Missouri Valle}- line was extended through the county. Franklin Countj- is in the southern tier of coun- ties of the State, 175 miles west of the Missouri River, and has an area of 576 square miles. It was settled in 1870 by a colony from Omaha, and in the following year a military company, including every man in the colonj", was formed for protection against the Indians. The county was formally organized in September, 1871. Bloomington. the county seat, was laid out in 1872. The Burlington & Missouri Railroad was extended through the county in 1879. The United States land office is located at Bloom- ington, but at the present writing nearh^ all of the public lands have been taken up. The principal towns of the county are Franklin. Riverton ami Naponee. Frontier County is situateci well toward the southwestern part of the State, and has an area of 576 square miles. It was organized in 1872, at that time there being but a few settlers in the count}-. Stoclaille is the county seat and Curtis the princi- pal town. The Burlington & Missouri River Rail- road was built through the county in 1888. Furnas County lies in the southern tier of coun- ties, and contains 720 square miles. The fii-st set> tier of the county was Benjamin Burton, who located jlt HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. thfiv in 1870. Other .settlers foUowi^l in tlie same year. In the following year fully l.')(l settlers with their families came to the ccninty. The county was formally organized in 1878, and the name was given it in honor of Robert W. Furnas, then governor of Xel)raska. For .several years the location f)f the county' seat caused consideraljle strife between the citizens of Arapahoe and Beaver City, the contest being finally decided in favor of the latter. The principal towns are Arapahoe, Oxford, Beaver Cit^' and Hendley, the latter place being established bj- a Hastings town site company in 1888. Gage County is in the third tier of counties west of the Missouri River, and contains 864 square miles. Its location, wealth and population make it one of the most important counties of the State. The first settler was David Palmer, who came to the count}' in 1854 or 1855. In 1857 a colony of thirty-five men, a number of them with families, formetl a set- tlement which was named Beatrice, in honor of a daughter of Judge McKinney, a member of the colon}'. In the same year another settlement was made seven miles north of Beatrice, and still an- other at Blue Springs, ten miles southeast of Be- atrice. The Indians caused some troul)le in the early history of these settlements, but the treaties made by the government soon brought peace to the county. To a citizen of Gage Count}' belongs the honor of having secured the first homestead entered in the United States. The homestead law went into effect on Jauuar}' — ,1863, and on that day Daniel Freeman took his claim. His patent is numbered 1, and is recorded in volume 1 , page 1 , of the records of the general land office at Washington. Beatrice, the county seat, is one of the principal cities of Nebraska, and has a population of about 12,000. The other towns of the county are Blue Springs, Wymore, Libert}', Odell, Holmesville, Adams and Caldwell. Greeley County is situated a little northeast of the center of the State, and contains 576 square miles. Its original settlement dates back to 1871. The county was organized on October 8, 1872. The county seat was located at Scotia. The other towns of the county are O'Connor and Spaulding. Gosper County is in the western part of the State, and contains an area of 448 square miles. It was settled in 1872 and was organized in 1873. Owing to the lack of railroad facilities, the county's population increased slowly until after the year of 1882, since which time it has enjoyed a rapid and steady growth. Homerville is the county seat. Hall County boundaries were established by the act of November 4, 1858, with the Platte River forming the southern boundary. The act of Feln-u- ary 1, 1864, re-defined such boundaries. Tliis act was repealed on Fcliruary 15, and not until March 1, 1871, were the present Congressional boundaries fixed. The settlement dates back to July 2, 1857, when a part}' of Germans and a few Americans arri\ed here. During the first decade (jf pioneer lifi' the Indians committed some depredations anil mur- ders here, and would have extended the work of rapine had the people not erected Fort Independ- ence and O. K. Fort. The county forms one of the richest agricultural districts west of the Missouri, and here, in 1889, the headquarters of the Iteet sugar industry were established. In early years the Spaniards are said to have explored this section, but not until 1739 are there records of actual explo- ration. In that year the French party, referred to in other pages, traversed the valley of the river and named the broad stream La riviere Platte. Hamilton County is located nearly in the cen- tral portion of the State, and contains an area of over 500 square miles. Its first permanent settle- ment was made in 1866. The county was organ- ized in 1870, the county seat then being located at Orville, but after a bitter contest lasting for several years it was moved to Aurora, in 1876. To-day Aurora is a thriving town of 2,000 inhabitants, and the junction of two l)ranch lines of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroatl Harlan County is located in the southwest part of the State, and contains an area of 576 square miles. Its first settlement dates back to 1870. The county was organized in 1871. Alma, the county seat, was founded in 1872. The other towns of the county are Orleans, Republican Cit}' and Melrose. Hitchcock County is located in the southwestern part of the State and contains 720 square miles. HISTORY OF XKHI'.ASKA. It w:is first permanently settled in 1869 by raneli- nuii. It was n(jt until 1872 that the farmers settled in any nuniliers. The count}' was organized in 1873. In the I'all of that year the memorable fight between tlie Sioux and the Pawnee Indians took place, in which the latter were defeatetl with terrible loss. Culbertson is tlii^ county seat and principal town. Howard County is situated in the fertile Loup A'alley and contains an area of 570 square miles. It was settled in 1870 and formally organized in the following year. St. Paul is the county seat and the principal city. The other towns are Dannebrog and St. Libory. Hayes County is in Southwestern Nebraska and contains 576 square miles. It has been settled and developed since 1 882. Hayes Centre is the county seat and principal town. Holt County is one of the largest counties in the State, containing 2,412 square miles. It was set- tled in 1872 and formally organized in 1876. O'Niell is the county seat, and the other towns of the county are Stuart, Paddock, Ford and Atkinson. Jefferson County was first known as Jones Ctes being cast. Falls City, the county seat of Richardson County, was incorporated in 1858. Other towns worthy of mention are Humboldt. Rulo, Salem. Dawson and Stella. Saline County lies in the third tier of counties from the Missouri River, ami in the second from the south line of the State. The first permanent settle- ment liegan in 1858, but the country was not organ- ized until February 18, 18G7. The early settlers suffered somewhat from the depredations of the In- dians. Saline Count}' in its early days was greatl}- agitated over the location of the count}' seat, and several contests were the result. The seat of gov- ernment was first located at Swanton, where it re- mained until 1871, when, after a spirited contest in which the city of Crete was a competitor, it was removed to Pleasant Hill. In 1877 another election was held and Wilber and Crete contested for the honor. Wilber was the choice and is now the county seat. Crete is a large and growing town, with unrivaled water facilities. It is a railroad cen- ter and has important educational interests. Here is located Doane College, which was opened in 1872, under the auspices of the Congi-egational Church. Other places of lousiness importance in the county are De Witt, Dorchester, Friend, Pleasant Hill, Swanton and Western. Sarjjy County was named in honor of one of Neliraska's pioneers, Col. Peter A. Sarpy, who came to Bellevue in 1823 as agent for the American Fur Company. This company had had a trading post at this point since 1810, and there are also accounts of the exploration and settlement of Sarpy earlier than that date. Althousjh it was among the earliest to be settled, it was not until I s.")7 that it was or- ganized as a county, being until that time a part of Douglas County. The first Nebraska postofttce was estal)lished at Bellevue in 1848. It was at Bellevue that the first Territorial governor died, having onl\- been in the Territory ten days. Bellevue expected to secure the capital, but owing to the death of Gov. Burt was disappointed, as Gov. Cuming lo- cated it at Omaha. Sarpy indulged in a county seat contest, and the county seat was located at Papillion, where it now remains. Springfield is a thriving town. Saunders County is in the second tier of counties west of the Missouri River. It embraces 483.840 acres of rich, loamy soil. The first settlers arrived in March, 1857. The county was organized liy a general election held October 8, 1867, and the county seat located at Ashland. The count}' seat was removed to Wahoo in 1873, and that place is the present county seat of Saunders County. Other towns worthy of mention are Weston, Valparaiso, Clear Creek and Mead. Seward County is located about sixty miles west of the Missouri River. It includes an area of 576 square miles, rich in agricultural resources, being watered by the Big Blue River with its numerous tributaries. The first settlement made in the county was by Daniel Morgan and his three sons, who lo- cated a preemption claim in the fall of 1858. Sew- ard is the county seat of Seward County. Milford and Utica are also located in this county. Sherman County lies nearly in the center of the State, and is twenty-four miles square. The count}- was first settled by a pai-ty of men from Gram! Island, who had received authority from the State government to form a county organization. The day appointed for the election was April 1, 1873, and resulted in the organization of Sherman County, and the county seat at Loup City, where it still re- mains. Stanton County has an area of 432 square miles, or 253,303 acres. Its date of settlement is 1865. Stanton is the county seat. Tha}er County is aliout one hundred miles west of the Missouri River. It is twenty-four miles square, and contains 368,640 acres of land well HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. watered with numerous streams. The Indians gave a great deal of trouble in the earl^- history of the count}-. The first settlers came in 1858, but the county was very little settled until after the close of the C'i\il War, when the United States government could protect the frontier from the depredations of the Indians. The first election held in Thayer Count}- proper was in October, 1871. The county seat is Helirou. Alexandria, Hubbell, Carleton, Belvidere, Davenport. Chester. Fricdensau and Hai'- liino are the other towns in Thayer County. A'alley County is located not far from the center of the State, and is in extent twenty-four miles square. It is one of the best watered counties in Central Nebraska, the North Loup River with its numerous creeks crossing the county. The first actual settlement in the county was in April and 3Iay, 1872, by a partj- of Danes. The county was organized in 1873, and the county seat w-as located on the site of the present town of Ord. North Loup is also a prosj^erous town in A'alley County. Washington Count)- is situated on the eastei-n border of the State, midwaj- from north to south. It contains 400 square miles, or 256.000 acres. In 1859 the settlers and Indians engaged in what is known as the "Pawnee War," after which the set- tlers were unmolested. Blair is the county seat of Washington County. Wa3-ne County lies in the northeastern portion of Nebraska. It embraces 322.560 acres of land. Its date of settlement is the summer of 1868. Wayne is the county seat. Webster County is situated in the southern tier of counties, about 150 miles west of the 3Iissouri River. It is in extent twenty-four miles square, and consists of land well watered by the Republican River which flows across its entire breadth. The first settlement made in the county was in the spring of 1870 by the members of the Rankin Colony. They located at Guide Rock. The same season. Silas Garber, afterward the governor of the State of Ne- braska, pushed on up the n^er to where Red Cloud now is, and made a settlement. Webster County was organized in 1871. Red Cloud is the countj- seat and largest town. Guide Rock. Blue Hill. Cowles and Ambov are located in Webster County. York County is aljout ninety miles west of the Missouri River, and about sixty from the south line of the State. The first settlement of Y'ork County was the establishment of five posts for purpose of furnishing supplies to travelers on what was known as the '-Old Government" or "California Trail." which led through the region now known as York County. The first permanent settlement was made in February, 1865, bj- John Anderson who, with his son William, took up homestead claims, and are honored as the pioneer settlers. Tlie county was organized in 1870. before that being a part of Seward County. At the same election the county seat was located at York, where it still remains. Bradshaw and Waco are other towns worthy of men- tion in York County. Within the past four years a numlier of new counties have been organized in the western and northwestern parts of the State. In 1880 Sioux County comprised within its limits aliout one-fifth of the entire superficial area of the State. The rail- roads had not as yet been built through that part of Nebraska, settlements were few and far between, and there was really but little need of count}- or- ganization. But the rapid development of the north and western portions of the State, brought about by the construction of many lines of railroad, has entirely changed the map of Nebraska. Out of Sioux County have been formed the counties of Sioux. Grant, Arthur, Hooker, McPherson, Keya Paha, Brown. Cherry, Sheridan, Dawes, Box Butte, Scott's Bluff, Deuel, Rock, Banner, Kimball and Logan. That part of Keith County lying south of the Platte River has also been erected into a separate county, known as Perkins Count}-, and the northern half of Dundy County gi^-eu a separate organization, and called Chase County. The settlement and or- ganization of these counties has been of too recent a date to admit of anything like a historical sketch. They are developing rapidly, and w-ill soon be as populous and wealthy as many of their older sister counties of Nebraska. Kearney County is situated in Southern Ne- braska, and has an area of 576 square miles. The history of the county dates back to 1848. when Fort Kearnev was established bv the government. Init the settlements made in and around this military post were of a tompoi-ary character. Permanent settlers be lished the year it was founded. It is now a pros- perous little city with several schools and churches and many mercantile houses, also banks and weekly newspapers. Its population reaches into the thou- sands. Columbus, Platte County's judicial center, is on Loup Kivcr. and on tlie Cnion Pacific, Lincoln & HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 'k^ Northwestern . ami Omaha & Black Hills Railroads. It was founded in 1856, by the Pawnee City Com- l)any and the Columbus Town Company consoli- dated, and was incorporated as a town in 1865, and became a eit}' of the second class in 1873. It has flourishing schools, prosperous churches, good so- ciety, manj- mercantile houses, banks, flne public buildings and public works, newspapers, and everj- thing constituting a growing j'oung city. Crete, situated on Blue River in the north- eastern part of Saline County, at the crossing of two lines of the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- road, was laid out and established in the summer of 1870, by J. C. Bickle and the town company of a railroad companj'. There were three or four buildings on the site when the town was laid out, and in the fall of 1870, there were seventeen. The railroad was completed to Crete in 1871, and then came a mighty impetus to the growth of the town. It was incorporated that year as a second class city, and it is now a prosperous place containing several thousand inhabitants, Doane College, a noted insti- tution of learning, good public schools, numerous churches, banks, newspapers, many mercantile houses, and several manufacturing establishments. Falls City, the county seat of Richardson Count}', in the southeast corner of the State, situated at the crossing of the Missouri Pacific and the Burlington & Missouri River Railroads, was settled and founded in 1857. It was incorporated as a citj- in 1860, and re-incorporated in 1867, having lost its first charter in 1863. It is now a prosperous little city of about 3,000 inhabitants, with good schools, a complement of churches, newspapers, banks, a few manufacturing establishments, numerous commercial houses, benevolent, religious and literarj' societies, etc, , etc. Fremont is the county seat of Dodge County. It is on the Platte River, and on the Union Pacific, at the western terminus of the Sioux Citj^ & Pacific, and also at the terminus or crossing of several other lines of railwaj', and was founded in 1856 by Pin- ncy, Barnard & Co. In 1860 it became the seat of justice for the countj'. It is distant from Omaha forty-seven miles, and from Lincoln fifty -two miles. The first court house, a two-story brick building. costing about $12,000, was erected in the winter of 1867-68. The jail, costing about $15,000, was erected in 1875. The present court house, costing $60,000, was erected in 1889. The town was incor- porated as a city of the second class in 1871. It is the outlet or market place for the products of the rich valleys of the Platte and Elkhorn. The first church at Fremont — the Congregational — was organ- ized in 1857 by Rev. I. E. Heaton, and the first school was taught, in 1858, by Miss Charity Colson. Many denominations have since organized churches and erected comfortable and magnificent edifices, and the city contains two colleges, a large central and several other school buildings. It has the met- ropolitan features of a citj', having street cars, gas and electric lights, water works, granite paved streets, three daily, four weekly and two monthly newspapers, a most extensive creamery, six rail- roads, twenty-two passenger trains daily, fine public buildings, eleven chui-ches, eight school houses, free post delivery, five banks, a board of trade, numerous mercantile houses, and a large number of manufac- tories. Its public improvements alone for the year 1889 were as follows: Court house, $60,000; city hall, $13,000; granite paving, $35,000; water works ex- tension, $35,000; high school building, $27,000; ward school building, $11,000; sti'eet railway im- provements, $5,000; streets and sidewalks, $2,500; parks, $3,000; railroad improvements, $8,000; elec. trie fire alai-m system, $2,000; total, $201,500. Fremont's population in 1880 was 3,031; in 1885 it was 5,600; on January 1. 1890. it was estimated at 10,000. Grand Island, located on the north side of the Platte River (and onlj' a short distance from it), and at the crossing of the Union Pacific and the Bur- lington & Missouri River Railroads, in Hall Count}-, was founded in 1857 bj' a colony which started out from Davenport, Iowa, in May of that 3-ear. But little improvement, however, was made until the Union Pacific Railroad was completetl to that point in 1866. The town then began to grow, a postoffice was established, and other improvements immedi- ately followed. In 1869 a United States Land Office was established at Grand Island. In the spring of 80 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. ISTI! tlu' town was incorporated as a city. The fli'st church built therein was a German Roman Catholic, which was erected soon after the raih-oad survej- of tlie town in 18ti6. Many other denominations have since organized societies and erected edifices for woi-ship. Good schools were established early in the history of the city, and its educational facilities arc now of the fii-st class. The city contains fine public buildinjrs and public works, newspapers, banks, many mercantile houses, and all things nec- essar3' to constitute a flourishing place. Hastings, the county seat of Adams County, lo- cated on the Burlington & Jlissouri River Railroad, at the junction and crossing of several other railwa}- lines, was laid out and established in 1872, by the '• Hastings Town Site Company," on lands owned by Walter Micklin, a member of the compan}-, who made the fii-st improvement by erecting a sod house. The same year Samuel Alexander opened the fii-st business house in the town. The postoffice was es- tablished in the fall of that year. The city had a continuous and rapid growth from its inception, on account of which it became the seat of justice for the county in 1877. In April. 1874. it was declared an incorporated town, and before the year closed it became a city of the second class. With the begin- ning of the town, church soi'ieties were organized, and the first school was taught by iliss Phoebe Den- stoe in the spring of 1873. Space will not admit of specific mention of the phenomenal growth of the city. Suffice it to say that it has become a great railroad center, having the '■ Burlington " and its brani'hes. the Hastings & Oberlin line, the Hast- ings & Aurora line, the Chicago & Northwestern, St. Joseph & Grand Island and the 3Iissouri Pacific; also an educational center, having the Hastings (Presby- terian) College, the Sisters of A'isitatiou Academj- (Catholic), a fine high school, and several ward school Viuildings. There are eight churches, viz, : Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, Catholic, Evangelical Asssociation and German Evangelical. The city has five banks, a number of loan and trust companies, water works, street railways, gas and electric lights, free postal delivery, many business houses, a hospital, public library, newspapers, and all other requisites of a substantial city. The iin[)rovements in Hastings for the single j-ear of 1887 amounted to §1.450,595, The site of the city is a level plain, and the streets are wide and well paved, and cross at right angles. It contains many handsome business blocks, and the residences — from the palaces to the cottages — all have a neat and stylish appearance. The population is estimated at 12,000 or more. Kearney Junction, an impoitant point in the Platte River '\'allej' in Buti'alo County, on the Union Pacific Railroad, at the junction therewith of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, was set- tled in 1871, and the same year the postollice was established there. The town was survej-ed in 1872. and l)oth railroads were completed to it that year. In the spring of 1873 it contained about twenty buildings, and in the fall of 1874, upon a vote of the people of the county, it liecame the county seat. In January. 1873, it was incorporated as a town, and in April. 1874. it was incorporated as a city. The first church in Kearney Junction was the Methodist Episcopal, organized in 1871 by Presid- ing Elder A. (J, White and Rev. A, Collins, at the residence of tlie latter. The Preslnterian and Con- gregational Churches were organized the following yeai'. and since that time several other churches have been organized. The first school was taught in 1872 by Miss Fanny Nevins, The city has now a large central and other school houses, banking institutions, public works, and all the requisites of a growing city of several thousand inhabitants. Lincoln, the capital of the State and county seat of Lancaster County, is situated on high rolling lands in the southeast part of the State about fifty miles west of the Missouri, ami thirty miles south- west of the Platte River at its nearest point. The first settlement on the site of the city was made in 1863 by Elder J. M, Young and othere composing a colony. Soon after a town was founded and named Lancaster, which name it retained until 18t)7, when it was chosen as the capital of the State, and the name changed to ' • Lincoln, " At this time the town contained two country stores and four or five dwelling houses; and the county numbered about 500 inhabitants. The State capitol was erected in 18G8, and has since been enlarged. In October. J, '.[^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 81 lS(i7, tlio survey of tlic city was complL'ted. The streets rumiiug east aiul west were named from the letters of the alphabet commencing with "A" on the south and extending to " U " ou the north, not inehiding the letter I. The streets running north and south were numbered from First on the west to Seventeenth on the east, making thirtj'-seven sti'eets, with an average length of one and a quarter miles, or an aggregate of about fortj'-six miles. The site, however, was cut into by a reservation on the north- west corner of about twenty acres, and another pene- trating from the northeast as far as street to the south and Fourteenth to the east. The four blocks bounded by H and K and Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets were reser\'ed for the capitol, another tract of the same size bounded b}- R and T and Tenth and Twelfth Streets was reserved for the State University, and the blocks bounded by D and F and Sixth and Eighth Streets were reserved for a park. Reser\a- tious of one lilock each were made for a court house. State Historical Soeietj- and a market square. All churches applying had a reservation of three lots set apart to them. The lilocks were 300 feet square and laid out into twenty-four business, or twelve resident lots, with a frontage of twenty-five and fifty feet. The streets were 100 feet wide with the exception of D, J, O, S, Seventh, Eleventh and Fifteenth, which were 120 feet wide and called avenues. The first church in Lincoln, the Congregational, was organized in August, 1866; and the first school was taught in 1867, by G. W. Peck. In April, 1868, the town was incorporated, and in 1871 it was chartered as a city. At this writing, 1890, it is only twenty-seven j-ears since the site of the city was first settled by white men, and only twenty- three j'ears since it was surveyed for a town. Not- withstanding this short period of time, it is now the railroad, political and educational centre of the State. Among the industries, religious and educa- tional institutions of the city are the following: Eleven banks, the State fair, sevent}- factories, twenty-six schools, three great universities, three public liliraries, thirty-eight churches, sixty-eight wholesale houses, thirteen temperance unions, seven liuilding brick works, twelve miles of paved streets. the best paper mill in the west, twenty miles of san- itar}- sewer, ten miles of storm water sewers, thirty- one miles of street railway, three immense paving brick works, doubled in population in three years, strong gas and electric light companies, eighteen newspapers and periodicals, the finest residences in the State of Nebraska, a government building cost- ing a quarter of a million, five street ear companies, one with a capital of $1,000,000, six hundred tele- phones, connected with fifty-seven towns in Ne- braska and sixty-si.K in Iowa, stock yards and two large beef and pork packing houses, the onl}' con- servatory of music west of Chicago, the finest pot- tery on the globe, the products of which go to either ocean, the finest soap factorj- in the A\'est, the largest tannery in Nebraska. Lincoln is rapidlj' taking a foremost position in the great Northwest as a manufacturing centre. Its wonderful shipping facilities, with twelve di- verging lines of railway radiating in every direction, connect it with the railway systems of the entire country-. Its population is estimated by the local press at 60,000, but this is probably too high at this time. Nebraska City, the seat of justice of Otoe County, lies on the west bank of the Missouri River. about sixty miles south of Omaha, Neb., and 110 miles north of St. Joseph, JIo. Its site was first occupied about the yenv 1844, by a companj- of United States Dragoons who afterward erected there- upon a block house, a log cabin for the officers, and a hospital. The place was sul)sequently occupied by the United States Fur Company-. It was per- manently settled about 1852 b}- the Boulwares and Hiram P. Downs, the original proprietors of the site. The town was surveyed and laid out in 1854, and the following j-ear it was incorporated. In 1856 the second land office in the State was estab- lished at Nebraska Citj'. The first regular preach- ing in the place was by Rev. W. D. Gage, a Metho- dist missionary, in the spring of 1854, and the first school was taught in the spring of 1855. On the organization of Otoe County-, in 1855, Nebraska Citj' was made the county seat thereof. This city is now one among a numlter of cities each of which claims to be the third in size in the State. For ^ - > n ; ^, 82 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. IrMiisporlMtion it luis tlio ailvantufjcs of the river and five ilivcriiiii^- liiK's of railway. It has all tlu' requi- sitos of a luoiU'rii city. Nortli Platte, in Lineoln County, is situated be- tween the North and South Platte Rivers, just above their junetion, and on the Union Pacific Railroad. Tile town was laid out in 1800, about the time of tlie ef)mpletion of the railroad to this point. A post- otliee was established, and a newspaper, The Pioneer on Wheels, was published, and the town began at once to grow. In 18G7 it became the seat of justice for tiie county. The same year the Union Pacific began the erection of their machine shops and round houses, which gave the place an impetus for growth. North Platte is now a flourishing little city of several thousand inhabitants, well supplied with churches, schools and business of all kinds. Omaha, the commercial metropolis of Nebraska, and the county seat of Douglas County, is situated on the west bank of the Missouri River, opposite to Council Blufl's, Iowa. Its site was first settled in 1854, and the same j-ear it was surveyed and laid out into 320 blocks, each being 264 feet square, in- tersected by streets 100 feet wide, except Capitol Avenue and Nebraska Avenue, now called Twenty- first Street, which were made 120 feet wide, but which were given no alley in the lilocks on each side of them. The lots were staked out 00x132 feet, ex- cept the business lots, which were made 22 feet wide. Three squares were reserved — Capitol Square, 600 feet; Jctfersou Square, 264x280 feet, and Washing- ton Square, 264 feet square. A park of seven l)locks, bounded by Eighth and Ninth and Jackson and Davenport Streets, was laid out, but afterward given up to business purposes. During the year 1855 Rev. Mr. Koulmer and otheis preached at stated periods at Omaha, and soon thereafter church societies began to be organ- ized. The first public school was opened in Novem- ber, 1859, and A. D. Jones, J. H. Kellum and Dr. G. C. Monell, composed the first school board. They employed Howard Kennedy, who taught the first school in the old Capitol building. The year 1860 found Omaha with one high and three subor- dinate schools. At this time the city was estimated to contain about 1,500 buildings and 4,000 inhab- itants — a marvelous growth for its short existence. Of church organizations there were then about a dozen. During this year the city debt was reduced to $46,000, and lousiness was prosperous. From the beginning of the Civil War of 1861-65 until December, 1863, when the first ground was broken on the site of the city, by a pick in the hands of George Fi-ancis Train, for the Union Pacific Rail- way, which event gave it a new impetus and insured its future great success, Omaha's growth was not very marked. Immediately following the close of the war a ■' boom " took place in the building up of Omaha. The restoration of peace and the construction of its coming railroads induced many immigrants to settle there. In January', 1867, the Northwestern Rail- road was completed to the city, being the first line to give it an eastern outlet. The growth of the city was so rapid that in 1870 its population reached 16,000. During the next decade its growth was somewhat retarded by the financial panic of 1873, but notwithstanding this fact its population was more than doubled. Its most rapid growth , however, has been during the decade closing with 1800. To show the extent and wonderful growth, the following is taken from the Omaha Daily Bee, of Januarj-, 1890: '•Omaha, with a population of 120,000, covers an area of twentj'-four and two-thirds square miles. It has 103 miles of graded streets, of which fifty- two miles are covered with pavement. The sewer- age system of Omaha has a mileage of seventy-two and two-thirds miles. The total cost of these im- provements up to December 31, 1889, aggregates 15,619,954.14. Its street railways, water works, gas works and electric light works arc owned and operated by chartered corporations. Its street railways have a trackage of eighty-six miles. The waterworks company has laid 120 miles of mains, and 1,113 fire hydrants are now in use. The gas company has laid fortj' miles of gas mains, and lights tlie public thoroughfares with 820 lamps. One hundred and twenty electric arc lamps have been contracted for by the city, and 5G0 gasoline lamps are in use in the outskirts. " Tile board of public wovks reports public ini- (5 r- ^ ^1 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 83 provcments during 1889 aggregating $846,665.95. These expenditures represent nineteen miles of curb- ing, costing $77,415.25; six and seven-tenths miles of sewers, costing $103,668.61; eleven miles of p.iv- ing, costing $483,482.09; twentj'-two and three- tenths miles of grading, costing $182,000. The cost of sidewalks laid during the year approximates $112,000. The amount expended on park improve- ments was $55,000. " The franchised corporations, including rail- ways, street railway company, waterworks, gas and electric lighting companies, have expended $2,010.- 666 in 1889 in improvements within the city. The public improvements in South Omaha for the same period are computed at $140,000, making an aggre- gate of expenditure for public improvements during the year of $3,160,325.75. " The building record of the year includes 1,918 buildings of all grades, costing in the aggregate $7,064,556. Of these structures ninety-six were business blocks, mills and factories costing in excess of $2,500 each, 336 were residences costing in ex- cess of $2,500, 1,434 were stores, dwelling and mis- cellaneous buildings, ranging in cost below $2,500 each, and twenty-two were churches and school- houses, ranging in cost from $10,000 to $100,000. There were also 106 buildings erected in South Omaha, aggregating in cost $412,106, and fift3'- eight residences were erected in Dundee place, which, including other improvements, represent an outlay of $383,000. The expenditures for the com- pletion of business blocks under way at the com- mencement of the year was $750,000. This swells the aggregate expenditures for building improve- ments made during 1889 to a grand -total of $8,609,- 662. In other words, Omaha has expended $11.- 802 ,957. 75 for public improvements, packing houses, factories, banking and business houses, school buildings, churches and dwellings, and erected 2,082 new buildings of everj- description during the year. ' ' Omaha's commercial growth is exhibited by its wholesale trade, bank clearings and industrial statistics. The capital of the Omaha banking houses aggregates $5,100,000, and their deposits amount to $18,343,734. The clearing house record pre- sents a fair index of the volume of business trans- acted in Omaha, and affords conclusive proof of its commercial supremacy. The clearings of 1889 ag- gregate $208,681,000, as against $174,700,761 the preceding year. ' ' Omaha maintains its rank as the third largest pork market in America, atid its beef packing in- dustry has more than trebled within the last two years. The number of hogs packed during the past year was 931 ,478, the number of beeves slaughtered was 113,307, and the total of all kinds of stock killed and packed foots up 1.303,765, as against 1,078,785 in 1888. ' ' The manufacturers of Omaha have turned out products to the value of $23,515,000, an increase of over two millions over the preceding year. This is exclusive of the products of the packing industries of South Omaha, which exceed $13,000,000, and which will swell the grand total of Omaha's indus- trial products in round figures to over $37,000,000. " The wholesale trade of Omaha has materiallv increased in volume, and the jobbers have extended their territor3' considerably during the past year. The sales of the wholesale dealers, exclusive of products manufactured in Omaha, amount to $44,910,000." The banking capital of the city amounts to $6,000,000. There are fifty-two public school- houses, four colleges, three Catholic academies, nine parochial, and a number of other schools with- in the city. There are also ninety-four church or- ganizations divided among various denominations. The city is a metropolis of the great Northwest. Plattsmouth, the county seat of Cass County, is situated on the west liank of the Missouri River, a short distance below the mouth of the Platte Ri\-er. In 1819, Long's exploring expedition, with the '' Western Engineer," the first steamer on the Mis- souri, was sent by the government to explore the great river and the regions between it and the Rck'Uv Mountains, leaving St. Louis, Mo., in July, reacli- ing the mouth of the Platte September 17. The traders and trappers presumably crossed the Platte at various times during the twenty j'ears fol- lowing, but the next visit to that section, of which there is historic record is that of Fremont, in 1842, -rf s A 84 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. his expedition camping for one iiiglit on the projeetr iug bliifl' just below the present site of Plattsmouth, the place still retaining the name of Fremont's Point. About tlie 3-ear of 1848, a Mormon liy the name of Libeas T. Coon established a ferrj- — a flat-))oat propelled l)y sweeps — across the Missouri, landing in the vicinity of this point, on the Xel)raska side, for the con\enienee of the Saints, whose exodus to tiie far West was in full progress. In this manner a highway became established along the south bank of the Platte, but no settlements were made below that river and along the Missouri for some years, the territory being occupied by the Pawnees and Otoes, and the Indians protected in their rights by the (Government, forts flanking the Missouri and no one Iteing allowed to remain on Nebraska soil without a special permit from the Secretary' of War. The first permit of this kind as regards Cass County was obtained liy Samuel Martin, who had been living on the east bank of the Missouri, to establish a trading post at or near the confluence of the two rivers. Accordingly, verj' early in the spring of 1853, he brought o\'er on the ice the logs of his house in Iowa, and, with the assistance of James O'Neil and Col. J. L. Sharp, erected a sub- stantial two-story building, afterward known as the "Old Barracks," for a trading house, and, shortly subsecpient, a smaller one for a council house. The following year the Plattsmouth Town Company, consisting of Martin, O'Neil, Sharp and others, was organized, and bj' them the town was laid out. An act of the Legislature of the Territorj', approved March 14, 1855, defined the boundaries of Cass County, made Plattsmouth the county seat thereof, and provided for its incorporation. The postoflice at Plattsmouth was established in the fall of this year. The first merchant was Samuel Martin, with his "trading post." The first school here was taught in 1S5G, by Miss Mary Stocking, and the first church. Baptist, was organized the same year; the next, Methodist, was organized the following j'ear. The cit3' is now well supplied with schools and churches, also with sevei-al newspapers, socie- ties, extensive and substantial l)uildings, manufac- t -> gX >> 86 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. this fund is rapidly increasing. There are about two and one-half niillii)ns of acres of the common sclidol lands in the State yet unsold. From the sale of these lands, all of which will eventually be sold, and from the other sources of income, the perpetual fund is destined to reach an enormous sum, perhaps larger than that of the school fund of any other State in the Union. The interest of the perpetual school funds, and the rents and profits of the unsold school lands, are collected annually and ajipropriatcd to the support of the common schools. The school law of the State provides for the free instruction in the common schools of all persons be- tween the ages of five and twenty-one years, and that no sectarian instruction shall be allowed in any school or institution supported wholly, or partially, by the public funds set apart for educational pur- poses. Every organized county is divided into school districts, and each corporate cit}- of 1,500 or more inhabitants constitutes one school district. Unless otherwise specified, twenty days constitutes a school month, and the minimum length of the school year is three months. In all schools under State control, instruction must be given, in addition to the other branches taught, in physiology and hy- giene, with special reference to the efl'ects of alcoholic drinks and other stimulants and narcotics upon the human system. For the support of the free schools, in addition to the income from the permanent school fund, an annual tax is levied, not to exceed one and one-half mills upon the dollar valuation of all the taxable property of the State. The income thus de- rived is apportioned semi-annually by the State su- perintendent to the several counties in the State, in proportion to the last enumeration of school children. The law also provides that the voters of any school district may annually level a local tax for school purposes, not exceeding 25 mills on the dol- lar, 10 mills of which may be used for the building, purchase, or lease of school houses. For the bene- fit of persons desiring to teach in the common schools, a State Normal School, and State and county normal institutes, are maintained. The law also provides for a county superintendent of schools and district school boards. The State Normal School and State University, lioth of which belong tr) the common school system, are treated of else- where in this work under the head of State Institu- tions. To show the condition of the schools, and thi> workings of Nebraska's educational sj'stem since the State was organized, the following statistical facts are inserted, giving the figures for 1870. ISSO and 1888, the latter date being the last for whidi an otticial report has been published. It will be inter- esting also to compare the figures for 1870, wuth those giving the condition of the schools in 18G1 , as stated on a former page: Number of counties organized in 1870, iil; in 1880, 64; in 1888, 80. Number of school districts in 1870, 797; in 1880, 3,132; in 1888, 5,CG4. Number of school houses in 1870, 298; in 1880, 2.701; in 1888, 5,187. Children of school age in 1870, 32,789; in 1880, 142,348; in 18S8, 298,006. Average number in each district in 1870, 41; in 1880,44; in 1888,52. Number of children attend- ing school in 1870, 12,791; in 1880, 92,549; in 1888, 215,889. Per cent of attendance in 1870, 39; in 1880, 65; in 1888, 73. Number of male teachers in 1870, 267; in 1880, 1,670; in 1888, 2,752. Number of female teachers in 1870, 269; in 1 880, 2 ,430 ; in 1 888 , 7 , 1 34. Number of graded schools in 1870, — ; in 1880, 70; in 1888, 343. Total wages paid male teachers in 1870, $26,650; in 1880, 8242,334; in 1888, $557,113.87. Total wages paid female teachers in 1870, $31,088; in 1880, $306,805; in 1888, $1,142,670.74. Average wages per month, males, in 1870, §28.10; in 1880, $36.12. Average wages per month, females, in 1870, $33.72; in 1880, $31.92. Value of all school property in 1870, $178,604.34; in 1880, $2,064,- 768; in 1888, $5,123,179.81. Total receipts in 1870, $167,597.95; in 1880, $1,294,137; in 1888, $3,550,488.78. Total expenditures in 1870, $163,- 931.84; in 1880, $1,249,793; in 1888, $3,238,- 241.89. Total indebtedness in 1870, $31,657.09; in 1880, $1,008,799; in 1888, $2,069,598.92. These facts, in addition to the information per- taining to the common schools, serve to show how the State has tleveloped; how the counties, school districts and school children have increased, A notable feature is the increase in the per cent of ■ is liL HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 87 school cbiklren that attended the free schools, it be- ing seventy-three in the year 1888, which is higher than that found in several of the older States. An- other interesting feature Is that showing the increase of female over male teachers emploj-ed. The table is especially valualile to persons interested in educa- tional matters. It shows the gigantic achievements of the young and enterprising State in regard to education. The statutes of Nebraska designate the twenty- second day of April as Arbor Day. This day was originated in Nebraska in 1872, and since that date there has been planted within the State, as shown liy statistics, the enormous number of 355,560.000 forest, shade and fruit trees. In no part of the countrj' is it of more importance than in this prairie State to plant trees. By inducing the children to oliserve Arbor Da}-, thej' can be taught to observe and study the growth and habits of ti-ees. Many of our native American trees, in twenty years after be- ing transplanted, will attain a diameter of twenty inches. In consequence of the observance of Arbor Da}-, many a citizen of the State, when he shall have grown old, will point with satisfactory pride to the majestic tree that his hands set out when he was a school boy. Brownell Hall was begun as a school for girls l)y the Rt. Rev. Joseph Talbot, missionary bishop of the Northwest, in 1865, at a place called Saratoga, a couple of miles north of the city of Omaha. In the year 1868 it was moved into the city to a site on the corner of Sixteenth and Jones Streets, and incorporated as a seminary by the Rt. Rev. Robert H. Clarkson, bishop of Nebraska, and others under the title of the Board of Trustees of Brownell Hall. It was named in honor of Bishop Brownell, who was then the bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Ignited States. Bishop Clarkson was rector of the school from 1868 until 1870, when the present rector, Rt. Rev. Robert Doherty, S. J. D. , was elected. The first site chosen in the city was contracted and unsuitable, consisting of only one hundred feet frontage, and on a hillside so steep as to be of unsafe approach by carriage. The Iniild- ing was of wood, old and dilapidated, and the whole value of the property was less than the debt. The present buildings were erected in the year 1886, on a site donated by 3Ir. Herman Kountze, mainly by contributions from citizens of Omaha. Their cost thus far, including furniture — the south wing yet unfinished — is about $100,000. The chapel, St. Matthias Church, was completed this year, 1890, at an additional cost of $41,000. The buildings are of .stone, brick and iron; the inside of wood polished. The site is a beautiful eminence on Tenth Street, overlooking the whole city and com- manding a view of the river and woocfed terraces of Iowa and Nebraska for several miles. The faculty is large and able, and the course of instruction is thorough. The school is prosperous in numerical attendance, is out of debt, and is paying its run- ning expenses. It maintains a reputation generallv for doing good, thorough, honest educational work. The Bellevue College, at Bellevue, Neb., nine miles south of Omaha, on the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, has a location of historic interest, of delightful view, and of commanding advantage. It is controlled by the Presbyterian Synod of Ne- braska, with its property rights vested in an incor- porated board of trustees. It was established by the generosity of the Hon. H. J. Clarke, now of Omaha. His gifts were 264 acres of laud, the ele- gant three-story brick college building, Clarke Hall, and large donations to the salaiies of the professors and other necessities during the first year of the in- stitution. The college opened with fourteen stu- dents on September 10, 1883; it has now a large attendance, and its outlook for the future brightens more and more. Creighton College. — It was the dying request of Edward Creighton, one of Omaha's early settlers, that his wife, the late Mrs. Mary Creighton, should endow a free college in Omaha for the education of youth without regard to creed or color. His wish was complied with, and Creighton College was the result. It was erected in 1877, and was incorpo- rated by an act of the Legislature February 27, 1879, with power to •• confer such degrees as are usually conferred by colleges and universities in the United States," and in the same year it was en- trusted, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop James O'Connor, D. D., to the fathers of. the Society of Jesus, by "r^ , 4s — «- 88 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. whom it is conducted. In religions triuning tlie Catholic religion alone is taught; but non-Catholic students are welcome, and their religious opinions are studiously respected. No students are admitted under twelve years of age, and none for a less term than ten months. The tuition is entirely free. The attendance for the last 3X'ar was 195, an increase of twenty over the previous year. The college campus is extensive. The library contains 0,500 volumes. The scientific laboratory- is the most complete in the West. The college liuilding is large and commodious. Its left wing was erected in 1SS9, at a cost of about $25,000, largely owing to Mr. John A. Creighton, brother of the founder. In connection with the col- lege, as its chapel, is St. John's Collegiate Church, a beautiful stone building, not full}- completed at this writing. The college faculty consists of eleven pro- fessors and instructors, with Rev. Thomas S. Fitz- gerald, S. J. , as president. The course of study is complete and the instruction exhaustive. Doane College, located at Crete, in Saline County, was established by the Congregational Churches of Nebraska in June, 1872, and is therefore the oldest existing college in the State. '• Its growth has been steady and healthful. From a dozen students and one teacher the first year, it has advanced to an annual attendance of 200 students and a corps of ten teachers. There are two full college courses, classical and scientific, each of four jears. The preparatorj' course is for three years. There is a normal department for those wishing to prepare themselves for the teacher's profession. " A con- servatory of music is connected with the college. Boswell observatory-, built in 1883, is the central station of the Nebraska weather service. The col- lege cabinet contains about fourteen hundred species of animals from all parts of the world; an herbarium of between two and three thousand species of plants, mostly from the United States and Kurope, and good collections of minerals, rocks and fossils. There are also zoological and anatcimical collections. Fairfield College, located at Fairfield, in Clay County, was founded in 188-t as the result of an action of the State Missionary Society of the Chris- tian Churcli, the object being to furnish opportuni- ties to both sexes for higher education. The officers of the board of trustees were J. P. Nixon, president; Ira Titus, treasurer, and W.' J. Newcomb, financial agent and secretarj-. The presidents of the institu- tion have been C. W. Henry from 1884 to 18S7, W. P. Aylsworth from 1SS7 to 1889, O. C. Hubble from 1889 to the present (1890). In 1889 the in- stitution was re-incorporated as Fairfield College, the original name failing longer to indicate the scope of the work, while the management was placed in the hands of a board more local in its nature. The propert}' of the institution consists of several hun- dred acres of fine land adjoining the cit}-, much of which lies within the corporate limits. In 1886 a fine brick structure was erected at a cost of upward of $100,000. It stands on a com- manding site east of the citj- in the College addi- tion. The courses of study are the classical, philo- sophical, biblical, normal and business, with an ex- cellent musical department under the management of Prof. E. R. Gajlord. The last catalogue shows an enrollment of 112 pupils, with eight professors and instructors. The high moral atmosphere of the cit3', the absence of saloons and other places of vice, and its favorable location at the junction of the St. Joseph & Grand Island and the Kansas Cit}' & Omaha Railroads, all conspire to a suitable place for such an institution. The Hastings College was founded in 1879, un- der the care and control of the Kearnej- Presbytery, Hastings being then in that district. The citizens of Hastings contributed $50, 000 in money and lands, to aid the enterprise. J. H. Hanson donated the twentj- acres known as the College Campus, and the citizens purchased and donated seventy-five acres more. The whole amount, ninety-five acres, com- prises the college addition to the city; thirty-five acres are reserved in the campus, and the balance is laid out into city lots. The first building — McCor- mick Hall — was built in 1883, at a cost of $14,700, and named in honor of the late Cjtus H. McCor- mick. who made the first donation, $5,000, to aid the college. The second building was erected in 1884, at a cost of about $20,000, which was sub- scribed bv the citizens of Hastings, Mr. James B. jji HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 89 Hartwell alone contributing $11,000. The site of the college is in the eastern part of the city. Thou- sands of trees have been set out on the grounds, and the buildings and the campus constitute a scene of beautj-. The college is open to both sexes, has a large patronage, and is well sustained. The faculty is able and thorough work is being done. Board and rooms are furnished in the institution. There is no better location for a college than Hastings. The Nebraska Wesleyan Universit}- was founded b}' the Methodists of the State, under a plan of uni- fication, by which it is the only university possible to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska. All schools or colleges which are now or may here- after become the property of the church are incor- porated as departments of the universit}', and none are permitted to teach beyond the sophomore year of the university courses. This institution of learn- ing is situated in Universit}- Place, originally platted as a suburb of the city of Lincoln, and which has been incorporated as a village, thus avoiding en- croachments of saloons and limiting local taxation. It is about three miles from, and overlooks the capi- tal city. Street cars and telephone lines connect it with all parts of the citj-. The property of the university consists of the campus, a beautiful pleateau containing fortj--four acres. The build- ing, 168x72 feet in size, and four stories in height, costing $75,000, is one of the most substan- tial and beautiful structures in the West; 500 lots adjacent are estimated worth $150,000. An en- dowment fund has been secured. The first year of school in the university began September 11, 1889, and the fij-st commencement will be held June 25, 1890. Being supported bj- all the Methodists of the State, its future great success is assured. The institutions mentioned are the leading de- nominational colleges of the State. The Universitj' of Nebraska, the State Normal School and the State Industrial School, are mentioned in this work with the State Institutions. There are many other col- leges of less note throughout the State, among which may be mentioned Gates College, at Neligh, on the main line of the Elkhorn & Missouri Vallej' Rail- road, a Congregational School, first opened in Sep- tember, 1882; the Sisters of Visitation Academy at Hastings, founded in 1889, and others. There are also good commercial colleges and schools of music at Omaha, Lincoln and other leading cities of the State. :v: 90 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER XI. H*l- State Institutions — Akchitectukai. ISeautv of Buildings — Convenience op Construction — Tue Capitol Edifice — Histoky of Erection — Appropriations — University — Blind Institute — Normal School — Insane Asylums — Deaf axd Dumb Institutions — State Penitentiary — NebrasivA an Agricul- tural State — Productions — Valuation — Climatic Features — Manufacturing Inter- ests — Official Directory — Abstract op Votes — Ecclesiastical History. Heaven forming each on other to depend, Bids each on other for assistance call. — Pope. OTWITHSTANDING Ne- braska is oue of the young- est States of the Union, it is justly entitled to the pride it shows in its State ■■^ institutions. Its State jS House has but few equals iu tlif couutry, its asj'lums for those unfortunate wards of the State, the insane, the blind, the deaf and dumb, and the feeble-minded, are models in their waj', its penal institutions *ell constructed and managed, and f'Ai^S' lastly its magnificent State Univer- sity towers above all similar institu- tions in tlie West, as the crowning achievement of nearly a quarter of a century of Statehood. It is emi- nently proper that a few pages of this work be de- voted to a history of these institutions. All of them have a history intimately associated with the history of the State, and doubtless, if their walls of stone could be made to speak, the store of material for a State histoiy would be measurably increased. Nebraska's first State House was not an impos- ing structure, and yet when it was finished it was regarded bj' the pioneer settlers of the new Territory as a marvel of architectural iirandeur. It was erected in the city of Omaha, on Ninth Street, be- tween Farnham and Douglass Streets, b}- the Ne- braska Ferry Company, and by that organization leased to the Territorial officers. It was a two-story ijrick structure and cost about $3,000. In this humble edifice assembled the first Territorial Legis- lature. Later, Congress appropriated 830,000 for the erection of a capitol building, to which sum the citizens of Omaha added $60,000. The new edifice was much more in keeping with the dignity and growing importance of the Territory. But even this more imposing and modern structure was soon to be outgrown. Nebraska was admitted into the ITnion of States on March 1, 1867, and the Legislature at a special session soon after that date decided to move the State capital from Omaha to some point in the interior of the State. A commission was appointed, consisting of Gov. Butler, Secretary of State Kennard and State Auditor Gillespie, to select a site for the new capital cit^-. Lincoln was selected and the work of building a State House at once commenced. The first contract for the State House was let to Joseph Ward, of Chicago, on January 11, 1868, for the sum of $49,000. The building was constructed from magnesian limestone olitained from extensive quarries in Gage County. It was finished in December of the same year. On the third of that month Gov. Butler ordered the archi\es of State -.^ ^1 '1)2^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 91 transferred from Omaha to the new building. This was the original State capitol. It stood upon the site now occupied by the present edifice, but not a stone is left of the old building. It served its pur- pose for ten years, at the end of which time work was commenced upon the present structure. There were a number of causes which contributed to the sentiment in favor of a new capitol. Chief among these was the very evident unfitness of the liuildiug for the permanent home of the offices of the State. The walls were badly constructed, and soon gave signs of disintegration. The outer courses of stone were effected by the weather, and began flalving off. The State officers soon began to be afraid to stay in the building during high winds, and each succeeding Legislature met under the shalvy roof with an increased trepidation. Then the advocates of removing the capitol commenced an agitation which strucli terror and dismay to the hearts of the citizens of Lincoln. That city, at that time, depended almost entirely upon the capitol for its future, and the agitation for removal had a de- pressing effect upon values and the growth of the place. In October, 1878, the north wall of the building was condemned. The board of public lands and buildings had it rebuilt, and in January, 1879, Gov. Garber, in his message to the Legislature, re- commended that a new State House be erected, and suggested that a levy be made for a capitol building fund. After a bitter strugle, $100,000 was appro- priated for the erection of the west wing of the new capitol. Work was commenced upon the new build- ing as soon as possible, but it was not until Novem- ber, 1 88 1 , that the wing was ready for occupancy. It was built bj- W. H. B. Stout, of Lincoln, who undertook the contract for the sum of §63,400. In 1881 the Legislature appropriated §100,000 for the erection of the east wing. The contract for the erection of this wing was let to W. H. B. Stout for the sum of $96,800. In February, 188.3, the Legislature provided for the demolition of the old building, and the erection of the main or central part of the present capitol, and on July 9, of the same year, the contract was let to W. H. B. Stout for $4.39,187.25. The foundation walls were laid in the fall of 1883, and on July 15, 1884, the corner- stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. From that date the work progressed rapidly, and by Janu- ary 1, 1889, had been completed. The capitol is a credit to the State. The follow- ing description of the noble building, written by a visitor on the day it was formally turned over to the State, will give the reader a clear idea of the edi- fice: The style is the Italian renaissance. There is no superfluous ornamentation, either on exterior or interior. Quiet elegance and dignity are the charac- teristics of the design. The main elevations of the structure face the north and the south. The fronts are uniform in appearance. The main building, without the wings, is 85 feet in width and 168 feet in depth, exclusive of the two porticoes, which are each 12 feet wide. The wings are 85 feet wide and 114 feet long. The structure would be cruciform if the main building had been extended about 50 feet farther north and south. The extreme length east and west is 313 feet, and the breadth is 192 feet. The basement is 10 feet in height, the first story 14 feet, the second 15 feet, and the third 14 feet. The dome is 45 feet square at the base, and the lantern is 200 feet from the grade line. The west wing for the past nine years has housed the treasurer, the State auditor, the commissioner of public lands and buildings, and the secretary of State on the first floor. All have had large and well furnished suites of rooms, with all the conveniences usually found around buildings of this class. At the west end of the second floor is the Senate cham- ber, 85 feet long, 55 feet wide, and with a ceiling 40 feet aliove the floor. The chaml^er is haudsomel}- carpeted, and the walls are decorated with Imcrusta Walton and heavy papers. On the second floor near the entrance to the Senate chamber, the governor and attorney-general have had their offices. On the third floor are the offices of the adjutant-general and the board of live stock agents. The east wing has been the temporary home of the State library and the supreme court. The superintendent of public instruction also has a pleasant suite of offices on the second floor. The second and third floors are taken up mostly with representative hall and cloak and committee rooms. The board of transporUition has *Jl !£: 02 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. been slielterecl here since Its organization, and the State oil inspector lias occuijied the room of the speaker and chief clerk of the liouse, pending the comjiletion of the main ijuilding. Tlie now portion of the capitol will be occupied immediatelj'. This is the main building, and is nearl}- as large as both of the wings comliined. The visitor ma}' enter from Fifteenth Street, eitlier from the north or the south. Passing between the massive piers of the portico he enters a vestibule tiled and wainscoated in marble. From that open apartment he steps into the main corridor, running north and south through this part of the building, and inter- secting in the rotunda the long corridor running the extreme length of the building from east to west. These corridors are tiled with A'ermont marljle and partiall}- wainscoted in scagliola, or artificial marble. The heavj' doors and frames are of oak. In each of the four corners of this floor is a suite of offices. Tiie commissioner of public lands and buildings will have the northwest corner, the secretary' of State the southeast, and the board of transportation the southwest. The offices are large, well ventilated, furnished with fire places and equipped with the latest plumbing conveniences. There are immense fireproof vaults for storing State papers, both in the basement and on the first floor. The rotunda is octagonal, with an inside dimen- sion of about thirtj- feet. An opening in the second floor admits light to the first storj', and gives a view of the upper portion. A section of the first fioor is of heavj- glass, admitting light to the basement also. A better view of the upper rotunda ma}- be had from the second storj". We will therefore climb one of the iron stairways. The second corridor will be found to be floored in hard wood instead of marble, but there is an abundance of the scagliola here, and it has a beautiful effect. It is particularly' striking around the interior of the rotunda. From the second floor upward the whole interior of the dome is open. When the frescoing is completed, the clusters of incandescent lamps are in place, and a plate glass polish has been given the marble, this rotunda will indeed be a beautiful sight. The south half of the second floor is to be occu- pied bj' the State librarv. The main room lies across the front, and extends up through the third fioor. The size of the room is S3x.31 feet. A wide gallery around the whole apartment gives a large amount of additional siieif space. The lilirarv rooms are finished in hard wood and are very cpnveuieutly arranged. The north half of tliis fioor contains the finest suite of rooms in the entire building. There are five of the apartments, and they are to be occupied by the executive department. In the middle of the front is the main reception room. It is 30.\3() feet in size. On each side are two apartments used as private rooms and the offices of the pri\'ate secretaiT and executive clerks. The finishings and furnish- ings when complete will lie worth}' of the office of the governor of tlie great State of Nebraska. The third floor is not finished in hard woods, but this fact will not Ije detected li}' the casual visitor. The north half is devoted to the uses of the supreme court, five rooms being set apart for the judiciary department. The south half is taken up by tlic up- per portion of the librar}' and two committee rooms. If the visitor wishes to continue his investigation still further, he maj- climb a succession of stairs and a long spiral stairway, and at last stand out at the top of the dome, 200 feet above the ground, and overlooking the entire city and country for ten or fifteen miles in every direction. On a pleasant da}' visitors often remain there for hours enjoying the scene. There is nothing striking in the landscape that is unfolded, but it is always a pleasure to be alile to get a bird's eye view of the busy city, and to mark the great advances it is making upon the sur- rounding country. In the summer season especially there is a great amount of tranquil beauty in that broad circle of green whose outer edge forms the horizon. Next to the State capitol the State University is the most notable State institution of Nebraska. The men who drafted Neliraska's enaliling act disjilayed admirable wisdom and forethought in directing that a large portion of the public lands within the new State l)e set apart for the erection and maintenance of a State University. By leasing and selling these public lands Nebraska secured an endowment for its jM'incipal educational institution that at once \ liL HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 93 pl:K.'C'(l it upon a solid fluancial foundation. On Febrimiy 15, 1869, the Legislature passed an act establishing the Universit}' and creating a board of regents, in whom was vested the management of the institution. The act further ordered the sale of all lots in the citj' of Lincoln belonging to the State, rtnd directed that the proceeds be devoted to the erection of a university building. In accordance with this act the commission, consisting of the gov- ernor, secretary of State and auditor, accepted the plans and specifications prepared bj- JI. J. McBird, of Logansport, Ind. , and awarded the contract for the building to D. J. Silver & Son, also of Logans- port. The contractors commenced work upon the pi'oposed structure in Jul}-, 18G9, and pushed it rapidly toward completion in the face of almost in- surmountable obstacles. It must be remembered that at that time Nebraska was unti-aversed by rail- roads, and Lincoln was a new town sixty-five miles from the Missouri River. The lumber had to be ferried across the Missouri from Iowa, and trans- ported to Lincoln by wagon over poorly constructed prairie roads. The brick for the walls had to be manufactured, and the contractors were compelled to pay $10 per cord for the wood used in burning them, and this wood liad to be hauled thirty miles. Yet, in spite of these difficulties the work progressed with surprising rapidity. The excavation, founda- tion and basement story were completed in April, 1S70, and the work of building the walls commenced in that mouth. The walls were completed, and the roof finished b}' the middle of August, 1870. The board of regents at once began prepara- tion for the formal opening of the Universitj'. The Ijuilding was finished; but the more important work of selecting a chancellor and corps of instructors, preparing a course of study and enlisting the in- terest of prospective students, was yet to be accomp- lished. Through the influence of mutual personal friends the regents induced Dr. A. E. Benton, presi- dent of the Northwestern Christian University, of Indianapolis, Ind., to accept the chancellorship. Dr. Benton paid his first visit to Nebraska in 1871, and made a most favorable impression upon the board of regents. At a .meeting of the board of regents in that month it was decided to formally in- augurate the work of the University on September 7, 1871. Chancellor Benton removed to Nebraska in JMay of that year, and at once began his work. Under his direction courses of study were prepared and the rooms in the University building arranged and furnished. The chancellor also visited the dif- ferent cities and towns in the State, delivering lec- tures in the interests of the new inSintution, and securing the attendance of pupils. In 1871, it must be remembered, Nebraska con- tained a population of barely 100,000. These peo- ple were for the most part people of small means. The school system of the State was in its infancy, and but few pupils were prepared to enter even the lowest classes of the University. Yet, in spite of the discouraging outlook. Chancellor Benton and his associates on the original faculty set about their work with a zeal and confidence that angered well for the success of the new institution. The doors of the University were formally thrown open for the reception of students on the morning of September 7, 1871. The following named gentlemen com- posed the original faculty: Prof. A. R. Benton, chancellor and professor of mental, moral and polit- ical philosophy'; O. C. Dake, professor of English literature; S. H. Manley, professor of Greek lan- guage and literature; G. E. Church, professor of Latin language and literature; Samuel Aughej', professor of natural sciences. Seventy students appeared on the opening daj'. By an act of the Legislature approved Februar}- 15, 1869, and an act amendatory thereto, approved February 19, 1877, the regents are authorized to establish five departments or colleges as follows: (1) A college of literature, science and art. (2) An industrial college, embracing agriculture, practical science, civil engineering, and the mechanic arts. (3) A college of law. (4) A college of medicine. (5) A college of fine arts. Of the first department organized, that of litera- ture, science and art, there are four courses of study, of four years each, namel}-; A classical, a scientific, a Latin scientific and a Greek scientific. In the department of agriculture, there are two courses, one of three years and a course of one year, therefore the following degrees are granted, namely: T|^ 04 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. (1) The degree of Bachelor of Arts is eonf erred on stiulents who complete the classical course. (2) That of Bachelor of Science, on students who com- plete the regular scientific course. (3) That of Baiiielor of Philosophy, on students who complete the Latin scientific course. (1) That of Bachelor of Letters, on students who complete the literary course. (5) The degree of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Philosophj-, or JIaster of Let ters, is conferred respectively on Bachelor of Arts, Science, Philosophy or Letters, who shall have pur- sued a post-graduate course of study for one year, under the direction of the faculty, or upon gradu- ates of three years' standing, who shall have been engaged during that time in literary, scientific or professional studies. In November, 1873, Samuel Bacon, who had served as superintendent of the Institution for the Blind, in the State of Iowa, arrived in Nebraska City, and immediately broached the project of the establishment of a school for the education of the blind. The proposition was favorably received, and in the autumn of 1874 he became a resident of Nebraska City. At a public meeting a committee was chosen to wait on the Legislature and ask for the appropriation. The committee consisted of George Sroat, H. K. Raymond, Dr. John Blue, Rev. J. H. McNamara, William Bisehof, Dr. Bowen and Samuel Bacon. Their mission was successful, and on the 19th day of February, 1875, the act was passed. The first section of this act read as follows: "That there shall be maintained at Nebraska City, county of Otoe, an institution for the blind, and there is hereby appropriated for that purpose the sum of $10,000, for the erection of a building and furnish- ing of the same; provided, that the citizens of Ne- braska City shall raise the sum of $3,000, and when the said sum is raised and paid over to the board of trustees, either in money or in property, to the satr isf action of such board, then the board of trustees of said institution for the blind shall proceed to locate said institution on not less than ten acres of land, and not to exceed one mile in distance from the court house of said Nebraska City." The suc- ceeding sections, to the seventeenth, provide for the mode of governing the instiliilinn liy the lioanl of trustees, composed of the go\ernor, secretary of State, attorney general, State treasurer and com- missioner of public lands and buildings, and sec- tion seventeen provides that '• All liliml persons residents of this Slate, of suitable age and caiKicity, shall be entitled to an education in this institution at the expense of the State. Each county superin- tendent of common schools shall report to the Insti- tution for the Blind on the first days of April each year, the name, age, residence, and postofflce ad- dress of every blind person, and every person blind to such an extent as to be unable to acquire an edu- cation in the common schools, and who reside in the county where he is superintendent." For $2,400 a ten-acre tract lying about three- fourths of a mile north of the city was purchased, and preparations for the construction of a suitable edifice were Ijegun. In the meantime temporar\ rooms were rented, and the institution formally opened on ^larch 10, 1875, with three pupils. The new luiilding was completed as rapidlj' as possible, and on January 13, 1876, was formally occupied by the school. The main building, a substantial brick, is three stories and basement, 49x65 feet, and con- tains thirty large rooms. In 1877 a two-story brick work-shop was added at a cost of S3, 000. The spot occupied by the institution is one of tlu' most beautiful in the West. The government of the school is paternal, and the law of kindness the gov- erning principle. Corporal punishment is unknown in the institution. A regular coui-se of study is marked out, running from eight to ten years. Tin' course includes geometry, physiologj-, ancient antl modern philosophy, astronomy, natural history and natural philosophy. Two of the most interesting dc partments of the institution are the musical and in- dustrial. In the matter of securing self support, experience proves that the musical Ijranches are the most efficient, while they also contribute to relic\e the monotony which falls to the lot of those unfor- tunates. In the industrial departments the boys and young men are required to spend a certain numlier of hours at the occupation of cane-seating and liroom- making. Tiie girls are instructed in hand and ma- cliine sewing, kuitting, crocheting, bead and fancy work. Tlie reports show that both slio]) and fancy uoik departments are sources of profit, after paj'ing all expenses for stock. The Normal School is located adjoining the town of Peru. In 18G3 John M. McKenzie, a practical educator, settled in Peru, and with the assistance of zealous friends of education, measures were started for the organization of Mount Vernon College, a school under the auspices of the IMethodist denomi- nation. Soon the building, now used as dormitory, three stories high and 40x80 feet in size, was erected at a cost of $10,000. John M. McKenzie was chosen first principal of the new college. In the early spring of 18G6 the new building was occupied, although it was unfinished, and school continued until June. Messrs. William Daily and T. J. Ma- jors, members of the State Council and House of Representatives for Nemaha County, in the winter of 18(56-67 tendered the property, valued at SIO.OOO, to the State for a Normal School. The proposition was prom|)tly accepted, and the Legislature appro- priated the sum of $3,000 to finish the building, and also gave an endowment of twenty sections of saline land lying in Lancaster County. The act to locate, establish and endow a State Normal School was passed June 21, 1867. Section 1 provides that the school shall be established at Peru, in Nemaha Count}-, ' ■ the exclusive purpose of which shall be the instruction of persons, both male and female, in the art of teaching and in all the various Ijranches that pertain to a good common school education; also to give instruction in the mechanical arts, and in the arts of husbandry and agricultural chemistry; in the fundamental laws of the T'nited States, and what regards the rights and duties of citizens." Prior to the location and building of the Hospi- tal for the Insane at Lincoln, this class of unfortu- nates were sent to the lova Asylum. The bill locating and appropriating funds for the hospital building was passed by the Legislature in 1868. In 1869 the contract was let to Joseph Ward, of Lin- coln, for $137,000, and on November 29, 1870, was formally accepted liy the State. It was opened on December 22, 1870, with Dr. Lane as superinten- dent. In April, 1871. five months after the institu- tion had Ijeen opened for the reception of patients, it burned to the ground. After the conflagration three patients were missing, and it has always been supposed that they lost their lives. A special ses- sion of the Legislature convened in June, 1871, and made an appropriation for a new building. The buildings as they stand at present cost $165,000. They are built of light gray sandstone, the ground dimensions being 54x328 feet, and the main build- ing four stories in height. In addition tx:> the hospi- tal at Lincoln, a second hospital has been established by the State at Norfolk, while the Asylum for the Incuraltle Insane is located at Hastings. The Twelfth Territorial Legislature, by an act approved February 7, 1867, provided in due form for the establishment of an institute for the deaf and dumb, to be located in Omaha; all of the class specified of a suitable age and capacity, to receive instruction, to lie admitted into and enjo}- the bene- fits of said institution without charge. The act fur- ther constituted a board of directors a body politic and corporate with perpetual existence, consisting of Aurelius Bowen, Able L. Childs, E. H. Rogers, John S. Bowen, Gilbert C. Monell and John Mc- Pherson. A building was rented in Omaha, and the school opened April 1, 1869, with W. M. French, principal, and Mrs. Jennie Wilson, matron. Twelve pupils were enrolled during the first eight months of the school's existence, and the amount expended for the same time was $2,179.03. The Thirteenth General Assembly, foreseeing that more suitable and commodious accommodations would have to be provided, made an appropriation of $15,000 for building purposes. Grounds located about three miles northwest of the city were donated by the city of Omaha, and a flue brick edifice erected in a suitalile form to receive additions as they might be needed. The new building was occupied for the first time in January, 1872. Four teachers were employed during the second 3"ear and twenty-nine pupils were enrolled. In 1873 a printing office was established in con- nection with the institution, for the instruction of pupils desirous of learning that trade. Mr. S. F. ^=4^ -^ l^ 96 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Biickk'v. Olio (if llu'si' pupils, shortly after assumed the position of foreman. In 1879 a brick work-shop was erected at a cost of $3,000, carpenter work Ijeing introduced under charge of F. E. Maynard. Both the printing office and carpenter shops are self supporting, bej'ond the salaries of their formen. Tlie shops are supplied with suitable machinery for the various kinds of work. In 1874 a semi-inoiithly paper, entitled the Nebraska Mute Jtnirnal, was established. The mechanical work of this paper is done entirely by the pupils. A new building, similar in many respects to the first, was erected in 1870 at a cost of $15,000. In 1S79 the brick work-shop, above mentioned, was built, and in 1881 a third Iniildiiig was erected, con- necting the two built in 1871. and 1876, the combi- nation being in perfect harmony, and constituting one of the finest public buildings in the State. The cost of this improvement was $16,000. In addition to this $4,000 was expended in heating apparatus, whereby' the entire institution is warmed by steam; $1,000 for gas apparatus, $1,000 for engine and machinery for the shops, $500 for hose for use in ease of fire, and $500 for telephonic communication with the city of Omaha. The institution is under the charge of the board of public lands and build- ings, and directly under the control of a corps of competent instructors. The bo3's are learning good trades and the girls are taught general housework, plain sewing and dressmaking. The same general methods of instructing the deaf which are practiced in similar first-class institutions, are in use in this one, articulation being made a specialtj- with good success. A regular course of instruction is followed , in which it is aimed to prepare the pupil for active life and self support, the institution being in no sense an asylum, but in every sense a school. The act providing for the building of the State penitentiai-y on the site south of Lincoln, donated for that purpose by W. T. Donovan and Mr. Hilton, was passed by the Legislature on March 4, 1870. The national government had set apart 34,000 acres of land for prison purposes. Three commissioners were appointed to dispose of these lands. In the meantime the Legislature appropriated $5,000 for the erection of a temporary prison. In the same year plans and specifications oflfered by AVilliam H. Foster, of Des Moines, Iowa, were adopted, and the contract let to W. H. B. Stout and .1. M. Jamison for $312,000. The quarries of Saltello, located about twelve miles south of Lincoln, furnished the material for the walls, a hard, magnesian limestone. The external appearance of the building is very im- posing, at once suggesting to the observer the use for which it is intended. It is a most substantial structure, well heated and ventilated, considered perfectly secure, and has a capacity for 800 prisoners. The cells are in rows of forty each, and by means of a lever at one end the keeper is enabled to lock at once the whole row. This greatly dimin- ishes the chances for escape, and the danger to the keeper of being attacked while on the round locking each door. A wall twenty-five feet in height, sur- mounted at intervals by watch towers, encloses nearly three acres at the rear of the building. Within the enclosure are the work-shops of the institution. The discipline of the prison is good. It is lenient, yet severe enough to produce good order, and not so severe as to cause dissatisfaction and breed revolt. But once in the history of the institution has a seri- ous revolt taken place. On the afternoon of Janu- ary 11, 1875, seven convicts under the leadership of a convict named jMcWaters, overpowered the guards in the work-shop. Deputy Warden Nohes entered the shops at this moment. He was also o\erpowered, bound and stripped. Mc Waters, who had the audacit}' to attempt anything that might lead to escape, donned the deputy's clothes and marched his convicts past the door guards into the building where more guards were overpowered, and the armory broken into. It was the plan to secure guns and ammunition, dress themselves in citizens clothing, kill the guards and effect their escape. Their plans might have succeeded had not the for- tunate escape of Deputj- Warden Nohes gi\eu the alarm. The mutinous convicts soon found them- selves besieged in the main building. So I'onipletely were they hemmed in that ever}" attempt to leave the building proved ineffectual. A detachment of United States troops arrived early the next morning, anil tile appearance of the soldiers caused them U) -4. S A HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 97 weaken. They surrendered during the forenoon. The story of the revolt would be incomplete without at least a brief reference to the heroism displayed upon the occasion bj^ Mrs. Woodhurst, wife of the warden. Her hu.sband was absent when the mutiny occurred, and his wife was almost alone in the main building. As soon as she discovered the revolt she rushed to a window and alarmed the guards in spite of the threats of the convicts. She defied them to harm her, and fearlessly placed herself be- fore their guns when they were about to fire at citi- zens who had come from Lincoln to ciuell the mu- tiny. During the night she succeeded in getting possession of their guns and hiding them. When the hopelessness of their attempt to escape finally dawned upon the minds of the mutineers, they sur- rendered to her, aud were turned over to the officers. MeWaters and the seven convicts made a second attempt to escape on Maj^ 26, 1875. The attempt was a failure, MeWaters being shot dead \)\ the guard at the outset of the demonstration. The management of the penitentiary is neces- sarily strict, but not more so than necessity demaiuls. Among the theories entertained for the amelioration of the condition of the inmates of the institution, is the introduction of a well-devised system of educa- tion. The maintenance of a well-selected librarj', and the employment of instructors, are features of prison reform which deserve the commendation of every humane citizen of the State. Nebraska, with her broad and rich prairies aud fertile valleys, is pre-eminently an agricultural State. According to the official report of the State Board of Agriculture, for the year 1888, there were within the State 9,521,966 acres of improved land, valued at §40,144,780, and 13,353,171 acres of unimproved laud valued at $30,307,241; thus making the aver- age value per acre of the improved lauds $4.07, and of the unimproved lands S2.80. These values were obtained from the assessments for taxation , and as can readily be seen, were far below the actual values, the latter being double, or more than double, the assessed values. The number of acres reported, both improved and unimproved, equals 22,875,137, the amount then owned and subject to taxation. The total numljer of acres within the State as re- ported by the census of 1885, was 47,869,978. Tliis shows that less than one-half of the real prop- erty of the State was then subject to taxation. In the agricultural report pertaining to cereals and veg- etables many counties are left out, consequently the aggregate amounts raised in the State in 1888 can- not be given. The following statement will show the kinds of products raised, total yield and average yield per acre in four counties, representing different localities of the State, indicating the crops raised therein: Adams — Corn, 3,096,380 bushels, average, 35 bushels; wheat 298,104, bushels, average 12; oats 1,512,600 bushels, average 30; barley, 222,728 bushels, average 12; rye, 5,544 bushels, average 11; flax, 9,600 bushels, average 6; millet, 1,100 tons, average 2; potatoes not reported; fruit trees, 9,845; forest trees, 2,561,183; grapevines, 15,479. Lancaster — Corn, 8,004,900 bushels, average 50; wheat, 170,496 bushels, average 18; oats, 1.030.- 980 bushels, average 60; barley, 23,184 bushels, average 20; rye, 5,400 bushels, average 15; flax, 3,276 bushels, average 12; millet, 2,100 tons, av- erage 3; potatoes, 34,500 bushels, average 172.5; fruit trees, 71,283; forest trees, 2,777,314; grape vines, 1,283. Lincoln — Corn, 400,000 bushels, average 40; wheat, 15,000 bushels, average 15; oats, 35,000 bushels, average 35; barley, 6,250 bushels, average 25; rye, 8,000 bushels, average 40; millet, 1,000 tons, average 2; potatoes, 80,000 bushels, average 40; trees not reported. Platte — Corn, 2,672,540 bushels, average 41; wheat, 214,600 bushels, average 10; oats, 1,081,- 850 bushels, average 35; barley, 16,632 bushels, average 12; flax, 17,210 bushels, average, 10; mil- let, 6,480 tons, average 3; potatoes, 121,950 bushels, average 150; fruit trees, 29,145; forest trees, 1,776,000; grape vines 12,125. The yield per acre of the several products in these counties can lie taken as a fair average j'ield per acre throughout the State. The trees and vines represent the total number planted, and should not be construed as the number planted in 18SS. The total number of animals in the State, and their assessed values in 1888, were as follows: 98 HISTORY OF M;BILVSKA. Horses, 372,829, $9,425,542, average $20.21; cattle, 1,505,634, $8,436,940, average $G.08; mules and asses. 43,191, $993,208, average $24.36; sheep, 19.'). 105, $105,830, average $0.50; hogs, 1,238,731, $1,318,975, average $1.17. The average value of each animal is the average througliout the State, but not uniform in the several counties. The assessed values are very unequal throughout the State. Laud in some counties is assessed for taxation at nearly twice the price it is in other counties where the soil and shipping facilities are equally as good, and the same is true with regard to animals; for instance, in 18SS, horses wete assessed in Lancaster County at $17.11, and in Loup County at $29.29. Are thej- so much more valuable in Loup than in Lan- caster County? At the same time cattle were assessed per head at from $2.66 up to $13.06; mules and asses at from $11.80 up to $46.75; sheep at from ten cents up to $1.42. This shows that strin- gent legislation is needed in order to secure greater uniformity in the assessment of property. The value of the taxalile property- of the State, as assessed for taxation from 1881 to 1888 inclusive, has been as follows: Li 1881, $93,142,456.99; in 1882, $98,537,475.11; in 1883, $110,543,644.58; in 1884, $123,615,886.95; in 1885, $133,418,699.83; in 1886, $143,932,570.51; in 1887, $160,506,- 266.25; iu 1888, $176,012,820.45. No official report for 1889 has been published. The increase in the values from year to year, also for the whole eight years — the latter being $82,870,- 363.47, is noticeable. It is seen that in the short time of eight }-ears the entire taxable wealth of the State nearlv doubled. The next biennial report, in- cluiling 1SS9 and 1890. will show that in the ten years the property considerably more than doubled in value. Winter wheat is grown in Nebraska to a limited extent liy drilling it between corn rows, with a five- hoed, one horse wheat^corn drill, and leaving the corn stalks stand until spring, when they are cut down. The stalks are left to iiold the snow, and thus prevent the ground from freezing dry and kill- ing the wheat. On account of the difflculty to raise winter wheat, spring wheat is generally raised, and it is claimed that it is superior to the former for bread. Corn is the great staple product, l)ut the soil is well adapted to the raising of all kinds of grains and vegetables. The cultivation of the sugar beet, for the purpose of sugar making, has been in- troduced, and in all probability the day is not far distant when our sugar will be manufactured at home instead of being imported from foreign coun- tries. The conditions for successful agriculture are a rich soil, temperate climate and sufficient moisture. Time and experience have removed all doubt as to the existence of the first two in Neliraska. and will soon remove all doubt as to the third. In 1880, Samuel Aughey, Ph. D. , LL. D. , profes- sor of natural sciences in the University of Nebraska, published his ' ■ Sketches of the Physical Geography and Geology of Nebraska, " in which he says '• Eastern Nebraska has an abundance of moisture. This may appear like an exaggeration to those who were edu- cated to believe that Nebraska was an arid region. And yet there is nothing in the natural history of the State better established than that there is here an alnmdancc of rainfall. When the snows of winter disappear, the ground is in good condition to be worked. Sufficient showers come during early spring to excite the crops of cereal grains, grasses and corn to an active growth. Sometimes it is compar- atively dry between the spring showers and the June rains. These come sometimes earlier than June, in the last of ^lay, and sometimes not till the last of June, and constitute the rainy season for the State. It begins whenever the • Ijig rise ' of the Missouri and the Platte occur. This rainy season lasts from four to eight weeks. In fifteen yeai's I have not known it to fail. During its continuaiu-e it docs not indeed rain everv day, except occasionally for a short period. Generally during this time it rains from two to three times a week. It is more apt to rain every night than every day. In fact during the whole of this season three-fourths of the rain falls at nighf. It is not an unusual occurrence for the rain to fall every night for weeks, followed by cloud- less days. This rainy season of June occurs at a period wiien crops most need rain, and owing to the regularity of its occurrence, drouths suflicientlj' severe to destroy- the crops in Eastern Neliraska, <5_. HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 99 where there is proper cultivation, luive not jet lieeu known. * * * After the wet season of June, which sometimes extends into July, is over, there are rains and showers at longer intervals until and during autumn. During winter it rarelj- rains. Snow falls in winter, but seldom to a great depth. * * * West of the one hundredth meridian the amount of rainfall gradually decreases from the yearly average of thirty inches, at or near Kearney Junction, to twenty inches at North Platte. If the last two j-ears onlj- were taken into account, even there and almost to the west line of the State the rainfall would be estimated at thirty inches." The professor goes on to prove that the amount of rainfall and moisture was on the increase, and it certainly has been on the increase ever since. Manj" springs have broken out of late j'ears where no water had ever before been observed, and water has ap- peared in old creek beds, where it apparentlj- had not been flowing for ages. The streams have also been observed to increase in size. Much specula- tion has been indulged in as to the cause of the in- crease of the rainfall, but it is believed that the principal cause is ' ' the great increase in the absorp- tive power of the soil, wrought by cultivation. 01lser^'e now the change which cultivation makes. After the soil is broken, the rain as it falls is ab- sorbed by the soil like a hugh sponge. The soil gives this absorbed moisture back to the atmosphere by evaporation. Thus year by year as cultivation of the soil is extended, more of the rain that falls is absorbed and retained to be given off by evapora- tion, or to produce springs. This, of course, must give increasing moisture and rainfall." The plants ing of trees is also believed to be a helping cause for the increase of moisture. Nebraska, on account of its elevation and the non-existence of swamps and stagnant waters, which produce malaria, is decidedly healthful. The atmos- phere is pure and invigorating. The elevation in feet above sea level, at various points throughout the State, as shown in Prof. Aughey's sketches above refen'ed to, is as follows: Southeast corner of the State on the bottoms at the mouth of the Nemaha River, 878; Nebraska City, 964; Plattsmouth, 984; Omaha, Union Pacific Depot, 1,050; Blair, 1.111; Fremont. 1,220; Schuy- ler, 1,372; Columbus, 1,469; Grand Island, 1,887; Kearney, 2,143; North Platte, 2,825; Sidney, 4,108; Pine Bluffs, 5,061; Norfolk, 1,428; Beatrice, 1,278; Orleans, 2,150; head of the Republican in Colorado, 4,050; Lincoln, 1,164: Fairmount, 1,657; Harvard, 1,815; Juniata, 1,985; Kenesaw, 2,064; Lowell. 2,086; Camp Sheridan, Old Spotted Tail Agency, 3,490; Indian Creek, northwest corner of State, 4,013; Scott's Bluffs, thirty miles north of Pine Bluffs, 6,051; White Man's Fork, on State line, south of Union Pacific Railroad, 3,188, It is esti- mated that the eastern half of the State along the line of the Union Pacific has an average elevation of 1,700 feet; the western half, 3,525 feet. The aver- age elevation along the whole line would be 2,612 feet. The average elevation of the whole State is estimated at 2,312 feet. While Nebraska does not claim to be a manufac- turing State, some of its leading cities are making gigantic strides in that direction. The Omaha Daily Bee of January 1, 1890, speaks of the manufactur- ing interests of that progressive city as follows: "Omaha is making great progress as an indus- trial center. Its silver refining and snielting works, machine shops, foundries, white lead works, chair factory, wire mills, linseed oil works, distillery, boot and shoe factory- and a score of other industrial concerns that have been established in this city within the past two years, give employment to an army of wage workers numbering fully 11,000. Omaha now contains several of the most exten- sive manufacturing establishments in all America. Its silver smelting works are the largest works of this class in the world; its linseed oil works rival in magnitude with the largest oil mills in America, and its distillery ranks as the fourth largest iu the United States. Its beef and hog product packing houses are only second in capacity to those of Chi- cago. The Paxton & Vierling Iron Works is one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of Omaha. In 1889 $300,000 worth of goods were manufactured, employing 200 men with a weekly pay roll of $1,750. The Omaha Barb Wire Company, owing to con- IV 100 HISTORY' OF NEBRASKA. stantly increasing business, were (.'ompulleil to erect, a few years ago, more commodious worlds. Tlie product is sold all over the West and they have a capacity for turning out four car loads of Ijurljcd wire and 100 kegs of nails each day. They keep sixty men constantly employed, and have a weekly pay I'oU of $750. Of the other iron works the Acme Iron and Wire Works has 5 employes; Wilson & Becmer Iron Works, 40; Carter & Son Boiler Works. 15; Wcarue Bros'. Foundry, 10; Western Cornice Works, 53; Acme Iron Works, 7; Omaha Coi-nice Works, 25; McBreen & Carter, (3; Eagle Cornice Works, 40; Davis & Cowgill, 30; Champion Iron and Wire Works, 12; Eureka Iron Foundry, 14; McLearie & Oehlrie Foundry, 15. Total number employes, including Barb Wire Works ami Paxton & Vierling, 503; total weekly pay rolls, $6,495. The Omaha & Grant Smelting and Refining Works handle a large proportion of the ore produced in the mines of iloutana, Idaho, Colorado, Dakota and Arizona. The plant covers over twentj^-two acres of ground and represents an investment of $3,500,000. It is the largest silver smelting and refining institution in the world. During the year 50,107 tons of ore were smelted. The average number of employes is GOO, who are paid $30,000 monthly, or about $380,000 anuuallj-. The immen- sity of the annual business of this great industry is clearly shown bj- the following statement for the eleven months of 1889, ending November 30: Value. Lead, lb 74,742,713 $3,731,145.50 Silvpr, OZ 11,957,977 10,840,059.87 (Jnld, oz 112,531 2,389,370.03 Sulphate of copper 5,886,500 294,000.00 Mention is made on a previous page of the ex- tent of the Union Pacific Shops, employing the larg- est number of men in Omaha. The Willow Springs Distillery is the third largest in America. The buildings are substantially erected and cover an area of eight acres. The distillery did a business in 1889 of $3,300,000, and paid in sal- aries $93,360. Taxes were paid the government on the product amounting to $2,880,000. Four thous- and cattle were fed, 700,512 bushels of grain mashed and 4,000 tons of hay used. The coal con- sumption was 144,000 tons and 45,600 barrels were u.seil. One lunulrcil and twenty-five men are em- ployed at the distillery. The rectifying firm of Tier & Co., which is connected with the Willow Springs Distillery Company, has $500,000 invested in the enterprise, and occupies extensive premises on Harney Street, where a large wholesale liquor establishment is also carried on. Next in importance to Omaha in the line of man- ufacturing is the citj' of Lincoln, where a great many establishments have been erected and put into operation. All the other leading cities of the State and many of the smaller ones have their local man- ufactories, some mechanical interests being j-et in their infancy. The number of manufactories in the State, in 1880, was 1,403, with an invested capital of $4,881,150, increased in 1885 to 2,861, with an invested capital of $12,722,334. In the five years the number and invested capital more than doubled. From the report of the . secretary of State there has been obtained an official directory of Nebraska's public servants, which is here presented, with begin- ning of term of service: Governors: Francis Burt, October 16, 1854; Mark W. Izard, February 20, 1855; William A. Richardson, January 12, 1858; Samuel W. Black, May 2, 1858; Alvin Saunders, May 15, 18G1; David Butler, February 21, 1867; Robert W. Furnas, January 13, 1873; Silas Garber, January 11, 1875; Albinus Nance, January 9, 1879; James W. Dawes, January 4, 1883; John M. Thayer, January 6. 1887. Lieutenant governors: Othman A. Abbot, Janu- ary 4, 1877; Edmund C. Cams, January 9, 1879; A. W. Agee, January 4, 1883; H. H. Shedd, Janu- ary 8, 1885; George D. Meiklejohn, January 3, 1889. Secretaries: Thomas B. Cuming, August 3, 1854; John B. Motley, March 23, 1858; J. Sterling Morton, July 12, 1858; Algernon S. Paddock, May 6, 1861; Thomas P. Kennard, February 21, 1867; William H. James, January 10, 1871; John J. Gosper, January 13, 1873; Bruno Tzschuck, Janu- ary 11, 1875; S. J. Alexander, January 7, 1879; Edward P. Roggen, January 4, 1883; Gilbert L. Laws, January 6, 1887. Auditors: Charles B. Smith, March 16, 1855; \^ a l^ HISTORY OF .NEBRASKA. 101 Samuel L. Campbell, August 3, 1857; William E. Mooiv, June 1, 1858; Robert C. Jordan, August 2, 1858; William E. Harvey, October 8, 1861; John Gillespie, October 10, 1865; Jefferson B. Weston, January 13, 1873; P. W. Liedtke, January 9, 1879; John Wallichs, November 12, 1880: H. A. Bab- cock, January 8, 1885; T. H. Benton, Januar3' 3, 1889. Treasurers: B. P. Rankin, March 16. 1855; William W. Wj'man, November 6, 1855; Augustus Kountze, October 8, 1861; James Sweet, January 11, 1869; Henry A. Koenig, January 10, 1871; J. U. McBride, January 11, 1875; George M. Bart- lett, January 9, 1879; Phelps D. Sturtevant, Janu- ary 4, 1883; Charles H. Willard, January 8, 1885; J. E. Hill, January 3, 1889. Librarians: James S. Izard, March 16, 1855; H. C. Anderson, November 6, 1855; John H. Kellum, August 3, 1857; Alonzo D. Luce, Novem- ber 7, 1859; Robert S. Knox, 1861; Thomas P. Kennard, June 22, 1867; William H. James. Janu- ary 10, 1871; Guy A. Brown, March 3, 1871. Attorney generals: Champion S. Case, 1867; Seth Robinson, 1869; George H. Roberts, January 10, 1871; J. R. Webster, January 13, 1873; George H. Roberts, January 11, 1875; C. J. Dilworth, Jan- uary 9, 1879; Isaac Powers, Jr., January 4, 1883; William Leese, January 8, 1885. Superintendents of public instruction: Seth W. Reals, 1869; J. M. McKenzie, January 10, 1871; S. R. Thompson, January 4, 1877; W. W. W. Jones, January 6, 1881; George B. Lane, Januar}' 6, 1887. Commissioners of public lands and buildings: F. M. Davis, January 4, 1877; A. G. Kendall, Janu- ary 6, 1881; Joseph Scott, January 8, 1885; John Steen, January 3, 1889. Judges of supreme court — chief justices: Fen- ner Ferguson, October 12, 1854; Augustus Hall, March 15, 1858; William Pitt Kellogg, May 27, 1861; William Kellogg, 3Iay 8, 1865; William A. Little, 1866; Oliver P. Mason, 1866; George B. Lake, January 16, 1873; Daniel Gantt, January 3, 1878; Samuel Maxwell, May 29, 1878; George B. Lake, January 1, 1882; Amasa Cobb, Januarj^ 1, 1884; Samuel Maxwell, January 1, 1886; M. B. Reese, Januarj- 1, 1888. Associate justices and judges: Edward R. Har- den, December 4, 1854; James Bradley, OctoluM- 25, 1854; Samuel W. Black; Eleazer Wakeley, April 22, 1857; Joseph Miller, April 9, 1859; Wil- liam F. Lockwood, May 16, 1861; Joseph E. Streeter, November 18. 1861; Elmer S. Dundy, June 22, 1863; George B. Lake, February 21, 1867; Lorenzo Crounse, February 21, 1867; Daniel Gantt, January 16, 1873; Samuel Maxwell, January 16, 1873; Amasa Cobb, May 29, 1878; M. B. Reese, January 1, 1884. Clerks of supreme court: H. C. Anderson, 1856; Charles L. Salisbury, 1858; E. B. Chandler, 1859; John H. Kellom, 1861; William Kellogg, Jr., 1865; George Armstrong, 1867; Guy A. Brown, August 8, 1868. Reporters of supreme court: J. M. Woolworth. 1870; Lorenzo Crounse, 1873; Guy A. Brown, 1875. Delegates and members of Congress: Napoleon B. Giddings, December 12, 1854; Bird B. Chapman, November 6, 1855; Fenner Ferguson, August 3, 1857; Experience Estabrook, October 11, 1859; Samuel G. Daily, October 9, 1860; Phiueas W. Hitchcock, October 11, 1864; T. M. Marquette, March 2, 1866; John Taffe, October 9, 1S67; Lor- enzo Crounse, October 8, 1872; Frank Welch, No- vember 7, 1876; Thomas J. Majors, December, 1877; E. K. Valentine, November 5, 1878; A. J. Weaver, March 4, 1883; James Laird, March 4, 1883; George W. E. Dorsey, March 4, 1885; John A. MeShane, March 4, 1887. United States Senators: John M. Thayer, 1867- 71; Thomas W. Tipton, 1867-75; Phineas W. Hitch- cock, 1871-77; Algernon S. Paddock, 1875-81; Alvin Saunders, 1877-83; C. H. VanWyck, 1881-87; Charles P. Manderson, 1883-89; Algernon S. Pad- dock, 1887-93. United States marshals: JIark W. Izard, Octo- ber 28, 1854: Eli R. Doyle, April 7, 1855; Ben- jamin P. Rankin, March 29, 1856; Phiueas W. Hitchcock, September 19, 1861; Casper E. Yost, April 1, 1865; J. T. Hoile, July 1, 1869; William Daily, 1871; Ellis Bierbower, 1880. The following abstract of votes cast for presi- dential candidates since Nebraska's admission into the Union will be of interest: 1868, Ulysses S. -^^ 102 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Grant (R), 9,782; Horatio D. Seymour (D), 5,519; 1872, Ulysses S. Grant (R), 17,702; Horace Greeley (D), 7.548; 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes (R), .31,8.33; Samuel J. Tikleu (D), 17,554; 1880, James A. Gar- field (R), 54.979; Winfield S. Hancock (D), 28,523; Gen. Weaver (Nat), 3,950; 1884, James G. Blaine (R), 70,912; Butler and Cleveland (Fusion-D), 54,391; John P. St. John (P), 2,899; 1888, Ben- jamin Harrison (R), 108,425; Grover Cleveland (D). 80,552; Fiske (P), 9,429; Streeter (U. L), 4,226. The popular vote for governor has been: 1866, David Butler, 4,093; J. Sterling Morton, 3.948; 1868, David Butler, 8,576; J. R. Porter, 6,349; 1870, David Butler, 11,126; John H. Croxton, 8,64«; 1872, Robert W. Furnas, 16,543; Henry C. Lett, 11,227; 1874, Silas Garber, 21,568; Albert Tuxbury, 8,025; J. F. Gardner, 4,059; J. S. Church, 1,346; 1876, Silas Garber, 31,947; Paren England, 17,219; J. F.Gardner, 3,022; scattering, 36; 1878, Albinus Nance, 29,469; W. H. Webster, 13,473; Levi G. Todd, 9,475; 1880, Albinus Nance, 55,237; T. W. Tipton, 28,167; 0. T. B. Williams, 3,898; scattering, 43; 1882, James W. Daws, 43,495; J. Sterling Morton, 28,562; E. P. IngersoU, 16,991; scattering, 30; 1884, James W. Daws, 72,835; J. S. Morton, 57,634; J. G. Miller, 3,075; scattering, 11; 1886, John M. Thayer, 75,956; James E. North, 52,656; H. H. Hardy, 8,175; J. Burrows, 1,422; scattering, 30; 1888, John M. Thayer, 103,983; John A. McShane, 85,420; George E. Bigelow. 9,511; David Butler, 3.941; scattering, 10. Congressional candidates in the several Congres- sional districts at the general elections in November, 1882, 1884, 1886 and 1888, received the following votes. In the First district, composed of the coun- ties of Cass, Douglas, Gage, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy and Saunders: 1882, A. J. Weaver (R), 17,022; John L Redick (D), 12,690; W. S. Gilbert (P), 3,707; 1S84, A. J. Weaver (R), 22,644; Charles H. Brown (D), 21,669; E. J. ONeil (P), 1,024; 1886, Church Howe (R), 16,373; John A. McShane (D), 23,396; George Bigelow (P), 2,876; 1888, W. J. Connell (R), 32.926; J. S. Morton (D), 29,519; Edwin B. Graham (P), 2,962; J. W. Edgei-ton (U. L), 650. In the Second district, composed of the counties of Adams, Butler, Chase, Clay, Dundy, Fillmore, Furnas, Franklin, Frontier, Gasper, Hamilton, Har- lan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Jefferson, Kearney, Nuck- olls, Phelps, Polk, Red Willow, Saline, Seward, Thayer, Webster and York, in 1882 James Laird (R) received 12,983 votes; V. S. Jloore (D), 10,012; F. A. Harmau (D), 3,060; 1884, James Laird (R), 21,182; J. H. Stickel (D). 17,650; B. Crabb (P), 1.176; 1886, James Laird (R), 21,373; W. A. Mc- Keighan (D), 16,315; C. S. Hamson (P), 3,789; 1888, James Laird (R), 30,959; W. G. Hastings (D), 21,207; George Scott (P), 4,128; H. II. Rohr(U. L), 1,590. The Third district is composed of the counties of Antelope, Blaine, Boone, Box Butte, Brown, Buf- falo, Burt, Cedar, Cheyenne, Cherry, Colfax, Cum- ing, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dixon, Dodge, Dawson, Grant, Greeley, Garfield, Hall, Holt, Howard, Kej'a Paha, Keith, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Perkins, Pierce, Platte, Sioux, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Thomas, Val- ley, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler. The votes cast in the district have been, in 1882, F. K. Valen- tine (R), 11.284; M. K. Turner (D), 7,342; W. H. Munger(D), 9,932; 1884, G. W. E. Dorsey (R), 25,985; William Neville (D), 20,871; Albert Felch (P), 572; 1S86, G. W. E. Dorsey (R), 28,717; A. H. Webster (D), 20,943; W. J. Olinger (P), 2,583; 1888, G. W. E. Dorsey (R). 42,288; E. P. Weath- erby (D), 31,128; A. M. AValliug (P), 2,995; F. O. Jones (U. L), 1,487. The population of the Territorj- and State of Ne- braska at the different years mentioned has been as follows: 1855, 4,494; 1856, 10,716; 1860, 28.841; 1870, 122,993; 1874, 230,007; 1875, 246,280; 1876, 257,747; 1878,313,748; 1880, 452,542; 1885, 740,- 645. According to the rate of increase from 1880 to 1885, the population of 1890 will be about 1,200,000, though owing to the increased facilities for immigraion, it may exceed that estimate. As has been the case in all or nearly all newly settled portions of America , ministers of the Gospel accompanied the pioneer settlers to the Territory of Nebraska and began preaching the Word of God; and, in proportion as the Territory and State has in- creased in [Kipulation, religious organizations have f liL HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 103 lieeii established and church edifices lia^e been erected. In several older States the Methodists and Baptists were, for some years, the pioneer Christian workers; luit this cannot l.)e said of Nebraska, for, with its settlement, side by side with the ministers of these denominations were the preachers of the Presl)yterian. Christian. Disciple, and other churches. It is prol)able that the United States garrison, stationed where Nel^raska City now stands, was favoretl with religious services by a chaplain several years l)efore the settlement of the Territory began. Early in the spring of 1854, Rev. William D. Gage, a Jlethodist missionary, began regular preaching in Nebraska Cit\'. A frame "meeting house" was erected soon thereafter. The following year the ^Methodist and Baptist denominations each organized a church with several constituent members. The first was under the supervision of Rev. Gage, and the memliers were Rev. Gage himself and wife, flattie Gage, William Walker and wife, M. Ridden and Mrs. Rowena Craig. The second was under the supervision of Rev. J. C. Renfro, and the mem- bers were B. B. Belcher, Samuel Findley, Edward JIcHenry, Lucinda Nuckolls, Mary Ann Belcher, Lavisou Cook and Caroline Thomas. The same year, 1855, a church was organized in Nebraska City by the Presbyterians, under the supervision of Revs. H. M. Giltner, a missionary, and L. G.' Bell, of Sidney. Iowa. The constituent members were D. F. Jack.son and wife, W. B. Hall and wife, Mrs. Harriet Anderson, !Mrs. Mary Cowles, Jlrs. Cath- arine Cowles, Miss Maggie J. Martin, Solomon Martin, David Martin, W. S. Van Doren, Dr. J. C. Campliell. Miss Emil\- Lorton, Miss Nancy Pearman and Mrs. S. E. Giltner. The Christian Church, organized in Brownville in January, 1855, by Elder Joel M. Woods, is said to have been the first organized religious body in the Territory, except the Indian Mission. In 1858 the Jlethodist Episcopal, Congregational, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches each organized societies in Brownville. In 1855, the next year after the site of Omaha was settled, a religious awakening took place there under the preaching of Revs. Koulmer, Isaac F. Collins, William Leach, Moses F. Shiun and Reuben Gavlord. •■ The latter was one of the foremost and most influential of the holy men who came into the wil- derness and assisted in shaping the religious des- tiny, not alone of Omaha, Init of Nebraska and the West. He was Ijorn in the State of Connecticut, where a mother's instruction and prayers directed his opening powers and led to an early consecration to God. Upon his graduation, he passed twentj- years in Iowa, laying the foundations of his church in that State, whence he came to Omaha on a pros- pecting tour. At that time there was no church or- ganization of his denomination, nor house of wor- ship of any other religious association. He imme- diately entered upf)n his duties as a minister, and preached in the old eapitol building on Ninth Street. On the first Sabbath in May, 185G, he organized a Congregational Church with nine members, holding services in the dining-room of the Douglas House. He soon inaugurated measures for the erection of a church edifice, which was completed and dedicated in 1857, and after a service in the pastures of the Lord for nearly a third of a century, he passed away. He died in 1880, respected as a minister of the Gospel for his talents and Christian virtues, not more than for his work as a man in public and pri- vate life. " ' ' Foremost also among those who came in the same cause during 1855, was the Rev. AV. PJmmonds. of Council BlutTs, who enjoys the distinction of having Ijeen the first Catholic clergyman in the Ter- ritory of Nebraska. He came for the purpose of attending to the wants of the Catholics in Omaha, but finding no accommodations for the performance of his sacred duties, he was compelled to return to Council Blufl's, whither at intervals devout Catholics on this side were forced to repair to attend mass and approach the sacraments. During the latter part of the \ear, it is claimed that mass was said in the Representative chamber of the old eapitol. while others insist that the services were held at the resi- dence of the Hon. T. B. Cuming, corner of Dodge and Eighteenth Streets. Be this as it may, no church was determined upon until June. 1S51I, when Thomas O'Connor, James Ferry and Vincent Burk- le}' were appointed a committee to solicit subscrip- tions." — [Andre is' History of Nebraska.] The 104 TIlSTOin" OF XEHT^ASKA. c-huic'h edifice, a small brick Iniilding, was erected before liie yi-ar cUised. In 1855 the Methodists held services at Archer, the original county seat of Richardson County, and the same year a class was organized at the home of Henry Shellhom on South Pork, in Pawnee County. Rev. l)a\id Hart was the pioneer Methodist preacher In tliis extreme southeastern part of the State. Also in 1855, a Presbyterian Cluirch was organized at Bellevue, in Sarpy County, by Rev. "William Ham- ilton. The following year Rev. I. E. Heaton, of the Congregational Church, commenced preaching at Fremont, and in 1857 a Congregational and a Metliodist Church were organized at that place. Prior to 1854 only a few points in the Territory now composing the State of Nebraska had been permanently settled, and not a sufficient number of indixiduals had settled at any particular place to organize a church. But during that and the follow- ing year there seems to have been a large immigra- tion to the Territory, and it is remarkable how rapidly religious denominations began to organize churclies. The denominati(^ns mentioned in the foregoing may be considered the pioneers in inaugu- rating Christian work in the new Territory. All of them have grown strong in numbers and in property, and it is to be hoped equally as strong in their zeal to advance the cause of Christianity. In 1857-58, especially in the latter year, many new churches mostly by the denominations mentioned were organ- ized. But few if any other denominations organ- ized societies in the Territory prior to 18G0. In this year, on August 3, Bishop Talbot, of the Episcopal Church, held services in Plattsmouth, and the society organized by him received its regular supply the following year in the person of Rev. Isaac A. Hager, who commenced his work June IG. The St. James Episcopal Church of Bellevue was organized in 1861, by Rev. I. A. Hager. Services were held at differ- ent points until 1867, when the name of the society was changed from St. James to Holy Trinity, and the work of erecting an edifice begun. In the fall of 1863, Episcopal services were held in Brown- ville, by Rt. Rev. J. C. Talbot, the second mission- ary bishop of the diocese, and a society still exist- ing was organized. Bishop Talbot and Rev. O. C. Pake held tiie first Episcopal service in Fremont, July 14, 1865, from which time Dr. Dake became the settled pastor. This denomination has since organized many societies throughout the State, and become prominent in religious work. In 1860 Roman Catholic services were first held in Platts- mouth, and the following year a church edifice was erected. In 1868 Bishop O'Gorman organized a Roman Catholic Church in Lincoln, and in 1879 the church of St. Theresa, one of the largest and hand- somest structures in the city, was erected. Many Catholic churches, especially in the larger cities and towns of the State, now exist, the memberships con- sisting largely of citizens from the old country. In 1866 a society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized at Nebraska City; but as there has only lieen a sprinkling of immigrants from the South, this denomination has not l)e- come prominent in the State. German Methodist Episcopal, German Presbyterian, Evangelical Luth- eran and United Brethren Churches have been or- ganized in some of the larger cities. The Univer- salist Church organized a society at Lincoln, Sep- tember 1, 1870. Rev. James Gorton was the first pastor. Their church building, completed in June, 1872, was the first one erected in Nebraska by Uni- versalists. There are but few organizations of this denomination within the State. In a few cities of the State, where there is a considerable population of colored poeple, Colored Methodist, Colored Baptist and African Methodist Churches have been established. At a few points in the State the Sev- enth Day Adventists have colonized themselves and organized and established churches; but they are not numerically strong throughout this locality. Other denominations, not herein named, have also organ- ized religious societies. Numerically the Methodist Episcopal Cluirch is the strongest in Nebraska, having at this time (March, 1890) a membership of about 35,000. The original Nebraska conference of .this denomination, organized in 1860, embraced all that portion of the State lying east of the line lietween Ranges 1 2 and 13 west. This line forms the western boundary of Webster, Adams, Hall, Howard, Greeley and Wheeler Counties. All that portion of the State V i) > HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 105 lying west thereof was made a mission district. In 1881 the Nebraska conference was divided by the Platte River from its mouth to the line dividing Townships 15 and 16 north; thence west on this lino to the point where it again crosses the river; thence up the river to the western boundary of the conference. All Ij'ing south of this line retained the original name "Nebraska Conference," and all lying north thereof was made to constitute a new conference by the name of the ' ' North Nebraska Conference. " Since that time the mission district, above descril)ed, has been erected into conference, and named ""West Nebraska Conference." The twenty-ninth session of the Nebraska Annual Con- ference was held at York, October 2, 3, 4 and 5, 1889, Bishop John H. Vincent, presiding. The thirtieth annual session of this conference will be held at Hastings. A detailed history' of individual church organiza- tions will appear in the county histories. The best historj' of Nebraska is found in the columns of the newspapers which were founded with the first settlement of the Territory. The history of the newspapers of Nebraska would alone fill a vol- ume. The rapid development of the State is due largely to their efforts, and no State in the Union can boast of a better class of newspapers or a more intelligent and enterprising class of publishers. The first newspaper published in Nebraska was the Palladium and Platte \^alle3- Advocate, issued on November 14, 1854, by Thomas Morton, D. E. Reed & Co. It preceded the publication of the Arrow but a few days, the latter paper being issued at Omaha on November 28, 1854. The Nebraska City News was established in 1855, with J. Sterling Morton at the editorial helm. As the Territory in- creased in population the number of newspapers in- creased. Journalism has not only kept pace with progress in Nebraska, but has actually preceded it, and to-day nearly every village has its local publi- cation, while the larger towns and cities support from two to twenty and more papers. The leading daily papers of Omaha are the Bee, the World-Her- ald, the Republican and the Democrat. These papers will compare favorablj- with the best daily newspapers of the country, especially the Bee, which outranks all Western journalistic efforts. Lincoln has the Daily State Journal, Daily News and Daily Call. Fremont has two dailies, the Tribune and the Herald. The Express and Democrat, both dailies, are able exponents of Beatrice. Nebraska City has the Daily Press and the Daily News. Grand Island supports the Daily Independent, while Hastings is represented by the Dailj- Nebraskan. Kearnej- gives a liberal support to the Enterprise, the Hub and the Journal, all dailies. Plattsmouth supports two dailies, while Columbus, Yorlv, Broken Bow and Red Cloud each boast of enterprising dailj- publica- tions. The weekly publications of Nebraska num- 1jer into the hundreds. 9 ^* ^1 ADAMS COUNTY. 107 AlDAlS/IS OOUNXY. -)+•«- CHAPTER XII. An Historical Sketch— Location and Area— Population— Adaptability to Agbicultuee— Physical Fea- tures—Natural Gas— Climatic Features — Game — Fremont's Travels— Kit Carson — The Government Well — Indian Treaties — "Bill" Kress — Some Fikst Things- Pioneers — Original Tax Roll — Settlers' Associations. -the future ours; and teach. * * but they left us one." In 1873 the pioneer agriculturists were firmly estalalished and every township gave evidence of its possibilities. There were scarcely a thousand per- sons in the fields of Adams County at the time ; but the news of success of the fortunate ones soon spread abroad and, by the spring of 1874, over 1,500 persons came to share in the fortunes of the pioneers. All became evangelists of faith in Ne- braska and, notwithstanding the difficulty of setting aside the ideas of the "Great American Desert," inculcated for 30 years, and based on the reports of the Pathfinder, Fremont, the teachings of the new doctrine were well received and answered by almost a thousand more in 1 874-75. Then the great truth spread out that Fremont's desert lay west of longi- tude 23 degrees, and his description, even then, was only applicable in part; for, when supplied with water to malte up for the limited rainfall, that por- tion of the State west of longitude 23 degrees is highly productive and its fecundity proverbial. For a thousand j-ears its natural grasses have insured to the great herds of buffalo a pasturage at once abundant and rich in such parts as support animal life, and, when the humid region of Nebrasiva is "The past is theirs— And we must learn H«, », , They liad no model, DAMS County is one of the divisions of Nebraska in the second tier of counties north of the Kansas line, 120 miles west of the Mis- souri River. Its Congres- sional description is — Townships 5, 6, 7 and 8, in Ranges 9, 10,11 and 12, west of the sixth princi- pal meridian, almost midway between 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and 21 degi'ees and 20 degrees west longi- tude. The area is 576 square miles or 308,640 acres. The elevation above sea level at Hansen is 1,949 feet, at Hastings 1,934, at Pauline 1,777, at Roseland 1,969; Holstein 2,011 and Leroy 1,860. The pop- ulation in 1870 was 19; in 1874,2,694; in 1875, 3,093; in 1876,3,940; in 1878,5,583; in 1879, 8,162; in ISSO,* 10,239; in 1885,18,002; wliilc. in 1889, it was estimated at 25,000. ♦In 1S80 .\dams County was divided into nine districts for the purpose of census enumeration, and the followinpr named citizens were ai)pointed enumerators: C. H. Paul, A. J. Oreu- dorf, I. W. Cranu'r. Kev. H. A. Guild. W. Darlins, H. N. Crone. R. L. Miles, A, C. Moore, and D. Sinclair. V ^ 9 >^. 108 HISTORY 01' NEBRASKA. filled lo overflowing, that section of the State and adjoining territory, comprising 100, 001). 000 acres of aritl lands, will become the home of industry. The Little Blue rises in Kearney Count}', but the greater number of its sources are found in Adams Count}\ Its course in Nebraska is about 110 miles. It receives the Big Sandj' in Jefferson (Countj-, and flows into the Big Blue south of the State line. In its beautiful \ alley a few of the early settlements of the State were made, and in later years the sanguinary Sioux enacted many of their tragedies along its course. The head streams of the Little Blue give to the gretiter portion of Adams County many advantages — except in the neighbor- hood of Kenesaw, thej^give a stream to almost everj' section. Pawnee, Sandy, Thirty-two Mile and Cot^ tonwood Creeks are the principal feeders of this river. The northwestern townships of the county are drained by the Platte, the south channel of which occupies the extreme northwest corner. * The divide between the Republican and the Little Blue is almost on the line between Webster and Adams Counties. The Chamberlain well phenomena, the disturb- ances in the well on the Jones farm, north of the city, the escape of gas above the village of St. Paul, and the gas spring near Omaha, drew the attention of the people to the existence of natural gas under the prairies. One of the most thorough explorations of strata, made in Central Nebraska, was begun in August, 1889, and completed to 1,040 feet on December 6, 1889, when George Haller, who kept a record of strata, reported to the Tribune: From 125 feet to 230 feet an extensive bed of sand and water was found. At 230 feet the great bed of yellow ochre was discovered. By a good many this was thought to be a glazier formation. At 260 to 270 feet the ochre began to have a gray color. At 280 feet a light colored shale was found with a few thin streaks of gray spar. This shale extends to a depth of 430 feet, more or less darker at diflferent depths. Here a formation of gypsum and limestone was passed •In early years (18!)0) there was a small lake near the great trail, three miles nortliwest of Kenesaw. Tlie Germans wlio carried the mail from the Missouri to Colorado had a camping rancli six miles north of Kenesaw. round which grass was abundant. through, it beitig probalily a foot and a half thick. A small flow of water was then struck ; then the shale again. It continued to show small deposits of iron pyrites, and then thin stratas of limestone, with occasionally a small streak of gray spar. This formation continued until adepth of 805 was reached, but from 805 to 950 feet shale predominated. Then about seven feet of veiy thin limestone were passed through ; then about twenty feet of shale gypsum ; then about twenty feet of ■•gumbo" shale. At flOo feet from five to six feet of gypsum, then shale, dry spar and limestone until a depth of 925 was readied. Here a vein of water and a little sand were observed for the first time after leaving the large bed of sand. From 925 to 942^ feet, at which latter point the great salt bed was struck, a soft "gumbo" like shale, getting softer near the salt. From 942^ to 987^ the salt bed. After leaving the salt; sand- stone was found. From 400 feet down the gas odor was stronger as the distance increased until the salt was struck. Another fact is that more or less small pieces of iron pyrites were found all the way from 300 to 930 feet. What future boring may develop is an unknown quantity — the enterprise of business men must find it out. — the scientific man can onlj- speculate. Joseph Horgan discoA'ered a large deposit of calcine on his farm in June, 1873. The seasons are delightful. No killing frosts in the spring are likelj' in Nebraska after April IG, and no frost after 3Iay 14 ; in the fall, during seven- teen years, the average date of killing frosts is October 7 ; slight frost, September 23. The hottest month is July, the coldest, February. Grass has started so as to change the aspect of the prairie by April 9, and by April 29 will yield cattle a full sui> port. The cold weather begins in January and con- tinues until April. On January 1, 1883, the ther- mometer registered 8 degrees below at Hastings ; on the 7th, 14th and ISth was at zero, while on the 19th it was 30 degrees below; on the 20th, 2G de- grees, and 21st, 16 degrees below. On Jaiuuiiy 1, 1884, it was 10 degrees below, and on the 5th and 24th, 18 degrees below. It fell to 26 degrees on January 1, 1885, to 18 degrees on the 16th, and to 22 degrees on the 19th and 20th. On January 8, ^' ^ ik^ ADAxMS COUNTY. 109 1886, 26 degrees below were registered; ou the 16th, 23 degrees; on the 9th, 24 degrees, and on the 16th, 20 degrees below. The mercury showed 12 degrees below on Januiuy 1, 1887; 15 degrees ou the Cth, and 20 degi'ees on the 8th and 0th. On January 1, 1881, the mercury was 6 degrees below; on the 8th, 12 degrees; on the 12th, a blizzard; on the 13th, l-t degrees; on the 14th, 20 degrees; on the loth, 24 degrees, and on the IGth, 12 degrees. February of 1888 was the most temperate of all Februaries during the six years given, the mercury ranging from 60 degrees to 66 degrees above for several days ; but March was the coldest March of all the years. Travelers may speak of the beautiful fall in Southern France and along the chain of the Pyrenees ; but it is very questionable if the sunshine is of longer duration there than in 'this section of Nebraska. The fall of 1889 was just simply a con- tinuation of the summer, and the sky a summer's skj^ When winter spreads her mantle over the prairies he comes to stay for three full months. He is grim, of course, and treacherous ; but withall, this Nebraska winter clarifies the soil, builds up the constitution of man, and carries with it health to all who come here healthy ; and, in some cases, causes the disappearance of even hereditary disease. The blizzard of April, 1873, came when the robes of winter had disappeared, and the pioneers of Adams were enjoying the first spring day of that year. Although a warm rain was falling, the farmers were busy in the fields, and the stock had been turned loose ampng the corn-stalks. Late in the afternoon the morcur}' fell, and toward the close of the day a cold breeze sprung up, w'hieh suddenl}- changed into a blizzard, filling the air with snow and corn-stalks. A Mrs. Brown, of the Independent, speaking of this storm in 1888, says: '• The tem- perature seemed to be falling at the rate of forty degrees in thirty-nine minutes; no one had time to do anything luit fly in doors, and l)efore midnight one of the worst blizzards that ever struck Nebraska was prevailing with a fury that was frightful to contem- plate. " The story was suggested bj* the blizzard of Januarj- 12, 1888, in which Mrs. Malinda Chapman and two children of Mrs. Faust, of Turtle Creek, were frozen to death. The cyclone of April, 1874, broke over Kenesaw, closing a beautiful afternoon, and scattering the homes of the people. One house, belonging to A. D. Williams, alone remained of the little town, and into this the frightened people ran for safety. It is related that E. G. Knapp, his wife, and W. V. Miller sought shelter in a sod hen-house (about fortj'-five cubical feet in size) and remained there for seventy-two hours, a can of peaches and two eggs, picked up from the debris, being their only provision for food. In May, 1874, a heavy rain storm swept over this section. The wide prairie was unable to absorb the volume of water, and so it spread out into a shallow lake, the depression in which Kenesaw is located being submerged to a depth of over three feet. During the thunder storm of April 17, 1880, the house belonging to Thomas Hughes, three miles northeast of Juniata, was destroj-ed by lightning. The wife of Eugene Parnum was killed and himself scorched by the fluid. The storm of June 25, 1881, created havoc among small buildings in and around Juniata, floral hall on the agricultural grounds being entirely destroyed. On July 11, 1882, a hail stoiTQ swept over the county from a point two miles west of Hastings. It broke nearly 2,000 panes of glass in the city, and in its southerly course destroj-ed crops of all kinds. On July 12, 1883, a similar storm swept a section of country, two miles north of Hastings, destroying a strip of crops twenty-four miles in length ly two in width, or fortj'-eight full sections. In view of such disasters the question of organizing a hail insurance company- was raised in January, 1884. The storm of July 20, 1884, commenced north of Grand Island, and created havoc along its southwestern course at Juniata, Hansen and other places. The leg-bone of a mastodon was unearthed in October, 1883, on a farm belonging to the Nebraska Real Estate Company. How long since the giants of the wilderness roamed over the land ? What ani- mals did they crowd out ? Who were their hunters ? are all questions which history cannot answer. The buffalo, moose, the antelope are the only great ani- mals of this class known to exist on the prairies within this historic period. Since the settlement of Adams County, thej- have appeared at intervals .k 110 lilSTUKY OF NEBRASKA. williiii its lioumliirics and since its settlement the last great lienl of Imtlalo disappeared within a circle of lire and under sliowcrs of lead. In June, 1873, two liutlalo visited the Plank farm near Hast- ings, both of which the owner killed. Prior to this time, as recorded in the history of Clay County, a young woman rode down and captured an antelope in the vicinity of Spring Ranche. During the latter |)art of January and early in February, 1S90, weekly wolf hunts formed the programme for the farmers in the northern part of the countj'. One of the first and largest white owls ever cap- tured in this country was captured by Frank Ternow, of Holstein, in December, 1889. It measured five feet and a half from tip to tip of wing. During the latter part of July and the first days of August, 1873, a plague of insects descended on the prairies, like a heavy cloud which obscured the sunlight. All vegetation, save the single prairie grasses, disappeared before the devouring myriads, an peared, and asked for something to eat. After finishing the meal they began packing our furs and, putting them on my pony, started off with our proj)- erty. I made up my mind not to submit to it, and. as I had just taken from the Dutch oven a hot cake, I concealed a knife therein and followed them. Near the camp was an icy place, and round it the Indian, leading my ponj-, went, while the other went straight across. Thus they lost sight of each other. I had nearlj- overtaken the one with the pony when I made a slight noise and he tui-ned and stopped. As I came up to him, I offered the bread, which, with a sardonic grin, he reached to take, and, as he did so, I drew my knife and struck him with it. As he fell I struck him across the throat and killed him without .attracting the attention of his com- panion. I followed Indian number two, and before he was aware of my presence shot him dead, and thus saved our furs and my pony. " For the purposes of this chapter the following memoir of Jlortimer N. Kress, the actual pioneer of the county, is given. The story is based on his own relation of names and events. Mortimer N. Kress, or Bill Kress, as he was sometimes called b}' companions or friends, in the <^wl>^ ^lc^^^<^^^ ^rr^ ® w^ HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 113 earlj- days when the State of Nebraska was one vast wilderness — was born in Lycoming County, Pa., near Williamsport, in 1841. He was the youngest of thirteen children forming the famil^^ of George and Eliza (Dunlap) Kress. His father, a native of the United States, was born in 1799. He followed farming, and was a successful business man until his death in 1873. The senior Mrs. Kress died in 1846, leaving Mortimer, the youngest son, who then was only five years old, an orphan. He had some schooling up to the age of eleven years, when he took a notion to see some of the world. He was thrown on his own resources mostly, and while still young saw a great deal of life. He enlisted in 1861, in answer to the first call, in Company E, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Col. George Bayard, and served under Fremont in what was commonly known as the Army of Virginia. He was in all the battles after Bull Run fought by the eastern arm}'. His regiment traveled 4,500 miles while in the ser- vice, and he was all the way with Sheridan on his raid, and on June 9, 1863, was injured at Brandy Station, receiving a sabre wound in the shoulder. He remained with his company, and during the day was taken prisoner, and escaped three times. The sabre wound proved to be serious, but he still con- tinued with the company until he received his dis- charge, in December, 1864. He offered to remain with the reorganized company, but exposure and hard fighting had so militated against his health that he was not received. Returning to the place of his youth, the old home in Lycoming County, Pa. , he remained a few months, and in the spring of 1865, being of an active nature, moved westward and located at Den- ver, Col., where he stopped a short time. There his life as a plainsman and trapper commenced. Mr. Kress passed over what is now Adams County in 1865. The plains scemed to be his home; he loved them and they agi-eed with him, even as well as did most of his friends and acquaintances. Mr. Ki'ess was a jouug, active men — few men on the plains were his equal at anything he undertook to do. He had a good, strong constitution and a large amount of native pluck. In following the life of a trapper he traveled all over the western country'. In the spring of 1867 he was through this section of the State and at Thirty-two Mile Creek, the supposed site of the great Indian massacre, was told of a man be- ing found dead there, but states there is no reason to suppose any wholesale slaughter occuiTcd at that place, as is reported. Subsequently he went all over the State, and through Kansas, Colorado, In- dian Territory- and Texas. In these various locali- ties he mingled with the different tribes of Indians, and became' familiar with each language, and was engaged in ti-ading with them a great part of the time. Traffic with the Indians proved to be a busi- ness that had some profit, for at times he would accumulate a large amount of money, that was in- vested in some venture. During his wanderings he found the Republican River to be a good trapping- ground, and located there. While engaged at that business he became acquainted with 31. J. Fonts (California Joe), they later hunting and trapping together. In 1869, while looking for some stray mules he had lost, Mr. Ki-ess wandered into Adams County. He admired the country for several reasons ; it would give him a home near to his field of action, and as it was necessary to have a home somewhere for the summer months, he concluded to take up a claim in Adams County. He went back and in- formed his companion of the intention, and they in company came and located claims in Little Blue Township, the claim of Mr. Kress being on what is now Section 13, Township 5, Range 9. It is still owned by him. M. J. Fouts also settled on the same section. At the time of their location there were no settlers in what is now this county. The county took in half of what is now Hall County, and a few men had chosen sites up Thirty-two Mile Creek, in the latter county. After settling, 3Ir. Kress went to take out his papers for the claim, and found that, aside from Fouts' and his, only two en- tries had been made, his numbering the fourth in the county. In the winter of 1869 and spring of 1870 Kress built a hewed log-house. He commenced to improve his claim, and in 1870 turned over fifty acres of sod, and had it well stocked. The summer of 1870 he remained on the claim and farmed. In the winter he engaged in trapping on the Republican River. He found it very profitable as well as eu- V 114 JIISTOKV OF NEBRASKA. jovjiliK' finployincnt, his voaHv iiK-oino fmiii wolf pells MiiKimiting to a large sum. In the winter, leaviiiii his ranch in charjie of a man employed to look aftt>r his stock, it was his custom to go to the l{cpul)ii<';ni Uivcr, there staying and hunting buffalo, deer, antelope, antl trap the wolves, otter, beaver and mink. Some of these trips took him a long wav from home. He led the life of a scout and hunter from his first settlement in the county until 18SII, sometimes aljscnting himself from this region a numlicr of months. On one of these occasions he drove from Texas, and never a day passed that he did not see and talk with some of his former acquaint- ances or border friends. He was scouting on Big Piney Creek when Fort Kearney was built, and assisted in its construction. Mr. Kress acted as scout for (ien. Miles and Gen. McKeuzie in 1874. In the early spring of 1873 the country was aroused by the report that the Indians were coming down to take the life of Wild Bill, who was then at his claim in Little Blue Township, for the shoot- ing of Whistler, the chief of the Sioux. The in- lialiitants of the county were much alarmed, and some of them threatened to hang Bill if they could find liim. All this time Bill was on friendly terms witli tlie Indians, and was in no danger, although circum.stances did point rather strongly against him. The story in effect is as follows: In the spring of 1873, Bill was camped on the Republican River trapping, when he fell in with one named Jack Ral- ston. The latter was a man of good education, and had been on the successful side of life at one time; but liecoming too familiar with the bottle, he had chosen to remove to the wild west to reform. Bill took liini in and shared his gains with him. One day alioul the latter part of March, Bill and his com- |)anion crossed the river, and while hunting in the timber came upon a dead mule. Shortly after two Indian ixmies were found, which thej^ took with them over the river to camp. A few days later, the weather being cold and wet and the two companions having just finished their evening meal, three In- ilians came into their camp, and asked for food and lodging. Bill offered them the remains of the sup- per, pancakes, cold meat and coffee. But Ralston licing of a somewhat kind nature, wanted to enter- tain them more royally and give them a hot suppei-. Bill knew that the suppl}' of coffee and sugar and salt would not last but a few days, and not wishing to run short, differed from him. The difficulty ended in Ralston being kicked out of the camp. He took one of the ponies and went to some of the small trading places in the upper part of the count}-, and there traded the ponj- for a plug of tobacco, a square meal and a half gallon of good old whisk}-, which was too freelj' imljibed, with the result that he told a very nice storj- about Bill and himself killing the three Indians who had come into their camp. At about this time Whistler was killed, and one of the ponies proved to be his. Suspicion was naturally attached to Mr. Kress. Ralston could not be found. Kress was not arrested, and the Indians did not make any attempt to kill him. In fact, Snow Flake, who took Whistler's place, thanked him for the favor he supposed he had done him. Mr. Kress was elected or appointed constable in the early daj's before the county was organized, and served in that capacity while at home. The first deaths that occurred in Adams County were two parties named Bobbins and Lumos, young men who settled in 1870 on the Blue, and the same year were killed bj- a man alleged to be Jake Haynes. There was no doubt of the fact that Haynes did the work, but he was cleared, and a few weeks later was hung for stealing a mule in Kansas. In 1873 the first load of grain was taken to Hastings to market — wheat raised by W. S. jMont. Kress had brought wheat into the countj- for seed, and raised the first crop, though this was not marketed. The first couple who were married after settling in the county were Eben Wright and Susan Gates. Mr. Kress took them to Grand Island on October 10, 1870, where the ceremony was per- formed. The first marriage in the county proper by a white man was Roderic Lomas and Lila War- wick, married liy her father, John Warwick, who also preached the first sermon in ^Ir. Kress' log house in 1870. The first liu-th was a child born to Frank Lucy and wife in the spring of 1870. A man by the name of Cecil started a small general supply store in 1871 on the Blue, in Little Blue Township. Mr. ADAMS COUNTY. 135 Kress shot his last buffalo in Adams County in 1873, but up to 1880 continued to hunt in the Republican Valley. California Joe, or Jerome Fonts, and Mortimer Kress, settled in Adams County in 1864 and 1867, respectively, and on March 5, 1870, located claims in the southeast part of the county, where they re- mained for aliout three j'cars when they resumed scouting, but later returned to their lands. In the summer and fall of 1870 there came thither among others — Charles Mont, James Bainter, (referred to in the histor}- of Clay Count}-), Charles Bird, W. S. Mont, J. W. King, Charles and Volney Jones, S. L. Brass, Isaac Stark, the Ballous, and Titus Bab- cock and others, named in the history of Juniata. Mr. Fonts, who as stated homesteaded 160 acres on Section 11, of Little Blue Township, was born in Hancock County, 111., in 1848, the oldest of seven children of David and Emaline (Perry) Fouts, of Pennsylvania and Maine, respective!}-. The former when a J'oung man located in Illinois, but in 1852 went to California, settling at Cloverdale, whence he removed to Sfeattle, Wash., his pre.sent home, his wife having died in California in 1877. In 1863 Jerome enlisted in the First Nevada Cavahy, took part in the Indian warfare, and after two years and eight months of service was discharged at Camp Douglass, Utah. His subsequent history partakes largelj- of experiences on the plains; hunting, trap- ping, fighting the savages, frontier life in all its phases have combined to make him a sturdy son of the West. His wife, formerly Maria Wiswell, has borne six children. As one of Adams' first settlers Mr. Fouts is well and favorably known. F. M. Lucj-, who entered his homestead on the Little Blue, March 5, 1870, claims the honor of be- ing the first homesteader of Adams County. J. R. Carter, of Little Blue, was the third person to settle in Adams County, September, 1870, and his wife, Elizabeth, was the first white woman who ever made a home here. In Octolier tliey saw their first vis- itors — two men who stayed with them that night, next day went on their claim and next night were murdered by white murderers — as stated in the rem- iniscences of Jlr. Kress. On the authority of a statement made in Februarj-, 1884, bj- Rev. J. W, Warwick, it is said that William H. Kress, who resided on Section 10, Township 5, Range 9, was the first settler who died in Adams County and received Christian bui-ial. This occurred in the fall of 1871. Mrs. Eliza (Warwick) Knoll was the first person married here, Rev. Warwick officiating. The first deed recorded in Adams Countj- was that by Jolm and Margaret Stark, to Charles F. Jlorso, dated October 31, 1S71, conveying the northeast quarter of Section 12, Township 7, Range 11, in consideration of $500. The list of personal property owners and polls in the year 1872, with the amount of assessment in each case, is as follows: Edwin M. Allen;* E. N. Adams, $125; Pliny Allen, $150; Paul Abney, $175 ; Louis Abney, $140 ; Adna H. Bowen, as- sessed $1,800 for 120 lots at Juniata, and Titus Babcock, $15 for one lot, the tax per lot being $2.79; C. C. and R. D. Babcock, four lots and other property valued at $510; Titus Babcock, $200; Peter H. Babcock, $200; Austin Banker;* John W. Bradner;* William Bahl;* George Bea- man, $175; Stephen B. Bonfleld, $125; H. H. Ballou, $95 ; Judson Burwell, $130 ; G. W. Briggs, $350; Nathan L. Brass, $165; Samuel L. Brass (128 lots at Juniata were assessed $15 each, yield- ing a tax of $2.79), $75; Charles Bird, $125; James Beasley, $200 ; J. H. Bachman, $165 ; An- drew Clute, $150 ; John S. Chandler, $210 ; Charles M. Cranson;* John Clarkson, $125; George Carr, $50 ; James Carr, $5 ; W. W. Camp, $140 ; C. H. Chapman, $510; I. R. Carter, $246 ; John B. Cecil. $316; Jacob Calhoun, $228; H. A. DeAVolf;* H. A. Dean, $10; William Derrick, $5; Ira G. Dillon, $50 ; R. K. Daily, $601 ; James Donaldson, $5 ; P. Duncan, $390; F. Ernest, $255; G. Edgerton, $800; Thomas Fleming, $234; Wilkinson Farrar, $200 ; William Gardner, $5 ; A. T. Gales, $383 ; J. T. Gault,$210; S. P. Howland, $50; John Hur- son;* N. B. Harap, $110; Joseph Hopkins, $20; J. H. Hummel, $105 ; William A. Henderson & Co., $400; George Henderson, $150; Orland Hudson ; * John Huston, $240 ; Joseph Horgan, $20 ; Simeon Johnson, $105; William J. Jones & Co., $190; J. M. Jaeobson, $700, and one lot at Juniata ; Thomas ♦Amount not known. V l](i HISTORY OF NKHRASKA Johnson ; * J. W. Keatley, $75 ; Charles Kilburn ; * K. S. Knapp, $120 ; W. L. Kemp, $155 ; William Kelley, $225; L. G. Kin^', $185; Lewis Keith, $320; M'illiam Kress, $280; George Kuder, $5; R. S. Langley, $135; M. C. Limlsey;* William Lawden, $125; F. Lenbye, $10; John G. Moore, $125; Waiter Meeicliu, $50; Isaac Mattie, $2G0; John M. Jleyer, $50 ; Clark S. Morrison ; * Henry McKelva, $20; D. Monroe, Jr.;* M. McKenzie;* Joseph Meelilin, $245; James McCIeary, $35; H. 15. Munson, $445; W. S. Moote, $178; A. T. Malheson;* Charles Muntz, $20; Robert Mason, $110; John Avery, $288; H. J. Parkin, $145; John Plank, $140; N. G. Piatt;* C. Peters, $75; Albert D. Rust;* George Robbins, $175; Oliver C. Rogers, $180; J. W. Roby, $180; B. E. Swift, $20; Ezra Shaw;* Henry Skinner, $105 ; Jacob A. Swift, $130; D. E. Salsbury, $55; Frank Salsbury, $55; Isaac W. Stark; $140; John Stark, $95; Menzo Snj-der ; * John Skinner, $125 ; William Sten- house ; * James H. Sweeting, $75 ; Isaiah Sluyter, $25 ; Simeon Sinclair ; * James Sinclair ; * W. W. Sellick, $282; A. M. Sachem;* John F. Shafer, $423; Milton Scott, $722; Edmund Spelckner, $125; A. M. Suekett;* B. H. Scott;* Thomas Tisit, $50; Thomas B. Wilks;* George Wilks;* Robert Wright;* William White;* Thomas E. Watts, $125; Amos Wetherby, $5; E. Wyatt;* Ebeu Wright, $95; D. L. Winters, $206; C. W. Wilson, $260 ; W. M. West, $861 ; John Woods, $160; 31. Wilson, $35; William Wallace, $125; and John Yager, $150. Lots were assessed at $15 each, and a tax of $2.79 levied on each lot. A poll tax of $2.00 on each male inhabitant of legal age was also levied, and the dog tax amounted to $54, the total tax on personal property levied being $978.06. Charles F. Morse's 1,063 lots in Juniata village were assessed $15,945, and his 308 acres in Section 12, Township 7, Range 11, $6,160, on which amounts a tax of $1,658.06 was levied. The acreage of Burlington & Missouri River Rail- road lands was 105,423, valued at $3,200 per 640 acres, and assessed at $74.40 per section. The Union Pacific Company claimed 72,270 acres in this •Amount not known. county, valued and taxed the same as the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad lands. In 1873 the Eastern Land Association's lots at Juniata were assessed at $10 each and a levy of $4. 05i- cents made on each. The lots were assessed to Jlorse in 1872. The Association's lots at old In- land numbered 528, assessed at $3 each, on which a tax of $1.35 each was levied. At Kenesaw the same association had 334 lots, valued at $3 each , on which a tax of $1.24 each was levied. The Hastings Town Companj^'s lots were assessed for the first time in 1873. Their thirty-three blocks containing about 500 lots were assessed variously, also 16^ sec- tions in Township 5, Range 9, and 721 miles of rail- road in Denver precinct. Personal property was first assessed in Silver Lake, as a precinct, in 1874. Among the names of tax-payers that year are S. E. Blesh, J. M. Black- ledge, N. D. Blackley, E. M. Beach, J. R. Chap- man, M. V. Hatfield, A. and R. Hohlfeldt, W. S. Milner, Jacob Morgan, Benj. Morgan, J. B. Roscoe, W. W. Philleo, W. H. Shaw, J. D. Van Houten, H. A. Wilson, J. C. Wilson, John Wade, Henry Wade and Daniel Wilson. In Juuiata precinct in 1874 were the persons named in the list of 1872 with J. R. Royce, James Laird, A. H. Brown & Brother, AV. S. Bonebrake, J. P. Conger, Fred Cook, John Corven, T. N. Crit- tenden, James Clark, W. B. Cushing, William Cal- ler, William Doolittle. George Demster, William Der- rick, Hilbry Dean, D. L. Eagle, Peter Fowlie, Sam Fancher, W. H. Gardner, Harris, Freeman & Co., F. Henry, E. A. Haselton, F. H. Hall, D. H. Holmes, William and Ned Hodgson, Ransom House, T. I. Howard, George Henderson, Niles Johnson, C. R. Jones, M. B. Kelley, T. and W. L. Kemp, Peter Lawson, Larkin Brothers, J. G. Moore, C. B. and W. A. Moorehouse, James Norrish, William Norton, James Patterson, Orlando Stiver, J. H. and W. Skinner, S. J. Shuley, J. E. Smith, William Tivedale, Job Tanner, Myron Van Fleet, A. E. Wells, W. H. White, William Woolman, I. D. Wadsworth, Ezra Warren and R. Wood. The persons assessed in Kenesaw in 1874 were E. N. Adams, C. D. Bennett, James Cocklej-, L. Cline, S. M. and G. J. Holman, S. K. and H. C. ADAMS COUNTY. 117 Ilumbert, Josiah Hodges, John S. Jewell. John Kent, Oscar Kent, M. W. Knapp, E. H. Maeklin, Samuel Miu, Miller & Knapp, W. Parmenter, C. Peters, J. T. Raglan, James H. Rockafellow, G. L. and J. W. Stine, O. W. and F. B. Spellman, David Shattuck, George Spiudler, G. B. Staples, William Shultz, F. R. Staples, W. L. Stark. John Vannen Kirk, E. J. Willis, W. T. Wright, A. D. Williams, T. G. Whiting and I. W. Worsle}-. On November 1, 1873, a party of four Indians visited L. G. King's house, at Kingston, and took formal possession. King went for help and return- ing found the red men in his bed. Ordering them to leave, they resisted, but King put Texas Jim out. Another Indian leveled his revolver at Abbott and Mason, but looking into the muzzles of their rifles did not caiTV the threat further. A party of settlers, headed by J. M. Bird, drove the few aborigines out of the conntj'. The first Fourth of July celebration at Juniata was held in 1873. Col. E. M. Allen presided. The \'ice-presidents were R. II. Crane (Rev. ), James Morrish, L. P. Hawley, of Juniata; Charles Clutz, F. S. Wells, V. S. James, of Denver; I. A. ilatlick, E. G. Knapp, E. J. Willis, of Kenesaw; W. W. Selleck, I. J. Draper and C. G. Wilson, of Little Blue; B. H. Scott, J. J. Hoyleman, R. K. Dailj-, of Silver Lake. Miss Rosa Kelley was reader ; R. S. Laugley, marshal ; Rev. A. D. Williams, chap- lain, and James Laird, orator. The fete at Hastings was attended by 1,500 people. The Adams County Old Settlers' Association was organized at A\t, August 1-1, 1886, with M. N. Kress, of Ajt, president; Gen. A. H. Bowen, of Hastings, vice-president; Isaac Le Doiyt, of Hast^ iugs, secretarj' and historian, and George F. Brown, of Juniata, treasurer. The assistant secretaries elected were R. S. Spicknall, of Silver Lake ; W. W. Philleo, of Zero; J. C. Woodworth, of Ayr ; W. P. Davis, of Roseland; S. L. Martin, of Cottonwood; John Shellhamer, of Logan ; John Overy, Little Blue; M. E. Palmer, West Blue; William Brown, Highland; B. J. Hanchett, Verona; L. A. Boley, Kenesaw ; Israel Spindler, Wanda ; A. H. Brown, Denver ; H. B. McGaw, Blaine ; John Jung, Han- over, and S. L. Brass, Juniata. A. H. Bowen, A. H. Brown and A. L. Wigton were appointed a commit- tee to prepare a constitution and set of b3--laws. The Poweshiek (Iowa) County Association was organized at Hastings in June, 1888, with M. K. Lewis, president ; C. F. Royce, secretary ; L. B. Palmer, treasurer; W. A. Chapman, L. A. Royce, A. L. Wigton, Mrs. L. B. Palmer and Mrs. Wigton, members of executive committee. ^ ^ 118 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER XIII. H*l- ESTABLISHMEXT OF ColTNTY — BoUNnARIES — TkAXSACTIOXS OP COMMISSIONERS AND SUPERVISORS — CotTNTT SeAT \Vau — Court Affairs — Terms from Mat, 1873, to January, 1890 — Important Criminal Cases — Numerous Murders, Hasgings, Etc. — Defalcation. Laws do not put the least restraint Upon our freedom, but maintain "t. — Butler. *IIR county of Adams was established under the act approved Feliruary 16, 1867, within the following de- scribed Itoundaries: From the point where the east Hue of Range 9 west crosses the Platte; thence up the river chan- nel to the intersection of the west line of Range 12 ; thence south to southwest corner of Township 5, Range 12; thence east to south- east corner of Township 5, Range 9, and north to place of begin- ning. It was a piece of legislation common to the times, as was that of Pennsylvania in the first decade Establishing a county where two or three persons resided was so strange in itself that the legislators themselves were willing to forget their acts, and in this instance the act of February 16, 1867, "fell into innocuous desuetude," and the county within these boundaries was formed. On November 7, 1871, Acting Governor James, responding to a petition presented by the few resi- dents of Athims, ordered the county to be organized for judicial and executive purposes, fixing the day of election on December 12, following. As told in the political chapter, this election was held and the chosen officers duly (lualified. of the centurv. The first regular meeting of the county commis- sioners was called for Januarj- 2, 1872, but Commis- sioner W. W. Selleck being the only official present, an adjournment to January 16 was ordered. The record is signed by Titus Babcock, deputy count3' clerk. The adjourned meeting was duly held, W. W. Selleck and Samuel L. Brass being present. The county was divided into three commissioners' dis- tricts — the first of which comprised Township 5, in Ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12, and the two southern tiers of sections in Township 6. Wellington W. Selleck represented this district on the board. District No. 2 comprised that portion of the county north of disti'ict No. 1 . and west of the line between Ranges 10 and 11, with Edwin M. Allen representative on the board ; while district No. 3 comprised all the territory in Adams north of disti-ict No. 1 and east of the line between Ranges 10 and 11. Samuel L. Brass was representative. The county was sub- di^'ided into seven road districts. No. 1 being Town- ships 5 and 6 in Range 9, with Eben Wright, super- visor; No. 2, Townships 7 and 8 in Range 9, Volney Jones ; No. 3, Townships 5 and 6 in Range 1 , L. G. King; No. 4, Townships 7 and 8 in Range 10, John M. Mj'er; No. 5, Townships 5 and 6 in Range 11, R. K. Dail}- ; No. 6, Townships 7 and 8 in Range 11, Pliii}- Allen, and No. 7, Townships 5, 6, 7 and 8, in Range 12, with James H. Sweeting supervisor. Accounts aggregating $74 were allowed — JlcXally & Co. receivino; 812 for seats; A. H. Bowen $17 for -^ — ^t?-^ ADAMS COUNTY. 119 registration; T. Babcock $25.15 for rent and fuel and $4 for election expenses ; R. D. Babcock, $2 ; Simeon Johnson, $2, and Judson Burwell, $2 for election expenses. A da}- later $2 was allowed I. \\. Stark for election expenses. The salary of the county clerk (R. D. Babcock) was fixed at $150 per annum (raised on January 30, to $300) ; of county commissioners, $3 per day for time actually employed and legal mileage, and of probate Judge, $75. On January 17 a building for county offices was ordered to be erected within ten days, and the sheriff authorized to advertise for proposals for building a house 20 feet long, 16 feet wide and 8 'feet high between joists, with rafters coming down to upper joists, frame of pine lumber, boarded and battened on outside, shingle roof, four windows, one door, one matched floor and ceiled overhead with building paper. The building was to be finished ten days after the sale of contract, ma- terial was to be furnished by the commissioners, except door and window frames and case. The payment was to be made bj' count}- warrant, draw- ing 10 per cent until paid. Joseph Stuhl bought this contract for $30. S. L. Brass was building superintendent. The county treasurer was authorized to take pos- session of an}- books formerly obtained for Adams County, and give to the holder his receipt therefor. On the 18th C. C. Babcock was allowed for printing 200 county orders the sum of $2. On January 29 a meeting to approve treasurer's bond was held ; but owing to J. S. Chandler, the treasurer-elect, hand- ing in his resignation, the subject was postponed until the 30th when George Henderson was ap- pointed, but S. L. Brass was ordered to act as tem- porary treasurer. An order for blank books was given to Acres, Blackraan & Co. through C. L. Wundt. On January 31 Thomas C. Fleming was appointed county surveyor, owing to failure to elect such officer. On February 15, 1872, Deputy Sheriff Hummel produced H. H. Ballou, overseer of the poor, who stated he employed Dr. Laine to amputate the feet of a county charge. The Doctor presented a bill for $150, but the wily commissioners allowed only half that sum. H. H. Ballou resigned the of- fice of justice, and A. D. Rust was appointed. Treasurer Henderson qualified February 15, and received $94. 84 from temporary Treasurer Brass ; $872.50 bank certificate, and cancelled warrants for $255.15, or $1,222. R. K. Dailey resigned as road supervisor, and Charles Wilson appointed to that office. On the 16th the report of Commissioner Selleck on the indebtedness of other counties to Adams pointed out the sum of $3,370.11 collected by Hamilton County in Adams from 1867 to 1870 inclusive, of which $927.90 was paid out for State taxes; $243.28 collection fees to attorney; SI 2. 50 clerk's fees; $14.08, treasurer's fees, and $29.86 assessor's charges, a total expenditure of $1,227.62; but owing to accounts in the hands of Attorney A. H. Bowen the actual amount could not be ascer- tained. This report was adopted. The sheriff was ordered to proceed to Hamilton County and notif}- said county that the funds belonging to Adams, paid to A. H. Bowen, was done without authority, and that Hamilton County would be held responsible for $883.43, which A. H. Bowen refused to pay. Com- missioner Selleck also reported on moneys due by Fillmore and Saline Counties, and obtained the tax lists of Adams and Kearney Counties. He expressed his belief in the statement that Saline County owed Adams County about $8,000 of back taxes. The board ordered the employment of an attorney to collect from Saline. The lists for Adams and Kearney for 1871 were placed in the hands of the treasurer. During this session the commissioners resolved themselves into a committee of the whole to select a site for poor farm and buildings, and S. L. Brass was specially appointed to confer with the owners of the town site of Juniata in the matter of obtaining a donation of twenty acres for such pur- pose. Jacobson's charge of malfeasance was read before the board February 17, 1872, and A. H. Bowen was cited to answer the charge. Accounts aggregating $259.01 were ordered to be paid. On February 27, 1872, a resolution by Com- missioner Brass gives to the money trouble of the period another complexion ; showing that Deputy Clerk Babcock issued to A. H. Bowen an order, duly sealed, to receive Adams County funds from Ham- ilton. His motion to concur in the transaction was adopted. Immediately after the adoption of this «0k :fz 120 IIIsTDUV OF .NEBRASKA. resolution O. A. Abbott, agent of Hull County, pre- sented the claims of that new county against Adams for tjixes collected in 1870 and prior j-ears ; but in i-csponse, heard the resolution of Commissioner Brass, asking for the employment of the best coun- sel in the State to consider Hall County's claim. C)n February 28, Isaac W. Stark, superintendent of schools, presented his complaint against A. H. Bowen. Jacobson's charge was withdrawn, and on February 29, the other charges against him were dismissed by the commissioners, owing to the fact that a cop}- of the complaint was not furnished to iiini with the citation. At this time Commissioner Allen mo^ed that a license fee of $200 per annum i)e adopted, while Selleck wanted it fixed at $300. The lower figures were adopted. The attack by A. II. Bowen, made in the Gazette, was denounced by tlu' board, and a resolution ordering the assessment of the Union Pacific lands in the county adopted. In March, 1872, Kearney County was set apart as a tlistinct precinct for revenue purposes only, and Adams County was divided into two precincts — No. 1 comprising all the county north of an east and west line from the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 6 north. Range 9 west, to the northwest corner of Section 7, Township 6, Range 12. Dis- trict \o. 2 comprised all the county south of such line. The first was named "Juniata Precinct," and the second '-Little Blue Precinct." The removal of the court house to lot 551, with- out expense to the county-, was ordered to be carried out under the direction of Commissioner Brass. Mr. Brass on this occasion proposed that the charge of embezzlement preferred by the State against Adna H. Bowen should not be further prosecuted. This proposition was adopted. Abbott and Thum- mel, attorneys for Hall County, were notified that the commissioners of Adams did not consider the county indebted to Hall County, and refused to paj- any of the money received from Hamilton County. In April, ten road districts were established. On April 4, the commissioners selected Section 2, Town- ship G, Range 11, for poor farm purposes, and its accjuisition by preemption or otherwise ordered. The commissioners appointed to locate roads were olfereil a compensation of $2 for every ten miles of road laid out liy them, and the salary of the probate judge was increased from $75 to $100 per annum. The request for $75,000 aid to the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad was presented April 17, b}- E. E. Brown, and a special election on the subject was ordered. On April 30, a proposition to buy some quarter sections from the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was favorably received ; Commis- sioner Allen was authorized to move the court house at an expense of $10. He performed this work, and, with the original grant, $29.78 for repairs. The license for sale of liquor was increased to $300 in Maj-, 1872. In July Treasurer Henderson re- signed and Ira G. Dillon was appointed to fill the vacancy. The amount of State taxes to he levied in 1872 was 5f mills or $5,503.61 ; general fund, iu- cluding support of poor, $4,785.70 at 5 mills on the dollar; road and land fund, $4 on each quarter section; poll tax, $2 on each poll; sinking fund, 2^ mills; bridge tax, 5 mills; school tax, $905.75 in district No. 1; $144 in No. 2; $300 in No. 9; $870 in No. 12; $G50 in No. 16, and $175 in No. 17. The total valuation was $957,153. The valuation of Kearney County was $722,736, on which a State, general and poor, land, road and poll tax were collected, the rates being the same as in Adams County. No bridge or school tax is recorded. The south ^ of. Section 1, Township 6, Range 11, was piu'chased from the Burlington & Missouri Compau}- at this time for the purposes of a poor farm. A junketing expedition was subse- quently, in July, organized; when the commis- sioners proceeded in a body to locate a bridge over Thirty-two Mile Creek. The expense of this expe- dition, it is alleged, was much heavier than that of the bridge subsequently built. iVfterthis resolution was adopted the clerk presented thirty-two wolf scalps and one wild cat scalp, which were ordered to be destroyed. An election on the questiori of granting $6,000 aid toward the building of a steam gristmill, at Juniata, was ordered to be held at the time of holding general election. In July, 1872, the balance due by Adams and Kearney Counties to Fillmore was fixed at $45.25, and by Adams to Kearney at $934. 68. In August the l)oard adver- tised for proposals to build a poor house 16x24 feet, >y ^ ADAMS COUNTY. 121 and one and one-half stories high, and appointed Peter Fowlie poor-master at $25 per mouth. Ira G. Dilloa's proposal to erect the poor house for $1 ,400 was accepted. On October 9, 1872, Township 7 and 8, Kange 12, the west tier of sections in Town- ships 7 and 8, Kange 11 ; the north tier of sections in Townships 6, Range 12, and Section C, Township 6, in Range 12, were set off to form the precinct of Kenesaw, while Townships 7 and 8, Range 9, the north tier of sections in Townsliip 6, Range 9, Sections 1 and 2 in Township 6, Range 10, and the two eastern tiers of sections in Townships 7 and 8, Range 10, set off under the title of Denver precinct. Silver Lake precinct was established October 9, 1872, within the following described lines: The west half of Townships 5 and G, Range 10, except the north tier of sections in Townships 6 , all of Town- ship 5, in Ranges 11 and 12, and Township 6 in the same ranges, except the north tier of sec- tions in Township 6, in each range. During the month of October H. L. Clark's proposition to erect Queen Truss wooden bridges over the Little Blue and Thirtj'-two Mile Creek for $1,795, was received and acquiesced in. Poor-master Fowlie reported six poor persons as charges on the county on November 1, 1872, and on the 4th took possession of the new poor house, b ut from December 5 to the close of the 3-ear there were none chargeable to the count}-. In January the board asked the representa- tives in House and Senate to introduce a bill, making all section lines in Adams Couuty public roads. The subject of purchasing artificial feet for Peter Fowlie was then discussed; but the opinion of the county attorne}' and the law set aside the good intentions of the commissioners toward him. In January, 1873, the State land commissioner was petitioned to place the school sections of the county on the market; the salary of the clerk was placed at $300; of the probate judge, $100; of the superintendent of schools, $4 per day while on dut}', and of the poor-master $25 per month, and in February R. S. Langiey was appointed sheriff, rice Haselton resigned. The question of increasing license fee was discussed in Blarch and the amount raised to $400. Charles Kohl was granted a license for Hastings village at this time. In April W. H. Martin, R. R. Crane and George, Kuder were ap- pointed commissioners to appraise the school lands of Adams County. A statement by Treasurer W. 31. West per the deputy treasurer, Peter Fowlie, was presented to the board in May. This showed a balance of $534.78 on December 2, 1872, and $2,128.65 received from that period to May 5, 1873. Of this total ($2,663.43) there was $1,418.59 ex- pended. In July the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company asked damages by reason of loss sustained through the act of the Legislature in set- ting off section lines for road purposes. The board appointed Ira G. Dillon, Eli B. Dailey and William L. Kemp assessors in the matter. D. S. Cole peti- tioned for the erection of a temporary jail. This was granted and the question of tax levy for 1873 con- sidered. The levy ordered for State tax was $6,- 738. 90; for county tax, $29,238. 60 and for poll tax. $2 per poll. In Juniata, $600 interest on grist-mill bonds was authorized; while the direct school tax was as follows: District No. 1 , $1 ,300; Nos. 2 and 3, 10 mills on the dollar and $400; No. 4, $340; No. 5, 10 mills on the dollar; No. 19, 13 mills on the dollar; No. 10, 40 mills on the dollar; No. 12, $465; No. 13, $438; No. 14, $600; No. 16, 10 mills on the dollar and $170; No. 17, $2,900; No. 18, $2,000; No. 19, $370; No. 21, 25 mills on the dollar; No. 22, 15 mills on the dollar; No. 23, $285; No. 24, $670; No. 25, $600; No. 28, $200; No. 31, $945; No. 32, $350; No. 33, $500; No. 34, $200,andNo. 35, $300. Prof. A. D. Williams, the immigration agent for Adams Count}-, was granted the use of room in the court house at Juniata. A petition signed by Simon Rankins and 327 other citizens and a remonstrance signed by C. H. Chapman and 201 citizens, on the question of county seat removal, were received, but not granted. James Laird, agent of the Eastern Land Association , asked for the vacation of streets and alleys in the villages of Kenesaw and Inland, and commissioners were appointed to report upon the justice of the demand. Such reports were favorable to the petitioners in each case and the vacation was ordered. On January 5, 1874, A. H. Cramer signed the record as clerk and the salary was placed at $400. Charges against Peter Fowlie were not sustained by the board — the ill-treatment of a horse being the HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. only evidenoo of ;iiiy <';irclessness by the poor- master. In February A. II. Cramer was named as mem- ber of the Centennial Board for Adams County. Letters from James Beach, A. C. Wright, E. "W. Morse, N. D. Blakely, :M. B. Kelley, George Rob- bins, S. B. Webb and J. C. Woodwortli, asking to be appointed poor-master, vice Fowlie, were received, and Kelley appointed. An election ordered on the questions of granting $45,00(1 aid to the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad, and on issuing bonds to cover indeblcdness of the county on May 1, 1874, amount- ing to abont $22,120.98. In June a meeting held at I uniata adopted resolutions in favor of the erection of county buildings at that point, and the u.se of the sinking fund for that purpose. A. H. Bowen, E. M. Allen and B. F. Smith formed the committee appointed l\v this meeting to present the matter to the board. This body took prompt action and asked for plans and specifications for a building, the cost of which was not to exceed 815,000. On June 30, a remonstrance against such action was presented bj- Frank Seara and eighty-eight others; but it had not the power expected and the bid of D. H. Freeman ($14,000) was accepted, but tlie authority of the commissioners in the matter was questioned and the subject referred to Judge Gantt. The contract was set aside later and again petition and remonstrance on the vexatious re-location subject claimed the attention of the board — a petition of 584 praying for re-location and a remonstrance of 349 against the proposition being the signals of war. A number of persons withdrew their names from the former petition, and the commissioners taking cognizance of the remonstrance denied an election on the subject. In February, 1875, C. C. and R. D. Babcock,of the (jazette, and R. A. Dague, of the Journal, projjosed to print the transactions of the commissioners, as oflicially reported l)y the county clerk, at fi\e cents per line for both papers or two and a half cents per line in fact A second proposition was $125 per atinuni to each newspaper for publishing the official report.s. On March 5, 1875, the "troublesome question" was resurrected. A petition Ijy J. L. Parrott and 491 other citizens asking for an election "On Re- location of County Seat" was granted, and April 1, 1875, fixed as the day of voting. Fifteen per centum of the amount of taxes recovered for this count}- /« re Union Pacific Company rs. jMcShane and others, was adjusted and settled as attorneys' fees and expenses due to Bowen, Laird, Briggs and Cowin as counsel fees as decreed li}' the court. In May, E. C. Shellhamer's charge of neglect of duty and partiality in office was preferred against A. H. Cramer. In -luly the assessed value of Adams County was fixed at $1,160,529, on which a State tax of 7 7-20 mills was levied, and a county tax of 17 1-2 mills. The $2 poll tax yielded $1,566, while the $1 tax on dogs and $2 tax on female dogs was not estimated. The direct school tax by districts was $19,338. The road tax ranged from 5 to 25 mills on the dollar. Denver's bond interest tax was $2,660, and Juniata's interest and principal on bonds, $800. W. W. McDonald was poor-master in 1876, and N. F. Chamberlain builder of addition to house. In the fall of 1875 road and bridge con- struction assumed large proportions, and a few iron bridges were erected. In February, 1876, a petition was read from S. Alexander and other citizens ask- ing the board to employ Abbott & Batty to prosecute the case of Charles H. Paul ex. rd. vs. William B. Thoi'ne et ah, for the purpose of cancelling and de- stroying bonds of Denver Township ($33,250) issued in May, 1874, to aid in building the Hastings & Grand Island Railroad. The board granted this prayer. The valuation in 1876 was $1,048,913.60, on which 7 7-20 mills were levied for State tax, and IS mills for county tax, with a $2 poll tax and $1 and $2 dog tax. A 70-mill and 110-mill school tax marked school affairs in a few districts. In March, 1877, "the troublesome question" came again before the board, when a petition signetl by 635 citizens was considered, and an election or- dered to be held April 9, 1877. On that date 844 votes were cast in favor of location at Hastings, and 535 for Juniata; and on April 30 Commissioners A. D. Yocum, Moore and Ratcliflf declared Hastings the future seat of justice. In Oct<:)ber a petition asking for township organization was presented, and a s — ^r^ ADAMS COUNTY. 123 vote on the question ordered to be taken in Novem- ber. In jNIarcli, 1878, the petition for the iucor- poration of Juniata was returned, as it bore the names of many non-residents. The issue of bonds to the Republican Valley Railroad Company was considered at this time, as related in the history of railroads and in the political chapter. In May, 1879, the commissioners met at Hastings. Dr. William II. Lynn, who acted as the first medical employe of the county in 1872, ofTered his services as county physician for $390 per annum. This offer was accepted by the commissioners. In July John M. Ragan was appointed count}' attorney at a salary of $400. The tax levy authorized on the assessed valuation of 81,734.848 was 6 mills for State, and 20 5-8 mills for countj' purposes. A poll tax does not seem to have been levied this year; but the $1 and $2 dogs did not escape justice. The special district and precinct taxes were light compared with 1878, and the school taxes insignificant except in districts 35, 33 and 29, the rate being 50 mills in the first, and 30 mills in the two last numbered dis- tricts. The general statement of W. B. Thoi-ne of disbursements from January 1, 1874, to May 1, 1879, was presented in July. This showed $173,- 943.16 disbursed; $30,178 balance, and $67,930.36 due by delinquents. The total receipts amounted to $203,583.62, and $537.86 balance in treasury January 1, 1874. The detailed statement points out liabilities in excess of assets amounting to $41,183.68, and aoout $13,000 doubtful tax, or total liabilities in excess of assets $54,183.68.* In September, 1879, township or precinct boun- daries were subjected to change in two instances. Little Blue was established within the lines of Town- ships 5 and 6, in Range 9. Pawnee was changed to Ayr, and established within the lines of Townships 5 and 6, in Range 10. The funding debt proposition was made on Sep- tember 27, 1879, when the people were asked to vote * The question of the issue of 7 per cent bonds for $70,000 for funding the county indebtedness, and that relating to the sale of Lot W8 at Juniata, were submitted to a vote in November, 1879. At this time county warrants were selling from sev- enty-five to eighty-five cents, so that the funding of the debt became imperative. The funding proposition was de- feated. for the issue of $70,000 bonds, paj-able in ten annual installments of $7,000 each, the last due on January 1, 1900, and the first on January 1, 1891. The petition of H. A. iloreland, Joseph A. Rob- ertson and sixtj'-two others, for the incorporation of Juniata town, was presented June 15, 1880, and granted. Ira G. Dillon, S. L. Brass, H. E. Wells, E. M. Allen and L. F. Picard were named as trus- tees. In January, 1880, Timothy May was chosen su- perintendent of the Adams County Infirmary. In June Dr. Lynn was re-appointed physician; John M. Ragan, attornej', while the county printing was awarded to the Gazette, Journal, Herald and Ne- braskan, three months being the term for each in the order given. In December the examination of Treasurer Thome's account was carried on; but at the close a petition against the reception of his state- ment or warrants until the law would be fully com- plied with. Saxon & Moulton represented William Kerr, A. L. Clarke & Co. and C. N. Paine & Co., who signed petition No. 1; while petition No. 2 was signed by twenty-two citizens. On January 5, 1881, Treasurer Thome's state- ment of receipts and disbursements from Maj- 1, 1879, to October 1, 1880, was presented by Peter Fowlie, then and for some time previous deputj' treasurer. He showed $30,123.37 on hands May 1, 1879, and $106,313.08 colleeted within the time given, or a total of $136,436.45. The amount re- ported paid out was $100,530.55, and balance on hand $35,905, with $69,096.87 delinquent. The commissioners appeared to agree with this state- ment, but postponed final settlement until some vouchers in controversy were received or rejected. On January 25 the board assembled as a court of trial and investigation. B. F. Smith, 0. B. Hew- ett, A. T. Ash and John M. Abbott, of counsel for the treasurer; Messrs. Saxon, Moulton, R. H. Mills and R. A. Batty, of counsel for S. Alexander; A. L. Clarke and others, petitioners with John M. Ragan, for the county, were present. The treas- urer's counsel urged final settlement and the post- ponement of the inquiry into the charges of January 25; but the motion was overruled, as were several other motions, between Januaiy 25, when the trial 124 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. commenceil, and February 1, when counsel for the treasurer ilenied the authority of the commissioners to obtain a new or additional bond for $25,000 from the treasurer in addition to the $15,000 bond already given. On ^larch 10, however, this bond was ap- proved; on Marcli 12 he resifjned, and Emanuel Steinau was appointed treasurer, and on the 16th the ex-treasurer was ordered to turn over all prop- erty, moneys and amount of deficiencj- to the com- missioners. In Decenil)er, 1881, the clerk was instructed to receive from the trustees of the assets of Ex-Treasurer Thome, the full amount of county certificates and warrants drawn thereon, and credit same to the deficiency account of the several funds. On March 28, 1881, the county clerk was ordered to advertise for rooms for county offices, and secure a lease for same. Propositions from C. N. Paine & Co. , to erect a brick building or provide a suitable building; from Farrell & Mowery to erect a stone building 100x44; feet, and one from George W. jMowery to erect a similar building on Lots 7 and 8, Block 24, were received. Then follows the protest by A. B. Ideson; but it did not prevail, and Mowery's bid was accepted, which provided for a lease of five years at a consideration of $1,000 per annum. The Thorne assets as applied in 1881 show $87.42 to Denver precinct bond fund; $779.83 to State general fund; $08.35 to State sinking fund; $188.18 to State school fund; $72.91 to State Uni- versity fund; $3.34 to penitentiary fund; $21.84 to State asj-lum fund; $141.45 to county judgment fund; $2,108.41 to district school fund; |2,'165.09 to school bond fund; $72G. 66 to school judgment fund; $1.51 to poll and labor tax; $40.39 to Juniata mill bond fund; $5.80 to Hastings City; $4.40 to Juniata village; and $130.27 to miscellaneous fund. The receipts from Ex-Treasurer Thome's assets up to January 11, 1882, amounted to $8,141.59, of which $8,082.05 were distributed as above. On October 13, 1882, the commissioners agi-eed with C. R. Jones and A. L. Clarke, trustees of the Thorne assets, to paj" the latter 5 per cent on the moneys collected and paid to the count}' by said trustees including the audited claims. In January, 1882, William S. Crow qualified as treasurer. On June 2 the question oi issuing bonds for $65,000, to fund the indebtedness of the county, was received, and an election ordered to be held July 8. The collections and lialances for 1883 up to July 9, amounted to $89,649.91, the balance on January 1 being $18,710.69. In November, 1883, the vote on the question of township organization was taken, and a number of vouchers received in reduction of Thome's defi- ciency. The last meeting of the last board of county commissioners was held November 20, 1883, their final act being the granting of a contract for building the approaches to Silver Lake bridge, to W. D. Young. H. C. Armstrong was president at this time, with G. H. Edgerton and A. V. Cole associate commissioners, and R. B. Tussey, clerk. They adjourned sine die, the clerk closing the record book before the ink, used in writing his signature, was dry. The new era of government by township super- visors was introduced November 21, 1883, with H. C. Minnix,M. A. Hargleroad, W. G. Parmenter, J. H. Spicer, S. M. Frink, George Crane, W. R. McCully, Henry Stammer and E. G. Dyer present. Owing to the county judge not being present to approve bonds, the meeting was adjourned. Super- visor Dyer refused to serve and H. P. Rowe was appointed bj' the clerk to i-epresent Ayr. W. R. McCull}- was chosen firet president of the l)oard. On the 26th George Crane was present, with the officers named, the other supervisors, named in elec- tions of 1883, being absent. The petition of .Moses Van Buskirk and others, residents of Kenesaw village, for incorporation, was rejected for the reason that a majority' of the resident tax-payers of the village did not sign the document. On December 13 John M. Ragan resigned the office of county attorney, and 0, B, Hewett was appointed to fill the office until January, A petition signed bj- R, D. Bab- cock and 115 others asked that L, J, Capps be ap- pointed attorney for the count}-; but the petition was ordered to be placed on file. On January 9, 1884, the salary of superintendent of schools was placed at $800, On this date the establishment of ADAMS COUNTY. 125" townships was considered. West Blue was estab- lished within the territory of Township 8 in Ranges 9 and 10; Denver, Township 7 in Ranges 9 and 10, except the city of Hastings; Little Blue, Townships 5 and 6 in Range 9; Ayr, Townships 5 and 6 in Range 10; Silver Lake, Township 5 in Ranges 11 and 12; Cottonwood, Townsiiip (3 in Ranges 11 and 12; Juniata, Townships 7 and 8 in Range 11, and Kenesaw, Townships 7 and 8 in Range 12. The name of James Reed appears on the roll of supervisors in June, 1884, Supervisor Crane, of Denver, having previously resigned. The claim of SI, 000 against Juniata precinct by Batty & Ragan, who represented the precinct in the law affairs grow- ing out of the issue of $6,000 mill bonds in 1872, was mentioned at this session. Their petition prayed for the levy of a tax on the residents within the old precinct of 1872, sufficient to meet this indebtedness. In Januar}', 1885, J. H. Spieer, of Juniata; George Graff ord, of Zero, and E. L. Dutton, of Kenesaw, were appointed to fill vacancies on the Ijoard. H. C. Minnix was chosen president pro tern, and on the 13th J. H. Spieer was elected per- manent president. W. R. McCuUj' was admitted to A seat as supervisor of Hastings, L. J. Capps was appointed county attorney, and the salaries of clerk, deputy and assistant deputy were fixed, so as not to exceed the fees collected during the year 1885. Amos Shattuck was elected pennanent presi- ilent for 1886. The transactions of the last few years are of the character of former years, but of much larger proportions. The memljers of the l)oard of supervisors are named in the political chapter, and all propositions submitted to the peo- l)le bj' them, and the vote on such propositions given in that chapter. The issue of court-house lionds was the most important transaction. The bonds sold for $77,500. Treasurer Paul received two-thirds of that sum, $51,666.50, and a certified cheek for the balance, $25,833.50, December 24, 1889. It has been a good transaction all round, and the count}' officers taking part in it are entitled to commendation for their prudeni-e, caution and successful management of the affair. In Januarj-, 1890, warrants were paid by Treasurer Paul on presentation, this being the first time in the county's history that such an agreeable state of financial affairs has existed. From that day in 1872 when 3Iessrs. Farrell & Co. dedicated a spot of the prairie to the uses of civ- ilization under the name of Hastings, the villagers looked longingly westward, coveting the honors of the seat of justice and inwardly determining to ha\e those honors. In May, 1873, when the first journal was established here, their modest thoughts found expression. On June 3, 1873, a meeting was held at Hastings, to take steps for the removal of the county seat. M. K. Lewis presided, with J. M. Abbott, secretary. On motion of Samuel Alexan- der a committee of ten was appointed to canvass each precinct in the county in the interest of Hastr ings. For Denver, Thomas E. Farrell and R. V. Stroekey were selected; for Little Blue, G. W. Don- ahey and A. Berg; for Silver Lake, C. K. Lawson and C. Kohl; for Kenesaw, A. D. Yocum and C. H. Paul, and for Juniata, B. H. Brown and S. S. Dow. The canvassers named were very active, so that all the measures, referred to in the former pages, were hurried forward. The opposition was not inactive. As hitherto told, a court-house was planned and the contract actually sold by the commissioners before the people stepped in to stop progress in the matter. In 1874-75, affidavit after affidavit flowed into the archives of the Legislature, pointing out an alleged irregularity in the organization of the countj-; also the fact that many of the election officials and a few of those elected were not citizens; that thirty legal voters were disfranchised because they would not vote for Juniata, and further, that the only notices of election, posted in the southern townships, was one at Spring Ranche, in Clay County. The election on this question was carried to the supreme court, where an order was issued compelling the board of canvassers to count the returns ft-om Cottonwood, it being held that the judges and clerks of that pre- cinct had dul}- qualified before the commissioners' board. Prior to the election the Hastings people gave material evidence of their good intentions in the matter. In March, 1875, the celebrated bond for $10,000 was acknowledged before J. H. Darnell, a notary, by Thomas E. Fimell, J. L. Parrott, Charles H. 12(1 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Paul, R. A. Batty and -M. K. Lewis, principals, and S. Alexander, J. G. B. Smith, Sam. Chaney, H. A. Forcht, J. M. Smith, A. J. Jlilk'tt, G. W. Mowery, R. W. Oliver, C. C. Ingalls, J. T. Ross, George H. I'niU, O. Whitson, W. S. Deisher, J. H. Vande- inark, J. Roll), II. Ilibeler, W. II. Stoek, Charles Kohl, D. S. Cole, (). Oliver, R. Morelcdgo, F. J. Uencdict and B. F. Brower, sureties. This bond was given to Adams County to insure the completion of a courthouse before November 1, 1S75, and the donation of such house and one city block to the county, in the event of the people voting to remove the scat of justice from Juniata to Hastings. Plans and specifications of the building were also made part of this agreement. The vote was taken in Jlay, but Juniata having more than two-fifths of the total vote cast held the seat of justice. In March, 1S77, the county seat war was opened in the newspapers, the Journal giving valid reasons for removal, and the Juniata papers valid reasons against removal. Even the local poets loaned their genius for the occasion. One poem by Anonymous contains sixty-eight lines, reviewing the former con- test and propliesying the result of the coming one in favor of Hastings. The last six lines of this poem are as follows: Tlipu like a monster from the deep. She will come forth more fierce and bold, To fight tlie battle o'er again — And still continue on to fight Until her enemies are slain And victory shall crown the right. On March 21, 1877, a bond was entered into l\y R. A. Batty, S. Alexander and C. K. Lawson, as principals, and C. H. Paul, R. R. Moreledge, James McWade, F. Forcht, J. W. Davis, Charles Cameron, 0. Oliver, Mowery & Farrell, J. T. Ross, T. J. Benedict, A. W. Wheeler, Charles Kohl, Zehrung & Coy, M. K. Lewis and J. S. Melntyre as sureties for performance. This document pro\ided for the erection of a courthouse to cost $8,000, and the conveyance of building and lots to the county in (•ase tlie scat of justice should be located at Hast- ings. Plans and specifications were also made a part of this bond as in the former instance. The war of words preceding tlit; election on this question was only etiualed by the virulence of the language used by the press of the county on each side, and in the midst of this turmoil the religious controversy between Rev. John Rutherford and Rev. W. E. Copeland, on the inspiration of the Scriptures, was introduced. Without regard to this substantial offer, the war was carried on, as shown in the election re- turns, and Hastings, after several legal quibbles were resorted to, was declared to have won the bat- tle. The house in which the first term of the dis- trict court was held still stands at Juniata, a small frame building, now untenanted, the property- of Dr. Acklej\ The building is a one-story frame structure, and would hold not more than fifty people. The citizens of Jiuiiata will hold it as a relic, and as a reminder of the great county seat fight between that place and Hastings. The history of the removal of the offices to Hastings is given in detail in former pages. In November, 1888, the proposition to issue bonds, proceeds of which should be devoted to the erection of a court-house and jail, was carried by a vote of 1,416 for, and 1,044 contra. The bonds were issued, but owing t(j delays in registration, and a controversy over the act providing for the invest- ment of the State school fund in bonds of this character, over a year elapsed from the date of elec- tion until Adams County received the first install- ment of moneys from this source. On December 24, 1889, a draft from W. J. Hayes & Sons, of Cleveland, 0., for $51,666.50, and certified check for $25,833.50 were received b}- County Treasurer Paul. It is a singular fact that while other counties were trying the legality of their bonds and the con- stitutionality of the law under which the}' were issued, Adams County went right along with the work of building the court-house. Up to December 24, 1889, the county had neither received nor paid out a dollar of the liond money. In the summer the contract for l)iiilding was sold to J. R. Sims, of Hastings, for $06,000, he being the lowest bidder. The cornerstone was placed September 4, 1889, and before the first rain storm of that fall (Decemlier 28) the walls were complete, the roof ready for the slaters, and the construction of the clock tower well advanced. This building is described in the history of Hastings. Ah — *- i^ ADAMS COUNTY. 127 The first term of the district court held in Adams County was that opened May 6, 1873, within the sehool-building at Juniata. Judge Daniel Gantt presided, with Russell S. Laugley, sheriff, and R. D. Baljcoek, clerk. The first grand jury comprised Ira G. Dillon, Harmon H. Ballon, W. H. Burr, R. D. Carrier, George Dade, John Huston, Clark S. Mon'ison, Edward Moore, C. B. Nelson, James Non-ish, John Plank, Abram Parks and C. W. Wilson. The first suit presented was that of Adna H. Bowen vx. The Challenge Mill Company. The replevin suit by William Skinner resulted in the amendment of petition. The question of the admis- sion of James Laird to the bar of this State was considered. Benjamin F. Smith, on presenting his credentials as a member of the Steuben County, Ind. , bar, and Titus Babcock, as a member of the Monroe County, Mich., bar, were also admitted to practice in the several district courts of Nebraska. A com- mittee, comprising C. J. Dilworth, John D. Hays and James Laird, was appointed to examine appli- cants for admission to the liar. On the certificate of this committee Harrison H. Blodgett, Guevera M. Blodgett and John M. Abbott were admitted. Dr. Charles A. Morgan and James Laird were ap- pointed commissioners of insanity for Adams County. The petition for divorce by John B. Silvis from Miranda Silvis was granted without delaj- ; the appeal of A. H. Bowen from the decision of the com- missioners' court, and the indictment for false imprisonment against A. H. Bowen and James Laird were quashed, for the reason that it was not endorsed by the prosecutor. The second term of court was opened May 25, 1874. Indictments for keeping tippling houses on the Sabbath were returned; the petition of Levi Carkins for divorce from Christina Carkins was granted, and a number of civil cases presented. On Jlay 26, R. A. Batty and John M. Ragan were examined by a committee of lawyers comprising C. J. Dilworth, H. S. Kaley and L. S. Estele, and admitted to the bar on the certificate of this com- mittee. The first judgment against the county was rendered at this time to J. R. Laine. L. P. Hawley was foreman of the trial jury in this case. The first indictment for assault and Ijattery was returned against Peter Halverson, and for selling liquor with- out license against Nathan Piatt. The third term of court was opened May 24, 1875. Four indictments for permitting games to be played in saloons were returned ; A. H. Bowen, James Laird, George Douahey, Titus Babcock and Eugene A. Haselton were indicted for false imprison- ment. Three petitions for divorce were entered. The injunction proceedings m re. Alex. D. Buck- worth vs. commissioners, clerk and D. H. Free- man, contractor, in re. erection of court-house at Juniata, resulted in the granting of a perpetual in- junction against further proceedings in the erection of county buildings as proposed. Mortgage fore- closures were authorized in several cases, and the divorce mill was reopened. The application of J. James, of the bar of Potter County, Pa. (admitted in 1873), for admis- sion to the bar was granted; that of Augustus T. Ash, of Linn County, Iowa, and also that of G. D. Pierce, of Michigan, were granted. The fourth term of court was opened April 3, 1876. The first indictment for horse-stealing was returned against J. J. Williams and Milo Keech, and petitions for a divorce and embezzlement were entered. The petition for injunction against Treas- urer Thorne and the trustees of Denver precinct railroad bonds was entered by C. H. Paul, and granted by the court, with a further order that such bonds be "cancelled and held for naught." Ab- bott & Ragan were the attorneys in this proceeding. A few petitions for divorce were presented. John Miller was found guilty of assault with intent to kill, by a jury of whom E. M. Beach was foreman, and sentenced to a two jears' term in the peniten- tiary. The special term of May, 1876, considered the indictment for mmxler against John Williams of Harvey County, Neb. The prisoner was represented by Bowen & Laird and the State by C. J. Dilworth. The jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." In June George W. Stoeker was admitted on certificate of the examiners — A. H. Bowen, A. T. Ash and M. V. Mondy. A few divorce cases were presented at this time. During the special November term similar cases were presented and William Wallace, Sr. , and his son granted final papers in the matter 12S HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. of tlu'ir citizenship. In Deeenibor the first indict- ment for perjury w;is entered against J. E. Suttie, nor did the hist month of Centennial year pass awaj* without a petition for divorce. On February 12, 1877, the indictment for mur- der was returned against Jordan P. Smith, Fred G. Copelaudand Bernurdine Roach, on change of venue from Kearney County. Smith was represented by Graj' & Laird and the State by C. J. Dilworth, Mondy, Abbott and Smith. On February' 22 a jury, of which E. M. Allen was foreman, found Smith guilty of manslaughter and he was sentenced to a ten years' tei-m in the penitentiary. In July, 1877, R. W. Beeson, of Jlontgomery County, Iowa, was ad- mitted a member of the bar, and in Februar}-, 1878, Benjamin H. Hayden and James F. Nelson were ex- amined by A. H. Bowen, R. A. Batty and T. D. Scofield and admitted on their certificate of examin- ers. There were only a few cases of criminal char- acter before the court from the close of the February- term of 1877 to the close of 1878. Civil cases growing out of debts due Cyrus H. McCormick, Deere & Co. and others, were numerous and may be said to have occupied the sole attention of the court. George Banks, of Winnebago, Wis. , Web- ster M. Pond, of Dane County, Wis., Joseph A. Vanatta, of Iowa, were admitted members of this bar. Lucius Junia Capps, admitted in Illinois in 1875, became a member of the Nebraska bar on December 6, and also L. A. Royce, of Poweshiek County, Iowa. The suits of C. H. McCormick against several citizens occupied the attention of this terra almost exclusively. Judge Gaslin signed the record January 1, 1879. Thomas D. Scofield qualified as district attornej-. On February 15, the indictment for murder against John Brown, alias William John McElroy, was returned and John M. Ragan assigned for his defense. Attorneys Scofield and Brown prosecuted. A jury of which R. H. Vanatta was foreman found McElroj- guilty of mur- der in the first degree as charged in first count, and not guilty under the second count. Judge Gaslin sentenced him to be hanged May 29, 1879. On February 17, 1879, the murder of Ann W. Ketchum and Luther Mitchell on December 10, 1878, in Custer County, was officially brought, by C. W. McNamor, before the notice of Judge Gaslin, Custer was then unorganizi'd; but for judicial pur- poses was attached to the Fifth and Sixth judicial districts, so that no district judge could exercise jur- isdiction over the whole territory. In view of this and further, considering that the crime was perpe- trated in territory belonging to the Fifth district, or west of Sherman Count}-, the judge ordered the trial of the murderers to be held in Adams Count}-, be- ginning February 26, 1879. John IM. Ljman was foreman of the special grand jury, who returned the indictment against the murderers. The case may be said to have occupied the attention of the court until April 17, when the jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the second degree, against Frederick Fisher and I.. P. Olive. Both received sentences for life terms in the penitentiary. R. S. Erwiu was admitted to the bar 3Iarch 31 ; A. D. Yocum, William C. Reilly, R. A. Dague and Samuel M. Brobst in April. On April 26 the jury disagreed on the question of the guilt of William H. Green and John Baldwin, who were indicted for mur- der witli Olive and Fisher. David P. Maryatt, of Iowa; F. H. Hepburn, of Iowa; L. D. Dent, of Illinois; C. D. Steele, of Illi- nois; William H. Lanning, of Illinois, and J. J. Lewis, of Ohio, were admitted to the bar in Novem- ber, 1879. John Brown McElroy, sentenced to lie hanged in 1879, survived the day; for on November 26, 1879, he is on trial anew for the murder of Stutzman. On May 12, 1880, he plead guilty of murder in the second degree, and was sentenced to a life term in the penitentiary. On December 2 Miles J. Jacobs was examiniMl and admitted, and on the 6th George F. ^^'ork was admitted. In May, 1880, F. M. Hallowell appears as official reporter. B. F. Hilton was admitted to the bar at this time, and also Thomas H. Mattars, James W. Carver and Thomas J. Noll. The indict- ments of William B. Baldwin and Ralph 31. Tay- lor, for the murder of Allen J. Yocum, were pre- sented on Maj- 12. On the ISth Baldwin was found guilty of manslaughter on the first count. Roger H. Mills was admitted to the bar on June 21, ISSO, anil Ambrose H. Gates in December. On the 17th of this month the suit of the Burlington & 'y Aj m__ ik ADAMS COUNTY. 129 Missouri Ri\er Railroad Company against xVdams County, in tlie matter of taxes, was flnislied, and the county perpetually enjoined from the collection of taxes, except $308.50, and the cloud on the title to some of the railroad lands removed. During the 3ear judgments were rendered against the Protestant Episcopal and First German Evangeli- cal societies of Hastings. March 9, 1881, the first record of death among the legal circle is made in the case of Augustus F. Ash, who died Februarj' 25. March 1 7 the celebrated cases growing out of title to the town site of Hastings were decided bj- Judge Gaslin, as recorded in book 2, journal of district court, pages 571 to 582, and referred to in the his- tory of Hastings. Harrison Bostwick was admitted to the bar on March 19. On this day the following agreement in the case of Adams County vs. W. B. Thorne, as principal, and William E. Thorne, C. R. Jones & Co. , W. M. West, Weidler Grabill, Ira G. Dillon, James M. Sewell, J. S. Chandler, A. Yeazel and C. N. Paine & Co., as his sureties, was sub- mitted. '•In consideration of the conveyance to C. R. Jones and A. L. Clarke, trustees of assets of W. B. Thorne for use of Adams County, by Abraham Yeazel and William B. Thorne, of all property heretofore conveyed to A. Yeazel or transferred to him and now conveyed or trans- ferred by William B. Thorne to Jones & Clarke — the same being scheduled at $62,886.63, all of which having been heretofore conveyed to Abraham Yeazel for the in- demnificial of himself and other sureties on the bond of W. B. Tliorne, as treasurer of Adams County, it is here- by agreed that all the sureties of said Thorne shall be discharged from all liability at law or in equity." The names of Clarke and Jones were substituted as plaintiffs vice Thorne, in suits by the ex-treasurer. On June 21 the grand jury, of which Carlton Clarke was foreman, returned a true bill against William B. Thorne, ex-treasurer, for the embezzle- ment of $15,997.05 of county moneys; $5,570.34 of the district school land fund; $8,479.03 of the district school fund, and $5,664.75 of the district school judgment fund. V. Bierbower was district attoniey. In June Mr. Thorne denied the charge, and the trial was postponed to December, 1881, the ex-treasurer being held in $5,000 bail, which was promptly furnished. In December the case was brought up, but the records do not show its disposal until mention is made in March, 1883. This term was opened in Mowery & Farrell's building at Hast- ings, on Deceml)er 12, and at its close Frank D. Taggart and John L. Finley were admitted to the bar. On October 23, 1882, court was opened by S. B. Pound under a previous order by Judge Gaslin. The grand jury returned an indictment against Peter Fowlie for embezzlement of .$50,000, which had come into his possession by virtue of his office as deputy treasurer. John N. Lyman was foreman. In March he was allowed out on $3,000 bail to appear for trial in June. On March 29, 1883, the indictment for murder against William B. Baldwin was disposed of (the supreme court reversing the judgment and ordering one according to the verdict) , and the prisoner sentenced to a one jear term in the penitentiary. The jury in the case — State of Ne- braska vs. William B. Thorne, finished work June 18, and found the ex-treasurer guilty of emliezzling $22,000. Thomas Pearl was foreman of this body. A motion for a new trial was overruled and he was sentenced to a one year term in the penitentiary without solitarj' confinement, by Judge William H. Morris. On June 25, a writ of error was filed in the clerk's office, issued hj the clerk of the supreme court, asking for a transcript of the Thorne case. John A. Casto and W. S. McKinney were admitted to the bar in October, 1883. 3Iorriss Cliggett and Melville C. Hester were admitted March 19. 1884. An indictment for arson against William B. Bald- win was nolle prossed at the request of the district attorney. Edwin A. Hogg, formerly of Jlichigau, was admitted to practice here in November, also Lewis W. Hague, of Illinois. The indictments against Frederick Young, John Blivernicht. Oscar Winkler, Louis Hoffman and Henrj- Winkler were presented in June, 1885; but the trial jury could not agree, and (justave Vosberg was sentenced to a year's term in the penitentiary. The Thorne case came up in another form on June 3, when Thoi-ne's indebtedness was shown to be $47,187.86, but in December, 1886, the sum of $11,355.72 was ordered to be paid to the treasurer and Clarke & Jones discharged from liability. Charles D. Taylor, for- merly' of Iowa, was admitted to the bar in November, ■ f^ * -5) L> 130 HISTOl'iV (»F NEBRASKA. also A. M. Cunniughain, formerly of Pennsylvania, and Jaint's II. II. Howett. In May J. B. Cessna* was admitted to pr:ieliee here on formal application and on presentation of his Pennsylvania certificate. On June 19, 1880, the refusal of Treasurer Mc- Oleery to accept moneys from A. L. Clarke (pre- sumably moneys held l)y him as one of the trus- tees of the Thorne assets) was l)rou ADAMS COUNTY. 131 In 1875 a partj' of thirteen herders or cowbo3's killed Milton Collins, of Bufifalo County, and fled up the Platte Valley. Deputy United States Marshal Ball and nineteen citizens went in pursuit and cap- tured eleven of the party immediately; but the next day Jordan P. Smith, the actual murderer, and the thirteenth associate were captured on an island in the Platte. Several times the captors were on the point of executing the first batch of eleven cowboys; but the absence of the principal criminal led to post^ ponement, and ultimately the leading prisoner was allowed to be brought to trial. Smith was tried, found guilt}^ and sentenced to be hanged at Kearney; but a new trial was granted, and the case heard before Judge Gaslin, Jr. , at Juniata. Smith was found guilty of murder in the second degi-ee, and sentenced to a ten years' term in the peniten- tiary. The killing of Henrj- Stutzman was the first proven deliberate murder which oecuiTed in Adams County. This murder was committed bj' William John McElroy, on the morning of February 8, 1879. MeElroy, alias John Brown, was a young man who had been making his home at Red Cloud with a relative, and at various places in Adams County. He had worked for diflferent farmers during the fall and winter of 1878-79. On the evening of the day preceding the murder he started afoot from Hastings, armed with a revolver and rifle, and was presumedly on his way to Red Cloud. About four miles southwest of Hastings coming to the home- stead of Henry Stutzman, he requested permission to remain all night. Stutzman consented, the two men had supper, and after a short time, as McElroy stated, retired to rest. The next morning as Cam- eron Belliel, a neighbor of Stutzman, was passing by the latter's house, he noticed that the mules were gone. Calling to Stutzman and receiving no answer, he suspected something wrong, and in com- pany with another neighbor, Joseph Wolf, they en- tered Stutzman's house. Then their suspicions of foul play were at once proven true, for Henry Stutz- man was lying across a chair dead, having a wound in his head from both a rifle and revolver. Tlie people of the vicinity at once started in pursuit of the murderer and McElroj' was soon caught with the mules in his possession.* He made no attempt to escape, but said he killed Stutzman in self defense. He was taken to Ayr, a few minutes before the train arrived with Sheriff Martin and other oflScers, and was immediately conveyed to Hastings. Later on the same day an inquest was held by County Coroner W. Ackley, and the verdict of the jury was that Stutzman was killed by John Brown. Excitement among the people when it was known that a murder had been committed in their midst, and that the murderer was in the hands of the sheriff, ran high. Some talk of lynching was in- dulged in, and Sheriff Martin, fearing he might l)e overpowered and his prisoner taken from him, had him adroitly conveyed to the railroad station and removed to the jail at Kearney. Tlie prisoner was soon indicted on two counts, first, murder in the first degree by shooting Stutz- man with a gun. The second count was an indict- ment for the same offence, bj- shooting with a pistol. Court was then convened by Judge Gaslin, when McElroy was arraigned and pleaded ' ' not guilty," whereupon the following jurors were empaneled to tiy the case: A. J. Adams, R. H. Vanatta, C. A. Lane, E. W. Hall, T. L. Orton, M. L. Cook, J. W. Sheffield, W. T. Pomeroy, J. H. Spencer, D. W. Biglow, S. Gr. Johnson and George Beatte. T. D. Scofield, district attorney, assisted by A. H. Bowen conducted the case for the State. John M. Ragan and A. T. Ash were the attorneys for the defendant. The evidence elicited that some time during the night of the tragedy McElroy, while still in bed, reached over to the table where his pistol was lying and shot Stutzman while he was still asleep. The first shot onlj- stunning or dazing him, he arose from the bed and staggered to a chair, and while sitting on the chair, McElroy shot him a second time with the rifle, which resulted in his instant death. The ti-ial occupied one day, and at 10 o'clock the next morning the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree, whereupon Judge Gaslin •Engineer Clark saw the mules on his way up from Ked Cloud. Hearing of the murder on his arrival, he reported the matter and took a posse at once to capture the murderer. 1^ :f: 132 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. sentenced the prisoner to tleath. aixl May 2ft, 1879, was fixed as the day of execution. The speedy capture and trial of McEh'oy is probably the most summary transaction of the kind on record in the State of Nebraska, for in less than eijiht days after the commission of the crime the murderer received his sentence to expiate his guilt by the extreme penalty of the law. He was not hanjied. however, for his attorneys secured a new trial, and he was allowed to plead guilty of murder in the second tlegree, and was then sentenced to the State's prison for life. In 1889 Gov. Thayer par- doned him. The celebrated Olive case in point of general interest was the most important ever tried in Ne- braska, or, perhaps, west of the Missouri River This was the trial in Hastings, in 1879, of I. P. Olive and others for tlie lynching and murder of Luther Mitchell ami Ami W. Ketchum. From the most relial)le sources of information it is learned that on November 27, 1878, a party of men rode up to the house of Mitchell, on Clear Creek, for the purpose, they claimed, of arresting Ketchum, who was living with Jlitchell, for cattle stealing. Instead of quietly ilcnianding his surrender they began shooting at liiui. He was soon wounded in the arm, but re- turned the shot and killed a dejjuty sheriff known liy the name of Stevens, but whose right name was Olive. I. P. Olive, a wealthy cattle man of the South Loup, and brother of the man '-Stevens" or Olive, killed by Ketchum, at once offered a reward of $1,000 for the capture, dead or alive, of both Mitchell and Ketchum. These men were both will- ing to surrender to the proper authorities, but ex- pressed fear of the cowboys of Custer County. They were, however, soon aiTcsted, and several sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of adjoining counties received their share of the reward. Then as they were being taken from Kearney County to Custer County for preliminary examination, by Sheriff Gillan, of Keith County, and Phil Dufrand, of Custer County, they were taken from these officers by a party of armed men, and at a point aliout one mile south of the South Loup River, in Custer County, were hanged and burned. Thev were found the next afternoon. Ketchum was still hanging. Imt the rope suspending Mitchell had broken, and he was lying in the ashes of the still smoldering fire partly supported liy the left arm, which was fastened to Ketchum's right by a pair of handcuffs. The brutality surrounding the circumstances of these men's death, being hung, shot and burned, perhaps alive, was such as to cause the greatest excitement, and a strong demand from the people of Nebraska that those guilty of this crime be hunted down and punished, caused the State to offer a re- ward of §10,000, and a further reward of S200 each from the governor for all proven to be implicated in the sad affair. Suspicion at once pointed to I. P. Olive, who with John Baldwin, Myron Brown, Barney Arm- strong, John Gaslin, Fisher Gillan, Dufrain and a few more, were soon an-ested and placed in jail at Kearney. As Custer County, the county where the crime was committed, had not at this time been attached to any judicial disti-ict. Judge Gaslin concluded to have these men indicted and tried in Adams County. This was done, and, after a protracted trial, in which the State was al)ly represented by Attorney- General C. J. Dilworth, District Attorney C. D. Scofield, and C. M. Thurston, of Omaha, and the defendants by the late Hon. James Laird. Judge Homer, now judge of the Tenth district and others, the jury lirought in a verdict of guiltj" against I. P. Olive and one of the others, toward whom suspicion pointed, who were at once sentenced to the peniten- tiary for life, while the remainder of the indicted men were released. From the fact that the State appropriated $10,000 for the prosecution of this case, the num- ber of men under indictment, the ability and Ijril- liancy of the lawyers arraigned on both sides, and the heinousness of the crime charged, made it the most inn)ortant in point of interest of any case tried in Nebraska, before or since. The proceedings were reported by the Associated Press all over the United States, while some papers had special corres- pondents located at Hastings during the trial. After Olive had been in prison aljout one year his lawvers succeeded in having his case brought *$1^=^ r ADAMS COUNTY. 133 before the superior court of the State, and there it was held that the iudietment and trial in Adams County was an eiTor, that the proceedings against him should have been brought in Custer County; on account of this eiTor the prisoners were released on their own recognizance. The grand jury of Cus- ter County never having taken any action In the case, thej^ were not brought to trial again. The inquisition upon the bod}' of the murciereo ^lartin HoUeriek was held at the house in Cotton- wood, where the deceased resided, August 28, 1880. The jar}' found Nicholas Rickinger (his brother-in- law) guilty of striking the fatal blow. As hitherto related, Rickinger escaped punishment. Matt Siramerman, who on October 16, 1882, with Dick Belmont, shot and killed Sheriff Woods in the dining-room of the hotel at Minden, was cap- tured, tried, convicted. He was sentenced by Judge Gaslin to be hanged on April 21, 1883. On the 18th of that month a writ of error was sued out in the State supreme court, and in July the judgment was reversed. On October 13, his second trial be- gan, and, on the 25th, he was sentenced to be hanged. February 4, 1884, another appeal to the supreme court failed him, and the sentence was ordered to be carried out on March 17, 1885. A few daj-s prior to this Lawyer Burr sued out a writ of error to the United States supreme court, and for the first time in the legal history of the country a criminal under the death sentence was allowed out on bail. The murder of Cassius M. Millett was another unfortunate affair. Notary Public Le Dioyt took the statement of Mr. Millett, March 27, 1883. This pointed out the sidewalk between Pickens' house and the mill where the three murderers held him up, telling him to give up his money. They then or- dered him west, and at Maj-'s gate he made an effort to escape, and was nearly inside the gate when he was shot, after which he climbed the line fence be- tween [May's ground and his own. On March 28 a meeting was held at Liberal Hall, over which Mayor Lanning presided, to consider the question of rais- ing moneys to be expended in the capture of the murderers. S. J. Weigle was chosen secretary , and S. Alexander, A. L. Clarke, L. H. Tower, D. M. McElHinney and A. H. Cramer were appointed a committee on collections, and Thomas E. Farrell, R. A. Batty and C. K. Lawson members of the execu- tive committee. Mr. Millett died on March 27, and was buried on April 1 by the G. A. R. , of which body he was a member. The coroner's in- quest was held on March 30 liy Winfield Ackley, coroner, John N. Lj-man, Charles Cameron, D. M. McElHinney, J. B. Heartweli, W. 0. Hall and A. L. Wigton, jurors; and Messrs. Sowers, Lynn, Urquhart, Cook, Naulteus and Royce, physicians. Prior to this Deputj' Sheriff Stock, Stoelting and others collected some evidence which led to the arrest of James Green, John Babcock and Fred Inghram. A Mrs. Davis found a mask of curtain calico near the scene of the murder, which was recog- nized as a part of the wash-stand cover used by Green in his room at the Central House. This, with the fact that the three criminals were seen in consulta- tion, led to their arrest at Kohl's farm. On seeing the mask and other evidences of their guilt the}- were amazed. After a preliminary examination be- fore Judge Work, two of the prisoners, Inghram and Babcock, turned State's evidence, and each told the story of the crime precisely as it was planned and perpetrated. On the day of their victim's funeral the prisoners were taken to Lincoln by Sheriff' Hutchinson; but on the day after were taken back as far as Howard, where the coroner's jury visited them. On April 3 they were removed to Hastings and arraigned before Judge Work. Babcock alone of the trio plead guilty. They were guarded by special deputies — C. H. Deitrich, W. Cutter, Z. E. Hutchinson, Edward Burton and J. P. Farr, in the jury room off the court room in the " Stone Block. " and to all intents the law was to take its slow course. At about 10 o'clock that night a squad of thirt\- men entered the court room, breaking in the door, whence they proceeded to the room where the prison- ers were guarded, which they entered in the same manner, and placing revolvers at the head of each guard, abducted the self-confessed criminals, taking them from their beds. Placing ropes around their necks, they were marched down stairs, when Green and Inghi-am were placed in a buggy, and Babcock led to the place of execution — a bridge on the Grand 134 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Island Railroad about one mile north of the city. There the ends of the ropes attached to the three condemned men were fastened to the rails and the trio pushed off the bridge. Mr. Deitrieh, one of the guards who was pressed hito tiie service of leading Babcock to execution, cut the rope and thus saved the fellow for trial. An inquisition on the executed criminals was held by Sheriff Hutchinson with Lyman II. Tower, Charles L. Stone, A. H. Sowers, G. E. Douglass, George Marks and G. E. Kimball, jurors, who returned a ver lict of death from strangulation. — [Jlr. LeDioyt's report in Ga- zette-Journal. ] In July. 18.33, ghostly visitants were observed at the St. Joseph & Western Railroad bridge, north- east of the city. It appears that a few persons while passing the place where Inghram and Green were so summarilj- executed, saw the dead criminals approach the bridge and begin an inspection of it. Other parties visited the spot, always reporting the pres- ence of au unapproachable ghost. In 1883 and 1884 the Inviucibles took a part in administering justice. The Aldrich mysterj' for a long time occupied public attention.. John Aldi'ich was a quiet, highly respected farmer living near Blue Point in the south- ern part of Adams County. He died suddenly on December 5, 1885, under quite suspicious circum- stances. A few days after his burial the citizens concluded that au investigation was necessar}', and his body was exhumed, and the contents of the stomach sent to Prof. Haines, of the Rush Medical College at Chicago. The chemical analysis revealed a large quantity of arsenic. Suspicion pointed to his wife, Lizzie Aldrich, as the criminal, and she was arrested, indicted and brought to trial at the May term of the district court in 1889, but owing to insufficient evidence was acquitted. The theory of self-muriier was advanced and believed in by some, as he had threatened to com- mit suicide on several occasions, and about one half hour before his death he took a drink of whisky from a bottle; as he did so, it is reported that he said, " here goes the last." The whisky remaining in this l)ottle was analyzeil and revealed arsenic, but whether placed there by himself or some one else, was never known. The body of James Quinn was found September 28, 1880, partially devoured by hogs. His mur- derers placed the body in a shallow grave, from which the hogs removed the clay covering and began devouring the body. A German named Sproetz was arrested and charged with the crime, but Lawyer Tanner urged his discharge so eloquently that the justice acquiesced. Later he was held to give evi- dence before the coroner, but after the adjournment of the inquest, he escaped. Mayor Alexander called a meeting to consider the question of offering a reward for the capture of the murderer. C. F. Royce was appointed secretary. The efforts to cap- ture the criminal failed and after waiting until December 7, the coroner's jury found Wilhelm Sproetz guilty of wilful murder. G. W. Randall was arrested March 16, 1887, charged with criminal assault upon Lora May Hart, the eleven year old daughter of Marion Hart, of Edgar. On March 17 he was taken before Judge Fleming, but the hearing was postponed until the 18th; it being St. Patrick's day, and a number of people in the city, the authorities sent the rufflaii under guard of Deputy Hammond to Grand Island for safety. Next morning he was brought back for trial. He was defended by Batty & Casto, while Searl, of Edgar, and C. H. Tanner prosecuted. (On Friday Sirs. Randall arrived from Forest City, Mo. , and was at once arrested on the charge of abetting her husband in his designs upon the child.) Ran- dall pleaded not guilty. The evidence, then taken, points out that in Februarj- Dr. Randall visited his several patients at Edgar, among whom was Mrs. Hazelbaker, who was the first to discover the Doc- tor's (?) doings. Randall, learning that Lora Hart was suffering from sore ej'es, prevailed upon Jlr. Hart to allow his daughter to be treated b}- him. The girl boarded at the New England House for two days, after which Mrs. Randall and the Doctor com- pelled her to stay with them and even sleep with them. All would go to bed together, but in the morning the child would find herself alone with the demon who was her physician. The child protested against his assaults and removed to the Commercial Hotel, where he placed her under the influence of opiates and assaulted her repeatedly. By threats la ^. the couple compelled her to return to their room, and then their treatment became too terrible to bear, Mrs. Randall assisting the Doctor. On March 12 the girl returned, and her actions were of such a character as to occasion suspicion. Her parents questioned her, and breaking into tears she told the whole story. The evidence was so strong that •Judge Fleming held the leech in $5,000 bonds to appear for trial. While the papers in the case were being made out a shot was heard and Randall fell dead. A coroner's jury, presided over by F. L. Brown, comprising C. H. Dietrich, G. J. Evans, J. E. Gant, Thomas E. Farrell. J. F. Ballinger and H. C. Haverly, found that death ensued ''from a gun shot wound at the hand of some party to us un- known." Mrs. RandaU claimed the bodj-, but being short of funds, it was interred in the potter's field. Mrs. Randall was held for trial in bonds of $1,000, by Justice Vineyard. She was taken to her board- ing house and later that night remo\-ed to a safer place, lest the angry people should execute her. The avenger of the wrongs of his little sister shot well and truly, sending one of the blackest hearted wretches of the country before a higher tribunal than the district court, and saving the county the ex- pense of a prosecution. The celebrated case growing out of the defalca- tion of W. B. Thornewas closed in December, 1886. He came to Adams County with moderate means in 1872, but later was found to be in straitened cir- cumstances. In the fall of 1873 he was elected treasurer of the county, re-elected in 1875, again in 1876, and lastly in 1879. Up to within a year prior to November, 1879, there was not a word uttered against his integrity as treasurer. Did hail or grass- hoppers destroy the crops, Thorne would advance the farmers' tax, taking a note in payment. He was lib- eral in other directions; but the whisperings of 1878 won some believers, for it was apparent that ' ' Papa " Thorne could not go so deeply into specu- lative deals and pui'chase so much lands, or fix his sons in business so solidly, without using the county funds. In 1879 the daj- of reckoning was seen ap- proaching. Commissioners Moore, Yocum and Wil- son examined the treasurer's accounts and found his balances of $30,178.32 fully accounted for. This action disarmed suspicion for a time; but dur- ing the year 1880 another examination of forty days' duration disclosed a storage of about $50,000. Mr. Thorne turned his property over to A. L. Clarke and Charles R. Jones as trustees, who in December, 1886, received the acknowledgments of Judge Mor- ris for the manner in which they canied out the trust. When the defalcation was known to exist, criminal proceedings were taken and after two jears of law's delays, he was sentenced to a one j'ear's term in the penitentiarj'; but the sentence was sus- pended and remains suspended. On January 10, 1890, Judge Gaslin handed down his decision in the case of Adams County vs. R. B. Tusse}', ex clerk of the county-, to recover a defalcation. Judgment against Tusse}' and his fif- teen sureties was given for $1,774.62 and $150 costs. The Nebraskan in noticing this case says: '■ The original deflciencj- was about $3,000, after- ward reduced, principally by Jlrs. Tussey, who worked for months in the office writing up the record that her husband had neglected to attend to. (s" "s "V ? fc^ i:{« HISTORY OF NKBKA8KA. CHAPTER XIV. Rf.couh of Elf.ctions — Vahioi;« Officials Chosen — Considf.kation of Questions of Local Importance- Undeh Township Organization Laws — Proposition for Funding Bonds — Journalists and Journal- ism — The Newspaper as a Powerful Moral Agent — Sketches of Press Enterprises — First Issues of Sundry Publications — Their Development and Influence. Serious in aspect, earnest in tlieir talk. — Dryden. >IIE tiist general election for Adams County was held De- cember 12, 1871, when 29 votes were cast, the total vote being recorded onlj^ on the question of locating the county seat on Section 12, Township 7, Range 11, west of the sixth principal meridian, there ] icing 28 votes for and 1 against the proposition. Samuel L. Brass, Edwin M. Allen and Wellington W. Selleck received 28 votes each for county commissioners, for three, two and one j-ear terms re- spectively, one vote being recorded against each of the two first named. Hussi'li It. Babcock received 27 votes for clerk; John S. Chandler, 26 for treasurer; Isaac W. Stark, 26 for shcrifl': Titus Babcock, 26 for pro- bate judge; George Henderson, 27 for surveyor; Adna II. Bowen, 26 for school superintendent; Isaiah Sluyter, 28 for coroner; William W. Camp, L'T for assessor; W. W. Selleck, 28 and Harmon 11. Ballou, 27 for justices of the peace; Simeon •Johnson and Robert Mason, 28 each for consta- bles; Judson Btirwell, Thomas J. Kemp and Ed- gar A. Adams, 27, 28 and 27, respectively, for judges of election; Samuel P. Ilowland and William '^^^ J. Janes, 28 votes each for clerks of election. One voter appears to have opposed this ticket, which was known as the Adams County ticket throughout, ex- cept in the case of Commissioner Selleck, against whom not one vote was cast, although one of his friends evidently did not vote for him. The election for Juniata precinct in October, 1873, resulted in the choie of Samuel J. Shirley and William B. Cushing, justices, over Charles Kilburn and Joseph A. Robertson, the winners' vote being 95 and the defeated candidates' 41. George Kuder. Charles R. Jones and James Norrish were elected judges of election; John M. Cole and Enos J. Han- chett, clerks of election; William J. Derrick and William H. Gardner, constables; William L. Kcmii received 134 votes for assessor. The elections of October, 1873, in Little Blue precinct gave a majority vote to R. M. Jones for justice, he receiving 60 against 56 recorded for C. G. Wilson and 21 for W\ S.Mote; C. Bird, R. D. Carrier and S. M. West were chosen election judges; J. L. Johnson and J. A. Waldeck, clerks of elec- tion; Robert Mason and William Vastine, constables; Moses Livingstone, assessor. The elections of October, 1873, in Denver pre- cinct resulted as follows: G. J. Jlilliard received 100, L. C. Gould 86, and F. S. Wells 15 for justices of the peace, the first named being chosen. M. K. Lewis. S. S. Dow and A. W. Wheeler were chosen ik ADAMS COUNTY. 137 judges of election over C. K. Lawson, A. Andrus and L. C. Gould; E. Steinau and T>. S. Cole were fhoseu clerks of election; G. W. Mower^- and F. Hudson, constables; Charles H. Paul received 107 votes for assessor and was unopposed. In April, 1874, there were 7 votes cast in favor of giving aid to the St. Joe & Grand Island Railroad Com- pany, and 171 votes against such aid. In May 134 votes were recorded for and 87 contra. The elections of October, 1873, in Silver Lake precinct show 46 votes for Isaac Vanderwort and 45 for Charles W. Wilson, who were elected justices; B. H. Scott, R. K. Dailey and M. B. Kelly, judges of election; H. B. Munson and J. J. Hoj-leman, clerks of election; J. W. Yeager, who received 47 votes and John P. Duncan 38 votes, were chosen constables, and A. C. Moore received 48 votes for assessor and was elected. The fall elections of 1873 were held October 17. Alexander H. Cramer received 374 votes and "Wil- liam H. Gardner 1 vote for clerk; William B. Thorne 289, and Peter Fowie 87, for treasurer; Benjamin F. Smith 238, and A. W. Wheeler 137 votes for probate judge; James B. McCleery 277, and W. H. Gardner 93 for sheriff; Hiram C. Hum- bert 376 for coroner; William Scott 274. and Joseph Horgan 97 for surveyor; Russell S. Langley 273, and Dr. George Kuder 99 for commissioner of the Second district; A. H. Bowen 374 for school superintendent. The question of issuing bonds to fund count}' indebtedness received 172 votes, while against the proposition 295 votes were recorded. In June, 1874, Juniata gave 78, Kenesaw 3, Denver 4, Ovid or Silver Lake 17, and Little Blue 2, or a total of 104 votes in favor of issuing bonds to pay outstanding warrants. The vote against this proposition, in the precinct order given, was 36, 22, 156, 23 and 55, or a total of 292. The elections of October, 1874, show 480 votes for Lorenzo Crouse and 47 for J. W. Savage, can- didates for Congress. Under this heading, with aintg't written after title of office on record, Pat- rick O. Hawes is credited with 487 votes; Silas Garber, candidate for governor received 485 votes, and A. Tuckbury 42 votes; W. J. Council received 243 votes for the office of district attorney in the Second and JI. B. Hoxie in the Third judicial dis- trict; N. K. Griggs received 457, and R. P. Stein 75 votes for Senator of the Twelfth district; A. Nance 457, and George H. Peebles 74, for represen- tative of the Thirteenth district. There were 527 votes cast for holding constitutional convention, and three cast against the proposition; A. D. Yocum received 341, and J. H. Vandemark 182 votes for commissioner of the Third district. W. D. Willoughby was elected justice of Little Blue, and Moses Livingstone assessor; J. B. Roscoe, assessor of Silver Lake; McD. Martin and William Martin, justices of Cottonwood, and Richard Spick- nail, as.sessor; A. L. Wigton, justice of Denver; B. E. Boyer, assessor, and C. E. Forg}- and John Gould, constables; Peter Fowlie, justice of Juniata; W. L. Kemp, assessor; Edward Jloore and John W. Sherffleld, justices of Kenesaw, and L. Darling, assessor. In Maj', 1875, delegates to the constitutional convention from the district composed of Weljster, Kearney and Adams, were voted for. James Laird received 399, Legrand B. Thorne, 375, M. V. Mondy, 564, and Jacob C. Wilson, 528. The question of re-locating the county seat was also submitted at this time, the vote for Juniata be- ing 381, made up as follows: Juniata precinct, 201; Kenesaw, 66; Denver, 7; Silver Lake, 68; Little Blue, 11, and Cottonwood, 28. The vote in favor of Hastings was 559, Juniata giving 53; Kenesaw, 9; Denver, 295; Silver Lake, 48; Little Blue, 114. and Cottonwood, 10. The canvassing board comprised County Clerk A. H. Cramer, George W. Wolcott and W. H. Burr, who declared that Juniata, having more than two-fifths of all the votes cast, should continue to be the county seat. Some wag in the midst of the serious contest cast his vote for some place which he named Liaiiata. The elections of October 15, 1875, show 729 votes for and 21 against the adoption of the new constitution; 650 for the article relating to seat of government, and 32 against; 673 for article allow- ing electors to express their preference for United States Senators, and 46 against; 444 votes for William Gaslin, Jr. , 390 for C. J. Dilworth, and 46 for B. I. Hinmau, judge of the Fifth district; 509 L^ 138 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. for John R. Ratcliff, and :573 for John B. Roscoe, candidalos for commissioners of First district; 868 for B. F. Smith, probate judge; 481) for William B. Thornc, and 301 for S. Sadler, candidates for treasurer; 457 for A. L. Wigton, and 309 for L. Darling, candidates for school superintendent; 590 for James B. McCleery, and 2G9 for H. B. Strout for sheriff; 8G4 for William Van Allen, survej-or; 485 for Dr. C. M. Wright, and 380 for Col. W. L. Smith, candidates for coroner; 542 for A. H. Cramer, and 347 for Wesley jM. White, candidates for clerk. Samuel J. Shirley and l\'ter Fowlie were elected justices, and George T. Brown assessor of .hiniata; II. W. Krone and John Kent justices, and li. A. Boley assessor of Kenesaw; George F. Work and L. C. Gould justices, and J. A. Innis assesor of Den\er; C. W. Wilson and Isaac Yanderwort justices, and A. C, Moore assessor of Silver Lake; S. F. Reed and W. S. Moote justices, and M. Liv- ingstone assessor of Little Blue; E. C. Clewitt and Charles Morse justices, and R. S. Spieknall assessor of Cottonwood. The November elections were introduced in Cen- tennial year. The vote for A. H. Connor and other electors was 767; for D. A. Wheeler and other elec- tors, 401. For Congress, Frank Welch received 627; Marvin Warren, 111, and Joseph HoUman, 207; for Congress contingent, Thomas J. Majors, 746, and William H. Deck, 19; for governor, Silas Garber, 76C, and Paren F]igland, 205; for district attorney, C. J. Dilworth, 965; for Senator, Twenty- fourth district, J. S. Melntyre, 567, J. S. Gilham, 300, and R. M. Simonton, 101; for representative, Second district, S. Sadler, 593; L. P. Hawley, 331, and George T. Hutchinson, 125; for commissioner. Second district, Edward Moore, 498; Thomas Faribee, 282, and E. M. Allen, 157. Tiie justices and assessors then elected were: William L. Kemp justice, and G.*T. Brown assessor of Juniata; E. B. Moore and 0. II. Wright justices, and John Fruraan assessor of Kenesaw; D. L. Bar- lass assessor of Denver; J. P. Duncan justice, and R. S. Spieknall assessor of Silver Lake; A. C. Moore assessor of Little Blue; J. A. Nichols justice, and J. Holman assessor of Cott. F. Nicholas, Logan; R. N. Kinsej^ Silver Lake; II. Weathwax, Zero (no election for this office in Little Blue); George W. Splcknall received a major- ity of votes in First ward, Poljert Morledge in Second ward, and E. E. Sawyer in Fourth ward, of Hast- ings. The supervisors elected in 1889 were John L. Stoner (70),* Kenesaw; W. J. Willars (111), Ver- ona; M. McKenna (87), Highland; A. F. Powers (113), West Blue; H. Fred Einspahr (75), Wanda; Ed F. Gettle (245), Juniata; John T. Barr (113), * The vote given for the townships is the total vote. Denver; B. B. Snodgrass (76), Blaine; C. R. Hohl- feld (48), Cottonwood; J. P. Duncan (121), Rose- land; J. Hill (94). Ayr; John Gordon (100), Han- over; H. C. Minni.x (79), Logan; W. P. Clawsou (84), Silver Lake; Lester Warmuth (121), Zero; T. T. Jones (97), Little Blue. D. H. Eallard received 818 votes; W. M. Vastine, 814; F. J. Benedict. 811; D. M. McElHinney. 811; W. A. Dilworth. 801, R. V. Shockey, 803, and Ed Burton, G81. The assessors elected in 1889, in the order above given, are named as follows: A. C. ^Moore, E. J. Hanchett, J. C. Millikin, A. C. Tompkins, George W. Wolcott, W. E. Shaver, T. J. Taylor, S. M. Hoagland, George Slay, A. E. Stoetzel, M. N. Kress. J. Madson, G. W. Maxwell, R. S. Spicknall, W. Blumenthall, William Washbourne, and E. P. Nel- lis re-elected in Hastings. The justices of the peace elected in 1889 were W. E. Latta, B. F. Barr, A. R. Pearson, J. Wilson, J. J. Lauerman (0. R. Palmer and D. R. Ball re- ceived 149 votes each in Juniata), S. W. Niles, H. B. McGaw, C. Larson, T. W. Carter, W. S. Wil- loughby, G. Collings, N. B. Clark, C. F. Orvis, W. W. Philleo; S. Bechtelheimer, in the townships. A. C. Moore (R. R. Morledge and N. S. Rohrer re- ceived each 201 votes), N. B. Vinyard and J. C. Williams received the majority votes in their respec- tive wards at Hastings. The township clerks elected in 1889 are P. E. Hatch, Kenesaw; Frank Sutter, Verona; Thomas Wynne, Highland; W. J. Huxtable, West Blue; Leo Portz, Wanda; F. E. Kelly, Juniata; William Brodley, Denver; F. V. Nash, Blaine; W. T. Car- son, Cottonwood; Charles Hohlfeld, Roseland; Dan Bituer, Ayr; J. M. Dean, Hanover; Eli Jenkins. Logan; Frank McDonald, Silver Lake; R. Ratclitt', Zero, and Griffith Evans, Little Blue. The township treasurers elected in 1889 were J. B. Cook, Kenesaw; D. R. Bigelow. Verona; Herman Bertert, Highland; H. M. Palmer, West Blue; Peter C. Einspahr. Wanda; Gilliert Faber. Juniata; S. A. Nash, Denver; John Forner, Blaine; C. B. Powers, Cottonwood; W^. F. Duncan, Roseland; W. J. Clark, S. Bander, W. E. 3[unson, Logan; H. M. JlcClure, Silver Lake; Chris Kork, Zero, and B. K. West, Little Blue. \ ') l^ ADAMS COUNTY. 145 The elections of November, 1889, show 1,668 votes for Norval (R); 1,170 for Ames (D). and 221 for Wigton (P), candidates for supreme judge; 1,691 for Laws (R), 1,151 for Casper (D), and 190 for Bentley (P). candidates for Congress; 1,760 for C. H. Paul (R), 1,057 for Phillips (D), and 198 for Waldron (P), candidates for county treasurer; 1,756 for Patridge (R), 1,088 for Breed (D), and 196 for Hoagland (P), candidates for county clerk; 1,641 for Wilson (R); 1,207 for Brown (D), and 204 for Norton (P), candidates for recorder; 1,687 for Cramer (R); 1,159 for Kelly (D) and 191 for Arm- strong (P), candidates for sheriff; 1,759 for Burton (R), 1,117 for Lynn (D), and 164 for Hewitt (P), candidates for county judge; 1 ,860 for Betteys (R), and 298 for Jones (P), candidates for superintendent of schools; 1,738 "for Irwin (R), 1.111 for Mc- Kenney (D), and 219 for Putt (P), candidates for office of coroner; 1,758 for Woodward (R), and 197 for Orvis (P), candidates for surveyor. The pioneer journal of Adams Count}' was the Gazette, issued at Juniata in 1872. It was estab- lished solely to defend the old county seat against all assailants, and to cry down all opposition to the little village of the prairie. In 1873 the Journal was founded at Hastings. It was superior to the Gazette as a local newspaper; but, lilie the pioneer paper, defended its new town of Hastings against all the assaults of the press and people of Juniata. In 1876 the Times was issued at Kenesaw and there were three Richmonds in the field. As newspapers the publishers overlooked thousands of interesting incidents, while singing the praises of their respect- ive districts. They were expert songsters, each having his own scale. They never sung in harmony. After the second paper was established the counts- seat war was begun, and the third paper presented itself in time to act the part of home guard. A few years later the Bohemians, with all their faults and their many virtues, came, and the little newspaper world of Adams County extended its dominion. The adopted sons of Bohemia, following fancy's bright stream, ignoring the honors of thrift and trade, condemning the iced charity given in the name of a busmess-like statistical God, helping a lirother in want, and always hoping to live and die in Bohemia, came hither to preach then- theories. Some of them failed in the Bohemian land, some prospered and are here to-day. The Gazette deserted the waning cause of Juniata, and the Times came all the way from distant Kenesaw. The latter was merged into the Nebraskan and the former into the Journal. The consolidation of the warring journals was effected in January, 1880, by A. L, and J. W. Wig- ton, who conducted the Gazette-Journal until the organization of the stock company in the fall of 1882, when work on a new office building was com- menced. In the spring of 1883 the building was completed and taken possession of, and in August of that year the Daily Gazette-Journal was issued. The Gazette-Journal Publishing Company was rc-or- ganized in September, 1885, with E. C. Webster, president; J. V. Heartwell, vice-president; C. P. Webster, treasurer; Samuel Alexander, secretary, and J. 0. Fisher, manager. A. L. Wigton con- tinued on the directors' board, and C. F. Royce, edi- tor. The office was improved in manj' departments, new type, presses and bindery machinery introduced , and the stock of paper and printing material in- creased. In October the Daily Gazette-Journal was enlarged to a twenty-eight column paper, and a reg- ular system of delivery adopted. In 1886 an addition of fortj--four feet was made to the building of 1882-83, and the present aiTange- ment of departments adopted by J. 0. Fisher, the manager. C. F. Royce came to Hastings from Iowa in 1878. He purchased the Sunday Gazette-Journal in 1889, and is still managing editor of that paper. Miles K. Lewis, born in Genesee County, N. Y. , in 1825, located 400 acres of land near Hastings in 1873, and the same year entered the field of journal- ism with A. L. Wigton in the publication of the Journal. Early in 1875 he determined to give at- tention to his lands, but in 1878 returned to the city and established the Lewis Patent Grain Header fac- tory. A reference to the several chapters on Adams County history will give the details of Mr. Lewis' connection with this section of the State. On July 30, 1874, R. A. Daguc issued his greeting as part- ner of Mr. Wigton in the publication of the Journal, «<" <£ 140 UlSTOltV OF M-: BR ASK A. tlie IrttU-r l)eing alone in the inaiiagcment since Feb- ruary 21), 1874. Lak'i- tliat year Jolin and Emma Leonard, employes of the office since its beginuing, left for Texas. On January 7, 1875, Mr. Wigton sold his half interest to Dague, l)Ut on Octolier 14, 1875, tlie pioneer editor resumed sole ownership, when ^\'. F. J. Comly was appointed associate editor. Dining the j-ear 1875 the county scat war was confined for a time to the pages of this Journal and the Gazette. The destruction of the Gazette office and contents occurred Jul}- 29, 1889. Insurance on building and stock, although heavy, did not cover the total loss. Owing to the ctficienc}" of the fire department the Oliver building was saved, although at one time in possession of the fire fiend. The Central Nel)raskan was issued February 8, 1878, by A. D. Williams and M. J. Abbott. In their salutatory they speak of the success which at> tended the Kenesaw Times during its existence for the eighteen months prior to "February 8, 1878, when the Nebraskan succeeded it. The publishers further state: "The Times was a sort of by-play with us. We expect to give more time and energy to the Ne- braskan. * * * It will be Republican in pol- ities. * * * 'We desire both specie payment and the remonetizing of silver; not because we deem either gold or silver a desirable currency, but for the purpose of making the greenback equal to the gold dollar or any other." Some days after Abbott called on Mr. Clarke at the bank for pro- ceeds of note left for collection, and was handed 8eventj--five silver dollars. He scratched his head a little, but without further comment took away the load of metal. In March, 1878, A. D. Williams' name appears as sole owner, and on November 8, I. D. Evans became associated with him. With No. 1 of Volume II of the Central Nebraskan, Feb- ruary 4, 1879, was ushered in the era of semi-weekly journals hei-e. No. 1, Vol. I, Daily Nebraskan, was issued May 3, 1880, In- A. D. Williams, who in his salutatory says: "Well! here we are — the Hastings Daily Nebraskan — and with associated press dispatches several hours ahead of any other source. An-ange- ments have been made by which we shall, in anv event, run tlie Daily during the presidential cam- paign. It is for the citizens, and especially the bus- iness men of Hastings, to say whether it shall con- tinue as a permanent institution of the city. This arrangement will do away with the semi-weekl}' edition, and the weekly will assume its old quarto or double fonn." The salutatory of A. T. Bratton, as publisher of the Nebraskan (weekly), appeared June 21, 1883. In this he says: " Politically we have alwaj'S lent allegiance to the Rei)ublican party. * * * Our doctrine is ' live and let live. ' There are substantial rights which labor is demanding, and which, when properly formulated and understood, must and will be recognized, simply- because the}' are founded in eternal justice." In this issue the verdict of guilty, returned by the jury in the trial of William B. Thorne, for embezzling $22,000, is given. In the local columns is a report of the first annual literary entertainment by the students of Hastings' College, and a programme of the Fourth of July festivities at A3T. The Adams County Democrat was issued Julj- 10, 1880, b}^ Richard Thompson, who in his salu- tatory says: " The question of establishing a Demo- cratic newspaper in Adams County is a question that has been agitated for some time. The enterprise in all its bearings has been thoroughly discussed. The question as to whether there was a demand for such a paper, and whether it would pay, were the princi- pal points. These having been settled the Demo- crat makes its appearance as a Democratic journal. Its mission is not to pull down and destroy, but to build up — to represent the real interests of the party and this great country. " The Wahlquist Brothers (R. B. and G. L.) are the present owners of this journal. Mr. Le Doiyt, for many years connected with the press, and one of the old settlers of Hast- ings, is a member of the staff of the Democrat. The Nebraska Volksfreund dates back to 1883. On April 13, 188G, the office was purchased by William Breed, who settled at Hastings in 1874, and in November, 1889, by P. N. Carson, who issued No. 26 of Vol. VII, December 19, 1889. At the close of January, 1890, this journal suspended publica- tion. i±^ ADAMS COUNTY. 147 The Hastings College Review for December, 1883, was edited by F. R. Dungan, assisted by Prof. G. E. White, J. H. H. Hewitt, A. D. Raney. Alice Yocum, 0. A. Farnham. T. J. ^MfCully and G. A. Birdsall. Miss Ada F. Nowlan contributed a paper on Beethoven. The Yidette is the college journal of the students. It was first issued in 1885. The Hastings Independent was issued July 3, 1886, bj' Frank Taggart, manager, and Isaac Le Doiyt, editor. In the salutatorj- the editor saj-s: ' ' The Independent comes before you as an inde- pendent family newspaper. Politically we shall hold that measures are above men, and shall support such men only as we think will liest subserve the com- mon good. On March 12, 1887, the office was pur- chased b3- A. L. Wigton and A. H. Brown, and this journal entered the Republican ranks. The Nebraska Newspaper Union was established at Hastings in March, 1888, with the view of sup- plying to the local press ready printed matter or whole editions of weekly newspapers. Beyond the organization little was accomplished, although the field is here and Hastings has railroad communica- tion with it in all its parts. The Hastings Republican was issued January 12, 1889, by C. L. and F. A. Watkins. In their salu- tatorj- the}' outline their politics in the following paragi'aph: '-The Hastings Republican as a name mirrors a true image of the political features of this journal. The Republican expects to have the cour- age of its convictions. When an opinion is urged by the stress of demand it will be given without fear or favor, but given with due defference to the honest judgment and motives of its readers. " This modest little paragraph was well received and the Republican won its waj' into favor. The issue aver- ages about 1,200 weekly. The whole paper is printed at Hastings. Hastings Tribune, No. 1 , Yol. I. , was issued November 16, 1889, by R. Thompson, who estab- lished the Democrat in 1880, and Allen P. Brown, of Clay County. Within a month the Tribune established itself as a journal full of news, and one capable of drawing a very fine line between the sacred and profane. The Christmas of 1889 ap- pears to have made a fa\orable impression on Brother Dick, for, on December 27, he makes on his editorial page, the following modest proposition: ' ' The Tribune office is greatlj' in need of a popular book, written bj' several well-known authors. The work is one of mutual interest and has been read, •more or less, by thousands of people. It is famil- iarly known as the Bible, or word of God. We were, at one time, the owner of this valuable work, but it was pilfered by some unknown wretch. To anj' one who will kindlj' furnish us with a volume of this valuable work we will send them a copy of this great moral and family newspaper. This prop- osition will ])e open until January first only. An illustrated edition preferred ! " The Dailj' Press was issued November 24, 1889, by the Press Pulilishing Company — J. W. Kinsella, president and manager; W. B. Palmer, secretarj- and treasurer, and Walt Mason, editor. The Press was a most aggressive morning jour- nal and made enemies daily. The old Nebraskau was even driven to oppose it determinedly; so that, notwithstanding its newsy character, it had to col- lapse, the last copy being issued December 12, 1889. The Trade Book, a periodical devoted to the in- terests of real estate agents and property owners, is issued by F. E. Garratt in January, April, July and October each year, No. 29 being issued in October. In January, 1890, a report was cuiTent that a new weeklj- journal was to be established in the interest of the Union Labor movement. The Adams County Gazette made its appearance at Juniata, in January, 1872, by C. C. and R. D. Babcock. In 1876 the office was removed to Hast ings. In November, 1880, Charles Kelley and J. W. Short purchased the office, and they, in Decem- ber of that year, sold to W. L. Wigton & Brother, who consolidated it with the Journal under the name Gazette-Journal. During its career of four years at Juniata it espoused the claims of that town against all opposition, Ijut deserted when the enemj- attacked in force, and moved into their headquarters. R. D. Babcock, born in Monroe County, Mich., in 1846, served from 1863 to 1865 with the Eleventh Michigan Cavalry and Sixth United States Colored Cavaliy, and, in 1871, settled in Juniata precinct, 5 V 4. 148 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. wlicro he entered :i quarter-section. In December lie was elected county clerk, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1870. In January, 1872, he and C. C. Baheock esUxblished the Adams County Gazette, which they continued to publish at Juniata until the fall of 187C, when the office was moved to Hastings. On Mr. Babcock's removal to Hastings he resumed the practice of law, making land laws a specialty. The Juniata Herald was issued October 25, lS7(i. by the Citizens Company, with A. H. Brown, editor. The office was sold to G. S. Guild, Septem- ber 15, 1877. William Knickerbocker purchased the office July 23, 1880. He was followed by J. W. Livcringhouse and F. W. Francis. On the latter's death in March, 1884, I. H. Rickel, the present pulilisher, purchased the paper. The Ayr Times was established January 14, 1882, by C. L., G. M., and F. A. Watkins. A. H. Brown, who in 1868 established the People's Journal at Vinton, Iowa, settled in Juniata [irecinct, August 16, 1872, where he resided on his 160-acre homestead for a year, when he was elected county superintendent of schools. From 1873 to 1876 he was editor of the Gazette, and when the Herald was estiiblished by the citizens, in the fall of 1876, he was appointed editor. The Kenesaw Times was founded June 8, 1876, by A. D. Williams, and continued pul)lication there until 1878, when it was merged into the Central Ne- braskan of Hastings. It appears, however, that a second paper of the same name was established in 1883. The Holstein Record was issued April 13, 1889, by the Holstein Publishing Company. This journal is devoted to the interests of the village and neigh- borhood and is considered a good advertising medium for the locality. The Holstein Nonpareil is the name of a little paper started in January, 1890, at the place named. W. T. Carson is the manager. The third newspaper office ever built in Adams County, the Central Nebraskan, in 1877-78, on Third Street, was torn down in May, 1885, to make way for the new block at the corner of that street and Lincoln Avenue. The first printing office was erected for the Juniata Gazette in 1872, and the third for the Hast- tings Journal in 1873. CHAPTER XY. I*H MiLiTARY History — Survivors of the Civir, War — Roster of Soldiers — Strickland Post — Juxiata Post- Hansen Post — Kenesaw Post — Company F — Associations and Societies — Reunions, Etc. The mighty rivals, whose destructive rage Did the whole world in civil arms engage, Are now agreed. — Roscommon. HILE the Kebellion occu- pied the attention of a number of the present citizens of Adams Coun- ty, none of its native white residents have been engaged in warfare. Dur- ing the terrible j-ears of civil strife only two settlers were within its boundaries and the date of their location was then recent. Again, the tide of Civil War ebljod and flowed far away from this prairie land, so it may be truly said of Adams County that it was outside the war belt, for the reason that there was nothing here to antagonize. The Sioux in their attack on the California Trail carried their war to the very lines of the eouut3-, south and east, destroj'ing the property of the settlers, kill- ing some and carrying others to- a captivity far worse than death. A few years more and the county is filled with veterans of the greatest war known in history. Round the summer camps of the pioneers, stories of Gettysburg, South Jlountain, Shiloh, the march to the sea, Wilderness, Pea Ridge, Vicksburg and a hundred other well-fought fields are told; but there is no war. The soldiers have laid aside the rifle antl sword and taken up the plow-share. They are the harbingers of peace — the pioneers of progress. The storj- of the war has been told in thousands of volumes and in tens of thousands of written reminiscences. The results of that war are accepted forever. Here may be given the names of participants in the struggle for preserving the Union, onl}- so far as local records permit. It is a list of sol- diers associated together in the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic. A few decades and such names will be searched for in vain, like those of the Revolution and other wars marking the first century of the Repuljlic. The question of organizing a post of the G. A. R. was considered at a soldiers' meeting held at Mil- lett's Hall, April 18, 1878. C. H. Paul presided, with E. Steinau, secretary; a committee, comprising J. N. L^-man, F. S. Wells and the officers named, was appointed to obtain a charter. The charter was duly granted, and on May 13, 1878, Strickland Post No. 19 was organized with T. D. Scofield, com- mander; C. H. Paul, S. V. C. ; W. H. Brown, J. V. C. ; J. N. L3'man, Q. M. ; A. H. Sowers, surgeon; F. S. Wells, chaplain; L. C. Palmer, adjutant; John D. Crane, S. M.; E. Steinau, Q. M. S. Post No. 13, G. A. R , met October 5, 1880, for re-organization. A. C. Yocum was elected P. C. ; A. H. Bowen, S. Y. C; James Walling, J. V. C. ; A. H. Sowers, surgeon; W. H. Stock, Q. M.; L. B. Palmer, adjutant; George F. Work, chaplain; A. Poole, 0. G. ; W. W. Dungan, 0. D. ; R. R. Mor- ledge, Q. M. S. ; A. S. Hill, S. M., and A. L. Wig- ton, A. A. M. 0. , and four unofficial members. \^ 150 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. The roster of the post is as follows, the eighteen first nuineil being charter members: S. Aloxiuidcr, 1st Neb. Inf. A. I,. \Vi;,'liiii. .sstli O. Inf. \V. \V. l)iiii,i;iui. Tilli la. liif. (ii'd. K. Wink, .Mil lii. Inf. Iv IM. AI)bott, 84tli III. Inf. A. 1). Yociim, ITth O. Inf. Cm. Miller, l.'itli U. S. Inf. .1. n. Ci-iino, 5tli N. Y. Art. L-I!. ralmer, G2(l III. Inf. A. r. I!(Mijainin, loTth N. Y Inf. W. S. Martin, 8.3(1 O. Inf. Alex. Rosors, 54tli III. Inf. A. H. Sowors, 14th O. Inf. David Koch, 23(1 Mo. Inf. .1. N. Lvnian. J. F. Ik'ilpr, 2(;th III. Inf. .1. F. Ross, U. vS. Navv. F. S. Wells. IT. S. Navy. T. D. Seolield, 27th M. S. S. C. L. Ston'e.Chieaffo M. IJat. II. Shedd, 117th N. Y. Inf. A. Poole, nth Wis. Vol. James Walling, 149th N. Y'. Inf. .1. Wooster, 36th O. Inf. H. B. Tanner, 17th Mo. Inf. Uenrv Williams, 78th N. Y. Inf. II. A. ForcIit.Merrill's Horse. J. E. Hutchinson, 4th la. Batt. W. H. Stock, 17th Til. Cav. R. R. Morledge. 4th la. Inf. A. H. Bowen, 4th Mich. Inf. A. S. Mill, 3(1 Wi.s. Inf. Carl ClarU. 8.3d III. Inf. K. II. Burtlett. 1st la. Cav. .1. T. Ross, 14th Ind. Inf. W. H. H. Coulter, 8th Mo. Inf. J. Stebbler. N. C. Barlow, !l5tli III. Inf. A. (i. Williss, 2d la. Cav. C. L. Kinkaid, 1st la. Cav. .1. H. Hiirsh, l!)r>ih Pa. Inf. S. IthinlKirdt, 2d Mich. Inf. II. H. Mc(;aw, ',i7th O. Inf. A. .1. Millet, 12th la. Inf. Wm. Callahan, 28th Pa. Inf. John M. Bovd, 61st Pa. Inf. Chas. II. Paul. F. M.Clark, Sth O. Inf. W. C. Beal, !Hh Micdi. Inf. J. A. Snyder, 7th Wis. Inf. S. H. Henderson, 24th la. Inf. C. B. Sperrv, 4th Wis. Art. J. L. Cline, .'ith Pa. II. A. Jos. S. Land. HUli Mich. Inf. J. P. lioaRland, 132d Pa. Inf. R. I). IJabcock, llth Mich. Cav. W. H Grimth, 1st Mich. Inf. Edward Orton, 7tli III. Inf. Farrci-, 10th la. 101st N. Y. James T. Inf. Isaac A. Hall, Inf. Henry Jewett, 47th 111. Inf. II. 10. Iloughtaling, loth Wis. Inf. .lames Ross, 2d la. Inf. Alfred Martinis, 203d Pa. Inf. Wm. ".Monroe, 13th Wis.Inf. W. It. Saine, 17th O. Inf. I). H. Holmes, Merrill's Horse H. Bromley, n2d N. Y. Inf. H. G. Wetherill, OOth N. Y. Inf. II. G. Nights. 3fith la. Inf. 0. B. Wirt. 4Gtli Ind. Inf. Geo. H. Hiird, 37tli III. Inf. J. W. Coulter. 33d III. Inf. W. H. Scott, 60th O. Inf. W. A. Smith, 16th Ky. Inf. S. 15. Whitman, 2d U. S. S. .1. I). Van Ilouten, 5th III. Cav. W. II. Marshall, 140th 111. Inf. J. R. Sims, 203d Pa. Inf. Samuel Long, 20th Wis. Inf. Peter Zobel, 32d Ind. Inf. John R. Winter, lS6th O. Inf. O. Garmon, 19th Mich. Inf. J. P. Sackrison. 40th III. Inf. A. A. Adams, 22d V. R. C. Milton C. Ross, 3a la. Inf. S. C. Dilley, U. S. Art. Griffin Y'eatman, 1st Del. Inf. Richard Conquest, 1st Col. Cav. Wm. H. Reed, 30th 111. Inf. A. M. Eager, 124 th X. Y. Inf. B. F. Noll, 20th III. Inf. Peter Ncwcomb, 129th Ind. Inf. Anson Forbes, 1st Mich. Eng. F. M. Alexander, 26th Ind. Inf. A. II. Brown, 13th la. Inf. Win. Willi inc. .lames Stclliiis. l.-,th 111. Inf. Lewis 1). Kevnolds. Henry P. Iviinger, 47th 111. Inf. Robt. B. Williams. Frank Dalbry, 2d O. Inf. 1. T. Briggs, 77th III. Inf. Stephen Mason, 104th 111. Inf. John G. Burgeroff, 4'Jth 111. Inf. Wm, C, Hodges, 41st O, Inf. L. S. Gould, 73d III. Inf. W. H. Coltoii, 4.%th III. Inf. I. W. Cramer, 3()th Wis. Inf. Hart Livingstone, 99th lud. Inf. J. Hodges, 14th O. Inf. F. C. Mastin, l,'i3d 111. Inf. Geo. M. Rogers, 18th Wis. Inf. Fred Riiiker, 64th 111. Inf. P. S. Browning, 1st 111. Art. L. II. Tate, 8tli Mass. Art. Jonathan Carter, 17th Mich. Inf. J. B. McCleary, 1st Col. Cav. W. C. Ridley, 118th O. Inf. i"Iicholas Corbin, 7th Mo. Cav. N. A. Nash, 42d Wis. Inf. G. A. Whitman, 72d 111. Inf. P. Alleiider, .58th III. Inf. C. M. Millett, 65th N. Y. Inf. G. W. Dade, 19th Mass. Inf. C. H. Ilurd, 2d Pa. Inf. Henry Van Fleet, 27th Mich. Inf. James Corliss, 42d Mo. Inf. ' F. L. Stock, 142d 111. Inf. | C. B. Nelson, 1st N. Y. Eng.' Geo. V. Cope, 10th Mich. Inf. D. M. Leland, 24th la. Inf. T. F. Pearl, 21st N. Y'. Cav. George P. Alford, 27th O. Inf. Myron Van Fleet, 30th Mich. Inf. Byron S. Morrell, 64th N. Y'. Inf. Thomas F. Coy, 26th Ky. Inf. Wm. Hoiloks. 20th Wis. Inf. Edwin Burroughs, 42d 111. Inf. C. J. Delnitt, 35th 111. Inf. M. H. Batty. 3d N. Y. H.A. M. W. Peters, 1st Wis. Inf. Fred Stoelting, 20th Wis. Inf. O. B. llewett, 2d Neb. Cav. J. J. Bassett, 160th N. Y'. Inf. Wm. Croft, 6tli Mich Inf. Nick Zinner, 36th 111. Inf. John Y"eager, 12th III. Inf. H. L. Grisell, 75th Ind. Inf. J. H. Darnell. 48th 111. Inf. L. U. Albershardt, 72d O. Inf. John Weytmaii. 13th Kan. Inf. T. J. Dowd, 3d Wis. Inf. D. S. Wilkinson, 7th Wis. Inf. G. E. Douglass, 157th N. Y. Inf. [Cliarles Dominic, 20th Pa. Cav. r. K. Brown, 53d Pa. Inf. U. M. Carpenter, 15th Mass. Inf. Joseph A. Palmer, 54th Mass. Inf. West Montgomery, 1st Neb. Inf. J. O. Beebe, 1st R. I. L. A. II. .S. Rogers, 14th la. Inf. .lohn D. Hayos,Berdine's S. S. J. J. Buchanan, 3d Mo. Cav. John Stabler. .Sanies K. Sample. IsaactE. Dorsey, 30th O. Inf. Albert S. Pierce, 17th V. R. C, S. II. Snively, 1st Pa. Cav. A. C. Miiore, 5th la. Inf. J. H. Knight, 3d Ind Cav. H. G. Mills, 102d III. Inf. Seth Lewis, 6lh N. Y'. H.D. Joseph Marion, 46th 111. Inf. N. R. Burton. A. Benedict, 65th 111. Inf. James Meadows, 51st Mo. Inf. B. F. Ranall, 8th Minn. Inf. G. .S. Morgan, 2d Kv. Cav. Geo. N.Waller, 61st III. Inf. James E. Bence.67thO. Inf. Alfred Burge, 42d 111. Inf. Geo. Stratton, 3d N. Y. Inf. Josiah Lee, 4()th la. Inf. Jacob B. Boyer,84th III. Inf. Frank Kearney, 106th N. Y. Inf. F. M. Ilickok, llth la. Inf. James (!ibson. Art. Jesse Doty, 54tli O. Inf. Calvin Sowers, 6th O. Inf. Frank Harlman. 1st III Art. Chas. Niite, 2d I). C. Inf. W. H. Chadwick, 20th Mich. Eng. C. B. Kemple, 86tli 111. Inf. C. W. DeRochcr.3d Me. Inf. W. S. Ree.ser, 151st O. Inf. W. C. Beale, 9th N. Y. Inf. G. W. Spav, 38th 111. Inf. Geo. R. Wolf, 175th O. Inf. W. H. Akeniim, 186th N. Y. L. C. Shields, 2d Kan. Inf. H. E. W. Dercraus. 2d Col. Cav. J. W. Forbs, 142d 111. In.f .lames ■\Iilman,5tli Wis. Inf. James T. Johnson, 17th III. Inf. James T. Routher, Sth 111. Inf. Oliver Wright, lOGth N. Y. Inf. A list of sulilicrs liiiried in Hastings Cemetery, given in the record of this post, is as follows: G. W. Howe, Col. Burke, OtlQ Arnoux, — Keating, Levi W. Miller, — ■^ <5_ w_ -< s l^ ADAMS COUNTY. 151 Eiggs, — Alexander, Stephen Carson, C. M. Millet, N. A. "Nash, J. W. Hansel. James McCleary, James Riley, J. H. Sc(]tt, Aug. Poole, Capt. Wicks, George Brennan. — I'almer, — Cope, — • Pearson, Joseph Howe and Willis Campbell. Ill January, 1888, James Gibson was adjutant and W. 11. Burton, commander. In December of that year H. G-. Knight was elected commander; H. M. Carpenter, S. V. C. ; Frank Kearney, J. V. C. ; Jacob Wooster, Q. M. ; I. W. Cramer, 0. of D. ; Byron S. Morrell, surgeon; W. S. Beale, I. G. ; S. H. Snively, 0. G. ; T. F. Pearl and J. R. Hursh, delegates, with J. L. Kline and J. E. Bruce, alter- nates; John Winters, O. of G. Byron S. Morrell was subsequently appointed adjutant, and Dr. Pierce appointed surgeon to fill vacancy; J. R. Wright, chaplain; George Stratton, S. M. ; J. M. Boyd, Q. M. S., and W. C. Beale, sentinel, The followhig officers were elected in December, 1889: A. H. Brown, B. S. Morrell, G. M. Rogers, W. R. Burton, D. M. Leland, F. M. Alexander. Mr. Snively, J. M. Boyd, Mr. Beal, John Winter, T. F. Pearl and J. R. Hursh, delegates, and A. C. Moore and I. W. Cramer, alternates. George Stratton was appointed adjutant. Strickland Post elected A. Poole, captain; I. AV. Cramer, first and J. Hursh, second lieutenant of tiie drill companj^ of tvventj'-four, who proposed to com- pete for the prize tent offered by the department. Juniata Post of the G. A. R. was instituted Oc- tober 24, 1881, under the title of Geary Post No. 82, with B. F. Smith, commander; S. L. Salsbury, S-. V. C. ; A. H. Brown, J. V. C. ; J. W. Livering- house, adjutant; G. T. Brown, Q. M. ; 0. Steever, surgeon; W. Spade, chaplain; A. V. Cole, 0. of D. ; H. H. Ballon, O. of G. ; G. S. Guild, S. M. , and M. Van Buskirk, Q. M. S. Philip Hoover, R. H. Nolan, S. J. Shirley, S. L. Brass, G. Avery, F. jM. Thompson, B. W. Hammond, G. T. Brown, W. Twidale and James Newell unofficial members. The position of commander has been filled by the following named members: B. F. Smith, A. V. Cole, S. L. Brass, James Newell, J. Burwell, O. Steever, James L. Kelvey and I. R. Ball. S. L. Brass is the present adjutant. The roll of members comprises the following names : B. F. Smith, 1st Mich. S. S. A. H. Brown, 13th O. Inf. O. Stevers, ;)6th N. Y. Inf. G. S. Guild, Mass. Inf. Wm. Spade, 147th Pa. Inf. 8. L. Salisbury, 13Uth Pa. Inf. A. V. Cole, 4th Mich. Inf. P. Hoover, 104th O. Inf. H. H. Ballou, 1.3th Vt. Inf. S. L. Brass, 1st Mich. Cav. R. H. Nolan, U. S. Navy. S. J. Shirley. 83d 111. Inf. G. Avery, 23d Mich. Inf. F. M. Thompson, 6th P. R. V. C. B. W. Hammond. M. Van Buskirk,109th N. Y. Inf. Wm. Twidale, 9th Mich. Cav. G. T. Brown, 47th la. Inf. J. W. Liveringhouse, 30th Ind. Inf. J. Newell, 30th Ind. Inf. D. H. Freeman, 13th Mich. Inf. J. Burwell, 14th O. Inf. M. K. Hutchinson, 47th 0. Inf. R. S. Langley, 122d 111. Inf. *G. G. Vreeland, 3Gth 111. Inf. A. Borden. H. Schick. 3d Pa. Art. John S. Price. James McKelvey, 16th N. Y. Inf. G. P. Alford. Jacob Swift, N. Y. Inf. Alvin Wells, 1st Mich. Cav. C. H. Chapman, 18th Mich. Inf. W. P. Davis, 111. Inf. Henry Vinear, 12th Md. Inf. G. S. Dwight. D. Morgan, 13th Wis. Inf. Gottleib Laher, 68th O. Inf. O. A. Buzzell, 33d Mass. f.Iohn Young, Mexican War. John E. Adams, 30th Ind. Inf. E. J. Hanchett, N. Y. Cav. James Beach, 2d Mich. Art. C. F. Orvis, 145th 111. Inf. N. L. Brass, 1st Mich. Cav. Amos Wilson, 36th O. Cav. Alex. Rogers, 1st and 54th 111. Cav. B. E. Swift, 117th N. Y. Cav. Adam Land, 123d 111. Cav. H. E. Drake, 30th Ind. Cav. Benj. Davis, 38th la. Cav. J. G. Mahler, 30th Ind. Cav. Jacob Silvers, 15th U. S. Cav. James M. Miller, 1st Ind. Art. F. Kieser, 34th Ind. Inf. Nick Gordon. 2d la. Inf. Wilson S. Richards, 68th O. Inf. 0. F. Foote, 7th Pa. Cav. Jacob Hammer, 47th Ind. Inf. W. F. Kellar. 1. Vanderwort, 140th 111. Inf. D. R. Ball, 46th Ind. Inf. Jacob Morgan, 31st O. Inf. Richard Van Buskirk, 21st N. J. Inf. Peter Anderson, 2d U. S. Art. Henry Winkley, 27th Wis. Inf. Riley D. Burton, 67th Ind. Inf. Joseph Lilly, 172d Pa. Inf. Simeon Johnson, 14th Pa. Cav. Lewis Alvers, 58th 111. Inf. Joseph Basey, 1st O. H. Art. B. F. Baker. Absalom O. Overman, 95th Ind. Inf. Wm. Martin. 83d O. Inf. IJohn F. Merrill. Charles Collins. 7th Mo. Inf. James McFerren. 21st Pa. Cav. Darius C. Kerr, 14th Ind. Inf. Wm. Champlin, 1st Mich. Inf. W. J. Barger, 15th la. Inf. Geo. Jlizen, Sr., 42d Wis. Inf. Satnuel Wright, 5th Mass. Inf. Jesse Millikar, 139th Ind. Inf. Isaac Smith, 128th Pa. Inf. C. Hohlfelt, 9th Wis. Inf. M. D. Ovitt, 17th Vt. Inf. Elias Knowles. 20th III. Inf. Wm. H. Stephens, 11th Ind. Cav. Norman G. Gibson. 29th Ind. Inf. D. V. Stevens, 118th Ind. Inf. W. B. Hamilton, 53d III. Inf. N. H. Kathorn, 12th III. Cav. Henry Jewett, 47th 111. Inf. *A11 the above named mustered in October 24, 1881. +Mustei-ed in 1882. »Iustered in 1883. ^ fk^ ir)2 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 18th II Samuel Nicholas, Inf. D. M. Criswold, 139th 111. Inf. James Powell, 87th Ind. Inf. John R. ViiuHouten, 151st III. Inf. John Konkiight, 155th Ind. Inf. Calvin Ball, 26th Ind. Inf. John I). 15all, 2d Mo. Cav.jAl. M. Clay, 97th Ind Inf. Geo. S. Parks, 26th 111. Inf.jC. B. Booth, 7th Ind. Inf. Chas. S. James, 27th Mich. Logan Sairison, 17th Ind. Inf. Inf. \V. D. Burroughs, 0th Mich. Edward Morgan, 1st Ill.Cav. Inf. L. D. Sergeant, 32d Wis. Inf. T. M. Battrell, 26th 111. Inf. Jacob II. Gales, 40th Wis. Inf. Lafavctte L. Anger, 1st N. V. I!. .1. Worthington, 13th Mich. Inf. llcnrv W. Crone, 13th Ind. Inf. O. E. Woods, 21st N. y. Cav. David Bruckman, 99th Ind. Inf. J. S. Robosy, 1st Md. Cav. N. K. Metser, 9th Wis. Inf. Peter Griffith, 102d 111. Inf. Samuel P. Rowland, 4th Mich. Inf. John W. McCracken, SSth Wis. Inf. W. S. Webster. 8th Mich. Cav. Sanford Webster, 2d Minn. Cav. One hundred and twenty-three members have been iMirolIed, and of this total Amos Wilson, C. S. Jones and Mo.ses Van Buskirk are the only members who died since organization. Other soldiers buried in the cemetery were named: G. G. Holzwortli, K. Shaw, Findley, Dwight, Liudsey and a veteran of the Mexican War. On May 21, 1880, Compan}- K, now F, was re- organized and the following officers were elected: A. V. Cole, captain; S. J. Shirle}-, first lieutenant; E. L. Button, second lieutenant. The members presented a list of names for non-commissioned offi- cers, from which Capt. Cole selected the following: Sergeants, William Spade, James Kent, M. K. Hutchinson, Josiah Hodges and George Watkins; corporals, F. C. Brosins, D. Conger, P. Nash, R. Crawford, George Mizen, 0. Button, W. Babcock and W. Winter. In 1882 the company was represented in the Slate encampment at Omaha by the following named raemliers: A. V. Cole, E. L. Button, J. M. Kent, M. K. Hutchinson, S. J. Shirlej-, William Spade, Josiah Hxlges, George W^atkins, Bamon Conger, A. Bord(jn, "Wayland Babcock, Robert Crawford, Mar- slial Ash, W. G. Beal, H. G. Armitage, G. S. Guild, W. II. Payne. William A. Ballon, E. R. Farrabee, Byron H. Button, William Ellington, Bavid Ilouts, R. W. Crone, Irwin Farrabee, William Knicker- bocker, Francis Ballou, J. J. Flcmming, E. F. Walker, J. B. Osier, Charles Signor, Henry Homan, Charles F, Doty, William Winter, Ed. A. Buzzell, C. R. Bigclow, Frampt Brosius, Frank Rosencrans, II. W. Mitchell. The conip;iny under the command of A. Y. Cole took the governor's challenge cup at the encamp- ment at Crete, in 1883. • They held the cup until 1885, when Company C, of Beatrice, took it. Tiie present strength is about 41. The commissioucd officers are: L. A. Ballou, captain; W. A. Ballou, lirst lieutenant; T. II. Ellis, second lieutenant, with four sergeants, three corporals, one musician, and twenty privates. Hansen Post, G. A. R. , was instituted June 2!!, 1883, with A. F. Powers, commander; J. M. Bearse, S. V. C. ; J. F. Nyce, J. V. C. ; M. B. Holley, sur- geon; F. H. Calder, chaplain; Fred. Albright, Q. M. ; J. Countryman, 0. of B. ; J. G. Honeywell, (). of G. ; J. Smith, Adjt. ; T. M. Beatreall, S. M. ; and George Mills, sergeant. The post is not now in active work. In fact it is alleged that beyond the formal organization nothing was accomplished. The Posts at Kenesaw, Ayr, and near Prosser, are referred to in local sketches elsewhere to be found. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Adams County was presided over in 1884 by A, V, Cole, with L. B. Palmer, adjutant. The vice-presidents were: A. F. Benjamin, of Benver; H. M. Spencer, of Little Blue; S. C. Moore, of Ayr; W. P. Bavis, of Cottonwood; J. G. Haj'zlett, of Kenesaw; R. Spicknall, of Silver Lake; S. L. Brass, of Juniata, and J. A. Snyder, of AVest Blue. The soldiers' and sailors' reunion of July, 1883, was held at Ayr, and the encampment named '-Camp Heron." A. Y. Cole was elected camp commander. The County Veteran Society was organizea in May, 1889, with A. Y. Cole, president; Joseph Meyers, vice-president, and W. R. Kilburn, secre- taiy. In Becember, 1880, this association elected the following named officers: President, A. B. Yocum; vice-president, A. H. Brown; secretaiy and treasurer, W. R. Burton. Br. J. N. Lyman was appointed a committee to prepare a programme for reunion. Sixty-five Posts of the G. A. R. were represented at the Camp Sheridan reunion, near Hastings, in September, 1883. A convention of the Nebraska Woman's Suffrage Association was opened in the head-quarters tent at Camp Sheridan on September r^ ADAMS COUNTY. 153 13, 1883, when Mrs. M. L. Brass, of Juniata, was elected president. Tiiis society decided to continue the publication of The Woman's Trib- une, of which Mrs. Chira B. Colby, of Beatrice, was editress. The G. A. R. fair of Januar}- and February, 1886, was held to raise funds for building a hall. Over $1,000 In cash, together with other propert}-, was obtained. Mrs. Green, a widow of a soldier of 1812, died at Hastings, in January, 1879, aged eighty-three years. The veteran of that war died in 1868. >?-. ^. — - ''i sL. ikv 154 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER XYI. -\iih- SociETiES, Associations, Etc., of Local Importance — Agricultural Society — Hastings Fair Ground Associ- ation — District and Central Agricultural Societies — Patrons of Husbandry, Grange, Etc. — Aid SociF,TY — Farmers' Alliance — Medical Associations — Associations of Teachers — Temperance Societies and Movements— Sunday School Conventions — Woman's Suffrage Associa- tion — Railroad History — Education — School System, Etc. Heaven forming each A master, or a servan S the first agricultural soei- et}' of Adams County may 1)0 mentioned that organ- ized at Kingston, Maj' 6, 1872, with W. W. Selleck, ,—-^—^^^^^ president; Charles Bird and .■^ ^1^ Walter West, vice-presi- *i^V dents; John H. Bauchman, secretary; -i ;\ G. Edgcrton, treasurer; G. I. Selleck, •- L. G. King, W. F. Selleck, J. L. Johnson and H. B. Munson, directors. *:->:.' There were thirty-nine members with ", j the officers named. The first fair of this society of which there is a record was held October 10 and 11, 1873, at Kingston. No less than eighty-two prizes were offered. This meeting was so great a success that the officers of the society advertised their vote of thanks to the people, while M. W. Bird, the secre- tary, mailed copies of the report to many points in the east. The list of first and second prize winners is given as follows: r.iood mares, A. W. WaUleck, Isf. B. H. Scott, 2d. Draft horses, E. T. Wright, 1st; Tliomas Flemming, 3d. Carriage horses, Marion Van Fleet, 1st; G. W Don- ahcy, l.'d. .Saddle liurses, C. R. Jones, 1st; A. West, 2d. on other to depend, t, or a friend. — Pope. Trotting horses, E. J. Wheeler, 1st; George Brown, 3d. Ladv equestrianism, Mrs. William Van Alstyne, 1st; "Mrs. W. B. Cushion, 3d. Best management of horses in harness, liy lady, Mrs. W. B. Cushion, 1st; Mrs. William Van Alstyne, 2d. Mules, J. H. Vandemark. 2d. Draft mules, J. H. Vandemark. 2d. Four-year-old bull, S. J. Sliirley, 2d. One-year-old bull, N. R. Pratt, 1st; A. W. Waldeck. 2d. Cow, John Shafer, 1st. Two-year-old heifer, Jacob Calhoun, 2d. Heifer calf, N. R. Pratt, 2d. Herd cattle, A. W. Waldeck. 3d. Sweepstakes, bull. N. R. Pratt. 1st. Sweepstakes, heifer, A. W. Waldeck, 1st. Work cattle, J. R. Carter, 3d. Fat ox, J. R. Carter, 2d. Fat cow, J. H. Vandemark, 2d. Berkshire boar, A. W. Waldeck, 2d. Berkshire sow, A. W. Waldeck, 2d. Berkshire sow and pigs, A. W. Waldeck. 2d. Poland Cliina boar, 1-year-old, A. D. Williams. 2d. Poland China sow, 1-year-old. A. D. Williams. 2d. Hogs. John Muriihy, 1st: A. D. Williams. 2d. Chester White boar pig, C. (!. Wilson, 2d. Chester White boar, l-ycar-old, B. H. Scott, 2d. Chester White sow pig, S. M. West, 2d. Sweepstakes, boars, B. II. Scott, 1st. Sweepstakes, sows, A. D. Williams, 1st. Poultry, lloiulans, A. D. ^Vi^lams, 1st. Poultry, liraliMuis, W. B. Cushion, 1st. Red spring wheat, R. M. Jones, 1st. Yellow corn, T. E. Davis, 1st; B. H. Scott, 2d. White corn, T. E. Davis, 1st. Early ixitatocs, W. B. Cushion, 1st; .1. II. Vande- mark, 2d. at- ai-ms; J. B. Brown, Kenesaw, door keeper; A. C. Tompkins, of West Blue, lecturer, and John Brech- ner, of Ajt, chaplain. Some years ago, after the fall of the Grange, the Alliance was established. The first Farmers' Alli- ance organized in Nebraska was that of West Blue Precinct, York County, in June, 1880. On Febru- ary 26, 1881, the Adams County Farmers' Alliance was organized. On July 2 no less than sixteen lodges of this society were represented in convention at Hastings, while in April, 1882, there were eighteen lodges represented in convention. The Adams County Medical Association maj' be said to date back to 1886, when Drs. Sowers, Lynn, Alfi-ed Naulteus, Lloyd, Steele, Irwin, Urquhart, with the phj-sicians from Ayr and Blue Hill, signed articles of association. Dr. A. H. Sowers was chosen president; Dr. Urquhart, vice-president; Dr. Steele, secretary, and Dr. Lynn, treasurer. This society has accomplished little more than formal or- ganization. The fourteenth annual session of the State Medi- cal Society assembled at Hastings May 9, 1881. Among the new members were William H. Lj-nn, John Cook, F. Naulteus and A. F. Naulteus, of Hastings; George M. Prentice, Fairfield, and W. J. Roj'ce, Doniphan. Among the old members present were M. L. Gahan, of Grand Island, and W. H. Acklej-, of Juniata. A. H. Sowers was elected pres- ident. As shown in other pages of this work, many of the leading physicians of Adams County are mem- bers of this society. ■ The act approved March 3, 1881 (taking effect June 1), regulated medical practice and provided for registration of phj-sicians. The society urged this and other special bills for regulating practice in Ne- braska. The ph}-sieians' record of Adams County dates back to May, 1881, when Dr. W. H. Lynn registered. The names appearing on this record are as follows: REGISTERED IN 1881. NAME. Wm. H. Lynn, J. O. Garmon, Hogan J. Ring, T. H. Urquahart, S. A. Bookwalter, W. W. Phar, Winfleld Ackley, Sarah E. Young, A. H. Sowers, C. O. Arnold, Francis Naulteus, *.Jolin Cook, E. H. Gale, B. M. Shockey, Emma Watkins, J. Williams, A. R. VanSickle, J. Alonzo Greene, Mary Breed, John N. Lyman, Washington, D. C, 1862. Mary A. Howard, Practice, 1S78. George W. Howard, Hahnemann, 1857. REGISTERED IN 1883. A. S. Fishblatt, N. Y. E. M. C, 1879. C. T. Lawrence, Cin. E. M. C, 1857. George F. Llovd, Omaha, 1883. *L. J. Forney, Ohio, 1873. Samuel E. Furrv, Philadelphia, 1880. Mary M. Michael, N. Y. F. M. C, 1875. *L. K. Markley, Omaha, 1883. *H. P. Fitch, Chicago, 1879. REGISTERED IN 1884. L. R. Markley. Ralph J. Irwin, Indianapolis, 1883 Sol. C. Warren, Philadelphia, 1885. James W. Wood, Chicago, 1883. *John W. Smith, England, 1865. Henry J. Smith, Philadelphia, 1865. George H. Chaffee. Micliigan, 1881. T. J. Eaton, W. Res. Col., 1847. E. L. Yarletz, Cin. M. C. 1872. Louis Lodd, III. B. of H., 1878. J. O. Mote, Keokuk, 1884. F. C. Brosius, Rush, 1883. •Did not report on graduation up to ISSfi to compilers of Medical and Surgical Directory of the United States. COLLEGE. DATE Rush, 1877. Michigan, 1877. Bennett Ec. 1877. Jefferson, 1848. Louisville, 1873. Keokuk, 1878. Rush, 1875. Practice, 1868. Columbus, 0., 1862. Practice, 1877. Holland, 1864. Scotland, 1867. Philadelphia, 1865. Practice, 1868. England, 1856. Practice, 1879. Iowa, 1880. National Med., 1866. Germany, 1862. IZ ik 158 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. REUISTEHEl) IN 1885. NAME. Sholdoii K. CooU, Will. Tiinnci-, r.. N. Ildwiud, C. \V. Sclkk, II. S. Koficrs, C. M. Williams, AllnTl S. I'icicc, C. U. Ulliich, A. F. Naulteus, COI.I.KGE. Moiilieal, I'ractict', Si. Louis, 10. .Med. A. Ki'okuk, liuliaiiapolis, (Jcorfii'towii, Ki'okiik, ISaltimore, KEOISTEKKI) IN ISSfi. M. O. 15. McKiiiiii y, W. A. Cliapnuiii. Jos. T. Steele, lianra A. Edwards, J. S. Cui-liss, J. E. Anderson, F. .1. Scluuifelberj^er, George W. Randal), Cineiiuiati, Cleveland, Rush. Mieliiffan. Cineiniiati, Ciiieiiinati, Jetferson, Cineinnati, REGISTERED IN 1887. K. R. Blair, Edward D. Barrett, John M. France, Rufus C. Corey, Geo. B. M. Free, L. J. Rogers, E. T. Cassell, Alvin H. Keller, Louis Turner, A. E. Wessel. A. M. Rickett, Luther L. Ames, Charles J. Carrick, Cineinnati, Praetice, Chieago, St. Louis, Maryland, Practice, Practice, Omaha, St. Louis, Canada, Practice, Keokuk, Buffalo, Arthur 11. Brownell C. A. Bassett, C. G. A. Hullhorst, J. M. F. Cooper, Mile S. Kensington, J. C. Solomon, A. Lee Sabin, REGISTERED IN 1SS8. Michigan, St. Louis, Iowa. Iowa, Joplin, Mo., Germany, Practice, 1889. REGISTERED IN DATE. 1884. 18G8. 1873. 1867. 1878. 1881. 1867. 1870. 1882. 1856. 1868. 1883. 1886. 1S78. 1877. 1884. 1878. 1885. 1868. 1885. 1887. 1884. 1849. 1878. 1876. 1874. 1881. 1881. 1880. 1885. 1887. 1881. 1882. 1884. 1883. 1879. 1874. 1863. 1887. 1886. 1888. 1881. 1861. 1887. 1885. 1878. appears in the United A. J. Bacon, Chicago, Jacob B. Hoshaw, Des Moines, E. H. Waters, Iowa, C. J. Yates Chicago, A. J. Rogers, Keokuk, Wm. McGregor, New York, Ed. R. Holmes, Chicago, H. S. Aley, Chicago, P. James, New York, Mrs. Emma Walker's name States Gazetteer of Medicine. A Normal Institute held at Hastings in Jul}-, 1876, is said to have been tlie first general meeting of teachers held within this county. The Adams County Teachers' Library Association was organized in May, 1870, with L. Darling (superintendent), president. The Teachers' Institute of August, 1884, opened August 19 in the Congregational building. The name adopted for this organization was ' • The Adains County Teachers' Library Association." The Central Nebraska Teachers' Association was organized in November, 1884, with F. W. Parsons, president; J. W. Mercer, vice-president; Hattie Snodgrass, secretary; Nellie Martin, treasurer; R. C. Barr, C. L. Ebaugh and Bertha McCorkle, execu- tive committee. An Institute held at Juniata August 2, 1888. was attended by forty-two teachers, and the Institute was addressed on various educational sulijects liy Profs. Wilson, Thompson and Davis. In the pages devoted to local history reference is made to the Woman's Christian Temperance LTnion and other modern organizations, into which temper- ance workers find admittance. Here mention is made of the district or count}- societies and their beginnings in Nebraska. The district lodge of the I. 0. G. T. for Adams and Clay Counties was or- ganized in June, 1879, with J. E. Hopper, Mrs. A. A. White, C. Borin, A. E. Neighlwr, L. F. Gould, 0. M. Soule and S. Brown, officials in the order of rank. The I. O. G. T. dates back to 18G7, when dele- gates from the thirteen lodges then existing in Cass, Douglas, Nemaha and Otoe Counties organized a Grand Lodge. In 1871 a number of professional lecturers on temperance were introduced into the State. In 1880 there were no less than 158 lodges and G,263 members; decreased to 113 lodges and 5,054 members in 1881. The sixteenth annual session of the Grand Lodge was held at Hastings in January, 1882. The Temple of Honor dates back to March, 1877, when a lodge was organized at Lincoln. The same year temples were formed at Hastings, Crete, Sutton, Juniata and other places, and in February. 1878, the Grand Temple was organized with A. H. Bowen , G. W. T. He was succeeded in 1880 by W. A. Hosford, but was chosen grand recorder, and re- elected in 1882. J. E. Morrison was chosen G. W. T. and E. M. Buswell G. W. V. T. in 1882. The red ribbon movement was begun in October, 1877. In 1873 the '-troublesome question " was ADAMS COUNTY. 159 brought before the Legislature. In 1875 a 1)111 reg- ulating the granting of licenses was passed. In 1878 the banded legions asked for prohibition. Among their opponents was K. A. Batt}-, of Adams Count}'. A. H. Bowen worked against him in the lobby, as the latter was not a member of the House. Jlr. Batty pointed out the danger of church and State government, and his speech aided in the defeat of the bill. In 1880 another defeat was experienced. In June, 1881, the license law was passed, and de- clared constitutional by the supreme court in July, 1881. The Adams County Sunday-School Association, organized in 1874, may be said to have only per- fected organization in May, of 1880, with J. B. Heartwell, president; 0. A. Buzzell, C. S. : L. B. Palmer, E. S. ; W. H. Burr, treasurer; A. F. Powers, Davis Lowman, W. Klingerman, J. A. Davidson, D. P. Maryatt, L. Parmenter, W. White, and C. F. Orvis, vice-presidents. The report showed 1,200 Sunday-school scholars in the county. The work of this society has been carried on methodically since 1880. The Eleventh Annual Convention of the Count}' Sunday-School Association was commenced at Ayr, Maj' 21, 1885. D. D. Norton was chosen secretar}'; Prof. H. B. Gilbert, correspondent; L. M. Campbell, recorder; Nettie Winter, treasurer; James Newell, George F. Work and A. N. Hall, executive committee. Some changes have been made in the official list within the last five years, but the workers in the Sunday-school movement have retained their interest in it under every change of administration. The woman's suffrage question, or the Bloomer movement, was presented to Nebraskans January 8, 185fi, when Mrs. Amelia Bloomer delivered an ad- dress before the State Legislature. A bill was at once introduced providing for women the right of voting. Tliis bill was carried in the House by 14 to 11, Representative Laird voting with the minor- ity. It failed, however, to be brought up for third reading in the Council. In 1867, the trio, George Francis Train, Elizabeth Cildy Stanton and Susan B. x\nthon3-, reviewed the question, but it was not well received, as the constitution of 1871 made no pro- vision for enfranchising women. In 1877 the Woman's Suffrage Association, of Thayer County, was organized, and this society asked for a constitu- tional amendment, omitting the word mtile and giv- ing the franchise to every person a citizen of the I'nited States. On January 27, 1880, the Nebraska Woman's Suffrage Association was formed. Mrs. J. H. Bowen, of Hastings, was a member of the first executive committee. This association worked so earnestlj' that eightj'-four of the two hundred jour- nals then published in the State espoused its cause; while only eighteen journals opposed it. Adams Countj- Woman's Suffrage Association was organized March 30, 1882, by Mrs. 51. A. Brass. Mrs. S. H. Henderson was elected president, Mrs. S. H. Williams, R. S. , and Mrs. Liveringhouse, C. S. The vice-presidents chosen were Mrs. A. Wal- deck, of Little Bhie precinct; Mrs. J. Bovard, of Ayr; Mrs. M. Renfrew, of Denver; Mrs. M. Van Fleet, of West Blue; Mrs. B. Smith, of Juniata; Mrs. L. A. Boley, of Kenesaw; Mrs. B. F. Evans, of Cottonwood, and Mrs. Clinton Soper, of Silver Lake. The pioneer railroad of Adams Count}', and in- deed, of Nebraska, south of the Platte River, is the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, now connect- ing Denver with Chicago, and bringing Hastings within seventeen hours distance of that city. This road was consti'ucted in 1871-72, from Omaha to Kearney, and in July, of 1872, the first office in this county was opened at Hastings b}' Agent Wiggins. This road was built without asking aid from the pioneers of Adams County. In April, 1878, the cjuestion of granting financial aid to the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, on their prop- osition to build a road from Hastings, through Lit- tle Blue and Pawnee to Red Cloud, took practical shape, and resolutions favoring the proposition were widely circulated and signed. This project was carried out in 1878, Denver precinct vofmg the bonds referred to in the transactions of the com- missioners and in the political chapter. Work on the Hastings & Republican Valley Railroad was be- gun June 12, 1878, by the chief contractor, John Fitzgerald. About a month later a small band of Hibernian workmen, dissatisfied with the presence of labor-competing Russians, rebelled and drove the 1(50 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. peaceful ex-slaves of the Czar from the place. The local press was full of praise for the great contract or's methods. The Hastings & Oberlin road and the Hastings & Aurora road are branches of this system. The great strike of locomotive engineers and firemen on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy system began at 4 A. M. on February 29, ISSS, when ten engines were laid up at tlie Hastings round house. " Pap " Willis, an old conductor, and formerly an engineer, took charge of No. G, running to Lincoln, and re- turned with No. 5 , being his own fireman. A meet- ing to consider the rates on gi'ain, charged by the Burlington & ^lissouri River and other roads from Hastings to Chicago, resulted in a resolution boy- cotting the Burlington & Missouri River, and favor- ing the St. Joseph & Western. At the crossing of the Grand Island & St. Joseph Railroad within the limits of Hastings two wrecks have already been recorded. That of December, 1889, resulted in the death of Fireman Cahill and injury to mail car No. 37, of No. 1 Flyer. The St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad was constructed in 1872 without financial aid from the county, and was at that time known as the St. Joseph & Denver Cit}-. It was the original inten- tion of the projectors of the enterprise to construct the line through to Denver, Colo., and, in pursuance of that intention, the road was graded and the track laid for some miles west of Hastings. Afterward, when the idea of building to Denver was abandoned, the track that had been put down west of the citj- was taken up, and Hastings remained the western terminus of the road until the fall of 1879, when the construction of the Hastings & Grand Island Railroad formed a connection between the St. Joseph & Denver and the Union Pacific. The two com- panies were then put under the same management, and the consolidated line became the St. Joseph & Grand Island, which name it now bears. During the heavy snowstorm of Januarj-, 1886, a train on the St. Joseph & Western Raikoad was snow bound between Hastings and Hansen, near the S. M. Bates farm. The cold was extreme, so that the passengers who remained in the coaches during the blockade suffered severely. The Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Rail- road Company was incorporated in December, 1886, the capital stock being placed at $30,000,000. The road was completed to Hastings in October, 1887, thus giving the Chicago & Northwestern commu- nication with this rich prairie section. In January, 1886, there were construction contracts sold for 297 miles of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Jlissouri Valley Railroad, including the twent\-six miles from Hast- ings to Aurora. It was an interesting sight to see a band of forty or more Russians, of all sizes, rig- ging up a team to go to work on the grade, with Fitzgerald in their midst talking Chenook, and gesticulating some sense into them. The road was completed to Hastings, October 10, 1887. One branch extends from Fremont to the Black Hills and into Wyoming. Another line stretches out to- ward the Kansas field, and a line from Hastings to Denver is projected. On October 15, 1887, the question of subscribing $20,000 aid to the Pacific Raih-oad Company, in Ne- braska, was carried by a majority vote of the tax- pa3-ers of Hastings. The county subscribed $100,- 000 and the bonds were issued April 24, 1888. A few days later a temporary injunction to prevent delivery of bonds was granted by the district court, an act at once condemned by the Hastings Board of Trade. The workmen on the Missouri Pacific Railroad camped at Hastings February 28, 1888, and placed the houses on the depot site on rollers to be moved from right of way. Track laying was commenced April 4, when the depot building was completed. The first arrival and departure of a Missouri Pacific Railroad train at Hastings took place April 21, 1888, when logomotive 168, in charge of Rajmoud, hauling a regular train with W. P. Davis, conductor, steamed into the city, thence proceeded to Juniata, where the first agent was installed, and thence to the western terminus at Prosser, just at the county line, where J. II. Korner was the first agent. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, built in 1871-72, and the St. Joseph & Western Riiilroad, in 1872. were constructed without financial aid being asked from the pioneers. Not so the branch of the Burlington & Missouri Ri\er— the Republican Val- -* §> l^ ADAMS COUNTY. 161 ley Railroad — built in 1878. Denver township donated S20,000 in bonds. In 1879 the Northern branch was built from the north to Hastings; so that the fifty-seven miles of railroad in Adams County in 1880 cost the people directly only $2,000 and that sum was confined to the few residents of one precinct. In February, 1874, the record of land sale con- tracts by the Union Pacific Companj- with bu3'ers began in this county. In April, 1888, Secretary Lamar issued his cele- brated order restoring to the United States the un- earned land grants of several railroads companies. The St. Joseph & Denver Railroad lost 12,000 acres, a large portion of which belong to the south- ern townships of Adams County. Settlers who pur- chased from the railroad company were alarmed, but the vacatmg act secured for the buyers from the company a preference right to re-purchase. The Kansas City, Wyandotte & Northwestern Railroad has been built from Kansas Citjto Beatrice, and regular trains were running into the latter city in December, 1889. In the fall of 1885 Mayor Yo- cum and Charlie Dietrich tooli an active interest in the organization of this road. Both gentlemen were members of the board of directors. The Rock Island Railroad, which now reaches Nelson in Nuckolls County, the Chicago & Santa Fe, the Kansas Citj', Lawrence & Nebraska are all look- ing over the prairie toward Hastings; while the roads already represented here are equally watchful in planning extentions or in carrying their plans forward. The first school in Adams County was opened one mile south of Juniata early in 1872, by Miss Emma Leonard, and that fall Miss Lizzie Scott was employed to teach a school at Juniata. In the rec- ords of the county commissioners, summarized for this work, the official dealings with the jjioneer schools are related. By April 1, 1872, there were thirteen districts organized, and by October 1, 1873, no less than thirtj'-eight districts reported organiza- tion. The enumeration of children of school age gave a total of 407, of whom 251 were males and 216 fe- males. The expenditures for school purposes in 1875 amounted to $10,850.46, or an expense per child of $6. 00. In the thirty-eight districts were twenty-five school-houses, one of which was a log-house. In 1880 sixty-six districts and flftj'-flve school buildings were reported; 3,275 children of school age — 1,083 males and 1,032 females. Thirty-two male and 41 female teachers were employed during the first year of the past decade (1880), who received $12,505.61 as salary. The school buildings were valued at $31,492.20, and the school grounds at $911. The first statistics of apportionment of school moneys, published in October, 1873, on the bases of the cen- sus of April of that year, form a little history of the beginnings of the common schools of Adams Count3\ The amount received from the State was $626.83. and that from the county $238. 59, making a total of $865.42. It will be seen that all organized districts received $7.46, being each district's share of the one-fourth of the whole amount. Some will )je no- ticed marked *, which denotes that they had three months school prior to the taking of the census in April, 1873, and hence were not entitled to thepro rata apportionment. District No. 18, which includes Hastings, was organized more than three months before the taking of the school census in April, 1883, and had no school until after that time, hence was not entiled to the 2^i'o rata apportionment. District No. 1, 37 children, $114.02; district No. 2, 29 children, $90.98; district No. 3*, $7.46; district No. 4, 33 children, $102.50; district No. 5*, $7.46; district No. 8*, $7.46; district No. 9*, $7.46; district No. 10, 10 children, $36.26; di.strict No. 12, 8 children, $30.50; district No. 13, chil- dren, $24.74; district No. 14*, $7.46; district No. 16, 7 children, $27.62; district No. 17*, $7.46; district No. IS* $7.46; district No. 19, 21 chil- dren, $67.94; district No. 21*, $7.46; district No. 22, 22 children, $76.82; district No. 13*, $7.46; district No. 24*, $7.46; district No. 25, 19 chil- dren, $62.18; district No. 26*. $7.46; district No. 28*, $7.46; district No. 29*, $7.46; disti'ict No. 31*, $7.46; district No. 32, 7 chilch-en, $27.62; district No. 33, 11 children, $39.24; district No. 34, 8 children, $30.50; district No. 35, 7 children, $27.62; district No. 37 *,$7.46. Superintendent A. E. AUyn, of Adams County, V -^ 1, ](!: HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Importing on the schools for the j'ear eniling Decem- ber 31, 18HS, i-redits the county with 5 brick, 77 frame and '1 sod school houses, and places the value of school property at $173,(11 I. The numlier of acres of common school lauds in the count}- on No- vember 30, 1888, was ](i,5C(t. During the year then ended 1,515 acres were sold, and 4,100 acres leased at $3,402. 95 per annum. The apportionment of school funds to Adams County in 1888 was $8,279.44. On July 11, 18S7, there were 2,713 males and 2,709 female pupils, or children between the age of five and twenty-one; 35 males and 102 female teachers were emplo3'ed; 4 graded schools were in existence, and 75 of the 80 districts had school for six months or more each year. At Hastings J. B. ^lonlux was principal, and at Juniata J. H. All)riglit (succeeded by Mr. Welisterj, Miss Bertha Green was principal of the partially graded school at Ayr, and H. H. !Monlu.v at Kenesaw. The enrollment of scIkjoI children at the close of 1888 was 281 over that of the former year, but the in- crease in attendance was only 9. During the year 1889 a marked increase in enumeration was reported, and an improvement in the S3-stem of teaching and qualili<"itiou of teachers. The first flag raised over a school house in Adams County was hoisted over the school building in the Wallace district, January 6, 1890, by W. E. Xute. ^A ADAMS COUNTY. 163 CHAPTER XYII. Hastings City — Location and Additions — Tow-n Company— Judicial History- — Kinnan Claim — Fikst Settle- ment — Beginnings of Religious and Business Enterprises — Building the City- — Fires — Storms — Im- provements — Transactions of City Council — Financial— Officials, Etc. — Board of Trade- Business Men's Association — Post Office — Banks and Loan Associations — Whole- sale Houses — Commercial Institutions — Manufactories — Churches — Schools and Colleges — Secret and Benevolent Societies — Y. M. C. A. — Home FOR the Friendless— Insane Asylum— Sundry Societies. She shakes tlie nibbisli from hor mounting brow, And sooms to have renew'd her charter's date. — Dryden. ASTINGS, also known as the '-Queen City of the Phiins, " dates back to 1872. A little while prior to that da\-, in Oe- tolier of that year, when J ■ii.y -• x^z.y,. Charles W. Colt and his assistants drew their lines over a part of the southeast quarter of Section 12, the site was part and parcel of Fremont's Great American Desert. The spirit of progress had spread its wings over the coiintiy, and a glim- mer from the head-light of the first locomotive on the Burlington & Mis- souri River Railroad shot across the prairie and seemed to rest here. In JUI3- the rail- road to this point was an accomplished fact, and the dream of town-builders took possession of those who entered the lands in 1871. Within six months this dream was partly realized, and, while the shadows of the panic of 1873 ebbed and flowed over the land, the new town of the prairies leaped forward like a young fawn freed from maternal restraints. The town was surveyed by Charles W. Colt, of Lowell, Neb., in October, 1872, on the west one- half of the southeast quarter of Section 12, Town- ship 7, Range 10, under orders from Walter M. Micklen and Thomas E. Farrell. Tlie plat shows the crossing of the Burlington & jNIissouri River and St. Joseph & Denver Railroads between Hast- ings and Lincoln Avenues, south of First Street. This street is paralleled with numbered streets. Sec- ond to Sixth. The north line is shown by North Street anil the south line by South Street. Burling- ton Avenue, running north and south along- the west line of the plat, is paralleled on the east by Lincoln. Hastings, Denver and St. Joseph Avenues. On October 15, 1S72, Micklen appointed Thomas E. Farrell, "my true and lawful attorney," to con vej- anj' part of the west one-half of the southeast quar- ter of Section 12, Township 7, Range 10. He also conveyed to him, for $500, a half of the west one- half of the southeast quarter of Section 1 2 , Town- ship 7, Range 10. Moore's addition was surve3-ed by N. P. Cook in Noveml)er, 1872, for John Gillespie Moore. This tract extended north from South Street to Sixth Street, and west from Burlington Avenue to the alley west of Bellevue Avenue. On October 28. 1872, E. Worthing, receiver of the land otliee at Lowell, entered the east one-half of the southwest IM HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. i|iiarU>r of Section 12, Township 7, Range 10, to John G. Moore, for S2.50 per acre. Johnson's addition was survcj'ed in March, 187.3, by Surveyor C. W. Colt, east of St. Joseph Avenue, within the north and south lines of original town site. Tlie numerical order of east and west streets in original town was retained, while the streets run- ning north and south were named Kansas Avenue, Colorado Avenue, Minnesota Avenue and Wabash Avenue, later occupied by the Hastings & Grand Island Railroad. The railroad addition was sur- veyed by A. B. Smith, in July, 1873. The articles of incorporation of the Hastings Town Company were filed at Juniata, April lY, 1873; but acknowledged before John L. Jones, of Buchanan County, Mo. , April 8, that year, by James D. Carl, W. L. Smith, W. B. Slosson, Thomas E. Farrell and "Walter M. Micklen. On April 23, the above named (except Carl), with Thomas Johnson, Louise Slosson and Julia Micklen, gave power of attorney to the president and secre- tary of the company to conve3- or mortgage all lots in Johnson's addition to the original town. The company was organized April 9, 1874, with James D. Carl, Thomas E. Farrell, William L. Smith, R. Beitel, Henry Beitel, George H. Pratt, C. K. Law- son, W. B. Slosson, and S. Slosson, members. St. Joseph addition was surveyed by A. R. Buttolph, in July, 1873 (east of railroad addition and south of Johnson's and original town), for D. M. Steele, of Buchanan County. Mo. A. M. Ghost's addition was surveyed by A. B. Smith, October 6, 1873, on the northwest corner of Section 13, Town- ship 7, Range 10, for A. M. Ghost. It was named originally Junction Land Company's addition. Johnson's addition to the Town of Hastings Com- pany was organized in April, 1874-, with Thomas E. Farrell, Thomas Johnson, George H. Pratt, C. K. Lawson, William L. Smith, Henry Beitel, Ru- dolph Beitel, and Slosson Brothers, stockholders. In May, 1880, the fortj'-acre tract of J. V. Lewis, west of the citj-, was surveyed into five-acre building lots. In the celebrated case, R. A. Batty, adminis- trator of the estate of John O. Barada, deceased, Delilali Barada and Jlargaret Barada cs. the Com- missioners of Adams County and Thomas E. Far- rel, William L. Smith, Walter M. Micklen, Rudolph Beitel, Henry Beitel, George H. Pratt, Charles K. Lawson, William Slosson and Samuel Slosson, the history of the town site of Hastings is judiciall}' re- lated by Judge Gaslin. On March 17, 1881, he delivered judgment in this case in favor of the defendant county. He pointed out clearly that the conveyance of the Town Company, on October 8, 1878, to the county, of Block 15, and the contract to convey, made in 1875, were binding, and further, that the sale to Barada was made without a consid- eration for Block 15, and ordered the persons named as plaintiffs and the individuals named as defend- ants, heirs and legal representatives of Barada, and grantee of Carl, to make quit claim deed to Adams County for Block 15, within sixty days. In December, 1886, a quit claim deed from Lorenzo H. and Caroline 0. Dow to Charles Dietrich was filed in the county office. Tliis instrument showed a consideration of $2,000, and was made in the interest of the owners of the original town plat, and to settle a suit of long standing in the United States court. The site as hithei-to stated became the property of a stock company, who delegated to certain persons the power to sell lots. Slembers of the compan}- complained of the manner in which the power was used, and the old Town Company dis- banded, and a new one was formed, whose agents sold the balance of the propertj-, Mr. Batty buj-ing some of the property, the same to which Dow held title under the original company. In the summer of 1886 the latter began ejectment proceedings, and the former asked the United States court to quiet the title of Dow. The property invohed was then valued at $200,000. The •' Kinnan claim " suggested itself in Decem- ber, 1889. It affected Johnson's addition and the original town. If there was an}- real justice in the claim it would be a very serious matter indeed, but the vigorous steps being taken to show the character of the title alleged to be held by Hurlbut by quit claim from Mrs. Kinnan, will doubtless succeed in break- ing it down completely. There are altogether about 700 lots in the body, 399 in Johnson's addition and 300 in the original town site land. r :lA ADAMS COUNTY. 165 The owners organized to defend their rights and appointed John P. Keedle, M. Van Fleet, Jay Cherry and A. Van Siekle members of a committee for this purpose. Propositions from Ragan, Capps, Mc- Creary & Stephens, A. H. Bowen, C. H. Tanner, and from Batt}-, Casto & Dungan, all agreeing to clear title, were received, and on December 30, 1889, the proposition of the last named firm to clear title to lots for $750 was recommended and subsequently adopted. In April, 1871, a small colony located here — Walter Micklen, Thomas Johnson, John G. Moore and Thomas Watts being the members. During the summer and fall others arrived, so that at the close of 1871 there were twenty-nine voters and a number of foreign adults, or ten more voters than there were persons in the county in June, 1870. Micklen erected his little sod house on Lincoln Avenue, just north of the N. L. & T. Company's block. Hastings Stock, son of W. H. Stock, was the first child born in Hastings, and to him the company- deeded a town lot. In 1871 Walter Micklen homesteaded the south- west quarter of Section 12, Township 7, Range 10, west, and proving his claim in 1872, was granted a patent. The Hastings Town Site Company- was organized with Walter Micklen, W. L. Smith, Thomas E. Farrell, secretar3-; Walter B. Slosson, Samuel Slosson and James D. Carl, memliers. Miek- len's land was surveyed into lots and the name Hastings given to the surveyed tract. The origi- nal owner built a sod house in 1871. Early in 1872 Samuel Alexander moved from Lincoln to this point and established the first business house here. In October of that\ear he was commissioned first post- master. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was constructed to Juniata and trains were running in July, 1872. In September following the St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad (later St. Joe & Western) was completed to Hastings. The Bletho- dist Society was founded here in 1872; the Congre- gational Societj- was organized in 1871. As has been stated, Mr. Alexander is the pion- eer of the commercial circle. He hauled the goods from old Inland, then the nearest railroad depot. In October he was appointed postmaster, the consideration being $1 per month. In December Capt. Weeeler became his partner and their building on Second Street and Hastings Avenue was erected, where Jlorledge & McWade established their house in later years. In Januarj' the partnership was dis- solved, but Mr. Alexander still had the post oflBce in the new building. C. B. Nelson came to Hastings October 1, 1872, as land agent of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company. Prior to this J. Ross opened his blacksmith shop in a sod house, but later erected a good shop on Denver Avenue, and was joined by L. W. Miller. S. S. Dow arrived from Wisconsin May 28, 1872. In June he established a land office here and within a year located 270 homesteads. He cast the first ballot ever cast in Denver precinct. In Maj-, 1871, J. G. Moore homesteaded what is Moore's addition. In March, 1873, he became a partner of George W. Donahey and built a law and land office at the corner of First and Burlington Streets. C. C. Ingalls built a small house, the third in the village, about September 1, 1872, and soon after joined Benedict in the coal and agricultural implement business. D. S. Cole, who resided east of the town site, set out hig nursery in the spring of 1873. B. H. Brown & Son (lumber dealers) built the third house in Sep- tember, 1872, and in October Pratt & Lawson began the building in which thej' opened the ''Headquar- ters " store in November. Capt F. S. Wells (U. S. N.) built the Inter Ocean Hotel near the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad depot early in the winter of 1872- 73. E. Steinau came October 10, 1872, and within ten days opened store in a building just west of his second store completed in Jlay. Silas Crooker built a shop on Front Street in October, 1872, and in No- vember opened his shoe store. A. Andrus erected his drug store on Second Street and Hastings Avenue in March, 1873. Within sis months from the founda- tion of the town between forty and fiftj- houses were erected, and at the close of the first year of its ex- istence there were fifty-one distinct business and professional men here. In January, 1873, W. H. Stock opened a meat market; in Jlarch or April J. H. Ballard established V -u 9 IGG HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. his himlicr yard, following A. W. Cox & Brother, who came prior to this time and established a large lumber business. Abbott, Batty & Dow opened their law office June 2, Miss Blodgett her millinery rooms, and W. L. Smith his book store. J. P. Crowley's, G . W. Jlowery's, John Douglass' and Dr. Buckworth's residences were completed, and the Denver House opened. Miles Humphrey built the first carpenter shop, and R. Cliaudler moved his wagon shop from Juniata. A. W. Cos built a dry- liouse in their lumber yard; E. Steinau"s new store was completed; Dr. Buckworth's new building on First Street and Hastings Avenue was sold to Charles Cameron, of Lincoln, who soon after estab- lished their drj- goods house here in May, 1873. In the summer of 1873 H. A. Forcht's stove store, P. F. Burruss' and Peter Hessell's harness shops, J. Milletfs bakery. Hill & Luniac's restaurant, Gor- don's tailor shop, T. B. Pratt's barber shop, Twidale's meat market and Secor's boot and shoe shop were in existence. In June, 1873, Mclntire & Reed, who purchased Wheeler's store, took posses- sion: Wiggins, the agent of the Burlington & Mis- souri River Railroad, opened the new depot; C. H. Paul his boot and shoe store; J. M. Smith opened a grocery in the Town Company's old office; M. K. Lewis erected his residence, and Gould his imple- ment warehouse. Jules Lemoine established his jewelrj- store in July; iMacka}- & Co. owned the nur- series; Shockey & Hutchinson opened their hai'd- ware store, and Dr. C. 31. Wright was in the An- drus store. In July, 1873, the block north of Third Street and east of Hastings Avenue was donated by the county for the purposes of a public square, and a liberty pole raised thereon. The first Fourth of July celebration was held at Hast- ings in 1873, S. W. Martin, of Madison, Wis. , be- ing the orator of the day. There were 1,500 people rei)orted present. In addition to the buildings named, the Burlington & Missouri round-house, the Oliver block, Samuel Chaney's residence, A. B. Ideson's residence, George Haguewood's, Dr. Tea- zel's and the Cline brothers' residences, together with various smaller buildings, were commenced in October. In September, 1874, Buswell's dwelling. Razee's two dwellings, Cameron's two-storv business block. Prof. Ballinger's residence, an addition to the Burlington House, an addition to Mclntire & Morledge's store house, Eidel's dwelling, and the Taylor and Ash dwellings were commenced. The Journal was estalilished in Jlav, 1873. Hastings Lodge of 3Iasons and the Presljyterian Society were organized in 1873. The town was incorporated April 2, 1874, and the Baptist Society organized, and Lodge No. 50, I. O. 0. F. , founded. In 1876 I. W. Cramer established a broom corn market here, and the ranks of the business circle were generally recruited. Hastings was chosen the seat of justice in 1877. The Exchange Bank and A. L. Clarke & Co. 's Bank were established; the Central Nebraskan was issued in 1878; the German Evangelical Society was organized in 1878; the Evangelical Association in 1879; the Catholic congregation was founded the same year; Strickland Post, G. A. R. , was chartered in 1878, and reorganized in 1880, in which j'ear the Protestant Episcopal Society was organized. Hast- ings Chapter and Nebo Commandery were chartered in 1881; the same year the Y. M. C. A. was or- ganized; the City Bank and the First National Bank were founded, and Heart well & Co. 's real estate and loan office established. During the year 1874 there were thirty-three business houses and twenty-five dwellings erected, together with additions to former buildings. From January- 1 to July 1, 1878, there were 130 houses erected in the town. Such a record of substantial growth needs no word of comment. Local real estate owners and agents sold 75,000 acres during this j-ear. Additions were made to the city, and a large number of building lots disposed of. In the beginning of 1879 there was not a brick building at Hastings. Ideson built the brick block on Hastings Avenue, north of Morledge & Mc Wade's store. He was followed by the Adams County Banking Com- pany, who erected their large building that year. Then came the fire, and after it the building era of the city was introduced — the brick store buildings occupied in August, 1880, by Henry & Frahm, Hursch, Shean, Barnes, Walbach and Edwards, the saloon buildings of Kelley & Hahu and Planiuaidou & Co., and the Commercial Hotel — all coming in immediately after the fire. In the spring of 1880 '"w ADAMS COUNTY. 167 Idesoii's two stores on Seeoud Street wore com- meuced, and in the fall the Buckeye House, the Alexander Phillipps block (§10,00(1), the South Side school-house, the Farrell block ($15,000), and the Mowery block, on the site of the old Denver House, were started, together with the Davis building and the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Episcopal churches. During the building .season of 18S4 there were 3,251,000 briek used in buildings, and 287 new residences were erected. In the fall of 1885 H. A. Fyler arrived cii route to Kansas City, where he intended to establish a large dry goods house. Stopping off at Hastings, he was impressed with the appearance and prospects of the town, and signified his intention of remaining should he be able to buy or rent a store building. Unsuccessful, he was about to carry out his original intention, when Messrs. Kerr, Heartwell, McElHinney and others proposed to erect a building rather than lose such a concern and such a citizen. The Central Building Association was organized in October, with Dr. Naulteus, president; D. M. McElHinnej-, vice-presi- dent; William Kerr, treasurer; E. C. Webster, sec- retarj', and they with 0. Oliver, directors. The two lots adjoining the Kerr Opera House were pur- chased at once, and a building, after plans by Ritten- house, erected. The fire of October 7, 1878, destroyed Maston & Mitchell's livery, six of their horses and eleven tran- sient horses. The fire of September, 1879, originated in the basemeut of Allison's drug store, when an oil lam]^) or lantern exploded. The destruction of thirty- three Ijuildings followed, creating damage estimated at from $90 ,000 to $100,000. The losses are set forth as follows: J. S. Allison's stock, $5,000; J. W. Davis, building stock, $6,000; H. Lepin's hotel and fixtures, $8,000; C. Cameron's stock and his fine buildings, $13,000; Thomas Scales' luiilding, $800; A. W. Cox's stock and two buildings, $2,300; J. Weingart & Bros', elevator and 800 bushels of wheat, $2,200; Kellej- & Hahn's Iniilding and con- tents, $2,300; Dr. Naulteus' dwelling, office and stock, $3,000; Walbach Bros', building and stock, $15,000; N. F. Damron's hotel and furniture, SG.OOO; D, H. Ballard's building and stock, $4,000; G. F. Work's office, $125; Exchange Bank, furni- ture, $200; James Walling's hotel furniture, $1,000; O. Oliver's lumlier, $100; Wigton Bros.' office and type, $600; C. Borin's press, $75; Millett & Mulford's stone works, $1,000; A. L. Clarke & Co's. brick building, $400; C. H. Manker's carpen- ter shop, $200; Prindle & Burke's shop, $50; Mrs. Mow's two buildings, $450; Mrs. Higgins' building, $300; Langevin & Plaraondon's two buildings, $1,500; J. B. Sevage's building, $800; W. A. Smith's stock, $900; George Volland's two livery stables, $1,200; J. Kohl's building and fixtures, $1,500; E. Stout's building and stock, $800; A. J. Nolan's stock, $300; damage to Forcht & Co's. building, $100; Lowman & Fisher's office furniture, $150; Charles Carmichael's personal effects, $300, and a few smaller losers. Immediately after the fire of September, 1879, subsided, the work of reljuilding commenced, and nine brick buildings were under construction, with several frame houses, among them the L<'pin House. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad depot was destroyed by fire Novemljer 25, 1879, under circumstances described in the chapter devoted to the courts. The burning of Lee's barn, February 24, 1880, threatened the destruction of that section of the city which was not destroyed in September, 1879. The firemen averted the danger and saved the town, an action which won for them fame. The fire of July 16, 1881, originated in Davis' drug store, destroying that building, with Altschul's, Binderup's, Jorgen- sen's, Dietrich's (occupied b^y Nowlan) buildings and much valuable property. The insurance carried amounted to $19,750. This disastrous fire destroj'ed the block between Second and Third Streets and Hastings and Denver Avenues. Cole's circus was here; the thermometer registered 103 degrees in the shade, and the town was full of visitors. Tlie circus men aided the fire department, but the natural and artificial heat made the atmosphere so oppressive that numbers of the workers fell insensilile, lea\'ing the flames to devour everything sa^■e the Forgy build- ing on Second Street and Denver Avenue. The fire of October 19, 1885, destroyed Bristol's agricultural implement warehouse and Yetter's paint shop. The fire apparatus proved almost useless in ^ i_ 168 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. face of the strono; wind. The fire of February 2, 188G, originated in Winsor's restaurant, and resulted in the destruction of Fisher's building adjoining, and the grocer3- stock of Knight & Green. Hattie Hig- gins' building was damaged, also Mrs. D. B. Farry's house and the M. Stern building. Alfred Curtis proclaimed an offer of $100 to the department, should it be saved, and the firemen won the reward. Dille3''s slaughter-house was burned May 31, 1886. The burning of the brewery and small buildings is of recent date. In January, 1889, the New Yorli Five Cent Store was burned out and the New Eng- land Hotel damaged. The fire which destroyed E. Cole's barn in February almost led to the burning of the La Belle Hotel and the steam laundry. Tlie rain and wind storm of May 22-23, 1873, blew down Moore & Donahey's office, carried out the front of Veith's furniture store; Gordon's new build- ing was leveled; Capt. Wells' stable was blown away; Pratt & Lawson's house, on their claim, was torn to pieces, while southwest of the town a school-house was blown down. At Juniata only one house was blown over. The storm of July 4, 1880, carried away part of the roof of the Lepin House, entailing a loss of $1,500; Bacon's new house, north of the depot, was carried bodily off the foundation, also Schermer- horn's house; Ideson's unfinished house, on the north side of the square, was moved twelve inches; Mount's new house was moved over twenty-four in- ches, but the sleeping owners did not know of it until morning; barns and other buildings in the northwestern quarter of Hastings were carried awaj- or damaged; Steinau's warehouse was torn to pieces; the front of Crane & Hayzlett's store was blown out, and fifty per cent of the wind-mills were taken away or broken b}' the wind. In the summer of 1887 a wind storm demolished the large building then being erected by the Hast- ings Building Association, for Moriarty, Trimble & Co. The old fire department re-organized November 26, 1878, with J. D. Crans, C. E. ; H. M. Hicks, A. M. ; J. S. Allison, secretary; A. Yeazel, treas- urer; H. H. Cherry, foreman; Peter Wood and L. McBride, assistant foremen. The hook and ladder company was presided over by N. R. McBride, witli Louis Kline and A. Pool, assistants. The hose companj- claimed E. D. Kennard as foreman, while the department trustees were J. N. Lyman, E. Hayzlett, C. Cameron, F. J. Benedict and George E. Brown. The special election of Januarj-, 1879, resulted in 308 votes being recorded on the question of issuing bonds for $6,000 to meet the expenditures of the reorganized fire department. The proposition was carried by a majority of seventy-three votes. The roster of firemen, in good standing, December 19, 1883, shows the names of J. C. Williams (chief of department), O. Oliver, J. N. Lyman, D. M. McElHinney, James McWade, F. J. Benedict, C. Hammott, C. K. Lawson (treasurer), Ed. Quinn, J. M. Strickland, J. J. Wemple, J. C. Craig, Ed. Havens, Frank Coy, H. H. Cherry and S. M. Wright — all of engine company No. 1; C. Fisher, Ed. Kennard, H. Ellison, George W. Houck (assist- ant engineer of department), W. G. Snyder, John Dugan, 0. H. McNeil, William Cutler, J. L. Finley and N. P. Eckles — all of hose companj-; G. J. Evans, H. C. Haverly, M. Stern, Charles C. Cline, J. B. Dallas, F. Browning, Fred Stine, Charles Wahlquist and Alex. Meyer — all of hook and ladder company. The officers for 1890 are J. C. Williams, chief; H. C. Haverly, assistant chief; C. C. Cline, secretar}', and Mike Reed, treasurer. The ordinance empowering the city to borrow $85,000 for the construction of a system of water- works was adopted in March, 1886. The people confirmed this ordinance by vote, and in November the entire bond issue was purchased by Edward N. Needles, of the Penn INIutual Insurance Company, of Philadelphia, who came here to see the city. The works were completed in 1886. The system consists of eight bored wells, each supplied with a separate steam pump which pumps the water into a large receiving reservoir. Two large steam pumps take the water from the reservoir and force it into the stand pipe. The stand pipe rests upon a solid stone foundation, and is 125 feet in height and 20 feet in diameter. There are 18^ miles of mains. The total cost of the works and mains is $100,000. For the eleven months ending November 30, there had been pumped 63,451,613 gallons of water. The -^1^ Adams County, Nebraska, ADAMS COUNTY. 169 (8 water rent for 1889 was about $8,650. During the year 140 permits were issued, making total number of water permits 725. Tiie best of maintenance, including coal, wages, etc., is less than S6,000. As an investment, Hastings water works stock, were it owned liy private indi\iduals, would be above par. There is not another city in Nebraska with a better system of water works, Ijetter management, or fur- nishing better water than the Hastings system. The water is as pure as that from a mountain spring or brook, and the supply is inexhaustible. The transactions of the council of the town are interesting: The commissioners declared Hastings an incorporated town April 2, 1874. and M. K. Lewis. A. D. Buckworth, J. (i. B. Smith, A. W. Cox and A. H. Forcht were chosen trustees. The Iioard of trustees of the town of Hastings organized May 4, 1874. with M. K. Lewis, president; W. F. J. Comby, clerk; W. A. Smith, treasurer; Thomas E. Farrell, collector; G. W. JMowery, marshal; G. D. Pierce, attorney; L. C. Gould, police justice; C. H. Paul, assessor; C. K. Lawson and R. V. Shockey, flue inspectors. On May IS the first business meet- ing was held. M. K. Lewis, A. D. Buckworth, H. A. Forcht and A. W. Cox were present. A petition from residents on the north side of Second Street, asking for the construction of a sidewalk, was pre- sented, and an ordinance for a walk six feet in width was adopted. The ordinance for closing saloons between the hours of 10 P. M. and 5 A. M. and all day on Sundays was adopted. A. Berg was ap- pointed street commissioner vice Dungan, resigned. Trustee J. G. B. Smith was present on May 30. Petitions for sidewalks on Hastings Avenue and First Street and for street crossings were pre- sented. The ordinances of Lincoln City were adopted for use here. On June 8 a $1 dog tax was authorized, and a town tax of ten mills ordered. This tax was reduced to five mills on July 15. The meeting of July 28, 1874, is noticeable for the organization of Hastings as a city of the second class. On August 8 the election of oflicers took place, and the vote canvassed on the 10th. A pro- test from W. L. Smith, of the First ward, on the grounds of illegality was received. The poll book of the Third ward was objected to by A. I). Buck- 11 worth, owing to some informality, and the returns ignored; while the returns of the Second ward were reported irregular. On August 11 the last named returns proved correct, were canvassed, and the following named officers elected: H. A. Forcht. mayor; G. D. Pierce, clerk; J. G. B. Smith, treasurer; L. C. Gould, police justice; Alfred Berg, marshal; J. G. B. Smith and John E. Wood, coun- cilmen. For some reason, unexplained on the record book, the whole batch of officials resigned. Buck- worth's motion to hold a new election on the 27th was lost, and on the 17th Trustee Cox moved that the clerk notify the officers-elect to qualify. On September 7 the offices were declared vacant, and on September 22, the election under the order rais- ing Hastings to a city of the second class was held. .John E. Wood was chosen maj'or; G. D. Pierce. clerk; A. L. Wigton, police judge; A. Berg, marshal; Samuel Alexander, treasurer; Thomas E. Fan-ell, engineer; A. W. Cox and J. L. Parrott, councilmen for First ward; J. G. B. Smith and H. A. Forcht, for Second, and J. E. Smith and Thomas E. FaiTell for Third ward. The new council attempted to modernize the primitive water system of the village, and had galvanized tubing inserted in the old well. Thomas E. Farrell was appointed a committee to secure from the Town Company, for the city, a deed to the lot on which the city well was located, while J. Smith and A. W. Cox were appointed '• to see that the cit}' is in good shape to receive a wind-mill. ' O. Oliver was declared representative of the First ward on October 26 in the case of Parrott vs. Oliver, by reason of the former's absence and failure to qualify. T. J. Pardoe was elected in the Second ward in January, 1875. On Januaiy 18, 1875, the modest councilmen moved to circulate a petition to be presented to the Legislature for the annexation to Adams County of all that portion of Hall County south of the Platte River. A. W. Cox was appointed, W. L. Smith was also appointcil, to procure a copy of the petition for the removal oi the county seat. A city prison was authorized to he liuilt at this time, and a petition by A. D. Buckworth and eight others asking that a committee of the council proceed to Lincoln to urge liefore the Legislature the illesalitv of the organiza- :^ 17(1 HISTORY OF NKHUASKA. tioii of AiUiins County, and $300 was at ouce ap- pi-oiM-iated to uioet the expenses of such committee. Mr. 15uek^yo^tll was empowered to select this com- mittee. In March $500 was appropriated to lie ex- pended in can\assini>' tlie county in re re-location of seat of justice, and on April 12 a nuraljer of Vjills were paid on tliis account. Tlic elections of April, 1875, resulted in the choice of Charles II. Paul, for mayor; G. D. Pierce, clerk; S. Alexander, treasurer; John E. Wood, police judge; C. E. Forgy, marshal; A. Berg, engineer; George T. Work, J. L. Parrott, Robert :Morledge, Fred Forcht, J. M. Smith and Thomas E. Farrell, councilmen. Mr. Paul would not qualify, and jM. K. Lewis was elected mayor. The ordi- nance adopting a grade for First and Second Streets and Hastings and Denver Avenues was adopted in May, and in August the councilmen adopted their scale of pay at 150 cents for each meeting. The city immigration committee was working earnestly at this time in connection with the council, and meetings were held at short intervals. In September, 1S75, a committee was appointed to superintend the burning of grass within the city limits, and G. T. Work was instructed to plat the cemetery groumls, and an election of councilman vice Parrott was ordered. On January 3, 1876, the question of issuing city bonds for $2,750 to fund indelitedness, was ordered to be submitted to a vote and earned, in April, by 91 for, 4 contra. A. D. Yocum was chosen mayor; John E. Wood, clerk; S. Alexander, treasurer; J. H. Darnell, police judge; William Hubbell, marshal; S. D. Stoddard, engineer; J. Countryman, Fred Forcht and J. Stab- ler, councilmen. This council introduced a new era in valuation of real estate, and examined every lot and tract within the city jurisdiction, and levied five mills for general and five mills for improvement fund. On August 14, 1876, appears the account of M. V. Mondy ($162.50) and A. H. Connor, for legal services in securing an injunction against the erec- tion of a court house. In November the proposition of W. W. Holmes to pay eighty-three cents for city bonds was accepted. In April, 1877, J. S. 31cln- tyre was chosen mayor; G. D. Pierce, clerk; Isaac Le Doiyt, J. Stabler, T. D. Scofield, F. J. Benedict, F. Forcht and J. Countrymen were councilmen. Paine & Co. had partially completed their contract on old water works. In April, 1878, R. A. Batty was chosen mayor by 228 votes against 17 cast for J. S. McTntyre. Messrs. Piei-ce, Alexander and Work (judge) were re-elected to their positions; W. W. Brown, marshal; T. E. Farrell, engineer; J. G. B. Smith, J. Wemple, W. W. Dungan, Samuel Sad- ler, and A. D. Yocum, councilmen. This council adopted a resolution to sul)mit to the voters of the city in November, 1878, the proposition to issue Ijonds for $6. 000, to be expended in procuring fire apparatus and other protection against fire. The vacancy caused liy the death of J. G. B. Smith was filled by the election of William Breed, in January. The vote on the bond proposition was 49 in the First, 54 in the Second and 86 in the Third ward for, and 30, 41 and 45, in the respecti\e wards, contra, or a majority of 73. In April. 1879, * Fred Forcht was elected mayor; J. H. Fleming, city clerk; J. A. Vanatta, police judge; E. Steinau, treasurer; W. W. Brown, marshal, and T. E. Far- rell, engineer. The councilmen elected were D. M. McElHinney, William Breed, C. H. Paul and A. H. Sowers. The records of the council for the balance of this year were destroyed in the fire. The second record book was opened in 1881. On April 12. 1881, D. M. McElHinney qualified as mayor; I. W. Cramer, C. L. Stone and W. A. Camp, as council- men; James B. Heartwell, as treasurer, and J. H. Fleming, as clerk. The councilmen holding over were C. K. Lawson, William Breed and O. Oliver. The overseer of streets was W. W. Brown, and police judge, J. A. Vanatta. In June a tax levy of ten mills per dollar of valuation was ordered to meet estimated expenditures of $3,462.09. An eight mill school tax to meet $2,769.67, and a four mill sink- ing fund tax to meet $1,384.84, were also levied. On July 16, 1881, the council tendered thanks to •The taxes collected and warrants paid in 1875 amounted to $954.52; in 1876, to $l,010.aO, and In 1877, to $1,575,88. DurinR these years the levies and warrants issued amounted, respect- ively, to $1,0S1.W, $1,600.03, and $2,928.31; and in 1878 to $3,357.92, or a total ot $8,908,09; but there was paid out from proceeds of sale of bonds $2,200. thus leaving the balance, $3,227,39, to repre- sent the city's debt in February, 1879, plus the $2,200 outstand- ing in certificates of indebtedness or bonds, showiuj; a total debt of $5,427.39. jJ_5__J^ :±=it^ ADAMS COUNTY. 171 the managers and emploj-es of the circus eompany, in consideration of their services during the fire of that da}', and further ordered the forty dollar license paid in to be refunded. A vote of thanks to the firemen was also carried. J. M. Abbott was ap- pointed city attorney', and in Januarj-, 1882, John F. Ballinger was appointed police judge, vice Van- atta, resigned. In April, 1882, W. H. Lanniug received 319 votes and Patrick Nowlan 150 votes, for maj-or; E. J. Evans was elected clerk; J. S. Allison, treas- urer; J. F. Ballinger, judge; Thomas E. Farrell, engineer; D. C. Brown, L. H. Tower and F. J. Benedict, councilmen. W. K. McCully, E. Ha3-z- lett and A. H. Cramer were elected members of the first board of education. In March, 1883, J. C. Williams was appointed marshal, rjce S. L. Martin. The annual election held in April, resulted in the return of Mayor Lanning, Clerk Evans, Treasurer Allison, J. F. Ballinger, Thomas E. Farrell; while I. "W. Cramer, C. L. Stone and J. E. Gant were chosen councilmen, and the council organized with C. L. Stone, president. The board of education chosen comprised J. Wooster, H. Shedd and A. H. Sowers. In August twenty street lamps were intro- duced; exclusive permission given to the Telephone Exchange " to erect and maintain a sj'stem of tele- phonic communication," and matters relating to the fire department considered. The elections of April, 1884, resulted in the choice of J. E. Gant, mayor; G. J. Evans, treas- urer; E. A. Boelich, clerk; T. E. Farrell, engineer; J. Wooster, E. C. Webster, C. K. Lawson, council- men from First, Second and Third wards, and Wil- liam Breed, to fill vacancy in Third ward. W. H. Stock was elected marshal and Joe Landcraft sexton of the city cemetery. In June a tax levy for gen- eral purposes of ten mills on the assessed value, $570,423, was ordered, also two mills for sinking fund, three mills for special water tax, ten mills for use of city schools, and one mill for interest on school bonds. On July 28 certain exclusive rights were granted to the Hastings Electric Light Com- pany to erect its plant, and a contract made with the company to supply ten lights to the city at a cost of $10 each per month. In April, 1885, Henry Shedd was elected mayor, Thomas E. Fanx'll, engineer; E. A. Boelich. clerk: G. J. Evans, treasurer; J. F. Ballinger, police judge; William Yastine, Charles Cameron and O. Oliver, councilmen. The ordinance giving privileges to C. R. Miller and others, to lay gas-pipes, etc.. was approved June 22, 1885. The usual limitations are found in this document. The petition of the Alexanders in re. the construction of street railroads was considered , and the question of new water-works claimed a good deal of attention. In December Hastings was declared a city of the second class. The city elections of 1886 were held April (3. There were 469 votes cast for Samuel J. Alexander; 197 forT. E. Farrell and 466 for A. D. Yccum; a total of 1,132 votes. E. Fist was elected treasurer; J. D. Nunes, clerk; N. B. Yineyard, police judge; Ezra Langevin and W. H. Stock, councilmen. First ward; C. C. Rittenhouse, Second ward, O. Oliver and T. E. Farrell, Third ward; Ed. L. Lewis and R. Covert, Fourth ward; D. IM. Leland and Prof. An- drews, members of school board. The resolution of March 8, to submit the question of issuing bonds for the construction of water works, was carried out April 15, when the proposition was carried bj'^ a vote of 465 to 164. Advertisement was at once made, and on May 18 the proposition of A. L. Strang & Co., of Omaha, to complete the works for $75,775, was accepted; while the bid of Lindley & Leighton, of Lincoln, for the $85,000 bonds was accepted. J. A. Hall was appointed chief of police; on May 12. 1886, the (M'dinance declaring Hastings a citj' of the second class was carried. On June 28, C. H. Paul was appointed water commissioner and J. N. Smith, city engineer. In October, 1886, the Palmer dona- tion of If acres to the city for park purposes was considered. On February 14, 1887, the proposition of the Hastings Improvement Company' was carried by a vote of 65 to 2U7, and so declared by the mayor. The ordinance to extend the city limits was approved March 14. On April 11, the vote of the city was canvassed. For police judge W. R. Burton received 1,073 votes; for councilmen, W. H. Stock, Charles Cameron, Thomas E. Farrell and J. E. Gant received the majority vote in their respective wards; while A. IK" [X" ^ 172 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. TI. Cramer and 1']. Haj-zlett were chosen members of the seliool lioaril; C. II. Paul resigned the ofiiee of water commissioner and T. 0. 3Iartin was appointed to fill vacancy. The records of summer meetings of this year are de\oted mainly to ordinances relating to grants in aid of railroad construction, vacation of streets and alleys, and right of way to Cit}- Railroad Company. In August, a deed to Lots 240, 240, 289 and 250 (in the old cemetery) to the G. A. R. Post, hitherto appointed to settle with Strang & Co. , for extras on water works, reported an allowance for extras of $9,032.57. On Decem- l)er 13, the proposition to issue funding bonds for SI 0.000 was carried. The April elections of 1888 show 785 votes for A. D. Yocum, and 724 for S. J. Alexander, candidates for mayor; 787 votes for H. C. Haverly and 725 for \V. W. Miles, candidates for the office of city clerk; 971 for J. D. Mines and 524 for Emanuel Fist, for treasurer-. The council- men chosen were Ezra Langevin, C. L. Stone, C. C. Rittenhouse and J. J. L3ons. There were 604 votes for and 25 against the issue of water works bonds. E. P. Nellis received 1,411 votes, J. W. Wooster, 748 and Mr, Firmin, 684 for members of board of education, and the two first named were declared elected. George Crane was appointed marshal, with Lafayette Mitchell, Charles II. Wauzer and Nicholas Shelling, service police; William JIcGrath, weigh- master; Joseph Williams, chief of fire department; H. H. Stine, J. R. Jarvis, W. 11. Thomas and C. B. Cox, sen'ice foremen. T. M. Clark was appointed temporary engineer of waterworks and «n June 11, was employed as engineer at $125 per month, from which sum the fireman was to be paid. The tax levy for all city purposes, including general, sinking and interest funds, was thirty -two mills. On June 21, there were 335 votes cast for the issue of water bonds and 21 against such issue. On September 3, the resolution in the matter of Street Commissioner William Breed was ignored by the mayor; but the commissioner's resignation smoothed the disagree- ment between the executive and council. The elec- tion of April, 1879, proved a spirited contest be- tween political parties for the office of police judge. N. B. Vineyard received 466 votes; George Lj-nn, 386, and R. Corey, 169. For members of the school board a strictly- jjarty vote was cast — C. K. Lawson (693) and J. M. Ferguson (690) defeating Mrs. P. Nowlaii (307) and Mrs. N. Perhani (304). For the council. J. A. Rose received 215 votes, and II. Lepin. 140 for First ward; W. M. Vastine. 110. and 1). W. Palmer, 29 in Second ward; T. J. Creeth, 166; J. Baily, 7, and R. Brown, 2 in Third ward; G. A. Kent, 162, and R. Brown, 70 in the Fourth ward, Councilmen Langevin, Rittenhouse, Stone and Lyons holding over. George Crane was appointed chief of police; August Rice, water commissioner; J. C. Wil- liams, chief of fire department; William McGrath, weigh-master; Ed. Burton, street commissioner; J. W. Houseman, city tapper; C. H. Wanzer, Nicholas Schilling, J. JI. Tennant and A. Britchfleld, mem- bers of police force; John Hoagland, D. L. Haker, Ed. Hamilton and A. M. Smith, service foremen. In May, 1889, a proposition to construct sewers throughout the city was received from Andrew Rose- water, of Omaha, and what is known as the " sewer bond ordinance" was passed June 10, and July 16 fixed for holding an election on the question of issu- ing $75,000 bonds and levj-ing a direct tax to meet interest and principal. There were 959 votes cast — 465 for and 494 against the proposition. On June 12 a tax levy of thirty-one mills was authorized to meet cit^' estimates of 1889. This was made up as follows: 8 mills, general fund; 6^ interest; 6 sink- ing; 4^ fire department; 2^ police; 4- park and 3 water fund, on a total assessment of $1,667,900, yielding from the 8 mills tax alone $13,343.20, Warrants have l)een drawn to about the legal limits, which is a little over $11,000. About $2,500 of this amount was used in the sewerage survey, pur- chasing lot for new city hall and engine house, sewer pipe, grading, etc. The balance has been paid for salaries and incidentals. The sewer bond ordinance was sul)mitted on date given above. Notwithstanding the importance of the matter but little interest was taken in the elec- tion, and as stated only 959 votes were given, 465 for and 494 against, where at least 1,600 votes should have been cast. Mayor Yocum appointed C. H. Wanzer chief of police, (•(■(•(; George Crane, resigned, in January, 1890. Mr. Wanzer is one of the oldest policemen ADAMS COUNTY. on the force. N. Schilling took his place as daj- policeman, and Joseph Yocitm was appointed by the maj-or as one of the night policemen. On the ap- pointment of Capt. Yoeum to a Federal office C. C. Kittenhouse was chosen to fill the vacancy in the office of mayor. The board of trade was organized March 8, 1887, with 153 members. The call for the meeting was signed by Mayor Alexander. A. D. Yoeum was chosen temporary president, and J. D. Crosthwait, secretary. Messrs. Cessna, A. L. Clarke, C. H. Deitrich, Emanuel Fist and Samuel Alexander were appointed a committee to draft a constitution, and on motion of F. D. Taggart this committee was em- powered to uomiuate permanent officers. On ■March 10 C. H. Deitrich was chosen president; A. L. Clarke, vice-president; A. D. Yoeum, secretary; D. M. McElHiuney, treasurer, and J. A. Casto, attor- ney. Messrs. Clarke, Deitrich, Bostwick, Alexan- der, Elsemore, Hahn, Wemple, Palmer and Fist were previously named as members of the executive com- mittee. A railroad committee, standing committee, committee on commerce and manufacturing and committee on advertising were also appointed. In September a committee was appointed to meet the directors of the Chicago & Sante Fe Railroad Com- pany at Topeka, Kan. In March, 1888, M. L. Elsemore, G. J. Evans and J. B. Heartwell were elected members of the executive committee. M. L. Elsemore was elected vice-president and W. E. Barnes, treasurer — the president and secretary being re-elected. In May, 1889, J. F. Ballinger was elected secretary; M. L. Elsemore, president; F. J. Benedict, vice-president, and J. D. Rile}', treasurer. J. N. Lyman was chosen member of executive com- mittee, vice Heartwell, and JMessrs. Hahn, Barnes, Benedict, A. H. Cramer and W. A. Dilworth new members of that committee. The charter members of this organization com- prised the officers whose names are given above, with Ezra Langevin, George J. Yolland, H. C. Whitlock, J. C. Rosenfleld, M. Stern and others — among whom may be included all the members of the TTnion Club, named in other pages. In later years Snow & O'Shaughnessy, E. E. Merritt and a number of new citizens became members of this board. The Business Men's Association w'as organized December 9, 1879, with A. D. Yoeum, president; D. H. Ballard, vice-president; A. B. Ideson, secre- tary; C. K. Lawson, ti-easurer; G. F. Work, J. M. Abbott, A. L. Wigton, A. B. Ideson, S. Alexander and W. A. Camp, executive committee. The object was to promote all enterprises which promised bene- fits to the city. The Neln-aska Business Men's Association was organized May 29, 1889, with H. A. Fyler, presi- dent; E. L. Scott, vice-president; F. C. Ashall, sec- retary; P. H. Kipp, treasurer, and those officers with R. A. Barr, A. S. Yetter, M. J. Lumbard, W. E. Barnes, J. C. Ideson, F. J. Benedict and M. L. Elsemore, members of committees. Each of the associations have plaj'ed an important part in the progress of Hastings, and in the development of the count3-'s resources. Samuel Alexander was appointed postmaster of Hastings, September 19, 1872, and held the office until March 31, 1882. He was a native of Butler County, Pa., where he was liorn in 18-12. He served throughout the Civil "War; in 1869 moved to Lincoln, Neb., and on April 22, 1872, located a quarter section, on soldier's warrant, near Hastings, where, in July, 1872, he established his business house. The money orders issued together with fees amounted to $38,968.72, and money orders paid, to $30,445.05. In 1878 there were 1,000 letters registered, and 800 registered letters delivered; 4,360 registered letters in transit, and stamps, envelopes and cards sold to the value of $5,072.44. In Maj', 1880, a direct mail route between Hastings and Grand Island was established via St. Joseph &■ Denver Railroad. On June 1 the railroad mail ser- vice on the Burlington & 3Iissouri River was in- augurated. In October, 1883, Hastings was one of the four second class offices in the State, the salary of which was placed at $2,100, being next to Fre- mont in this class, and consequently holding fourth place in point of postal Ijusiness in the State. G. J. Evans was appointed master in 1SS5. The bill which placed Hastings, Beatrice and Fremont within the circle of the free delivery system passed the House December 14, 1886. On September 1, 1887, four letter carriers began their rounds here 7U >rv^ under the direction of Postmaster Evans. In January- railroad mail service on the F. E. & 51. V. Hue began. In November, 1889, J. B. Heartwell V)'as commissioned postmaster. The First National Bank dates its beginning back to 1877, wlicn A. L. Clarke & Co. opened their private liaukiug house. On July 1, 1881, business was started under United States charter as a National Bank, with a capital of $100,000. The Exchange National Bank may be said to have lieen established October 14, 1877, when Ray- mond Brothers & Yeazel opened the old Exchange Bank. On January 8, 1884, the company re-or- ganized under the National banking law, with I. M. Raymond, president; W. H. Lanning, vice-presi- dent; A. Yeazel, cashier, and J. R. McLaughlin, assistant cashier. The paid-up capital at date of re-organization was $100,000, L. H. Tower & Co. (L. H. Tower, A. A. Sweet and R. E. Dent, Jr.) established their real estate and loan office in 1879, and were the first to advance loans on real estate in Adams County at the rate of 8 per cent. The Nebraska Loan & Trust Company credits its beginnings to J. B. Heartwell and E. C. Web- ster, who established a money-loaning house here January 1, 1881. A reorganization was effected May 1, 1882, when the present name was adopted, and the capital placed at $100,000. A year later the .stock was increased to $250,000; but on August 1, 1885, an increase to $500,000 paid-up stock was reported and confirmed. In 1884 the company's building on the northwest corner of Second Street and Lincoln Avenue was erected. The City National Bank was chartered in Octo- ber, 1883. This house was established in August, 1881, under the title. City Bank, with L. H. Tower, E. S. Fowler, John M. Ferguson, E. C. Allen and Chester Hard, stockholders; but in September, 1885, a controlling interest was purchased by H. Bostwick and W. 6. Clark, who have served as president and cashier respectively, with C. J. Dilworth, vice- president, and J. M. Ferguson, assistant cashier. The officers named, with John M. Lyman, John Slaker and G. J. Evans, formed the first board of directors after reorganization in 1885. The bank of Yuma, Col., and the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Doniphan, Neb., are conducted by this company. The Adams County Savings Bank was organized in January, 188(5, with William Ken% president; J. M. Sewell, vice-president, and II. Shedd, cashier. J. M. Ragau, D. McCool, R. A. Batty, A. R. Van Sickle, M. L. Alexander, Jacob Fisher, Abram Loeb, Sam Hirscli and L. Hahn were directors. The bank was opened April G. The Western Loan & Investment Company was organized in June, 1886, with H. Bostwick, presi- dent; A. H. Cramer, vice-president; J. R. Penfield, treasurer; C. J. Dilworth, attornej-, and they with G. J. Evans, J. M. Ferguson, W. G. Clark, W. A. Dilworth, R. V. Stockey and W. C. Penfield, direc- tors. Adams County Bank was established April 2, 1886, under the Nebraska banking laws. The old bank building was moved in November, 1879, to the lot east of Hawley's old grocery store. The Benev- olent Union of Hastings perfected organization in May, 1885, with D. M. McElHinney, president; C. H. Deitrieh, vice-president; A. L. Wigton, secre- tary; Samuel Alexander, treasurer; J. A. Casto, attorney; Dr. L. Lodd, medical examiner; Thomas E. Farrell, A. H. Cramer, Morris Alexander, Jacob Fisher, D. M. McElHinney and C. H. Deitrieh, trustees. From what has already been stated much has been learned relating to the old-time business men of the city. A glance at the statistics of early years will prove of profit. During the season ending No- vember 11, 1875, 214,200 bushels of grain were shipped from Hastings. During the same year the following implements were sold: 78 harvesters, 100 combined machines, 65 mowers, 84 drills and seeders, 540 plows, 143 barrows, 10 corn planters, 26 threshing machines, 71 cultivators, 75 sulky rakes, 40 revolving rakes and 148 wagons. The lumber trade of Hastings in 1878 was represented by the Badger, Central and Chicago Lumber Companies. No less than 1,025 cars of lumber were imported, showing a business of over $300,000 in this branch alone. This body of lum- ber was in time distributed throughout the fifteen counties tributary to the town. y: V ^1 fe- ADAJIS COUNTY. 175 On July 6, 1885, the movement to close business houses at Hastings at 8:00 P. M. was adopted, and the telling sj'stem of ringing a bell at each door and calling out the welcome hour was introduced. To- ward the close of the j-car this primitive system was dropped and a new era in business forms introduced. The wholesale houses of Hastings have their origin in the hardware house established by Burger Brothers, Alexander & Co., early in 1887. The Burgers established their retail hardware store about sis 3'ears before. In October, 1887, they moved into the Enterprise Building, soon enjoying a trade of about $500,000 per annum. In 1888 the firm was incorporated, the capital stock being placed at $200,000. Moriarty, Trimble & Co.'s wholesale grocery house was established in the summer of 1887. In June of that year the stock arrived; but two weeks before the day set for occupation of the building, a wind storm demolished it. This building was pro- jected by the Hastings Building Association specially for this firm, and its destruction was a great disap- pointment. The stock was placed in Germania Hall, pending the completion of a new building. The Hastings Association went at once to work rebuilding, and late in November the building was ready for the firm. The business of this house is estimated at nearly $100,000 annually. The wholesale grocery of Ezra Langevin & Co. (E. Langevin, W. B. Cushing and E. L. Gauvreau) was established in December, 1889. Their stock fills three floors of their newly erected brick block at the corner of Denver Avenue and Front Street. A. J. Neimeyer & Co. , wholesale dealers in yel- low pine lumber, own their own mills at Texarkana, Ark. , and Hastings is their principal place of busi- ness. Their trade extends all over the West, and during 1887 reached the sum of $300,000. The Gazette-Journal Company has done an exten- sive business in wholesaling paper, office stationery and printers' supplies. The company's trade ex- tends as far west as Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, while a large business is done in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. This trade amounted to nearly $70,- 000 in 1887. and is constantly on the increase. Hastings has two wholesale commission houses which did a large business during 1887. Mr. J. Rosenfleld has had a patronage of $50,000, while Jacobson & Co. , who were engaged in business only during half of the year, enjoyed a trade which amounted to $30,000. Still another commission house was opened near the close of 1 887 by Apgar & Brown, but as their business operations covered only a period of a few weeks no figures were reported. G. Bratt & Co., wholesale furniture dealers, established a retail store some years ago; but not until the close of 1887 did they embark in their wholesale trade. The Shedd & Jones building, erected in 1887, is occupied by this firm. The an- nual business is estimated at from $50,000 to $75,000. The wholesale liquor and cigar house of Carney & Crowley is the pioneer house of this character in this section of the State. Their trade area is exten- sive. M. Stern's wholesale liquor house is also credited with a large trade. The following tabulated statement, prepared in 1888 by the editor of the Gazette- Journal, shows the figures of Hastings' wholesale trade as they appear in the aggregate. They are worthy of especial note because they present the first tabulated statement of the wholesale trade of this city ever made. Hardware 8 400,000 Groceries 350,000 Lumber 300,000 Furniture 60,000 Liquor and cigars 225,000 Commission 80,000 Paper and stationery 70,000 Total Sl,385,000 The retail business of Hastings is well repre- sented. The professional and business directory of 1889 shows G20 offices, stores, workshops and fac- tories; while all the names given in that work do not exceed 3,325. Sixty traveling men make their homes in this city. Many of them are men of families and own or rent nice, comfortable homes. They are a part of Hastings and as such are valuable citizens. In December, 1885. the Hastings Street Railway Company, M. L. and C. L. Alexander, incorpo- > "V 17(J HISTORY OF NElir.A!I. K. Lewis, J. C. Kay, J. T. Burroughs, G. J. Evans, J. J. Anderson, N. R. Pratt, Jay Cherry, A. J. Anderson and H. Bostwick, incorporators. The company purchased eight lots on the north side of Second Street northeast of Denver Avenue, re- moved the old buildings thereon, and commenced tile work of erecting a two-story building to cover the entire property. Emanuel Fist was elected secretar\-. This association has added many build- ings, all large ones, to the cit^- within the last six years. In October, 1884, Manager Pilcher, of the elec- tric light company, reported thirty new lights for private use and three additional city lights. The companj- introduced machinery at this time, the city mill engines having previously supplied the power. The Hastings gas works were constructed in 1885, the main building being 32x82 feet, and the reservoir 48 feet in diameter. By August 26. the six inch pipes were laid on Second Street. The Hastings Prospecting Company was organ- ized in 1880, with J. X. Lyman, president, and A. L. Edwards, secretary. On July 17, the bids (for drilling 4,000 feet into the earth) of Johnson, of Salina, Kan., and Taylor & Wood, of Hastings, were rejected. On the 19th the proposition of Tay- lor & Wood was brought up a second time and at'cepted, the consideration being $15,000 for 4,000 feet, to be paid at the rate of $4,000 for first thou- sand feet; $3,500 for second, and $3,500 for thin! and $4,000 for fourth thousand feet of drilling. Prior to July, 1889, the contract was sold to a Michigan man, who was compelled to relinquish it. A New York man was the next successful liidder, but he also failed to carry out his proposition, lu Julv, 1889, the board of directors was elected to look after the interests of the citizens and see that the work was properh- done. Machinery was pur- chased by the contractors and work began immedi- atelj' with the result as shown in former pages of this work. The first well was abandoned, but woriv will be commenced on a new hole, twelve instead of eight inches. With new machinery and twice the motive power, it is intended to bore down until 4,000 feet of strata are revealed. The record of the boring of the old well is kept by George Haller. The new well was commenced the first week in Jan- uary, 1890. The Lewis foundrj- and machine shop was founded in 1878, and completed in December, by M. K. Lewis & Sons (F. S. and E. L. Lewis). Ma- chinery for drilling wells, broom corn threshers and foundry machine work is manufactured here; also horse-power machinery for pumping water from deep wells, casting for wind-mills, cresting, sash weights and lirick-kiln supplies. The Lewis header works form a liranch of this industrj'. The Moritz iron and brass foundry was established in 1887, for the manufacture of iron columns, store fronts, machine castings and ornamental lirass work. The Ijrick yards of Johnson & McElHiuney were established early in 1878, and during the ensuing season 500,000 brick were manufactured. In 1879 there were 700,000 brick manufactured, and in 1880, 1,100,000, of wliich about 200,000 were shipped to Grand Island. Millett & ^lulford's brick j-ards were establislied early in ISSO, but before the season was far advanced Mulford's retirement was recorded. The attemjit to introduce a special brick machine was unsuccessful, and caused such delays as to post- pone work until ISSI.wlien aljout 200.000 brick "® V *A''. ADAMS COUNTY. 177 were produced. Stewart & Collins' brick yards were established in April, 1887, southeast of the eitj-, and- burued 700,000 brick that season. In 1888 they introduced the "New Quaker Brick JIachine. " and almost trebled the product of 1S87. Crans& Camp- bell introduced the manufacture of patent pavement in 1887. The Hastings Steam Flouring Mill Company was organized in May, 1880, with A. W. Lewis, of Ohio, a subscriber of $15,000; Leopold Hahn, of 85,000; Charles Kohl, of §5,000; Jacob Fisher, $1,500, and Fred C. Benedict 81,500. The board of trade do- nated $2,500, and citizens not members of the board, $2,000. The Hastings Creamery Association organized in January, 1884, with S. C. Dille}-, president; N. B. Vineyard, vice-president; S. E. Furry, secretary and manager, and D. B. Furry, treasurer. The work of erecting buildings, south of McEIHinney's brick yard, was at once entered upon, and the first annual meeting held Jauuar}' 7, 1884. The Noveltj- Carriage Works were established l)y C. 0. Jamieson in 1886. This factor}- made rapid strides. The cigar factories are operated by Snyder & Brewer, McTaggart & McKeehan, C. A. Dunn and Berry & Sons. The Hastings Manufacturing Compan}- was organized in Maj", 1886, for the purpose of manu- facturing a combination heater under the Campbell & Pryor patents. M. K. Lewis is presiilent and L. B. Palmer, secretary, while William Kerr is also in- terested in this industrj'. During the year 1887 the product of the company's work was valued at over $20,000. The Champion & Morledge packing house was opened December 21, 1886. The Hastings roller mills of Humphrey & Ed- gerton were erected in the summer of 1SS9, and the machiner}' supplied by E. P. Ellis, of Milwaukee. In 1880 the sash, door and I)lind factory of B. Button was established. The old mill site on Block 5 of Moore's addition was sold to E. 0. Alexander in 1887, and the machinery and buildings taken to the corner of Hastings A\enue and C Street. The Hastings planing-mill was opened in January, 1887. D. H. ^Miller and D. S. Cole established the Globe Poultry Yards, near Hastings, in March, 1880, and later introduced steam incubators. The Wilkinson candy factorv is no small industry. During the year 1887 the establishment produced S35,000 worth of sweet meats. The Hastings sorghum factory, which collapsed in the big fire, was re-established by L. F. Gould in September, 1880. The Bauersock brewery, with which are connected two bottling houses, is operated by Theodore Bauersock. The plant is valued at about $25,000. William Breed's bottling house is also a large concern, as is Forcht & Brandt's. The Bonanza wind mill, invented bvL. W. Maxan, of this county, was manufactured at Hastings, in 1880, by Maxan Bros. The water is elevated by windlass and bucket as in common- bored wells, the power lieing derived from an 8-foot wind-wheel. The Kellar Medicine Company organ- ized in the fall of 1889, with Messrs. Nellis, presi- dent; J. C. Parsons, vice-president; O. H. Gordon, secretary; A. H. Farrens, treasurer and manager, and Dr. Kellar, chemist. The companj- propose to establish an extensive laboratory here and manufac- ture several medical specialties. The Hastings broom factory is one of the latest additions to the manufacturing industries of Hastings. It was estab- lished in 1887, by Elroy Pettys. The Singer Man- ufacturing Company is represented — the popular Fred Rowe, traveling superintendent, being acting- agent. In 1872 the Inter Ocean Hotel was erected by Capt. Wells near the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad depot. In January, 1873, the Denver House was completed and opened, followed b}- the Burlington House. During the year 1874. the Town Company built an addition to the Denver House, and A. H. Burhans to the Burlington. The old Lepin Hotel, destroj-ed in the fire of September, 1879, was the leading house of all Central Nebraska. The present house was built immediately after the fire; but the storm of July 4, 1880, carried awaj- part of the roof, and injured the furniture. Even part of the furniture for this house was burned in November, 1879, while stored at the depot. This is un- doubtedly one of the most comfortable houses in the State. The New Commercial, rebuilt by N. F. Damron. on First street and Lincoln Avenue, was opened in January, 1880, by James Wailing. In December, ■^f^ 178 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 1889, Diid Ronian succeeded Mr. Whitney as pro- prietor of tiiis house. In April, 1880, the old Badger Yard building was fitted up for hotel pur- poses by H. M. Ridley. The Arlington, Denver, Gihoiit, Illinois, Mechanics' Home, Metropolitan, New England, Queen City, St. Louis and Treinont are all fair houses. It is now proposed to erect a 200-room house, and the proposition will jirobably soon take effect. The Bostwick, in the Hastings Building Com- pany's lilock, was erected in 18S4 under plans b}" Architect Weigle. The building is 80x176 feet, three stories in height. The three eastern rooms of the Iniilding on ground floor are usetl for hotel purposes, the dining rooms being 30x55 feet. The second and third floors of the building are devoted entirely to hotel purposes. The great central room , off which are several bed rooms, is 26x70 feet. Twenty-two feet above the floor of this parlor is the heavj- glass room, and twelve feet from the floor a gallery sweeps around, giving access to the bed rooms on the third floor. There are seventj' bed rooms in addition to ladies' parlor, sample rooms, dining room and office. W. H. Dildine opened the house in October, 1885. The present lessees are Parker & Dillon. W. H. Dillon, formerly of the Commercial, took charge of the Bostwick, February 1, 1889. The first 'bus was introduced in Decem- ber, 1879, by the Alexander Bros., to be run be- tween the. depots and the new Lepin House, com- pleted and opened that month. During the summer of 1878 the Central Ne- braskan suggested the building of an opera house. Aliout this time the Liberal Hall Association was founded, and a building was erected for worship as well as for amusement. Work on the Kerr Opera House building was begun May 7, and completed in 1884 at a cost of $61,000, by a company of local capitalists organized for that express purpose. Such leading citizens as M. L. Alexander, William Kerr, George II. Pratt, L, B. Palmer, James R, Heart- well, F. Naulteus, and many others were identified with the object. It stands at the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and Second Street, is 66x125 feet in size, and rises threes stories above a high basement. It is a very substantial structure of pressed briclv and stone, with solid granite founda- tion, after designs bj- Mr. C. C. Rittenhouse. F. D. Taggart purchased the stock of the opera house company, and liecame its owner. Cole's Park was opened June 27. 1889. Religious denominations by no means lack rep- resentixtion in Hastings. The first services of the Congregational Church here were conducted in the covered wagons in which the hardy pioneers traveled to tliis region. Tlie First Congregational Church was organized in the fall of 1871, by the direction of Rev. J. F. Clarkson, who came as chaplain of the English colony. In the Home Missionary report of 1873 the Rev. John F. Clarkson is at Hastings. It is spoken of as " a wide field; rapid increase in population; more laborers needed; church organized." The number of church members is 13; conversions, 4, which added to 9 who united by let- ter make the 13 reported. The first services of the newlj- organized church were held in a sod house located in 3Ioore's addition to the city of Hastings. Owing to some difficulty between the minister and his people, he was dismissed from the pastorate of the church, and after a time his jjlace supplied by the Rev. W. Haviland, who remained only about one year. The church maintained only a feeble or- ganization until the mouth of September, 1874, when Rev. M. F. Piatt took charge. Services were held in the school house until 1875. In that j-ear the old Millet Hall, which stood on the corner of First Street and Hastings Avenue, was secured as a place of meeting. In October, 1875, the T. C. C. F. S. was organized for the purpose of raising funds for furnishing the hall. The church society con- tinued to hold its services in Millet's Hall until the fall of 1878, when another move was made — this time to the Presbyterian Church, which had been erected and dedicated in the meantime. As the so- ciety had become well organized, a systematic effort was now made to raise funds for the ei'ection of a church Iniilding. A house was erected at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Third Street, which was dedicated March 29, 1879. Rev. Mr. Stewart, who succeeded A. W. Curtis, was present. The first church bell at Hastings was placed in the bel- fry the day prior to the dedication. Rev. Henrj' '-^ ADAMS COUNTY. 179 Wilson succeeeded Mr. Stewart in 1882. Kev. G. R. Milton came in the fall of 1884, and served until January 1, 1886, when Rev. William Walters took charge. A legacy of $500 left by Davis Lowman witii additional subscriptions were used in paying off a debt of $1,000. In 1887, shortly after, the Hastings Improvement Company gave $6,700 and the two lots on which the building now stands ff)r the old site. The church house was removed, and re-dedicated September 25, 1887. The twenty- fourth annual meeting of the Congregational Society of Nebraska was held at Hastings in October and November, 1880. The Ladies Missionary Societ}^ also assembled here, and reported having paid $.330 for the support of a lady missionary at Erzerum, Turkey in Asia. The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Hastings, had its origin in as humble quarters as had the other church organizations of the city. The first services were held in the St. Joseph & Western Rail- road depot, on September 29, 1872, by R. A. Crane. Hastings was then included in the Juniata circuit, and fell within the bounds of the Beatrice district. The class comprised William and Maria Hudson, Benjamin H. and Rebecca Brown, Richard and Liz- zie Rainforth and Mary E. Ross. As the newly organized church grew stronger, funds were col- lected, and a neat little church edifice erected on the corner of Second Street and Kansas Avenue. On July 13, 1873, Presiding Elder White selected a site for the proposed house on the north side of Second Street, west of the school house, and by August of that year the building was enclosed and roofed by the contractors, Millett & Mulford. Bj- some peculiar oversight the honor of holding first services was accorded to the Presbyterians, and the wily Rev. Griflfes formally dedicated the partially completed building August 10, 1873. In April, 1880, it was sold to the Evangelical Society, and on August 12, that year, the corner stone of the pres- ent church house was placed, Rev. A. C. Crosth- waite presiding. The building was completed at a cost of $6,000. During progress of construction the members worshipped in Liberty Hall. In Sep- tember, 1881, Rev. Crosthwaite resigned the pastor- ate of the church and was succeeded by S. H. Hen- derson, who was in turn succeeded by Revs. Brock- way and Jones. The present pastor is Rev. L. F. Britt, who is credited with being the most popular of all the Methodist preachers to fill that pulpit. Revs. R. H. Crane, Hiram Hersey, E. J. Willis, who was here in 1874-75, Richard Pierson, Edward Thomson, A. C. Crosthwaite and S. H. Henderson may be termed the pioneer preachers of this circuit. The Presbyterian Church dates back to August. 1873, when Rev. James A. Griflfes preached to a small number of Presbjterians in the partiallj- com- pleted Methodist Church, being the first to preach under a church roof here. On August 10, an organ- ization was effected by Rev. N. C. Robinson, S. M. , and Rev. J. A. Griffes, with the following named members: Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton, Mrs. Mary A. Wigton, Samuel Reed, William M. Snod- grass, H. M. Palmer and Mr. Electa Palmer. A. L. Wigton was the first stated clerk, serving until 1881, when L. B. Palmer was chosen. In 1884, A. L. Wigton was re-elected and is now incumbent of the clerk's office. The following ministers have supplied th3 pulpit since the organization, viz: Rev. James A. Griffes, August, 1873; Rev. John Rutherford, January, 1877; Rev. D. S. Schaflf, July, 1877; Rev. E. L. Williams, September, 1881; Rev. W. F. Ringland, October, 1882, and Rev. George T. Crissman, D. D., November, 1885. The First Presbyterian Church of Hastings was organized for incorporation June 4, 1874, when the constitution was adopted. James K. Sample, H. M. Palmer, L. B. Palmer, James Slate, N. L. Ed- wards, Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton, John Simpson and J. J. Worswick were chosen trustees. The edifice in which the organization was effected was not completed, and the burning ra3-s of the August sun pierced the unfinished roof in many places. A bundle of shingles laid across the top of an empty barrel served as a pulpit. In these un- favorable surroundings the church was organized. The first pastor. Rev. J. A. Griffes, conducted ser- vices in the school house for about two 3-ears. Afterwards Millet's Hall was utilized as a place of worship, until the summer of 1877, when the first building was completed and dedicated under the supervision of Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton and Is — <_ _S) ISO HISTOEY OF NEBRASKA. li. B. I'liliiKT. This huikling stood on llic corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue. In 1888 the congregation outgrew the old building and services were held in the opera house, pentling the erection of a modern house of worship. The second build- ing was erected on the southwest corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, in 1888-89, under super- vision of the following named members of the build- ing committee: Samuel Alexander, Rev. George T. Crissinan, D. D. , C. P. Webster, L. B. Palmer, A. J. Neimejer and L. M. Campbell. The church was completed at a cost of S35,000 and dedi- cated February 10, 1889, President Ringland and Rev. C. G. A. Hollhorst, of the college, with the pastor, Rev. George T. Crissman. conilucting the services. St. Cecilia's Catholic Church dates its beginning back to the establishment of Hastings, when Rev. Father Leichleitncr, pastor of Crete in 1871 (suc- cessor of Rev. W. Kelly), visited the new settle- ment. This portion of the mission was attended by Father Leichleitner until March 25, 1878, when Rev. George Glauber was appointed in charge of the congregation. Prior to this date the services of the church were held at the house of Thomas E. Farrell, but now the work of building a house of worship was entered upon. In 1880 this house was com- pleted, and the building of the parochial house be- gun. In December, 1879, Rev. E. Rhullier was assistant priest at Hastings. The first records of the missions in this section of the State form jjart of the parish records of Crete. The records of St. Cecilia's parish begin JIarch 25, 1878. The first baptisms recorded are those of Elizabeth, daughter, and Thomas, son of John and Elizaljetli ((Jriggs) Britt. Thomas and Elizabeth Farrell were sponsors. A son of Michael Hess and a daughter of John Young were baptized on the 21st of April, and a daughter of John and Patience (Brown) Farrell, of Ireland, on May 12, 1878. Other names on the Liber Baptismoruin of this period include many of the old settlers. The mission in 1880 comprised Hastings, Kene- saw, Roseland, Riverton, Harvard, Fairfield, Wheat- land. Orleans. Sarpy, Lowell. Minden. Indianola, Juniata, Glenwood, Bloomington. Red Cloutl, Arap- ahoe and luhinil. In 18S1 Rev. James Simeon* succeeded Father Glauber, but Rev. E. Rhullier was continued as assistant priest. New names are added daily to the long list of liaptisras, while the settle- ments of Cambridge, Whitloek and Franklin ap- peared on Fremont's ' ' Great American Desert " as new missions of this parish. Hazel Dell is named in April, 1883, and Hoartwell in 1885 — the latter place attended by Rev. 0. N. Turgeon, who appears to be assistant priest at this time. Rev. F. Schrafl'e was here in December, 1884, and throughout 1885. Services were held at Ell wood in 1886, and at Axel in 1888. Rev. J. J. Laughran was assistant priest in June, 1888. On May 15, 1881, Bishop OCou- •nor administered the sacrament of confirmation to fifty-nine children and adults at Hastings, and next day to twenty -five children and adults at Wheatland. On May 18 the sacrament was administered to twen- ty-four persons at Orleans, and on 3Iay 19 to six- teen persons at Indianola. The first marriage recorded in this parish is that of Alonzo P. Cook and Agnes Fisher, May 12, 1878. From that time up to July 2, 1888, when Father Simeon signed the parish records for the last time, there were eighty-six marriages solemnized, and from that period until November 6, 1889, twent\- marriages were celebrated. Father J. E. English is the present priest. During the short time which has elapsed, since taking charge of the parish, he has almost eclipsed the record of his life at Omaha. A church building, parochial house and the greatest convent luiilding in Central Nebraska have been lirought into existence. Among his principal helpers are Thomas E. Farrell. John Rooney, Mrs. Mar}' Stoetzel, Ezra Langevin, M. Moriarty, S. Kelly, who contributed largely to church building. The congregation embraces over 200 families, and the parish includes Kenesaw, Hansen, Inland. Glen- ville and other points in this district. *Eev. James Siraeou studied at the University of St. Louis, at St. .Joseph's College, Bardstowu, Mo., and suhsequently in Germany and Switzerland. He was ordained priest at Lou- vain, Belgium, in 1855, and served the church in the Rhine provinces for thirteen years, when he returned to the United States. He was pastor of St. Joseph's German Catholic Church at Washington, D. C, and later built Holy Trinity German Catholic Cliurch at Boston. He also served at Philadelphia and New York, and in August, ISSl, located at Hastings, in charge of the wide mission tield. fk^ ADAMS COUNTY. 181 The Baptist Cliiirch is the pioneer religious society- of Adams County. lu January, 1871, Rev. J. W. Warwick preached at the house of William Kress, on the Little Blue. Three years later their doctrine was preached at Hastings. The early settlers of Hastings whose religious attachments were with the Baptist denomination, organized themselves into a congregation in 1874. Rev. I. G. Newell was the first pastor, and the ser- vices were conducted in Millett's HaU. The organi- zation did not develop much strength in the earlier j'ears of its history and maintained but a feeble ex- istence until 1879, when the Rev. J. E. Roekwood assumed control. Among the earlj- members were D. S. Cole, Jacob Wooster, J. H. Vandemark, Frank Talmage, N. T. Eckles, Joseph Simms, Mrs. Alli- son, Mrs. Talmage, and Mrs. Vandemark. Under efficient management the society took a long stride forward and became firmly fixed in the community. After having guided the aflfairs of the church for about a year. Rev. Roekwood resigned and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. H. Mise. The last named gen- tleman began his pastoral duties in February, 1881, and in the following summer raised the necessary funds to erect a house of worship. The new Bap- tist Church was dedicated January 31, 1882. It is a neat structure of appropriate architectural design, and cost about $3,000. Since Rev. Mr. Mise sev- ered his connection with the church the pulpit has been occupied successively by Revs. H. P. Fitch, J. Y. Aitchison and H. C. Holden, the latter being the present pastor. The Hastings Free Religious Society adopted a constitution July 14, 1878. John N. Lyman was president; George W. Mowery, secretarj'; R. A. Batty, treasurer; A. D. Yocum, M. K. Lewis and E. Steinau, trustees. The same year Liberal Hall was built — a one story frame, 40x75 feet. This large hall was intended for a place of amusement as well as for worship, and in it the first religious l)odies assembled for prayer. St. Marks Protestant Episcopal Church was or- ganized May 3, 1880, by Rev. J. W. Greenwood. He came thither in 1879 from Honeoye Falls, N. Y., to the Nominal Mission Station of Hastings and Grand Island, where he found a few members. On April 18, 1880, he performed the services of his church for the first time, and this action was fol- lowed by the organization on the date above written. On May 4, the society elected Messrs. N. Z. Barlow, and 0. Oliver, wardens; and Messrs. Charles Cam- eron, F. J. Benedict, J. M. Noi-ton, Emery and A. B. Ideson, vestrymen. The officers constituted themselves a committee to locate a site for a church l)uilding. On July 10, Bishop Clarkson placed the corner stone of the first church building, the pastor, Mr. Greenwood, conducting the services according to the ritual. This building was dedicated the third Suuday after Epiphany in 1881. 0. H. :>!. and Robert Oliver, J. M. Norton, A. B. and J. C. Ide- son were the members. Rev. John Love was mis- sionary at the time; Mr. Greenwood was rector of the parish, followed by Rev. Henry Shaw and Rev. J. W. Gilman. The present number of communi- cants is placed at seventy-seven. The Christian Church is a modern organization here. The members worshiped at the old Presby- terian Church for some time until the new church- house on Lexington and Fourth Streets was erected in 1889. Rev. W. T. Maupin served the church. The Swedish Evangelical Lutherans of Hast- ings claim Rev. Mr. Torren as preacher, and also Rev. A. C. Tredin, who performed the services of church in the Good Templars' Hall. The German Evangelical Association was estab- lished as a mission in the city of Hastings in 1879. Two years following a church organization was efl?ected by Revs. G. G. Zellhoefer and Jacob Weiu- gart. Rev. Inhelder assumed the pastorate in April, 1880, and held it until the past j'ear, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. lUian. At first wor- ship was conducted in the old Methodist Church, and in April, 1880, the association purchased that building and dedicated it anew for its own use. The mission at present includes nearly one hundred families, all of whom are Germans. The First German Evangelical Church of Hastr ings was organized for incorporation November 8, 1879, with William Steinhaus, clerk; Henr}- Stam- mer, August Forcht and the clerk, trustees. The societj- was formally organized in September. 1878, ® -_ 182 HISTOUY or -NEIJIIA^SKA. :ui(l in the fall the work of church liuilding was entered upon. Tlie church house was completed in January, 1870, and dedicated on the 12th of that month. The school was also opened b}' Kev. II. Seikman. Rev. Mr. Stark served this church for some time, and Ivcv. Mr. Fritze is now pastor. The Evangelical Lutheran Society hold services in the G. A. R. hall. Rev. C. S. Schaefer is pastor. On August 10, 1873, a union Sunday-school was organized with R. V. Shockey, superintendent; Mrs. E. Palmer, secretary; W. A. Smith, treasurer, and \y. T. Com by, librarian. In the pages devoted to the transactions of the county commissioners, the annual progress of the school system of the county and city is noted. In the summary of the city records other references to the schools are made, and the names of the trustees or directors given; in the political history the contests for the office of school superintendent are referred to, and in the general chapter on county societies the organization of the Normal Institute is recorded. In 1872 the Hastings school district was organized with D. S. Cole, — Dyer and S. S. Dow, trustees. Within a short time A. D. Yocum took Mr. Dyer's place, and in August, 1872, this board placed be- fore the district the question of voting $4,000 bonds for the purpose of building a school. In April. 1873, a vote on this question was affirmative. Samuel Alexander was elected treasurer, and several changes made in the jwrsonnd of the board. Be- fore the school house was built an injunction was sued out at the instance of George W. Donaghey to postpone building; but this was dissolved in March, 1873, and the school building ei-ected. Before pro- ceedings on this injunction were served, Mr. Dow, learning that Charles Kilburn was in Hastings for the purpose of serving papers, and seeing him in Wheeler's store, went out the back door and pro- ceeding to Capt. Wells' office sold the bonds. Im- mediately after the injunction papers were served Messrs. D. S. Cole and S. S. Dow were arrested for disobeying the injunction; but got out on a writ of habeas corpus, Attoi'neys Bowen & Laird represents iug the prosecution. Subsequently Cole and Dow were taken to Lincoln by James Laird, and while there Mr. Dow visited the capitol and heard the bill read authorizing the commissioners to build a court house at Juniata. Returning at once to Hastings, he spread the alarm , and that night a remonstrance was prepared and on its way to Lincoln. This hail the effect of defeating the Ijill. It was revenge for in- terference with the school interests of tiie joung town. The committee in charge of the school house of District 18, A. D. Yocum, S. Alexander, D. S. Cole and L. Reynolds, located a sight for the building, and sold the contract to G. W. McDade. Early in May this body desired to change the location to Block 18, and to extend the plans; and McDade be- ing agreeable, proposals for building were again asked for, and Col. W. L. Smith was the successful bidder. On May 30, 1873, stone for the founda- tion arrived, and the house was completed that year. Three years later (1876) there were 122 pupils enrolled, of whom an average of ninet^'-eight attended. The principal at this time was H. W. M\-ers, successor of Col. Monroe. The school teachers of the cit}^ in March, 1880, were C. J. Davis, principal; Misses Dora Tucker, Jones, Parker, Clark, Edmunson and Mesdames Davis and Wigtou. The school house in the western part of the town was opened by Miss Edmunson and Miss Moore in June, 1879. In July, 1880, the contract for a brick school building on the south side was sold to D- M. McElHinney for $3,400. The structure was completed that year. The Hastings high school building was destroyed by fire November 12. 1886. The insurance carried amounted to $16,000. Hastings now has five large public school build- ings. The high school building, erected in 1887, occupies the site of the old high school building on High Street, between Denver and Hastings Avenues. This handsome two-story brick structure is 85x103 feet in size, with high basement, and a graceful tower 100 feet in height. The total cost was $5,000. J. B. Molnux is superintendent and principal. The West ward school building, a highly orna- mental and commodious edifice, two stories and basement, is built of stone and brick, surmounted bj' a tasty tower and steep gable roof. It has six rooms with a capacity of 400 pupils, and cost s ADAMS COUNTY. 183 $15,000. It is well conducted under the manage- ment of Maggie E. Molniix, principal. In the South ward is a new and modern two-story brick building, with accommodation for over 400 pupils, Mary E. Palmer is principal. The East ward school, a two-stor^' frame, is the oldest school building in the city, erected in 1873-74, at a cost of So, 000, and has room for 350 pupils. Anna S. Rogers is principal. When this building was proposed there was an enumeration of scarcely twenty pupils in Hastings, and manj- people complained about erecting so large an edifice, fearing Hastings would never have need of so much school room. At present, with five more larger and finer buildings, the capacity- is sadly taxed. "Col." Monroe taught the first school at Hastings in this building in 1874, The South Side school, situated on H Street, be- tween St. Joe and Hastings Avenues, was erected in 1888, and first occupied in the fall and winter of that year. It is a conspicious building, two stories and basement, with tower, built of brick and well finished and furnished. It accommodates 400 pupils and cost $10,000. A sad accident occurred at this school, February 8, 1889. The teacher. Miss Aldrich, fearing the efl'ects of a threatening storm, dismissed the smaller pupils, and as they were on the board walk just after leaving the school j'ard, the strength of the wind raised the walk and turned it over upon them, killing John Pauls, a young child, and seriously in- juring the teacher and several other pupils. Under the able management of General Superin- tendent J, B, Molnux, the Hastings City schools have risen to a high degree of efficiency. The sys- tem of a twelve j-ears' course has been adopted, giving four years each to the primary, grammar and high school departments; in the high school the pupil has choice of two courses of study, designated as the classical and scientific. The classical course includes such studies as physiology, civil govern- ment, general history, algebra, physical geography, botany, natural philosophj-, geometry, rhetoric, astronomy and Latin, The burning of the high school building on No- vember 12, 1886, was a great misfortune and caused much inconvenience, but in the place of the old building was erected, during the summer of 1887, a far handsomer and more substantial structure, one that would make a creditable showing anywhere. The completion of the South Side school build- ing, in 1888, gave to the cit^- five buildings, or twen- tj--nine rooms devoted to school purposes. These edifices are all of brick, except one, and of recent construction, except the frame, which will no doubt be replaced next year by a good brick of six or eight rooms. Hastings will then rejoice in the excellency of its school buildings. The public schools are the pride of the city, and a great degree of interest is constantly manifested. The enumeration of children of school age here is 2,400, taught bj- twentj--eight teachers, including the superintendent and princi- pals. Queen City Business College, conducted by J. H. Schoonover, was established at Hastings in the summer of 1888. It is receiving a generous support, and its various courses of studj' embrace such branches as are best adapted to fit j'oung men for an actual business life. In addition to book-keep- ing, penmanship, commercial law, etc. , there is a shorthand course under the instruction of Mrs. Schoonover, a practical reporter. The rooms of this school are located in the Cen- tral block, and are commodious, well-fitted and furnished. A. L. Wigton was one of the first to suggest the founding of a college at Hastings. During the summer and fall of 1873 steps were taken to have a college established here and the movement was en- couraged by the Presbytery and Synod; $20,000 was subscribed in lands and lots, but the grasshop- per visitation of 1874-75 delayed the development of plans, so that not until 1879 was the project placed on a practical footing — the Business Men's Association taking the matter in hand. During that year the citizens subscribed $50,000 in lands and moneys, and arrangments were made for the erection of suitable buildings; school rooms were opened over the post office. In September, 1882, the first session was held. Rev. W. F. Ringland was president; Prof. J. M. Wilson had charge of the Normal and English classes; Prof. George E. White, 9 "V^ of the Latin and Gieck classes; I'rof. George M. Whicher, of natural science and English literature class; !Miss Abbie Brewster, of the department of modern languages; Jliss Lou Vance, of the art de- partment, and John llees, of the musical depart- ment. A meeting of the incorporators was held in May, 1882. Articles of incorporation were adopted, and under their provisions trustees were elected. The first officers of the board of trustees were J. B. Ileartwell, president; A. L. Wigton, vice- l)resident; L. B. Palmer, secretary, and A. L. Clarke, treasurer. The executive committee comprised the otUcers named, with A. T>. Williams, Samuel Alex- ander, O. Oliver, D. Lowman and 0. B. Hewett. They were all members of the first board of trustees, with J. P. Keruohan, of Grand Island; Dr. Baird, of Red Cloud; John Fleming, of Ayr; A. H. Sow- ers and W. R. JleCully, of Hastings; A. B. Bj-ram, of Edgar, andH. jNL Giltuer, of Aurora. Xo changes were made in 1883-84, with the exception of the ap- jMintment of Rev. J. L. Lower, financial secretary. In 1886 C. P. Webster was appointed treasurer, and Samuel Alexander, secretary; G. T. Crissman and C. P. Webster were added to the executive committee. In 1887-88 the officers of the board and examiners of executive committee vrere the same as in 1887. In 1883 Prof. J. V. Collins was appointed to the charge of the department of mathematics and physics; Miss ]M. I. Pinsmore, rhetoric and English literature; and J. W. Brewster, stenography; Rev. D. S. Gregory, Rev. H. D. Ganse, Rev. D. S. Schaff, and Rev. C. L. Thompson were the lecturers. The register shows 143 members of all classes. In 1884-85 the faculty named held their respective positions, with the adilition of W. E. Andrews, professor of Latin and history; L. T. Terry, of Greek and German; Miss Florence D. Peterson, of elocution, and Mrs. Emma Herron. of vocal music. Tiu' lecturers were Rev. Ilerrick Johnson, Re\-. W. \V. Il;irsha and Judge 0. B. Hewett. There were 1(1.') students enrolled in all classes. At the beginning of the collegiate j'ear, 18S.")-86, President Ringland was professor of mental and moral sciences; George M. Whicher, of Greek and German; J. V. Collins, of mathematics and physics; Miss Dinsmore.of rhetoric and literature; W. E. Andrews, of Latin and history; John Rees, of instrumental music; Mrs. W. E. An- drews, of vocal music; J. W. Brewster, of stenog- raphy, and Miss Ella Cameron, of drawing and painting. Rev. George F. JIagoun and J. B. Cessna were the lecturers. There were 215 students enrolled in all classes. The faculty of 1886-87 comprised, in addition to that of 1885-86, Prof. Harve}' Thompson, natural science department; Rev. George T. Crissman, instructor in church history; Rev. F. M. Hickok, in ethics and logic; Miss Kid- doo, in history and English; Miss Helen M. Cam- eron, in drawing and painting, and Mrs. W. E. Andrews, in vocal music. O. B. Hewett, C. H. Van W^vck (ex.-U. S. Senator), and Rev. E. H. Curtis were the lecturers. Two hundred and thirty- six students were enrolled in the several classes. During the collegiate year of 1887-88, Miss Phil- lips was appointed instructor in drawing and painting, vice Miss Cameron, while Rev. George Williams, of Grand Island, and Rev. C. G. A. Hull- horst, of Gibbon, were chosen lecturers. There were 241 students registered in all classes. There are no changes in the faculty recorded in 1889. J. H. Hansen donated the twenty acres known as the College Campus, while the citizens purchased seventj'-five acres and donated the same to the trus- tees for college purposes. They also raised $8,000 for the erection of the first wing building. In July, 1883, the brick work contract on the McCormick Hall was sold to McElHinney & Johnson, the car- penter work to Cisney and the plastering to Worline. The corner stone was placed July 12, 1883, and the house was ready for occupation in September, 1884. In October of that year the dedication of the hall to collegiate purposes was carried out b}- Re\-. Herrick Johnson. The cost of this building was $14,700. It was named in honor of the late Cyrus H. McCor- mick, whose gift of $5,000 to Hastings College was the first gift recei\ed by the Presliyterian Board of Aid to Colleges. On the day the building was dedi- cated. Cyrus McCormick, Jr., added by telegraph an additional gift of $3,000. In February, 1884, J. B. Heartwell made a proiwsition to the executive committee, that should the citizens raise $10,000 he would subscribe -A s ^ ADAMS COUNTY. 185 110,000; provided, that $15,000 of the total sum would 1)0 de\'otccl to the liuildiug of a second house for eolletre jjurposes. The proposition was accept- able; but only $9,000 of the $10,000 was sub- scrilied and Sir. Heartwell increased his donation to §11,000. Work on the second building was at once commenced and the whole sum of $20,000 expended thereon. In the catalogue for 1S85-SG, the follow- ing paragraph is printed: "This building is yet without a name. The board of trustees would be glad to have some munificent friend of higher edu- cation, with $10,000, adopt this finished monument, standing by the side of the one erected by Hon. Cyrus H. McCormick, and allow the name of the donor to fill the conspicuous blank in the picture and give name to this nameless building. " This building is much larger than the first one erected, although it is similar in finish and archi- tectural detail, and is occupied as a young ladies' dor- mitory. The Democrat, of December 27, 1889, referring to this institution, says: "It is a matter of great encouragement that the gift of $15,000 during the past year came from Mrs. Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, the widow of that magnificent friend whose $8,000 gave the name to McCormick Hall. While the citizens of Hastings have been liberal in provid- ing for the college, aid to the amount of $33,000 has come from friends in the east." The Athenian Society was organized in 1883, and the Whittierean in 1885. The Hastings College Journal is puljlished monthl3- bj' the facultj-, while The Vidette is published by the students. The convent building of the Sisters of the Visi- tation was commenced in the spring of 1889, and the work completed in December of that year. The community was founded in France, about 280 years ago, as an order of teachers, and is to-day recog- nized as one of the highest educators of women in all that conduces to the good of that sex. Some time ago it became evident that the community at Uttumwa, Iowa, would be compelled to erect new convent buildings or establish new houses. Bishop Bonacum, learning something of the intentions of the sisters, suggested the possibility of an establish- ment at Hastings, and on this suggestion the com- 12 munitj- acted. A grant of ten acres was promised I\V the citizens of Hastings, and more than that in an expression of perpetual good will. Thomas E. Farrell made the donation of the valuable tract in that spirit which he has ever manifested since the beginning of the city. The eight propertj- owners adjoining the present convent grounds agreed to convey to Mr. Farrell a proportionate share in lands in lieu of the ten acres convej-ed by him to the sis- ters. The agreement was verbal, Mr. Farrell de- pending solely on the public spirit and honor of the parties thereto. The Nebraskan, in noticing the completion of the building, says: " It is a building that will stand for centuries, a credit to the builders and the city." The ground dimensions of the building are 60x184, with stone basement, 10 feet high, constructed of Colorado granite or sand stone from the Tower quarries, laid in random Ashler style. There are three stories above the massive foundation, with a 20-foot attic to be subsequently utilized as another story. These walls are constructed of brick. This is an $85,000 structure, but good management and cash for material and labor brought the actual cost down to $52,000. The capacity at present is 140 boarders. The basement is divided into a large number of refectories or dining rooms, lunch rooms, kitchen, plaj- and store rooms. On the first floor the main part of the building is divided into a com- modious sanctuary, with chapel in center and wide con-idors. The east wing is called the monaster}-, and is especially set apart for the sisters in charge. The west wing is the academy for the accommoda- tion of students, and the front parlors assigned for the reception of visitors. The second floor is divided into two large stud}- halls, well lighted, and six convenient class rooms. The third floor has three large dormitories and five music rooms. It is sup- plied with all the modern improvements, without which no buildings are complete. Every feature in the plan construction is highly creditable to those who had part in it. It is a Hastings building in almost every particular. C. C. Eittenhouse, a Hastings architect, made out the plans and specifica- tions (after designs by Kicly of New York), and F. IM. Trieh, a Hastings contractor, carried the enter- ^fv* ll£ ISO HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. prise through faithful to every detail of good work and economy. Col. Hoye, an experienced contrac- tor of Chicago, in behalf of the sisters, acted as general superintendent. But the supreme control and authority in the whole matter was vested in Fatiier English, who labored assiduously from the beginning, and watched every move in the construc- tion. The buildings were opened January 6, 1890. On February 5, 1890, the first reception of novices was solemnized at the new convent by Bishop Hennessy, Miss Mary Poulter, of St. Louis, and Miss Mary Donahue, of Philadelphia, being the recipients of the habit and veil. Masonry in Adams County is coutemporar}- with its occupation. The first organization, however, only dates back to July, 1873, when the pioneer lodge was founded at Juniata. Under date, August 14, 1873, a call was extended to all Masons in good standing at Hastings and in the neighbor- hood, to attend a meeting at E. Steinau's store. This call was signed by G. W. Mowerj-, James Cor- bin, Sam Sadler, E. Steinau, L. D. Reynolds, L. W. Spier, R. V. Shockey, F. S. Wells, W. M. West, William L. Smith and L. C. Gould. A lodge was at once organized U. D., but not until June, 1874, was a charter granted, the number given being 50. The first officers were Dr. A. D. Buckworth, W. M. ; L. C. Gould, S. W.; R. A. Batty, J. W. ; E. Steinau, S. , and C. E. Forgy, T. The lodge held its meetings in the school house or I. 0. 0. F. hall and in other temporary quarters until the fall of 1879, when it moved into the second story of the first brick block erected in Hastings — the one on North Hastings Avenue, which is generally referred to as the Masonic Building. This lodge room served its purpose until 1887, when the various Masonic lodges took possession of their present handsome quarters in Masonic Temple. The masters and secretaries of the Blue Lodge were selected from the charter members for some few years. The minute books, so far as reported existing, gave up the following names of masters: E. Steinau, 1877: G. W. Mowery, 1879; J. J. Wemple, 1880; F. J. Benedict, 1881; G. H. Pratt, 1882; D. M. McElHinney, 1883; Joseph Meyer, 1884; D. M. McElHinney, 1885; E. C. Webster, 1880; C. C. Rittenhouse, 1887; W. S. McKinney, 1888; W. F. Buchanan, 1887. Secretaries: J. J. Wemple, 1877; T. J. Pardoe, 1879; E. Steinau, 1880; J. J. Wemple, 1881; A. F. Boston, 1882-83; Claus Fralim, 1884; F. I). Taggart, 1885; W. S. McKinney, 1886; W. F. Buchanan, 1887; E. N. Winslow, 1888; H. C. Armfield, 1889; A. H. Farrens. The membership at present is about 150. Hastings Chapter No. 21 , R. A. M. , was char- tered January 14, 1881, A. I. 2,411, with tlie fol- lowing officers: J. J. Wemple, H. P.; Emanuel Fist, K.; J. S. Allison, S. ; R. W. Oliver, Treas.; William Cline, Sec; J. J. Raymaker, C. of H. ; G. J. Evans, Sojr. ; Joseph Meyer, R. A. C. ; Jacob Fisher, G. M. 3 V. ; B. F. Rawalt, G. M. 2 V. ; J. Yandemark, G. M. 1 Y. and M. L. Alexander. S. Since that time the Chapter has been presided over bj- John J. Wemple, Emanuel Fist, Joseph S. Alli- son, John J. Raymaker, Benjamin F. Rawalt, D. M. McElHinney and Edwin C. Webster. C. C. Rittenhouse is the present high priest of the Chai> ter. The office of secretary has l)een filled b}- W. INI. Cline, E. C. Webster, W. S. McKinney and R. W. Oliver, while W. S. McKinney is the present in- cumbent. There were seventy-four members in Feli- ruary, 1890. Mt. Nebo Commanderv No. 1 1 , K. T. . was cre- ated FelH-uary 22, A. D. , 1881, with the following Sir Knights as officers and members: John J. Wemple, E. C. ; John J. Ra3'maker, G. ; Joseph S. Allison, C. G.; Benjamin F. Rawalt, P.; J. W. Small, S. W. ; T. F. Pardoe, J. W. ; Oswald Oliver, Rec. ; Robert W. Oliver, Treas.; Morris L. Alexan- der, S. B.; E. H. Bartlett, S. B. , and Jacob Fisher, W. A charter was granted April 27, 1881, to the following named members (the officers named were elected June 14): John J. Wemple, E. C. ; Joseph S. Allison, C. of G. ; John J. Raymaker, G. ; Ben- jamin F. Rawalt, P.; J. W. Small, S. W. ; W. H. Lanning, J. W. ; R. W. Oliver, T. ; Oswald Oliver, M. L. Alexander, St. B. ; George H. Bott, Jacob Fisher, W.; J. G. Hayzlett, E. H. Bartlett, S. B. ; W. M. Cline, C. of G. ; Jacob Miller, J. A. TuUeys, G. M. 3 V. ; Fred J. Benedict, J. J. Wagen, G. M. ^: ±Lii ADAMS COUNTY. 187 2 Y. ; Charles Cameron, C. K. Lawson, A. L. Webb, Ilenrv (liliboii. G. M. 1 Y. ; Paul Kulmuek, K. E. 15( >riiey. The fi)llowing is a list of past eminent com- manders: John J. Womple, Benjamin F. Rawalt, Jacob Fisher and Fred J. Benedict. The past recorders are named as follows: Oswald Oliver, Charles C. Rittenhouse, William F. Buchanan, Joseph R. Sims. The Commandery now claims seventy-nine members. Fidueia Lodge of Perfection No. 3, A. and A. S. R., was founded October G, 1883, and chartered December 20, that year, with twenty members. To the original roll thirteen members were added, and of the total, thirty-three, there are twenty-two members now Ijelonging. The masters of the lodge have been Benjamin F. Rawalt, 33°, John J. Wemple, 32°, and Francis Naulteus, 32°. William F. Schultheis, 32°, was the first secretarj', succeeded by Edwin C. Webster, 33°. Hastings Council No. 8, R. and S. M., was chartered by the Grand Council, December 13, 1887, with twenty-seven members, namelj': C. L. Alexander, M. L. Alexander, W. F. Buchanan, F. J. Benedict, W. M. Cline, Emanuel Fist, Jacob Fisher, C. K. Lawson, B. S. Morrill, D. M. McEl- Hinnej', W. S. McKinnej-, James C. McNaughton, Francis Naulteus, R. W. Oliver, G. H. Pratt, B. F. Rawalt, C. C. Rittenhouse, E. H. Reed, F. J. Schaufelberger, Levi Stone, J. R. Sims, J. H. Scales, J. J. Wemple, E. C. Webster, J. B. Web- ster, E. H. Bartlett and E. C. Sawyer. E. C. Web- ster was the first T. I. master, succeeded by C. C. Rittenhouse. W. S. McKinney has held the posi- tion of secretary since the organization of the Coun- cil. This Masonic bod}' comprises thirty-two mem- bers. The triennial election, held in January, 1890, resulted in the choice of D. M. McElHinney, 32°, V. M.; N. B. Yineyard, 32°, S. W. ; Morris Alex- ander, 32°,. J. W.; Edwin Winslow, 14°, T. ; E. "C. Webster, 33°, Sec; Charles D. L. :\roore, 32°, O. ; F. Naulteus, 32°, A.; C. L. Alexander, 32°, D. E. ; F. D. Taggart, 14°, J. E.; W. F. Buchanan, 32°, M. of C. , and R. W. Oliver, 32°, T. The corner stone of the Masonic Temple was placed with due ceremony September IG, 1886, by P. G. W. M. J. J. Wemple and the grand offi- cers. The building has a frontage of G6 feet on Second Street, and a depth of 110 feet. It is G5 feet in height, constructed of pressed brick with iron trimmings. The floor is divided into three store rooms, which run the entire length of the build- ing. The east room is a large double store room, 30x110 feet in size, with receding triple front of plate glass. The other two store rooms are 18x110 feet, and are also supplied with elegant plate glass fronts. Between the doulile store room and the one adjacent is located the wide entrance to the stair- way which leads to the Masonic rooms in the second story— a reception room 20x34 feet, a hall 22x33, the banquet hall, the main hall — a room 40x60 in size, with a Gothic cathedral ceiling 32 feet high in the center. A number of armories and closets are connected with this main hall. The entire building is arranged with especial reference to the needs of the five Masonic organizations. Hastings Lodge No. 50, I. 0. 0. F. , was or- ganized August 13, 1874, with F. Forcht, N. G. ; Alfred Berg, Y. G. ; Benjamin E. Bo3-er, Rec. Sec; C. M. Wright, Treas. ; Melville Griffith, W. ; D. W. Dalton, C; G. E. Grant, R. S. N. G.; J. T. Ross, R. S. Y. G. , and C. B. Sperry, O. G. Among the charter members was R. A. Batty. Within a short time the names of J. B. Heartwell, James McWade, J. H. Fleming, N. L. Jorgenson, J. F. Hiler, D. M. McElHinney, E. C. Webster, W. W. Brown, A. L. Wigton, S. M. Clark, C. C. Rittenhouse, L. A. Royce and E. C. O'Donal appear on the roll. The lodge held its first meetings in the East ward school house, and afterward in a frame building on Second Street, between Hastings and Denver Avenues, moving in 1880 into new quarters in the old Masonic building on North Hastings Avenue. In 1884 it built and occupied a fine two-stor}- block of its own on Lincoln Avenue. In November, 1887, the civil suit to test the legality of taxing the prop- erty of benevolent associations was brought by this lodge before Judge Gaslin. The judge decided that the rooms leased for liusiness purposes were under the law taxable property, while the lodge rooms were exempt. Hastings Lodge No. 28, K. of P. , is the pioneer 188 HISTORY OF NEBllAt^KA. of P_ytliiaiiism in this section of Nebraska. Al- tliougli it was established here when the Masons and Oddfellows liad ol)tained all the prestige of numbers and experience in work, Lodge No. 28 won popu- larity promptly, and is to-day one of the most im- portant local organizations in the State. There are now (January, 1800) 120 members reported, among whom are the following named officials: A. J. Nowlan, C. C. ; E. N. Thacker, V. C. ; Chris Hoeppner, P. ; W. W. Johnson, K. of R. and S. ; A. T. Bratton, M. A.; L. B. Partridge, M. of E. ; J. L. Kehm, M. of F. Teutonia Lodge No. 55, K. of P. , was organized July 1, 1886, by John M. Dugan, with L. Hahn, P. G. C; S. Sehwaibold, G. C. ; Samuel Ilirscli, V. G. C. ; Otto Arnold, P. ; Dr. F. Naulteus, Treas. ; John H. Yager, O. G. , and F. Brenningsen, I. G. The members fonnerly belonged to Hastings Lodge No. 28, but detached themselves, owing to a desire to have an exclusive German lodge. Uniform Rank No. 4, K. of P., was instituted Maj' 21 , 1SS5, with the following named members: James Walling, W. H. Lynn, George Delagneau George W. Spicknall, W. A. Dil worth, John M. Dugan, D. A. Guldiu, Chris Paulick, Samuel Hirsch, 0. H. McNeil, J. H. Clark, B. F. Leed, W. H. Dodd, R. B. Wahlquist, C. B. Wahlquist, R. A. Boyd, George C. Dade, Frank Stine, W. H. Bald- win, S. Sehwaibold, J. E. Gant, M. M. McGrew, J. D. Craus, W. H. Harvey, D. J. Berry, A. Yeazel, H. L. Edwards, Jacob Thomas, J. C. Williams, J. F. Ballinger, W. F. Schultheis, Francis Naulteus, Alfred Naulteus, Charles F. Barly, George E. Ford and Frank Barclaj-. The first commander was John M. Dugan. W. A. Dilworth succeeded him; subsequentl}- Stephen Sehwaibold was elected, and in 1888, Ed. N. Thacker was chosen to fill that position. The first recorder was George W. Spicknall. George Delagneau and Chris Hoeppuer followed, and in 1889 W. S. McKinney was elected recorder. The roll of active members of this branch of Pythianism contains thirty names. The division is credited with being the best equipped and drilled in Nebraska. At the second last meeting of the Grand Lodge the first State prize was awarded to Rank No. 4, and to the commander was given the prize for being the best drilled captain on the grounds. The Pythian sisterhood was organized in May, 1889, with Mrs. John Harris, Mrs. W. Dilworth, Mrs. George Tyler, Jlrs. Curt. Alexander, Jlrs. D. Guldin, Mrs. Ed. Thacker, Jlrs. S. Sehwaibold, Mrs. D. Barlass, Mrs. Mel. Teunant, Mrs. Joe. Wil- liams, Mrs. Arthur Allyn and Miss Anna Breed, officials. The officers chosen in December, 1889, are named as follows in the order of rank: Mrs. Ed. Lewis, Mrs. W. A. Dilworth, Mrs. George Tyler, IMrs. Chris Hoeppner, Miss Ida Kay, Mrs. A. E. Allyn, Mrs. D. A. Guldin, Mrs. E. N. Thacker, Mrs. S. Sehwaibold, Miss Grace Phillips, Mrs. Mel. Tennant, Miss Lena Sehwaibold. Hastings Lodge No. 43, A. 0. U. W. , was or- ganized June 11, 1884, with the following named members: Dr. H. P. Fitch, Charles Kelsey, S. C. Heacox, E. C. Webster, J. B. Webster, Dr. A. R. Van Sickle, William F. Bybee, W. T. J. Comley, F. C. Mastin, C. K. Lawson, Jacol) Wooster,G. A. Wig- ton, A. L. Wigton, J. W. Wigton, B. F. Rawalt, A. H. Brown, M. VanFleet and F. E. Waters. In December, 1886, P. C. Mastin was chosen M. W.; A. H. Brown, F. ; 0. G. Johnson, O. ; A. P. Brown, R. ; L. M. Campbell, Fin. ; C. K. Lawson, R. ; L. B. Palmer, G. ; E. E. Todd, 0. W. ; A. J. Millett, I. W. ; A. R. Van Sickle and H. P. Fitch, medical examiners. The officers of Lodge No. 43, in 1889, were Ed. Jones, M. W.; F. C. Mastin, F.; E. E. Todd, O.; G. A. Wigton, R.; S. C. Heacox, F. ; J. W. Wigton R. ; J. P. Roberts, G. ; J. W. Fawthrop, 0. W. , and H. E. Hoklas, I. W. In December, 1889, there were fifty-two members reported. A lodge of I. 0. G. T., No. 223, was organized January 17, 1880, with 135 members. The official list is as follows, the order of lodge rank being ob- served — August Poole, L. M. Tanner, J. E. Rock- wood, L. B. Palmer, S. P. Tuttle, L. P. Hawley, H. T. Lee, H. Poole, E. K. Wemple, L. Ulmer, H. M. Poole, E. Parker, S. Hayzlett, L. F. Gould and A. H. Bowen. In 1882 this lodge still held a mem- bership of 107, and on January 19 that year enter- tained the Grand Lodge. Queen City Lodge No. 140, 1. O. (i. T.. was or- V V •k. ADAMS COUNTY. 189 ganlzed February 20, 188G, with the following named officers in the order of rank: B. F. Kimball, L. B. Palmer, John Cawthorn, Elsie M. Palmer, Alice Koch, O. G. Goodwin, Cora Gowdy, James Hester, Rose Koch, In April, 1876, the Hastings Grange 456 adopted a resolution pledging the members to use all means to discourage intemperance. Hastings Camp No, 277, M, W. A. (Woodmen), was re-organized June 5, 1880, with J. C. Ideson, T. F. Pierce, F. . A. Watkins, E. 0. Churchill, K, Stewart, P. A. Stewart, S. J. Weigel and George Woods. By the close of the jear there were over sixty members enrolled. In Januar}-, 1890, the following named officers were chosen: Dr. L. F. Britt, Jacob Wooster, Wes. Montgomery, George Wigton, F. VauHorn, F. M. Michael, E. J. Parker, I. G. S. Clelaud and E. H. Manchester. The old camp of Modern Woodmen was organ- ized November 29, 1886, with J. F. Ballinger, C. ; Wes. Montgomery, A. ; A. S. Rohrer, C. ; J. H. Haney, B. ; W. H. Lynn, P.; Fred Renner, W. E. ; W. S. McKinney, W.; William A- Dilworth, S. ; E. H. IManchester, A. E. Allyn and W. A. Dil- worth, jMgrs. The A. 0. H. (Ancient Order of Hibernians) is a strong organization here. The G. A. R. Post of Hastings is given in the military chapter. Silas A. Strickland W. R. C, No. 9, was organized February 23, 1884, with Mrs. E. O. Dilworth, Pres. ; Mrs. Julia S. Bowen, V. P. ; Mrs. Mary L. Garison, J. V. P.; Mrs. Jane Har- loecker. Sec; Mrs. Agnes A. Hurd, Treas. ; Mrs. Katie Judd, Chap.; Mrs. Emily Stoelting, Con. and Mrs. Mary Gould, G. The efficers of the W. R. C. installed in Janu- ary, 1886, were Mrs. A. D. Taggart, Pres. ; Mrs. B. F. Smith, Angle Holman, Mrs. H. Zimmer, Mrs. A. H. Brown, Mrs. C. Dominic, Mrs. A. Boyd, Mrs. A. A. Adams, Mrs. Calahan and Mrs. J. E. Hutchinson, in the order of rank. On Decem- l)er 12, 1889, the following named officers were chosen: Mrs. A. H. Brown. Pres.; Mrs. J. M. Boyd, 3Irs. I. W. Cramer, Mrs. J. T. Dowd, Mrs. Jane Doty, Mrs. F. Dalby, Mrs. C. Dominic, Mrs. Gouldsbury, Mrs, Will Dilworth, Mrs. F. Dalby and Mrs. Jane Doty; :Miss Delia Brown, :Mrs. D. M. Leland and Jlrs. Dr. Howard, alternates to depart- ment convention. Strickland Camp No. 20, Sons of ^'eterans, was organized at Hastings, January 8, 1887, with L. C. Bartlett, Capt. ; C. Burggraf and C. A. Gardner, Lieuts. ; R. A. Bruce and A. H. Bowen, Jr. , Sergts. ; Ross Dalby, Chap.; W. Yager, Col. Sergt.; J. B. Koch, Joe Alexander, H. K. Snively, J. M. Boyd, J. V. Snively, E. Carkins and F. C. Bassett, junior officers. In November, 1889, W. C. Faye, of Chicago, district president of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, visited Hastings with the object of organ- izing a camp and making Hastings the head-quarters of the order for five western States. Whether defeat or success waited on his proposition is unknown. The Union Club of Hastings was organized Feb- ruary 18, 1889, for the purpose of maintaining a social business club, reading rooms, recreation rooms, and particularly, for the promotion of the business interests of Hastings. The capital stock was placed at $2,500, divided into 250 shares of $10 each, and the fifth article provided for com- mencing business on February 15, 1889. The con- stitution of this organization bears 108 signatures. As the present list of membership encloses nearly all the best citizens, it is given as follows vice the list of charter members: A. E. Allyn, M. L. Alex- ander, F. J. Benedict, R. A. Barr, William R. Bur- ton, H. Bostwick, A. T. Boston, W. E. Barnes, J. F. Ballinger, D. L. Barlass, F. C. Babcock, A. F. Bratton, B. Brown, E. J. Bloom, B. Bernhardt, A. L. Clarke, J. A. Casto, J. Cherry, J. Conoughy, J. D. Crosthwait, J. B. Cessna, L. J. Capps. W. A. Chapman, B. Cramer, Archie S. Campbell, C. J. Dilworth, W. A. Dilworth, B. F. Denham, C. H. Deitrich, J. B. Dallas, W. H. Dillon, W. M. Dutton, George Douglass, W. W. Dwight, W. C. Donagh}-, N. F. Damron, M. L. Elsemore, G. J. Evans, H. L. Edwards, D. T. Evans, W. L. EUedge, Thomas E. Farrell, A. H. Farrens, W. J. Falk, J. M. Fergu- son, F. H. Firmiu, H. A. Fjler, L. H. Guernsej-, J. E. Gant, H. C. Haverly, 0. B. Hewett, Thomas C. Hurst, C. E. Higinbotham, J. C. Ideson, W. W. Johnson, George B. Johnson, J. C. Kuney, George V <^^ 190 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. A. Koiil. 11. B. Knowlton, J. C. Kay, Ezra Laii- gevin, J. N. Lyman, W. M. Lowman, W. H. Lynn, C. K. Lawson, J. J. Lyon, W. V. IMcCleaiy, J. Musselman. W. A. .AIcKuy, Ed. E. .Mcnitt, J. D. Mines. W. L. Marshall, F. C. Mastin, J. H. Milk-r, fi. H. .AlfLaughlin. S. J. Mattocks, A. J. Nowlan, (). Oliver, G. H. Pratt, F. L. Pearl, C. H. Paul, J. W. Pickens, W. H. Payne, P. H. Passey, L. B. Partridge. J. D. Riley, J. F. Riley, S. P. Rounds, U. S. Rohrer, E. H. Reed, C. L. Rose, J. C. Stevens, H. E. Schaufelberger, O. G. Smith, C. L. Stone, Nate Stone, J. R. Sims, W. B. Sheldon, S. M. Thompson, George B. Tyler, (). D. Thatcher, M. F. Trich, A. R. Van Sickle, M. A'an Vleet, W. M. Vastine, A. Veith, R. B. Wahbiuist, E. C. Webster, J. W. Wigton, George F. Wilkin, C. M. Weiss, J. C. Williams, George Wood and C. B. Wahlquist. On Februar\- 15, 1889, Messrs. ELsemore, Rile3' and Webster were appointed a committee to obtain signatures to articles of association. G. J. Evans, J. W. Pickens, M. L. Elsemore, T. J. Benedict, R. A. Barr, J. A. Casto, J. D. Riley, W. H. Lynn and E. C. Webster were chosen directors. Three dajs later F. J. Benedict was chosen president; G. J. Evans, vice-president; John Rilej', treasurer, and J. W. Pickens, secretary. Blessrs. Casto, Lynn and Webster were appointed auditors. In June the present club-rooms were rented, furnished and dedi- cated. The Bachelors' Club of Hastings, organized in November, 1881, with forty members, adopted the motto, Carpe dkm. The president was W. H. Lan- mng; the vice-president, R. A. Batty; secretary, G. J. Evans, and treasurer, E. Steinau. The Germania Club was organized in September, 1885, with William Breed, president; A. S. Yetter, vice-president; John G. Burkhardt, secretary; Leo- pold Hahn, treasurer, and Messrs. Padee, Schwai- bold and Landman, trustees. Liberal Hall was leased bj' the Germania Society in Jaimary, 1886, and named Germania Hall. The Republican "N^alley and Central Nebraska St. Andrew's Society held the third annual meeting at the Lepiii House in December, 1883. H. Steven- son, of Inavale, was chosen president; John Allan, of Grand Island, V. P.; Peter Fowl ie, of Hastings, Sec.; A. Richmond, Treas. ; Dr. Cook, Phys. ; John Jackson, P.; Andrew Cosh, of Grand Island; G. A. Kent, of Hastings; James Ewing, of Wood River, and John Mitchell, of Riverton, directors. Camp No, 1. Patriotic Sons of America, was or- ganized Januar}' 9, 1890, with thirty members. The first officers were T. M. Clark, Past Pres. ; F. C. Mastin, Pres.; R. J. Irwin, V. P.; C. L. Wat- kins, Sec; Joseph James, M. F. ; H. G. Knights. C. of C; R. C. Corey, Treas.; J. M. Houseman, S. E. The Hastings Lj'ceum, temi)orarily organized in the winter of 1872-73, perfected organization in No- vember, 1874, Thomas E. Farrell presiding. The election of officers resulted in the choice of W. A. Smith for president; Mrs. A. A. White for vice- president; Mrs. W. W. Wilcox, secretary, and J. J. Roehford, treasurer. The Ladies Quaitette was organized in Novem- ber, 1889. The Quartette is composed of Mrs. William Lowman, Misses Mamie Kerr, Freda Wahl- quist and Zora 'Harlocker, with Miss Helen Officer as pianist. The Apollo Club was organized in the fall of 1889, with the following named officers: Dr. Waters, president; 0. H. Gordon, business manager; 0. F. Farnham, secretary and treasurer; T. L. Bul- ger, musical director, and has sixteen active mem- bers. Miss Maria Kerr is pianist, with 3Iiss Floy Work as assistant pianist. The first club concert was given December 30, 1889. Harrison M. Wild, the celebrated pianist, and Jliss Golda Breedlove, the leading soprano, made their first appearance here, the Ladies' Quartette and the Apollo Club ap- pearing. Prof. Rees' orchestra as organized in December, 1889, comprised John Rees, director and first violin; Benjamin Urquhart, second violin; Gustav Binderup. cello; William Rees, bass; Dr. F. C. Babcock, first clarionet; Will Sherard, second clarionet; Charles Schaufelberger, first cornet; H. H. Williams, second cornet; Fred Taggart, trombone; Ben Boyd nnd Arlie Gardner, drums. The female cornet band is one of the latest musical organizations. -^ g) lL^ ADAMS COUNTY. 191 The Hastings Base Ball Association was or- ganized June 23, 1880, with C. H. Paul, presi- dent; John Stabler, vice-president; George T. Wil- liams, secretarj-; S. D. Tussey, treasurer; J. D. Crosthwaite, captain; Edwin Boelich, umpire, and John Ballard, scorer. The team in harness at this time comprised these players : G. J. Evans,* H. S. :\Iulford, J. D. Crosthwaite, Frank Stine, 0. F. Lambertson, J. J. Cline,* J. A. Dallas,* E. Horsey and Frank Miner. The Hastings Base Ball club was admitted to membership in the Western League February 1, 1886, the certificate being issued by E. E. Murphy. Two lawn tennis clubs are in existence. The Queen QX1\ Tennis club has three excellent courts in the vacant block south of the high school building. The Outing Club has two courts at the Athletic grounds near the college. Among those men whose expertness has placed them in the front rank, are 0. G. Smith, G. H. Pratt, H. W. Main, S. J. Mai. tocks, Bedford Rrown, Frank Pearl, P. L. John- son, Harry Armfleld, J. B. McLaughlin, Charles Heartwell, Thomas Frahra. Harry Dungan, O. H. Gordon, Frank Babcock, O. Oliver and George Wil- kins. Among the ladies may be named Mrs. H. W. ]\Iain, Mrs. 0. Oliver, ]Mrs. 0. G. Smith, i\Irs. George Pratt, Misses flattie Johnson, Helen Officer, Addie and Fannie Shedd and Ada Nowlan. The Young Men's Christian Association was or- ganized May 12, 1881, with the following named members: J. B. Heartwell, L. M. Campbell, Rev. D. S. Schaflf, 0. B. Hewitt, John Reese, J. W. Wig- ton, George Wigton, W. Snook, L. A. Roj-ce, Doris Lowman, A. P. Green, L. B. Palmer, Rev. J. D. Stewart, George F. Work, W. E. Ullmer, E. C. Webster, Frank Haynes, N. V. Stine, E. B. Steven- son, A. L. Work, J. J. Wemple, W. F. J. Comley, D. P. Grew, C. J. Work, 0. C. Hubble, L. H. Felt, Samuel Alexander, C. J. Doris, A. Anderson, C. F. Roj'ce, Rev. J. H. Nise, W. Bates, George B. John- son and William Brock. The Y. M. C. A. building was dedicated Novem- ber 13, 1885. The house cost $5,000, and was Iniilt under direction of Samuel Alexander, George F. Work and L. M. Campbell. It is the first build- * Now here. ing erected in the State exclusively for Association purposes. Here, on Novemljer 20, that j'car, a con- vention of the State Association assembled. The building was exchanged in 1889 for the old Presby- terian Church house. The presidents of the Association are named as follows: J. B. Heartwell, 1881; 0. C. Hubble, 1882-83; George F. Work, 1884-85; L. B. Palmer. 188G-87; G. M. Gillan, 1888, succeeded shortly by D. W. Palmer. Mr. Palmer was chosen in 1889, and is the present president. The general secretary serving in 1885 for six months was Mr. Baker; 0. F. Purdy and C. L. Kirk, in 1886, each for six months; Charles Kelsey, for a short time. In Feli- ruary, 1887, J. L. Ogden was elected, and is the present secretary. The present number of members is 147. The Benevolent Union was organized April 24, 1885, with a capital of $100,000. D. M. McEl- Heuney was president; Charles H. Deiti'ich, vice- president; A. L. Wigton, secretary; Samuel Alex- ander, treasurer; Dr. L. Lodd, treasurer, and J. A. Casto, attornej'. The board of directors comprised A. H. Cramer, M. L. Alexander, Jacob Fisher, Thomas E. Farrell and the first named officers. The Benevolent Union Life Insurance Company, of Hastings, was organized in April, 1885. During the first years $1,250,000 insurance was taken, at a cost of $2 per $1 ,000. The Hastings Typographical Union was presided over in 1889 by R. E. Rrown, with Ed. N. Thacker, V. P.; J. H, Bassett, Rec; J. W. L. 3Iiller, F. S. ; F. F. Palmer, Treas. , and Charles H. Taylor, S. at A. The executive committee composed S. W. Mc- Afee, F. W. Cooley and T. F. Sturgess. The Gazette-Journal Band, as constituted in 1889, was under the leadership of Prof. F. W. White. J. W. Wigton was treasurer; J. H. Bassett, secretary-; jMessrs. McElroy, Wigton and Thacker, executive committee. The members of the band were G. B. McElroy, Al. Boyd, F. W. Cooley, John Beardsley. C. F. Royce, S. W. McAfee, J. H. Bassett, T. F. Sturgess, George C. Hensman, Fred Taggart, J. W. Wigton, Ed. N. Thacker, B. H. Bowen, D. T. Evans, Samuel Payne and C. H. Taylor. The Hastings Auxiliary Society of the Home for -^^ It):: HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. tlie Fricntlless completed organization in May, 1885, witii Mrs. 0. B. Hewett, president; Mesdaines J. C. Webljer, L. Lamer, A. J. Millett and E. II. Reed, vice-presidents; Sirs. M. 31. Micliael, con-espondent; Mrs. J. D. Stewart, recorder, and Mesdames J. A. Gallagher, J. P. Todd, H. P. Fitch, N. C. Baxter and Orrin Thatcher, directors. A society to help bo^-s was organized in August, 1886, with Mrs. C. J. Todd, president; Mrs. H. L. Edwards, vice-president; Mrs. Clemens, secretar}^; Mrs. A. E. AUyn, recorder, and Mrs. M. L. Averill, treasurer. The Hastings Hospital Association, organized during the winter of 1887-88, elected ti-ustees in January of the latter j'ear. The members of the society included Mesdames J. M. Ragan, A. D. Yo- cum, Gillman, Douthett, Tomlinson, Nowlan, Bost> wick, Oliver, H. C. Oliver, Fyler, Pratt, Firmin, Campbell, Kirby, Fuller, Benedict, Cronkhite, Hal- derman, Frahm, Hollingsworth, Rice, Lumbard, Main, Burger, G. Burger, Smith, McDonald, Wing, Tusse}-, Webster, Barnes, BIcKinne}^, Brown, Hol- man, Cessna, Rose, Stone, Lepin, Stern, Fisher, Lindsay, Sims, Schwaibold, Unna, Leland, Hirsch, Edwards, Dilworth, E. 0. Dil worth, F. M. Lyman, Shedd, Loeb, Clarke, Hartwell, Phillips, Pearl, Lanning, Reed, Farrell, J. De Rocher, Miss M. Jones, Messrs. Clj'de, Sewell, Kerr, Kent, Hamp- shire and Cameron. The board of managers for 1890 consists of the following: Mesdames Stone, Bostwick, Reed, Barr, Ragan, Frahm, Kirby, Smith, Shedd, Pearl, Moriar- it}-, Main, Loeb, Rosenfeld, Fuller and Miss Mar- geret Jones. The following officers for the j'ear were elected in January: Blrs. J. M. Ragan, presi- dent; Mrs. W. H. Main, vice-president; Mrs. 0. G. Smith, secretary; Mrs. Claus Frahm, treasurer. The Hastings Trotting Association was organ- ized in February, 1886, with C. K. Lawson, presi- dent; Leopold Hahn, vice-president; A. L. Clarke, treasurer; F. J. Benedict, S. J. Weigle and L. Hahn, executive committee. The Hastings Driving Park Association was or- ganized December 12, 1889. A temporary organ- ization was effected by the election of A. L. Clarke, president; W. P. 3IcCreary, secretarj', and Fred Blake, treasiuvr. It was agreed to organize witii a capital stock of $5,000, with the privilege of increasing it to $10,000, if necessary. The stock is to be divided into shares of $25 each. The object of this organization is to construct a mile ti'ack, erect the necessar3" buildings, and then foster the growing of thoroughbred horses. The Hastings Cemetery Association was organ- ized January 19, 1886, and the following named trustees elected: O. B. Hewett, A. L. Clarke, S. Alexander, Davis Lowman, F. H. Firmin, T. E. Farrell, Jacob Fisher, D. M. McElHinney and J. B. Heartwell. The clerk appointed was S. Alexander. The Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association was organ- ized January 24, 1886, with J. C. Rosenfeld, presi- dent; Emanuel Fist, vice-president; J. Mitchell, sec- retarj'; M. Stern, treasurer; Aaron May, L. Stone and Samuel Hirsch, trustees. The solid brick and stone business blocks which have been partially or wholly completed in Hastings during the year ending March, 1888, may be summed up as follows, the property of those persons or corporations named: J. W. Davis' block, $35,000; Weingart block, $28,000; Stern block, $7,000; Hastings Building Association, $20,000; Mrs, Mow, $10,000; Bostwick, Shellak and Cramer block, $36,000; J. F. Ballinger, $3,500; Mrs. Lee, $3,500; ]Mr. Fawthrop, $3,500; Electric Light build- ing, $4,000; Jacob Wooster, $1,500: Lincoln Avenue Building Association, $40,000; Enterprise Building Association: $40,000; Henry Shedd and C. L. Jones, $20,000; A. W, Binderup & Dyer Bros., $16,000; S. C. Dilley, $7,500; Xatatorium, $5,000; new High School building, $25,500; street car stables, $3,500; Masonic Temple, $30,000; West ward school building, $18,000; addition to South ward school building, $5,000; J. E. Gant's "Ter- race Row," $25,000; total for brick buildings, $354,000. The general improvements comprise: For residences, $500,000; for improvements on residences, $125,000; city water works, $85,000; for water works in private residences, $28,000; for lumber for culverts and crossings, $1,500; for bridges and culverts, $5,795; labor on streets, grad- ing, etc., $3,204; electric light plant. $20,000; side- walks, $3,100; street car lines and eciuipments. ■.^ jj^ ADAMS ■ COUNTY. 193 $100,000; improvements on gas works and exten- sion of gas mains, $12,000; Cliicago & Northwestern, new track, depot, switclies, etc., $150,000; Burling- ton & Missouri Railroad, new switches, sheds, etc. , $75,000; total general improvements, $1,105,596. The Presb\-terian Church asj-lum for the incur- alile insane, the court house and the convent of the Sisters of the Visitation are the great buildings of 1889 — the greatest in Nebraska outside of Omaha and Lincoln. In the original bill of appropriation for the State Insane Asylum at Hastings in 1887 a mistake of $74,925 was made in engrossing it. The bill as passed showed only $75 as the total appropriation. Of coui'se, the error was corrected at the next ses- sion, and the work of building entered upon. The first occupation of the as3-lum was made August 1 , 1889, when forty incurable insane were brought hither from Lincoln. The ofHeers of the institution are Dr. M. W. Stone, superintendent; Dr. F. F. Test, hospital physician; J. W. Liveringhouse, steward; Mrs. Helen Slater, matron, and H. O. Beatty, accountant. The building was designed liy C. C. Rittenhouse, is of three stories 112x176, with wiugs 156 feet each. There are now 131 patients in the institution. The officials have proven them- selves well worth J- of their responsible positions, and all that can be criticised is the poor material used in the construction of the building. Already several repairs have been made, and many more are needed. ^1 r Iil4 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. CHAPTER XYIII. H*l- TowNs Outside of Hastings — Juniata's Histouy — As the Old County Seat — Development— Pkksknt In- TEUESTs— Representative Citizens — Sicetcii of Kenesaw and Vicinity — Its Founding and Scbse- (jncNT Growth— Some First Things — Ayr Village — Hansen — Millington — Roseland— JIay- FLOWEU — HOLSTEIN — OTHER CENTERS OF COMMERPIAL NoTE — INLAND — LUDLOW. ,'i^ The constant tenor of thoir wcU-spont days No less deserved a just return of praise. — Pope. \ T Juuiata was established the first village within ,, Adams Couuty. It is true that Inland was surveyed before Juniata; but the i'^ plat was vacated and the oflC^ name given to another tract of prairie in Clay County , leaving the tirst seat of justice the honor of being tlie pioneer of Adams County villages. Early in 1871 a number of citizens of ^lichigan immigrated to this point on the suggestion of Samuel L. Bras" and A. H. Bowen. Within a few months about 100 families, some of whom were pioneers of Michigan, came in. The conditions which marlved their early life amid the oak open- ings or pine woods of the fair peninsula were not found here. The lieautif ul prairie waited for its de- velopment by them. The great animals, which hitherto roamed at will, appeared singly or in groups to look with surprise on the latest addition to the invaders, an-' the Indians came hither to view them and ponder on the change. John and Isaac Stark and Titus and C. C. Babcock entered the section which was surveyed into lots, as shown in the chap- ter on the settlement of the county. Tlie town f)f Juniata was sur^^eyed and platted in November, 1871, for Cliarles F. Morse, by An- selmo B. Smith, survejor. on a part of the east half of northeast quarter, and a part of the east half of southwest quarter, and the west part of the southeast quarter, and the west part of the northeast quarter of Section 12, Township 7, Range 11, embracing 322-^ acres. South Street forms the south line of the town, with streets First to Tenth inclusive running parallel. South and North Depot Streets along the railroad, and Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets running due east and west, north of railroad. The avenues running north and south, beginning 160 feet east of west line of survey, are named Re- publican, Platte, Blue, Juniata, Adams, Bowen and Brass. Immediately after this survey John M. Jacobson had his hotel and store liuilding erected, and early in 1872 C. R. Jones opened the second store. In January, 1872, the Adams Count}- Gazette was founded hy the Babcocks; in July a Baptist Societj- was organized by Rev. D. H. Babcock; the railroad was formerly opened, and about this time the general store of "VV. Birdsall and Frank Mitchell, the drug store of Nathan Platte and the lumber yanl of W. L. Van Alstj-ne were established. In Decem- ber the village was declared the county seat. By the spring of 1872 a small school building was in existence, and by the beginning of November the village comprised fifteen houses, inhabited by fifty persons. The school building was completed this year, at a cost of $.3,500, and a Methodist societj' ^: <3 W_ ^ ADAMS COUNTY. 195 was organized by Elder Crane. Early in 1873 the grocery Ijusiuess of A. V. Cole was established. Ira G. Dillon's store was opened in Angiist, and S. J. Shirley's restaurant in November. A Masonic lodge was chartered in July, and three months later a Congregational societj' was organized by Rev. M. F. Platte. Early in 1874 D. H. Freeman opened a lumber yard for the Cox's of Hastings, and a wagon shop was established by Jacob Swift. t In April, 1872, Titus Babcock was appointed postmaster, at $1 per month. In 1881 William Knickerbocker was appointed, but held the office for only one month, when S. J. Shirley was commis- sioned. In 1879 the receipts of the ofHce were esti- mated at $14,783. 70. Samuel L. Brass succeeded .Mr. Shirley, and in December, 1889, D. V. Stephens succeeded Mr. Brass. In August, 1878, the Ira C. Dillon elevator was erected. The year 1879 witnessed great activity in building in Juniata; improvements aggregating S75,UOO were added to the town. Among other edifices was a business block erected by William B. Thorne, at a cost of S15,000. P. B. Hungerford, P. W. Warner, Ray L. Pomeroj', R. S. Langley, H. Barth, Samuel Dodge, Rev. J. W. Dobbs, Rev. H. A. Guild, Mr. Lomliard and Mr. Light had res- idences erected; that of Ira G. Dillon cost $1,575. Dwellings were also built for William Twidale, D. H. Freeman, E. Moore, James Laird, A. V. Cole and many others. In the vicinity much land was broken and improved, and many country houses erected. On February 27. ISSO, .Juniata was threatened with a conflagration. A fire liroke out in the barn of E. M. Allen, but it was finally gotten under con- trol by using a large quantitj' of salt secured from the stores of A. V. Cole and W. E. Sewell & Co. The lo.ss was some $15,000. In 1881-82 the business circle of -Juniata com- prised A. V. Cole, W. D. Sewell, J. H. Freeman and W. H. Burr, general merchants; W. B. Cush- ing, grocer; H. E. Wells and Edward Moore, drug- gists; L. F. Picard and L. B. Thorne, hardware merchants. The Juniata fire of .January 29, 1883, destroyed property valued at $25,000. A. V. Cole, H. E. Wells, Mr. Sewell, .John T. Hill, Adams & Miles, Adams Company liuilding, A. T. Showen, Wil- liam Twidale and Company F. militia were among the losers. Juniata in 1883-84 saw the burned district re- covered with substantial brick buildings, and old business houses in a prosperous condition. D. H. Freeman, dealer in clothing and dry-goods, was located in a new brick block. Fred Francis was publisher of the Herald; S. J. Shirley, postmaster; Kelly & Hogg, druggists; C. R. Jones, George T. Brown and H. P. Stock, bankers; W. B. Cushing, grocer; Allen & Kettle, hardware; James Newell, dealer in agricultural implements; William Twidale. meat dealer; H. E. Wells, druggist in the new block; Mrs. M. E. Keelor, milliner; John T. Hill and Ad. Miles, proprietors of the only saloon; J. M. Sewell and Ira G. Dillon, grain buyers and dealers in agri- cultural implements; R. L. VanBuskirk of the Commercial House; George AV. Carter's Central din- ing hall; S. W. Clarke, owner of Juniata mills; Wal- ker & Watkins' livery; 0. M. Lombard, blacksmith; Frank Wilson & Brothers, livery near depot; James Beach, meat dealer; A. J. Neimeyer, lumber mer- chants; F. Waldon, harness dealer; L. F. Picard, hardware merchant; Ed. Fowler, jeweler; Jackson, shoemaker; Richard Daily, blacksmith; R. G. Ful- ford, painter; P. M. Anderson, wagon-maker; G. 0. Angell, furniture dealer: 0. R. Palmer, drayman; M. N. Parmalee, express agent, succeeded shortly after by George A. Brass; William Spade and Will- liam Winters, builders; Rev. J. W. Smith (now a l)liysician), Methodist preacher; 0. A. Buzzell, Bap- tist preacher; A. N. Cole, real estate dealer, and captain Co. F. , N. G.; W. G. Beall, lawyer; Dr. Em- ma Watkins and Dr. W. Aekley, were the physi- cians. A lodge of Masons, I. 0. 0. F. , I. 0. G. T. and G. A. R. , were in existence. The large school building was completed in 1885, by Aliram & Sav- er}-, and Kelly's brick block commenced. The village of Juniata was incorporated June 15. 1880, on petition of sixty-four resident tax-payers. Ira G. Dillon, S. L. Brass, H. E. Wells, E. M. Allen and L. F. Picard were named as trustees. On January 15, 1880, a temporary organization was ef- fected with the trustees named above, and Charles ) 'y 196 HISTOllV OF NEBRASKA. Kill mill, secretiiry. The same organization con- liiiucil until ISSl. (hi .May 5. ISSl, Villajje Clerk Kilburn reported a revenue to tlato of $441.50 and an expenditure of $344.70. In 1881 tlie old board was re-elected — C. R. Jones, I. G. Dillon, S. L. Brass, E. M. Allen and A. V. Cole. The hoard organized with I. G. Dillon, president; T. H. Freeman, clerk; George T. Brown, treasurer, and B. F. Smith, attorney. In May, 1883, Ira G. Dillon, E. M. Allen, D. H. Freeman, B. F. Smith and L. F. Picard quali- fied as trustees; G. S. Guild as clerk, and B. F. Smith, attorney. In Jul}-, Clerk Guild resigned and E. F. Walker was appointed. Messrs. Allen, Smith, Picard, Freeman and W. B. Gushing were elected in April, 1884, S. L. Brass was chosen clerk, and all re-elected in 1885. The expenditures for the year ending May 12 amounted to $1,574.86, and the revenue to $2,700.31. In April, 1886, (leorge W. Babcock, A. P. Slack, F. M. Anderson, W. M. Winters and D. V. Stephens were chosen trustees, who appointed Ed. F. Fowler, clerlt. In June William Spade took the place of Winters. The petition of A. V. Cole and sixty-eight others, ask- ing the appointment of H. A. Moreland as marshal, was received, and George T. Brown appointed treas- urer. In July, 1886, D. Y. Stephens of the ceme- tery committee reported on the removal of the re- mains of the dead to potter's field from a street in the cemeteiy, and reinterment there in four graves. In November, 1886, W. II. Burr was ap- pointed trustee, vice A. P. Slack resigned. In April, 1887. B. F. Smith, L. F. Picard, 0. P. Palmer, Asa Neimeyer andE. F. Gettle qualified as trustees. E. M. Allen was chosen clerk and 1). II. Ball, marshal, but H. A. Moreland was subsequently appointed. In April, 1888, B. F. Smith, Asa Neimeyer, G. G. Vreeland, E. F. Gettle, D. V. Stephens and D. H. Freeman were elected trustees, and S. L. Brass, clerk. H. VanBuskirk was appointed marshal. They were re-elected in 1889, with the exception of D. II. Freeman, who was replaced by A. H. Lang- jahr. Messrs. Brass and Brown, clerk and treas- urer respectively, were re-appointed. The first school at Juniata was opened in a house erected for that purjiose (liy IniG. !>illi>iiaiid Iv M. Allen), by Lizzie Scott, early in 1872. During that year a school board was elected — H. II. Ballon, S. L. Brass and Titus Babcock, trustees; a small building was put up by E. M. Allen and I. G. Dil- lon. Subsequently a liuilding was erected at a cost of $3,500. IMiss Lucy A. McFadden, born at Ogdensburg, N. Y. , came to Nebraska in June, 1872, and for three years presided over the graded school at Har- vard. Subsequently she was principal of the Ju- niata school, resigning the position Januaiy 1, 1880, to talve that of superintendent of schools, to which she was elected and re-elected as related in the politi- cal chapter. A. W. Griffith was principal of schools in 1880-81. G. G. Sill was principal in 1882, with Misses Lucy A. Robertson and Nettie Winters, teachers. In 1884-85 Prof. A. E. Compton was principal of the schools, with 3Iiss Nettie Winters iu charge of the intermediate department, and ^liss Gertrude Smith in charge of the primary department; W. F. Bybee with the same assistants. J. H. Albi'ight succeeded Mr. Bj'bee, and W. S. Webster succeeded Mr. Albright, with Miss Annie Buzzell in primary, Miss Elizabeth Allen in the intermediate and Jlrs. Webster in the grammar department. ]Mrs. Web- ster gives much attention to school affairs, not onl}' at Juniata but also throughout the country. Juniata Lodge No. 42, A. F. and A. M. , was established in June, 1873, and meetings were held in the old school house until May, 1878, when the society purchased a two-story building. The char- ter was secured June 18, 1873, and accepted by the following named members: Edwin BI. Allen, Wil- liam White, William L. Yan Alstj'ue, Ira G. Dillon, Andrew Clute, Rufus H. Crane, Hillaiy Dean. Marcus C. Lindsay, Barney E. Swift, Russell I). Babcock, Henry Ormsbee and George Kuder. The masters of this lodge have been Edwin M. Allen, William L. Van Alst3-ne, Barney E. Swift, Ira G. Dillon, H. A. Guild and E, J. Hanchett. Juniata Lodge No. 79, I. O. 0. F., was organ- ized by charter from the Grand Lodge of the State February 11, 1880, with the following char- ter members: George T. Brown S. L. Crass, \ Lli£ ADAMS COUNTY. 197 Horace Goble, Benjamin F. Smith, Josiah Hodges, Hugh A. Morehind, William Spade, John E. Adams, James F. Kelley and N. H. Manzee. Names of noble grands in order: B. F. Smith, H. Goble, George T. Brown, R. S. Langlej-, G. H. Hartsough, B. F. Kellogg, P. B. Hungerford, W. G. Beall, A. V. Cole, William Spade, H. A. Moreland, F. E. Kelley, B. F. Smith, 0. R. Palmer, S. L. Brass, I. H. Rickel, J. A. Ferguson, E. G. Angell, D. C. Kerr and George E. ^lizeu. Secretaries in order: S. L. Brass, R. S. Langley, George H. Hartsough, P. B. Hungerford, W. G. Beall, A. V. Cole, F. E. Kelley, Fred W. Francis, W. L. Kilburn, B. F. Kellogg, Jesse Milliken, B. F. Smith, D. 0. Stephens and W. A. Slack. The membership is thirty-six. Miriam Lodge No. 43, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered January 1, 1889, with Sisters E. G. Angell, D. C. Kerr, B. F. Smith, M. A. Brass, D. V. Stephens, A. V. Cole, J. A. Ferguson, Ella H. Rickell, G. T. Brown, E. H. Macklin, W. A. Slack, Mary E. Robertson, Sophia Palmer, Josie Moreland, and Brothers IMoreland, Brown, S. L. Brass, D. V. Stephens, Rickell, Kerr, Angell, Slack, Palmer, Macklin, Mizen, Ferguson and Smith. The officers chosen in November, 1889, were Mrs. D. V. Stevens, N. G. ; Mrs. A. V. Cole, Rec. Sec. ; Mrs. Cris Hansen, L. Sec, and Mrs. W. A. Slack, Treas. White Clover Camp No. 1,240, Modern Wood- men of America, was organized under charter No- vember 11, 1889, with the following members: A. V. Cole, E. G. Angell, W. C. Frew, W. A. Morse, D. V. Stephens, T. J. Stover, A. S. Rogers, G. T. Brown and W. G. Aylsworth, officials. In the general history is given a sketch and roster of the Grand Army Post at this point. The militarj' company of Juniata was organized May 12, 1878, with L. J. Shirley, Capt. ; E. L. Dutton, First Lieut; A. V. Cole, Second Lieut.; George Watkins, First Sergt. Woman's Relief Corps No. 55 was chartered December 12, 1888, with the following named mem- bers: Mesdames Ellen Spade, Fannie A. Swift, Anna Buzzell, Delia C. Gates, Hannah E. Stephens, May Burwell, Susan Oliphant, Emma McKelvey, Sabrina Vreeland, Nancy E. Ball, Emma Watkins, Augusta Knowles, Susan P. Cole, Louisa Konkright, Sarah Smith, Margaret Brass, Nancy A. Stephens, Lizzie Ball, Magdalena Mohler, Hettie Kerr, Belle Woods, Sate Smith, Mary D. Robinson and Ella Brown. The charter was withdrawn from Geary Corps over a year ago by Mrs. Emma Manchester, past department president. The Council of 1888 and 1889, after thorough investigation, had the charter restored, thereby reinstating the corps and restoring to them their past presidents and all the rights and privileges of the department — the Council of 1888 and 1889 finding no just cause that their charter should have been taken. Adjt.-Gen. A. V. Cole, assisted by a number of members of Geary Post, instituted a camp of the Sons of Veterans in Juniata, December 5, 1889. The following officers were installed for the coming year: Ed. F. Gettle, Capt; George N. Monger, First Lieut. ; H. L. Sergeant, First Sergt. ; Aubrej- L. Twidale, Qm. Sergt ; D. M. Ball, Chap. ; J. Miles McCracken, S. of G. ; Austin Cole, Col. Sergt.; Will Babcock, C. of G. ; Rufus G. Swift, P. G. Council, D. M. Ball, Clarence Vreeland, Ed. Hub- bard. As the Herald suggested some weeks before, the Camp was named "Camp James Laird," thus perpetuating and honoring the noble dead in the hearts of Juniata people for all time. The unofficial members are A. J. Johnson, H. C. Hoover, P. L. Howland, Charles Buzzell, Carl McCracken, William Laher, John Laher, Thomas A. Ball, J. W. Thomp- son, L. F. Alves, A. H. McCracken, J. H. Stephens and W. H. Davis. The hall of the Juniata G. A. R. Post was dedi- cated June 1, 1886. The building is 90x25 feet and two stories high, the upper floor being occupied as Post quarters. The lower floor was then occu- pied by the W. C. T. U. and Reform Association. A Juvenile Temple was organized March 8, 1S78, by Mrs. White, with the following officers in temple rank: Katie Bowen, Lulu Brass. Frankie Bowen, Freddie Hall, Electa Johnson, Ruflne Swift, Anna Brass, Mrs. Schuyler and Mrs. George H. Hartsough; Mrs. C. R. Jones, JIrs, M. E. Robert- son and Miss Nellie Babcock forming the execu- tive committee. 198 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Juniata Degree Temple, I. O. G. T. , was re- organized in December, 18S7, with H. A. Guild, iMi-s. Twidale, L. B. Partridge, W. E. Ovitt, Mrs. Ovitt, A. H. Pritchard, W. Knickerbocker, Mrs. Roliertson, 0. Stever, W. D. Murray and A. H. Brown. The Woman's Christian Temperance T'niou was organizctl here some years ago, and continued in operation until about two years since. The Juniata Musical Society was organized in May, 1881, with William Winter, S. J. Shirley, Mrs. A. V. Cole, E. Thome, J. W. Liveringhouse, James Newell and Miss Woodbuiy. officials. The Juniata Woman's Suffrage Society was organized in February, 1S82, with Mrs. Oran Pease, president; William Moreland, vice-president; Nellie Van Meet, secretary, and Mrs. Rachel Steadman, treasurer. In April, 1880, A. V. Cole, president of the Cemeter3- Association, with G. S. Guild, secretary; L. F. Picard, treasurer; 0. Stever, D. H. Freeman and S. J. Shirley-, fe-ustees, petitioned the Union Pacific Company for a deed for the land on which the cemeteiy was established. The old grist mill at Juniata, which was turned over to the count}- as a part of the Thorne estate, was sold to 0. R. Palmer, of that place, in January, 1890, for $2,100. The mill has been a piece of dead property on the hands of the count}-, and con- sequently the price paid was so much monej- found. The purchaser proposes to re-establish the milling industry here. The first religious services at Juniata were car- ried on by Rev. Mr. Clarkson, at the house of S. L. Brass, early in 1872. In April of that year a Methodist class was organized by Rev. R. H. Crane, who held services in various places until Jul}-, 1875, when a house of worship was dedicated bj- Rev. E. Thompson. Work on this house was commenced in the fall of 1873. The Methodist Episcopal class dates back to April, 1872, when Rev. R. H. Crane held services in the temporary school building. On June 14, 1873, a conference of the Methodist Church con- vened at Juniata — A. G. White, presiding elder, and S. L. Brass, secretary — elected William Hudson. B. A. Brown, Shockey, F. S. Wells and Geoi-ge T). Dade, trustees of the church at Hastings. In 187 1 the scandal growing out of some mistakes by the pioneer preacher created much dissatisfaction, and Rev. E. Thompson took his place. He dedicated the first Methodist Episcopal building in the sum- mer of 1875. In 1877 a Sundaj'-school was organ- ized with fifty members, by T. J. Adams, who con- tinued to serve as superintendent until Miss Nettie Winter was chosen in 1881-82. The preachers in charge since ]Mr. Thompson's time are named as follows: Charles Reylly, — Summers, J. W. Smith, — Bristol, George M. Jones and Rev. Hiram Cur- tiss. *There being a number of Baptist families resid- ing in Juniata, previous notice having been given, and Rev. J. N. Welib, general State missionary, having been invited to be present, a meeting was held, where after free interchange of views upon the subject, the following resolution was unani- moush- adopted: Resolved, That duty to God, ourselves and the world requires us to erect and maintain the standard of our Redeemer in this place, that we here, now, pledge our- selves to God and to each other, to the best of our ability to maintain a church organization, to be known as the Baptist Church of Juniata. On July 26, 1872, the church was organized with the following named members: Titus Babeock. Thaukful M. Baljcock, Charles D. Morgan. The pastors have been Revs. H. A. Guild, O. A. Buz- zell, W. H. Brodt, H. R. Williams. P. A. Tink- ham, C. H. Hands, and the clerks, Charles D. Mor- gan, T. Babeock, A. H. Brown, George W. Carter, William Knickerbocker, S. M. Roberts, G. G. Sill, Mrs. A. P. Slack, S. M. Roberts, second term, Annie S. Buzzell, S. P. Howland, and Annie S. Buzzell, second term. The church building was dedicated December 15, 1878, and the report of the building committee (T. Babeock, I. W. Stark. George W. Hartsough), received. •The history of the church was prepared by Miss Annie BuEzclI. The taeetiiig to organize this church was held at G. H. Hartsough's house, February 11. 1878. Rev. O. A. Buzzell presided, with G. ^V. Carter, secretary. George W. Carter and A. X. Brown were elected trustees for one year; S. M. Roberts and Simeon Johnson for two years, and D. H. Babeock for three j'ears. ADAMS COUNTY. 199 The first sennon was preached August 4, 1872, b}- Rev. George Weaver. Titus Babew-k was elected the first moderator aud Charles D. Morgan the first clerk. The church enjoyed occasional preaching by Rev. D. H. Babcock, and Dr. Webb, general missionary, frequently visited them. On February 27, 1876, A. H. Brown was baptized by Rev. J. T. 3Iilner, of Webster County, as the first candidate. Maj-4, 1876, Rev. H. A. Guild received appointment from the Home Mission Society, mak- ing him missionary pastor for one-half time service, he thus being the first pastor of the church. The Congregational Society was organized in the fall of 1878, and Rev. M. F. Piatt filled the pulpit until 1880, when the star of the society failed to show further light here. In Maj', 1880, the United Brethren began hold- ing services in the Baptist Church of Juniata. The Blue Vallej^ Congregational Society assem- bled at Juniata in May, 1880. The territory repre- sented was 200 miles long by 48 to 75 miles wide, embracing 44 churches. The Gazette was established in January, 1872, by the Babcock Brothers. In 1876 the office was moved to Hastings, leaving the field to the Herald, which was established on October 25, 1876, by A. H. Brown, representing a committee of citizens. It was variously- conducted, as shown in the chapter on journalism, until 1885. On August 6, 1885, I. H. RickeU succeeded Mr. Royce, who leased the office, and, purchasing the office from the town, Ije- came owner of the Herald. The Gazette fought the first battle for retaining the count}- seat. The Herald took the leading part of the defenders during the battle of 1877, and like a loyal knight, stood b}' the defeated party until the close of that struggle, and abides with that partj- still. The Juniata Flouring Mill was erected in 1874 by R. S. Langlej' and D. H. Freeman, at an expense of $12,000, on the strength of bonds voted by the precinct. The question of the validity of such lionds was canied into the courts, where an unfavor- able decision was ultimately handed down. The history of this loonding Inisiness and the votes on the question are given in the transactions of the com- missioners, and in the political chapter. The ma- chinery was purchased at Indianapolis, Ind. , and a mortgage for $8,000 given thereon. The mortgage was foreclosed, and the building was sold to S. W. Clark, who operated it for some time. It is now closed. The banking house of C. R. Jones & Co. was established in 1879, by C. R. Jones and J. M. Sewell, two of. the leading business men of the county at that time. The establishment of the poor farm dates back to 1873. The first superintendent was the first county charge. This concern was located four miles south of Juniata, and, as shown in the pages devoted to the acts of the commissioners, occupied much of their attention. On one occasion, at least, charges were preferred against the superintendent, which the commissioners declared were unsustainaljle. The little court house, untenanted and louel}-, still stands at Juniata as a souvenir of the past. Around it cluster all the memories of the old board of commissioners, as well as the old bar and the old litigants of the count}'. Here, too, centered the object of two civil wars — the first sustaining the claim of the little frame building and the village in which it was situated; the second setting aside the claims of both. The wars were bitter ones. During the last fight citizens of Hastings organized for the purpose of insuring a true count, and it is said many of them went to Juniata to superintend the counting of the vote. The counting was satisfactory to Hastings, but not to Juniata; and thus the war was transfeiTed from the ballot-box to the courts. Judge Gaslin appointed a commission to gather all the evidence pointed out in the petition of the Juniatians, and this, with other documents in the case, were taken to Kearney by him. Shortly after Judge Gaslin's office was burned, and with it disap- peared all the acquired testimony in the case. The election returns were again presented and, believing figures do not lie, he declared Hastings the county seat. The removal of the records and documents to Hastings then became an anxious question; but the execution of this important act was carried out without telling opposition. Juniata lost the seat of justice. 4 zoo HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Kenesaw precinct was assessed liy ?Ir. Truman in 1S7!1. He reported a population of 544 — 289 males and 25(1 females. During the year ending March 31 , a number of franu' liuuses were erected for the following named owners: S. S. Dow, John Cook, B. F. Si'hiegel, J. Shurriger, George Phelps, W. Z. Parmenter, J. H. Cooley, Jennie L. Hayz- lett, who came in 1877; B. F. Armitage, H. M. Yanderbilt, V. W. Darling, P. Schneider, W. A. Odell, E. Budy, C. A. Miller, C. F. Keutzer and S. F. Isenberger. Two school buildings were also erected, costing $700 and $800, and several sub- stantial sod-dwelling were constructed , at a cost of from $.50 to $200 each. Three wind-mills were in- troduced during the year. H. D. Einspahr settled in the vicinity in 1877. Kenesaw was surveyed in June, 1872, by Anselem B. Smith, for Charles F. Morse, on the central por- tion of Section 34, Township 8, Range 12 — a ti-act containing 142:^ acres, previously conveyed to Morse )iy Samuul P. and Eliza T. Howland, northeast quarter Section 34; by Milton F. Brown, northwest quarter Section 34; by Charles W. Colt, southwest quarter, and b^- J. D. Butler, Jr., southeast quarter. A system of street nomenclature, differing from Juniata in the matter of ignoring numbers, was adopted. Beginning on the south line is Larch Street paralleled by Spruce, Pine and Poplar south of South Depot Street, and by Maple, Elm and Ash north of North Depot Street. Beginning near the west line of the plat is Brooks, running north and south, paralleled by Forbes, Denison, Smith, Per- kins and Doane. The greater part of the plat south of the railroad was subsequently vacated and the ex- tremes of the north side also vacated. The plat was drawn by J. H. Cummings. The first actual settlement was not made until the fall of 1872, when A. D. Williams located at this point. During the following winter and spring Mrs. M. S. Norton and family and Edward Moore arrived. The Nortons set out an orchard in 1873, and in the fall Josiah Hodges built the first business house, which he opened and conducted until early in 1874, when he sold his interests to Edward Moore, who continued to extend the business until 1879, when A. S. Thompson purchased the house from him. 1). D. Norton kept the postoflSce and was railroad agent. He was telegraph agent in October, 1870, when the wires were completed to this point. In the spring of 1874 Amos Shattuck set out ten acres of Cottonwood, one mile south of the village, which escaped the grasshopper plague of that year. During the summer of 1873 a school house was erected at a cost of $4,000. James Cook opened a blacksmith shop here in 1874, and when the gi'asshoppers came guarded his anvil from the " pesky things," lest they should carry it off as they did his seed corn. In 1874 Dow & Latta introduced farm ma- chinery. In 1879 J. G. Richard arrived and opened a hotel in the S. S. Dow Imilding, pending the erection of his own house. Early in 1878 J. G. Hayzlett moved to Kenesaw from Hastings, and purchased the grain elevator of N. L. Thayer. In the summer of 1879 G. B. Crandall came from Iowa and opened his general store here; Wench & Cook's lumber and coal yard was opened in 1879, and A. S. Thompson purchased the Moore store. Dr. George AVilliams was physician; Charles Sawyer began the erection of his liverj' stables; C. B. Nel- son was land agent for the Burlington & Missouri Railroad Company, and also represented the Union Pacific Railroad Companj- and private land owners. E. 0. Hildebrand was in charge of the railroad and telegraph offices; Rev. Griffin had built his cottage, and was preacher in charge of Methodist work here; William Worline, who purchased the Stebbins build- ing, moved it into the village; while S. .M. Brobst's drug store building was projected. In the summer of 1876 a number of Irish citi- zens from 5Iassachusetts settled in the neigiiborhood of Kenesaw, the Kane familj' being the pioneers. Prior to 1880 people outside the Kenesaw dis- trict called it the sandy region. In that year, how- ever, the finest crops in the country were produced there, and never since has a citizen said: " It's all sand up there." Kenesaw in Jauuarj', 1884, claimed the follow- ing business men: E. N. Crane, M. F. White and A. Barton, general merchants; J. G. Hayzlett, of the Metropolitan Hotel (a new house); George A. Lindsev, manager of Sewell & Co. 's grain business; ADAMS COUNTY. 201 Cook & Cooley, lumber dealers; Barton & Collins, grain dealers; A. S. Thompson (a pioneer), druggist and postmaster; H. W. Jlitchell and W. F. Man- speaker, hardware merchants; A. S. Martin, dealer in agricultural implements; E. B. Ground, in furni- ture; George Bechtelheimer, manager of Xeimeyer & Co. 's lumber j-ards; D. A. Kennedy's restaurant; Smith & Sliafer, dealers in meat; John Nickerson, owner of billiard room; L. C. White, barber, J. Wil- liams, physician; Misses Ostler, milliners; Cook Bros. , blacksmiths; G. W. Hodges, laundry man; B. F. Armitage, insurance agent; Horace Armitage, builder, and George Williams, publisher of Times. Matthias Post 155, G. A. R. , was then presided over by B. F. Sehlegel, with M. Higgins, .Q. M., and J. W. Woody, Adjt. In M113', Kemp & Hope moved into their new hardware store, and Gillett's bank building opened. Kenesaw Methodist Episcopal Church organized in 1871. Its early history has been lost and most of the members connected with its organization have died or removed. It is known that Rev. R. H. Crane of the Juniata circuit earlj" preached at the house of Josiah Hodges. In 1874 he organized a class here, the members of which assembled period- ically at the school house. The church is now sei-ved bj- Mr. DeMotte, who also attends the so- cieties at Prosser, Pearson school house and Ash school house. The latter appointment was held by Mr. Hardman until December, 1889. Rev. John Walker was first pastor, followed successively by Rev. T. J. Brink, Rev. Isaac New and Rev. R. M. Hardman. E. G. Collins is recording steward, and Rev. McK. DeMotte the pastor. The church at Kenesaw now numbers forty members. The present work embraces four other appointments, and is in a healthy, prosperous condition. The Presbyterian Church house of Kenesaw, built under G. A. Lindsay, J. N. Coolej', and the third member of the building committee, was dedi- cated October 12, 1884, the sermon being preached by Rev. George T. Crissman, superintendent of missions. S. W. Hayzlett, secretary and treasurer, showed a balance due on building of $853. Of this sum, S810 was received or promised on date of dedication. In 1877 Rev. G. C. Giftin visited the Presbyterians of this section. The society was founded January 16, 1879, by Rev. George T. Little, synodical missionary, ^Messrs. J. G. Hayzlett, J. B. Ellrod, G. C. Giffln, J. S. Frank, Samuel Jones, their wives and Henrietta Moore, signing the articles of association. Mr. Giffin, the first pastor, was succeeded by 3Ir. A. Folsom, and he by J. P. Black. The clerk of the session is J. G. Haj-zlett, and the number of members fortj'-one. The Free Will Baptist Church was organized November 18, 1883, with A. D. Williams, S. H.Wil- liams. James and Annie Currier, Lewis and L3-dia Cur- rier and Kate Boley, members. Revs. A. D. Wil- liams and W. H. Edger were organizing preachers, and they with W. H. Edger formed the building committee, under whose direction a building was completed in February, 1884. Revs. R. N. Borick, (i. W. Knapp and E. M. Chace filled the pul- pit respectively. The office of clerk has been filled by A. D. Williams, F. W. Ricke, G. Wolcott and Mrs. Cooley. In August, 1884, Rev. Mr. Borick moved to Cortland, Neb., and Mr. Black took charge of the Presbyterian work here. Steps were taken in 1878 to erect a Catholic Church at Kenesaw. Father Glauber was at that time the priest of this large mission. The Evangelical Church was organized in 1878 with Ernest Budy, Green Cullop, Charles Oliver, J. W. Bobbitt, Reuben Budy, Mrs. Mary Jones, Charles Schliehouf, 0. A. Bentz and B. Young. The pas- tors in the order of service have been Paul Gressley, — Leibhart, — MeSesslin, T. N. Serf and Rev. J. H. Peters, the present pastor. The society has not yet erected a house of worship, although the mem- bership numbers 137. The Kenesaw Cemeterj- Association was organ- ized April 26, 1880, with G. W. Baldwin, W. Z. Parmenter and G. C. Giffin, trustees; D. D. Nor- ton, secretarj', and J. G. Hayzlett, treasurer. Kenesaw Lodge No. 144, A. F. and A. M. , was organized June 24, 1885, and chartered Julj- 28, that j'ear, with twentj'-one members. The first offi- cers were installed July 28: H. E. Norton, W. M. ; J. G. Hayzlett, S. W. ; G. W. Wolcott, J. W. ; L. B. Partridge, S. D. ; E. N. Crane, T. ; R. B. Ground, -f^ 2iJJ -^ 202 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. S.; T. B. Booth, J. D. ; F. H. Cole, E. L. Dutton, T. J. Fink, J. W. Bobbitt and Milan Young were unofficial members. The ofdce of master has been held by H. E. Norton, J. G. Hayzlett, L. B. Par- tridge, S. H. Smith and F. C. Brosius, the present master. The secretaries in order of service are named as follows: R. B. Ground, S. A. Sayre and J. H. Cooley, the present incumbent. There are forty-four members in good standing. Officers in 1884 were F. C. Brosius, E. P. Gillette, C. D. Courtright, Henry E. Norton, J. H. Cooley, E. E. Norton, Marshall Morse, John B. Cook, Benjamin F. Cook and T. P. Booth. The Grand Army of the Republic is referred to in the military chapter. The Woman's Suffrage Association was organ- ized June 2, 1882, by Mrs. M. A. Brass. Madam D. D. Norton was chosen president; Mrs. Hayzlett, vice-president; Mrs. J. H. Cooley, secretarj', and Mrs. J. H. Roberts, treasurer. Mesdames Wil- liams, Thompson and Cooley formed the executive committee. In the general history mention is frequently made to this village. In an early chapter the storms of 1S74 are described, and in the chapter on journalism a reference is made to the first newspaper established there — the Times. Years ago, when the argonauts sped over the prairies of Nebraska, the Kenesaw district was a favorite camping ground. Near the village is the Lone Grave, a sad reminder of the penalties attached to travel fifty years ago. The story of this grave and its tenant is told in the chapter on exploration and settlement, and in the same chapter is related the scant facts obtainable of Indian doings in that vicinity. The village of Ayr was established in September, 1878, bj" the Southern Pacific Town Site Company. Within eighteen months it claimed three general stores, one hardware, one grocery, one drug store, one saloon, one agricultural implement warehouse, one livery, one lumber yard, two blacksmith shops, one boot and shoe shop, one land office, one millinery store, the Ayr and Commercial Hotels, two public halls, and two physicians' offices. Mrs. Richards was in charge of the school. The name was given in honor of Dr. Ayr, of Iowa, then one of the directors of the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- road. The site was originallj* the property of John Radcliffe, owner of Section 33; Ayers Goble owned one quarter section on the east, and A. C. Moore, a quarter section on the south, while south of Goblc's and west of Moore's, Prof. Mej-ers owned a half section. The railroad was built in 1878, and to in- sure the establishment of a depot at this point, the owners of the site were compelled to donate every other lot to the railroad compan\-. Ayr in 1879 pointed with pride to its large grain elevator, two dr^'-goods and grocery stores, a drug store, a livery stable, blacksmith shop, and lumber yard, together with Goble's agricultural implement and coal yard, and Laughlin & McMillan's lumber yard. The post office established that 3'ear was presided over by C. B. Scott. James Fleming (for- merly West & Fleming) kept the hotel; S. G. Clark presided over the school. In October, 1878, 0. D. Barras built the first house — a small frame dwelling. In November, a two-story frame building was erected for hotel purposes by R. C. Fleming, and a house for general trade was opened by A. L. West and T. C. Fleming. R. C. Gregg established the first drug store at this time (later Kochler & Phar); John Rich- ards' grocery, Hull & McMillan's general store; Peck & Howe's saloon and the Edgerton hardware house were all opened in the fall of 1878. The petition for a post office in this section was signed by William and Jlilton Scott, T. C. Fleming, v. C. Rogers, and others, and resulted in the estab- lishment at Gibson. The Gibson office was moved one and a half miles south to Ayr in 1879, and B. H. Scott continued as master. Early in 1881 he was succeeded by James E. Bovard, who served until April 1, 1884, when H, A. Howe was ap- pointed. Dr. S. A. Bookwalter moved from Juniata to this point in February, 1880, and the Jlillington store building was moved thither by Kress and 3Ioot. The Methodist class of Ayr was organized in 1879, by Elder Lemons, and Rev. John Holland was as- signed to the new circuit by the next Conference. During the ensuing few j'ears the church was with- out a pastor, and the organization almost ceased. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized fe^ ADAMS COUNTY. 203 October 4, 1879, with Peter Rose, Ely Burton, Peter Griffith, M. B. Foote, A. N. Hall, Hugh Kuepper and J. A. Rice, members. The church has been served by Revs. Nathan Brown, Louis Barr, R. M. Hardman, — Harbert, A. Gore, E. L. Wolf and J. ]M. Carroll. A. N. Hall has served as recording steward of this society since its organization. On September 1, 1885, the church building was dedi- cated under the name Mt. Pleasant M. E. Church. In January, 1884, the United Presbyterians held services at the hotel in A.yr. A Hastings man who visited the village that day noticed a number of per- sons ascending the stairs, and through curiosity asked what was going on. The landlord responded that it was a U. P. meeting. The Hastings man went up to take part in a railroad meeting which in- terested him, but just as he entered the room, the United Presbyterians opened with the hymn, "There is a land of pure delight." The disappointment he suffered destroyed his sympathy for Christian foi-ms and music. The first child born on the town site was Harvey Fleming. The first death in the community was recorded in October, 1881, when Henry Harm's twin infants died. The Mennonites located a cemetery five miles west of Ayr, in 1880, and in May the society took steps to build a meeting house. Henry Gund & Go's, elevator was erected in June, 1879, and John Robinson's livery barns were built. Later that year, Isaac Vanderwert established his blacksmith shop; A. J. Pate built the Commercial House, and Rev. J. Fleming erected the old Church Hall at his own expense. The first school was taught late in 1878 by John Gainer, a fine scholar, and said to have been a good judge of whisky. At the close of the winter term he entered on a term of drunkenness, left the place and never returned. In June, 1883, three companies of United States colored cavahy camped near Ayr, en route from Fort Riley to Fort McKinley. The population at this thne was 260. about equal in numlier to the colored visitors. Little Blue post office was discontinued in March, 1879. ' • Presbyterianism in the Valley of the Little Blue in Adams County,'' is the title of a short paper, prepared by Rev. John Fleming for this work. He states that the first sennon preached by a Pres- byterian minister in the valley of the Little Blue in Adams County was by the Rev. James A. Griffes, on August 10, 1873, in a recently built frame school house called the Kingston school house. Mr. Griffes was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Hastings, then a small village. He preached stat- edh' in this school house once a month, until iu February, 187G, when it was resolved to organize a church under the name of ' ' The Presbyterian Church of Kingston, Neb." Entering into this organization were Adam Melville and wife, George Crafford and wife, Angeline Mitchel, Daniel H. Mitchel, Benja- min F. Nole, Manilla Scott, William M. Snodgrass and wife, Joseph Snodgrass and wife, Thomas E. Davis and wife, Norbert Dehut and wife, John L:i- londe and wife, A. C. Mather and wife, William I. Snodgrass and wife and Jane A. Vastine. Subse- quently the congregation moved one mile and a half south to a larger school house, retaining still their corporate name, supplied by Rev. James A. Griffes and occasionally by other ministers. In the sum- mer of 1878, a small house of worship was built in the immediate vicinity of Dyer's mill, when the con- gregation assumed the corporate name of ' ' South Adams," and was ministered to by the Rev. John Fleming. In the year 1879 another house of wor- ship was built in the village of Ayr, and the two churches came under the ministry of the Rev. Fred Johnston for some eighteen months. His successor was the Re\'. Albinus Powers, for twelve months, and his successor was the Rev. W. W. Morton. In its first years the church was a flourishing church, but hy deaths, and principally by removals, it is now reduced to a memliership of sixteen and is without a pastor. The elders of this church under its different names and composing its session were Adam Melville, Oliver C. Rogers, Arthur C. Mather and George Crafford, all of whom are now removed without its bounds, except 0. C. Rogers. Its secu- lar interests are managed by a board of trustees, holding office until their successors are elected. Kingston Lodge No. 54, I. 0. G. T. , was organ- ized February 23, 1877, with A. C. Mather, May •.V I :r;- ,t, 204 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Jones. S. M. Bird, E. D. Jones, Mrs. Willoughby, J. E. Davis, I. M. Dean, I. B. White, A. Sinclair, Lizzie Carter, Emma Carter, E. J. Jones and Elva Edgerton, officials in the order of rank. In December, 1879, the first post oflBce was established at Hansen, with James McGregor, mas- ter. He appointed JMrs. Maurey (wife of the rail- road agent), deputy, while he carried the mail to and from Hastings on his own back. In April, 1881, J. L. Evans was appointed, and in 1882 he was succeeded by Jacob Smith. The village was surveyed in 1879 for A. B. Ideson and J. J. Wemple, on the entry of Charles and William Haines. In the fall of 1879 a railroad depot was erected. S. L. Loucks built his hotel. The gen- eral stores of J. L. Evans and B. F. Ford were opened, and James McGregor, as agent of the Paine Bros. , opened a lumber yard. B. F. Fisher's black- smith shop was opened in April, 1880, but Jacob Countryman succeeded him in 1881. In October (if that year J. G. Honeywell purchased the hotel building. His father opened a grocerj' store and his brother a shoe store. Jacob Smith came also at this time, and purchasing Evans' interests, became postmaster. The Presbyterian Society was organized on the 7th day of September, 1879, Rev. G. L. Little act- ing as moderator and Rev. D. S. Schaflf as clerk of the meeting for organizing. The names of the original members are: Alanson Baker and his wife Alice C. Baker, J. L. Brockover and his wife Jane E. Brockover, Mrs. Isabella Carpenter, Ryneas Covert and Rebecca Covert his wife, Lafa3-ette Dominy and his wife Sarah A. Dominj-, Mrs. Eliza- beth Gregg, Philopoeua Huf, Mrs. Nancy Mowers, Laura Mowers, Ella Mowers, Jonathan Oldfield and his wife Priscilla Oldfield, John H. Powers and his wife E. E. Powers, Nancy R. Powers, Lucy A. Powers, Mrs. Jane B. Powers, Charles A. Powers and his wife Ellen M. Powers, Lifee P. Powers, Aaron F. Powers and his wife Ann Powers, Robert W. Powers, William Palmerton and his wife Carrie Palmerton, William H. Reese and his wife Jane C. Reese, James W. Smith and his wife Nancy Smith, Emma J. Smith, Augustus A. Stone and his wife Luella J. Stone, Letas W. Stone and his wife L. Stone, Henry E. Ware and his wife Harriet A. Ware, Luella A. Defenbaugh. The first elders were Aaron F. Powers, John H. Powers and William Palmerton. The names of pastors are D. S. Schaff, Peter Wessels, E. A. McCullum, H. K. Bushnell, F. M. Hickok. Clerks of session have been J. H. Powers and A. F. Powers. The church house was erected in 1884, at a cost of $2,116, under the superintendence of A. A. Stone, L. Dominy, George B. Loucks and William Bishop, trustees and members of the building com- mittee. This house was dedicated November 9, 1884, by Mrs. Schaff. The Oliver grain house was established in 1880, when W. L. Baker took charge. Prior to 1882 two elevators existed here, with a capacity of 23,000 bushels, the Baker coal yard and hardware store were established, and the little prairie village as- sumed the proportions of a town in the volume of its trade. Congress Lodge No. 173, 1. 0. 0. F. , was organ- ized at Hansen, December 13, 1889, with S. M. Funk, N. G. , and H. Stire, secretary. The Heptasoples were recently organized Iiy the Supreme Ruler of Nebraska, D. M. Morris. A school house was completed in the summer of 1880, and opened in the fall of that 3ear. Miss Sperry, of Hastings, was emploj'ed to preside over this primitive educational institution. Congress Lodge No. 173, I. 0. 0. F. , was in- stituted December 6, 1889, at Hansen. The charter members were D. M. Morris, S. M. Frink, John Wilson, B. F. Barr, J. H. Allen, Winthrop Jones, Howard Stire, W. B. Brown, F. J. Taylor, H. E. Ashley, Fred AUn-ight. The election of officers re- sulted: S. M. Frink, N. G. ; J. H. Allen, V. G. ; D. M. Warden, W.; B. F. Barr, Con.; Howard Stire, R. S. ; Winthrop Jones, P. S. ; John Wilson, Treas.; W. B. Brown, R. S. N. G. ; H. E. Ashley, L. S. V. G. ; F. J. Taylor, I. G. This lodge was instituted b}' W. H. Barger, G. M. of Grand Lodge of the State. At the time of institution six brothers were elected and initiated — W. E. Lucas, Frank Lamphear, R. E. Williams, Aleck Kanester, Will- iam Wilhite, James H. Elliot. Installation of offi- cers took place December G, 1889. V^^ 1^ fk, ADAMS COUNTY. 205 A reference to the transactions of the coimty commissioners will show the steps taken toward the establishment of a grist-mill at MiUington on the Little Blue. In 1872 work on this manufacturing industry was commenced l)y John Dj'er; but before the completion of the mill in 1875, Elbridge and True Dyer became partners in the project. Power was obtained from the waters of the Litttle Blue. The Dyers located lands in Denver Township in 1872. Some few j'ears after the mills were com- pleted a building for mercantile purposes was erected. Within a short time (in 1880) this house was moved to Ajr by Mortimer Kress and W. S. Moot, or by Kress and Keith. Roseland Township raised 57,702 bushels of wheat, 147,775 of corn, 14,747 of barley and 30,311 of oats, in 1884. Personal property was valued at $31,086, and real estate at $56,995. There were 349 horses, 945 cattle, 96 mules and 2, 388' hogs re- ported. Silas Caton was credited with the best im- proved farm; John Winter with the largest stock fai-m, and Peter Griffith with the largest wheat field, 48 acres yielding 877 bushels. Matt Sheffering planted the greatest number of forest treees, while S. Caton and R. M. Boyd set out 600 fruit trees each. The greatest apple producers were C. A. Cole and R. M. Bo^-d, each of whose orchards yielded 40 bushels. W. S. Hall presided over the school in 1879. In February, 1879, Rev. Shifler, of the Mennonite Church, established himself on the southeast quarter of Section 15, Township 6, Range 11, near Roseland. The school there was then in charge of Mrs. Hartmau, who also taught the preceding year. Mayflower was established as a post office in 1877. A. Burling, the present master, writing un- der date December 3, 1889, states: ' ' I would saj', in answer to your request for a list of postmasters for Mayflower, Mr. D. M. Gris- wold was the only one before me. He served eleven years and I took it a year ago the 6th of December. The oldest resident now living in this neighborhood is J. i\I. Strahl. He came about fifteen years ago." Holstein is one of the modern villages of the county. A newspaper office, a school house, a few stores and a number of dwellings point out the pro- gress made in a few j-ears. There is a Ljxeum in existence here, among the active members being A. S. Thompson, A. L. Boyd, J. S. Fernow, Jennie Larson, Versa Larson, Mecham Bros. , Holstein band, Mrs. F. J. Hurst, Joe McCowan, Dr. W. T. Carson, Ruby and Lottie Mecham, Fred Hurst, Anna Larson, A. E. Troyer and Eva McPeak. The Dramatic Club claims Dr. W. T. Carson as manager and A. L. Boyd, secretary. Among the members are C. A. Sipple, A. E. Troyer, T. L. Am- bler, J. 31. Heckler, E. L. Hannaford, Jennie Lar- son and Eva McPeak. The Holstein brass band is another organization which caters to the entertain- ment of the people. AVith all this local talent for music, literature and the drama, there are workers in and around the village who made and continue to make the little town a sj'nonym for industry. The Record and Nonpareil are the newspapers of the village. The Holstein board of trade was organized in January, 1890, with the following named members: W. T. Carson, Pres. ; C. A. Sipple, V. P. ; John Hargleroad , Sec. ; William Shellheimer, Treas. C. F. Keutzer, Frank Fernow and F. C. Van Veghten were appointed a committee to draw up the consti- tution and by-laws. Mountain Ash Camp No. 1,035, M. W. A. , organ- ized last year, elected the following named officers in January, 1890: A. E. Troyer, V. C. ; W. S. Mc- Auley, W. A.; A. L. Boyd, E. B.; J. M. Heckler, C; F. C. Van Veghten, E.; Dr. W. T. Carson, C. P. ; C. McCall, W., and F. Y. Hurst, S. F. C. Van A'eghten was appointed manager in the place left vacant by George A. Bentley. W. T. Carson was elected manager for the ensuing three j-ears. The Holstein mill was established early in 1890 by Shellheimer & Clark. The Van Allen I. 0. G. T. was organized in No- vember, 1878, with S. P. Howland, S. Morrison, S. Nicholas, W. Van Allen, James Slote, John Plank, G. H. Howland, D. H. Hill, O. Hudson. Fred Browning, G. W. Hill, F. Van Allen, R. Raneforth and L. F. Gould officials in the order of rank. Many of the above named were connected witli the old lodge at Hastings. At Pauline, S. V. Bechtelheimer was appointed » \. (5 k^ 206 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. postmaster January 2, 1890, to succeed W. K Duncan. The ]jullierau Church Society of Section 12, Township G, Range 12, was organized at Fred Wag- ner's house, February 11, 187S, witli Herman D. Einspahr, Robert Hohlfeldt and Fred Wagner, trus- tees. Pleasantville Cemetery Association was organ- ized in February, 1877, with E. M. Beach, Robert Wetson, C. W. Wilson, M. V. Hatfield and R. M. Ratcliff, members. The Missouri Pacific was opened to Prosser in 1888. J. n. Korner was the first agent there. S. (r. Harrow was the pioneer of the district, and S. W. Smith, a farmer, took the first steps to have an office established at that point. Tlie Methodist Cluu-ch at Prosser was organized in 1887 by Rev. R. M. Hardmau. The Union Pa- cific Railroad official kindly gave the use of their depot for church and Sundaj'-sohool until a very neat church was built in 1889. The present trustees are J. F. Morgan, L. J. Ware and Don Steadman, and the present pastor, Rev. McK. DeMotte. There is at present a membership of fifteen. There are prosperous societies at Pearson, Ash and Lilierty school houses, and a total membership of 140. The First German Presbyterian Church of Hanover Township was organized by Rev. Jacob Brinkema, July 3, 1883, with a membership of twenty-seven. The first elders of the church were Mr. D. G. Lay and J. W. Baxter. The deacons were M. Falrieks and Henry Bradair, and the trustees Simon Van Boening, H. Meester and Geoi-ge Lay. The church was completed in 1884, and dedicated Juh' 6, that j'ear. Within the last few years the membership has enlarged itself to about fifty members. The present pastor. Rev. Jacob Brinkema, has officiated from the first organization of tlie church. The church and parsonage were built at a cost of $2,000 or $3,000. They are located on the northeast corner of Section 21, on land owned by ilr. Laj". Inland was surveyed in the central poTtion of Section 12, Township 7, Range 9, in March, 1872, for Charles F. Morse. Tulip, Chestnut and South Railroad Streets run east and west, south of rail- road, and North Railroad Street, Oak, Maple, Beech and Alder, north of railroad. The streets running north and south, beginning on the west line, are Dry- den, Burns, Moore, Pope, Byron, IMilton and Syd- ney'. The corner stone of the first school house at Inland was placed July 1, 1873, by Millard and Vandcmark. As related in the transactions of the board of the commissioners, this plat was vacated in 1878, and the name and interests of the first town in Adams County transferred to Claj- County. At that time there were three small stores, six or seven dwellings and a large frame school building there; but within a few years ^■er\' few traces of ancient Inland existed. Ludlow postoffice was established in January, 1880, with J. L, Huff in charge, on petition of II. B. Talbert and others. When Trumbull post office in Clay County was established, that at Ludlow was discontinued. S. M. Walker is the present master at Trumbull. ^>l'4<' BIOGRAPHICAL. Samuel Alexander, well and favoraljly known to a host of acquaintances in Hastings, was born January 16, 1842, and like man}- other I'esidents of Adams County is a native of Peuns3ivania, his birth having occurred in Butler County. His parents, William and Agnes (Black) Alexander, were born in Ireland in 1801 and 1809, and died in Pawnee City, Neb. , and Prospect, Penn. ,in 1879 and 1844, respec- tively. They came to the United States in 1837, and settled in Pennsylvania; but in 1855 Mr. Alex- ander and his son Samuel moved to Jackson Count}-, Iowa, and three j'ears later to Missouri. In 1861 they returned to Iowa, taking up their abode in Page Count}', and here Mr. Alexander enlisted in Compan}' P, First Nebraska ^'olunteer Infantry, joining the regiment at Sedalia, 3Io. He gave faith- ful service to his country until Februarj-, 1863, when he was honorably dischargctl on account of physical disabilitj* at Memphis, Tenn. By August, 1864, he had sufficiently recovered to again enter the service, and he rejoined his old company and regiment, and served until he received his final dis- J, ^ 3 L^ ADAMS COUNTY. 207 charge at Omaha, Neb., on July 1, 1866. After returning and remaining in Iowa one j-ear he took a contract of grading on the main line of the Union Pacific Railway in Western Nebraska, and in 1869 took up his abode in Lincoln. The first years were spent in digging wells and cellars, and the next two 3'ears he acted as janitor of the State house. In 1872 he came to Adams County, Neb. , and located on the northeast half of Section 12 of Denver Town- ship, which is now a part of the city of Hastings, and the finest residence portion of the place is on this tract. Mr. Alexander erected the first business house in Hastings in July, 1872, on what is now Block 27 of the original tract, it being a frame building 16x20 feet. In this building was kept a general stock of goods, and although he went to Juniata for some time for his mail, a post office was established at Hastings in October, 1872, of which he was put in possession, receiving his appointment from U. S. Grant, a position he held for nine and one-half years. His salary the first year amounted to $12, and at the time of his removal brought in $2,000 annuallJ^ He has been a director of the First National Bank since its organization, also of the Nebraska Loan and Trust Comi-any; and in poli- tics has always been a Republican. In 1885 he was elected major of Hastings on the "no license" issue, and it was openly declared he made the best mayor the city ever had. In the administration of affairs he was wholly independent in the perform- ance of his duties, and having the interests of the town at heart, he exercised his ingenuity and intelli- gence to the utmost. In everj- public emergency lie has been a patriot, and selfish and personal con- siderations have been laid aside when the question of dutj' has been presented. In 1871 he was mar- ried at Brownsville, Neb., to Miss Hattie R. Phillips, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1852, and a daughter of Dr. A. R. and Harriet Phillips. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are members of the Presby- terian Church, and he was one of the original mem- bers of the church organized at Lincoln in 1870, also of the church at Hastings in 1873. Mr. Alex- ander and his wife have five children: Agnes E., Rachel M., Esther N. , Frances P. and Samuel R. H. C. Armstrong, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. Mr. Armstrong is one of those sterling men of Ohio nativitj-, so manj- of whom are met with in this portion of the State, who possess such qualities of character as make them successful and prominent almost without exception wherever their lots are cast. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1845, and was the seventh of a family of children born to John and Frances (Moore) Armstrong, natives of Ireland, where they were mai-ried. In 1839 the parents immigrated to America, settled in Columbiana Count}-, Ohio, and there the father followed farming. In 1853 they moved to Knox County, 111., settled near Abing- don, 111, , and thence to Warren County of the same State, where the father opened up a farm. He died there in 1860. His excellent wife followed him to the grave on December 24, 1879. H. C. Armstrong was early instructed in the duties of farm life, and received his education in the schools of Warren County, 111. After gi-owing up he went west to Page Count}', Iowa, worked by the month as a farm laborer for three years and then rented land. He was married in that county on December 31, 1872, to Miss Sarah J. Reed, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, and the daughter of M. and S. (Foster) Reed, natives of Ohio. Her father was a wagon maker by trade, and in about 1854 he moved to Wapello County, Iowa, and in 1859 to Page County, Iowa, where he and wife are both living at the present time. After his marriage Mr. Armstrong remained in Iowa until 1874, when he moved to Adams County , Neb. , settled in Denver precinct, now Blaine Township, and bought 160 acres of railroad laud, which he immediately began improving, and on which he first erected a small cabin, 14x16 feet. In 1885 he moved to West Blue Township, selling his farm in Blaine Township, and bought the 160 acres where he now lives. He was one of the first settlers of the county, and the first night camped on what is now the main square of the city of Hastings. He assisted in the organization of the township, and yet takes a prominent part in the upbuilding of the county. He is also active in politics, votes with the Republican party, and was elected county com- missioner by the Anti-Monopoly vote in 1881, to fill a vacancy, serving from January, 1882, to Novem- 9 ^ " ^. 208 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. ber of that year. He served on the school board for twelve years in Adams County, and has always taken an active interest in schools. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Hastings. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of seven children: John M. , Oscar R. , Edwin H. , Fannie Bell, Thomas, Charles and Clyde. Mr. Armstrong has seen the complete growth of Adams County, and has experienced three seasons of grasshopper raids. He is practically a self made man, having accumulated all his property by his own exertions. He is engaged quite exten- sivel}' in stock raising. W. G. Aylsworth is a proper representative of the energetic business men of the county, and he seems admirably suited to his present calling. He was born in Erie County, N. Y. , in 1844, and is a son of Aaron and Julia (French) Aylsworth, the former of whom was an agriculturist throughout his long life of seventy-five j-ears, his death occumng in 1883. His wife died three years later, having borne him nine children, two sons and seven daugh- ters, W. G. Aylsworth and his sister, Mrs. Bennett, being residents of Juniata. The former's youth was spent in learning the intricacies of farm labor, and until he was twenty years of age he was an a1>- tendaut of the common schools, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the English branches. In 1864 he enlisted in Company B, Ninety-eighth New York Infantry, but on account of the war being practically over, he was discharged on September 22 of that year, and returned to his former occupa- tion of following the plow in his native State, which received his attention untd 1870, when he moved to Michigan and settled in Barry County, and was en- gaged in clerking in a store for three j-ears. He then returned to his native State and farmed two years, at the end of which time he again returned to Michigan, which State was his home until 1884. During this time the occupation of merchan- dising received his attention at Nashville, but on March 30, of the above named 3'ear, he settled in Juniata, Neb. , and after residing for a few months on a farm of eighty acres south of the town, he re- moved to Juniata, and engaged in clerking in the store of D. H. Freeman, remaining in his employ two years, renting out his farm. In 18SG he moved to Keith County, Neb., where he located a home- stead, and after proving up on it and making it his home for about a j'ear, sold out. He was one of the early settlers of the county, and was thirty miles from any store or postoffiee, and the township in which he settled was only occupied by three or four families. Upon his removal from there one year later every quarter section was occupied. The day after settling on his claim he started for Ogallala, thirty-five miles distant, and purchased 87 worth of lumber, with which to build his dugout, sleeping at night on the road, but was greatly annoyed b}^ wolves that kept prowling around his wagon. The next night an old neighbor from Michigan, Conrad Pies- ter, settled on the claim across the road from his, and during the week seven more families arrived. Upon his return to Adams County he went to his farm and made one crop, but in October, 1888, sold his land and is now engaged in general merchandis- ing in the town. Besides his stock of goods he owns a large hotel and livery barn, which he rents. He was married in 1872 to Miss Hattie M. Burling- ham, a native of Michigan, and by her has four liv- ing children: Fannie, Helen, Clarance and Mary. Murray died in 1884 at the age of five years. Mr. Aylsworth and his wife are members of the Bap- tist Church, and socially he is a member of Lodge No. 28, K. of P. , of Hastings. Frank C. Babcock, D. D. S., was born at Galva, III, March 18, 1865, and is a son of Dr. Asa 1). and Elizabeth (Mott) Babcock, the former of whom was born at Cortland, N. Y. , in 1830, came to Illi- nois in 1855, and for five and twenty years was a prominent and successful physician at Galva, his death occurring at this place in 1880. His wife was born at Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1840, and is now a resident of Hastings. Frank C. Babcock is the second of three living children born to their union , and in his early 3'outh secured a good education in the schools of Galva. In 1883 he began the study of dental surgery in the office of Dr. J. P. Huston, and in the fall of 1885, he entered the Dentid De- partment of the University of Michigan, from which institution he gi-aduated on June 30, 1887, and July 23, of the same year, came to Hastings, Neb. , V -' H; ^ ADAMS COUNTY. 209 which phice has since been his home. In the fol- lowing Auo'ust lie opened his dental office over the First National Bank, and here he is now aetivel}' en- gaged in practicing his profession, having already acquired a liberal and paying patronage by the ex- cellence of his work, his reasonable prices and his genial manner. He is a member of the State Den- tal Association and in his political views is a Re- publican. Calvin Ball has been a resident of Adams County, Neb., since March, 1873, and has proved a valual)le acquisition to the farming interests of the commu- nity, for he is a man of energy, progressive spirit and clear perception, and is reliable beyond suspicion in all his business transactions. His property- consists of 160 acres of fine farming land, and it is fairly- improved with buildings of all kinds, an orchard, etc. He was born in Fulton County, Ind., Novem- ber 22, 1841, and from here enlisted in April, 1862, in the Union Army, becoming a member of the Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantrj-, and was a faithful servant of Uncle Sam until he received his discharge at the end of his term of service in April, 1865. He was a participant in many important engage- ments, among which may be mentioned Prairie Grove, Ark. , siege and surrender of Vicksburg. He was captured near Morgan's Bend, Miss., on the Sterling plantation, and after being kept in captivity at Tyler, Tex. , for about nine months, he was ex- changed and immediately rejoined his army at New Orleans, and a short time after took part in the eight days' fight at Moliile in front of Spanish Fort. Af- ter being discharged he returned to Indiana, and after clerking in a store for some time, bought an interest in the establishment and sold goods at Silver Lake for about four years. From that time until 1873 he followed farming, then came to Nebraska as above stated. He is a Republican in his political views, and in November, 1882, was elected township assessor, and served two terms. He was married in Indiana, October 18, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Creager, a native of that State, and a daughter of Adam Creager, and by her has had a family of six children: Myrtie, wife of William Warden, by whom she has one child, Cyril Thomas, married and resides at Juniata; Charles E. , Clarence C. , Ettie JMay and Naomi W. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is a member of Geary Post No. 81, G. A. R. , at Juniata. His parents, C. M. and Nancy (Woolf) Ball, were born in Tenneesee and Indiana , respectively, and were mar ried in the latter State, the father having been taken there bj" his parents when a child. After their mar- riage they resided in Indiana a number of years, and in 1872 Mr. Ball moved to Illinois, thence to Nebraska in 1877, the father being now a resident of Garfield County. His wife died about 1854. Mr. Ball served one year as postmaster at Oswego, Ind. , in 1878, resigning on account of moving from that place. David L. Barlass, the popular sheriff of Adams County-, Neb. , although born in Rock Count}-, Wis. . September 10, 1854, has been a resident of Adams Count}-, Neb., since 1874. His parents, Andrew and Margaret (Clink) Barlass, were born in Scot- land in 1822 and 1824, n spectivelj-, and in 1840 left their native land to seek a home in the New World. They settled in Rock Count}-, Wis., on what is known as Rock Prairie, being among its first settlers, and there opened up a large farm. On this farm David L. Barlass was i-eared, and in addition to assisting his father in tilling the land on which they had settled, he attended the common school, near his home, and, being persevering and intelligent, he acquired a good education. This he supplemented by a two years' course at Jlilton Col- lege, in Milton, Wis. , then in 1874, as above stated, came to Nebraska, and the first nine years of his residence here were spent in following the plow on a farm three miles south of Hastings. Being a Re- publican politically and a strict party man, he was elected on that ticket, in the fall of 1883, to the office of sheriff, with a majority of 555; was re- elected two years later with a majority of 800, and in 1877 was again honored with the position, his majority this time being more than 1,000. This shows beyond question his popularity as an official, and he has proven himself to be a competent, faith- ful and fearless officer. Socially he is a member of Hastings Lodge No. 28, of the K. of P. His mar- riage with Miss Ella .M. Hill was celebrated Sejj- tember 2, 1884. She was born in Illinois, and V ii 210 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. by >Ir. Barlass is tlie mother of one child, Her- bert L. B. F. Barr, luinl)er dealer, Prosser, Neb. The business interests of this town are ably represented by Mr. Barr. who not only represents the city in that capacity, )iut who is also recognized as a pleas- ant, genial gentleman. He owes his nativity to Logan County, 111. , and was born there on Septem- ber 4, 1859. His father, George Barr, is a native of the Buckeye State, and in about 1852 emigrated to Logan County, 111. , where he married Miss Maria Jackson, also a native of Ohio, but who had emigrated with her parents some time previous to Illinois. Of the three children born to their mar- riage, B. F. Barr is the eldest. He passed his boy- hood days in Illinois, received a good education, and in January, 1880, he came to Nebraska, where for two years he was engaged in farming near Hast ings. He subsequently went to Oregon, spent some time traveling through that and other Western States, but tinallj- returned to Bloomington , Neb. , where he accepted a position with the White Lake Lumber Company. From there he went to Hastings, Neb. , engaged with the Paine Lumber Companj*, and in April, 1885, he accepted the position of general manager and superintendent of their lumber and coal yards at Hansen, Neb. On Jidy 1, 1889, he opened his present business at Prosser, Neb. , and is the pioneer lumber dealer of the place. On No- vember 26, 1883, he married Miss Eva C. Richards, a native of Wisconsin, who, when a child, went to Dakota with her parents, and later to Nebraska. To this union have been born two children: Mabel C. and Grant. Mr. Barr is a member of the Masonic fraternit}', a member of the I. 0. O. F. , and also of the order of Heptasops or Seven Wise Men. Mrs. Barr is a member of the Presb3'terian Church, and both are much esteemed citizens. Herman Bentert, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Nebraska , none are possessed of more u;enuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name s ands at the head of this sketch. Mr. Bentert was born in Sheboj'gan County, Wis., in 1859, and was the youngest of two children born to the union of Frederick and Dora T. (Kibbos) Bentert, natives of Germany. The father was married in his native country in 1854, emigrated to America in 1857, and at once began working on a farm in Shcljoygan County, Wis. , receiving fifty cents a day for his labor. Finally he purchased eighty acres of land, improved it, and in 1874 came to Nebraska, where he purchased 160 acres. Since then he has added to his original tract, and is now the owner of 400 acres, and is also the owner of considerable property in Hastings. He is still living and makes his home with his son, Herman. The mother died in Wiscon- sin in 1860. Herman Bentert's early life was divided between assisting on the farm and in receiving an education in the common schools of Wisconsin and Nebraska. He came to Nebraska at the age of fif- teen years, and being the only one of the children now living, is directly connected with his father in business. They came to Nebraska with only $2,500 and now, by their industry and good business abil- ity, own property to the value of S25,000. They are engaged extensively in stock raising, feeding from fifty to one hundred cattle and hogs 3-early. Herman Bentert takes an active interest in politics and his vote is cast with the Democratic party. As treasurer of Highland Township (having been elected to that position in 1888, and re-elected in 1889) he is a man who has the perfect confidence and respect of the people. He is progressive in his views and has l3orne a prominent part in promoting the various interests of the county. He is the tallest man in Adams County, if not in the State, measuring six feet, eight inches in height, and is one of the best known men in the county'. He aids all public enter- prises of a laudable nature, and is Lutheran in his religious belief. F. M. Betteys, county superintendent of schools, Hastings, Neb. To undertake to introduce to our readers the subject of this sketch would be some- thing entirely unnecessary', for his extensive ac- quaintance and long connection with the affairs of the vicinity, have rendered him well and popularly known. Born in La Porte County, Ind. , April 29, 1844, he was the son of Alonzo and Julia (Lj'kins) Bettej-s. The father was born in New York in 1809, and is now a resident of Boone, Neb. The mother was born in Kentucky, and died in 1871. In July, i) ry '^ ADAMS COUNTY. 211 1863, F. M. enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry. He served until June, 18C5, after which he returned to Iowa and taught school iu that State until 1884. He then came to Hastings, Neb., and spent five j-ears in the county clerk's office as deputy- county- clerk. In politics he is a Republican, and in 1889 he was elected superintendent of the public schools of the county. Mr. Bette3's selected for his companion iu life Miss Virginia J. Wade, a native of Will Count}', 111., born in 1850, and was united in marriage to her in 1874. The fruits of this union have been four children: Eugene, Mamie, Edward and Winnie. Harm J. Bierman, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. In his farming operations in this country Mr. Bierman has pursued the sturdy, in- dustj'ious and enterprising principles which charac- terize the customs of those of foreign birth now re- siding in Adams County, Neb. He was born in Germany in 1840, and was the fourth child in order of birth. His father, John Bierman, was born in Germany in 1804; was a farmer 1)\' occupation, and remained in his native country until 1863, when he crossed the ocean to the United States, and set- tled in Woodfori Count}-, 111. Here he followed farming, and was very successful in this occupation. He died in Illinois in 1875. His wife. Miss Johanna Severs, who bore him six children, died in 1867. Both were members of the Lutheran Church, and he in his political views was Independent, vot> ing for principle not for party. Their children were named as follows: Henrietta, Francis, Harm, de- ceased, and Harm who is living and is the subject 6f this sketch; Peterke (living), and John (deceased). In early life Harm J. Bierman assisted his father on the farm, and at the age of sixteen years went on the sea, which he followed for some time. He then went to Illinois, settled in Woodford, near Minonk, and there followed agricultural pursuits for twelve years. He was married in 1867 to Miss Katie Flyr, who was l)orn iu Germany and who moved to Illi- nois with her father, William Flyr, when but two years of age. The father died in Illinois in 1883. To the marriage of Mr. Bierman were born nine children, eight now living: Albert (deceased), Henrj', Clu-istina, now Mrs. Knapp, and resides in Hastings, Johanna, John, Harry, Albert, Herman and Theodore. 3Irs. Bierman moved to Adams County, Neb., in 1876, settled on the prairie where he now lives; bought 320 acres of good land, and this he has improved very much. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are much respected citizens. He was road supervisor of the township for one year, and he takes a deep interest in school and church matters. He is a wide-awake, industrious farmer, as may be seen by the improve- ments made on his farm. He is a Republican in politics. Luther A. Boley, Kenesaw, Neb. Since his res- idence in the count}-, IMr. Boley has been very prom- inently identified with the material affairs of this community, indeed far more so than the average of men. He was born in Huron County, Ohio, Sep- tember 29, 1839, and received his education in the high schools, supplementing the same by attending the seminary at Auburn. In 1 859 he began teaching in the public schools of Indiana, and followed that occupation for four years. He then worked for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company as section foreman, and eight years later turned his attention to farming, which he followed until 1874, when he came to Nebraska, locating on a homestead near Kenesaw. There he remained eleven }ears and then accepted a position as manager of the Burling- ton & Missouri River Railroad Company's coal busi- ness at Kenesaw, which he still continues to hold. In 1876 he was elected assessor for Kenesaw pre- cinct and served six years; was a member of the town council for two years, and is a member of Ken- esaw Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M. He selected as his companion in life. Miss Kate J. Hodges, a native of Huron County, Ohio, and their marriage was solemnized in 1862. To this union have been born three children: Edith Camilla, now Mrs. Harrv Mitchell, resides at Cheyenne; Walter F. , and Madge A. Mrs. Boley is a church worker and takes a deep interest in all charitable enterprises. 31 r. Boley's parents, Martin and Sarah Ann (Hodges) Boley, were natives of New York, and came to Ohio about 1835. When the suliject of this sketch was an infant only a few weeks old they moved to Kent County, Ontario, where they remained four years. and then returned to Ohio, residing on the original farm for four years. In 1847 they moved to Indi- ana, locating in De Kalb County, where they were pioneer settlers, and where they both passed their last days, the father dying in the fall of 1859, and the mother in 1874. Tlie former was one of the original Abolitionists. HaiTy Brooks Borley, drayage and transfer, Hastings, Neb. This successful and enterprising business man was born in the Count}' of Suffolk, Eng- land, on June 3, 1854, and is the son of John and Sarah (Brooks) Borley, natives also of England. The union of tlic parents was blessed by the birth of six children, three now living, and Harry Brooks Borley is the fourth child in order of birth. The latter at- tained his growth in London, England, attended the schools of the same, and for two years prior to com- ing to the United States, was engaged in the book and newspaper business for W. H. Smith & Sons in London. He emigrated to the United States in 1873, located in Hastings, and in 1874 bought eighty acres of railroad land , the south half of the southeast quarter of Section 35, Township 7 , Kange 10, which he still owns and has greatly improved. For six years he was a clerk in what was then the St. Joe & Denver Kailroad, but what is now the St. Joe & Grand Island. In 1880 Mr. Borley began the draj-age and transfer business in this citj-, and this he still continues. He was married on December 31, 1884, to Miss Henrietta Wallace, daughter of Martin F. and Nellie Wallace. Mrs. Borley was bom in Indiana in 1865, and came to Adams County, Neb., with her parents in 1873. To this marriage have been born two children, Harry W. , whose birth occurred on February 27, 1886, and William E. , who was born on December 23, 1887. In polities Mr. Borley is a Republican, and in 1879 he joined the Masonic Fraternity, Hastings Lodge No. 50. He is one of the early settlers of Adams County, and is practically a self-made man, having accumulated the most of his property by his own efforts. Isaac Boyd is a wealthy tiller of the soil of Adams Countj-, Neb. , and comes of an excellent stock, his ancestors having been prominent and in- fluential citizens of the different localities in which tliey resided. Born in Seneca County, Ohio, on August 28, 1843, he learned the intricacies of farm labor from his father, and this, in connection with stock raising, has continued to be his calling ever since. John Bo}-d, his father, was born in Penn- sjlvania, but was reared in the Bucke^-e State, and was married in Seneca Countj- to Elizabeth Ecklej', a native of Ohio, and after farming there for a period of twentj' 3-ears, and becoming well known throughout that region as an honorable, upright and worth}' man, he passed to his long home in August, 1856, deeply mourned not only by his immediate and sorrowing household, but by all who knew him. Soon after his death his wife and family moved to Stark County, 111. , and here the mother made her home for some twenty years, but is now residing with her son Isaac. The latter grew to mature years in the State of Illinois, but in 1871 went to Guthrie County, Icwa, where he was engaged in following the plow for about two years, and taught school one year, having received a good education in his youth; being an attendant of Knox College, 111. , for about two j'ears, and a college at Hayesville, Ohio, one year. He was manned in Guthrie County, Iowa, December 25, 1872, to Mary E. 3Iizen, a native of Wisconsin, reared and educated in Dean County, and a daughter of George Mizen; and shortlj- after their marriage they removed to Ne- braska, and in March, 1876, arrived in Adams County, and settled on the farm where they now re- side. He now has land to the amount of 240 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, on which are good buildings, orchards, etc. He is a Republican in politics, and has served two successive terms as assessor, and has been a delegate to count}- and State conventions. He and his wife are members of the 3Iothodist Episcopal Church, and are the parents of five children: Laura, Lena, Maud, Frank and Effie. Two children died in infancy. Robert 31. Boyd is accounted a prosperous farmer and stockman of Adams County, and like the ma- jority of native Ohioans is progressive in his views and of an energetic temperament. His birth occurred in Seneca County, March 1, 1844, and he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Eckley) Boyd, also natives of that State, and prosperous agriculturists. The -i" -> 2> >>. father's death took place in his native State, August 13, 1857, and soon after his family removed to Stark County, 111., where they made their home for many years. II. M. Boyd grew to manhood in this county, but after attaining his majority he began farming for himself, and in 187-4 came to Neliraska, having come here in 1872 and homesteaded some land. Nearly all the count}' was prairie land at that time and there were very few houses, and these were nearly all sod houses, and the county seat was then at Ju- niata. Mr. Boyd built a good frame house, which at that time was among the best in the township, and set energetically to work to put his land in tillable condition, which he succeeded iu doing in a short time. He has since purchased 1 60 acres of land ad- joining his home place, and his farm now comprises a tract of 320 acres, all in a good state of cultiva- tion, ninetj-five being devoted to corn, twenty acres to millet and sugar cane, and eighty acres to small grain. He has been feeding cattle and hogs for the market for the past ten jears, and ships on an aver- age of one car load each j-ear. He has two thorough- bred Hereford animals for breeding purposes, also some good graded stock. He has a peach orchard of about 300 trees, and an apple orchard of about three acres, the jield from the latter being some 300 bushels in 1889. In May, 1862, he enlisted in the Union Army, Sixty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and served four months, at the expiration of which time he was doing guard duty in Chicago. He is a Republican and has served as a delegate to county and State conventions, but has never had an}' desire for office. His union to Miss Eliza E. Addis was celebrated in Stark County, 111., Februray 3, 1874, a daughter of Daniel Addis, a native of New Jersey. She was Ijorn iu Fulton County, 111. , but from the time she was twelve years of age until she reached woman- hood was a resident of Stark County. Her union with Mr. Boyd resulted in the birth of four chil- dren : Frances V. , Frederick, and a son and daughter who died in infancy. Nathan L. Brass is a prominent citizen of Juni- ata, Neb., and throughout life has followed the teaching of the Golden Rule to the best of his abil- ity, and as a result has gained the respect and esteem of all who know him. A native of Michigan. born in 1843, he is the fifth child born to Samuel Brass, who removed from Rochester, N. Y. , to Clint(7n County, Mich. , of which he was one of the pioneer settlers. After the death of his first wife the father married Margaret Doty at Ann Arbor, and by her became the father of Nathan L. He was a farmer and boot and shoe maker by occupation, and died in March, 1864, his wife's death occurring in '1858. After being engaged iu farm labor and attending the district schools until he was eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, First Mich- igan Cavalry, and was sent to Maryland, but his company was soon detached from the regiment and assigned to scouting duty after Mosby's bush- whackers, serving in this capacity until nearly the close of the war, when he was injured and trans- ferred to the Eighth United States Regiment, and with his corapan}- was detailed to guard prisoners that were being tried for the murder of President Lincoln. Before his duties were ended he became thoroughly familiar with Mrs. Mary Surratt, Dr. S. A. Mudd, L. P. Payne, D. E. Herrold and othei-s, and so vigilant was he in the discharge of his duties that for thirty days he had not time to remove his clothes. His regiment led the funeral procession through the city to the train. He received his dis- charge November 16, 1865, and was mustered out at Washington, D. C. Upon his return to Michi- gan he resumed farming, but a few months later was taken ill, the result of an injury received in the service, and for two years was incapacitated for work. After recovering he engaged in butchering, but in 1869 gave up this work and removed to Wisconsin, where he resumed agricultural pursuits, but upon his health again failing him at the end of about a year, he came to Nebraska and settled near Juniata, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land, imme- diately erecting a dwelling thereon with lumber that he hauled from Sutton. His house was the fifth frame house erected in the township, and Juniata then consisted of only four houses. Many interest- ing anecdotes are told by Mr. Brass concerning some of his early hunting experiences, but want of space forbids their repetition. He resided on his farm near the town until 1880, making many very valuable improvements, then moved to Juniata and a — i \> ' ^ . , and served that church as pastor for one year, during which time also he organized a church- at Huntsville. In 1874 he became pastor of the First Church of Kearney, and later organized a church at Overton, and became pastor of the Plum Creek Church, ten miles west. He was or- dained March 9, 1877, and in the fall of the same year he received a call from Juniata, which he accepted, and moved to this town; and under his guidance the membership soon became doubled, which necessitated the erection of a new church, which still stands as a tribute to his zeal and fidelity. In 1881 he organized a church at Minden; in 1884, the Mount Pleasant Church, south of Juniata, and has also assisted in organizing a number of other churches. He was pastor of a church in Hamilton County two years; was pastor of the Union and Catherton Churches in Webster County, and the Pleasant Home Church in Polk County. He was one of the organizers of the Grand Island and South Central Baptist Associations, and was one of the Board of Directors for the State Convention, and Chairman of the SUite Committee of Foreign Missions, and has served as Moderator of each of these associations. He has also sen-ed as mis- sionary in employ of the Baptist Home ^Missionary Society, American Biljle Society and American Sun- day School Union, establishing work on the frontier. He was married in 1858 to Miss Addie M. Merrill, a native of New Hampshire, and a daughter of Jere- miah and Mary A. (George) ^lerrill, the father dying when Mrs. Buzzell was a child, and the mother in 1877. The former was a fanner by occupation, and an enterprising citizen. To Mr. and Mrs. Buzzell seven children have been born. Edgar A. , the eldest, is a graduate of the University of Chicago, having worked his way through this institution, and re- ceived at the end of the course $50 for the prize essay. In the fall of 1888 he was admitted to the bar of Chicago, and is now practicing law in that citj-. He was born October 10, 1860, and was mar- ried April 4, 1887, to Miss J. Isetta Gibson, by whom he has a son born Januarj- 8, 1888, named Edgar Gibson. Minnie A., the second child, was born December 13, 1862, and was the first graduate of the Gibbon Baptist Seminary. She later spent one year in the University of Chicago in the study of special branches preparatory to engaging in foreign missionary work, and in the fall of 1884 sailed from San Francisco to China. Her support abroad was guaranteed by the ladies of Oregon, and she reached her destination, Swatow, China, Decem- ber 1, 1884; but after three j-ears of successful labor among the heathen women, owing to ill health, returned to America in 1887, and is at present in Oregon for the benefit of her health, and is at the same time engaged in organizing women's mis- sionary societies in Oregon and Washington. She was the j-oungest single lad3- sent on this work, and the superintendent of the mission in China said that she made rapid progress in learning the language. Annie, Mr. Buzzell's second daughter, was born Augugt 3, 1866, and received her education in Gibbon Seminar}-. She began teaching in the public schools of Adams County at the age of fifteen j-ears. and is now in her third year in charge of the primary de- partment of the Juniata public school. Charles I>. , born November 8, 1870, is at home; Jennie M. was bom November 22, 1873, and is a pupil in the high school at Juniata. Lewis J. was born September 5 "V " _S) l^ 218 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 12, ISTC, and iliud Juno 19, 1878, and Francis H. was born NovoniliiM- !>, 1SS2, and died Soi)teniber 6, 1881. Mr. Buzzell cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and has ever since voted in general elections for the Republican candidate. He is a member of Geary Post No. 81, G. A. R., and has been honored with the office of Chaplain of that body. \V. P. W. ('anipliell, farmer and stockman, TniMiliull, Neb. This representative citizen is one of the pioneers of West Blue Township, Adams County, Neb., whither he had emigrated in Febru- arv, 1874, and wiiere he has since homesteaded 1(50 acres on Section 12. He was born in Kanawha County, Va. , on November 24, 1826, and is the sixth in a family of eight children liorn to the union of Robert and Mary (Griffith) Campbell, natives of the Old Dominion, Botetourt County. The father was a cabinet maker bj- trade, and was the inventor of the old fashioned auger pump. He moved to Sangamon County, 111., in 1830, settled on a farm, entered land, and made that county his home until his death, which occurred in I)ecoml)er, 1844. His wife survived him until Novemlier, ISUl. Of their children Charles resides in Labette County, Kan. , John, in St. Louis, who is a master machinist, and W. P. W. The latter (the subject of this sketch) remained on the farm until twentj--one j'ears of age and then entered a machine shop, where he became a master mechanic. He set up machinery all over Illinois, and later ran stationary engines in diflferent parts of the country. After this he worked in the shop and on the road for ten years. On Jlay 26. 1861, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Infantry, Com- pany I, for three j-ears, at Waverly, 111., and was engaged in the liattles of Shiloh, Ilatchie and siege of Vieksburg. While at Natchez he was transfeiTed to the invalid corps on account of disability, being sent to guard the prison at Rock Island until the expiration of term of service. He was discharged at the latter place on May 27, 18(54, after wliich he went to Springfield, 111. Mr. Campbell was mar- ried previous to the war, in 1852, to Miss Julia ^1. Slater, a native of Sangamon County, 111., and the daughter of Jay and Lucretia (Carman) Slater, natives of New York and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Slater settled in Illinois at an early day, and there followed agricultural pursuits. Both he and wife are deceased. Mrs. CampVieU's brother, James H. Slater, was United States Senator from Oregon, and was also in the XLIst Congress. He is now a resident of Oregon and a prominent criminal lawyer of La Grande. Mr. Campl)ell, after marriage, set^ tied in Springfield, 111., whither he had returned after the war, and there resided until 1874, when he emigrated to Adams County, Neb. He entered 160 acres of land, and now has all that in a good state of cultivation. He is also interested in the raising of stock. Mr. Campbell is not active in politics, Init votes with the Republican party. He has been a member of the school board, and was one of the first in the district. He is a member of William H. Harrison Post No. 183, G. A. R., at Trumbull, and is Senior Vice Commander. Mrs. Campbell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their union have been born three children: Mar3-, now Mrs. L. F. Gould, of Orange Vale, Cal. ; Olive, now Mrs. Ramse}% of Nebraska, and Charles R. , who is married and resides at home. Mr. Campbell has seen the complete growth of the county, and in its early settlement has been obliged to go to the Platte River to get willows for fuel. He takes an interes't in and aids all causes for the good of the county. L. M. Campbell, secretary of the Nebraska Real Estate and Live Stock Association, and one of the prominent business men of Hastings, was born at DeWitt, L)wa, on September 12, 1859, and is the son of W. R. and Rebecca (McBride) Campbell, natives of Ohio, and now residents of South Dakota, the former being about sixty-two years of age and the latter sixty-five j-ears of age. Mr. Campbell is the second of five children. He remained at De- Witt, Iowa, until 1871, and then for five years at- tended school at Washington, Iowa, and a business college at Davenport, Iowa. In 1876 he wont to Des Moines, and during the winter season for five years was book keeper for the Des Jloines Pork Packing Company. In 1881 he came to Hastings, and until September, 1888, was bookkeeper for the Nebraska Loan and Trust Company, and since then has been activelj- engaged in the real estate business. ^s— .- ) >y ' :l>£ ADAMS COUNTY. 219 in connection with one of the most extensi\e real estate firms in the West. The same was organized August 1, 1883. Mr. Campbell takes an active part in the advancement of Hastings, and readily gives his support to all laudable enterprises. He was married in 1882 to Miss Almira U. Dillanback, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. , who died in Hastings, Neb., in 1886, leaving two children, Sidnej- E. , born in 1883, and Almira U., born in 1886. Mr. Campbell was married the second time on January 18, 1888, to Miss Mary E. Ritter, a native of Con- stantiue, Mich. Mr. Campbell is an ardent Repub- lican, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield, at Creston, Iowa. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and the A. 0. U. W. , and is one of the popular men of Hastings. Lucius Junia Capps is the senior m'ember of the law firm of Capps, McCreary & Stevens, of Hastings, Neb. As a copartnership whose honor is above criticism, whose ability places it in the front rank of the Western bar, whose name is well known through- out Adams and surrounding counties, tliis firm occupies an enviable place. The gentlemen com- posing the firm are admirably adapted to their call- ing, and Mr. Capps is especially well known. He was born in Indiana, October 10, 1852, and is a son of J. W. and Julia (Boone) Capps, who were born in North Carolina and Indiana, in 182-1 and 1834, respectively. They removed to Boone County, Iowa, at an early day, and here the mother's death occurred in 1873, her husband being still alive and a prominent resident of that countj-. Lucius J. Capps is the eldest of their seven children , and when a little less than one year old his parents located in Iowa, and until nineteen years of age he was an attendant of the public schools of Boone County. He then began studying law in tlie office of W. R. Lawrence, but finished his legal studies in the office of Judge Mitchell, and on May 15, 1873, he was admitted to the Boone County bar. The same year he went to Utah Temtory, but a few months later returned home, and in September, 1874, entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and on March 24, graduated with the class of 1875. From that time until December, 1878, he practiced his profession in Paris, 111. , be- ing admitted to practice liefore the Supreme Court of that State June 4, 1875, after which he came to Hastings, Neb., and in December, 1878, became a member of the Adams County i)ar. He also holds a certificate to practice in the fefleral courts. De- cember 26, 1876, he was married to Miss Mary J. Vance, who was born in Wisconsin in 1857, and died 3Iay 16, 1888, leaving two children, Louis Junia and Harry F. V. Mr. Capps has always been a stanch Republican. Levi Carkins, farmer and stock breeder, Hast- ings, Neb. Among the influential and respected citizens of Adams County, there is no one more justly entitled to representation in this work than Levi Carkins. He came to the county in the spring of 1873, entered 160 acres of land, erected a frame house and commenced improving his farm. He was born in Onondaga Count}-, N. Y. , in October, 1841, and was the fifth of ten children born to the union of Levi and Lef}- (Richmond) Carkins, both natives of the southern part of New York State. The parents were married in New York in 1832, moved to Me- Henry Count}-, 111. , in 1845, and here the father cul- tivated the soil until 1856. They then moved to Chickasaw County. lov.a. where the father continued his former pursuit until his death the following year. The mother was born in Onondaga County, in 1813, and survived her husband until 1884, having been a resident of Iowa for twenty-eight }-ears. Their family consisted of the following children: Mary, died in Iowa; Sarah, now Mrs. Graves, of New IIami> ton, Iowa; Amaziah, died in McHenry County, 111., many years ago; Sylvester, died November 14, 1881; Levi (our subject). Richmond, enlisted in the Union Army, Company C, Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantr}', at Chickasaw, Iowa, in 1862, and was assigned to the Western Department; he died at New Orleans in 1863 of chronic diarrhoea, contracted in service; Phoebe Jane, now Mrs. Gregory, of Charles City, Iowa; George Washington, married and resides in Iowa; Ruthfield, married and resides in Hayes County, Neb. , and Cyrus wlio resides in Hayes County, Neb. Levi Carkins' time in early life was divided between assisting on tlie farm and receiving an ordinary education in the schools of Chickasaw, 220 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Iowa. IK' iiilistcd in Company B, Seventh Iowa Infantry, at Hampton, Iowa, July 8, 1861, for three years, and was sent to the Western Department. He was in tlic Ijattle of Behnont and there received a gunshot wound. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountiiin, Atlanta, also several other prominent battles, and was with Sher- man on his march to the sea. He was honorably diseharjred at Chattanooga, Tenn., in August, 18G4. Returning home to Iowa he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and this has continued ever since. His maiTiage occurred in Chickasaw County, Iowa, in 1884. to Miss C. D. Cari)enter, a native of Ohio, who bore him two children: KittieM. , now Mrs. Miukler, of Ohio, and H. E., who now resides in Nebraska. Mr. Carkins tuok for his second wife Mrs. Angeline (Keene) Hudson, the daughter of Alvin and Sarah (Cheevcr) Keene, natives of New York, and was married to her in Nebraska, in 1877. Her parents moved to Monroe County, Mich., in 1837, settled on a farm, and there the mother died in 1852. The father died January 30, 1879. Mrs. Carkins was man-ied in Monroe County, Mich., in 1865, to Fer- nando Hudson, a native of Monroe County, Mich. , and came to Adams County, Neb. , in 1872, settling in Denver Township, where they entered eightj- acres of land within the present limits of Hastings, which at tliat time consisted of a few sod cabins. Mr. Hudson's death occurred in 1874. Mr. Carkins has continued to improve his farm, and now has 320 acres under cultivation. He feeds considerable stock, has a good grade, and has made many and vast improvements. He is the township committee- man of Highland Township, takes an active part in Ijolitics and votes with the Republican partj-. He was school treasurer in 1876. and has filled many oilier local positions. He assisted in the organiza- tion of Highland Township. Mrs. Carkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is active in its various workings. Mr. Carkins has seen a vast change in the county since his residence here, and being one of the pioneers has Uiken a deep interest in everything that per- tains to the good of the same. When he first settled here he was offered a lot in Hastings for a watch, but refused the offer. He is a self-made man and has accumulated all his property since comiiii;; here. Thomas Carroll, farmer and stockman, Ayr, Neb. If, as is self-evident, this work would be incomplete without sketches of the more public spirited of the successful agriculturists and stockmen, and substan- tial, well-to-do citizens of Adams County, the biog- rapliy of the subject of this sketch justly finds a conspicuous place in the present volume. 3Ir. Car- roll was originally from New York City, where his birth occurred in 1843, but his education was re- ceived in Illinois. His parents, John and Bridget (Mooney) Carroll, were both natives of County Mayo, Province of Connaught, Ireland. The father was born in 1803, and in 1838 emigrated to New Y'ork City, where he remained until 1845. From there he removed to Vermont, thence in 1846 to Illinois, and from there, iii 1878, to Union County, Iowa, where he lived a retired life. He died in that State in 1884, and the mother in Illinois in 1864. The father was a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the Catholic Church. Thomas Carroll spent his school-boj- days in Illinois, and at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company- H, Twelfth Illi- nois Infantry, under Col. John 3IcCarth}% and was in many of the principal engagements. He was in. the battles of Donelson and Shiloh, where he was wounded bj' a minie-ball (which he carries to this da}-), and being unable to do further service on ac- count of this, was discharged in 1862. He has since been unable to do manual labor. In 1864 he was maiTied to Miss Lucelia Bort, daughter of Daniel Bort, of Illinois, and afterward followed agricultural pursuits in that State for a number of j-ears. In 1873 he came to Nebraska, settled in Ayr Township, Adams County, entered 160 acres of land, which he has since increased to 640 acres, and has this all under fence and well improved. Although a Demo- crat he is not a party man and votes for principle. He has been school treasurer in his district, and is interested in all local affairs. To !Mr. and 3Irs. Carroll have been born ten children: John M., Charles II., Thomas B. , Louis H.. Frank, James C. , Wesley A., Herron G. , Maggie Lue ami ^lary 0. The children are all at home. Thomas W. Carter, farmer and stock raiser, Rose- <5 W. land, Neb. ]Mr. Carter is a native of Rhode Island, and was Ijorn in tlie city of Providence on August 21, 1S44. His father, Charles W. Carter, was born on Breed's Hill, Charleston, Mass., was reared there, and when a young man went to Rhode Island, where he married Jliss Phoebe Ann Patt, a native of that State. Mr. Carter was a blacksmith and machinist i\y trade, and after remaining in Rhode Island from 1852 until 1872 he moved to Adams County, Neb. , and here passed the closing scenes of his life, his death occurring on August 19, 1882. Ilis wife is still living. He was in Rhode Island during the Dorr trouble. T. W. Carter moved with his parents to Illinois in 1852, settled in McLean County, and August 15, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, and was transferred in 1863 to the Seventh Illinois Battery, and in 1804 to Battery K, First Illinois Light Artillery, serving until the close of the war. He was discharged In July, 1865, and was mustered out at Knoxville. He participated i.i the figlit at Bean Station, and his batter}- whipped tlie famous Gray Horse battery of Longstreet. He also participated in the battle of Perryville, siege of Knox^•ille, Strawberry Plains and a great niany lesser battles. He was not siclv nor did he lose any time during his term of service. Returning to Illinois, McLean County, he there re- sided until 1872, when he moved to Adams County, Neb., in the fall of thai year. In March, 1873, he entered land, and has since added to this and now has his place in a good state of cultivation. He was married here on March 19, 1883, to Mrs. Lydia J. Barnard, a native of Stueben County, Ind., born near Angola, and the daughter of 0. V. Barnard. In his [jolitical \'iews jMr. Carter affiliates with the Demo- cratic party and has held some local positions. He was elected supervisor in 1886 and re-elected in 1887, serving two terms in that capacitj-. He then resigned in the last named year, moved to Alma and engaged in business there for one season, renting out his farm. He was appointed magistrate of Rose- land Township in 1889, and is a man wlio has the confidence and respect of all acquainted with him. He and Mrs. Carter are hospitable and very pleas- ant in all their intercourse witli the public, and as such have the esteem of all. Mr. Carter in- tends building a fine residence on his place the present season. John A. Casto, a leading member of that well known and popular law firm of Batty & Casto, of Hastings, Neb. , is a successful business man and in every respect is self-made. His birth took place in Clinton County, Ohio, May 31, 1852, and he is a son of Firman and Susan (Moore) Casto, natives of Pennsylvania, the father's birth occurring March 1, 1805. At an early day he removed to Ohio, and in 1858 from there to Illinois, and died in McDonougli County, this State, on January 4, 1889, having lived the honest and worthy life of a farmer. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, survives him, and is a resident of Good Hope, 111. From the time he was four years of age until he attained his majority John A. Casto resided on the homestead in Illinois, and from his father learned the intricacies of farm life, also lessons of industry and econom}-, which have been his stepping stones to success in later years. After attending the public schools a suffi- cient length of time he finished his education in the Normal School of Abingdon, 111., and still later, as a law student, entered the office of C. F. Wheat, at Macomb, 111. (in the fall of 1870), and at the end of twenty-one months took a course in the Chicago Union College of Law, and graduated in June with the class of 1883. In September of that j-ear he came to Hastings where he entered upon the active practice of his profession, and in March, 1884, formed a partnership with Morris Cliggitt, a college classmate, which connection continued until 3Iay, 1887. Since that time Mr. Casto has been associa- ted with Mr. Batty, and they constitute one of the leading firms of the county. Miss Etta ]\I. Ratkin became his wife November 16, 1876. She was born in Illinois, and is the mother of a son, Earle. Mr. Casto Ijelongs to the I. 0. O. F. , the K. of P. , and in his political views has always been a Republican, and on this ticket was elected in 1888 to the posi- tion of county attorney of Adams County. Three of his brothers, Jonathan, George and Thomas J.. served in the Union army during the war, and the first named was killed in battle, the second died in the hospital, and only Thomas returned to his home from the field of action. ^' la J. 15, Cessna, attorney, Hastings, Neb. I'louii- ncnt among the comparatively young men of Adams County, whose career thus far has been both honor- able and successful, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bedford County, Pa., on the 24th of March, 1840, and his parents, William and Rachel (Mogart) Cessna, were natives also of the Keystone State. The father was born in 1800, and died in Bedford County, Pa., at the age of sixty-four years. The mother was born in 1789 and died in 1 860. She was of German descent, while the father was of French and Italian. J. B. Cessna is the youngest of eleven chililren, ten of whom are now living. His brother John is a prominent politician of Pennsylvania, was speaker of the House of the Pennsylvania Legislature for three terms, and three times represented the Eighteenth Congressional Dis- trict in Congress. He has been a prominent poli- tician for forty years. J. B. Cessna first attended the public schools of Pennsylvania, and later at^ tended the Alleghany Male and Female Seminary at Rainsburg, Pa. He entered the sophomore class of Franklin Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., in September, 1861, and graduated from the same in July, 1864. One year later he was admitted to the bar at Bedford, Pa. , and practiced law in that and other counties until April, 1885, when he came to Hastings, Neb. He had a good practice in the counties of bis native State, and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States on January 26, 1876, on motion of Hon. Jeremiah Black. His marriage to Miss Kate B. Brown, of Erie, Pa., occurred on June 12, 1872, and they have two children li^■ing: W. Brown and Reon B. In politics he adheres strictly to the Re- publican party. He is a member of the College Fraternity Phi Kapa Psi. He was admitted to prac- tice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on May 15, 1872, and during his practice in that State he had quite a number of important cases, notable among which was the case entitled "Noble vs. The Thompson Oil Company." The case was in the court for fifteen j-cars. Mr. Cessna was connected with it as counsel for the plaintiffs below and de- fendants in error, and in March, 1879, the case was decided ui favor of the defendants, in the Supreme Court of the United States. The case involved $50,000 and was of great legal importance. Since coming to Hastings. Mr. Cessna has had a good practice and is an independent thinker, deriving his information when practical fi-om original sources, and is a hard working, industrious lawyer. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. William A. Chapman, M. D., is a man whom nature seems to have especially designed to be a physician, for he has met with more than ordinary success in the practice of his profession , and owing to his desire to keep out of the beaten path, his in- telligence and energy, he has become well known to the citizens and the medical fraternity of Adams and many surrounding counties. He was born in Delaware, Ohio, on September 11, 1843, and is the eldest of four living children born to Rev. A. D. and Alma E. (Wigton) Chapman, the former's birth occurring in the " Green Mountain State" Novem- ber 16, 1809, and his death in Malcom, Iowa, in 1880. He was a well known and popular minister of the Presbyterian Church, and was licensed to preach the gospel to his fellow men in the j-ear 1838, being ordained the following year, from which date he continued an active worker for his Master until death called him home. His wife was born in Bradford, Pa., December 1, 1816, and is still re- siding in Malcom. Dr. Chapman removed to Iowa with his parents in 1859, and after attending the public schools until he acquired a fair education, he entered Iowa College, which he attended for some time. On September 30, 1862, he enlisted in Companj- E, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and was in active service for Uncle Sam until he received his discharge at Helena, Ark., in 1863. After remain- ing in college two years longer he went to Delaware, Ohio, and began carrying out a long cherished de- sire, that of studj-ing medicine, in the oflBce of Dr. T. B. Williams, who was surgeon of the Eighty- second Ohio during the war. He then took two courses of lectures in the Cleveland Medical College, and from this institution was graduated >Iarch 4, 1868, after which he returned to Malcom and entered at once upon the practice of the " healing art." In 1860 he removed to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he made his home till 1881; and while there [hL^ ADAMS COUNTY. 223 was for eight years chief surgeon of the Iowa Cen- tral Eailroacl. During the winter of 1878-79 he took lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating in the latter year; and the year 1885 found him also a graduate of the New York Poly- clinic. In the fall of 1881 he removed to Trinidad, Colo. , but five years later came to Hastings, Neb. , and here has become well and favorably known, as stated above. Dr. Chapman makes a specialtj' of general surgery. He has a name for good judg- ment, and for being a cool, careful and skillful operatoi". This, with his uniform success, has won for him a reputation throughout Central Nebraska, of which he may justly feel proud. In 1887 he was appointed surgeon of the Burlington & Mis- souri Railroad , and of the Chicago & Northwestern in 1889. He is a Mason, a member of the G. A. R. , and he and his wife, whom he married November 25, 1868, and whose maiden name was Mary L. Clark, are members of the Presley terian Church. She was born in Peacham, '\''t. They have two children: Alma J. and William H. Carlos Clark, one of the leading farmers and rep- resentative men of Adams County , was bom in the Empire State on September 10, 1828, and is the eldest of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, born to the union of Dolphus and Sally (Lor- ing) Clark, natives of New York. The family set- tled in Illinois in 1838, and there the father culti- vated the soil until his death, which occurred iu La Salle County in 1886, when he was eighty years of age. The mother now resides in La Salle County, 111. , and is eighty years of age. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Clark, was born in Massachu- setts and died in New York. In 1852 Carlos Clark began farming for himself in La Salle County, and there continued for eighteen j'ears. He was then two years in Missouri, and in 1876 came to Adams Count}', Neb., and settled in Highland Township. In 1884 be moved to his present residence, two and a half miles from Hastings , and is now the owner of 160 acres of land, one of the best improved farms in Western Nebraska. He was married in 1852 to Miss Clarissa Dike, a native of Connecticut, who died in Missouri in 1869, leaving three children: Dolphus, Lee and Carlos. Mr. Clark's second mar- riage occurred in 1878, to Miss Helen E. Kilmer, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of John and Betsey (Burger) Kilmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kilmer are both living, and are eighty-nine years of age each. They are natives of New York, and now re- side in La Salle County, 111. They are the parents of eleven children. Jlr. Clark is one of the well-to- do farmers of the county. T. JI. Clark, city water works engineer, Hast- ings, Neb. This honorable and upright citizen of Hastings was originally from Darke Count}-, Ohio, where he was born July 14, 1840, and is the son of A, B. and Julia (Lawrence) Clark, natives also of the Buckeye State. The father was born in 1813. and died in Darke County, Ohio, in 1805, and the mother, who was born in 1821, died in the same county in 1863. Of the fourteen children born to their union, eleven of whom are still living, T. M. Clark is the second in order of birth. He was earlj' instructed in the mysteries of farm life, received his education in the public schools, and remained with his father until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Fort3--fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, He participated in the battles ot Winchester, Lynch- burg raid, Charleston (West Va.), Lewisburg, Mound- fleld, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Beverlj-, Va. He was kept confined at Pemberton for fort3--five days and was exchanged in Februarj-, 1864, after which he returned home on a furlough for thirty days. After this he joined the regiment at Clarksburg, Va. , where he was discharged in 1865, and then retiu'ned to his native State, where he en- gaged in the grocery business at New JIadison. This occupation he continued until 1871, when he emigi'ated to Nebraska, and lived for eighteen months in Saline Count}-. From there he went to Nebraska City, entered the employ of the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad, and for twelve yeai-s ran one of the " Q " engines. For five years after this he was a passenger engineer, and in the spring of 1878 he removed to Hastings, where he continued railroading until the sti'ike in the spring of 1882. Since May, 1888, he has been engineer of the City Water Works. He was married iu 1866 to 3Iiss Nancy E. Cloyd, who was born in Ohio, January 24, 1843, and the fruits of this union have been two ^ (3 children: Ilairv X. and Curt A. In his political views Mr. Clark is a Ilepul)lican. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., also Encampment, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Brotherhood of Loco- motive Engineers. He is one of the old settlers of Nebraska, and one of Hastings' respected citizens. W. J. Clark, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. Upon reaching the age wlien it became neces- sary for him to choose some calling in life to which he would afterwards adhere as his chosen occupa- tion, Mr. Clark wisel}- adopted agricultural pursuits, and this has continued to receive his attention. He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1854, and is the ()l>1. The mother is still living and is a resident of Illinois. Mr. Clark emigrated from Canada to Nebraska in 1884, settled on his present property, which consists of KiO acres of land, which he has improved and which is well stocked with horses and cattle of the Durham breed. He is a Kepublican in politics, and is township treasurer for 1890. He and wife are members of the IMetho- dist Episcopal Church, of which he is steward, and he is also president of the Ayr Township Sunday- school Association. He is interested in the upbuild- ing of schools and churches, and in fact every thing for the good of the county. Isaac G. S. Cleland, contractor, Ha.stings, Neb. "Were it necessar3' to include in the sketch of ^Ir. Cleland's life any items pertaining to his ability and skill as a mechanic or builder, perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid him would be for us to point out those monuments of his handiwork which now grace so manj- of the cities and homesteails of Adams County. Mr. Cleland was originally from St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , where his birth occurred on June 22, 1850. and is the 3'oungest of ten children born to the union of Thomas and Jane M. (McMillen) Cleland, natives of Scotland. The parents died in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , whither the3' had emigrated at an earlj- date. They had four sous, John, William, Thomas and George, who were soldiers in the late war, and two of them were in rebel prisons. They all enlisted in 1801, and served until the surrender. The father was a farmer by occupation. Isaac G. S. Cleland attended the schools of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. , and spent two years at Canton Academy, At the age of seventeen he liegan the carriage making trade, which he continued for five years, and then commenced the carpenter trade, which he carried on in New- York State until the summer of 1884. On July 28 of that year he came to Hastings, and for a year and a half was foreman for J. E. Sims in the carpenter business. For uearlj' four years he has now beeu carpentering and contracting for himself, and as before men- tioned, has built some of the best business houses and residences in Hastings. He' erected the Cle- land flats on Lexington Avenue, seven in number, and worth about $12,000, and numerous other buildings. In his political views 3Ir. Cleland affiliates with the Republican party, without whisky. He was married on October 26, 1872, to Miss Mary Jane Allan, a native of Oneida County, N. Y. , born in 1851, and the fruits of this union are two children, Charles A. and Cclia M. Mrs. Cle- land is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. , also of the »V A^ ADAMS COUNTY. LZ^ Modern Woodmen of America. He is a self-made mau, and bj' his energy and enterprise has accumu- lated a comfortable competencj*. He emplo3's from eight to fifteen men in his business. J. H. CofFman, live stock auctioneer, and one of the well-known men of this part of Nebraska, was born in Harrison County, Kj'. , on April 29, 1838. He is the son of Judge Henry Cofl'man, a native of Jessamine County, Ky. , born in 1809, and the grand- son of Abraham Coffman, who was born in Strath- burg, Germany, and who came to the United States prior to the Revolution, in which he was a soldier during the entire war. He was honorably dis- charged at Redstone, Pa., and subsequently went to what is now Fayette County, Ky. , where he died at a ripe old age. Judge Henry Coffman was mar- ried to Miss Eliza Harrison, a native of Kentucky, born in the year 1814, and who now resides in In- dianapolis. She is the daughter of Robert Harrison, who was a cousin of William Henry Harrison. Judge Coffman died in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1875. He was the father of fifteen children, J. H. Coffman be- ing fifth in order of birth, and twelve of whom are now living. The latter was reared in C3-nthiana, Ky. , and began life for himself by ringing an auction bell for some auctioneer. For thirty-one years Mr. Coffman has made auctioneering a busi- ness, and is one of the most popular and thoroughly efficient representatives of that calling in Nebraska or the entire West. During 1889 he held 110 pub- lic sales. He came to Hastings in 1885, and has since been a resident of that city. During the late war he was captain of Companj- B, Fort3'-second Kentucky Volunteers, of the Union troops, and served four years. He was married in 1861 to Miss Latitia Patch, who died in Pennsylvania in 1869, leaving two children: James and Lydia. His second marriage occurred in 1881,to3Iiss Maria J. Gaddis, of Columbus, Ohio, and to them have been born six children: Adda, Roy, Earl, Dee, Ray and Grace. In politics he is an Independent Republican. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are much esteemed and respected citi- zens. Notwithstanding the exposure he has under- gone in carrying on his business, he is a well pre- served man anil strictly temperate. He is enter- prising and progressive, and has made his own way in life. John M. Cole (deceased). It would seem that nature had intended Mr. Cole for a long and more than ordinarily useful life, but while in its meridian his career was closed forever. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 9, 1838, and died February 6, 1880, mourned not only by his imme- diate family, but by his numerous friends and acquaintances, by whom his many sterling social and business qualities were seen and recognized. He remained with his parents in the State of his nativity until he attained his majoritj-, receiving a common school education, and in 1881 enlisted in the Thirty- eighth Illinois Infantry, and was a faithful Union soldier for three years, or until the term of his enlist- ment had expired. He was in the engagements at Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Perry ville, Freder- icksburg, besides numerous engagements of equal note, or perhaps of even greater importance, and for nine months previous to receiving his discharge was sick in the hospital. He soon after went to Illinois, and was married in Stark County of that State November 17, 1864, to Christina A. Peterson, a native of Sweden, but who was reared and educated in Illinois. She was a daughter of Jonas Peterson , and after her marriage to Mr. Cole they settled down to farming in Stark County, continuing until 1872, at which time they moved to Nebraska and took up a homestead claim in Adams County. By industr\- and good management he increased his farm to 320 acres, but did not live to can-y out the plans he had made concerning the conduct of his farm. His wife has since taken charge of affairs, and how well she has succeeded is evident in looking over her property, for the buildings are all in excellent condition and well kept up. She is, as was her husband, an earn- est member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has reared her children in that belief. Their names are Flora, wife of Harvey Walters; William Austin, a young man, and John G., a lad of twelve years. Hon. H. V. Cole is Adjutant-General of the State of Neliraska. and his career through life has been one of more than usual interest, for he is enter- prising and progi-essive in his views, honorable and upright in his dealings, and is thoroughly posted on r IIISTOHV OF NEBRASKA. ^. ;ill matters of public interest. He owes his nativity to Huron County, Ohio, his birth occurrinij; there in 1842, he beinCom- mander in 1885. Socially he belongs to Juniata Lodge No. 79 , I. 0. 0. F. , and is a member of the Slodern Woodmen of America. He is a patron of education and all worthy enterprises. To Mr. Cole and his wife a family of five children have been born, four of whom are living: Lucy J., Ely, Mal)el and Chester Arthur. Albert Daniel died in infancy. Gei^rge Colling, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. The same peculiarities which seem to distinguish others of German nativity from those American born, are noticeable in the career of Mr. Colling since his settlement in this country — indus- try, close application to his chosen calling, economy and perseverance. An intelligent application of these principles have resulted in giving him an excellent estate of 340 acres, which he is now im- proving and cultivating to good advantage. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1874, and was fourth in a family of children born to the marriage of Theodore and Elizabeth (Schadeck) Colling. The father was a native of France, born in 1803, and lived in a portion of that countiy taken by the Prus- sians in 1813. He was a contractor and builder by trade, and in 1861 emigrated to the United States, settled in DuPage County, 111. , near Warrenville, and here followed the stone mason's trade for a num- ber of years. He was married in his native country in 1831 to Miss Elizabeth Schadeck, a daughter of Peter Schadeck, a native of Rhine Province, Prus- sia; and the following children wore born to this union: Henry, married and resides in Indianola, Neb.; Mary A. (deceased), Ni('holas, married and resides in Indianolia, Neb.; William, married and resides at the same place; John (deceased), Peter (deceased), George and Charles, who reside at Indianola, Neb. All were born in the Old Countrj'. The mother died on February 5, 1879, in Illinois, and the father died June 21, 1880, in the same State. Both were members of the Catholic Church. George Colling spent his boyhood days in the Old Country-, and was thirteen years of age when he came to the United States. He attended school in Illinois, and when starting out for himself engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in Illinois on March 9, lSG9,to Miss Mary E. Kinnear, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Cline) Kinnear, natives of New Bruns- wick, born in 1810 and 1821, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Kinnear moved to Illinois in 1847 and settled in Kane County, near St. Charles, and there Mr. Kin- near received his final summons in 1867. His wife is still living, and resides at St. Charles, 111. George Colling emigrated to Nebraska in September, 1872, settled where he now lives, and took up 160 acres of government land, to which he has since added eighty acres, and has one of the finest farms in that portion of the county. The country was all in prairie at that early date, but since then Mr. Col- ling has witnessed many improvements and changes. He was in the county before Hastings was thought of, and when Juniata was the county seat; was there during the grasshopper season, and witnessed the heavy snow storm of 1873. The result of his marriage has been the birth of five children: Elizabeth Mary, born in DuPage County, 111. , on January 25, 1870; Bertha Jane, born in Adams County, Neb. , on December 31, 1874; Anna L. , born in Adams County, Neb., on July 12, 1878; Edward George, born in Adams County, December 30, 1881, and Etta Nathelia, who was born January 10, 1885, and died February 3, 1887. Mr. Colling has been justice of the peace of his township for eight years, and has lately been re-elected for two years more. He has been a member of the school board a number of times, and is a man who has the respect and esteem of all who know him. In 1864, during the late war, he and his brother William enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Infan- try, and participated in the battles of Resaca, At- lanta, and a number of skirmishes. He was in Gen. Sherman's army. Fifty-second Illinois, Com- pany A, First Brigade, of the Sixteenth Ai-m}- Corps. In the fall of 1864 the Sixteenth wjis con- solidated with the Fifteenth Army Corps, after which it was called the Fifteenth. Mr. Colling and his brother were discharged on July 12, 1865. He then went to Illinois. A. Coltrin, farmer and stock raiser, Pauline, Neb. Originally from the Buckej-e State, where his V -— ^- 228 HISTORY OF NKBRASKA. liirlli ouciiiToil ill 1845, Mr. Coltrin is now success- fully following agricultural pursuits, a calling that has for ages received undi\iileIr. and Mrs. Coulter were born six children: Hattie (now Mrs. Hensign, of Nebraska), Robert (married, and resides in Colorado), James (married, in Nebraska), Milton and Addie (twins), Adelia (now Mrs. Carlile) and Fred. Mr. Coulter began the study of medicine in 1858, and commenced practicing in Illinois in 1860. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, and the principal battles in which he en- gaged are as follows: Island No. 10, Shiloh, Nash- ville, Corinth, Murfreesboro; was eight months at Nashville, Missionary Ridge, and was from Atlanta to the Sea. He was in service three and a half years, and was promoted from a private to the rank of second lieutenant. He was discharged in August, 1865. In 1871 Mr. Coulter emigrated to Nebraska, settled in Lincoln, where he remained until 1872, and then moved to Blaine Township, Adams Count}', settling on his present land which was then all prairie. He now has 160 acres, splendidly located, and it is considered one of the finest places in the county. Being one of the pioneers he has exper- ienced many trying times, and has seen some of the terrible snow storms that have visited that region. He has witnessed the entire growth of the country and the marvelous changes that have been made. Robert and Isabella (Wiley) Coulter, his parents, were natives of Tennessee and Pennsylvania, re- spectively. The father was born in 1809 and moved to Illinois in 1820. He was a son of Robert Coulter, and his wife was a daughter of John Wiley, a native of Pennsylvania. Robert Coulter and wife became the parents of nine children: J. W. , James, Robert, Arthur, Martha, Samuel, Sarah, Philip and Lizzie. The father of these children died in 1851. He was a successful farmer and was a member of the Pres- bj'terian Church. He was first a Whig in politics, then a Republican, and was a strong anti-slaverj- man. The mother is still living, and makes her home with her children. She is a member of the same church. John H. Coulter, farmer, Kenesaw, Neb. A glance at the lives of man}' representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal sketches of some honored, influential citizens, but none more worthy or deserving of mention than Jlr. John H. Coulter. This gentleman resides six miles northeast of Kenesaw, three miles southwest of Pros- ser, and has eighty acres of excellent land, all well improved; He was born in Canada, near Stratford, Ont. , January 24. 1854, and is the son of Robert and Louisa (Hunter) Coulter. Robert Coulter is a native of Tyrone County, Ireland, and came to America when but four years of age, locating in County Perth , Canada. There he grew to manhood, maiTied Miss Hunter, and in 1879 he and family moved to Michigan, and, in 1880, from Port Huron to Nebraska, locating on Section 12, Kenesaw Town- ship. He and wife now reside near the village of Kenesaw. Their family consisted of eight children, four sons and four daughters, John H. Coulter lieing tiurd in order of birth. He attained his growth on the home farm, received the rudiments of an educa- tion in the common schools, and moved with his parents to Nebraska in 1880, passing through the pioneer period of this region. On January 1.3, 1889, he married Miss Leona Chambers, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Nebraska, and located near Juniata at an early date. In 1889 Mr. Coulter was elected assessor of Kenesaw Town- ship, and has also served as supervisor of the public highways, and has been a Tnember of the school board. He is a first class agriculturist and a man much respected by all. A. W. Cox, of the house furnishing and under- taking establishment of Cox & Reed, was born in Indiana, July 10, 1837, and is the son of Bennett and Elizabeth (Kindley) Cox, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The father died in Nebraska at the age of seventy-three years, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Hastings. A. W. Cox first attended the common schools, but later entered Earlham College at Richmond, Ind. , and from there went to Indianapolis, where he was en- gaged in the forwarding and commission business. In 1871 he emigrated to Nebraska, and for a year and a half was a member of the firm of Cox, Kingman & Ballard. January, 1873, he came to Hastings and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued for about a year and a half, after which fiirfour years he was in the hardware business. Since that time, and for about ten vears, he has been in il^ 230 HI8T011Y OF NEBRASKA. his present business. He Vmilt the fourth house in Hastings and has seen that settlement grow to its present dimensions, with a population of 15,000. He is a Kepuhlieau in politics, and was a member of the first city council of Hastings. He was united in marriage, in 1863, to Miss Ellen Ballard, who was born in Indiana in 18-14, and to them have been born two children: Lueva, now the wife of A. Yeazel, of Hastings, and Mary, wife of Edward Allen, cashier of the First National Bank at Ottawa, 111. For about one year after Mr. Cox came to Hastings his were the only female children in the town. George Crafford, agriculturist and stockman, of Zero Township, Adams County, Neb., was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1828. Harriet S. Dunliar, his wife, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y. , in 1834. George Craflford was the tenth of twehe children born to Joseph and Deborah (Jack- sou) Cratford, both of whom were born in Pennsyl- vania, the former in 1780 and the latter in 1785. They were married in Washington County, Pa., in 1803. The following are the children given them: Elisabeth, Elijah, Rachel, Frances, Rebecca, Ruth, Joseph, John, Thomas, George, Martha and Mary. Mr. Crafford removed with his family to McDonough County, 111., at an earlj- day, and was there engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1863. He was a Republican, a public spirited citizen, and was deeplj- interested in the welfare of his adopted country. He was postmaster of Raccoon, Pa., for years, and while in Illinois was postmaster of a town there also. His wife died in Illinois in 1859, both being members of the Pres- interian Church. Their son, George Crafford , started out In life for himself in 1851, and two years later was married to Harriet S. Dunbar, a daughter of Noah W. and Sarah (Hops) Dunliar, both of whom were born in \''ork State. He farmed in Illinois until 1868, then removed to Lucas County. Iowa, where he made his home until 1870, then went to Kansas, and a short time later came to Cass County, Neb. This county continued to be his home until 1873, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Adams Countj'. He is the owner of one-half section of land — 160 acres in Adams County and a like quantity in Webster County. He is an enterprising citizen, is a Repub- lican in his political views, and on this ticket was elected to the office of county supervisor in 1884, and he has also been a member of his local school board a number of terms. He is one of the wealthy farmers of the county and his farm is well stocked, his cattle and sheep being of an especially good grade. His children's names are as follows: Joseph M. , who died in 1879; Noah W. , who is mamed to Marj- E. Nichols, their union taking place in 187S; George C. , Leonia E. and liable M. , who was born in Cass Count}-, Neb. The four first named were born in ]McDonough County, 111. Alexander H. Cramer is an excellent example of what can be accomplished in life when thorough de- termination to succeed is coupled with energj% per- severance and close application, and he is now un- questionably one of Adams County's most pub- lie spirited citizens. He was born in Utiea, N. Y. , January 31, 1852, but his primary education was received in Oneida, 111. , after which he was engaged in farming, and later clerked in the store of Pratt & Lawson; and in this capacity remained with the firm after their removal to Hastings, Neb., October 1, 1872. However, in the spring of 1873, he entered the employ of A. W. Cox, a lumber dealer, but the same year, being a stanch supporter of the Republican part}', he was elected on that ticket to the office of clerk of Adams County, and served by re-election three successive terms, later serving four years as clerk of the district court. In 1877 he purchased a set of abstract books and engaged in that business, making the first complete set of abstract books in Adams County, all of which are now the property- of the firm of Cramer & Rohrer. In 1881 Mr. Cramer formed a partnership with H. Bostwick, and opened what was then known as the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, which was located where the Cit}' National Bank now stand?. In De- cember, 1885, Mr. Cramer sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the abstract, loan and in- surance business, at the same time dealing exten- sivelj' in real estate. In July, 1886. he liecame one of the organizers of the Western Loan and In- vestment Company, of which he was chosen vice- president, anil the same year the firm of Cramer, -t" K J^^ ADAMS COUNTY. 231 Rohrer & Robinson was organizi'd and continued two years, when Mr. Robinson withdrew, and the firm now stands as Cramer & Rohrer. They are safe, thorough and reliable business men, and without doubt de- serve the large patronage which they command. He belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 50 of the A. F. & A. M. , and is also a member of Hastings Lodge No. 28 of the K. of P. His man'iage to Miss Ella Cox, daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth Cox, was solemnized in October, 1884. Mrs. Cramer was born in Henry County, Ind. . and is the mother of two children, Edna and Mabel. Mr. Cramer is a son of Alexander and Cynthia (Harris) Cramer, who were born in New Jersey and New York in 1810 and 1822 respectively, and the former's death occurred in the State of Iowa in Februarj-, 1874. In 185G he removed with his familj- to Wisconsin, but thirteen years later settled in Illinois, and finally in Iowa. The mother is still living, and resides at Indianola, Neb. E. N. Crane, merchant, Kenesaw, Neb. Prom- inent among, and one of those citizens of Kenesaw who have held the advancement of the town and Adams County above all personal interests, and who have devoted years of their time and labored assid- uously for its advancement, is the subject of this article. He owes his nativity to Hillsdale County, Mich., where his birth occurred on March 14, 185.3, and is a descendant of one of the old Puritan fam ilies, his ancestors coming to America long before the war for independence, and some of them partic- ipated in that memorable struggle. His paternal grandfather died from the effects of a wound received in the War of 1812. Mr. Crane is a worthy repre- sentative of this old famil}-, and sound Puritan- ical traits of integrity and industry- have character- ized his successful career. His parents, Daniel C. and Lucy (Benedict) Crane, were both natives of New York State, were married in that State, and in 1840 emigrated to Michigan, being among the first settlers of Hillsdale County. They resided there until 1878. when thej- removed to Hastings, Neb., and there Mr. Crane died in 1877, at the age of sev- enty-one years. His widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gen. A. V. Cole, at Juniata, Neb. Young Crane grew to manhood in that ncwlj- developed country, when the district school was the Alma Mater of many, and naturally received a better practical than literar}' educatioi-. It is verj- probable that there he developed the true business principles which have characterized his success so far. He earlj' aspired to a mercantile life, and in order to better qualify himself for such he entered Mayhew Business College, of Detroit, Mich. , from which he graduated in 1875. Soon after leaving college he accepted the position of book-keeper for the firm of Smith Bros. , an exten- sive mercantile finn of Addison, Mich. , and remained with them until the spring of 1876, when failing health compelled him to resign. In the hopes of regaining his health he began traveling in the West, and spent a part of the time at Juniata, Neb. , after which he went to Philadelphia to attend the Centen- ial Exposition. He then returned to Juniata, but later engaged as a traveling salesman, which occu- pation he followed until 1883, when he came to Ken- esaw and established himself in the general mercan- tile business. In 1883 he erected his present business block, the largest and finest business house in Ken- esaw. He has always taken an active interest in the general welfare of the place, and has been prom- inenth" identified with all movements tending towards its improvement. He is a charter member of Kene- saw Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M. , also a member of Mt. Nebo Commandery No. 11, Hastings, Neb., and takes a deep interest in political matters, being chairman of the Adams Count}" Republican con- vention in 1887. On July 26, 1878. he was united in marriage, at Juniata, Neb., with Miss Ella V. Light, a native of Angola, Ind. , and their union has been blessed by the liirth of two children: Susan Agnes and Daniel C. Mr. Crane is a man of genial disposition, courteous and charitable, and eajoj's with his family the respect and esteem of all. William S. Crow, ex-county treasurer of Adams County, and now actively engaged in farming and stock raising, was born in Fayette County, Pa., August 2, 1835, being a son of Alexander and Christina (Sadler) Crow, who were born in Mary- land and Fayette County, Pa. , and died in Vinton County, Ohio, aged fifty-seven and sixty-two, re- spectively. The paternal grandfather, John Crow, t k^ ^ 232 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. was a German wlio laino to the United States at an early da}', and died in Licking County, Oliio. William S. Crow is the fourth of nine children, five now livinji, and when about one 3'ear old was taken by his parents to Guernsey Count}-, Ohio, and was there brought up to the life of a farmer, learning during his youth many lessons of industrj' and per- severance, which have since stood him in good stead. After acquiring a fair knowledge of the English branches in the district schools near his home, he entered the scientific course in Witten- lierg College, Springfield, Ohio, in which institution he graduated in the- commercial department, after wiiich he spent nearly fifteen 3'ears in teaching in the public schools in Southern Ohio. In 1864 he served for one hundred days in the United States ser\'ice, doing dutj- at City Point, Ya. . during the siege of Richmond. In the fall of 1875 he emi- grated to Nebraska, and in 187(5 he homesteaded his present property, and has since given his attention to tilling the soil and raising stock, and the success which has attended his efforts denotes him to be a thrifty and intelligent agriculturalist. His farm of 280 acres is one of the best impi'oved in the county, and being a natural mechanic, all his buildings have been erected by himself. He has always been a Republican in politics, and his first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont. In 1881 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Adams County, and for two years discharged the duties of this re- sponsible position in a manner highly complimen- tary to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is one of the substantial men of the county, is thoroughly' practical, and does not use tobacco or intoxicants in any form. James B. Dallas, hardware merchant, Hastings, Neb. No better proof of the advancement of Hast^ ings within the last ten years can be shown than the dimensions which the hardware trade has assumed. Among others, one of the largest is the well known house of James B. Dallas, who established his busi- ness in 1883. He was born in Urljana, Ohio, January 20, 1859, and is the j'ounger of two children born to the union of James B. and Sarah E. (McClellan) Dallas, natives of Ohio. The father was born in lS2St, and died in his native county in Ohio, in 1860. He was a farmer b}' occupation. The mother was born in 1831, and now resides in Frank- lin, Ohio. James B. Dallas was reared in Middle- town, Ohio, and there attended school. He emi- grated to Hastings, Neb., in 1877, was for some time in the employ of Phillips & Hamot in the grocery business, and then began the hardware business in the employ of Lawson & Hamot. In 1883 he began the business for himself in partnership with C. H. Dietrich, and about one year later changed to Dallas & Litton, which continues at the present time. They are doing well and are enterprising business men. 5Ir. Dallas was united in marriage in 1884 to Miss Amelia Litton, a native of St. Joseph, Mo. , born in 1865, and the daughter of William and Elizabeth Litton. To Mr. and Mrs. Dallas has been born one child, Joseph D. , whose birth occurred January 4, 1888. Mr. Dallas is an uncompromising Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Hancock. lis is a prominent young business man of the city. Nicholas F. Damron keeps a livery sale stable at Hastings, Neb. , which from the large business done, not only exemplifies the importance of the town , but reflects credit upon his management also. He has been a resident of Adams County since November 4, 1877, but was born in Pike County, Mo. , Decem- ber 4, 1838, and is one of eight children born to James T. and Martha J. (Thurman) Damron, who were native A''irginians. The father died in Minne- sota, in 1861, and his wife in 1887. Nicholas F. Damron, owing to the early death of his father, was compelled to fight his own way in the world, and after acquiring such education as could lie obtained in the puljlic schools prior to his thirteenth year, he began driving a peddling wagon in Southern Wis- consin, and then followed the occupation of mer- chandising until his removal to Hastings at the above named date. For two years after his arrival here he conducted the Commercial Hotel, which stood on the present site of his livery stable, Init in 1889 the building was consumed by fire, and a short time after he erected the present Commercial Hotel. He has been engaged in the livery and sale business for the past eight years and has bought and sold as many horses as any other man in Nebraska, and is ( deceased ) Adams County Nebraska ADAMS COUNTY. 233 ever ready to purchase good animals, guaranteeing a ready sale of any stock placed in his hands. In point of convenience and in regard to the animals 11 ud vehicles which he owns, his establishment is second to none in the State. His residence is one of the finest in the city, which with all its improve- ments cost about $12,000. He was married in 1861 to Miss Frances V. Jefferson, a native of the "Em- pire State," who is well known as an admirable housekeeper and a worthy and intelligent lady. They have three children: Edith, James F. and Birdie. Mr. Damon belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 50, of the A. F. & A. M. Walter P. Davis is a proper representative of the energetic and prosperous agriculturists of Adams County, Neb. , which element has done so much to advance the interests of the State. He was born in Dearborn County, Ind. , January 30, 1839, and re- ceived early and careful training in the mysteries of farm life from his father, Nicholas Davis, who was a well-to-do agriculturist. The latter was born on Blue Grass soil, but was reared in the " Hoosier State," and was there married to Rachel Randall, a native of Rush County, Ind. In 1857 he moved with his family to Cumberland County, 111., but in 1861 he settled in Mattoon, where he made his home until after the war, then located on a farm in Coles County, and at a still later period took up his abode in Clark County, where he continued to till the soil until his death in August, 1879. His wife .survives him and is a resident of Omaha, making her home with a son. Their family, consisting of five sons and one daughter, grew to mature years, and all are now living and are the heads of families. Walter Davis was sixteen years of age upon his removal to Illinois, and there, in September, 1861, he and two brothers enlisted in Company I, Fifth Illinois Cav- alry; he served his country faithfully until mustered out of service at Vicksburg, November 17, 1864, at which time he was promoted from a private to the position of sergeant. He was in the engagements at Pocahontas and Cotton Plant and in the siege and battles around Vicksburg, besides many small en- gagements and skirmishes. After receiving his dis- charge he returned to Illinois, and until 1872 was eno-ao-ed in farming in Coles and Cumberland Counties. In 1873 Nebraska became his home, and after farming on land near where he now lives about one year he homesteaded his present property, which consists of 160 acres, all of which is fine farming land and well fenced. His residence is a substantial frame, one and a half stories in height, and all his outbuildings are commodious and in good re- pair. He has eight acres of timber land and a well selected fruit orchard of four acres, and his propertj- is well improved in other ways. He has always been identified with tlie Republican partj-, and has served as magistrate for nine or ten consecutive years. He has been a delegate to county, State and National conventions, and has always taken an active part in the campaigns of his party. He is now a member of Geary Post No. 180, 6. A. R. , and he and wife belong to the Tnited Brethren Church. He was married in Cumberland County, 111., in August, 1859, to Mariah Needham, a native of that county, and a daughter of P. D. Needham, by whom he has the following family: W. E. , Lorena (wife of H. K. Brown), James N. , George, Charles, Lucy, Nettie, Denison D. and Minnie. J. K. Dean, farmer and stock raiser, Pauline, Neb. Mr. Dean emigrated from Livingston Countj-, III, to Adams County, Neb., in September, 1877, and was one of the pioneers of Little Blue Town- ship. He was born in Wayne Count}-, N. Y. , in 1822; was the third in a family of five children born to the union of Joseph and Elizabeth (Barrows) Dean, natives of Connecticut. The father in his younger days followed the cooper's trade, but later was a successful agriculturist. He was married in his native State in 1812, and emigrated to New York at a very early date, where he continued to cultivate the soil. He died in that State on Feb- ruary 6, 18-12, and the mother died in October, 1861. Grandfather Levi Dean was a Revolutionary soldier, and died from the eflects of service in that war. Grandfather Aaron Barrows was also in the Revolu- tionary War, and the families on both sides were early settlers in the colonies. J. K. Dean was taught the rudiments of farm life by his father at an early ilay, being educated in the subscription schools of New York. His brother and sisters were named as follows: Sarah, now Mrs. Wolcott, of Waj-ne gi ^ LL£ 284 lilSTURY OF NEB11A!>KA. County, N. Y. ; Hester, died February 2, 1884, in Adams County, Neb.; Levi W. , was born July 18, 1817, and died D.?cember 3, 1838, at Butlor, Wayne Count}-, N. Y. Our subject was married in tlie last named county on October 25, 1843, to Miss Mary Ann Post, a native of Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y. , and tlie daughter of Daniel and Mary (Cronk- hile) I'ost, natives also of New York. The father was a fanner and mechanic, and in 1852 moved to La Salle County, III. , and thence to Miami County, Kan., in 1873. His wife died in Illinois in 18G7, and his death occurred in 1885. After his marriage Mr. Dean remained in New Y^ork until 1857, when he emigrated to Illinois and engaged in farming. In 1803 he moved to Livingston County and settled in Sunljurg Township. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in La Salle Count}-, but was taken sick. In 1863 he went into service in Company D, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and was on duty for six months, when he was promoted to the ordnance de- partment. He was at DeVall's Bluff, Helena, Saline Cross Roads and others. He kei)t charge of the books, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, III., in 1865. After returning to Livingston County he followed agricultural pursuits, and was for some time in the hardware business. In 1877 he emi- grated to Adams Count}-, Neb., and purchased 160 acres of land in Little Blue Township, which he immediately commenced improving. He has alwaj's taken an active part in politics, and his vote is cast with the Republican party. He has been justice of the peace of his township for eleven years, and has filled that position in different places for the past thirty years. He is a member of Huron Post No. 1 51 , G. A. R. , and is Senior Vice Commander of the same. To his marriage ha\-e been born seven children: Huldah, now IMrs. Miller, of Adams County, J. W. , enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantrj- in 1864, and was at the battle of Peters- burg; he was taken sick, and is still suflfering; he was honorably discharged in 1865, and resides in Adams County; George, married and resides in Kansas; Medora, now Mrs. Sherman, of Adams County; J. M. , married and a resident of Adams (\)unty; Lucien and W. II. , also both living and in Adams County. Lucien Dean. Although a young man Mr. Dean has labored earnestly as an agriculturist, and iiis energ}', coupled with strict integrity and honesty of purpose, has placed him among the leading farmers of Adams Count}-. He was born in La Salle County, III., June 21, 1861, and was one of a family of 7 children born to James K. and Mary A. (Post) Dean, who removed from La Salle to Liv- ingston County in 1862, where Lucien was reared and educated, and learned the intricacies of farm work on his fatlier's land. The family removed to the State of Nebraska in 1877, and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Little Blue Township, Adams County, but Lucien only remained with his father until he was eighteen years of age, then began working for himself by the month, continuing for five years, then began tilling the soil on his own responsibility, purchasing land in Section 6, Town- ship 5, Range 9, to the amount of 167 acres, the property being partly improved. He is much inter- ested in stock raising and has a large and valuable drove of cattle and hogs. His enterprises in Ne- liraska have met with excellent results, and he has done his full share in developing Adams County, and here he expects to make his permanent home. So far as his means will allow he contributes to the building of churches and schools, and he is other- wise interested in the improvement of the county, and is ever ready to assi-st all feasible enterprises. In his political views he is a Republican, and in 1886 and 1887 was elected town clerk. His mar- riage, which occurred on October 21, 1882, was to Miss Mary A. Palmer, the adopted daughter of Wil- liam H. Palmer, of New York State. Mrs. Dean was born in that State, July 12, 1855. Mr. Dean's father and mother were born in New I'ork in 1823 and 1822, respectively, and after their marriage, in 1857, removed to Illinois, and since 1877 have re- sided in Neliraska, where they have become well and favorably known Jacob DeWester, farmer, Hastings, Neb. The County of Adams is indeed fortunate in having among her foreign-born element men whose indus- try, strict attention to business, economy and perse- verance have produced such substantial results in the diff'erent affairs with which they have connected ADAMS COUNTY. 235 themselves. Mr. DeWester belongs to this class, for, originally from Germany, his location in this county dates from 1872. He was born on the Rhine Province in 1840, and was second in a family of five children born to John and Mary (Leopold) DeWester, also natives of the Rhine Province, Ger- many. The parents left their native country in 1853, crossed the ocean to the United States and located in Rush County, Ind. Here the father fol- lowed farming and made that county his home until his death in 1882. The mother died two years later. Jacob DeWester was parti}' reared on the farm in Rush County, although up to thirteen years of age he resided in Germany and was educated in the schools of that country. In August, 1862, he en- listed from Rush Countj' in Company H, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis. He participated in the battle of Rich- mond and Vicksburg, was in the Red River expedi- tion. Pleasant Hill, and numerous other engage- ments. He had the buttons shot from his clothing, but was never wounded. He was discharged at New Orleans in 1865, after which he returned to Rush County, Ind. , where he tilled the soil. He was married in Indiana in 1862, to Miss Martha Norton, a native of North Carolina, and the daugh- ter of George and Harriet Norton, also natives of North Carolina. At an early daj', 1853, her par- ents settled in Indiana, where the mother died in 1883. The father resides in Iowa and is a success- ful tiller of the soil. In 1872 Mr. DeWester came to Adams County, Neb. , entered 160 acres which he Improved, but which he afterwards sold, and now owns eighty acres, all under a good state of cultiva- tion. Mr. DeWester is not active in politics, but votes with the Independent party. He is a member of Strickland Post No. 13, G. A. R. , at Hastings. To his marriage were born these children: Jacob, married and resides in the township; John, Lizzie, now Mrs. Ale, of West Rlue Township; Fred, Hattie and Minnie. Mr. DeWester was one of the first settlers of Adams County, and has been a wit^ ness of the wonderful growth of the same. He passed through the three seasons of grasshopper raids, the largest and hardest in 1S74, and still thinks there is no State like Nebraska. He was road overseer for a number of years, and aids with a ready hantl and willing heart all laudable enter- prises. Ira G. Dillon (deceased). Nature seems to have intended Mr. Dillon for a long and more than ordi- narily useful life, but alas for human hopes and ex- pectations, while just in tiie meridian of life his career was closed forever. He was born in Hudson , Mich. , August 26, 1836, and was a son of Michael and Margaret Jane (Griswold) Dillon, who were pioneers and farmers of Michigan. Ira G. Dillon's j^juth was spent on his parents' homestead, he re- ceiving favorable opportunities for obtaining an education in the public schools of his native State, which opportunities he did not fail to improve. At the age of twenty-four years he was united in mar- riage to Miss Cornelia Davis, but their wedded life was of short duration, for she died August 25, 1868, leaving two children: Ina May, wife of John P. Doar, a prominent lawyer of Lincoln, Neb. ; and Flora, who is now deceased, her death occurring Juh" 27, 1865. Soon after his marriage Mr. Dillon went to Saginaw, where he was engaged in the lum- ber business until his removal to St. Louis, Mich., where he followed the calling of an architect and builder. Here on July 20, 1867, he espoused Miss Laura P. Brudige, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of M. and Harriet (Parmelce) Brudige, the father a native of York State, and the mother of Ohio. Mrs. Dillon is a ver}' finely educated lady and is a grad- uate of Oberlin College, Ohio, and finished her musical education in Pennsylvania, in which State she spent two years perfecting herself in this art, following it as a calling several years prior to her marriage. Eight of her aunts were graduates of Oljcrlin College, and one, Eliza Parraelee, is a wealthy and talented lawyer of New Portage, Ohio. In 1871 Mr. Dillon came to Nebraska, and being, possessed of great energy and much ability, he was not long in securing a comfortable competeucv in his new location. He first settled on a homestead one and a half miles east of Juniata and after erects ing a good residence, setting outorchards and other- wise improving his property he, at the end of five years, moved to Juniata where he bought propertv and built him a comfortable residence. He was first ^ 236 HISTOKY OF NEBllA.^KA. engagi'd in wntracting and building after eoiiiiug to the county, and erected many of the principal dwell- ings of tlic town. In the occupation of handling grain, lumber and coal, he was in partnership with J. M. Sewell for some time, and during this time they erected the first grain elevator of the place. Later he was associated in business witli a Mr. Cole for about two years. He was an active politician and was the first marshall of Juniata, always ready to promote the interests of the town and county. He was in every respect a self-made man and his death , which occurred March 12.1 SS4, was uni\ersalh' regretted. He left an estate for his family valued at some $25,000, and in every way was a most worthy man, a kind father and a considerate hus- band. He was a member of the Baptist Church and his widow belongs to the Congregational Church. To them were born the following family: Lorena Mary, born September 15, 1869, is a teacher of music at Crete; Margaret Jane was born March 23, 1872, and is attending Doane College at Crete; Grace Wilber was born January 12, 1879; Herbert Michael was born February 6, 1881, and an infant daughter who died unnamed. William H. Dillon, hotel proprietor, Hastings, Neb. It is a fact long since recognized as an axiom that nothing adds so much to the success and happi- ness of the community as a well kept hotel. It is, therefore, with pride that we accord the space in this volume for one of the best and leading hotels of the commonwealth. Mr. Dillon was originally from Delaware County, Iowa, where his birth occurred on December 16, 1841, and is the son of Gilbert D. and Mary (Schoonover) Dillon, natives of New York. The father was born in 1800, came to Iowa in 1836 and established the first bank at Dubuque. He was one of the pioneers and a leading citizen of Delaware County. His death occurred in 1874. The mother was born in 1815 and died on the old Iowa home- stead in February, 1875. Their family consisted of six children, William H. being third in order of birth. His Iwyhood days were divided between assisting on the farm and attending the common schools, where he received a fair education. Later he attended college at Epworth, and after finishing there he went to Dubuque, in March, 1864, and clerked in a dry goods store for three years. After this he was on the farm two years, and then em- barked in the dry goods business at Worthington, Iowa, where he continued for two more years. He then sold out and for nine years was in the insurance business, lieing special agent and collector for a number of jx'ars for the Watertown Fire Insurance Company, of New York. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery business at Hopkinton, Iowa, and con- tinued at this until 1883, when he sold out and emi- grated to Nebraska. He purchased 160 acres in the Indian Reservation and later sold out, and in August, 1885, he came to Hastings. He continued at the insurance business until Februar}-, 1886, when he engaged in the hotel business and ran the New Eng- land House for one year, and ran the Commercial Hotel for two years. In February, 1889, he took charge of the Bostwick, and this he has since con- ducted. It has gained a just celebritj- since coming under the present management, its trade taxing its accommodations to the utmost. A hotel could not be conducted in a manner more pleasing to its regu- lar customers and the traveling public. He was married in Magnolia, Iowa, in 1871, to Miss Nellie Haj-ward, the daughter of Rev. W. H. and Lj'dia Hayward, and the fruits of this union have been two children: Grace G. and Hany H. In politics ^Mr. Dillon is a Republican, and he is a member of the A. 0. U. W. Gen. Caleb J. Dilworth. In the history of Adams County, Neb., In its development, growth and prosperit}', no man has taken a more prominent part than Mr. Dilworth. His career during life has been such as to give encouragement to young men without means, for his present competence has been gained 0(jly through his own efforts, and he is now well and favorably known throughout Adams County, where he is successfully occupied in the practice of law, being associated in Inisiness with a Mr. Smith, and his son William A. Dilworth. He was born in Mount Pleasant, Ohio, April 8, 1829, and is a son of Abraham Dilworth. who was born in Pennsylvania in 1793, and died in Rushville, 111., in 1832, having settled in that State'the year before, being a pioneer of Schuyler County. He was a lawyer by profession, having been admitted to the 'y s L> l):u- at Steubeuville, Ohio, as early as 1829, and for some time he was iu partnership witli W. A. Rich- ardson in the practice of his profession. The paternal granclfatlier of Gen. Dilworth, Caleb l)y name, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died at iMount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1832. Martha (Judkins) Dilworth, the mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Raleigh, N. C. , in 1796, and died iu Kansas in 1 888. Geu. Dilworth began his legal studies at an early day, and in 1848 was admitted to the bar at Lewiston, III, where he re- mained practicing his profession until 1862, when he joined the Federal Army to assist in the preserva- tion of the Union , and went into the service as lieu- tenant^colonel , commissioned August 27, 1865, of the Eighty-fifth Illinois Infantry; was ordered to Louisville, Ky. , and until the close of the war was in the Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the following bloody battles, besides many minor engagements not mentioned: Perry ville (Ky.), Stone River, where he was commissioned colonel of the Eightj'-fifth Illinois on June 18, 1863; Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and while on the Atlanta cam- paign was in the battles of Resaea, Rome, Pumpkin Vine -and Kenesaw Mountain, after which, Novem- ber 15, 186-1, he was commissioned brevet briga- dier-general, and was assigned to the Third Brigade, Second Di^^sion, Fourteenth Army Corps, aftei-ward taking part in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and iu the campaign ending at Jonesboro. where he was severely wounded in the neck. The winter of 1864 he spent in Chattanooga; then went to Coving- ton, where he remained until hostilities ceased, re- ceiving his discharge in June, 1865. He was severely wounded three times, but fearless in the discharge of his duty, a trusted and faithful com- manding officer, he was beloved and respected by all. Upon his return from the war he resumed the prac- tice of law at Lewiston, 111., but in 1870 removed to Nebraska and located at Lincoln, two years later settling in what was then Phelps County, but still continuing his practice in the above named city. From 1873 to 1877. however, his practice was con- fined to Phelps County, and in 1874 he was elected district attorney for the Second Nebraska district,' which then eml)raced the two southern tiers of counties from the Missouri River to the Colorado line. After serving iu this capacity two terms, in 1878 he was elected attorney general of the State of Nebraska, discharging the duties of this office also two terms. In the month of .Tanuaiy, 1883, he came to Hastings, and has since been a meml)er of the legal firm of Dilworth, Smith & Dilworth, well known in Adams and many surrounding coun- ties. Gen. Dilworth has always been a radical Re- publican, and has ever supported the men and measures of his party. He has been very success- ful in the practice of his profession, and is now one of the weathy land holders of the State, being the owner of 2,600 acres of land in Phelps County. November 25, 1853, he wedded Miss Emily Phelps, a native of Missouri, by whom he has a son named William A. , a member of the above firm. Lafayette Dominy, farmer, Hansen, Neb. Mr. Dominy is one of the much respected and esteemed citizens of Adams County , and one of the pioneer settlers of the same, locating on his present farm 3Iarch 2, 1876. He was bom in Brookfield Town- ship, La Salle County, 111. , in 1844, and was the seventh of a family of nine children, the result of the union of Nathaniel and Philinda (Finch) Dominy, natives of New York. The parents were married in their native State, and in 1836 emigrated to La Salle County, 111. , where the father entered land and cul- tivated the soil. They were early settlers of that State and experienced some of the hardships en- dured by the pioneers. They came overland from New York, and after reaching this State were obliged to do their marketing at Chicago, when it took five days to make the trip. Mr. Dominy made that State his home until 1880, when he moved to Nebraska and settled in Hansen. His death oc- curred in November, 1887. His excellent wife still survives him. Grandfather Dominy owned a farm on which was fought a battle of the War of 1812. He was an early settler of La Salle Countj', where he passed his last days. Lafayette Dominy was early instructed in the mysteries of farm life, and received his education in the schools of La Salle County, III. He commenced fanning for himself iu that county and was married in Brookfield Town- ship, of that county, in November, 1867. to Miss Sarah A. Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jlort-an and Mary (Kane) Smith, also natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents emigrated to Piitman County. Til. . where they remained but a short time, and then moved to La Salle County, of the same State, and settled in Brooklield Township, where the father tilled the soil until his death in 1857. The mother is still living and resides in Jewell County, Kan. Mr. Dominy moved to Adams County, Nel)., in 1876 and is now the owner of a good farm of 320 acres, and is also engaged in raising fine thoroughbred short horned cattle. He has a good orchard on his place and is prosperous and contented. He votes with the Republican party and is active in politics. He was township treasurer for some time and assisted in the organization of the townships. Jlr. and Mrs. Dominy are members of the Presbyterian Church at Hansen. Their union has been blessed by the birth of six children, three of whom are now living: Charles M. , Flora 51. , died in April, 1879, at the age of four j-ears; Eva N. , died in April, 1883, at the age of nearly four years; Edward M., Lewis M. . died in May, 188G, at the age of fourteen months, and Arthur L. JMr. Dom- inj-'s market for years was at Hastings, l)ut now his marketing is done three-fourths of a mile from his home. Jesse Doty is a well known agriculturist of Adams County, Neb., and was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1840, being the eldest child born to John and Eliza (McBride) Doty, and grandson of Jesse Dotj', one of the pioneers of Butler County, Ohio. John Doty was born in Ohio about 1812, and his early career was spent as a tiller of the soil, but he is now engaged in the liverj' business at Ox- ford. He and wife became the parents of five chil- dren: Jesse, Agnes, Aaron, Jane and Charley; but after her death in 1849 he (in 1850) married again, and became the father of five more chil- dren: Frank, George, William, David and Ida. He is a Republican in his political views. Jesse Doty, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the schools of Oxford, and in 1862 enlisted in Company A , Eightj'-sixth Ohio Infantr}-, but after receiving his discharge at the end of three months he, in 1864, again entered the army, this time becoming a mem- l)er of Company B, Fifty -fourth Ohio Infantrj-. During his term of service he took part in the fol- lowing engagements: Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, and on December 3, 1864, was taken prisoner at Statesboro, Ga. , and for three months was kept in captivity at Florence. After receiving his discharge in 1865 he returned to Ohio and engaged in farm- ing, and was married the same year of his return to I\Iiss Eraeline Poyner, a daughter of Jesse M. and Emily (Jones) Poyner, the former born in Georgia and the latter in Ohio. ]Mrs. Doty was born in the ■■ Buckeye State," in 1842, and by Mr. Doty has become the mother of the following children: Louis E. , Homer A. (married to Miss Maud Hileman, of Hastings), Orlia, Spencer V. (who died in 1887). Ira R. and Jesse L. After his marriage 3Ir. Doty moved to Indiana, luit at the end of seven jears re- turned to Ohio, and in 1878 came to Otoe County, Neb. , where he was engaged in tilling the soil until 1887, since which time he has been a resident of Adams Count}-. He bought the farm where the present insane asylum is now located, but the same year sold out to the State and purchased his present property, an improved farm of 160 acres. He gives considerable attention to stock raising, and makes a specialty of Poland China hogs. His property has been acquired through honest and persistent endeavor, and his farm is admirably conducted. He is a Re- publican, a member of the G. A. R. , and he and wife are members of the Congregational Church. "William A. Dilworth. A truth that must every- where be conceded is that keen perception, sound judgment and a determined will, supported by per- severing and continuous efforts, will surely result in success in whatever occupation one may be engaged. No young man possessing these qualities need go through the world unknown or poor. He is sure to reach the top, and if, as in the following case, the possessor be honest and moral, he need have no fears for his future. Among the 3ounger mem- bers of the legal profession of Adams County, and one of its rising lawyers, is Mr. W. A. Dihvorth, a member of the well known law firm of Dilworth, Smith & Dilworth. He was born at Lewistown, 111. . October 28, 1854, the only child liorn to the union of Gen. C. J. and Emily Dilworth. His early bo^-- V ADAMS COUNTY. 239 hood daj-s were spent in his native town, where he attended the public schools. In 1870 he came with his parents to Lincohi, and entered the University of Nebraslia. In 1877 he began the study of hiw, con- tinuing until he had attained a proficiency in the legal profession when he was admitted to the bar, in 1880, at Sidney, Neb. , and immediately- entered upon his chosen calling in Phelps and Dawson Counties, Neb. , continuing there for two 3-ears. In 1882 he went to the Black Hills, and in connection with James W. Fowler opened a law office at that place, which, however, was discontinued the next year. He then came to Hastings where he organ- ized the firm of Dilworth, Smith & Dilworth, which has been continued successfully ever since, and where he has established a reputation, which for a young attorney is very flattering. In 1881 Mr. Dilworth was married, selecting as his life compan- ion Miss Alice Morton, a native of Michigan. This union was blessed with one child, a bright and inter- esting little girl named Maude. In secret societies, Mr. Dilworth belongs to the Masonic fraternity, is a Knight Templar, K. of P. and Modern Woodmen of America. In his political views he is a stanch Kepublican, but is too deeplj' engrossed in his pro- fession to take a \-er3- active interest in politics. He is a man of keen observation, great tact and shrewd- ness, a good lawj-er, and enjovs a large and growing clientage, and is a very popular man. George A. Dreitzler, liver3-man, Hastings, Neb. This enterprising business man was born near War- saw, lud. , on September 27, 1865, and is the son of Jacob H. and Mary (Ertziuger) Dreitzler, the father a native of Germany and now a resident of Ne- braska. The mother was born in the United States, and died (in Indiana) when George Dreitzler was but nine years of age. The latter remained in Indiana until twenty-one years of age, and then emigrated to Hastings, Neb. , in July, 1887. He worked with his brother at the livery business for four months, and December 7, 1887, he bought his brother out and engaged in the business for himself. This he has since continued. He now has a well stocked livery barn, and holds the patronage of the entire neighl)orhood. It is situated on Third Street, between Denver and St. Joe Avenues. In politics | Mr. Dreitzler is independent, and supports those men who, in his judgment, are the best and most capable. He has made his own wa3' in life and deser\'es the credit and respect of all. William W. Dungan, furniture dealer, Hast- ings, Neb. Among American industries, that of furniture manufacturing has come to occupy a first place, and our goods are to be found in every foreign market. Of late years the furni- ture factories of the West have distanced all competitors, and not onlj' do they supply the whole Western continent, but dictate prices in Eastern markets, and control the trade of the South. Mr. Dungan, one of the prominent men of business in Hastings, has been dealing in furniture in that place since 1889, and has a complete line of goods, and makes a specialty of upholstering. He was born in Lawrence Count}-, Pa., on June 7. 1836, and is the son of Thomas H. and Jane (Witherspoon) Dungan. The father w-as born in what is now West Virginia in 1797, and died in Lawrence County, Pa., in 1872. He was bj- oc- cupation a farmer. He was elected bj- the Whigs to represent Lawrence County, Pa. , in the Lower House of the Pennsylvania General Assembly-. The mother was Ijorn in what was then Beaver County , but is now Lawrence County, Pa., in 1803, and died in Lawrence Count}- in 1S51. The paternal grandfather, Robert Dungan, was a Virginian by birth, and died in Beaver Count}- when about eighty years of age. He was an uncompromising Aboli- tionist. Of the eleven children born to his parents, William W. was the seventh in order of birth, and six are now living. He was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania, and was a pupil in his native school, where he received a good practical education. In 1855 Mr. Dungan came west, and lived for a short time at Leavenworth, Kan., after which he went to Jasper County, Iowa, and there he attended and taught school until June. 1861. At that date he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and September, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of captain of Company E, Forty-ninth United States colored troops, serving in that capacity until ^March 26, 1866, when he was mustered out of service as an efficient officer and a l)rave soldier. Returning to :7i' k. 240 IIISTOKV OF NEBRASKA. Jasper County. Iowa, after the war. he engaged in tilling the soil, and this he carried on until 1873, when he emigrated to Hastings, Neb. , and here has since resided. In 1878 he began the real estate business in Hastings, and continued the same until 1889, when he embarked in the furniture business, at which he has been quite successful. He was married on October 15, 18G4, to Miss Bell Sturgeon of Jasper County, Iowa, but a native of Lawrence County, Pa., born January 13, 1846. Four chil- dren have been the result of this union: Harry D. , Mamie W. , William H. and Paul B. In politics Mr. Dungan is a Prohibitionist, and at one time represented what was then the Second ward in the city council. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. He is a member of the G. A. R. , and is a pioneer of Hastings. John P. Duncan is a prosperous grain, stock and coal merchant of Roselaud, Xeb. , and is in partner- ship with his brother. He was born in Elgin, 111. , September 14, 1845, being a son of P. W. Duncan, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1841 and settled in Illinois, having previously married in Hartford, Conn., Miss Bridget Kingsley, who died when John P. was an infant. The latter grew to manhood in his native State, and after reaching his tenth year was a resident of Savannah, and is principally self educated, the most of his knowledge of books being acquired since reaching years of maturity. He learned the stone mason's trade of his father, and after starting out in life for himself worked at this trade in Illinois tip to 1870, coming to Neliraska in May of that year, and set- tling in Adams County, where he took up a home- stead in the southern part of the county, on the Lit tie Blue River, which place he still owns. Many fine improvements were made on this farm, which continued to be his home until 1887, since which time he has been a resident of Roseland, being one of the first liusiness men of the place. He has al- ways held to the principles and supported the men and measures of 'the Democratic party, and for a number of j-cars has held the position of supervisor of Silver Lake Township, and in 1888 was elected in Roseland Township for the same position. He was married in Iowa in 1878, and wedded his second wife in Illinois in 1883, her maiden name being Bridget Lougiiran. .\ daughter blessed his first marriage, named Frances, and his second union has resulted in the birth of four children: Stephen P. , MaryE., Anna and John William. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are members of the Roman Caliiolic Church. Eben L. Dutton, farmer and stock raiser, IIol- stein. Neb. I'rominent among the esteemed and en- terprising agriculturists of the county stands the name of Mr. Eben L. Dutton, who was born in the village of Gray, Cumberland County, 3Ie. , on June 19, 1844, and who is the son of Henry Dutton, a native of the same State and county. Ileniy Dutton was reared there and there married Miss Catherine M. Dolley, who was also a native of that State and county. He was a builder and contractor, and re- sided in Cumlierland County all his life, his death occurring in November, 1881, at the age of sixty- four. The mother is still living and resides on the old homestead. Eben L. Dutton passed his boy- hood days in his native countj-, and at the age of eighteen he began learning the mason trade, which occupied his attention for three years. He then went to Boston and was engaged in contracting and building for about three years, after which, in 1864, he came west to Illinois, located in Henry County, and was there interested with his brother in farming for two years. From there he went to Chicago and worked at his trade for three years, after whicli he emigrated to Nebraska in the spring of 1872. located in Adams County, six miles northwest of Juniata, and there tilled the soil. He improveil three farms in Adams County, and in the fall of 1885 settled on his present tract of land, which he has improved and cultivated. He moved to Kene- saw in the spring of 1882, engaged in the hardware business, which he continued for three years, then, sold out and moved to his present farm. He is the owner of 400 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation, has a comfortable residence, good out^buildings, and Is one of the prosperous men of the county. He rents some of his land, but still controls 120 acres near Kenesaw, and this year he has 65 acres in corn and 65 acres in small grain. In his political views 3Ir. Dutton affiliates with the Re- publican party, and has ever voted with the same. ^f ADAMS COUNTY. 241 He has held the office of township ti-easurer, also township supervisor for one or more terms, and has served as a member of the school board ten consecu- tive years. He was commissioned in the Nebraska National Guards as follows: First lieutenant Mounted Infantry, March 13, 1878; second lieutenant of in- fantry, June 9, 1882, and as captain August 9, 1884. He is deepl}- interested in educational matr ters, and is a liberal supporter of all worthy- move- ments. He was married in Adams County, Neb., in 3Iay, 1875, to Miss Sjivia E. Thompson, a native of the Bucke3'e State, but who was reared and edu- cated in Iowa. The Isketch of her father, A. S. Thompson, appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Button has been born one daughter, Lottie. .Air. Dutton is a Master Mason, and a man much es- teemed and respected. Levi Eddy, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. Mr. Eddj' is one of the pioneer settlers of Adams Count}', Neb. , locating on Section 20, West Blue Township, on October 25, 1872, and is one of the progi-essive, intelligent and respected citizens of this community. He was born in Cattaraugus Count}-, N. Y. , in 1835, and was the eldest of eleven children born to the union of John and Nancj' (Wheeler) Eddj", natives of Genesee County, N. Y. The father was married in his native State, was a farmer, and in 1853 moved to Walworth Count}', Wis. , where he opened up a farm. During the war he moved to Kock County, Wis., and there tilled the soil until October. 1866, when he moved to Eureka, Kan. , and died near Elk Falls of that State in 1879. The mother died at Cherryvale, Kan., in 1884. Levi Eddy was educated in the schools of New York, and under the training and influence of his father he was led to follow agricul- tural pursuits, which has been his chief occupation through life. He moved with his parents to Wal- worth County, Wis., in 1853, and from there, in 1859, to Bureau County, 111., where he engaged as a farm laborer. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Lee County, 111., in Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and was assigned to the Western Dci)art- ment. He was in the battle of Nashville, Stone Kiver, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and in many skirmishes. He received a wound at Nashville, Tenn. , on December 16, 1864, but returned to service in the same year, and was through the entire service. He was honoral)ly dis- charged at Camp Butler, 111., on November 4, 1865, returned to Bureau County, 111., thence to Rock County, Wis. , and was married in Walworth County, Wis., in 1866, to Miss Isadore Wilkins, a native of Walworth County, Wis. , and the daughter of James and Hannah (Ferguson) Wilkins, natives of New Jersey. About 1840 her parents moved to Wal- worth County, Wis., being pioneers of that county, and there the father followed tilling the soil. He is still living, is eighty-four years of age, but the mother died in Wisconsin in 1877. After his mar- riage Mr. Eddy cultivated the soil in Wisconsin until coming to Nebraska in 1872, and here entered 160 acres of land which he immediately commenced to improve, erecting a good house and excellent out buildings. He raises considerable stock, and is one of the wide-awake farmers of the county. He is not active in politics, but votes with the Repulilican party, is a member of the school board, being mod- erator, and has been road supervisor for years. He was here at the organization of the precincts, first in Denver precinct, then jMr. Eddy took an active part in forming West Blue precinct, and later West Blue Township. Socially he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and ]Mrs. Eddy is a member of the Jletho- dist Church. To their happy union have been born ten children, eight of whom are nqw living: Ida (now Mrs. Ulmer.of Hastings), Rosa (died December 31, 1887, at the age of nineteen years), Warren Alice, Seba (died in 1885 at the age of eleven years), Dora, James, Ruth, Ira and Pearl. At the time Mr. Eddy built in Adams County there was no set- tlement between his place and Hastings, a distance of five miles, and the latter place was hardly a ham- let, containing one small wooden building with a number of sod cabins. Mr. Eddy has seen the com- plete development of the country, being one of the oldest settlers in West Blue Township, and has al- ways taken an active part in furthering all laudalile enterprises for the good of the same. Gordon H. Edgerton, one of the firm of Hum- phrey & Edgeiton, owes his nativity to Essex- County, N, Y. . where his birth occurred May 10, ihL 242 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. 1842, and is one of the prominent men of Hustings. His parents, Jonah and Permclia (Benedict) Edger- ton, were natives respectively of New York and Vermont, and removed to Hlinois where they settled in Knox County, in 1845. Both died in Illinois, in February, 1807, at the age of fifty-eight and forty- eight years, respectively. Of the nine children born to their union, five are still living, and Gordon H. is the eldest. One brother, RoUin, was a soldier in the late war, was taken prisoner at the battle of Murfreesboro, and was an inmate of Libby and An- dersonville prisons for some time. After his libera- tion he started home and died at Annapolis, Md. Gordon H. Edgerton attended the public schools of Knox County, 111. , and later entered an academy at Andover, 111. He then taught school for about three winters, and in January, 1865, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served five months, being discharged at the close of the war. Returning home he remained there until the spring of 18G6, when he went to Colorado, and there remained until 1871, when he emigrated to Adams County, Neb. He first settled in Hanover Township, when there was but one family in the same, took a homestead and lived there until November, 1889, when he removed to Hastings. He is now the owner of 640 acres of land in Hanover Township, all well improved and cultivated. On October 26, 1889, he bought one- half interest in the Queen Citj' Roller Mills and has been very successful. He is a practical and thorough man of business, being upright in alibis transactions and highly esteemed both far and near. His mar- riage with Miss Elva Bird was celebrated in March, 1876, and they are the parents of three children: Arthur, Goldie and Fay. In politics Mr. Edgerton is a Republican, and for two years was a county commissioner of Adams County. He is a member of the G. A. R. , and is one of the leading farmers of the county. H. Fred Einspahr, farmer, Kenesaw, Neb. There are manj- citizens of foreign birth represented within the pages of this volume, Init none are more deserving of mention than Mr. Einspahr, who is not onl}' one of the most sultstantial men of the county, but one whose career in life has been of particular interest. Mr. Einspahr was born in the province of North Dithmarschcn, Ilolstein, Germany, on Decem- ber 22, 1840, and is the son of Hans II. and Wiebke (Hansen) Einspahr, both natives of Ilolstein. The parents emigrated to America in 1863, locating near Chicago, 111., but later, in 1871, moved to that eitj- and there resided until 1885, when they removed U> Adams County, Neb. There they still reside, and are seventy-six and seventj'-eight years of age, re- spectively. H. Fred Einspahr attended the scliools of his native country-, where the children were re- quired to attend eight hours each day, six hours during the day time, and two hours in the evening at the night school. At the age of, fourteen years he was apprenticed to a merchant, with whom he re- mained four years. He then began the life of a sailor, and before leaving the sea had sailed in the German, English and American merchant marines. He visited the "land of the midnight sun," made voyages to Iceland and North Cape and the West Indies. While a sailor on the American merchant- man " Shymal of Boston" in 1862, he went on a voyage to the Mediterranean Sea, and was there pur- sued by the Confederate cruiser ' ' Sumter," com- manded by Capt. Semmes, but escaped by seeking refuge in the harbor of Gibraltar. In 1862 he landed in America, and came westward to Chicago to visit his relatives there. He soon determined to liecome a citizen of the United States, and signal- ized his devotion to his chosen countrj' by at once joining the American navy, serving on the " St. Clair" under the command of Commodore Porter. He was present at the bombardment of Fort Donel- son in 1863, and was in many other engagements. After the termination of hostilities he returned to Chicago, and for ssveral years was engaged in various enterprises in and near the city. He fol- lowed agricultural pursuits in Whiteside County, III, for three years, and in 1883 he came to Adams County, Neb., and located on his present land, which he had purchased in 1876. He now owns 440 acres on Section 1 6 , Wanda Township, and has one of the finest farms in this section of the State. In 1864 he married Miss Lena Einspahr, and this union has been blessed l)v the liirtli of ten children: Bertha (now Mrs. Fred Beirow), John W. , Peter H. , -f^ ADAMS COUNTY. 243 Amelia (now Mrs. Frank Lukow), Herman G., Annie, Haas F. , Christian C. , Gustav H. and Otto C. C. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Politicall}' Mr. Einspahr is a stanch Republican. In 1888 he was elected county supervisor, and was re-elected in 1889. He has also served as justice of the peace, and is a member of the board of education. Manford L. Elsemore, president of Hastings board of trade, nlanager for C. W. Dietz Lumber Companj', and secretarj' and treasurer of Hastings Dry Pressed BrLek Company, was born in Machias, Me. , on September 8, 1862, and is the son of Hiram P. and Martha J. (Vance) Elsmore, natives of Maine. The father is now flft^'-four years of age, has spent his life in the lumber trade, and is now a resident of Eau Claire, Wis. Mrs. Elsemore is fort}'-nine years of age. The family removed to Michigan in 1867 and in 1875 to Eau Claire, Wis. Manford L. Ellse- more, the second eldest of five children born to his parents, first attended the public schools and later became a student at the Weslej'an M. E. Seminar}-, at Eau Claire, Wis. , from which institution he grad- uated in 1880. Mr. Elsemore comes from a long line of lumber men, and his first experience in this business was with his father in the woods of Wiscon- sin, in getting out the lumber and surve3'ing timber lands. He remained with his father until 1883, when he entered the emplo}- of the North Wisconsin Lumber Company, at Hayward, Wis., in the capac- itj- of book keeper, and continued in their employ until the fall of 1885, part of the time as book- keeper and later as salesman. He came to Hast ings in the fall of the last mentioned year, estab- lished the C. W. Dietz Lumber Company, and in the spring of 1888, in partnership with H. B. Kuowlton, the}' bought the interest of the Hastings Dry Pressed Brick & Tile Company and established that com- panj*. Their works are located at Bricktou, near Hastings, and they employ from thirt}' to sixty men. The production of 1889 amounted to about 5, 000,000 brick. In the spring of 1889 Mr. Elsemore was elected president of the Hastings board of trade, of which he has been a member and director since its organization. He is a progressi\e and enterprising business man of Hastings, and in politics is a Re- publican. Rev. John Edward English, a distinguished mem- ber of the Catholic clergy, and rector of St. Cecelia's Church, of Hastings, was born at Kenosha, Wis., on April 14, 1855, and is the son of Thomas and Ann (Cootey) English, natives of Ireland. The parents came to the United States in early childhood, and as early as 1837 the}- settled in Chicago. They subsequently removed to Kenosha, Wis. , where Mr. English is now engaged in business. He is about sixty-five years of age. Rev. John E. English, the second eldest son, received the rudiments of an edu- cation in the public schools of Kenosha, from which he graduated at the age of sixteen years. He then spent two years at Prairie du Chien College, Wis. , and graduated from that institution at the age of eighteen years, afterward entering the University of Baltimore, from which he graduated with the de- gree of B. A. at the age of nineteen years. One year later he received the degree of BI. A. On June 7, 1879, he was ordained a priest at the University of Niagara for the Omaha diocese, and on July 3, 1879, he came to Omaha. His first mission was at North Platte, Neb. , his first territory embracing all of Western Nebraska. After a residence of two months at North Platte he was called to Omaha, and for five years was rector of the Cathedral under Bishop O'Conner. In October, 1884, he went to Exeter, Neb., where he remained until July 20, 1 888, when he came to Hastings. Here he re-organ- ized the church, and was a leading spirit and super- intendent in the erection of the Sisters of Visitation Ijuilding. He is well known as one of the best oi'- ganizers in the West, is untiring in his efforts, and is popular as a priest and citizen. J. G. Evans, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. In this day too much can not be said in praise of those who were determined enough to face the privations and dangers of a new country in order that it might be reclaimed from its primitive condi- tion. In this work it is not desired to omit the name of Mr. E\'ans, who emigrated to Adams County, Neb., in 1879, and located in Silver Lake Township. He was originally from Lancaster, Pa. , where his birth occurred in 1857, and is the second of a family of eight children, four now living, born to John and Maria (("Jral>ill) Ev;nis, natives of 244 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. tlic Kcystoue State. The father was a tailor and followed his trade in his native State until 1875, when he came to Nebraska, purchased IGO acres of land in Roseland Township, and in 1879 moved to Adams County, Neb. , whore he and wife now reside. J. G. Evans asssistod his father on the farm and received his education in the schools of Lancaster County, Pa. He moved with his parents to Adams Count}', Neb., and there began farming for himself, and in 1881 was married in that county to Miss Elizabeth B. Hargleroad, a native of Franklin County, Pa., and the daughter of Michael and Eliz- abeth (Brough) Hargleroad, natives of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Hargleroad followed farming in his native State, and in 1875 emigrated to Adams County, Neb., settling in Cottonwood Township, where he home- steaded 160 acres. He now resides on that land, which he has greatly improved, liut the mother died in July, 1882. J. G. Evans tilled the soil in Silver Lake Township until June, 1885, when he bought It')!) acres of improved land, one of the first settled farms of the county. He raises some stock. He is not active in polities, but votes with the Republican part}'. To his marriage have been born three chil- dren: Daisy, John Raymond and Jacob Earl. John Earner, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. This gentleman owes his nativity to Picka- way County, Ohio, where his Ijirth occurred in 1845, and where he received his education. In May, 1861. at the first call for troops, he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, and ranked as a non-commissioned officer. He was the youngest soldier in his company, and his brother George was a member of the same company. John Earner par- tit-ipated in the following liattles: Shiloh, Corinth, i^Tryville, Ky. , Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission- ary Ridge and others. He was one of the brave men who charged in the center and broke the rebel ranks at the last named fight. During the winter of 1863-64, he was at Knoxville, Tenn. , but later moved from tliat point to Ringgold, Ga. , thence to Resaca, where his brother was killed in 1864, from there to Dallas, Ga. , and Kenesaw Mountain. .Mr. Earner enlisted in May, 1861, and reached home in July, 1864, the term of enlistment l)eing three years. During that time he was away from his post only about three weeks, and was then on the sick list. Returning from the war he engaged in farming and has followed this pursuit since. He was married in lS72toMiss CarolineM. Scroggin,daughterof Alfred and Sarah Scroggin, natives and old i-esidents of Illi- nois. To Mr. and IMrs. Earner ha-\e been born four children: Mary J., Bertha, Grace and Carl E. Mr. Earner emigrated to Blaine Township, Adams County, Neb., in 1874, and has 160 acres of good land all under cultivation. He raises a good grade of stock, and is prominently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of the county. He has been a member of the school board of Dis- trict No. 17, for twelve years, is interested in school matters and is determined to give his children every advantage for a good education. He was township clerk for the first two yeai'S after the organization, has held the office of justice of the peace two years, and is now serving his second term as township treasurer. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party, and he and Mrs. Earner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Be- ing one of the old settlers of Adams County, Jlr. Earner has witnessed many and rapid changes in the same since his residence here, and has aided materi- ally in all laudable purposes. Mr. Earner is the third of a large family born to the union of Samuel and Elizabeth (Emert) Earner, the father a native of Pennsylvania, born about 1813. He was a son of David Earner, also of Pennsjivauia. Samuel Earner followed agricultural pursuits and was successful in this occupation. Both he and wife were members of the Evangelical Church. Their children were named George, Solomon, John, Rebecca, Daniel, who en- listed in the army in Ohio, was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga. , when fifteen j-ears of age. George and Solomon were both in the service, the latter receiv- ing a gunshot wound in the arm. The remainder of the children are: Benjamin E. , Susannah Mary. Louis W. , Cyrus W. , Samuel and Clara J. The father died in 1888, and his wife previous to this, in 1884. They were buried at Lincoln, Logan County. Ill Solomon Etivinger. From the brief sketch here given of the life of Mr. Eavinger it will be seen that his days have tieen de\oted to hard labor, and dur- ■4-2-1- ^ >^. ADAMS COUNTY. 245 ing the years that he has • ' pursued the even tenor of his way " he has acoumuhTted sufficient means to keep himself and family in comfort, if not in lux- ury, the rest of their days. Born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 12, 1847, he is a son of Abraham and Hannah (Spair) Favinger, who were native Penn.svlvanians, but after their marriage moved to Ohio, thence to Nol)le County, Ind. , where they spent the rest of their days, the father dying aljout 1873, and the mother a few j^ears later. Solomon remained with Ids parents in Nolile County until he reached manhood, but started out in life for himself in the State of Wisconsin, whither he went in 18(54, and for a period of fifteen years made his home in Outagamie County, being engaged in sur- veying, locating and dealing in real estate. In the fall of 1879 he removed to Nebraska and purchased the farm on which he is now residing. By subse- quent purchases his land now amounts to 495 acres, all of which is exceedingly fertile and nearly all well tilled. He has about 120 acres in corn, ninety acres in barley, forty acres in wheat, and sixty acres in oats, besides the land he has rented out. He has a new two-story residence, fair out buildings, and a good young orchard. In his political views he is a Republican, and has held some local offices in the township. He was married in Outagamie County, Wis., December 26, 1870, to Miss Louisa Berthier, a daughter of John Berthier. and by her has a family of five children: Edna May, Hubert F. , Charles N. , Cora A., and Blanche A. Mr. and Mrs. Favinger are memliers of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. James B. Filbert, editor and publisher of the Adams County Tribune, Kenesaw, Neb. Gener- ally age and experience are essential to success and promotion, but in the example liefore us appears a young man who has risen without an}' especial for- tuitous circumstance, to the head of one of the rep- resentative papers of Adams County; and although he has but recently taken charge of this [xiper. The Adams Countv Tribune, his successful management of the same warrants the assertion that under his control and conduct, the paper is destined to exert an influence which shall be felt in literary circles in this vicinitv. Mr. Filbert is about thirty years of age, having been liorn in Greene County. Ind.. April 12, ISGO, and is the son of Joel and Rutli (Bowen) Filbert, both natives of Indiana, and de- scendants of prominent families there. The Filbert family is of English extraction, the ancestors com- ing to America and settling in Virginia about 1G07. James B. Filbert grew to manhood in his native State, and in 1879 came to Nebraska where, during 1880 and 1881, he was principal of the public schools at Weeping Water and Louisville, in the meantime keeping up his studies in the State Uni- versitj-. He began the study of law in 1884 under the instruction of E. H. Wooley, of Weeping Water, and later with Senator Taggart, of Hastings, and was admitted to the bar in 188G, after which he be- gan practicing. In 1886 he came to Kenesaw, and for upwards of three years was proprietor of the Commercial Hotel there. In 1888 he purchased the Kenesaw Times, and changing the name to the Adams Count}' Trilmne, has since edited and pub- lished the same. On May 16, 1885, he married Miss Dorothea Schluntz, a native of Nebraska, and the result has been two children. Mr. Filbert is a Republican in his political views. Rev. J. Fleming, Ayr, Neb. Rev. J. Fleming, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Adams County, and a man wlio for many years has been closely identified with the advancement and growth of Christianity in the community as an active, earnest minister of the gospel, is one of the honored pioneers of this portion of Nebraska. A Pennsylvanian by birth, he was liorn in JMifflin County on April 17, 1807, and is the second in a family of seven children born to the union of John and Mary (McEwen) Fleming. The father was born in 1763 in Pennsylvania, and was a farmer liy occupa- tion. He married Miss McEwen in 1805. and to them were born these children: Henry, now living in Wis- consin; Rev. J., Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Jane, Wil- liam M. and Sarah. The father was quite active in politics, was a Republican, and voted for John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. He and his wife both died in Pennsylvania, he in 1832 and she in 1848. Both were members- of the Presbyterian Church. The Flemings and McEweus were of Scotch-Irish descent. John Fleming was a soldier -^ a ^ 246 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. in the War of 1812. nnd was under Cunimodore Pony. His father. Jolin Fleming, was horn in Pennsylvania, and his arundfather, Robert Fleming;, was a native of Ireland, who eame to America and settled with his parents in Pennsylvania in the reign of King George III. Rev. J. Fleming's early life was spent in Pennsylvania, where his aneestors for a number of generations had lived liefore him. He is a graduate of Jefferson College, and is also a graduate of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He started in his ministerial duties in 18.S2, and took a mission among the Indians in Indian Terri- torj'. He learned their language, had liooks printed in the same, and was among the Muskages for about six years. From 1839 up to 1850 he was pastor of Middle Tuscarora and Fairfield, in Juniata County, and from the last named date to 1875, he was mis- sionary at Mendota, La Salle Countj', 111. From 1875 to the present time he has been located in Adams County. Neb. , and is a resident of Ayr. He married in 1832 Miss JIargaret L. Scudder, daughter of Dr. Seudder, of Princeton, N. J., and the fruit of this union was one child. Mary M. (now Mrs. O. C. Rogers, residing in Ayr Township, Adams Count}). Mrs. Fleming died in the Indian Territory in 1839, and in 1844 Mr. Fleming took for his second wife Miss Rebecca C. Patterson, daughter of James Patterson, Esq.. of Pennsylvania. To this second union have been born eight children, four sons anil four daughters: Anna J. (died in 1885), Thomas C. Henry M., Agnes H. (died in 1867), Ada R.. John A. J.. Sarah E. and William ^I. Mr. Fleming has traveled very extensively over the country, and is a man of remarkable energy and braver}-, kind and gentle to all, and has done much for the church. For years no man has toiled harder to preach Christ than he. He has estaljlished many churches in the State of Illinois, a number in the State of Nebraska, and is one of the oldest ministers in the last named State. He settled in Aj'r in 1877 with his family, but had visited the county every year for some time liefore he located here. He built a hotel at Ayr in 1870, which was the second building erected in the town. Judge James H. Fleming has been a resident of Adams County, Neb. , for the past twelve jx'ars. He comes of Irish stock, as both his parents, "William and Jane (Cullen) Fleming, were born in the ' 'Emer- ald Isle," the former's birth occurring in 1816, and the latter's in 1818. In the year 1841 William Fleming first set foot on American soil, and until 1845 he was a resident of Pennsylvania, after which he removed to Illinois, and now resides in Iroquois Count}- of that State. Judge Fleming is the second of his eight children, and was born in La Salle County, III., April 3, 1847, and from his earliest recollections his time was given to the monotonous duties of farm life. After attending the district schools for a sufBcient length of time he entered Wheaton College, which institution he attended three and one-half \ears. He afterward began the study of law in the office of Charles Blanchard, at Ottawa, 111. , and was admitted to the bar at Spring- field in 1876. Two years later he came to Hastings, Nel). , and entered upon a career of aetivit}- and use- fulness, and his reputation as a lawyer has become assured. Politically he has always been a Republi- can, and on this ticket was elected, in 1883, to the position of county judge; was re-elected in 1885, receiving the same honors in 1887, his term of office expiring January 9, 1890, when he returned to the practice of his profession. All through this long term of official life he has preserved his popularity, and has given to the county clean and faithful ser- vice, so that when he retired from the l)ench there was reason to view his official career with satis:fac- tion and pride. He has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of Hastings Lodge No. 50.1. 0. 0. F. , and p]nterprise Encampment No. 29, and also belongs to the A. 0. IT. AV. July 31. 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Cowles, a native of Illinois, born 3Iarch 1, 1858, a daughter of Chauncej- H. and 3Iargaret (Burtiss) Cowles, and two children have blessed their unif)n: William A. (born October 1 , 1880) and Henry C. (born September 6, 1887). T. C. Fleming, farmer and stockman, Ayr, Neb. As might naturally be expected, mention is made in the present work of man}- citizens of Adams Count}' now prominent in their different callings who were natives of Pennsylvania, but none more highly esteemed or respected than T. C. Fleming. His ®fv ADAMS COUNTY. 247 birth occurred in Mifflin in 1848, and he is the son of Rev. John and Rebecca (Patterson) Fleming. [See slvetch of parents on a previous page of this vohime. ] T. C. Fleming attended the schools of La Salle County, 111. , until sixteen 3-ears of age, when he went to an uncle in Pennsj-lvania, J. K. Patter- son, to learn the tanner's trade. After remaining there one year he returned to Illinois, and in 1864. filled with patriotic ambition, he enlisted in Com- panj- F, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantrj-, and was in a number of the principal engagements — Spring Hill, Tenn. ; Franklin and Nashville. He received a gun- shot wound in the right shoulder at the battle of Franklin, was disabled for a short time, and then again went into active service. He was discharged in November, 18C5, after which he returned to Illi- nois, and was here engaged in business for three j'ears. He selected as his companion in life Bliss Esther A. Cornell, daughter of Harvej- Cornell, of Lee County, 111., and was married to her in 1869, after which he tilled the soil for two jears in that State. In 1871 he emigrated to Nebraska and took up about 160 acres of land, which he has success- fully cultivated since. He came to this State in company' with 0. C. Rogers when all was wild and unbroken, when deer and buffalo were numerous; and he had the sincere pleasure of bringing down manj' of them. Wolves were also verj- plentiful. There was no settlement north of Spring Ranch, which is fourteen miles down the river, and there was no settlement between his place and the Repub- lican River. He immediately went to work to im- prove his land, erected a log house; and the first shingles to cover the roof of an^- house in the count}- were put on the same. The counti'y commenced to settle up, and in a few years thej* had all the neigh- bors thej' wanted. Mr. Fleming has a fine farm in Zero Township, also 240 acres in Ayr Township, and is the owner of about 600 or 700 acres in all. At present he is engaged in the dair}' business, and has been active in making cheese. He held the of- fice of surve\"or at an earl}' day, has been on the school board a number of times, and is deepl}" in- terested in the upbuilding of schools and churches; and, in fact, has done as much for the development and improvement of the county as any man in it. Politically Mr. Fleming's vote is cast with the Re- publican party. His marriage has been blessed by the birth of four children: Liew (a native of Illi- nois, who was but a j-ear old when his parents moved to Nebraska, but is now married and resides at Ayr), Ross, Harvej- and Agnes. M. J. Fonts, farmer. This gentleman was Ijorn in -Hancock, 111., in 1848, and is the eldest in a family of seven children born to the union of Dan- iel Perry and Emaline Perry Fonts, the father a native of Penns3-lvania and the mother of Maine. The father went to Illinois when a young man, was there married, and in 1852 went overland to Cali- fornia, driving three yoke of oxen. He made a settlement at Cloverdale, Cal. , and in 1879 went to Seattle, Wash. , where he now resides. His wife died in California in 1877. M. J. Fonts was reared to farm life until fifteen j'ears of age, and in 1863 enlisted at Virginia City, Nev , in the First Ne- vada Cavahy, which was mustered into service at Churchill, Nev, LTpon being sent to Camp Douglas, Utah Ter. , he remained there engaged in the Indian warfare. He was in service for two j-ears and eight months, and was honorablj- discharged at Camp Douglas, Utah Tei-., in 1866. He then came to Che}"enne, where for a number of years he was engaged in teaming from that cit}- to Salt Lake, and thus has been on the plains from early bo3-hood, seeing frontier life in all its phases. He commenced farming for himself on his present property at an early day, has hunted butfalo all over Adams County, and has trapped all over this vicinity. lu his early farming days Blr. Fonts was obliged to go sixtj- miles to get his plows sharpened. He was married in Adams County, Neb. , in Januarj', 1876, to Miss Maria Wiswell, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and the daugliter of G. W. and Maria (Watson) Wiswell, natives of Vermont and Ireland, respect i\ely. Her parents were married in Wisconsin, and the father was a railroad engineer on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, running from St. Louis to Pilot Knob. In 1869 he came to Thayer County, Neb., entered land, but later wont to work for the Union Pacific, running from Rawlins and Green River. The parents arc both living at the present day, the mother on the homestead and the father in .|v* 248 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Oregon. After his maiTiage Mr. Fonts began fann- ing on his present property, which consists of 100 acres innler cultivation. He was among the first to erect a frame iiouse in the township. He is not active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party, although in local matters he votes for the best interests of the county. He is a member of the G. A. K. Mr. Fouts has seen the entire growth of the county, and has assisted in all laudable enterprises for the good of the same. At the time of settle- ment there were no railroads nor towns, but now the country is thickly populated. He was a great hunter for many j-ears, and continued this pursuit up to the time he was married. He is deeply interested in educational matters and assisted in organizing the school district. To his man'iage have been born six children: Henry Ashley, Frances Grace, Laura Ellen, Daniel Wolf and Don Carl (twins) and Nora Irene. F. M. Frink. farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. One of the young but successful agricul- turists of Adams County is he whose name appears above, and who has borne an influential part in pro- moting the various interests of the county since 1874, when he iirst located here. He was born in New York, in 1852, and is the second of a family of five children born to the union of Sewell and Mariah (Tilley) Frink, natives respeetivelj- of Con- necticut and England. The father was engaged in farming in Illinois, and there he remained until 1856 when he moved to La Salle County, 111. , where he continued that occupation. In 1880 he moved to Adams County, Neb. , and there he and his wife now reside. F. M. Frink was reared to farm labor and received his education in the schools of La Salle County. In 1874 he came to Adams County, Neb., purchased 160 acres of prairie laud and commenced improving the same. He was married in Mills County, Iowa, in 1878, to Miss Florence ^lellinger, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Henry Mellin- ger, a native also of Ohio. Mr. Mellinger moved to Michigan, thence to Iowa and from there to Mis- souri, where he now resides. The mother ilicd 3'ears ago. After his marriage Mr. Frink settled on the farm where he now lives, and engaged in raising corn and oats. He is also interested in raising a good grade of Hereford cattU' and Poland China hogs. In his political views Mr. Frink votes inde- [)endently. He is a member of the Farmers' Alli- ance and takes a deep interest in all matters relating to the good of the county. He is active in school matters, and has given his children good educational advantages. His children are named as follows: Ray M. , Earl M. . Fretl and Albert. H. A. Fyler, merchant, of Hastings. As a man of business Mr. Fyler's name and fame is co-exten- sive with Adams County and the surrounding country. Every step of his financial and commer- cial career has been illustrateil with acts of liberal- ality, and with every step taken by the county towards higher development he has been closely identified. He possesses all the attriliutes necessary for a man of business, and especiallj' a merchant, for the suc- cessful merchant, like the artist or poet, is l)orn, not made. Possessing taste, discrimination and an aptitude for correctlj' reading human nature, he has been ver3' successful and stands on a sound basis among the business men of Hastings, l.ij whom he is regarded as one of the pillars of the city. He was born on a farm near Syracuse. Onondaga County, N. Y. , Januarj" 31, 1848, being a son of Alfred and Ruth (Gaylord) Fyler, and at the earl}- age of twelve years was compelled to take uj) the Ijattle of life for himself, and for this purpose left home and went to Michigan, where for a number of j'ears he spent the summer months in clerking for a small salary, and in the winter attended school. He continued thus to live until eighteen years of age, and bj' strict economy had contrived to save enough of his earn- ings to defray his expenses at a first-class commer- cial college for one term. At the end of this time he returned to his former position , where he remained five jears longer, then accepted a position as com- mercial traveler, and for sixteen j-ears was on the road, representing during this time some of the lead- ing wholesale houses in New York City, Chicago and Boston. In 1878 he engaged in the dry goods bus- iness at Three Rivers, Mich. . taking as a partner Charles Starr, of that place, but for five jears longer continued to travel, Mr. StaiT conducting the store at Three Rivers. This enterprise proved a success, and at the end of the five years 3Ir. Fyler came to -^l^ ADAMS COU:STY. 249 Hastings, Neb., and in tlie spring of 1886 opened a large dry goods store, his store building being erected under his own personal supervision, and in dimen- sions being 44x135 feet. Plis stoclv comprises the best goods to be found in tlie New Yorlv marlvet, is of the latest style and is disposed of at very reason- able prices, and his is an establishment in which the people of Hastings feel much pride, for it is one of the most extensive of the kmd in the AVest, and with the exception of Omaha is the finest in the State. The office work and accounting are in charge of H. A. Chapman, and he reports a business of !$175,000 done during the year 1889. J. H. Beifuss has the management of the dress goods department, and is an artist in store and window decorating, and lioth these gentlemen have been in Mr. Fyler's employ since the business was established. He also has fifty-seven other employes. His business success has been remarkable, and the confidence reposed in him by the people, and the interest he takes in the advancement and welfare of Hastings and Adams Countj-, are rarely equalled at the present day. He has always been a Republican in politics, and socially is a member of the JIasonic fraternity. On June 12, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Arnold, of White Pigeon, Mich., a daughter of Oliver Arnold. Edward F. Gettle is a proper representative of the energetic young business men of Juniata, which element has done and is doing so much for the advancement of the material interests of the place, and is one of the foremost hardware merchants of the county. He was born in Michigan in 1857, and is the only child of John H. and Adelaide (Cutter) Gettle, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, the former a tailor by occupation. In 1860, they removed to the State of Illinois, and here the father still resides, the mother having died in 1883. The former served three years in the Army of the Cumberland in the late Civil War, and was a true and ti'usty soldier to the cause he espoused. Edward F. Gettle was reared in town and attended the public schools until he attained his fifteenth year, at which time he dropped his books to learn the tinner's trade in the town of Lena, working as an apprentice for three years. He then followed his 16 ^ trade in various places for a year or two, and the j"ear 1879 found him in Juniata, Neb. , which place has since been his home. He first worked for a Mr. Pickaril for a period of three years, and after spend- ing a short time in Kansas, he returned to Nebraska and worked one year in Hastings, after which he established his present business. He carries a full stock of shelf and heavy hardware, and manufac- tures a great deal of his own tinware, his stock of goods being valued at $3,500. He is a Mason, belonging to Juniata Lodge No. 42, and is also a memlier of James Laird Camp, Sons of Veterans. Although not an active politician he was elected, in the fall of 1888, to the office of township supervisor, and was re-elected in the fall of 1889. In 1882 he was married to Miss Ada D. Allen, a daughter of Col. E. M. Allen, and by her has two children: John Edwin and Fannie A. John C. Giddings is a representative agricul- turist of Adams County, Neb., and acquired the principal part of his knowledge of the calling from his father. Rev. Uriah J. Giddings, who, in addition to being a tiller of the soil for some time, was a Methodist Episcopal minister. The latter was mar- ried to Miss Amanda Stafford, a daughter of Jona- than Staflford, their union taking place in 1838, and by her he became the father of eight children: Moses, residing in California; Sophronia (Mrs. Dress- back, of Lanark, 111.), William (in Hale, Jones County, Iowa), Mar3- (Mrs. Chase, of Chicago, 111.), John C, Frank (living in Hale, Iowa). Luc\- (Mrs. Shannon, of Bloomington, 111.), and Fred (who died in 1857). Rev. Giddings was born in New Hamp- shire, being a son of Fetus Giddings, of Connecti- cut, but afterward moved to Pennsylvania with his parents, and spent the early part of his life in that State. He settled in Warren County, 111. , in 1836, and for five years followed fanning, after which he entered the ministry, becoming a member of the Canton, 111. , conference, and was engaged in preach- ing the Gospel the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1883, and his wife's in 1858. He was first an old line Whig in politics, but later became a Republican. After the death of his first wife he married Martha E. Rose, daughter of ^latthias Rose, of Illinois, and by her reared a son and daugh- f ^ <« 250 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. ter: Frederk-k (nt Noniinl, Ill.),:iiiil Josephine (Mrs. Jones). John C. Giddings, the immediate subject of this slieteh, was born in Kickapoo County, 111., in 1840, and was the fifth child born to his father's first union. His school daj's were spent in his native State, and in 18G3 he started out to fight the battle of life for himself, and farming has been his princi- pal occupation ever since. He was married in Rock Island County, 111., in 1872, to Livona C. Philleo, a daughter of Addison N. and Mary (Rosenberg) Philleo, and by her has the following family of children: Clarence. Charles, Jennie, Frank and Emmet. After farming in Illinois until 1880, he worked in the lime kilns of Port Byron, III, for two years, after which he came to Adams County, Neb., and purchased eighty acres of land, which he has since increased to 160 acres. His land was per- fecMy wild at the time of his purchase, but he now has it well improved and stocked and makes a specialty of raising short-horn cattle and Poland China hogf . Like the majority of Adams County's citizens he is public spirited, and assists all good works, not only by his influence but also financially. He is a Republican in his political views, and he and wife are members of the JMethodist Episcopal Church, and attend services at Ayr. J. Goding, farmer and stock raiser, Pauline, Neb. The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the well known residents of Little Blue Township, who, like many other settlers of the count}-, came originally from Illinois, where his birth occurred (in Adams County) in 1840. His parents, Parker and Laura (Ross) Goding, were natives of Maine, and were married in that State in 1837. From there they moved to Adams Count}^, 111., settled on a farm and there resided until 1856. when they moved to Jo Daviess Count}-, 111. , where the father was engaged in merchandising at "Warren. He died in 1867, and his wife in 1879. Of the four children born to their union, Hourj- is liaggage master at Warren, 111. , J. is our subject, Marcellus resides in California, and Luther, who started west in 1878, was murdered at Council Bluffs, Iowa. J. Goding's youthful days wei-e passed in assisting on the home place, and in attending the common schools of Adams County, 111. Later he attended school at Warren, and there finished his education. At the age of nineteen j-ears he started for Pike's Peak, going overland, and in 1850 came to Ne- braska, and thence to Galveston, Tex. From there he went to New Orleans and back to Warren by the Mississippi River, traveling 3,000 miles that year. Later he commenced tilling the soil in Illi- nois, and in 18G2 was married in Jo Daviess County, of that State, to Miss Sarah Ann Conley, a native of Oneida Count}-, N. Y. , and the daughter of James and Sarah (Loveland) Conley, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of New York. Mr. Conley was a farmer by occupation and in 1861, at the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, but on account of fail- ing health was discharged at Fort Donelson, and re- turned to Illinois. He came to Nebraska in 1873, settled in Adams County, Little Blue Township, and there his death occurred. The mother died some years ago. Mr. Goding tilled the soil in Illinois until 1873, when he came to Nebraska, entered eighty acres of land, erected at first a sod house, and later a good frame building. Hastings was then a small hamlet, and Juniata was the county seat. Mr. Goding had to go to Hebron to mill, a distance of sixty miles. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party; has been township con- stable for one year, and has also filled the office of road supervisor. He is a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in educational matters. To his marriage have been born seven living children: Laura, now iMrs. Parkins, of Pauline; Henry, married and resides near by; John, resides in Hastings; Eva, now Jlrs. Smith, of this township; Jonas, Mattie and Luther. Mr. Goding experienced the grasshopper raids of 1874, and lost his team; but in spite of all drawbacks, he has been quite successful. John Gordon, farmer and stock raiser. Hastings, Neb. The subject of this sketch, well and favor- ably known to a host of acquaintances in this com- munity, was born in Scotland in 1840, and was one of six children, the result of the union of Robert and Martha (Pollock) Gordon, both of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in Scotland, was maiTied there and there passed his last days. The ft) ADAMS COUNTY. 251 mother died in Nebraska in 1880. Both were mem- bers of the Episcopal Church. Their children were named as follows: Mary A., James, in Nebraska; Robert (deceased), Matilda J. , in Canada; William (deceased) and John. The latter when a small boy came to this country with his mother and settled in ]Massachusetts. He learned the tailoring trade while j^oung, and followed it for a number of j^ears. He was married iu 1860 to Miss Mary Thompson, a daughter of John Thompson, of Ontario, Canada, and nine children were the fruits of this union: Jane, now Mrs. McNeal, living in Hanover Town- ship, Adams County, Neb.; Robert AVilliam, died in 1889; John, at home; Matilda, at home; Addie, at home; Martha M. , Freddie, died in 1881 ; Charles ■ E. , and Henry A. Mr. Gordon emigrated to Hast- ings, Neb., in 1875, took up the land where he now lives, it being a timber claim, and now has a fine farm. He has been in the State about seventeen years and has seen many changes during that period. He had some experience with the grasshoppers, and has been through some of the severe storms of that State, but for all that thinks that Nebraska cannot be beaten. On first coming to Nebraska Mr. Gor- don worked at the tailor's trade in Hastings for a few years, but later settled on his farm. Hastings at that time consisted of only a few houses. 3Ir. and Mrs. Gordon are members of the Episcopal Church. He has been a member of the school board of the district and was elected as supervisor of Hanover Township in 1890. He is a Republican in politics and a public spirited citizen. Charles Grebe, farmer and stock raiser, Juniata, Neb. In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closeljr associated with the farming find stock raising interests of Adams County, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Grebe, for it is one which has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic men of Prussian nativitj', who have risen to promi- nence in different portions of this country. He was born December 4, 1845, attained his growth in his native country, and remained with his father until reaching mature years. He served for two j'ears, from 1864 to 1866, in the German Army, and after being discharged came to the United States. He resided in Illinois in the spring of 1867, working on a farm in Logan County, and there remained for about five 3'ears, when he moved to Nebraska. He entered a farm in Adams County, in the year 1872, commenced improving the same, added to it, and now has 320 acres of as good land as is to be found in the township. He served as magisti-ate one year and for two years held the position of supen-isor in Roseland Township. When 5Ir. Grelie came to this country he was in debt one hundred dollars and had nothing but his clothing. He now has an ex- cellent farm and is considered one of the most suc- cessful agriculturalists of Roseland Township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1883 Mr. Grebe returned to Prussia, visited his parents, Fred and Louisa (Landau) Grebe, both natives of Prussia, where the father died in 1885, and spent the sum- mer in visiting different portions of the old country. His mother is still living. Peter Griffith. Adams County, Neb. , has long had the reputation of being one of the best agricul- tural regions in the State, and not only do the fanners here give much attention to this industrj', but devote much of their attention to stock raising also, and are usuallj- men of enterprise and intelli- gence. Prominent among those who have done their full share in advancing every interest of the county is Mr. Griflith, who has resided here since March, 1874. He was born in Wj-oming County, N. Y. , September 15, 1836, and is a son of Aseph and Elizabeth (Granger) Griffith, who were born, reared and married in the "Empire State " The father was a carpenter b}' trade, Imt his career was brought to a close quite suddenly in Peunsj-lvania, where he was residing with a son, in April, 1856. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man who possessed mam' sterling traits of character, strict integrity being one of his principal characteristics. His wife died in April, 1853, having borne him six sons and three daughters, one of the daughters dving at the age of eighteen j-ears and one in infancy. Peter Griffith is the youngest of the family, and un- til nineteen years of age resided in his native county, receiving the advantages of the common schools (as well as private instruction). He removed to 3Iercer County, III, and after attending school at Rock ' "i^ s \ " z^z HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Tsland for some tiiiic engaged in teaching school, which occupation continued to be his principal means of livelihood until his removal to the State of Nel)raska in the ^-ear named above. His homestead consists of 160 acres of excellent laud, well im- proved with good luiildiugs, orchards, etc., and for some time in addition to tilling this land he was en- gaged in "teaching the young idea." He was mar- ried in Mercer Count}-, 111., October 15, 1S(^9. to Miss Jennie Eckley, a native of Fulton County, 111., who was reared and educated in Mercer Countj-, a daughter of George Eckley. ^Ir. and Mrs. Griffith have a daughter, Amna Jlaj', who is one of the county's most successful educators, and are rearing two orphan children: Lloyd B. and John W. , who take the name of Gritflth. One is now ten 3-ears of age and the other, two years. In 1862 Mr. Griffith joined Company K, One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, but was on detached duty most of the time, acting as clerk at Gen. Hamson's headquar- ters. He received his discharge at Chicago in June, 1865, being now a member of the G. A. R. He is a Republican in his political views, but latterly has acted and voted for Prohibition. He and wife are members of the jMethodist Episcopal Church, and he is an active worker for the cause of Christianity. II. C. Hansen, Hastings, Neb. There are times when glancing over the life records of persons that it seems absolutelj- necessary to use that often abused phrase, " self-made man," and this is true of 31 r. Hansen. He is of foreign birth, a native of Denmark, born March 31, 1852, and the son of Anderson and Sophia Hansen, both natives of Den- mark, where the mother died. The father is still living, and is a resident of that country. H. C. Hansen crossed the ocean to the United States when fifteen years of age, located at Omaha before there were any raih-oads, remained there for a short time, and then went to Iowa, where he remained for two j-ears. After this he returned to Omaha and farmed for one 3-ear. For nearly twent}- years Mr. Hansen has been manager for some of the best business houses in the different cities; was seven years with Van Brant & Sons, of Council Bluffs, and for six years he has represented F. H. Pugh in Hastings. Mr. Hansen, the youngest of nine children, came to the United States without money, relatives or acquaint ances, and had but ninety cents when he readied Omaha. He is a first class business man, and manages the large estaljlishment of Mr. Pugh with ability and wisdom. He is very much pleased with Hastings and the United States, and has no desire to return to Denmark. He was married in 1877 to Miss Emma D. Niemann, a native of JIadison. Wis., born October 2, 1862, and the daughter of Henry A. and Dora (Meyer) Niemann, who are now resid- ing in Ii'win, Iowa. In politics Mr. Hansen is Democratic, He is a meml)er of the I. 0. 0. F. , the K. of P. , and a member of Uniform rank. He is one of the popular men of Hastings. Michael E. Hargleroad, farmer and stock raiser, Holstein, Neb. This honored and respected resident of Adams County is accorded a worthy phice in this volume, for he is one of the representative men of the county. His occupation during life has been that of a fanner, and he is now living on his fine farm of 320 acres, one mile from Holstein. Mr. Hargleroad was born in Franklin County, Pa. , on Novemlicr 18, 1824, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Etter) Hargleroad, both natives of Penn- sj'lvania, the former born in Lancaster Count}-. The elder Hargleroad was a cooper by trade, liut in con- nection carried on farming, and resided in his native State until 1833, when he received his final summons. Michael E. Hargleroad was reai-ed in Franklin County, Pa. , and was earl}' initiated into the duties of farm life. In 187-t he moved to Hunting- ton, Ind. , and came west to Nebraska the same year, where he entered land. He settled on his present property, and has one of the finest farms in the county, on which are a neat frame building, good barn, sheds and outljuildings. He has about two acres in orchard and has an excellent variety of fruit. He was married first in Pennsylvania, in 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Brough, a native of Penn- sylvania, born in Adams County. She died on July 8, 1882, leaving ten children: Christian P., Michael A., John C, William B., Frank E. , Harvey B., Katie (wife of George Coover), Susannah B. (wife of August Hohlfeld). Sarah (wife of Sol. Martin) and Elizalieth (wife of Jacob Evans). Mr. Hargleroad ^' V raised a good average crop last year, and is cue of tlie firstrclass farmers of his towasliip. Cliristiau P. Hargleroad, farmer and stock raiser, Holstein, Neb. Mr. Hargleroad was originally from Franklin County, Pa., where his birth oc- curred December 5, 1852, and is the son of M. E. Hargleroad, a native of Pennsylvania, whose sketch immediately precedes this. Christian Hargleroad was early taught the duties of farm life, and it was but natural perhaps, that when he was starting out in life for himself he should choose agricultural pursuits as his future occupation. He received a good common school education, and this he has greatly improved by self study since reaching years of maturity. He moved with his parents to Ne- braska, in the spring of 1875, settled in Adams County, and entered land in Cottonwood Township. Later he sold this place and purchased his present property, which consists of 160 acres of good laud two miles from Holstein. He has a comfortable house, good out buildings, and has a fine young orchard of a select variety of fruit. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party, and has held a number of local positions in the town- ship. ■ He was elected assessor of Cottonwood Town- ship, and sen-ed in 1879 and 1885, and re-elected in 1886, but did not qualify, and was elected town- ship treasurer in 1887. He was elected in 1880 and served as magistrate one term, and also served as a member of the school board. :Mr. Hargleroad was married here on January 9, 1881, to Miss Mary A. Evans, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of John Evans. Mrs. Hargleroad was reared and educated in Lancaster County. To this union have been born two children: Proe and Maria M. Mr. Hargleroad is one of the young but very successful and progressive farmers of the county. He raised forty-five acres of corn last year, thirty acres of Ifarley, twenty-five acres of wheat and ten acres of oats. He also has some of the place in timothy. :\Iichael A. Hargleroad. Among the worthy citizens of Adams County, Neb. . none are more deserving of mention than Mr. Hargleroad, whose residence within the borders of this county has extended over a period of sixteen years. During this time he has been a hard working, industrious man, and has served his county in various capacities, and the success which has attended his labors in the conduct of his official afl'airs is such that naught but words of commendation have been bestowed upon him. He is one of the first members of the board of supervisors of Adams County, and has been school moderator of his district for three years. He was born in Franklin County, "Keystone State," July 13, 1854, and is one of a family of six sons and four daughters born to Michael E. and Eliza- lieth (Brough) Hargleroad, both of whom were born in Franklin County, and left their Pennsylvania home in 1874 to seek a home in the far West. They settled in Cottonwood Township, Adams County, Neb. , and here engaged in the occupation of hus- bandry. The mother is now deceased, having passd from life in full communion with the Dunkard Church. Michael A. Hargleroad was reared to man- hood in this locality, and was married here to Miss Sadie E. Conley, a daughter of James and Martha E. (Banta) Conley, natives of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Hargleroad have been blessed by the birth of two sons: Charles and Robert. R. J. Harrenstein has long been considered one of the leading agriculturists and stockmen of Adams County, Neb. , and it may be said that he fully deserves the success which has crowned his efforts. He was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1844, being the third child born to C. G. Harrenstein and Galy Heddinga, his wife, the former of whom was a suc- cessful merchant and died in the town of Hinte in 1889, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife died in 1883 at the age of seventy-four yeai-s. Their children are: Garret, Sarah, R. J., Bernhard. John and Allie. In the year 1868 R. J. Harren- stein started out in life to do for himself, and think- ing the New World offered better advantages for an ambitious and enterprising man, he came to the United States and settled on a^farm near Freeport, in Stephenson County, III., but in 1872 he removed to Grundy County, Iowa. Here he was married the same year to Miss Swancy Deacon, a daughter of Sebelt Deacon, of Illinois, and two years after the celebration of his nuptials he settled in Hanover Township, Adams County, Neb., taking up laud to the amount of eisjhtv acres. He has since pur- *^ 254 HISTOItV OF XKBKASKA. chased 120 acres, and now has a fine, well improved and stocked farm. BeniiC one of the early pioneers here he experienced many hardships in securing a comfortable home for his family. l>nt lieinii persist- ent, energetic and frugal, he met with tlie success his labors merited, and is considered by all to be a substantial citizen of the count}' and a good friend and neighbor. Schools and churches find in him a liberal patron, and in his political views he has been a Republican since coming to this country. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church, and have become tlie parents of the following children: Tiny, the eldest, dieil in 1875; Galy, Tiny, Cornelia, Frida, Sarah, Anna and Bora. Micliel Antony Hartigan is a prominent member of the Hastings bar, and his name is identified with the welfare of that city and Adams Count}'. He was born in Carbondale, Luzerne County, Pa., July 12, 1849, and was the eldest of ten children born to William and Katlileen (Ragan) Hartigan, the former of whom was born in Ireland in 1817, and the latter in Pennsylvania, in the city of Phila- delphia, in 1824. William Hartigan came to the United States at the age of twelve years, and first located in Schuylkill County, Pa., and after reaching a suitable age, was for a number of j-ears superintendent of the Lackawanna Iron & Coal Compan}-, at Scranton, Pa. Later he engaged in farming and this occupation now receives his atten- tion. John Ragan, the maternal grandfather, was born in the ''Emerald Isle," but was exiled during the troubles of 1798, and upon reaching the shores of America he settled in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1865, at the advanced age of one hundred and nine years. Jlichel Antony Hartigan re- mained on the farm until fourteen j'ears of age, and on June 20, 1863, joined the Pennsylvania Reserves, and took part in the bloody battle of Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded, and from the field of battle was taken to the hospital at Fort Schuyler, N. Y. Upon his recovery he returned home and entered St. Joseph's College, at St. Joseph, Pa., with the intention of preparing himself for a priest, but this college was burned on January 1, 1864, and Mr. Hartigan then entered Owego Academy, at Owego, N. Y. , where he remained four years and eight months, during which time he lived in the house of Hon. John M. Parker, a judge of the New York supreme court. Sul)sequently Mr. Hartigan entered the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, lud. , and in 1878 graduated from this insti- tution in the literary anil law departments, receiving the degree of LL. B. Prior to this, in March, 1869, Mr. Hartigan had wedded Miss Martha Cran- dall, at Cold Water, Mich., and in this State he made his home until 1878, at which time he came to Nebraska, and was an active legal practitioner of Plattsmouth until 1888, when he came to Hastings. Here he has become well known, and is already ranked among the leading lawyers of the State. He is a stockholder in the City National Bank, also the Hastings Electric Light & Power Company, for both of which he acts as counsel, as well as for the Eastern Banking Company. He has always been a Republican in politics, and during his residence in Blichigan was elected three different times as county superintendent of schools, one term as circuit court commissioner, and three times as maj-or of Reed City, the place of his residence. He is liberal in his religious views, while his wife, and children, who number six, are members of the Episcopal Church. The names of the latter are: John C, Kathleen, Michel A. , William B. , Anna and Gil- more (twins). Philander E. Hatch, junior member of the firm of Norton & Hatch, bankers of Kenesaw and Mad- rid, Neb. , is a native of Connecticut, born at New Milford, July 25, 1861. His parents, John and Diana Louisa (Canfield) Hatch, were both natives of Connecticut, where they now reside, and where the father is extensively engaged in farming. Philander E. Hatch attended the public schools, and after- ward entered Whittlesej''s Seminary at New Preston, Conn. , where he completed his course. At the age of fourteen j-ears he accepted the responsible posi- tion of station and express agent in the employment of the Shepaug Valley Railroad, and after having spent two years here he entered the comnie:cial de- partment of Yale Business College, where by close application he finished the usual six months' course in four months, graduating in 1877. Following his graduation he accepted a position as assistant book- \) fy keeper with Sargent & Co. , of New Haven", and re- mained tliere nearlj' two years. He then became boolvkeeper for Peck & Bishop of the same place, and later was head bookkeeper for H. B. Armstrong & Co, , where he remained till failing health com- pelled him to resign. In April, 1887, he came to Keuesaw, and became a member of the present Arm. On November 7, 1883, at Gnilford, Conn., he was united in marriage with Miss Elouise C. Norton, a native of Guilford, Conn. , and a daughter of Henry E. and Lucy A. (iMunger) Norton. [For particulars of parents see sketch of Henry E. Nor- ton.] One child, Florence E. , whose birth occurred on August 20, 1887, is the result of this union. iMr. and Mrs. Hatch are members of the Presby- terian Church, and have the respect and esteem of all acquainted with them. In 1889 Mr. Hatch was elected clerk of Keuesaw Township, and is at present clerk of the village of Keuesaw. He has also served as a member of the town board. He is a K. of P. John G. Hayzlett, merchant, Kenesaw, Neb. Jlr. Hayzlett, one of the oldest settlers and promi- nent business men of Kenesaw, is a native of Vir- ginia, born March 5, 1830, and is the son of An- drew and Catherine (Huggard) Hayzlett, who were l>c>th natives of Virginia. In 1831 the parents re- mo\ed to Indiana, located in Hancock County, where they resided until 1853, and then removed to Iowa. They settled in Linn Count\-, and there the father died in 1886 at the age of eighty-five years. His widow followed him to the grave in 1888, being ninety-one years of age at the time of her death. Their family consisted of three sons and one daugh- ter, John G. being the eldest. He grew to matu- rity with his parents, receiving such limited advan- tages for an education as the district schools of that early period afforded, and when twenty-one years of age he began farming, which occupation he followed in Indiana until 185-4, when he removed to Linn County, Iowa. Previous to this, on March 20, 1851 , he married ]Miss Eleanor K. Hatfield, a native of the Old Dominion, who died in 1872, leaving seven children. In 1857 Mr. Hayzlett began merchan- dising in Linn County, and in 1867 he was elected sheriff of that county, filling the office in such an alile and efficient manner that he was twice re-elected, holding the office longer than any other person before or since. Previously he had been elected justice of the peace, and had served in that capacity for several years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant of the company. He partici- pated in the battle of Port Gibson, bombardment of Grand Gulf, Champion's Hill, Black River, Vicks- burg, was present at its capture, and was in the battle of Jackson. In 1863 he resigned his com- mission and returned to his home. He was never wounded during service. On May 2, 1876, he was united in marriage to Jliss Jennie L. Platner, a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hayzlett are both respected members of the Presbyterian Church of Kenesaw, of which he is an elder, and is also superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Mrs. Hayz- lett is active in woman's work, and takes a deep interest in all charitable and benevolent enterprises. In 1888 she was elected a delegate, from Nebraska, to the national meeting of the W. C. T. U. , held in the city of New York. In 1878 Ur. Hayzlett came to Kenesaw, where he purchased a farm and also established himself in the mercantile business in the young town, being among the earliest inhabitants of the place. He has since continued in the mercantile business, and enjoys the confidence and patronage of a large circle of acquaintances. In 1878 he was appointed justice of the peace and was the first to hold that office in Kenesaw. He has since been several times re-elected, and has held the position continuously since, with the exception of about two years. He is a member of the G. A. R. , and is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Kenesaw Lodge No. 144, and Mount Nebo Commandery No. 11, Hastings, Neb. S. L. Heaps, farmer and stock raiser. Pauline, Neb. Mr. Heaps, one of the pioneer settlers of Lit- tle Blue Township, homesteaded 160 acres of land on Section 20 in 1872, and is now one of the sub- stantial and enterprising citizens of the county. He was born in Henry County, 111- , in 1S51, and was the eighth in a family of nine children born to the union of ^Y. G. and Hester (Green) Heaps, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was one of the sturdy sons of toil, and in 1846 moved to Henry County, > ''y ' •^-^ ®^_ i5(i HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. III. , where he bought land at Government price, com- mencecl iniproviiii;' it, and there made hi.s permanent home. Tlie mother died in Illinoi.s in 1886. Of tiieir ehiklrcn, C. L. , married, and resides in Illinois; Barbara, now Mrs. Wolf, resides in Henry County, III.; W. T. , married, and resides in Hayes County, Kas. ; I. G., enlisted, in 18G1, for three years in Company I, Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry, served three years antl held the rank of first lieutenant; he was wounded at Pittsburg Landing, and then at Island No. 10 he was taken prisoner and confined in Atidersonville for six months; at the expiration of his term of enlistment he recruited a company' — Company I, Twentj'-seventh Illinois Infantry-, and was made captain of the same; he served until cessation of hostilities; he is now traveling for a journal company; John B., enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry, for three years; he was killed at Resaca, Ga. , on May 2, 1864, and is buried in the South; Jlary, now Mrs. Maxwell, a widow, resides in Illinois; Martha is now Mrs. Arnold , of Little Blue Township, Adams County, Neb.; S. L. and J. P., married, and the latter re- sides on the homestead in Illinois. S. L. Heaps was reared to farm life and educated in the schools of Henry County, III. He commenced farming for himself on his homestead in 1872, and improved his farm as he could. He also taught school in Adams County, and thus made most of his time. He was married in February, 1876, in Illinois, to Miss Mary E, Twyer, a native of Canada. Her death occurred in September, 1881. To this union were born two children: Aldis and Elton. S. L. Heaps' second marriage took place in Henry County, III., in 1883, to Miss Anna E. Luhmann, a native of that county, and her death occurred in Jauuar}', 1888. Two children were the fruits of this union: Guy and Leroy. ]Mr. Heaps was married at What Cheer, Iowa, in 1889, to Mrs. Mollie Killion, nee Henry, who was reared in that State. She has tw^o children by her former marriage: Stella and Ray Killion. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Heaps erected a frame house, and has taken pains to set out a good orchard. He has good barns and outlniildings and a pipe laid in the house furnishes them with both soft and hard water. Mr. Heaps is quite deeply in- terested in stock raising, making a specialty of Hereford stock and lia\ing a good grade of Norman horses. He is active in politics, and votes with the Republican party. He is chairman of the Republi- can central committee, and has been supervisor two terms, after which he resigned. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He owns the store and hall in Paulina, and Is one of the prominent citizens of the community. His farm consists of 400 acres of good tillable laud. Michael Hess, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. Among the many residents of foreign birth in Adams County, Neb., none are more deserving of mention than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1840, and was the son of Thomas and Barbara (Balling) Hess. The father was born in 1800, was a farmer by occupation, and was married in Germany to Miss Balling, which luiion rt'sultcd in the birth of four sons and one daughter: Thomas, Barney-, Barbara, Michael, and John, who left his native countrv for America, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870, and is there engaged in the hotel business, Michael Hess re- mained in his nati\e country until thirt}'-one years of age. From twenty-one till twenty-eight years old he served as soldier in the Second Cuerasier Regi- ment, Prince Adelbert, in the Army of Bavaria, and fought in the War of 1866 on the Austrian side against the Prussians; and in 1871 emigrated to the United States, settling in Leland, Mich., and while there worked in a blasting furnace. He was married in 1871 to Miss Margaret Menninger, daughter of John Menninger, and in 1872 he mo\ed to Nebraska, locating where he now resides. He entered 160 acres of land, and now has all well improved and all under fence. He has five children living and two deceased, Emile and Anna B. being the ones deceased, and the following are now living: Bertha, born in Michigan in 1872; Hattie, born in Neln'aska in 1874; Alexander^ born in Nebraska in 1877; Amelia, born in Nebraska in 1870, and Barbara, who was born in 1881. All the children are at home. AVhen Mr. Hess first moved to Ne- liraska the country was all in prairie, and his nearest neighbor was miles distant. Since then there have Ix'cn many improvements, and Hastings has built ■V -^ "\ )^ up very rapidly. He likes the fouiitry, and expects to make it his home. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is interested in politi- cal matters, and is a Democrat in his principles. John D. Hcye, farmer and stockman, Hastings, Neb. John Henry Heye, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Germany, and was a carpenter by trade. He was married in his native country to Miss Geske Janssen, also a native of Germany, and to them were liorn the following- children: John D. , Anna, Lena, and an infant s<)nl thi;^ time Mr. Horn back bousilit sixty acres of hind, and was actively engaged in following the plow when the Rebellion broke out. Tn 1861 he enlisted in Com- pany E, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Lamar, Pittsburgh Landing, both battles of Corinth, Holl3- Springs, siege of Vickshnrg, and received his dis- charge at Springfield, 111., September IG, 1865. He was in thirteen bloody combats and was twice wounded, first at Shiloh, and then at Champion's Hill. After the close of the war he returned to his farm, and on September 29, 1865, was mamed to >Iiss Sarah Ennis, a native of Maryland. iNfr. Horn- back continued his farming operations in Illinois until 1876, when he traded his land for 243 acres in Ilall Count}', and soon after moved on his new possessions, where he made his home for three years. Since that time he has resided in Adams Count}', Neb. , and is the owner of 480 acres of land two miles west of Pi'osser. On this property he has erected good buildings, and 360 acres are under cultivatk)n, well stocked, he owning ten head of horses and mules, eight head of cattle, and eighty head of hogs. In March, 1885, a party of robbers came to Mr. Hornback's house, thinking to secure money which he was supposed to have in his pos- session, and although a revolver was pointed at his head and he was threatened with instant death, did he not comply with their wishes, he firmly refused to give up a farthing of his money, and they were humane enough not to put the threac into execution. .^lr. Hornback recognized them notwithstanding their disguises, and brought action in law against them, which resulted in their conviction. He has ever been a stanch Republican, and is a member of Prosser Post of the G. A. R. In addition to his farm he owns a business house and stock of general merchandise in Prosser, of which he became the owner in June, 1889, making his purchase of his son Charles D. , who established the house in 1888. To Mr. Hornback and his wife the following family have been born: Samuel J. , John C. , M. E. Stan- ton, deceased; Dora, wife of Ed Duffy; Charles D., Isaac J., Wesley, M. Luviua, Sarah M. . and four children who died in infancy unnamed. H. A. Howe, postmaster. Ayr, Xel). Mi-. !b)ue was originally from Cornwall, Litchfiehl County, Conn. , where his birth occurred in 1 847, and is the youngest child born to the union of Levy and Ercjn- tha (Spencer) Howe, natives of the same place as their son, and born in 1801 and 1802, respectively. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this in the town of Cornwall for many years, or until his death in 1870. The mother received her final summons in 1862. Both were members of the Baptist Church, and in his political views the father affiliated with the Democratic party. Of the seven children born to their union, four are now living: Dyre, Levy, Eliza and H. A.; two died in childhood, and C}ntha died at the age of twenty-five years. H. A. spent his early life in his native State and received a fair education in the common schools. lu the fall of 1876 he started West and spent the winter in Indiana. In 1877 he came to Nebraska, located in Adams County, six miles south of Juniata, and in company with a young man, Albert Peck, who came with him, bought railroad land which they farmed for two years. In 1879 Mr. Howe came to Ayr, and has been engaged in business here ever since. In 1884 he took the post office under Presi- dent Arthur's administration, and has held that posi- tion ever since. The country was new when he first came to Nebraska, and Hastings was but a small place. Mr. Howe has traveled a great deal, but is confident that there is no climate or soil to equal that of Nebraska. He has been successful since coming to this State, and now owns the land on which he first settled when coming here, 160 acres, all well improved. His success is chiefly owing to good business ability. Like his father, 3Ir. Howe is a stanch Democrat Harm H.' Idus, farmer and stockman, Hastings, Neb. Mr. Idus is numbered among the younger of the successful and rising agriculturists of this county, but none have a brighter future or will make better use of their advantages. He was born in Germany in 1850, and was the son of Harm G. Idus and Anna Idus, both natives of that country. The father's l)irth occurred in 1805, and he is still living in the old country, at Arick, Osfrigsland. The mother died in 1879. Their children were named AK >>. ADAMS COUNTY. 263 as follows: George, in Germany; Ilium II., and Di- vert, died in Nebraska, in 1885. Harm II. Idus spent his younger da3'S in Germany, and in 1870 emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Livingston County, near Cliatsworth, where he worked for a very jiroininent farmer. In 1874, when starting out for himself, it was but natural perhaps that he should choose agricultural pursuits as his calling in life, for his father before him had been very suc- cessful in this occupation, and had early taught Harm H. all the duties of the same. He rented land for three years, and in 1877 came to Neliraska, and bought railroad land, 160 acres in Hanover Township, which he has improved very much since that time. He was married in 1873 to Miss Lizzie Dutten, daughter of John Dutten, and the fruits of this union have been five children: Johanna, John, Harm, Olvert, and Anna (deceased). Mrs. Idus died in Nebraska, in 1881, and in 1882 Mr. Idu.s married Miss Lumke Johnson, daughter of John Johnson and E. Forke Bruns, who live in Glen- ville, Clay County, Neb. Mr. Idus has four chil- dren bj' his last wife: Lizzie, Attie, Minnie ana Frank. jMr. Idus has been quite successful since coming to this State, and is now one of the substantial and independent farmers of the town- ship. He has a fine lot of stock, especially some Durham cattle, and his place shows that thrift and energy have not been neglected upon it. He likes Nebraska better than Illinois, or any State in which he has hitherto resided, and is prominent in assis1> ing in all enterprises for the good of the county. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Peter T. Jacobseu, although just in the prime of life, has made his waj- to the front ranks among the energetic farmers of this county, and owing to the attention he has always paid to each minor detail of his work, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. He was born in Denmark in 1847, being the third of eight children born to Jacob Peterson and Aganetha (Johnson) Jacobsen, who died in their native land in 1872 and 1878, respects ivel}'. The father was a successful farmer. Peter T. Jacobsen's first start out in life was to join the Danish Army in 1869, but at the end of eighteen months he left the service and began tilling the soil, after which he followed overseeing, for Mr. Nelson, of Bakkaskoy, Init in 1881 embarked on board a ship for the United States, and soon after landing came to Nebraska and purchased eighty acres of , improved land in Hanover Township, where he has since made his home. In 1882 he married Anna Margaret Anderson, who had come from Denmark to the United States at the same time as himself, a daughter of Peter Anderson, and l>y her has two little daughters: Aganetha and Sedse Christena. Mr. Jacobsen has taken out his naturalization papers and expects to make this country his perman- ent home, being much pleased with the State of Nebraska, and especially with Adams County. He takes a great degree of interest in the welfare and progress of his adopted county, and is ever found ready to assist worthy enterprises. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a deacon in the same. Charles Jesse was born in Germany, in 1838, and was the eldest of a family of three children born to Charles G. and Susan (Kermes) Jesse, who were also born in the old country, the father's birth occurring in 1818. He died in 1848, having been an agriculturist by occupation, his wife's death occurring in 1885, both being members of the Luth- eran Church. Their children are: Charles, ^linnie, who died in Germany, and August, who is follow- ing farming in his nati\-e laud. Charles Jesse at- tended school in his native town of Schoulaute, and in 1857 came to the United States with the expecta- tion of bettering his financial condition, and set- tled in Marshall County, 111. , where he made his home for sixteen years. He first worked as a farm hand, then engaged in tilling the soil on his own account in 1865, but in the spring of 1873 he came to Adams County, Neb., and took up 160 acres of land in Zero Township. His farm now comprises 240 acres of fine land, and his property is excel- lently improved with good buildings, fences etc., and is also well stocked, his hogs numbering sev- enty-five and his cattle thirty. His property has lieeu acquired through his own exertions, and he deserves much credit for the admirable way in which he has baffled with adversity, for on coming to thi.s 2G4 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. (•(Hiiitiv lu^ had luit littk' means, was a stranger in a stranire hind, and was unaciniahited with the English hinguage. lie is deei)ly interested in tlie welfare of his adopted land, and esperi.illy of Adams County and the State of Nebraska, where he expeets always to make his home. He has been a member of the sehool board for eight years, belongs to the Farmers' .Vlliance, and is an earnest member of the Lutheran Cluireh. His marriage to Miss Malinda Brewer took |)lace in 1S08, she being a daughter of John anil Merinda (White) Brewer. She was born in Illinois, and b^' Mr. Jesse is the mother of the fol- lowing children: Edward, AVilliam, JIary, Palina. Joseph, Elmer. Birlie and Aliee. The last two are twins. (reorge B. Johnson, manager and principal stockholder, also secretary and treasurer of Hastings Electric Light & Power Companj-, was born in Owego, N, Y, , November 20, 1862, and is the son of William and Caroline (Herrick) Johnson. The father was born in the Empire State, and died in Hastings, Neb., in 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania, and is now a resident of Hastings, and is sixty-f^ur years of age. George B. Johnson was the sixth of eightchildren by his father's second marriage, and received a common school education. The family moved to Hastings, Neb., in 1876, and George B. assisted his father in the duties of the farm until twenty -one years of age, after which he engaged in the grain business in the employ of H. M. Oliver & Co. , and later with W. M. Vastine. In the fall of 1886 he embarked in the business for himself, and continued the same until 1889, being very success- ful. In 1887 he also engaged in his present busi- ness which has, through his untiring efforts, been brought up from one of no consequence and loss of money to a thriving and successful standard. It is now a well established plant. Mr. Johnson selected as his companion in life 5Iiss Anna Cook, of New York, who became his wife in 1886. The}- have one child, Irene Lois. Mr. Johnson is a Republi- can in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyteiian Church. He is one of the progres- sive citizens of Hastings, and a man of unusual business abilitv. William .V. Jimes, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb., came originally from Middlesex County. Conn. , where his birtii occurreil in 1830. He is the son of William !>. and Caroline (Stark) Jones, na- tives of Connei'tient. The father followed agricul- tural and mechanical pursuits all his life in Connect- icut, and died in that State in 1877. The mother died many years ago. William A. Jones attained his growth in his native State, and there received tlie rudiments of an education. Subsequently he attended Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. , and also attended commercial school under the tutelage of Nii'holas Harris, at Hai-tford, Conn. He was then engaged as secretary and treasurer of a manufacturing company at Ton-iugton, Conn. , re- maining there a number of years, and in 1856 he moved to Knox County, 111., locating at Altona, where he was engaged in teaching school. After remaining thus employed for six years he moved to Toulon, Stark County, where he taught one year. He then returned to Altoua, where, in 1864, he was appointed superintendent of Aurora schools, remain- ing in that capacity for six years and giving excel- lent satisfaction. Mr. Jones was married in Litch- field County, Conn., in 1852, to Miss Caroline E. Wilson, a native of that county, and the daughter of Darius and Clarissa (Treadway) Wilson, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Wilson was a mechanic by trade, was married in Connecticut, and in 1860 moved to Knox County, 111, He and wife both died at the age of eight}' j-ears, he in 1880 and she in 1881, The maternal grandmother of 3Irs. Jones, Aurelia (Gil- lette) Treadwaj", remembered seeing Gens. Wash- ington and Lafayette. The maternal grandfather of 3Ir. Jones was Stark by name, and he was a de- scendant of Gen. Stark. In 1870 Mr. Jones was elected president of the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, Ind. He was the original organizer of the same. He remained with this institution until 1880, when he resigned. Although it started with an enrollment of sixteen pupils, at the above mentioned date it numbered 600. and was in a flour- ishing condition when Mr Jones resigned. In 1883 Mr. Jones moved to Adams Count}-, Neb., where he has since made his home. He takes an interest in politics. His first presidential vote was cast for Ajf ADAMS COUNTY. 265 J- Gen. Seott, Whig. He voted with the Republican [jiirt}- from its formation until 1888, when, accord- ing to conviction, he became a free trader, voted with the Democratic party and was u candidate for State Senator. By his marriage Mr. Jones became tlie father of five children (four living): Maiy Eliza- lieth, died in Indiana at the age of sixteen yeai-s; Walter, married, and resides in Hall County, Neb. ; Winthrop, Albert and Carrie, at home. Mr. Jones takes an interest in educational aflfairs, and his chil- dren have had the advantages afforded by good schools. He is one of the progressive farmers and stock raisers of the county, and is uni\-ersally re- spected. When he first came to Adams County, Neb., Mr. Jones purchased 320 acres of land with 250 acres under cultivation, and to this he has since added 160, making 480 acres in this and Hall Counties. He has made mau^- improvements in the way of Imildings, and makes a specialty of the dairy I)usiness. His barns will shelter 100 head of cattle and twenty head of horses. Thomas T. Jones, farmer and stock raiser, Paul- ine, Neb. Among tliose who have been a witness to the growth and development of the country in the last seventeen years stands the name of Thomas T. Jones, who settled on a tract of land, ICO acres, on Section 30, Little Blue Township, on March 10, 1873. He erected a dug out and sod house com- bined, and commenced improving his place. He was born in Wales in 1846, and was the eldest in a family of eight children born to the union of Thomas T. , Sr. , and Ellen (Owens) Jones, natives of England and Wales, respectively. The father was a farmer and laborer, and remained in the old countiy until 1881, when he came to Adams County, Neb., where his death occurred in 1884. The mother resides with our subject. The latter, when a bo}', was a farm laborer, and later was en- gaged in slate quarrying. Previous to coming to the United States, on August 14, 1869, he was married in Wales to Miss Margaret Davies, a native of that country, and the daughter of Pierce and Jane (Williams) Davies, also natives of Wales. Her father, when a young man, worked in the slate quarries, and later became manager and slate mer- chant. He died in Wales, in Julv. 1882. The mother is still living and resides in Wales. Thomas T. Jones, Jr., in June, 1871, took passage on a steamer at Liverpool, England, and after a pleasant vo3-age of ten days landed at New York, and from there went to Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa, where he was engaged at farm labor. There he re- mained until coming to Nebraska as before men-' tioned. He has added to his farm from to time, and is now the owner of 560 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, and has it nearly all paid for. He is also engaged in raising a good grade of stock, and fattened a car load last j'ear. He is a Republi- can and is active in politics, is a member of the board of supervisors, and is now serving his third term, two in succession. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in their district, and are much esteemed members of the same. To their union have been born nine children, six now living: Thomas, Jennie, David, Nellie, Ann and Pierce. Three died in infancy. Mr. Jones passed through the grasshopper raids of 1874 and 1875, and everything looked discouraging, but he was not a man to l)e disheartened. He kept at work and is now enjoj-ing the fruits of his labor. Campbell D. Jones, farmer and stock raiser. Blue Hill, Neb. The career of JMr. Jones illustrates to a marked degree what can be accomplished where the qualities of industry and close application are supported by a willful determination to move forward in the afl'aii-s of the world, and a willingness to do himself what others might leave for some one else to perform. Born in Crawford County, Pa., in March, 1852, Mr. Jones is the son of Charles and Sarah (Oliver) Jones, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively. The father was a suc- cessful farmer and moved to Knox Countj-, 111., where he located in 1861. He was a contractor on the railroad, and died about 1862, The mother died about 1872. Campl)ell D. Jones was reared and educated in Illinois, and from there moved to Nebraska in 1872, where he homesteaded a farm. He was one of the first to t;\ke a claim in Silver Lake Township, and he afterward went to Saline Township, where he remained about five months. He then returned to his claim and in 1873 put perma- nent improvements on the place which he has made »l4u- 266 HISTORY OF XKHRASKA. his home ever siiico. Tie has 160 acres all well cultivatecl, and has the requisites for a comforta- ble and happy home. Re hud about fifty acres in corn last year ami forty acres in small grain. He was married in Adams County Decemlier 26, 1880, to Miss Sarah Mattoek, daughter of Rol>ert Mattock, and a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. , although she was reared principally in Iowa, and was but fourteen years of age wiien she cauie to Nebraska. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born three ciiildron: Katie, Ernest and Robert R. James C. Kay, a leading citizen of the ' ' Queen City" was born in Yorkshire, England, and like all his countrymen he possesses an unlimited amount of pluck and enterprise. His birth occurred June 23, 1826, he being a son of John and Ann (Cousins) Kay, who were also born in England, in 1776 and 1780, and died in New Haven, Conn., in 1857 and 1862, respectively. James C. Kay is the tenth of their eleven children and is the only one now living. In the j'ear of 1846 he emigrated to the United States, and for almost one year he was a resident of York State, after which he removed to Connecticut, where he made his home for about eleven years, learning the moulder's trade in the meantime. In 1857 he came West, or to what was then the West, and purchased a farm in Lafayette County, Wis., and was there actively and success- fully engaged in tilling the soil until 1881, when he came to Hastings, Neb., having previously purchased propertj- here. He has been actively engaged in buying and selling real estate since his sojourn in Hastings, and is now the owner of two excellent farms in Adams County, near Hastings, besides nine houses, twenty-one improved lots, an interest in two of the leading business houses in the city, and one- half section near Culbertson. He has made his own way in life and his start was obtained bj- working in a foundrj'. He is one of the most enterprising men of Adams County, and is highly esteemed by all. In 1888-89 he was a member of the Adams Count}' board of supervisors, and took a leading part in the affairs of that body, and to liiui must be ac- credited the first work in the erection of the Adams Countj- court house. In 1854 he was married to Miss Caroline Burgess, who was born in England. January 10, 1830, and was brought to the United States in 1848. They have seven children: Harriet E., James B. , Henry D., Albert U. , Charles F.. Ida S. and Minnie H. A son, John W. , died in 1881 at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Kay is a stanch Republican in his jjolitieal views, and in 1874 was made a Mason at Darlingtoij, Wi.s. , and became a Knight Templar in Mount Nebo Com- mandery in Hastings in 1883, being present at the Masonic conclave which was held in Washington, D. C, in tlic fall of 1880. He also belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. and tiie K. of P. Alvin H. Keller, pharmacist and physician, was born in Clarion County, Pa., April 4, 1853, and is a son of William Keller, who was born in 1818, also in the "Keystone State," and died there in 1883. His wife, formerly Catherine Kratzer, is a Pennsyl- vanian, born in 1832, and is now a resident of McCook, Neb. After attending the public schools for some time Dr. Keller became a student in the Clarion Institute, and at the age of sixteen 3-ears began serving an apprenticeship at the drug busi- ness in Oil City, Pa. , and after acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business he had charge of a drug store in Philadelphia for six years. Here, in 1876, he graduated from the Philadelphia School of Pharmacj-, and the following year took a special course in phj-sics and clinics in the same city. In 1879 he determined to see what change of location would do for him in the way of acquiring wealth, and he accordingly came to Nebraska and took u\> his abode in Sutton, where he conducted a success- ful business for two years. He next entered the Omaha Medical College, from which he graduated in 1883; then returned to Sutton, continuing his former occupation, and built up an extensive and paying trade. He, however, disposed of his stock of goods in 1885 and located in Hastings, and in addition to carrying on a drug store has been en- gaged in practicing medicine for the past three years, and makes a specialty of urine analj-sis and the analysis of well and spring water. He is considered one of the best chemists in the State, and has com- piled charts of chemistry and pharmacy, materia medica and perpetual clinical index. He is the orginator of "the Keller Medicine Company, and is A ADAMS COUNTY. 267 one of the foremost memliers of the medical fra- ternity in Adams County, and keeps thoroughly apace with the times, being a warm advocate of farther advancement in the science. He is a Re- publican. In 1880 he was married to Miss Martha E. Brown, by whom he has two children: Edith ^M. and Samuel A. William M. Kelley, farmer and stockman. Ayr. Neb. William M. Kelley, whose life has been an active one, and who has by his own industry and in- telligent management secured a substantial footing among the citizens of this community, was born in Cass County, Ind., in 1844, and there he received a fairly good education. His parents, John P. and Margaret M. (Payne) Kelley, were natives of the Buckeye State. The father was born in 1810, and was a cabinet maker by trade, which occupation he continued, in connection with the carpenter trade, until his death, which occurred in Neliraska in 1876, whither he had moved in 1871. He was a successful business man and was a man who held a numlier of . public offices in Stark County, Ind. The mother died in Adams County, Neb. , in 1889. She was a member of the Christian Church, and he was a Uni- versalist. Their children were named as follows: Harriet (deceased), Samuel, William ^l , Sarah and Scott. William :M. Kelley started out in the battle of life for himself in 1866, and the year following was married to Miss Mary C. Speelmon, the daughter of Peter Speelmon, of Indiana. Jlr. Kelley followed cutting timber in Indiana until 1S71, and then emi- grated to Nebraska, and was one of the very first Settlers of Adams Countj-. He entered IGO acres of land, and in connection with farming hunted and trapped for the first six or seven years after coming to the State. This he found paid him well. The last buffalo Mr. Kelley shot in Adams County was in 1 874. He has killed many antel( )pes and trapped beaver, mink and otter. His married life has been l)lesscd liy the birth of six children; 3Iarion. Philip, Wilbur, Hartford, Winnilred and Lena. Mr. Kelley is a Democrat and takes a great interest in political matters. He has been a member of the school board in District No. 9,^ Zero Township, and as a matter of course is interested in educational affairs. He has witnessed the entire growth of the country, and has seen it change from a wilderness inhabited liy Indians to its present prosperous condition. In 1872 he shot a buffalo in his door-yard, about thirty feet from where his house stands. He is one of the wide-awake fanners of the community, has his farm well stocked and has a fine orchard, together with plenty of small fruit. During 1888 he farmed 275 acres of land, and in 1889, 330 acres. Mr. Kelley is a natural musician and is a fine performer on the violin. His children all inherit a taste for music, and they have an orchestra in their family of five pieces. He is taking pains to give each of his chil- dren a good musical education. James JI. Kent, a member of the firm of Kent & Courtright, of Kenesaw, Neb., and one of the prominent business men of that place, was origin- ally from Kendall County, 111., where his birth occurred in December, 1844. He passed his boy- hood days with his parents, and as they were pio- neers of two States his educational advantages were limited. Upon obtaining his majority he Ijegau farming, and in 1873 came to Nebraska in company with his two brothers, taking up a claim near Kene- saw. He is now the owner of 240 acres of land, and is one of the progi-essive and enterprising men of the county. In the fall of the last mentioned vear he brought his family out, and from that time lip to 1883 he resided on this farm. He then re- moved to Kenesaw and became a member of the present firm, purchasing the livery business of J. G. Hayzlett, the pioneer liveryman of Kenesaw. Mr. Kent is a member of the town board, has served as constable and deputy sheriff of Adams County, and is a man who takes a deep interest in all general improvement, especially in educational matters. In 1871 he was married to Miss Henrietta L. Court- right, a native of Clinton County, Iowa, and the result of this union has been six children, one son and five daughters: Estella V., born in Cedar County, Iowa; Mary E., Hattie H., Jessie R. M., James M. and Pearl L. , born in Adams County, Neb. Mr. Kent is the son of ex-Senator J. M. Kent, of Cedar County, Iowa, and his wife, Mary {nee Fergusson). The parents first located in Ohio; in 1842 they moved to where Piano now stands in Illinois, and in 1852 moved from there to Iowa, 3<1« 9 ^ ^ ?(58 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. and loratfil in Cedar County, upon the farm he now owns. Darwin C. Kerr is one of the intelligent and well posted men of Adams County, and since 1883 has been the owner of the Gen. Bowen homestead, which comprises 1C4 acres, and is situated one-half mile from Juniata. He was bom in Lancaster, Erie Count}-, N. Y. , September 9, 1833, and is the sixth of nine children, five now living, bom to Moses and Naomi (Sprague) Kerr, who were born in Scotland and Rhode Island in 1800 and 1803, and died in Erie County, N. Y., and Illinois, in 1854 and 1879, respectivel}'. When quite a lad the father emigrated from his native land to Canada, and a short time later settled in Erie County, N. Y. , where he fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer, and spent the rest of his daj-s. Darwin C. Kerr received a common school education, but being of an enterj)rising dis- position he determined to seek his fortune in the West, and in 1854 emigrated to Jlinnesota, thence to Iowa, from there to Missouri, and from there to Parke County, Ind., where, in June, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fourteenth Indiana Volun- teer Infantrj', and served until December, 1862, when he was discharged on account of phj-sical dis- abilit}'. After regaining some of his wonted strength he became an employe of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiucj- Railroad, first as station agent at St. Augustine, 111., then at Riverside, next at Avon, anijl still later at Galva. He was connected with the railway service for eighteen years, and was one of the popular employes of the Burlington road for many j-ears. After giving up his work he farmed in Illinois for two years, after which he came to Adams County, NTeb. He is a Republican in polities, and during 1888-89 was a member of the countj' board of supervisors, and discharged his duties in a highly efficient manner. He was made a Mason at Avon, 111., in 1866, joined the I. 0. 0. F. in Aurora, N. Y. , in 1854, and is also a member of the G. A. R. October 8, 1865, he married Miss M. B. Vertrees,a native of Pike County, 111., born No- vember 3, 1839. and a daughter of John and Nancy (Bradbury) Vertrees, natives, respectivelj-, of Ken- tuckj- and Ohio, The father now resides in Gales- burg, 111., aged seventv-cight vears, but the mother (lied in 1SS7 at the age of seventy-three. To !Mr. and Mrs. Kerr the following children have been born: Mary E., born at Avon, 111., September 15. 1866; Frank Y., born at Avon, November 16, 1867, died at Avon March 6, 1869; Kate L., born at Galva, 111. , October 6, 1869, now the wife of C. F. Roj-ce, and Charles, who was born in Galva, Decem- lier 17, 1871. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Christian Church, Charles Frederick Keutzer, general merchant. This gentleman is identified with the business inter- ests of Adams County, and is a man of much en- ergy, push and enterprise. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, near Frankfort-on-the-Main, December 13, 1849, being a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hepting) Keutzer, who came to America in 1864, and made a home in Peru, 111., where their death occurred February- 5, 1872, and July 16, 1871, respectiveh", both lieing earnest members of the Reformed Evangelical Church at the time of their demise. The father was a merchant tailor by occupation, and upon his death left two sons: Charles F. , the subject of this l)iogi-aphy, and John George, who died in his twentj'-eighth year at Peru. A half-sister, Caroline Yost, now Jlrs. Keutzer. resides near that place. Charles Frederick Keutzer received a fair English education, and in his youth acquired a thorough knowledge of merchandising. After following the occupation of agriculture in Illinois, until 1878, he came to Adams County, Neb., and continued this calling until September, 1889, when lie left his farm to engage in merchan- dising in Holstein, and here has built up a good trade. He was married in Peru, September 28, 1871, to Miss Mary Annie Peters, a daughter of Christian and Mary (Mueller) Peters, both natives of Germany, and bj- her became the father of the fol- lowing children: Oscar George, a student in a com- mercial college; Ottillia Rosina, Orwin Charles. Olinda Louisa, Ora Belle, Otto Henry, Gustav and Olga Augusta, Mr, and Mrs, Keutzer attend differ- ent churches, but in reality are believers in the doc- trine of the Reformed Evangelical Church. Mr. Keutzer has served on the school board of his dis- trict for many years, and has been justice of the peace two j-ears, liesides holding a number of other ADAMS COUNTY. 209 local offices of trust. He is a member of the Blue Lodge in the JIasonic fraternity, and also l^elongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Matthew Klein, farmer and stock raiser, Rose- land, Neb. Among the many representative citi- zens of foreign birth in the count3-, none are more respected and esteemed than Mr. Klein, who owes his nativity to Prussia, Germany, where his birth occurred on February 2, 1843. He is the son of Nick Klein, a native of Prussia, who was married in the old country' to Miss Barbara Klein, also a native of Prussia. The familj- emigrated to the United States in 1873, located in Ohio, where they remained for several years, and then moved to Kan- sas, locating at Beloit, Mitchell County. There the father died in 1889, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. The mother is still living and makes her home in Ohio. Matthew Klein was reared in Prussia, and learned the trade of mason and plasterer after coming to the States, whither he had emigrated in 1864. He first located in Lake County. Ind., but in 1868 went to Chicago, where he worked at his trade for nine years. He was there during the great fire in 1871, and six years later moved to Adams Count}-, Neb. He located first in Hastings, where he resided for about four years, working at his trade, and then, in 1881, moved out to his place which he had bought when first coming there. He has 320 acres of fine land, all in one tract and under a good state of cultiva- tion. He has a comfortable home and all the con- veniences necessar}' to carry on the same. He was man-ied in Hastings, Neb., in 1881, to Miss Katie George, a native of Prussia, where she was reared. To them have been born seven children: John, 3Iarj-, Katie, Mattie, Nick, Anna and Barbar}-. ^Ir. and Mrs. Klein are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a member of the school board. W. Klingaman, farmer, Pauline, Neb. Mr. Klingaman, one of the pioneer settlers of Little Blue Township, and a man universally respected by all acquainted with him, owes his natiWty to Colum- bia County, Pa., where his birth occuiTcd in 1837, and remained on his father's farm until nineteen years of age. He then went to Philadelphia, where he learned the carriage-maker's trade, and from there, in 1860, to Louisa County, Iowa, settling near Columbus City, Iowa, where he continued his trade. He was united in marriage at Lisbon. Linn County, Iowa, to Miss Mary A. Bussard, in 1S63. a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Gotshalk) Bussard, natives of Penn- sylvania. The father is a minister of the Evangeli- cal faith, and quite a prominent man. He moved to Louisa County. Iowa, in 1856, and settled in Colum- bus Cit}- Township, in 1863 going to Lisbon, Linn County. From that time he devoted all his time and talents to the ministr}-. He is now located at Independence, Iowa. The mother died at Spring Run, Iowa, in 1878. After his marriage Mr. Kling- aman enlisted, at that place, on Deceml)er -t, 1863, for three years, or during the war, and was mustered into service at Burlington, Iowa. He was assigned to the Western department, and was engaged in sev- eral hard fought battles, serving under Gens. Steele, Conby, Washburn and the famous Gen. Custer. He was honorably discharged at Austin, Texas, in Feb- ruary, 1866. Mr. Klingaman crossed the gulf to New Orleans, thence by river to Davenport, Iowa, where he was mustered out and received his dis- charge. After this he came to Adams County in 1876, where he entered a tract of land and set out a good orchard, at first living in a house built of logs and sod, but has now erected a good and substantial frame building. He owns 247 acres of land, and is engaged in the raising of stock. He is also one of the owners of a cheese factory, which he is engaged in running at Le Roy, and which is a very fine thing for the farming community. During the year 1889 Mr. Klingaman manufac.ured 26,000 pounds of cheese. He is not active in politics but votes with the Republican party. He has been township treas- urer for two 3-ears. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and was a member of the school board for some time. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post at AjT, being one of the charter members, and he is a strong temperance advocate. He and wife are Evangelical in belief. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Hastings Lodge No. 50. To his marriage were born ten children, eight of whom are now living: Oliver, engaged in the agricultural implement businesss at Blue Hill. Neb. : Laura, now r 270 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Mrs. A. D. McNeer, of Blue Hill, Neb.; Joseph, in Sun Francisco, Cal. ; Charles, Wesley, Burt, Frank, who (lied in 1884 at the age of five years; Lloyd (Jarfiekl, Raymond Bliss and Fred. Mr. Klingaman came to Xohraska with very limited means, and has made all his property by his own pluck and industr3'. Wiicn lie first settled in Adams County, Hastings contained but two or three small stores and no bank. He mortgaged his team the first year for a sack of flour, but since then he has surmounted all oljstacles and is in a very prosperous condition. He was the seventh son of twelve children born to the union of Jacoli and Lydia (Furry) Klingaman, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a millwright and a liridge carpenter, antl worked for the railroad, erect- ing bridges. He moved to Ohio in 1845, in Auglaize Countj-, where he was engaged in tilling the soil. He was killed 1)}- a runaway' team. The mother died in the Kej'stone State in 1842. John Kohl, farmer and stock raiser. Hastings, Neb. Among the many prominent citizens of for- eign birth now residing in Adams County, very few, if any, are more respected than Mr. Kohl, who was originally from Rhineshire, Geniian3-. His mother died when he was j'oung and his father died in Illi- nois, in 1889. The latter, Jacob Kohl, emigrated to the United States, and settled in Boston in 1852, but moved from there one year later and settled in Mar- shall Count}', near Lacon, 111. Of the seven chil- dren born to his marriage, John is the eldest, then Charley, Jacob, died in 1875; Fred, Henry, Michael and August. John Kohl was born in the old coun- try in 1842, and was nine years of age when his parents came to the United States. He secured a fair education in the schools of Boston, Mass., and in 1859 emigrated with his parents to Illinois. He began to fight life's battles for himself in 1863 as an agriculturist, and was married, in Illinois, in 1871, to ^liss Mary Roth, a native of Woodford County, 111., and the daughter of Christopher Roth. The fruits of this union have been four living chil- dren: Charley A., Frank F. , Anna M. and Clara E. They lost two, Minnie and Elizabeth. Mr. Kohl emigrated to Nebraska in 1S75, bought eighty acres of land, and in 1889 increased this by an addition of IGO acres of excellent prairie land. He is one of the progressive fanners of the county and owes his success to his own industry and perseverance. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church, in whidi the}- are active workers. He is a Democrat in his political views. He is interested in educational matters, and has been moderator for tlic school district in District No. 8. Mortimer N. Kress, is a resident of Ayr. Neb. There are a number of men prominently identified with the gi-owth and prosperity of the county, liut none among them are more deserving of mention than Mortimer N. Kress. He owes his nativity to Williamsport, Lycoming Couutj', Pa., where his birth occurred in 1841, and as earh" as 1865 he moved to Colorado, where the stirring life he ex- perienced on the plains is faithfully outlined in ar.- other i)art of this volume. He was a great hunter and tr.apper, and although he killed his last buffalo in Adams County, Neb. , in 1873, he still continued to hunt and trap in Kansas, Colorado and Texas to 1880. He has spent seventeen years of his life on the plains, and as might naturally be supposed he has seen some exciting and stirring times. JIany and interesting are the stories related l\y this gentle- man of the seventeen j-ears spent bv him on the plains, where his bed at night was either in the shadow of a camp-fire or frequently' under the starry canopy of heaven. He is pleasant and agreeable in conversation, and is well known and respected among the old settlers of Nebraska to-da^'. At the time of the trouble with the Indians in 1873 he took quite a prominent part, and his name was in all the papers of the country. In 1880 he gave up his nomadic habits, and was united in marriage to Miss Helen Moote, whose acquaintance he had made while on a trip to Canada after coming west. She was the daughter of Isaiah and Mary A. Jloote, of Canada. After marriage Jlr. Kress ran a livery barn and hotel at Ayr, besides a store, and for some years past they have resided in that village. Thej' are the parents of two children: Lena and Guy. Mrs. Kress is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In his political views Mr. Kress is a stanch Republi- can, and is interested in all the affairs of the county. He is a charter member of the G. A. R. Post at Ayr. and is at present the chaplain. He was elected V ,[> ADAMS COUNTY. 271 assessor of Ayr Township in 1889. Mr. Kress was the first settler in the county, and has been a wit- ness to the rapid development of the same up to the present time. As a hunter and trapper he is of more than local repute, and is acquainted with every foot of land for miles around. He is at present liv- ing in retirement in Ajt. F. W. Lanfear, manager of the grain firm of Oliver & Baker, Hansen, Neb. Although Mr. Lan- fear in his active career thus far during life has not. perhaps, amassed the wealth that has fallen to the lot of others, he has gained to an unlimited extent the confidence and esteem always awarded integrity, honor and industry. He was born in Oneida, Knox County, 111., in 1861, and came to Nebraska in the fall of 1882, where he entered the emploj' of the above mentioned firm. He was married in Hall County, Neb., in May, 1887, to Miss Ruby Free- man, a native of Illinois, and the daughter of David Freeman, who was originally from New York. Mr. Freeman moved from his native State to Illinois, and thence in an earlj' day to Hamilton Count}-, Neb. , where he received his final summons. Mr. Lanfear is not active in politics, but votes with the Repuli- licau party. He has seen a vast change in the coun- try since coming here, and has assisted in every laudable euteri)rise for the development of the same. Although young in 3-ears, he is oue of the promising business men of Hansen, and has built up a good grain ti-ade. He is the third of a familj- of five children born to the union of William and Saloma (Carr) Lanfear, natives of New York. His father was a farmer and followed this occupation in his native State until 1860, when he moved to Knox County, 111., and there continued his former pursuit. His death occurred in 1877. but the mother is still living and resides in Knox County, 111. Ezra Langevin , president of the Wholesale Gro- cery Company, of Hastings, Nel). , was born at Ver- chere, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, twenty- four miles below Montreal, on the St. Lawrence Kiver, August 8, 1842. His parents, F. X. and (Catherine (Girard) Langevin, were also born in Can- ada, the former's birth occurring in October, 1809, and his death in June, 1888. His grandfather. Victor Langevin was also a Canadian, liorn in 1749, and was a captain in the English Array, when Gen. Montgomery made his raid into that country in 1 77.5. He died at the age of ninety-one years. The great- grandfather was a Frenchman, who emigrated to Canada in 1737, settling on a farm twenty-four miles below Montreal, on the St. Lawrence River, which farm has been in possession of the family up U) the present date, a period of 152 years. Ezra Lange- vin is the eldest of ten children, and resided on the old homestead on the St. Lawrence until he attained his eleventh year, when he was taken to St. H}-a- cinthe, and in January, ISGl, came to the United States, being a resident of Fort Edward, New York, until 1878. Since that time he has resided in Hast- ings, Neb. , and has since given his attention to the grocery business, being for some time a member of the firm of Langevin & Plamondon. Since the fall of 1889, however, he has been in the wholesale grocerj" business under the title of the Hastings Wholesale Grocery Company, which is incorporated and has a capital stock of $20,000. He has a new business block located at the corner of First Street and Denver Avenue, which was liuilt in 1889, and is verj- conveniently arranged, lieing 44x49 feet. Being compelled to make his own way in the world he has succeeded admirably, for which he deserves much credit. He is a Democrat in polities, and in 1886 was elected a member of the citj" council from the First ward, and was re-elected in 1888, filling this position to the satisfaction of all concerned. October 6, 1879, he was married to Miss Octavia Guilmette, who was liiirn in Assumption, 111., October 10, 1860, and their union has resulted in the birth of four children: Arthur (born May 1, 1881), Victor (born June 7, 1882), Agnes (born April 19, 1885), and Florence (born January 15, 1890). Mr. Langeviu and his wife are prominent members of the Catholic Church. His mother was born in April, 1818, and died in Canada in 1862. Dirk G. Lay is one of the wealth}- farmers and stockmen of Hanover Township, Adams County, Neb., and like the majority of native Germans is thrify, industrious and frugal. He was born in Hanover, in 1832, being the third child born to Geerd and Geeske (Huisenga) La}-, the former of ■7^ 1- ^1 ■k. HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. wlioin was a carpenter liy trade, and a man of excel- lent business qualifications, becoming quite wealthy by his successful business ventures. He died in his native land in 1875. followed by his wife in 1S7S, both having been members of the Reformed Church. The names of their children are as follows: Tllderk, Geertge, Dirk G., Lammert, Klaas, Twaantje Geesko and Sarah. Liiie all German youths Dirk G. Lay received a good education, and while still a resident of his native land was married, in LStiS, to Sliss Margaretha Bouwniann, liy whom he became the father of the following chlidron: George (mar- ried and residing in Hanover Townsliip, the father of four children, Margaret, Menno, Katie and Johan), Alliertus (married and also residing in Hanover Township, the father of two children, Dirk and Dena), Lammert (married, a farmer of Hanover Township), Simeon (who died in 1S7S), Aalericli and Katie. Mr. Lay came with his family to the T'nited States in 1868, and settled in Illinois, but after a nine months' stay there emigrated to Iowa, and made a location in Grundy County, where he remained six years, following the occupation of farming. In 1874 he came to Adams County, Neb., and took up 160 acres of school land on a lease, and by good management and strict attention to every detail of farm work, he has now in his pos.sessiou 800 acres of land, all well improved. Three years after locate ing here he bought 160 acres at $8 per acre, and three years later purchased anotlier 160-acre tract at about $1 1 per acre, and the following jear pur- chased 160 acres more, paying the sum of $11 per acre for this land also, and in 1886 bought 160 acres at $27.50 per acre. He is a Republican, a man of keen business foresight, public spirited in every respect, and is a worthy member of the Pres- byterian Church, which he assisted in organizino- and contributed liberally toward building. He was called upon to mourn the death of his estimable wife November 9, 1887, and is still living with his two children, .\alericli and Katie, on his farm which lie first occupied. IVter Lebrie, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. This enterprising young agriculturalist is also numbereil among the substantial and prosies- sive citizens of the count}-, and his thorougli familiarity with agricultural pursuits has placed him prominently toward the front among the farmers of the townsliip. He owes his nativity to Canada, wiiere his birth occurred in 1854, and is the son of John and Ellen (Hawley) Lebrie. The father was born ill Canada in 1812, and followed farming the principal part of his life. To his marriage were born these children (four of whom moved to Ne- braska): Phero, Exivia, Exalia, Peter, Francis, Frederick and Edmond. Several died in infancy. John Lebrie moved to Illinois in 1855, .settled in Christian County and made that his home. Peter Lebrie passed his boyhood days in Illinois, and in 1874 moved to Adams County, Neb. , where he now lives, and where he entered 160 acres of land, all now well improved. He chose for his companion in life Miss Eliza Ganreral, daughter of Prosper Gaii- reral, and was united in marriage to her in Nebraska in 1878. To this marriage have been born four chil- dren: Heniy, Anna, Lizzie and Eddie (all at school). There were but few houses comparatively in the county when he first settled here, but many and great have been the changes since then. He takes a deep interest in religious and educational matters, and, in fact, all laudable enterprises tending to the good of the county. He and wife are members of tile Catholic Church, and in his political views he aHlliates with the Democratic party. Herman Lepin, proprietor of the Lepiu Hotel, Hastings, Neb. In respect to hotels Hastings is especially favored, and to the traveler in these Western states the name of Lepiu has about it the ring of a familiar and tried friend, for its reputation as a model house has extended far and near. The proprietor, Mr. Herman Lepin, was born in Germany in 1832, and Adams County is indeed fortunate in having among her foreign-born element men whose industry, strict attention to business, economv and perseverance have produed such substantial results in the diflferent affairs with wiiich they have con- nected themselves. He emigrated to the United States iu 1852, located at Lowell, Lake County, Tiid. . and was engaged in mercantile business at tliat place for nineteen years, but also conducted a grist, saw and woolen mills for eight years of that period. In 1S71 he was engaged as traveling sales- :rv:: ^1 ADAMS COUNTY. 273 mau in the hat and cap business at Chicago, and in the fall of 1873 he removed to Hastings, Neb., as general agent for McCormiek's haiTesting machines, which position he filled for one j-ear. After this he was engaged in the hotel business, but was burned out September 16, 1879, subsec|uently building his present hotel. He opened the same under the style of " Lepin Hotel" on January 1, 1880, and his house is one of the most popular in the city. He has the best accommodations for forty persons, the service is polite and attentive, and everything makes it as comfortable as a home. He was married in 186-t to Miss Hermiue Westenuanu, who was born in 1842, and they have one child, Louise. In poli- tics Mr. Lepin is a Democrat, and socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Warren Letson, hardware merchant, Hastings, Xeb. In giving descriptive accounts of the sub- divisions of Hastings' trade, we find none occupying a more important position than that of the subject of this sketch, Wan-en Letson. He owes his nativity to Kenton, Ohio, where his liirth occurred on JIarch 16, 1843, and is the son of C. B. and Jane (Huston) Letson. The father was a native of New Jersey, and died in Iowa in 1872 at the age of fift3--eight years. The mother was born in Pennsylvania, is now a resident of Nevada, Iowa , and is sixty-three years of age. Of the six children born to their union Warren Letson is second in order of birth, He came to Iowa with his parents in 1858, received a common school education, and in 1874 emigrated to Hastings, Neb., where until 1884 he was engaged in the lumber business. After this he embarked in his present business, under the firm name of Dallas & Letson, which continued for five years. At the present time Mr. Letson is alone in the business and is doing remarkaljly well. He selected as his com- panion in life Miss Cella Baughn, a native of the Buckeye State, born in 1853, and their marriage was solemnized in 1874. They are the parents of three children: George A. , Flora and Helen Frances. In his political views he afHliatcs with the Democratic party. He is one of the old settlers of the county. George A. Lindsay, Kenesaw, Neb. Among the many citizens of foreign birth within the limits of Adams County is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Lindsay owes his nativity to Augushire, Scotland, where his birth occurred near Montrose on December 17, 1843. His parents, John A. and Jane (Mitchell) Liudsaj-, were both natives of Scotland, where they lived and died. Their familj- consisted of three sons, George A. being the youngest. At the age of fourteen j-ears he began to learn the machinist trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven years, after which he began working at his trade at Dundee, and there remained until 1868. Then, in companj- with his two brothers, Alexander and Thomas, he came t<> America and landed at New York. From there they journeyed westward and located at Irvingtou, Neb. ; thence to Washington County, Neb. , where they took up land near Kennard. Thomas still resides there, but Alexander removed to California in 1889. George A. resided in Washington County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1873, and then removed to Juniata, where he still con- tinued to till the soil until 1881. He then moved to Kenesaw and engaged with J. M. Sewell & Co. , doing an extensive business in the buying and ship- ping of grain from this point. In 1873 he married Miss Ann Eliza Brosius, and the fruits of this union have been a son, Arklej' N. B. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay are members of the First Presbj'terian Church of Kenesaw, and he is a trustee in the same. In his political views Mr. Lindsaj- aflSliates with the Republican partj-. He comes of a sturdy line of ancestors, whose sterling integrity of purpose has manifested itself in his success. Alfred Linegar, fanner and stockman, Hastings, Neb. Mr. Linegar on starting out in life for him- self chose as his calling the file maker's trade, which he carried on for seventeen years. Later he en- gaged in the pursuit of farming, and to this end has put forth all his energies, and not without sul)stiin- tial results. He was born in Birmingham, England, in 1836, and was married in his native countiy about 1861, to Miss Mary Galliers, daughter of Ed- mond Galliirs, a native of England. In 1867 3Ir. and Mrs. Linegar crossed the ocean to the United States, first settled at Dwight, III., and there fol- lowed agricultural pursuits for one year. He then moved around for some time, but at last settled at Yorkville, Kendall Countj-, 111., where he remained 274 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. until 1883, cultivating the soil all the time. In 1883 he emigrated to Nebraska, located in Blaine Township, and there he now resides. He purchased ItiO acres of land, onh' a few acres of which were improved, went to work on it and now has a good house, substantial outbuildings, cribs, etc. , and has a nice orchard. To his marriage were born fiAe living children: Ada (now Mrs. Iluxtable, of Blaine Township), Ernest (died in 1886), William, Carrie, Alfred and Walter. Blr. and Mrs. Linegar are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are esteemed and respected by all who know them. Mr. Linegar takes much interest in the upbuilding of schools and churches, and lends a ready hand to all laudable purposes. He was the fourth of ten children born to Samuel and Mary (Bevens) Linegar, the father being a manufacturer of buttons in his native country (England). Both parents are de- ceased, the former in 1856 and the latter in 1887. and both in England. Their children were named as follows: Eliza (deceased), Harriet (deceased), William (residing in Blaine Township, Adams County, Neb.), Alfred, Edward, Charles, Mary. Alice, Nellie and Fannie. William ]\I. Lowman has been identified with the interests of Adams County, Neb. , for some time, and probabl}- there is no man within its limits who is as extensively engaged in the real estate business as he. He first saw the light of daj' in Stark County, III. August 11, 185C, being the second of four living children born to Davis and Anne M. (Williams) Lowman, the former of whom was born in Highland County, Ohio, Februarys, 1827. He was united in marriage in Knox County, 111. , April 27, 1833, to Miss Williams, and made Stark Countj' his home until 1878, when he settled in Hastings, Nel)., and from that time until his death was one of tiie most active business men in this portion of the State, conducting a very extensive real estate liusi- ness. He was universallj' respected as a man of sound judgment, strict integrity and pro^essive views, and in matters pertaining to the welfare and advancement of Hastings and Adams County he was ever read}- and willing to do all in his power. Careful, prudent and economical, he was open hearted and uenerous withal, filled with the ' ' milk of human kindness," and his many acts of charity endeared him to the hearts of all who knew him. In the death of 3Ir. Lowman, which occurred in October, 1886, the city lost one of her best citizens, and the church to which he belopged an earnest worker. Out of respect to his memory the mayor caused the following proclamation to be issued: '■ Out of respect to the memory of D. Lowman, who for eight years has been one of our most active and esteemed citizens, I most respectfully request the business men of the city to close their respective places of business from 10 to 11 o'clock A. M. , October 28, this being the hour of the funeral. Samuel Alexander, maj-or. " The widow of Mr. Low- man was born in England, and now resides in Den- ver, Col. William M. Lowman, whose name heads this brief sketch, received an excellent education in Wheaton College, of Whcaton, 111., and later entered Eastman's National Business College, at Pough- keepsie, N. Y. , from which institution he graduated in March, 1877, coming the following j'ear to Hast- ings, where he has since been dealing in real estate, in which work he was associated with his father until the latter's death, and has since been alone. He is also interested in stock raising, and the man- ner in which he conducts his affairs shows that he inherits many of his talented father's sterling busi- ness qualifications. He is vice-president of the Ger- man National Bank, and is treasurer of the Adams County Agricultural Society. He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. In September, 1881, he was united in marriage to jMiss Florence 51. Garratt, who was born in Belleville, Ontario, in 1863. Thej- have one child, Vera (born December 7, 1882). James B. McCleer}' (deceased). Nature seems to have intended Mr. McCleery for a long and more than ordinarily useful life, but he was cut down in the full vigor of his raanliood October 4, 1889, at his farm in Little Blue Township, when fifty-one years of age. He was born in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, and was the second child born to Daniel and Mary A. (Adams) JlcCleerj-, the former a native of the " Kej'stone State" and a hatter by trade. About 1835 he moved to Ohio, and settled at Warren, where he followed his trade, was married, ADAMS COUNTY. 275 and reared a familj- of six children: Adams, James B. , Anna, Daniel, John and Samuel. About 1860 he moved to Kansas, thence to Colorado and still later to Montana, where he died in 1875. James B. McCleery spent his youth in his native State, and was twenty years old when he went with his parents to Kansas. About the year of 1858 he started out in life for himself, and in 1871 removed to Adams County, Neb., where he entered ICO acres of land, and was married in 1874 to Miss Carrie Arnold, a daughter of Oscar and Maria (Deviney) Arnold, natives of York State, and Henry County, 111. , respectively. The father removed to the latter place in an early da}^ becoming one of its pioneer settlers, but in the month of April, 1888, he died in Webster County, Neb., whither he had moved in 1874. His wife survives him and resides in Webster County. Mr. McCleery was elected sheriff of Adams County in 1873, serving until 1877, and a portion of this time lived in Juniata, and the rest of the time on his farm. At the expiration of his term of office he retired to his farm and entered ex- tensively in the occupation of farming and stock raising, his operations meeting with very flattering results, and he became the owner of 1,400 acres of laud, and had 400 acres under an excellent state of cultivation. In 1884 he was elected on the Repub- lican ticket to the office of treasurer of Adams Count}-, and this position filled with ability' and to the satisfaction of all concerned for four years. Not only was he interested in the political affairs of the county, but in social matters as well, and he was a generous contributor to schools, churches and other worthy enterprises. He was a member of the Ma- sonic order, having advanced to the Commandery, and lielonged to Juniata Lodge. In 1861 he enlisted in Companj' M, First Colorado Cavalry, for three years, and served faithfully' and well until 1864, when he received his discharge. From the time he left the service until he came to Adams County, Neb. , he was dealing in cattle throughout the West, and on coming to Nebraska lirought a large drove with him. Since his death his widow has successfully managed his farm, and with her reside her children, whose names are James C. , John W. . Carl K., Daniel 11. , Mary G. , Thomas T., Carrie G. and Edna M. Willis Pearson McCreary, attorney-at-law. This member of the Hastings bar is to the ' ' manor born, ' and is a true type of the progressive, business-like and painstaking lawyer, is concise in argument and thoroughly posted in legal lore. November 8, 1854, was the date of his birth in Lawrence County, Pa. , and he is one of two children born to Pearson and Nancy (Dean) McCreary, both natives of Lawrence County, Pa., the former's birth occurring in 1829 and the latter's in 1831. Mr. McCreary's father died in the State of his birth in 1856. He followed the occupation of farming and stock dealing through- out life, his onlv brother having died the year pre- vious. His mother and two daughters (by second husband) lost their lives in the terrible railroad disaster at Chatsworth, 111., on August 10, 1887. In 1865 the family removed with her from Pennsyl- vania to Iowa, where she made her home for man}- years. Willis P. McCrearj- first attended the country schools and later entered an academy of Lee County, finally supplementing his education with an attend- ance at the State Universit}- at Iowa City, gradua- ting from there June 28, 1876, in the law departs ment. In July of that jear he opened an office in Cedar Rapids, where he continued the practice of his profession until 1884, at which time he came to Hastings, and is now a member of the law firm of Capps & McCrearj-, which association was formed in 1886. Being compelled to make his own way in life, he first engaged in teaching school, continuing for two winters after he had reached the age of sev- enteen years, but concluded that this was rather a laborious way of making money, and accordingly fitted himself for the practice of law, in the prosecu- tion of which he has succeeded far bej^ond his ex- pectations. He is a Republican in politics, and since 1883 has been a Mason. In 1878 he wedded Mary B. , daughter of William Greene, of Iowa, her birth occurring in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, October 20,1858. They have three children : Mary Pearson, Willis M. and Dorothy. H. B. McGaw, farmer and stock raiser, Hast^ ings, Neb. This most successful and progressive agriculturist is a nati\e of the Buckej^e State, his l)irth occurring in Stark County in 1842, and is the sou of John E. and Anna (Earl) McGaw. The -®r>y 27(i HISTOKY OF NEBRASKA. f:itlu'r was born at Chainbersburg, Pa., iu 1813, was ;i minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellowmen all liis life. He reared a family of five children: Carroll (in the east), Hugh (in Pittsljurgh , Pa. ), Mary (now ?Irs. MeLaiu, wife of Prof. B. W. McLaiu, of Athens College, Tennessee), H. B. , and Homer L. (who is a public man and is living in Pittsburgh, Pa.). The mother of these chikhi'n died in 1869, but the father is still living and makes his home in Athens, Tenn. The paternal grandfather of our subject, James F. MeGaw, was a soldier iu the War of 1812. II. B. McGaw's early life was passed in Ohio, and at the breaking out of the war he enlisted at MeConnelsville, Ohio, in Company C, Ninety- seventh Ohio Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Capt. S. S. Scott, under Col. I. Q. Lane. He enlisted for three years, entering as a corporal, and was pro- moted to tlie rank of sergeant. He was in the bat^ ties of PeiTyville, Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and in some skirmislies. He was discharged in July, 1865, and afterward went to Pittsburgh, Pa. , thence to Iowa, and later settled in Benton County, near Cedar Rapids, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. He resided in Iowa for about eleven j'ears. He was married in Penn- sylvania to Jliss Julia A. Boyd, a native of Penu- S3dvania , and the daughter of Rev. John and Martha (Maelewain) Boyd, her father being a minister in the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Boyd was the father of eight children, four of whom are now living. He now makes his home with his son-in-law, H. B. McGaw. The mother died in 1R66. To Mr. and Mrs. McGaw were born five children: Alice M. (teacher), Harold L. , Lulu, Mabel and Agnes. Mr. McGaw followed farming in Iowa until 1876, when lie emigrated to Nebraska aud settled on his present property, where he has eighty acres of hunl, all un- der cultivation. He has been a member of the school board for ten j-ears, was elected county super- visor in 1887 and sen'cd one term, and is at present justice of the peace. He is a member of the G. A. R. , also a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and is countj- secretary and treasurer of the same; is a member of the K. of L. , has been judge of the order, and is a man universal!}- respected. He was for- merly a Ke|)ul)lican iu liis political views, l)ut now votes for principle, not for partj^. He is interested in the upbuilding of schools and churches, and all things for the good of tlie county. When he first settled in Adams County deer, wolves, antelope , an V •k -■--»- ADAMS COUNTY. 281 Giaevra, James L. and Bliss W. (the last two being twins). John D. Mines, city treasurer, Hastings, Neb. A glance at the lives of many representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal sketches of some honored, influential citizens, but none more worthy or deserving of mention than John D. Mines. This gentleman was originally from Ingersoll, Canada, where his birth occurred on July 9, 1856, and is the son of Robert and Christina (Morrison) Mines, who were of Irish and Scotch descent. John D. Mines was reared and educated in his native country, and there learned the trade of cutter in a tailoring establishment. At the age of eighteen he came to the United States and followed his trade in Chicago until 1878, when he emigrated to Lincoln, Neb. , and thence the fol- lowing year to Hastings, where he has followed the occupation of cutter for the large clothing and mer- chant tailoring establishment of Barnes Bros. He is a Republican in politics, and was elected city clerk in 1886, serving two years. He was then elected treasurer in 1888, and this position he now fills in an able and efficient manner. He was mar- ried onNovember 21, 188.3, to Miss Irene E. Myers, a native of West Virginia, and to this union has been born one child, a daughter. Hazel C. Jlr. Mines is a member of the 3Iodern Woodmen Order and K. of P. , and is recognized as one of Hastings' eminent and most successful young business men and citizens. Hon. Hugh Carter Minnix is a man wlio seems to be well adapted to the occupation of a planter, and in the pursuit of this calling, as well as in the occupation of stock raising, he has been more than ordinarily successful. He was born in Waterloo, Fayette County, Ohio, January 7. 1830, and is a son of Elijah B. and Rachel (Dyer) Minnix, who were born in West A^'irginia, and came from near Win- chester. The ^Minnixes date their advent in this country to about the time of the Revolutionary War, when a worthy memlicr of the family , probably the first of the name in America, did honoralile service as a soldier in that memorable war. The presump- tion is that he settled in Virginia, married, and had bom to him Elijah B., the father of the subject of 18 this sketch. Rachel Dyer was a daughter of Isaac Dyer, a soldier in the War of 1812, from Virginia. Hon. Hugh Carter Minnix was one of two sons and three daughters, only himself and two sisters now living, and his earliest recollections are those of spending his time upon the home farm and in at^ tending the common schools of his native State. In 1857 he located in Champaign County, III, and was engaged in the occupation of agriculture until the opening of the Civil War, and in 1862 enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-fiftli Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which company he helped to raise, and did honorable, service until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged as a non-commissioned officer, on June 30, 1865, at Chi- cago. He was at Perry ville, Stone River, Chicka- mauga, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. After the war ^Ir. Jliunix returned to his plow in Champaign County, and here continued to make his home until 1873, when he came to Nebraska and made invest- ments in Webster and Adams Counties, which in- terests have occupied his attention more or less ever since, as he buys and sells considerable real estate during the year. He was married in Fayette Countj', Ohio, to Miss Catherine Mouser, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Mouser, natives of Virginia. Mr. Minnix and his wife have a family of six sons and two daughters, only the following of whom are liv- ing: J(5hn Q. (a substantial farmer of Logan Town- ship), Warren A. , and Elijah S. (a resident of Logan Township). William I. died at the age of ten months; Hugh C. was a blacksmith by trade, and died in his twenty-fourth year; Elizabeth J. became the wife of William H. Remer, and died when twen- ty-eight years of age, leaving a son; Lydia A., who married W. E. Muuson, died in her twentj'-ninth year, leaving two daughters and a son. Mr. ■Minnix has alwaj-s taken an active interest in G. A. R. cir- cles, and held diflferent official positions in Rocky Face Post during its existence at iMorseville. He has been a member of the county board of supervi- sors for three years, and during the sessions of 1887-88 he represented his county in the State Leg- islature, and served with credit and distinction on the committees of public lands and buildings, cities T^ it^ 282 HISTORY OF >KB11ASKA. aud towns, aiul claims, besides on several special committees. He is now president of the Agricultu- ral Society of Adams County, and is a member of the State Board of Agriculture. In bis political views he is a stanch Republican. In every walk of life he has been honorable and upright in his deal- ings, and is universally respected and esteemed for liis man}- worthy qualities. John B. Monlux, superintendent of city schools, Hastings, Neb. There is probaV)ly no man within the limits of Adams County who is deserving of more credit for the interest he has taken in its lie- half than i>ir. Monlux; and the brief facts here presented indicate to more than an ordinary degree the relations he has borne to the county's develop- ment, especially so in educational matters. He owes his nativity to Guernsey County, Ohio, his birth oc- curring near North Salem, July 18. 1855, and is the son of Samuel aud Agnes (Clark) Jlonlux, natives of Ohio County, Va., and Guernsey County, Ohio, respectively. John B. Monlux moved with his parents to Monroe, Jasper County, Iowa, in 1869, and there received a liberal education in the common and high schools. In 1873 he entered the Iowa State University, graduating from the classical course in 1878, and afterward taught school near his home until 1879. After this he became assistant in the high schools of Oskaloosa, Iowa, aud subse- quently became principal of the same, which he conducted for two years. For four years after this he was city superintendent of the Fairfield, Iowa, schools, and in 1887 he came to Hastings, where he has since filled his present position to the satisfac- tion of all. Under his management the schools have been thoroughly and carefully graded and now hold a high rank among the graded schools of the State. He is an able educator and a man universally respected. On August 8, 1888, he was united in marriage with a Miss Tillie E. Creeth, a native of Knoxville, III. Socially Mr. Monlux is a member of the I. O. 0. F. , and in his political views he affiliates with the Republican party. In religion he is a Cougregationalist. Eugene B. jMoore, furniture dealer, Kenesaw, Neb. Mr. Moore, one of the earliest settlers of Kenesaw, is a native of Syracuse, N. Y. , where his birth occurred on May 2G, 1845, l)eing the son of Oman ^Moorc, who was a native of the Green -Mountain State, and who, at an early day, moved with his parents to New York. There the latter grew to manhood, aud was united in marriage to Jliss Catherine Folts, a native of New York and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of that State. In 1859 they came to Illinois, settling in Fulton County, wjiere they resided until 187(), when the}' removed to Ndiraska and settled near Kene- saw. There the father purchased a farm ami there resided until 1883, wheu he received his final sum- mons at the age of seventy years. Mrs. Jloore is still living, is seventy-one years of age, and makes her home with her son, Albert C. , on the original homestead. Eugene B. Moore moved to Table Grove, 111., with his parents, in December, 1859, and received a limited education in the common schools. When about twenty years of age he went to Belvidere, 111., where he served an apprentice- ship at the wagon and carriage making trade, and then, in 1867, he returned to his home at Tal)le Grove, 111., where he established himself at his trade, conducting a general carriage and wagon making business until 1871. Then on account of failing health he was compelled to seek out door employment, and engaged at the carpenter and builder's trade. In 1874 he moved to Adams County, Neb., located on his present farm, adjoin- ing the city limits, and there he now resides. He had visited the place the preceding jear, and first purchased eighty acres, which he has since increased to 360 acres, and now has one of the best farms in the county. In May, 1889, he established his pres- ent furniture business in the town of Kenesaw, and is now the only furniture dealer in the place. Mr. Moore has taken an active interest in the general advancement of the town aud county, and is recog- nized as one of Kenesaw's leading citizens. He has served as a member of the board of public educa- tion, has also served as justice of the peace, and is a member of Kenesaw Lodge No. 144, A. F. <& A. M. At the time of his settlement there was but one house in Kenesaw, aud Mr. Moore and family lived in that the first summer of their resi- dence here. In 1868, on December 12, Mr. Moore s — ^1 ADAMS COUNTY. 283 -s],^ married Miss Martha J. Kellj-, a nati\e of Vermont, 111. , her parents coming to Illinois from Kentucky, their native State. To JMr. and 3Irs. Moore have l)een born three children: Frank D. and Fred E. (liorn at Table Grove, 111., Januarj- 17, 1S70, and December 6, 1872, respectively), Pearl M. (Iwrn at Juniata, Neb. , May 4, 1879). The family are mem- bers of the Christian Church. Hugh A. Jloreland, a prominent citizen of Juni- ata, is deputy sheriff of Adams County, constable of Juniata Township, general collector and livery- man, and was born in Albany, N. Y. , in 1847, being the second of nine children born to Hugh and Pru- dence Moreland, whose maiden name was Jennings. Both parents were born in York State, and in 1848 removed from Albany to De Kalb County, 111. , of which they were among the very earliest settlers. Mr. Moreland entered 160 acres of land, and like the majority of pioneer settlers had rather a hard time to make a living for a number of years, as the nearest market was Chicago, eighty miles distant, whither he hauled his products with ox teams. After living on this farm eight years he went to Minnesota and entered a piece of land near the present site of Chatsworth, and on his property erected the first house in .the township. One year later he returned to Illinois, but this time took up his abode in La Salle County, and here became the owner of a large farm, on which he is still residing. After working on his father's farm and obtaining a good practical education in the common schools, Hugh A. 3Ioreland enlisted in the Union army at the age of eighteen years (in 1863), becoming a member of Company K, of an Illinois regiment, but was soon honorably discharged, upon which he went to Iowa, and secured the position of brakeman on the Chicago, :Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and tliree years later began working on the Sioux City & St. Paul Railroad, being conductor on this line for three years, his train carrying all the ties with which to build the Winona & St. Peter Railroad. Upon his return to Illinois he engaged in farming in that State for about two years, after which he was connected with a railroad for some time, and in 1875 came to Adams County, Neb., and for a period was engaged in farming and operating a threshing machine and corn sheller near Juniata. He next opened a livery stable, now one of the oldest in the town , l)ut two years later he began auctioneering and collecting, and since being elected to the position of constable these two occupations have received his attention. He was one of the leaders in securing the incorporation of Juniata, and served as its mar- shal until 1886, when he resigned.. He has been active in political matters, aud for about five years has held the position of deputy sheriff. He became a member of a company of militia in 1885, and after serving one year as a private he was chosen captain of Company F, Nebraska National Guards, but re- signed this position one year later. He has attained high rank in the I. 0. 0. F. , is a member of Juniata Lodge No. 79, and has been a delegate to the State convention. When Mr. Moreland was a boy he pur- chased a colt, which he broke and trained, and which afterward developed into a very fast animal, either as a trotter or runner. Many races were won with this horse, which afterward acquired an enviable reputation on the race track, and became especially famous at Long Island, and sold for $10,000. Mr. Moreland also owned -'Fannie Kemble," who won for him the three mile race at Behidere, and another horse with which he won the first race ever run on the track at Hastings, and the Fourth of July race at York. In 1889 he erected a fine livery stable in Juniata, which he also uses as a sale and feed stable, and is on hand every Saturday at his place of busi- ness ready to purchase desirable animals. He was man-ied, in 1880, to Miss Josie Hildebrand, a na- tive of Ohio, whose parents were early pioneers of Iowa aud Adams County, Neb. , and are now living in Dawson County of this State. Mr. aud Mrs. jMoreland have had born to them four children: Imo, Chub (who died at the age of sixteen months), Frank and one other. In 1882 Mr. Moreland erected his present residence in the town, and is also the owner of other valuable property. Benjamin 3Iorgan, farmer and stockman, Hast- ings, Neb. Originall}' from the Buckeye State, where his Ijirth occurred (in Perry County) in January, 1840, Mr. Morgan is one of the pioneer settlers of Adams County, Neb. His father, Samuel ^lorsau, was also a native of Ohio, and fol- >F1® — ^ V 284 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. lowed the occupation of a I'aniior in that State. lie married Miss Mary Elizabeth Rose, who died in ]S5(i, and tlie result of this union was seven cliil- dren, Benjamin being second in order of birth. Tiie father is still living and resides In Perry County, Ohio. Orandfather Rose was a soldier in the War of 1812. The above mentioned l'amil_y are Jacob (married and resides in Lincoln Country, Neb.), Ben- jamin (our subject), Elizabeth (deceased), Hannah (now Mrs. Tinker of Ohio), Peter (married and re- sides in Fayette County, Ohio), Rebecca J. (now of London, Ohio). Upon growing up it was but natural, perhaps, that Benjamin Morgan should adopt farming as his future occupation, and from the very fir.st he became acquainted witli hard work. He secured a fair education in the district schools of Ohio, and at the breaking out of the war enlisted in Company D, Tliii'ty-first Oliio Infantry, for throe years, being mustered into service at Camp Chase. He was in the battles of Murfi-eesboro, Logan, Cross Roads or Mill Springs, Perryville. Chickamauga, Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and others. He was under severe fire at Chattanooga, and was with Sherman to Atlanta. He was honor- ably discharged at Atlanta in September, 1864, and returned to Ohio. He was married in Perry County, Ohio, in 1865, to Miss Mary Jane Pace, a native of that county and the daughter of Miner Pace, one of the early settlei's of Ohio. Mr. Morgan followed farming in Ohio until he emigrated to Nebraska in 1873, and there settled in Roseland Township. In 1882 he sold out and purchased 160 acres in High- land Township, which he has since improved very much, erecting a good house and barn and, in fact, has all the necessary conveniences. He votes with the Republican party, but is not active in politics. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church at Hastings. To their marriage were born eight children: Flora Jane (now Mrs. Emljrj' of Lincoln County, Neb.), Alice Elmira, Almeda Viola, Sylvester E. , Charles Chester, Arietta Leona, George and Barley Edgar. Aside from his success- ful farming operations Mr. Morgan is also deeply interested in raising stock, and is one of the prom- inent agriculturists of the county. William .Moritz, proprietor of Hastings Iron Works, Hastings, Neb. Of all the occupations engaging the industrious application of human thought, energy and endeavor, tiiere are none of more importance than that of the scientifically skilled machinist. Nor are tliere any affording so wide a scope for the products of genius, the benefi- cial exercise of God's best gifts to man — the intellect. The machinist is one who, educated in the laws and principles of mechanism, has the genius and skill to apply them so as to produce practical results, in the shape of machinery. Hastings has a numlier of these flourishing establishments, but none of more importance than that conducted by Mr. Moritz, who bought the Hastings Iron Works in 1889, and is now doing an extensive business. He employs about twenty hands and manufactures well boring and drilling tools, columns and full store fronts, hoisting elevators, bridge eastings, cast and wrought iron furnaces and general foundry work. Mr. Mor- itz is a native of Saxony, Germany, where his birth occurred August 23, 1859, and is the son of Charles and Mary (Stahlhad) Moritz, both natives also of Saxony, Germany, but now residents of Hall County, Neb. William Moritz came to the United States in 1879, located in Hastings in 1885, and in the fall of that year established Hastings Iron & Brass Works, which he conducted successfully until October, 1889, when he established his present business. He was married April 9, 18G8, to Miss Mary Toebele, a native of Baden, and to this union has been born one son, William. In his political views Mr. Moritz affiliates with the Democratic party, and is one of Hastings' enterprising business men and citizens. He is a member of the K. of P. , and is Chancelor Commander of Teutonia Lodge No. 55. D. M. Morris, farmer and stock raiser, Hansen, Neb. This enterprising and successful agriculturist owes his nativity to Greene County, Pa. , where his birth occurred on March 10, 1840, and is the eldest of three children born to the union of Robert and Emiline (Mills) Morris, natives of Pennsylvania. The father is still living in his native State, and is a successful carpenter. The mother died in 1847. D. M. Morris' time in early youth was diviiled between assisting on the farm and in attending the A ADAMS COUNTY. 285 common schools of Pennsj-lvania. At the age of fifteen j-ears he came to Putnam County, 111. , thence to La Salle County, where he cultivated the soil, and from there to Livingston Count}-, of the same State, in 1859, where he continued his former pursuit. In August, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Butler, 111., in Company F, Thirty-third Illinois Infantr}-, for three years, and was mustered into service at Camp But^ ler. He was assigned to the Western department, and was in the battle of Frederiektown , Cotton Hill, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Fort Esperanza and manj- others. In January, 1864, he veteranized in the same company and regiment. He was in the battles of Mobile, Fort Blakely, and from there marched to Montgomery, Ala. , where he learned of the assassi- nation of President Lincoln. He was honorably discharged at Yazoo City, Miss., in October, 1865. He then returned to Livingston County, 111. , and in the spring of 1866 went to Greene County, Pa., where he attended college for eighteen months. After this he returned to Illinois, taught school in La Salle County for some time, and then followed the same profession in Ringgold, Iowa, and Nemaha Count}-, Neb. , spending two and a half 3-ears in the school room. In 1869 he came to Nemaha County, Neb., settled in Bedford Township, and in 1870 purchased some land which he began cultivating. He was married in Livingston Count}-, 111. , iu 1871, to Miss Ella Perr}-, a native of that county, and the daughter of Sylvester and Jane Periy, natives of the Buckeye State. D. M. Morris sold out in 1882, and emigrated to Adams County, Neb., where he purchased 320 acres of laud, and is engaged in rais- mg stock. He takes an active interest in politics, and votes with the Republican party. While a resi- dent of Nemaha Count}-, Neb., he held several offices of public trust, and discharged the duties incumbent upon them to the satisfaction of all. Socially he is a member of A. J. Smith Post No. 65, G. A. R. , Doniphan, Neb., Congress Lodge No. 173, I. 0. O. F. , Hansen, Neb., Enterprise Encampment No. 29, I. 0. 0. F. , Hastings, Neb. , and a member of Heli Conclave No. 1 , Heptasophs or Seven Wise Men, Supreme Ephor for the State of Nebraska. He was a representative to the Supremo Conclave of the LTnited States, which convened in Brooklyn, N. Y., in April, 1890. To Mr. Morris' marriage were born six children: Edward B. , James M. , Jennie B. , Emma Myrtle, Rhettie and Willie. William Munroe, farmer and stock raiser, Han- sen, Neb. This much respected and enterprising citizen is another of the pioneers of West Blue Town- ship, Adams County, Neb., locating in the same Oc- tober 24, 1872, on Section 8, where he homesteaded 160 acres. He was born in the Province of New Brunswick in 1839, and was early initiated into the duties of farm life. In 1849 he moved with his parents to Rock County, Wis. , where he received the principal part of his education, and was married in July, 1861, to Miss Catharine Case, a native of Hebron, N. Y. , and the daughter of Merritt and Amse (Baldridge) Case, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. Her parents were married in New York, and in 1842 moved to Rock County, Wis. , where the father resided for many years en- gaged in farming. In October, 1884, he came on a visit to his daughter, and died in November of that year. He was constable for many years. The mother died in Rock County, Wis., in 1844. Mr. Munroe followed farming for himself in Wisconsin until December 31, 1863, when he enlisted in Com- pany A, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and was mustered into service at Madison Wis. , assigned to the Department of the Cumberland. He was in re- served division of the Twentieth Corps at Decatur, Ala. , and was on garrison duty guarding the Ala- bama River. He was then taken sick, was in the hospital at Joneslioro, Tenn. , for some time, and was discharged from the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865, returning to Rock County, Wis., May 14, of that year. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and in 1872 came to Adams County, Neb., where he entered 160 acres of land, which he immediately com- menced to improve, erecting a frame house and sub- stantial outbuildings. He lived in a covered wagon for six weeks, and in 1879 he purchased eighty acres of railroad land. Three years later he moved to this farm, erected a good house and barn, and now has 240 acres of excellent land in a good state of cultivation within six miles of the city limits. He raises considerable stock and is one of the progres. 281) HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. sive men of the county. He takes an active part in politics, and his vote is cast with the Repul)lican party. He has been a member of the school lioanl, organized the school district and was school treasurer for four years. He is deeply interested in educa- tional matters as maj' be seen. He is a a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and is also a member of Strickland Post No. 13, G. A. R., at Hastings. Mrs. ;Munroe is a memlier of the Presbyterian Church at Hansen. To their union five children were born: Carrie A. (now Mrs. Funk, of Doniphan, Hall County, Neb. , and a teaciier in the school at that place, her husband being principal of Doniphan school), Cora (now Mrs. Jlontague, of Hall County, Neb.), Irving Eugene, George Albert, Nancy Amelia. Jlr. Munroe has seen maaj- changes in the countrj- since first settling here, and was living here at the time of the blizzard of 1873, which lasted for three days. He assisted in the organization of West Blue Precinct and Township, and assisted in locating the county seat at Hastings. He was the eldest of nine children born to his parents, John and Nancj' (Moores) Munroe, natives of New Brunswick. The father was a successful agriculturist, was married in New Brunswick, and soon afterward moved to Calais, Me. , where he remained until 18-19. He then moved to Johnstown, Rock County, Wis., purchased forty acres of land, and after remaining there for a num- ber of years moved to Masonville, Wis. , where his death occurred January G, 1874. He had kept a tavern at the last mentioned place. The mother is stilll living, and now resides in Doniphan, Hall County, Neb,, whither she moved in 1881. Their familj' consisted of the following children: William, James (was drowned in the Wisconsin River in April, 1873), Eleanor (now Mrs Hudson, of Hall County, Neb. ), John B. (married and resides on Rock Prai- rie, Rock Count}-, Wis.), George (moved to Adams County, Neb., in May, 1880, and died in April, 1881, of consumption), Jane (now Mrs. Dykeman, of Hall County, Neb.), Charles (married and resides in Hall County, Neb.), Mary (now Mrs. Rood, of Highland Township, Adams County), and Henry (who died in Rock County, Wis. , about 1867.) Stephen A. Nash is one of the pioneers of Adams County, Neb. , and is actively engaged in farming' and stock raising. He was born in Columliia County, N. Y., May 22, 1844, and like the majority of the natives of the " Empire State " he is indus- trious, enterprising and intelligent. He is the eldest of three surviving members of a family of eight children born to Nelson B. and Melvina (Shutts) Nash, who were also born in York State, the former July 24, 1812, and the latter November 3, 1813. In early life the father learned the trade of a clock maker in the Seth Thomas Clock Factory, but sulisequently gave his attention to farming, stock raising and the mercantile business. He died in Adams County, Neb., in 1882, still survived by his widow, who is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and makes her home with her son. Stephen A. Nash was educated in the common schools, and worked on the old home- stead until August 29, 1864, when he entered Com- pany K, Forty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being honor- ably discharged June 30. 1865. In the fall of 1866 he entered the employ of the United States govern- ment as surve}"or of the lands belonging to the Osage Indians, and the following year was spent in trading with the Indians, after which he went to Wisconsin and remained until 1870. Since that time he has been a resident of Nebraska, but the first two years were spent in hunting buffaloes, be- ing an associate of ••Buckskin Charlej-," a noted hunter of the West. In 1872 he came to Adams County and took up a homestead claim, and in 1882 83 purchased grain in Hastings, but since 18S7 has given his attention to general farming and stock raising. He is a Republican. Mr. Nash is one of the leading agriculturists of Adams Count\-, and is the owner of 480 acres of valuable land F. V. Nash. As might naturally be expected, mention is made in the present work of many citi- zens of Adams County, Neb. , who were boi-n in the '• Hoosier State," and Mr. Nash is one of these, and his experience has been with the agricultural inter- ests of the count}-. Born on December 26, 1 852, he is a son of Nelson and Melvina Nash, «(<• Shutts, a short sketch of whom appears in the sketch of Stephen A. Nash. F. V. Nash is next to the voungest of their eight children, and has ever de- r lliL ADAMS COUNTY. 287 \-oted his time and atteiitiou to farming. It is the calling to which he was reared, and in which his father achieved success; and it is Init to be supposed that he would meet with sul)stautial results in the same capacity. His farm comprises a well improved tract of 200 acres, it Ijeiug situated about three miles southwest from the county court house. When less than two years of age he was taken by his parents to the State of Wisconsin, and there made his home, receiving his education in the common schools, until his removal to Adams County, Neb., in November, 1872, where, the following J'ear, he began life on his own responsibility. Although a man young in years, he may be said to be an old settler of the county, and also one of its leading agriculturists. He is a Republican in politics, and in 1887 was elected clerk of Denver Township; was re-elected in 1888, and also in 1889. Mr. Nash was married January 10, 1878, to Mary M. Babcock. They have one child named Rea, who was born April 3, 1889. Mrs. Nash was born in Monroe County, Mich., in 1858, and came with her parents to Ne- braska in 1872. She is a daughter of Peter H. and Isabell Babcock, the latter of whom died in Adams County, Neb., in 1877. Silas W. Niles is one of the old settlers of Den- ver Township, Adams County, Neb., and is one of the sturdj', independent agriculturists of the same. His birth occurred in Madison County of the Empire State, September 24, 1840, and he is the youngest of eight living children born to the marriage of John Niles and Sarah Mosley, who were born in 1800 and 1803, and died in Sterling, III, in 1882 and 1885, respectively. The paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of John, died in Madison County, N. Y. , at a ripe old age. Silas W. was reared in the Nutmeg State, and received an excellent high school education. Being quick to learn and of a rather studious disposition, he made rapid progress in his books, and upon starting out for himself was well fitted to make his own way in the world. He re- moved to the State of Iowa in 1855, and was en- gaged in tilling the soil in that State until 1874, when he came to Adams County, Neb. , and home- steaded his present farm of 200 acres, in Section 20. of Denver Township. He has greatly improved his property by buildings, fences, etc., since locating, and besides doing general farm work he gives con- siderable attention to the raising of stock, which has so far proved quite remunerative. He was married in 1864 to Miss Lois James, who was born in Vir- ginia in 1845, and by her is the father of four sons: John W. (a successful educator of Adams County-), Albert M. , Arthur and James I. Mrs. Niles is a daughter of James and Susanna (Ault) James, na- tives of ^Maryland, the former's birth occurring in 1804. The mother died in 1863 when about fifty- two years of age. Mr. Niles is one of the well-known and highly respected men of the count}', and for several years has filled the office of justice of the peace of Denver Township. Although formerly a Republican in his political views, he is now a Prohi- bitionist. He and wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Christian Nissen, farmer and stockman, Hast- ings, Neb. A glance at the lives of the many rep- resentative men whose names appear in this volurac will reveal sketches of some honored, influential cit- izens, but none more deserving of mention than Christian Nissen. He owes his nativity to Denmark, where his birth occurred in 1838, and is the son of Nicholas and Martha Nissen. The father was a suc- cessful tiller of the soil, and both he and wife died when their son Christian was quite small. The lat- ter remained in Denmark until twenty-one years of age and then emigrated to Wisconsin, settled in Waukesha County, and there engaged in farming, and also followed the carpenter trade. He had been in tliat State about two years when the war broke out, and he enlisted, in 1861, in Company P, Fif- teenth Wisconsin Infantry, participating in the ba'- tle of Island No. 10, and was in a great many skir- mishes. He was then taken sick and was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. Returning to Wis- consin, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, also his former trade as a carpenter, and there remained for some time. In 1862 he married Miss Mary Holcar, daughter of A. Holcar, and to them were born twelve children, eight now living: August, Joe, Louisa, Mary, Christian, Jennie, Minnie and John. Tho.se deceased were named: Mattie, John. Nicholas and an infant. Mr. Nissen and famil}- immigrate I ^<1® 288 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. to Nebraska, settled on 11)0 acres, where he now lives, and has it all well improved. He likes the State and expects to make it his homo. He is mod- erator of the school district in which he lives, and has been a member of the school board several times. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and both are deeply interested in religious and edu- cational matters. He is Republican in politics and a member of the G. A. R. Post at Hastings. He was one of the vcrj' first settlers of the townshij). Hon. Henry E. Norton, Kenesaw, Neb. Emi- nent success achieved through honorable endeavor affords one of the greatest sources of pleasure to him, who, in a retrospective view of life, traces his progress bv such tokens as deser^'e admiration and esteem. Such an enjoyment is afforded in its full- est sense to Mr. Henry E. Norton, of whose life but a brief summary is presented in this biographical sketch. The Norton family is known as one of the earliest families of Connecticut. AVhcn the JMaj-- flower lauded at Plymouth Rock with her precious load of weary pilgrims, who, in order that they might enjo}- the freedom of worship, and follow this after the dictates of their own conscience, left their native lands and pushed westward across the broad Atlantic, there was numbered among this little band, one, John Norton, in whose veins flowed the blood of the sturdy Scotch, and who, settling at Guilford, Conn., became the progenitor of the Nor- ton family in America. Henry E. Norton was born at Madison, Conn. , on August 3, 1830, and is the son of Jonathan E. and Eliza (Stone) Norton, both worth}' people of the same town and State, where the father died in 1880, at the age of eighty years, but where the mother now resides at the advanced age of eighty-five j-ears. Of a family of three sons antl three daughters born to this worthy couple, Henry E. is the third child in order of Ijirth. Grow- ing to manhood in his New England home, he in- herited those Puritanical principles of industrj' and sterling integrit}- which have ever characterized his after life. Young Norton secured his education in the high schools of his native place, and early pos- sessing a longing for active business, we find him when but seventeen years of age, acting in the capacity of traveling salesman, and in 1861 he became a raemljer of the general merchandising firm of Munger, Norton & Co. Two years later he en- gaged in the oil industrj' at Titusville, Pa. , as a member of the firm of Hale & Norton. The com- pany did a general business, pumping, refining and shipping petroleum, and were so successful, and their business increased so rapidly, that the follow- ing year they found it necessarj' to establish an ofBce at the corner of Maiden Lane and Water Streets, New York, Mr. Norton acting as general manager of the company. In 18G5 he went to Canada, and organized an oiling and prosijecting companj', at Oil Springs, Ontario. Soon afterward he returned to his native State, where he engaged at merchandising, also in the hard wood timber business for a number of j'ears. In 1879 he organ- ized the Guilford Enterprise Company, for the manu- facture of vegetable Ivor}- buttons, and was elected general manager, secretary and treasurer of the company. Mr. Norton not only took an active interest in the business development of his country, but also took a deep interest in politics, and in 1864 represented Guilford in the General Assembly of Connecticut. He had become a stockholder in the Lyon's Rock and Lime Quarry Company, of Ljons, Col. , and in the spring of 1884 he went to the west to view his property', and was at once elected presi- dent of the company', which position he now holds. In 1884 he came to Kenesaw, Neb., and established the Kenesaw Exchange Bank, which opened for business November 11, of that year, with Mr. Nor- ton as president, and under his guidance has proved a success. The firm, first known as Norton & Fry, has since been changed to Norton & Hatch, who, in June, 1888, established the Madrid Exchange Bank. In 1859, at Madison, Conn. , he was united in marriage to Miss Lucj' A. Munger, a native of Madison, and also of old Puritan stock. The fruits of this union were two sons and one daughter: Elouise C. (now Mrs. P. E. Hatch, of Kenesaw, Neb.), Charles G. (who died at Guilford, Conn., at the age of fourteen years), and Ell)ert E. (assistant cashier of Kenesaw Exchange Bank, and a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1888). In 1880 Mrs. Norton passed to her last long sleep, and now lies at rest in the cemeterj' at (iuilford. Conn., she being ■*—-n- :r^ €__ ADAMS COUNTY. 289 at the time of her death a respected member of the Third Congregational Cliureh of that place. In April, 1885, at Atlantic, Iowa, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Norton with IMiss Ella S. Talmadge, who died the following September, at Kenesaw. Neb. His marriage with Ln'"'a Gertrude Francis occurred on June 2, 1887. 'inis lady is a native of Thibodeaux, La Fourehe Parish, La. The familj- worship at the First Presbj-terian Church of Kene- saw, of which they are members, and in which organization Jlr. Norton is an elder. He has for many years been prominent in Masonic circles, both in the East and West, first becoming a member of the fraternitj' in 1861, when he entered into St. Albans' Lodge No. 38, at Guilford, Conn. He was made a Royal Arch Mason at Fair Haven, in 1883, and the following year became a member of the New Haven Commandery No. 2, K. T. ■ He was prominent in organizing Kenesaw Lodge No. 14-t, of which he is a charter member and was first Master. He is also a member of Mt. Nebo Com- mander}- No. 11, at Hastings, Neb. Since his resi- dence in Kenesaw, Mr. Norton has been prominently identified with all movements tending toward its advancement. A noticeable event in his career is the thorough principles upon which all his business ventures were conducted, and the eminent success with which they were attended. 5Ir. Norton is in ever}' respect a self-made man, and his achievements are due to his own personal efl'orts. His successful career in life furnishes for the younger generation a valuable example, showing, as it does, what may be accomplished by one having pluck and energy. Hon. Fred P. Olmstead is one of the leading lawyers of Adams County, Neb. , and is an example of what can be accomplished when the spirit of determination is exercised in connection with the every-day aflfairs of life. He was born in White- side County, 111., October 29, 1850, and is a son of Daniel C. Olmstead, who was born April 21, 1818, and removed from his native State to Illinois in 1833, where he spent a number of years as government contractor. In 1873 Adams County, Neb., became his home, and he is now one of the leading and en- terprising residents of Little Blue Township. His wife, who was formerly Miss Octavia Kendall, was born in the State of Maine, and in 1840 removed to Illinois. Hon. Fred P. Olmstead is the younger of two children, and from his earliest recollections was familiar with the duties of farm life. After receiv- ing an excellent knowledge of the common branches in the district schools of his native county, he en- tered Cornell College, Iowa, and was graduated from this institution in 1871. From that time until 1880 he was engaged in teaching school, a por- tion of the time being principal of the schools of Cleveland, 111., but in 1878 came to Nebraska, and as an educator became one of the best in the State, his reputation being made at Har\'ard and Grand Island. In 1882 he began farming and stock rais- ing in Little Blue Township, his operations in these branches of business resulting satisfactorily, but having previously acquired an excellent knowledge of legal lore, he passed an examination and in 1887 was admitted to the Adams County bar, since which time he has given this calling his undivided attention. In 1888 he became associated with 0. B. Hewett, in the law practice, and although he has acquired an excellent civil law practice he makes a specialty of criminal cases, in the handling of which he is very successful. Having always been a Republican his first Presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant in 1872, and on this ticket, in 1884, he was elected a member of the State Legislature by a majority of 887, and was afterward made chairman of a special committee appointed to investigate frauds said to have been perpetrated on school lands and funds. He introduced a bill for the location of the Insane Asylum at Hastings, and upon the expiration of his term was returned to the General Assembly and became a prominent candidate for speaker of the House. He was chairman of committee on railroads , a member, of the judiciary committee, finance, ways and means, and also of common public lands and buildings. He is a total abstainer, and is a man who has through honest and consistent endeavor at- tained his present enviable position among the prominent men of Adams County. He is a man of commanding presence; is six feet two inches in height, and weighs 230 pounds. Henry W. Olmstead is a tiller of the soil and stock raiser of Little Blue Township, Adams County, 290 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Xcl). , and is the youiigesl of four childron roaivil l)y Heniy and Sarah (Merritt) Olmstead, born in Ridge- field, Conn., and N(■^^■ York, in 1705 and 1787, respei'tivi'ly. Tlii' father was a son of Henry Olm- stead, and was also a farmer In* occupation, his death occurring in 1870, and his wife's in 1884. She was a daughter of Daniel Merritt, of Port Chester, N. Y. , and the children born to herself and Mr. Olmstead are as follows: Oliver, Daniel C. Mariat J. and Henry W. The latter began making his own way in the world in 1850, removing to Whiteside Countj-, 111., where he engaged in agri- culture, and four years later he united his fortunes with those of Bliss Sarah W. Oatman, a daughter of Daniel and Betsey Oatman of Virginia. 31r. Olm- stead removed to Nebraska with his wife and family in 1874, taking up a homestead claim of IGO acres; and owing to the energj' and enterprise which have ever characterized his efforts, he has become the owner of 336 acres of well improved and fertile land. Much of his attention is given to the raising of horses and broom corn. He has always assisted in matters pertaining to the improvement of the countj^; is a Republican in politics, and in addition to being treasurer of his district he is a member of his school board. He and wife have one son, Edward S. (who lives in Little Blue Township, near his father, and is conducting a poultry- farm). He is married to Ella C. loset, of Zero Township, Adams County. D. C. Palmer, liveryman of Hastings, Neb. Considering the fact that since Mr. Palmer's arrival upon the stage of human action he has been com- pelled to fight the battle of life for himself, his career has been more than ordinarily successful, and for the past three j'ears his time and attention have been given to his present calling, for the proper carrying on of which he seems to have a natural aptitude. Born in New Y^ork on June 28, 1835, he was the only child of Guj- Palmer and his first wife, the latter of whom died when her son was five years old. The senior Palmer married twice afterward, and is now living with his thrrd wife in the ■ • Empire State." D. C. was taught the intricacies of farm work on his farmer's homestead, and after starting out in life for himself this occupation continued to lie his calling for many years, in connection with which he conducted a butchering business. Both enterprises proved fairly remunerative, but becom- ing dissatisfied with his location he, in 1887, came to Hastings, Neb., ami opened a livery- stable, which he has since conducted in a highly successful man- ner. His earl^- education was acquired in the dis- trict schools of his native county and in the Caze- novia Seminary, which institution he attended one and a half terms, but his knowledge of matters and facts has not alone been confined to this, for by contact with the world and reading the current literature of the daj-, he would be accounted an in- telligent and wide-awake man in whatever com- munity he might cho.se to locate. Politically he is a Republican, and he and wife, whose maiden name was Lucinda E. Bard, and whom he married in the State of New York, are members of the Congrega- tional Church. To them have been born a family of four children: Prank, Charles, Herbert and Florence. Jlr. Palmer has had three half brothers, one of whom, D. W. Palmer, still survives, and is also a resident of Hastings. William H. Palmer has been connected with the farming interests of Adams County, Neb. , since March, 1878, and is the owner of 400 acres of valu- able land, the greater portion of which is under cul- tivation, his original purchase on coming here amounting to 420 acres. He was born in St. Joseph County, Ind. , in 1840, a son of James and Almira (Taylor) Palmer, and grandson of James and C\-u- thia (Palmer) Palmer and Adjanaza Taylor. James Palmer was born in Pennsylvania in 1794, and was married about 1820, becoming the father of the fol- lowing children: James S. , Adelliert B., Louisa, Alvina, Dorothea, Sophia, George W. and William H. The father of these children was a successful farmer, a soldier in the War of 1812, and in his po- litical views was formerly a Whig in politics, but at the time of his death in 18G1 he was a Republi- can. His wife died in Indiana in 1869. The earlj- life of William H. Palmer was spent in Indiana, and upon his marriage in 1864 he stiirted out in life for himself, and after farming in Lake Countj-, Ind., until March, 1878, he settled on his present proi>- erty in Adams County, Neb. He is a member of >> ADAMS COUNTY. 291 the Farmers' Alliance, and in addition to tilling his farm he has been engaged in running a threshing machine for the past eleven j-ears, and is now the owner of a fine steam thi'esher. His propert}' is finely improved and he has a good young orchard starteil. He is a Republican in politics, and is a school director iu his district. His wife was Miss Elsie L. , a daughter of Daniel and Alma (Cross) Strong, of York State. She was born in Indiana in 1845, and has borne Mr. Palmer the following chil- dren: Martin D. (who was born in 1867, is married to Emma Taylor, and resides in Denver Township, Adams Count}), Alfaretta (born in 18CS, is now Mrs. Frederick, of Denver Township), Samuel C. (was born in 1870), Walter E. (in 1871), Hattie (in 1873) and Alma (in 1883). Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. O. R. Palmer, a prosperous lumberman of Ju- niata, Neb., was born in Indiana County. Pa., in 1851, being the youngest of seven children born to Henrj' and Sarah Palmer, who were extensive farmers, to which occupation their son, 0. R. , was reared. He attended the district schools near his home until he attained his eighteenth j'car, then be- gan fanning for himself on a fine piece of land con- sisting of sixty acres, which he had purchased. He soon after married Miss Salina Hice, whose native State was Pennsj'lvania, and on this farm he resided and made many improvements for seven years, then sold out and began farming near Morgantown, West Va. , but onl}- remained there a short time, and re- sided successively in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illi- nois, Missouri and Kansas, remaining in the latter State a period of eight years. In 1879 he located with four friends in Decatur County, Kan. , and with them built a house and broke up some land; but on September 30, Indians made a raid on them and killed Mr. Palmer's four companions, and he had a verj' narrow escape from death, being wounded twice. He managed to evade them, however, and succeeded in reaching Oberlin, where he told his story, upon which a party of men was formed to hunt the Indians down, and the result was two were killed. After this Mr. Palmer went to Glen Elder, Mitchell County, and spent three j-ears on a farm and one 3'ear in town, being engaged in the liverj' business, after which he went to Greelej', and en- gaged iu digging irrigating ditches. Still later he went to Beaver Canyon, where he was engaged in lumbering for the Utah Northern Railroad Company for one year, and from that time until October, 1882, was engaged in freighting, hauling wood and hay in Glendale, Mont. At the last named date he located in Juniata, Neb. , and for five years gave his attention to the dray business and house moving, after which one year was spent iu the milling busi- ness. On May 1, 1888, he opened his present lum- ber j-ard in Juniata, and now deals iu all kinds of lumber, building materials and stone. Under his careful management and pei-severance the business has prospered, and he is now justly accounted one of the leading business men of the place, and has recently taken charge of the mill. In 1886 he erected a commodious and substantial brick resi- dence, the only one in the place, and here expects to make his home for years to come. He takes an in- terest in political matters, and has served several years as justice of Juniata, and has also been a member of the town council. He has passed all the chairs in the I. O. 0. F. , and is a member of Juniata Lodge No. 79. He and wife are the parents of the following children: Sarah M. , Carrie A., Salina J., Myrtle A. , Minnie Grace, Benjamin Roy (who died December 25, 1888, at the age of nine j'ears), Harry R. (born November 14, 1886) and George Russell (born October 5, 1889). G. W. Parks, farmer and stockman. Holstein, Neb. A life long experience in the channels of agricultural pursuits has contributed not a little to- ward the success which has come to the lot of Mr. Parks since he began farming for himself. He owes his nativitj' to Dearborn County, Ind. , where his birth occurred on April IS, 1838, and is the son of Zephaniah Parks, who was born in the Empire State in 1792. The latter went to Indiana when a young man, settled in Dearborn Count}', and was there married to Miss Leah Green, daughter of Eli Green, and granddaughter of Gen. Nathaniel Green. Later he moved to Illinois, afterward to Iowa, where he improved a farm in Johnson Count}-. He died in Poweshiek County in 1874; his wife in 1867. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, being with '^ .t A 292 HISTOllY OF NEBRASKA. Gen. llarrisDii at the liattlc of tlic Tliainos. George W. Parks grew to mauhood principally in .Johnson Countj-, Iowa, received a good common school edu- cation, and afterward taught school for about two j'ears in that State. Later lie engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in the last named county, continued at this for a numlier of years, and in August, 18(52, enlisted in Company B, Twentj'-eighth Iowa Infan- try, and served until discharged for disaliility on January 5, 1865. He enlisted as corporal, and was in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Big Black Kiver, siege of Vicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill, La. ; was wounded in the foot and arm at Winchester, Va. He was perman- ently disabled, and after being discharged returned home. He taught school, and in connection carried on farming until he came to Nebraska in 1875. He arrived here in June of that year and located on his present property, which consists of 035 acres, about half of which is under a high state of cultivation, with osage hedge, orchards and good frame build- ings. Mr. Parks is a Democrat in politics; has held the office of justice of the peace, and has been a member of the school board. He was married first (in September 1, 1859, in Gentry' Count}-, Mo., to Miss Martha Caudle, who died in Nebraska in 1887, leaving nine children: Nettie, Russell, B. W. , Frank G. , Maggie, Ella, William S., Melville B. and Arthur E. Mr. Parks' second marriage occurred in Adams County, Neb., in October, 1888, to Miss Alice Linn, a native of Missouri, and the fruit of this union has been one child, a son, Alpine. Mr. Parks is an active member of the G. A. R. Luther B. Partridge, count}' clerk of Adams County, although a young man, has made his way to tlie front ranks among the enterprising citizens of this locality, and his name is identified with the well- fare and material and social happiness of Adams County. He was I)orn iu St. Joseph County, Ind. . March 3, 1858, and is a son of Harper and Eunice (Boyden) Partridge, who were liorn in Vermont and Massachusetts, in February, 1806, and March 20. 1823, respectively. At an early da}' the Partridge familj' settled in Ohio, later in Indiana, thence in 1805 to Niles. Mich. , and in 1878 came to Nebraska, settling in Adams count}', where the father's death occurred October 5, 1879, and where the mother is still living. Luther B. Partridge is one of their five children and I'eceived his early education in the schools of Niles, Mich. On coming to Nebraslva he- engaged in farming, which occupation received his undivided attention until 1882, when he came to Hastings, and for five years acted as clerk in a mercantile house. Politically he has always been an ardent RepuViliean, and in 1887 he was elected to the clerkship of Adams County, a position to which he was elected a second time in 1889 by a plurality of 608. He is a faithful, competent offi- cial , and possesses that strength of character and genuine merit which place him among the leading men of the county. He is Past Master in the ^lasonic Lodge (Kenesaw No. 14), and also belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 28, of the K. of P. He was married March 25, 1873, to Miss Lucy K. Rob- ertson, a native of Indiana, and by her has one child: ElsworthN. Charles H. Paul. For the past eighteen years, since locating in Adams County, Neb., Mr. Paul has enjoyed the reputation of being not only pro- gressive in his views, but thoroughly posted on all matters of public interest. He has become well known for honorable, upright dealing, and has kept the name he bears pure in the sight of all. He was born in York County, Me., April 11, 1847, and is a descendant of William Paul, who left England, at Gravesend, in 1717, and settled at Taunton, Mass. The paternal grandfather was John Paul, born at Kittery,' Me., in 1770, and died on the old home- stead in that State, at a ripe old age. His son, John Paul, Jr., uncle to the subject of this sketch, went to sea in his youth, and during the War of 1812 his vessel was at New Orleans, and was blockaded by the English. He was forced to aban- don his ship, and returned to his home in Maine on foot, the journey comprising nine months. Luther W. Paul, father of Charles H. , was born in 1817, in Maine, as was his wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Fall, her birth occurring in 1819. They are now residents of Great Falls, N. H. , and although quite aged they are yet hale and hearty. Charles H. Paul is the eldest of four children, and at the age of eight years was taken by his parents to 3Ian J, ADAMS COUNTY. 293 Chester, N. H., where he attended school uutil the breaking out of the late Civil War, at which time he enlisted in Company A, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteer Infantrj- (being at that time only fourteen years old), and with his regiment participated in seventeen hard fought battles, some of the most important being: Morris Island, S. C. ; Fort Wag- ner, S. C. ; Chester Station, Va. ; Olusee, Fla. ; Drurj's Blutf , Va. : Mine Run, Va. ; Deep Bottom, Va.; Fort Fisher, N. C, and Wilmington, N. C. After an honorable service of three years and ten months, he was discharged at Goldsboro, N. C. , as sergeant. He returned to New Hampshire, and for two and one-half years was clerk in the postofflee of Manchester, after which he entered his father's boot and shoe manufactory, remaining with him about one 3?ear and a half. The year 1869 found him in Lynn, Mass., where he was emploj-ed by a large manufacturing establishment as a shoe cutter. This citj' continued to be his home until 1872, when he settled in Adams County, Neb., engaging the fol- lowing j-ear in the boot and shoe business in Hast- ings, which occupation received the greater part of his attention for eight j'ears. In 1881 he was ap- pointed postmaster of Hastings, and served until his successor was appointed by President Cleveland. In 1887 he was elected treasurer of Adams County. He was honored b}" a re-election in 1889, with a majority of 710, in which capacity he is ablj' dis- charging his duties, and as an official has the implicit confidence of his constituents. Alwaj'S an uncompromising Republican, he has aided his party to the utmost, and in return his party has honored him with his present position. His union to Miss Eliza F. Durgin took place in 18G8. She was born in Compton, N. H. , in 1849, and she and Mr. Paul are the parents of two daughters: Ada and Blanche. K. Pearson, farmer and stock raiser, has been worthily- and prominently identified witli the farming interests of Adams County, Neb., since coming to this country in 1872. He was born in Sweden in 1837, being the eldest of three children born to K. and Charley (Olson) Pearson, who were agricultur- ists in their native land. The mother died about 1863, leaving three children: Anna (in Sweden), Ella (Mrs. Nelson, residing in Hastings, Neb.), and the subject of this sketch. The latter, upon his arrival in America, settled almost immediately in Adams County, on the farm where he now lives, and on taking out his homestead papers he found that it was No. 33, showing that only thirtj^-two home- steads had been taken up before. On this property he set energetically to work, and it now shows to a noticeable extent what years of industry, good man- agement and superior knowledge will do toward improving land. He has now a half section of superior land, all of which is the result of honest and conscientious work. He has been interested in all worthj' movements since coming here, and in his political views is Independent, voting rather for the man than the party. Ho has always been found ready to support the cause of Christianity and schools, and he and his wife are earnest members of the Lutheran Church. He was married in 1863, while in Sweden, to Anna Benson, and by her has three children: Charley, Barney and Henrietta. A. R. Pearson, farmer and stock raiser, Hastr ings. Neb. A representative citizen of Adams County, and a man recognized and respected as such where- ever known, Mr. Pearson is at this time largely in- terested in farming and stock raising, to which he has given his attention for many years. . He was born in Lenawee County, Mich., in 1848, and was the fifth in a family of nine children boi'n to David and Jane (Pickering) Pearson, natives of Lincoln- shire, England. The parents were married in their native countrj", and in 1836 emigrated to America, locating in New York, where they remained for two years. They then moved to Lenawee County, Jlich. , purchased land, improved it, and there the death of the father occun-ed in 1873. The mother still sur- vives, and resides on the old homestead. A. R. Pearson was earlj- initiated into the duties of farm life, and he was fortunate in securing a good educa- tion in the schools of Lenawee County, Mich. He was married in that county in 1875 to Miss Eola G. Saulsbury, a native of Lenawee County, Mich., and the daugliter of Levi and Cordelia Saulslnirv, natives of New York. Her parents moved to Jlichigan at an early day, and there they are now residing. After marrying Mr. Pearson farmed for one year, and then moved to Adams County, Neb., where he pui-chasc'd a fiinii of IGO acres. All this he has now under cullivation, and is also interested in stock raising. lie is active in politics and his vote is cast with the Kepubliean party. He has served as mag- istrate of his township sines 1885, and served as a member of the school hoard for six years, taking much interest in educational matters. He and Mrs. Pearson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in their own district. Mr. Pearson's and otlu'r families organized a church, which prospered, and now has thirtj'rfive members. JMr. Pearson has lieen church official for six years, and was Sunday- school superintendent for two years. He is a man who takes a deep interest in the progress of the countv. and his aid and means are liberally given to all laudalile enterprises for the good of the same. To his marriage were born the following children: Ethel, Earl and Effle. Ethel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. M. Y. Perkins, another pioneer settler of High- land Township, came to Adams County. Neb., in April, 1873. settled on the farm where he now re- sides, and there he has since made his home. He first homesteaded eighty acres in Section 22, High- land Township, and this he has improved, added to and cultivated, until he has one of the best farms in the county. He was born in Bureau Count}-, 111. , in 1837, and was the eldest of four children born to Timothy and Cynthia (Perkins) Perkins, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respecti\ely. Timothy Perkins went with his parents to Illinois at an early- day, and was reared to the arduous duties of the farm. He was married in Bureau County, 111. , and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He took an active part in politics, and was a soldier in the Blackhawk War. His death occurred in 1865, and the mother's death occurred a numlier of years pre- \ious. Being reared to farm life, it was but natural, perhaps, that when it became time for M. Y. Per- kins to start out in life for himself, he chose that as his calling, although previous to this, however, he had made a journey to California (1864), overland; was five months on the road, and followed mining there until ISGO, when he returned to Illinois and engaged in tilling the soil, which has been his prin- cipal occupation since. He was married in his native county in 1860 to Mrs, Eliza Perkins, a na- tive of Nodaway County, Mo. , and the daughter of Jesse Blackburn, a native of Kentucky, and one of the pioneers of Maryville, Mo. Mr. Blackburn was a farmer by occupation, and died many years ago. M. V. Perkins cultivated the soil in Bureau County, 111. , until coming to Adams County, Neb. , in 1873. He has good substantial buildings on his place, and the original eighty acres have been increased to 160 acres, all of which is in tillable condition. He raises considerable stock, and makes a specialtj- of blooded animals, ha\ing a fine grade of Norman horses and Short-horn cattle, and taken all in all, he is one of the enterprising and progressive men of the county. He is a Democrat, and active in politics. Mr. Perkins aided in the organization of the township, is a member of the school board, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church at Hastings, Neb. To their union were born nine children: William, Isabell, Jane, Jesse (manied and resides in the township), JIartin, Fred, Lindsey, Ada and Emma. Mr. Perkins has seen the full and complete development of the county, and has killed Iniffalo near his farm. Hastings was but a small place when he first settled here, and it seems to have grown up like magic. He has aided in all enterprises for the good of the county, particularly so in educational matters. He is jjractically a self- made man. all his property being the result of his own exertions. Melancthon W. Peters, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. Mr. Peters is a t3-pieal Nebraska citizen, sulistantial, enterprising and progressive, and such a man as wields no small influence in the community where he makes his home. He came originally from the State of New York, his birth occurring in Oneida County in 1835, and was the second in a familj' of four children born to the union of Amos and Polly (Miller) Peters, natives of Y'hitehall, N. Y. , and Kingsburg, Yt. , respectively. The parents were man-ied in New York, and in 1842 the father moved to Calumet County, Wis., where he followed the trade of a stt)ne mason. His death occurred in 1855. The mother died in New York in 1839. Melancthon W. Peters was but seven years of age when he moved with his father <3) ai Af^ ADAMS COUNTY. 205 to Wisconsin, Diiilving tlw trip liy way of tlie Erie Canal and the lakes, and the principal part of his education was received in Calumet County, of that State. He commenced farming for himself in Fond du Lac County, Wis., and this continued until in 1861, when he enlisted for three months in the ninety day service, first call, and began dutj- at Milwaukee, Wis., in April, 1861, in Company I, First Wisconsin Infantry. He was in the battle of Falling Waters, A'a. , and in July of the last named year he enlisted in Company K, First Wisconsin In- fantry, for three years, or during the war, being mustered in October 8, at Milwaukee, Wis. He was assigned to the Department of the Cumberland, and was in the battles of Lallahoma and Chieka- mauga. He received a gun-shot wound in the left shoulder, was taken prisoner and confined first at Belle Island, then at Libbj', and finally at Danville, Va. , where he succeeded in making his escape by digging a tunnel. He was re-captured at Black- water River and taken to the Libby pen. During the re-capture he received a gun-shot wound in the neck and wrist, and was retained in the miserable den for ten days, when he was returned to Belle Island. From there he was taken to Andersonville, on June 7, 1864, and confined in that terrible prison until about the first of September, when he was taken to Florence, S. C. He remained there until November 30, 1864, when he was paroled and returned to Wisconsin, with an experience in the Southern prison pens which he would not care to repeat. At the close of service he engaged in till- ing the soil, and in 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Harmer, a native of Calumet County, Wis. , where they were married , and the daughter of Ira and Elizabeth (.Johnson) Harmer. Her parents were natives of New York State, and emigrated to Calumet County, Wis., in 1836, being the first pioneers of the county. The father died in 1872, but his excellent wife still survives him, and resides in Hastings, having moved from her Wisconsin home to Omaha, Neb. , in 1877, and thence to Hast^ ings, in 1878. Mr. Peters moved to Fond du Lac County, Wis. , in 1868, and to Adams County, Neb. , ten years later, where he now resides. He is not ver^- active in politics, but his vote is always cast witli the Republican party. He has been a member of the school board and takes much interest in edu- cational matters. To his marriage have been born nine children: Sherman, Jessie, Amos, John Wes- lej', Frank, Lillie, William, Elizabeth and Harry. Truman D. Phelps, farmer, Kenesaw, Neb. Mr. Phelps is one of the leading agriculturists of Wanda Township, and the energetic and wide-awake manner in which he has taken advantage of all methods and ideas tending to the enhanced value of his property, has had a great deal to do with obtaining the compe- tence which he now enjoys. He was born in Herki- mer County, N. Y. , on April 11, 1837, and is the son of Isaac^and Ruth (Vickery) Phelps, both na- tives of York State. Truman D. is the youngest of a family of five children, and when eighteen years of age he went with his parents to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he finished his education in the public high school of Warren. After this he was engaged in teaching and at various other occupations until 1863, and in 1865 he removed to Grundy County, 111. , where for the following ten j'ears he was a tiller of the soil. In 1875 he established a general mer- chandising business at Gardner, 111., which in 1878 was conducted under the firm name of Pratt, Martin & Phelps, who two years later were succeeded by Phelps & Lewis. This firm continued until 1885, and during the summer of 1887 31r. Phelps traveled through the West, and becoming impressed with the great advantages oflfered by Adams County, he de- termined to locate there. Accordingly he purchased his present farm in Section 12, Wanda Township, and three and a half miles southeast of the village of Kenesaw. In September of the same 3"ear he brought his famllj- to Kenesaw, where thej' continued to re- side until the completion of their present fine resi- dence, when they located on the place in December, 1887. Mr. Phelps has continued to improve his place until he now has one of the best improved farms and one of the handsomest farm residences in Wanda Township. He devotes much of his atten- tion to the raising of fine stock, and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of this region. His marriage with Miss Clara Griswold was celebrateil on January 26, 1862. She is a native of Truralmll County, Ohio, born September 23, 1843, and is the 296 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. (laughter of Jesse and Siisaiiiiah (Mansell) Griswold, l)oth natives of Pennsylvania, \yho in 184(5 removed to Trumbull County, Ohio. There the mother dieil, and the father then made his home with his children in Grundy County, 111., and there died in 1874. The Phelps family arc of English extraction, and for generations have resided in America. One of the ancestors served in the Revolutionary War, and the father of our subject was in the V/ar of 1812. At the breaking out of the late war Truman D. en- listed in the Ohio Volunteer Militia, but was re- jected b}' the medical examining board. Politically Mr. Phelps is a stanch Republican, and- both he and wife are worthy members of the Baptist Church, be- ing active in works of charity and benevolence. Mrs. Phelps is a member of the W. C. T. U. , and is also a member of the W. R. C. They now reside on their farm near Kenesaw, where they have a pleasant home and are surrounded by the comforts of life. Their only child, William M. , who was born on Februarj' 9, 1876, resides with them, and adds to the sunshine of their lives. The family is universally respected and esteemed. 3Ir. Phelps is a member of the JIasonic fraternity. David S. Phelps by his superior management has become a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Adams County, Neb. Born in Bureau County, 111., April 21, 1859, he is a son of E. H. and Mary (Morse) Phelps, natives respectively of Massachu- setts and Connecticut. When a young man, in 1831, E. H. Phelps removed to Illinois, there being only seventeen families in Bureau Countj- at the time of his settlement, and he is now its oldest liv- ing resident. He was married in Illinois, and he and wife reared a family of three daughters and one son, two daughters being now residents of Adams Count}', Neb. David S. Phelps remained with his father until he was twenty years old, and besides receiving the advantages of the common schools was an attendant of the Princeton high school. Be- lieving that he could do better in Nebraska than in his native State, he came west in 1879 and located in Adams Countj', on the farm of 160 acres where he now lives. All his land is well fenced and under cultivation, fvud he has just built him a new resi- dence, and convenient to the house is an apple and peach orchard, consisting of 150 trees just commenc- ing to bear. His crop in 1889 was exceptionally large; and he is gradually accumulating means, and will eventually' be one of the wealthy men of the county, for he possesses all the requisites necessary to success, among which may be mentioned energy, enterprise and economy. His stock is all of a good grade, his cattle being of the Short-horn breed, his swine, Poland China, and he has a fine Clj'desdale brood mare. Being a Republican in politics, he has served as delegate to numerous county and State conventions, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he is class leader. His marriage to ^liss Fannie Frantz was consummated in Illinois, August 8, 1882, she being a native of and reared in Logan County, of that State. Her father, Isaac Frantz, is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have two children: Glenn (a lad of five years), and Zantie (a little girl three years of age. W. W. Philleo, a well known and highly es- teemed resident of Adams County, Neb. , is a son of Addison and Livonia (Cummings) Philleo, who were born in Torrington, Conn., November 27, 1804, and July 21, 1816, and died June 11, 1880, and Sep- tember 20, 1845, respectively. They were married in Winfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., and in 1836 concluded to seek their fortune on the fertile prai- ries of the West, and settled on a farm near Port Byron, Rock Island County, Hi., their possessions consisting of a horse and one eight-inch cast-iron plow. They paid $40 for their horse, and after a time bought a cow at $80, and as they had only $135 when locating here, they soon learned what it was to suffer for the necessaries of life, but in time became well-to-do citizens. To them four sons were born. Russell C. was born September 28, 1837, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, having been a member of Company D, Twelfth Regiment Illinois Volunteers. William Wallace (familiarly known as Scott or Scotch, a nick-name given him by his mother, who was of Scotch descent) was born June 8, 1840, a farmer, market gardener and nurs- eryman by occupation, having been a resident of Ayr, Neb., since 1872. He was married May 12, 1870, to Miss Maggie Farris, of Coatesville, Chester Adams County Nebraska. J'^ — >- ADAMS COUNTY. 297 k^ County, Pa., her birth having occurred in Philadel- phia, Maj- 16, 1845, and their union has been blessed in the birth of four children: Livonia M. (born March 17, 1871, married to Lou Fleming, March 2, 1889, a son of T. C. Fleming, of Ayr), Frank S. C. (born August 22, 1872), Wallaces, (born December 31, 1875), and Ira D. (born July 2, 1877). The third child born to Addison Philleo was Thomas A. E. , who was born March 17, 1842, and was married to Maggie Cime, by whom he has three children: Li- vonia, Lil}' and Addison. This gentleman is a farmer by occupation, and is also engaged in stock- raising at Chenej^, Spokane County, Wash. The fourth child of Addison Philleo is Edgar A. , who was born September 19, 1844, a farmer and stock- man by occupation. He was manned to Miss Etta 3IcDaniels, by whom he had five children. Addi- son's second marriage was on July 15, 1846, to Mrs. Marj' N. Williams, mee Rosenberg, a native of Canada, born December 24, 1821, this union result- ing in the birth of eight children: Emily L. (bom May 29, 1847, wife of M. A. Rosenberg, a farmer of Ayr, Neb.), Livonia C. (born April 3, 1849, wife of J. C. Giddings, by whom she has tive children: Clarence, Charles, Jennie, Frank and Emmet), Jane K. (born July 18, 1850, living in Port Byron, 111.), Bradford N. (born March 8, 1860, a farmer of Adams County, Neb.), Eveline L. (born February 15, 1862, wife of Jesse L. Simpson, of Port Byron, 111.), and Mordecai. Esther and Amanda are de- ceased. The father of Addison Philleo was Ar- temas Philleo, who was born in the State of New York, November 21, 1775, and died in November, 1863. He was married December 11, 1800, to Miss Louisa Loomis, who was born September 23, 1879, and died June 6, 1824, having borne her hus- band fifteen children. Phineas Philleo, the father of Artemas, was born in Norwalk, Conn., August 28, 1749, married !Miss Silence Cummings, of York State, in 1770, their deaths occurring in 1789 and 1798, respectively, in the latter's native State. Samuel Philleo, the father of Phineas, was born in France about 1706, and. came to this country with his father, John Fillow, about 1708. The latter was a self-exiled French Huguenot, and was born about 1667, and died in 1765. He came from Paris, and 19 was a glove maker and weaver by occupation. W. W. Philleo, the immediate subject of this sketch, saj's that all the Fillows, Philos, and Philleos, with all the variations and spellings of the name in this country, are the descendants of John Fillow. The family throughout are honest, industrious and law- abiding citizens, and although they can not claim to be descended from the French nobility, or to having achieved any very prominent place in American his- tory, yet wherever members of the family are found they are considered honored and useful citizens. Like the Jews, the Philleos have an ancestral pride in industry, and in fostering these hereditary habits; and in connection with this they are possessed of virtue, reliability, strength of character, and pros- perity. Historian Foude says, " There are but three ways of living: working, begging or stealing, and he who is not doing the one is doing the other." The Philleos seem to have chosen the former occu- pation of obtaining a livelihood, and are not ashamed to labor. Nearly every profession is represented, and in the famil}- are to be found able divines, physi- cians, lawyers and agriculturists, while the muse was not lacking in many. The first school taught in the neighborhood in which W. W. Philleo was born , was in charge of Annett Holmes, and consisted of a two months' term which Mr. Philleo had the good fortune to attend, while an older brother was obliged to stav at home and aid his father in plowing corn and pota- toes. His luck did not last long, however, for the following four or five years were spent in assisting his father on the farm, and in hauling logs for rails, and to a neighlioring sawmill, so that the entire schooling he received amounted to but about eighteen months. He was often called lazy by his father, and for no other reason than that he was of an inventive turn of mind, and was always trying to find the easiest way of doing his tasks. When about thir- teen j'ears of age, he was thrown from a horse, the fall nearly breaking his back, and owing to the fact that he could sit down only for a little while at a time, he could not attend school, so he got an old shot gun and during the spring and fall hnnted pigeons, becoming by the time he had reached his sixteenth year, one of the best rifle shots in his por- tion of Illinois, The following summer after receiv- - \9 ^ 298 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. ing his iujuiy, bis father and uncle thought they would make a printer of him, and so secured him a position in the ofliee of the first daily paper pub- lished in Rock Island, 111. , and here he learned to set type, and do the general dirty work of a print- ing office. He had lieen apprenticed for two years, and all went well until hot weather approached, when he ran away, and began hunting and trapping, and succeeded in laying up some money. In the spring of 1857 he began canvassing for two books, and in the first part of the season made lots of money, but in the fall and winter lost it all l\v the failure in the wild cat banks of those good old Dem- ocratic da3-s. During the winter of 1857-58, he attended school for two months in Port Byron , 111. , pa3-ing his own board and tuition, and while there improved his advantages to the utmost, as he had just begun to learn the value of an education. Up- on the approach of spring, he determined he would not return to the farm, and as the war in Utah Territorj^ was then in progress, he decided to go there and see what that countrj- had in store for him. His sole possessions then consisted of $15, a shot gun and a rifle. He traded the shot gun for a revolver, and finding a party of four young men who were going to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., he joined them, investing all the money he possessed in the expedition. His father strongly opposed this meas- ure, and ti'ied to dissuade him from his purpose, but of no avail, and finding that he was to start on April 14, he met him at Port Byron, and again used all his eloquence to persuade him to remain at home. Upon finding his efforts fruitless, he presented him with $5, and bade him God speed. After experi- encing a good manj' hardships, they at last reached Fort Leavenworth, where Jlr. Philleo hired out to the government as a driver, and accompanied the last detachment of cavahy that was sent out to reinforce Gen. Johnson, at Salt Lake City. After a few days he gave up this work, as he did not like the rough class of men he had fallen in with, and then went to work for Majors Russell and Waddell. breaking Texas steers, and getting trains ready for the plains, they having all the government contracts at that time. Owing to the great demand for ox yokes, he entered that business and made considerable money. After a time he went to St. Louis, but .■shortly after returned to Fort Leavenworth, going from there to Lawrence, where his four companions on his journe}' westward were sick with ague and had spent all their money, their investments in lands proving un- fortunate. Mr. Philleo purchased them provisions and medicine, then returned to Fort Leavenworth and went to work for Sam Bissell, who h:ul a large hay contract with the government. After remaining with him for about five mouths, he entered the em- ploy of Nichols & IMorton, eight miles south of Atchison, Kan., and hauled and rafted logs for them until June, 1859, then went to bull whacking for Jones & Cartwright, freighters to Denver, Col., and on his wa^- to that place, stopped at a house on the present site of Marysville, Kan., which was owned by a cripple who had previouslj^ run a saloon and gambling house in Port Byron. 111., in defiance of the law, and had at last been burned out by the in- dignant citizens. His whereabouts had remained unknown until he was discovered by !Mr. Philleo, whom he was verj' glad to see. His house was a sort of stopping place for men going and return- ing from the gold fields of Pike's Peak. In 1859, when Mr. Philleo was on one of his trips to Den- ver, Adams County, Neb., was being surve3-ed, and when they came back in the month of October, all the river and creek claims were taken l>y squatters, and also a great deal of the ui^land near the streams was also taken, the settlers being mostly parties returning from Pike's Peak and Salt Lake. In the fall of 1859, he went to work in Flood's Mill, Cass County, Mo., continuing until July 14, 1860, which was the j'ear of the greatest drouth known in the West. On that date he started for his old home in Illinois, never having written a line to his relatives during his absence. He rented part of his father's farm and settled down to work, but in the spring the Rebellion Ijroke out, and at the first call ft)r troops he, on April 14, left his team harnessed in the stable, and his crOps one-half sown, and started for Rock Island, where he was mustered into Company D, Twelfth Regiment Illinois Infantry, and after his term of three months' enlistment had expired, he joined Compan}' A, Thirty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and was mustered into the United States _^ 9 L> ADAMS COUNTY. 299 service at Chicago, III, August 21, 1861, and was honorably discharged September 23, 1863, by reason of promotion to second lieutenant of Company K, Twenty-second Regiment Corps D, Afrique, later the Ninety-second Regiment United States Colored Infantry, being recommended for promotion in the winter of 1864. to the regular army, but failed to receive such promotion as the following notice shows: "MoRGANZiA, La., January 28, 1865. Second LU-ut. 11'. II". PhUleo, 92nd U. S. C. Inft. Sir: — I have to inform you that you were not examined for promotion, as the surgeon's examination found you physically disqualified. By order of the Board, C. B. Gastell, Lieut. Col. 81st V. S. Col. Inf., Recorder. He remained with his regiment until May 16,1865, and was then mustered out of service by gen- eral order from the War Department, on account of physical disabilitj". He first served in Missouri, and while at Boonville was detailed with eightj- other men to catch and break a large number of horses and mules. Here his two 3-ears' experience on the plains served him in good stead as he was the onl}- man in his entire army who could throw the lariat. ' He made a dozen lariats and before night had every mule caught, and the soldiers had them harnessed. After holding the position of company teamster for one year, he was chosen wagon master, afterward becoming division wagon and forage master, holding this position until after the siege of Yicksb'urg. While at New Orleans he was detailed b}' Gen. Heron to take charge of a wagon train des- tined for the Red River campaign, and here received his commission. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, siege of Yicksburg and the Red River campaign. After his return home from the war, he began the study of medicine, making the diseases of the ej'e a specialtj^ and what he learned has since served him well, for during a period of twent}^ years he has paid out but $15 for doctor bills, and that for services when he was not at home. He con- siders the practice of medicine the greatest humbug of the nineteenth centur}-. and surgery the greatest science. In the fall of 1870 he and A. C. Moore became associated in the agricultural implement trade, Crete, Neb., being their chosen place of bus- iness. At the end of two years jMr. Moore with- drew from the flrm, and Mr. Philleo continued alone until in 1874, when he failed on account of the drouths and grasshoppers. On May 16, 1871, he took up a homestead claim in Adams Countj', and had some breaking done that fall and the fol- lowing summer. His wife moved on this place July 22, 1872, his brother and a cousin living with her, and in the spring of 1873 he planted an orchard of 200 trees, a large quantity of small fruits, l)esides 10,000 apple grafts which did ver}- well, as the season was favorable. The next spring he en- larged his orchard, set out 20,000 grafts, but aU was destroj-ed that season by the drouth and grass- hoppers, which was rather discoiu'aging. In 1875 Mr. Philleo went to work for the Walter A. Wood 3Iachine Compau}-, and put his wages into apple trees and grafts, and soon had another orchard, 1 ,100 trees and 20,000 grafts, beside 400 grape vines. This was in the spring of 1876, and all promised well, but grasshoppers came down from the North in immense swarms and destroj'ed every thing but one apple tree, and about 400 grafts. These he set out the following spring and notwithstanding con- siderable bad luck, which he had with them until 1882, he has now a fine orchard of 2.700 fruit trees, and acres of gi-ape vines and small fruits, all of which he raises in quantities for sale. For a summer apple he recommends the Earlj- Harvest, Red Astrachan and Duchess; for fall, the Wealth}-, Haas and Snow, and for winter, Ben Davis, Pewaukee and Rowls Janet. Politicall}' he is a Republican, but would not vote for his best friend unless his views in regard to public measures were in accord with his own. In the fall of 1886 he was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. J. B. Hartwell was nominated for Senator, and A. Y. Cole and H. C. Minnix for representatives. Mr. Philleo, think- ing to test the position of the candidates, drew up the following: '■ To the electors of Adams County: I hereby certify that if elected to represent Adams County in the next Legislative Assembly. I pledge myself not to recei\e fir ride on a pass from any rail- road company, nor will I solicit or receive one for an}- other person whomsoever, and that I will intro- duce or support a bill making it a felonv for any 'y a A^ -ill soo HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. elected or appointed officer in the State of Nebraska, senators and representatives to tlie United States Congress included, to receive and ride on a pass, and that I will introduce or support a railroad freight bill for this State pro rata with the freights now charged from Omaha to the sea board, and will do all in my power to secure the passage of the same; also House Roll No. 329, of the session of 1885." This was a bill drawn by Mr. Philleo to compel rail- road and other corporations to make and keep in repair public crossings, which became a law in 1887. This he subsequently presented to the candidates of the Anti-Monopoly party, who were H. P. Fitch, H. Gr. Armitage and H. M. Palmer, and they hav- ing signed it he cast his vote and used his influ- ence for their election. In the winter of 1873 he drew up a petition to Congress asking for a repeal of the pre-emption laws, in lieu thereof giving a timber culture act. He had 1 00 of these petitions printed and sent to postmasters all over the State for signatures, and this petition was placed in the hands of Senator P. W. Hitchcock, of Nebraska, who at once drew up a bill in accord with the peti- tion (except that it did not repeal the pre-emption laws), which passed both Houses of Congress and became a law March 3, 1873. At this writing (March 6, 1890), there are several living in Adams Count}' who signed this petition and know the facts as set forth, but the credit of its passage has always been given P. W. Hitchcock, and Senator Paddock, who has amended it; while every tree that grows upon a timber claim is a living monument to W. W. Philleo. A. F. Powers, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. This gentleman is another representa- tive citizen who owes his nativity to Illinois, his birth occurring in St. Clair County in 1829, and is the second in a family of eleven children, five now living, born to the union of John and Nancy (Ford) Powers, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectivelJ^ The parents were married in St. Clair County, III, whither John Powers had emigrated at the age of sixteen years, and here he followed farm- ing until 1834, when he moved to La Salle County, 111. There he received his final summons in 1862. The mother died in Kansas in ] 874. Grandfather Aaron Ford was a soldier in the War of 1812. On both sides of the family, the Powers and Fords can trace their ancestors back to the M.'iyflower. A. 1*'. Powers was early taught the duties of farm life, and received his education in the district schools of Ij;i Salle County, 111. He commenced fanning for him- self at the age of twenty-five years, and continuctl thus employed until the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in Brookfield Township, La Salle County, in 1865, in the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry for one year, and was mustered into service at Joliet. He remained with the Eleventh until it was mustered out. He was in the engagement at Fort Blakely, and was transferred to the Eight Illinois Infantry, being in the Red River country on garrison duty. He was honorably dis- charged at New Orleans in February, 1866, and afterward returned to La Salle County . 111. Previous to the war, in 1856, he had married Miss Margaret S. Leech, a native of Ohio, who died in Illinois on February 26, 1862, during which time he resided on a farm he had purchased in Brookfield Township, La Salle County, 111. By that union were born three children: Robert W. (married and resides at Culbertson, Neb,), John F. (died in 1860), and Aaron S. (died in 1802). Mr. Powers was married the second time in La Salle County, III. , on January 1, 1867, to Miss Ann Clark, a native of Scotland, and the daughter of Thomas and Agnes (Nevin) Clark, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Clark settled in Allen Town- ship, La Salle County, and here the father tilled the soil until his death, which occurred in June, 1886. The mother is still living and resides in Livingston Couutj-, 111. , in the vicinity of Dwiglit, After his marriage Mr. Powers continued to reside on his farm in Brookfield Township until his removal to Adams County, Neb., in 1874. He entered 100 acres of land and bought a tree claim, and purchased railroad land. He commenced im- proving the farm, erected a good frame house and substantial outbuildings, and is now the owner of 476 acres of good land, all in a good state of culti- vation. He raises some stock. He is independent in his political views, and votes for the best men and measures; he is the present super\isor of West -4-H — —s At=±r ?k^ ADAMS COUNTY. 301 Blue Township, and is re-eleeted for tlie two ensu- ing years; he is chairman of the board of super- visors, also chairman of the building committee, and assisted in organizing the township. He yas justice of the peace from the organization of the precinct until elected to his present office, and has been a member of the school board, being quite active in educational matters. Socially- he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He and wife are members of the Presb_yterian Church at Hansen, Mr. Powers being one of the elders. To his second marriage were born nine children, five now living: John T. , Aaron C, Agnes May (died March 15, 1879, at the age of eight years), James A. (died March 16, 1879, at the age of six years), Ann E. (died March 12, 1879, at the age of nearly four years). Bertha E. (died March 27, 1879, at the age of six months), Inez E. , Ida A. and Phoebe I. Mr. Powers is one of the earlj' settlers of the town- ship; has seen the full development of the county, and has assisted very much in the liuilding up of the same. He has taken a decided interest in every- thing for the good of Adams County; is progressive in his ideas, and is taking an active interest in the court house (being chairman of the building com- mittee), erected at a cost of about $66,587.50. C. R. Powers, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. In enumerating the enterprising and pro- gressive agriculturists and stockmen of this town- ship, Mr. Powers must not be overlooked. He owes his nativity to La Salle Count}-, 111, where his birth occurred in 1837, and is the son of John and Nancy (Ford) Powers, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively. The father moved to Illinois in 1822, when a boj*, settled in St. Clair County, and was there married. He moved to La Salle County, 111., in 1834, and there followed farming for many years. He was magistrate for many years, and died in 1862. The mother sur- vived him until 1874. Their family consisted of eleven children, five of whom are still living. C. R. Powers passed his boj'hood days in the common schools of La Salle County, 111. , and commenced life for himself by fanning in Illinois. He was married in his native county in 1861, to Miss Phoebe R. Greenlees,-a native of New York, and the daugh- ter of Andrew and Rebecca (Dominy) Greenlees, natives respectivel}- of Scotland and New York. Her parents came to Illinois in about 1840; the father engaged in farming, and made that State his home until his death, which occurred about 1859. The mother is still living and resides on the old farm in Illinois. After his marriage Mr. Powers settled in La Salle County, and carried on farming until 1873. when he moved to Adams County, Neb., and there purchased 292 acres of wild land. This he has since improved, and has erected a good house and out buildings. He is engaged in raising and feeding stock, and is making a specialtj- of Short^horn cattle. He assisted in the organization of West Blue Township, and is a representative citi- zen of the same. He and 3Irs. Powers and family are members of the Presbjteriau Church, at Hast- ings. To his marriage were born five children: Clara R. , Mary, Ella, Robert and Arthur. Mr. Powers is a great temperance advocate. William Turner Putt, M. D. , is the present effi- cient sujjerintendent of the Parkview Cemeter}-, and was one of the leading spirits in its establishment. He was born in Torquay, Devonshire, England, Oc- tober 10, 1850, being a son of John and Sarah (Turner) Putt, who were also born in England, the former's birth occurring in 1823. He died at Lisbon, Kendall County, 111., in 1867, still survived by his widow, who is now sixty -seven years of age, and is a resident of Washington, Kan. Dr. W. T. Putt is the eldest of eight children, four now living, and came with his parents to the United States in 1854, and took up his abode in Grundy County, 111. , subsequently removing to Kendall County, 111. ; he attended the public schools of Lisbon, and later en- tered the Jennings Seminary at Aurora, 111. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father, but in 1869 he dropped his tools to take up the study of medicine, entering the office of Dr. N. G. Smith, at Lisbon, 111. After considerable preparatory study he entered the Electric Medical Institute, at Cincin- nati, Ohio, from which institution he graduated on May 13, 1874, locating the following June for prac- tice at Oswego, 111. , where he was a successful practitioner from 1874 to 1884. In March of the latter year he came to Adams County, Neb., and ^^ 1L£ 302 HISTOKY OF NEBRASKA. until 18SG was engaged in fanning, since which time he lias been superintendent of tlie Parkview Cenu'lery, the hoautiful appearance of which is largely due to his untiring etforts, and no better man could be found to fill the position. In 1889 he in- vented and had copyrighted Putt's Atlas System of Cemetery Records, which is the most complete book of records ever placed before the pulilic. He owns six acres of fine land within the corp()rati[r. Ruby is active in polities and votes with the Democratic party, Ijut is no oflSce seeker. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Being one of the first settlers of Adams County, Mr. Ruby has been a witness to its marvelous gi'owth. and it has not been so very long ago that the Indians were numerous here. He I came to this county with only a team and is now out of debt and the owner of a good fann. Alexander Rutherford, farmer and stockman of ® k-. :l^ 308 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Denver township; Adams County, Neb., was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1838, being the eighth of ten children born to Thomas and Fannie (Stinson) Rutherford, both being born, reared and married in Scotland, removing to Ireland soon after tlie last named event, and there died in 1870 and 1882. re- spectively. Their children's names are: William, Thomas. Jane. James, John, Roljert, Alexander, Adam and Klisa. Alexander Rutherford was about thirteen years of age when, in company with his brother Robert, he came to the United States, land- ing at New Orleans. After spending one year in St. Louis they went to Rock Island County, 111. , where thej- found employment at farm work, and here Alexander was married in 1864 to Miss Anna Langdell. a daughter of William W. and Elizal)eth (Warren) Langdell, who were born in England and removed to Illinois in 1850. settling in Rock Island County, where they Ijoth died. In 1868 Mr. Ruther- ford and his wife removed to Poweshiek County, Iowa, and there he was engaged in farming and blacksmithing until 1879, when he came to Adams County, Neb., purchased 160 acres of land, and has since been engaged in tilling the soil. His land is well improved and stocked, and his residence is substantial, commodious and convenient. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, a Democrat in his politics, and a patron of all worthy enterprises. A family of ten children have been born to himself and wife: William W. (who died in 1866). Lizzie W., Adam, George, Alfred T. . Benjamin W. (who died in 1878), Harry T., Frank. Charley A. and Gracie (who died in 1885). Frederick J. Schaufelberger, M. D. This ener- getic gentleman, who has acquired a flattering repu- tation as a physician, was l)orn in Freedom, Beaver County, Pa. , April 28, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Margaretha (Friteher) Schaufelberger, natives of Baden, Germany, who emigrated to the United States, settling first in Pennsylvania, and later in Hancock County, Ohio. Here the father plied his trade, that of wagon making, and also followed the occupation of farming until 1882, when he retired from active business life, and moved to Fostoria.Ohio, where he at i)resent resides. Dr. Schaufellierger re- ceived his education and rearing in Hancock County, Ohio, and liuislied his literar}' education in Heidel- berg College, Tiffin, Ohio. After being in the drug l)usiness in Fostoria, Oiiio, twelve years he, in 1881, began the study of medicine in tlie office of Drs. Henr}- & Meyers, and thus favored with excellent prejiaratory training, he entered the Jefferson ^ledi- cal College, of Philadelphia, Pa., graduating as an M. D. in 1884. After practicing in Fostoria, Ohio, for two and a half years, he. in October. 1886. came to Hastings, Neb. , and here his professional career from the first has been one of gratif3'ing results. The Doctor is a Repulilican. and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. He is a member of all the Masonic bodies, belonging to the York Rite of Masonry in Hastings, Neb. , and is the present T. I. M. of Hastings Council No. 8. He is also a Past Master of Fostoria Lodge No. 288, A. F, & A. M., Fostoria, Ohio. The Doctor was married October 9, 1877, to Eva J., daughter of Jacob J. and Rachel A. (Harsh) Mj-ers. Mrs. Schaufelberger was born in Fostoria. Ohio, December 8, 1853. They have one child , Frederick J. , who was born February 9, 1881. B. F. Schlegel. hardware merchant, Kenesaw. Neb. I'l'ominent among the commercial resources of the town of Kenesaw must be included the trade carried on in hardware, etc. , and among those who hold a responsible position in this line may be mentioned the name of Mr. B. F. Schlegel, one of the successful business men of the place. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumer- land County, February 3, 1840, and is one of the early settlers of Western Adams County, Neb. His parents, Peter and Susannah (Bohner) Schlegel, were both natives of the Keystone State, where they passed their entire lives, and where the father car- ried on agricultural pursuits. The Schlegel family is of German descent, and have long been residents of Pennsylvania, the paternal grandfather being a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War. B. F. Schlegel's time was divided in early life in assisting his father on the farm and in getting a meager education in the common schools. When about seventeen years of age, he went to Erie County. Ohio, where he en- gaged as a farm laborer. In 1861 he enlisted for three months in Comjiany E, Eighth Ohio Yohin- "F ADAMS COUNTY. 309 teer Infantry, and at the expiration of liis term of enlistment he returned t» liis home, and later enlisted in Company H, Forty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, re-enlisting in the same company' three years later. He participated in the engagements at Winchester, Cedar Jlountain, Antietam, Cliancellors- ville, Gettj'sburg, Peach Tree Creek, and several other prominent battles. He was in Sherman's march to the sea, and at the time of his discharge, which occurred at Harrisburg on July 22, 1865, was serving as first sergeant. Soon after the close of the war he went to Ohio, and the following sjn-iug came to Neliraska, locating in Dakota County, where he remained two years. After spending the following year in Iowa, he returned to his Eastern home and later traveled extensively in the Northern and AVest^ ern States, finally selecting Kenesaw as his place of residence, locating there in 187S. He purchased a farm one mile east of the town, and devoted his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He remained on his farm until 1888, when he moved to the town of Kenesaw, where he purchased his present hardware business in partnership with S. H. Smith, the present firm. In 1867 he married Jliss p]liza Combs, a native of Ohio, who died in 1868. In 1871 he mar- ried Miss Rosa A. Reed, a native of Penns3"lvania, and the fruits of this union have been one son and three daughters. Mr. Schlegel is a Republican in his political views, and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, at Atlanta, Ga. , in 1864. He served as treasurer of Kenesaw Township for three j'ears, and has also Ijeen a memlier of the school board a numlier of times. He is a memljer of the G. A. R. , Kenesaw Lodge No 144, and is also a member of the Kenesaw Building and Im- provement Association. P. J. Schmitz is accounted a prosperous agricul- turist and stockman of Adams County, Neb. , and like the majority of the natives of Wisconsin he is progressive in his views, and possesses original and excellent ideas regarding the management and con- duct of his farm. He was born in 1861, and is the third child born to Henry and Catherine (Barbian) Schmitz, the mother a native of Germany. Henrj- Schmitz, also a native of German}', was born in 1839. and in 1852 came to the United States, and settled near Janesville, in Rock County, Wis. , where he married and followed cabinet making for a living. In 1861, however, he took up farming in Grant County, Wis., and in 1874 moved to Adams County, Neb. , and in addition to taking up a home- stead claim also purciiased land, and now has a val- uable farm amounting to 560 acres, which is finely improved. He and wife are members of the Catho- lic Church. P. J. Schmitz spent his school days in Grant County, Wis. , but upon his father's removal to Nebraska he came also, and in 1881 began farm- ing for himself, contimiing three years, after which he followed tiie carpenters trade five or six years; then again resumed farming, which he expects to make his calling through life. He settled on his present farm in 1888, and has it well improved and stocked, and is considered one of the enterpris- ing young farmers of the county. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Aircie Lawhead, a daughter of Al- fred and Catherine (Flint) Lawhead. Mr. Schmitz' bi-others and sisters are as follows: John H. (who resides in Roselaud, Adams Count}-, Neb.), Mary (Mrs. Derricks, living in Adams County), Minnie (wife of G. M. Gatford, of Roseland). and Albert. Annie and Eva, at ho^ne. Henry Schnuelle, farmer and stock raiser. Hast- ings, Neb. In Sheboygan County, Wis., in 1854, was born to Fredrick and Rickie (Boedieker) Schnuelle, a son, who is now taken as the subject of this sketch. The father was a successful agricul- turist, is a Republican in politics and a public spirited citizen. He is a member of the Reformed Church. His wile, who was also a member of that church, died in 1880. They reared ten children to maturity: Fredrick, Rickie, Sophia (deceased), Henry. Simon. August. William, Anna, and Her- man and Caroline (twins). Henr\- Schnuelle was the fourth in order of birth, and as he grew up re- ceived instruction in the district schools of his native State. At the age of twent}--one years he went to Iowa, where he remained for three years, and then in 1877 he emigrated to Nebraska, where he bought 160 acres, where he now lives. It was all prairie at that time, but this he has improved, and now has a fine farm. He was married in December, 1881, to Miss Minnie Haubrock, daughter of Charles and >> 310 HISTORY OF. NEBRASKA. Jjouisa llaubiock. and a native of Illinois. Her parents moved to Nebraska in 1878, settled in Han- over Townsliip, and there tliey are still liviufj. To Mr. and Mrs. Seluuielle were born tive children: Charley (born October 31, 1882), Clara (born March 30. 1884), Willie (born December 20. 1885). JIurtha (born Auiiust ti, 1887). and Dora (born Fel)ruary 22, 1889). Mr. Schnuelle is deeply interested in the ui)buildin^s ir^ A 314 HISTORY OP NEBRASKA. '^ Church since thej' were chiklren, and he, as well as his brother, is an active worker in the Sundaj'- school. He and wife have two sons and two daugh- ters: Ina, Ethel, Flo_yd and Leon. He also owns considerable town property and ICO acres of land three miles from Juniata, all of which is under cul- tivation. He is a Prohibitionist, and socially is a meralier of Juniata Lodge No. 79, L 0. 0. F. , of which he is secretary. George W. Slay is a farmer and stock raiser of Cottonwood Township, Adams County, Neb., and his well established characteristics of energy, perse- verance and iudustrj' have lirought him safe returns. He was liorn at JlcConuelsville, Ohio, November 26, 185-lr, and is a sou of Henry and Catherine (Davis) Slay, who were also born in the " Buckej-e State." The Slays are of German origin, and the grandfather, John Slaj', was born in Pennsylvania and settled in Ohio at a very early period, his ancestors having come to this country, it is sup- posed, since the Revolutionary War. Catherine Davis was a daughter of George Davis, a native of Maryland, who settled in Ohio, at McCouuelsville, during the early history of that region. George W. Slay was one of a family of eleven children, of whom five sons and two daughters are now living, and grew to manhood in the State of his birth. After reaching his nineteenth jear he started out in life for himself, and after spending one year at farming in Grundy County, Mo., he went to Michi- gan and was employed in the lumlier regions of that State for one year. The following six mouths were spent at general labor in West Virginia, after which he went to Pennsylvania, thence six months later to Indiana, and after spending a year here he went to Illinois, and spent a year there also. After a resi- dence of six months in Wisconsin he returned to the lumber regions of INIichigau, and eighteen months later went on a visit to his old home. He worked for three years at railroading in Perry Count}', after which he farmed until 1883, in Grundy County, Mo. , and in September of that year came to Ne- braska and homesteaded his present property, which comprises 160 acres of fine farming land, nicely improved with good buildings, orchards, etc. While a resident of Grundy .Countj', Mo. , he was married to Miss Martha Shilling, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Reuben and Hannah (Hopper) Shilling, natives of Wisconsin, and descendants of an old Scotch family. Mr. and Mrs. Slay have one son and two daughters: Herman A. , Ettie IMyrtle and Gracie May. The family worship in the Methodist Church, and Mr. Slay has held several local offices. Edwin Smith, farmer and stock raiser, Hastings, Neb. Mr. Smith owes his nativity to the Empire State, where his birth occurred in 1842. and is the second of five children, three sous and two daugh- ters, born to the union of John and Keziah (Hal- lock) Smith, natives also of the State of New York. The father is a farmer, and has followed this occu- pation successfully all his life. He was born in 1820, and is now a resident of his native State. He is Democratic in his political principles, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of wliicli his wife was also a member. She was the daughter of Zebulous Hallock, of York State, and died in 1885. Their children were named as follows: Cyrus B. , Edwin, Joseph P., Loduska M. and Ida B. Edwin Smith's school days were spent in New York State, and he was reared in Delaware County, al- though his native county was Greene. He started out for himself in 1SG3, liy enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, he having moved to that State and settled in ;\Iar- shall County in that j'ear, and from that time he acted as scout and guard, taking prisoners liack and forwards from different places. He was discharged on October 20, 1864, after which he returned to Illinois, and there tilled the soil until 1876. He then emigrated to Adams County, Neb.. V)ought eighty acres of land, which he now has well im- proved and which is better stocked than almost any other farm in this part of the country. He is enter- prising, industrious, and cannot fail to be success- ful in whatever he undertakes. He was married, in 1882, to Isabelle Campbell, ncc Herlinger, who had one child, Ira, the result of a former union. Mr. Smith is interested in all enterprises for the good of the count}', is school treasurer in his district, a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his politi- cal views is Democratic. He and Mrs. Smith are memliers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. IMr. ADAMS COUNTY. 315 Smitli likes the State, and expects to make it his permanent home. Judge B. F. Smith, attorney at law, a member of the firm of Dilworth, Smith & Dilworth, of Hast> ings, Neb., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in June, 1847, lieing the seventh in a family of eight children of Nathaniel and Mary (Cope) Smith, who were of German descent; the father was a Lutheran minister. Both his parents died in 1851. B. F. Smith soon after removed with his grandparents to Steulien County, Ind. , and at an early age entered a printing office, and also learned the manufacturing of candy, and at the age of sixteen, in 1863, en- listed in Company H, First Michigan Sharpshooters, being attached to the Ninth Army Corps, in the campaign of 1864, and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Bethel Church, Ox Ford, North Anne, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, in which last engagement he received a wound in the right arm from the bursting of a shell, which caused the amputation of the ann at the elbow. He was discharged from the service in December, 1864, and returned to his home in Steuijen County, Ind. , and soon after engaged in running as express messenger between Cincinnati and St. Louis. In 1866, when the cholera was raging in St. Louis, he returned to Steuben County, Ind., and entered the graded school of Angola, remaining there teaching school and studying law until 1871, when he was admitted, and in April of 1872, he removed to Juniata, Neb. , taking up a homestead four miles northeast of that place in Highland Township. He at once entered upon a career of distinction and success, and owing to his strong, good sense and knowledge of legal lore . he soon commanded a large patronage. He has made many improvements on his farm, which is a valuable piece of land, and after proving his title, in 1874, he moved to Juniata, where he bought prop- erty and erected a dwelling, but in 1882 caused his present commodious residence to be built. He has always been a politician, and in 1873 his ability was recognized Ity the people, and he was elected probate judge, which office he held eight years. He has al- ways been a stanch supporter of Repuljlican princi- ples and has been a delegate to numerous conven- tions. In 1876 he formed a law partnership with James Laird, which continued until 1883, when the latter's interest was purchased by Gen. Dilworth, and the next j'ear W. A. Dilworth was admitted and the present firm formed. Judge Smith is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. , Juniata Lodge No. 79, and is a member of Hastings Encampment No. 50, and of Geary Post No. 81, G. A. R.. Miss Sarah Biggs- bee, of Indiana, became his wife in 1868, and to them have been born the following family: Jesse and Eugene are deceased, and Benjamin F. , Philip H. and Harrison Morton are living. J. W. Smith, M. D. , is well known to the many readers of this volume, and owes his nativity to Bakewell, England, where his bu"th occurred in 1852, he being the elder of two children born to Thomas and .Mary Smith, the former of whom was a Wesleyan Jlethodist minister, and expounded the doctrines of his denomination for thirty-three years, dj'ing in 1874. His wife's death occurred in 1880. Dr. J. W. Smith often accompanied his father to the different parishes in which he preached , and thus acquired much valuable information, which stood him in good stead in later jears. His means of learning was not confined to this alone, however, for he attended the schools of Bakewell, excellent ones of their kind, and subsequently finished his educa- tion by graduating from the medical and theological departments of Wesley College, Sheffield. In 1873-74 he preached the Gospel in England, but in 1875 he came to the United States, and located at Franklin, N. Y. , where he continued his work for the Master for two years, and was then at Hampden, of the same State, three years. At the expiration of this time he came to Nel)raska, and for two years acted as principal of the schools of Orleans, being also pastor of a church there, after which he was transferred to Juniata, making this the scene of his ministerial labors for two years. Since that time he has practiced the profession of medicine in Adams County, his labors in this capacitj- being well pros- pered, and, besides, his own personal characteristics have drawn around him a wide spread popularity. Dr. Smith was married in New York, in 1876, to ^liss Mary K. !Muhlachm, a native of Hampden, N. Y. , aud a graduate of the Albany Normal College, a refined and intellectual lady. Her grandfather was 3?. ix: 31G HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. one of the earliest settlers in Delaware Count}-, and her rqlatives are respected and prosperous citizens of that region. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have had five children: E. Russell (who died at the age of two years), Flo3d, Edith Pearl, Robert Arthur (died in infancy), and Walter J. H. N. Spencer, farmer and stoclv raiser, Ne- gunda, Neb. This successful and enterprising citi- zen, like the majority of people who claim the Buckeye State as their birth place, is enterprising, intelligent and thrifty. His liirth occurred in Ge- auga County, in 1825, and lie was the only child born to his parents, Orrin and Mehitabel (Hall) Spencer, natives of Connecticut. The father was a farmer by occupation, and when fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to Geauga County, Ohio, they being among the first white settlers to locate in Claridon Township. He was marrii'd in ( thio in 1821, and afterwards tilled the soil. His death occurred in Ohio in 1874, and his wife's death occurred previous to this, in 1800. He was quite a prominent man and served the county in many posi- tions of trust. He was justice and director of the infirmary. Grandfather Spencer was in the War of 1812, and went to Cleveland at the time of Hull's surrender. H. N. Spencer began farming at an early age, and secured a fair education in both the subscription and free schools of Geauga County. He was married in that county, in 1846, to Miss Rosett Utley, a native of Geauga County, and the daughter of Hamilton and Polly (Squires) Utley, natives of Massachusetts. Her father was a farmer and about 1816 moved to Geauga County, Ohio, where he remained during life. He was in the fac- tory business for many years in Massachusetts. He engaged in teaching in Ohio, and followed this pro- fession with success for about twenty years. He was justice of the peace for many years. His wife died in May, 185.3, and he in December of the same year. After his marriage Mr. Spencer settled in Ohio, and remained there until the fall of 1880, when he moved to Adams County, Neb. In 1862 he enlisted for three years in Company F, Seventh Ohio Infantry, and was commissioned second lieu- tenant, and assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was in several battles, among them being Chan- cellorsville and Gettysburg. In 1863 he was taken sick at Gett3'sburg, and during his sickness his wife made him a visit. In consequence of the battle of Chickamauga, Mr. Spencer was transfeiTed to the Armj- of the Cumlterland, and was in the battle of Lookout Mountain and Ringgold, where he received a gun-shot wound in the hip. He received a fur- lough and was at home for sixty days, and he now has the bullet. After returning he was in the battle of Resaca and Dallas, where he received a shell wound which put out one eye, and this ended his field service with the Seventh. He remained at Nashville, Tenn. , for some time, and was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio, in Jul}', 1864. In August of the same year he received an appointment and recruited Company K, One Hundred and Seventy- seventh Ohio Infantry, and was appointed captain, He was assigned to the defense of the Nashville Railroad. He was in Murfreesboro, and was be- sieged by Gen. Forrest, and was in many skir- mishes. His regiment was later assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, and he joined in Febru- ary. He was at Fort Fisher, was at Wilmington, Goldsboro, and was in the battle of Town Creek. Mr. Spencer was honoralily discharged in 1865, at Greensboro, N. C. , after which he returned imme- diately to Geauga County, Ohio, but later went to North Carolina, where he remainetl six mouths. Subsequently he returned to Ohio and followed farm- ing there until 1881, when, as before stated, he moved to Adams County, Xeb. He purchased a prairie tract of land of 400 acres, and on this he has made many improvements. He has a fine stock ranch, well watered and with plenty of shade, and he raises considerable stock. He is not active in politics, and votes with the Republican party. He held the position of treasurer of Geauga County from 1858 to 1862, and was one of the prominent men of the same, taking quite an active part in politics. He is a member of C. A. Arthur Post No. 242, G. A. R., at Lawrence, Neb. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. , is a Chapter member, and is also a member of the Council. He has been a Knight Templar for thirty-five years, and has been High Priest and served in other capacities. To this union have been born two children: Flora S. ^. ADAMS COUNTY. 317 (now Mrs. Hawlej-, of Eureka Springs, Ark.), and Lawrence U. , residing on tlie farm. Mrs. Hawley is a music teaolier and has a store in Eureka Springs. John H. Spicer, clerk of the district court of Adams County, Neb. , is a native of La Salle County III. , born September 26, 1857, and is the eldest of five children of E. H. and Eunice (Wood) Spicer, who were born in Pennsylvania, in 1828 and 1S30. respectively, and arc residing in La Salle County, 111., where they settled in the year of 1854. Koger Spicer, the paternal grandfather, was born in the "Nutmeg State" in 179P, and died in New York in 1884. John H. Spicer commenced life as a farmer's lioy, but received fair advantages for ac- quiring an education in the schools of La Salle Country. In 1876 he concluded to take Horace Greelej-'s advice and " go West, " not particularly to grow up with the country, Ijut to obtain the "almighty dollar," and for this purpose settled on a farm in Adams Count}-, Neb., which he continued to till successfully nntil 1888. In the fall of 1887, he was elected clerlv of the district court, and his present term will expire in 1892. He has always been an earnest supporter of Repul^lican principles. In the year of 1883 he was united in marriage to Miss A. B. Scott, a native of Cedar County, Iowa, born in 1857. and by her has a family of three chil- dren, one son and two daughters — Erwin H., Minnie R. and Erma E. George W. Spicknall, Hastings, Neb. Promi- nent among the ver^' early settlers of Adams County stands the name of Mr. Spicknall, who settled here on August 10, 1870, on Section 30, Township 5, Range 11, now Silver Lake Township, and at a time when there were but nine persons in the county. He was born in Dearborn County, Ind. , on March 19, 1839, and is the son of Leonard and Emilj- (Horum) Spicknall, the latter of whom was liorn in Vermont, and died in Indiana in 1871, at the age of sixty-five 3'ears. The father was born in Mar^'land, and died in Indiana in 1850. The}- were earlj^ set- tlers of Dearborn Count}-, Ind, George W. Spick- nall was the eighth of thirteen children, six of whom are now living. He assisted his father on the farm in his boyhood days, and in August, 18G1, he donned his suit of blue, and enlisted in Company K, Twen- ty-sixth Indiana Infantry, serving nineteen months in that regiment. lie was discharged for disability in the month of March, 1863. Recovering from his disaljility, he again re-enlisted in Company D, Sev- enth Indiana Cavalry, serving with said regiment until February, 18G6, when he was discharged as sergeant-major. He then returned home and en- gaged in farming in Indiana until 1870, when he emigrated to Adams County, Neb., and here carried on farming until 1883. In politics Mr. Spicknall is a Republican, and in the fall of the last mentioned year he was elected county clerk of Adams County, being re-elected in the fall of 1885. He and M. N. Kress, of A}t, are the only two men here now who were here in 1870. In 1886 Mr. Spicknall was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Angevine, who was born in Dearborn County, Ind., in 1845. He has made his own way in life and has been success- ful in all his business ventures, and is now able to enjoy the fruits of his industry. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of Blount Nebo Com- mandery No. 11, K. T. , also a member of the Hast> ings Lodge of K. P. J. Turner Steele, M. D. , was born in Boston, 3Iass. , November 10, 1857, being one of six chil- dren born to Joseph H. and Mary (Powers) Steele; the former a native of England, born in 1817, and now resides in Hastings, Neb. He came to the United States at the age of sixteen, and in 1859 re- moved with his family to Iowa, settling at Man- chester, where the mother, who was born in Ireland in 1818 and came to America at the age of twenty, died in 1867. In the high school of Manchester the early scholastic advantages of Joseph Steele were enjoyed, and later he became a student of the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City. His medical studies commenced in the office of Dr. B. H. Rey- nolds, of Manchester, and were continued there until 1879, when he went to Iowa City and completed his reading in the office of 0. T. Gil- lett, secretary of the State University, and for a short period he was engaged in the practice of medi- cine. Dr. Steele graduated from the State Univer- sity of Iowa , after which he entered Rush jMedical College, and graduated from there February 19, 1884, and the following April came to Hastings, ^ ^'. -^ ^ Ll 318 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. which place has since been his home. On Decem- ber ^S. 18S7. he man-led Loiiella. daughter of S. C. and Harriett Hughes, of Lexington, K3. , and to them was born one cliild, J. Hughes. Born in a city noted for the culture and intelligence of its in- hal)itants, he is one of the true type of New Eng- landers, and is a careful, consistent and thoroughlj- educated physician, and enjoys a high reinitation not only in his adopted city, but throughout the State. The Doctor is one of the few professional men that have been successful in financial affairs, and ranks among the first men in the city in busi- ness circles. By the purchase and sale of the Tay- lor farm adjoining the city limits, he inangurated the memorable boom of 1887, and was one of the heaviest operators in real estate, of which he is still a liberal holder. He is public spirited and enter- prising, and always to be relied upon in carrying forward any public or benevolent enterprise. He still enjoys a lucrative business, which is principally confined to a citj- and consultation practice, Lilie most men of spirit, the Doctor is a great admirer of good horses, and in the fall of 1887 established the stock farm known as Wile-Wood, situated two miles east and two south of Hastings, It is as pictur- esque and romantic a spot as the name it bears sug- gests, and with its towering bluflfs, winding streams, beautiful meadows and abundant groves of wile wood it is destined to become one of the most at- tractive resorts for lovers of fine horses. Of those horses now on the farai, Revenue heads the list. He is a beautiful mahoganj- bay, full sixteen hands high, with slight star in forehead; he was purchased of Col, Bruce, at Lexington, Ky. ; he is a son of the gi-eat su-e and race horse. Renown, first dam by im- ported Bonnie Scotland, He is without question the finest thoroughbred stallion in the State, and with the many fine brood mares and youngsters will undoubtedly make Wile- Wood respected. Dr. Steele is a Republican, his first presidential vote be- ing cast for James A. Garfield. He is genial, well read, and popular with all classes. David V. Stephens, the efficient postmaster of Juniata, Neb, , was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1844, being the eldest of the children born to James H, and Mary L. (Cleveland) Stephens, who were born in Ohio and Virginia, respectively, the fonner a wortliy tiller of tlie soil. In 1851 the family moved to Iowa, and in 1860 returned east, as far as In- diana, in which State the mother died. The father continued to make liis home here until 1882, when he removed to Adams County, Neb., and settled on an exceptionally fine farm of forty acres, one and a half miles east of Juniata. His present wife, whom he married in 1885, was a Jlrs. Carrie "\'on Riper, a native of New Jersej'. David V. Stephens was reared on farms in Iowa and Indiana, and was an attendant of the common schools until the opening of the Civil War, when he dropped all pursuits to take up ai-ms for his country. In 1863 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Eighteenth In- diana Infantrj-, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Burnside, and was in the battles of Cumberland Gap, Walker's Ford, Monroe Gap, after which he went to Knoxville, which place he reached shortly after the siege. From there he went to West Virginia . thence to Indianapolis, where he was honorably discharged and returned home. He soon after entered the high school at Waliash, Ind, , and this institution he attended during the summers of 1865-66, being engaged in teaching dur- ing the winter months, December 24, 1867, he was man-ied to Miss Nancy A. Thompson, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of the Rev, David Thomp- son, who was an old settler of Wabash Countj-, and treasurer of the same two terms. After his marriage Mr. Stephens bought a farm of fifty-six acres, and continued to reside on and till this farm for three years, after which he moved to Wabash, and derived in the store of D. Thompson, a grocer, then for the general merchants, Thompson & SnalveUy, remaining in the town until 1878, when he concluded to seek Dame Fortune a little farther west, and accordingly settled in Greelej-, Colo. , being engaged in tilling a farm of forty acres near the town. He continued to reside here three years, making many improve- ments in the meantime, but in 1881 sold his farm and came to Adams County, Neb. , and purchased a farm of eighty acres, three miles southeast of Juni- ata, which he sold in 1884, and moved to Hastings. After remaining here one winter he made a trip through the Southern States, with a view to loeat- ADAMS COUNTY. 319 ing, Init returned to Adams County, well contented to" settle down here. After farming for a short time he clerked for E. F. Gettle for over two years, and on December 7, 1889, was appointed postmaster of the town, and is now discharging the duties of this position. He has always been quite an active politician, a Republican by precept and example, and has held a uumlicr of minor offices in Adams County. He is actively engaged in church work, as is his wife, who is also a charter member of the W. C. T. U. Both are members of the Congrega- tional Church, and are the parents of fonr children: Frank M. (who is deputy postmaster), Clement V. , Eva May (wlio died at the age of twenty months), and an infant daughter. Nellie. William Stewart, farmer and stockman, Hast^ ings. Neb. Perhaps the most exciting and thrilling period of :Mr. Stewart's life was during his career as a soldier, and the lirief account here given of his service in the army will convey something of an idea of what was undergone by him. He is a native of Shelby County, Ohio, where his birth occurred in 1842, being the fourth in a family of eleven children born to the union of Preston B. and Patsey (Ash- paush) Stewart. The father was born in Kentucky in 1S13, was married in his native State, and in 1832 moved to Ohio, becoming one of the earliest settlers of Shelby County. He was a blacksmith by trade, and during his early settlement in that county, did considerable work for the Indians. He was a member of the 3Iasonic Fraternity, Stoke Lodge No. 43, was Senior Warden of the same, and was deeply interested in all matters relating to his lodge, hav- ing aided in organizing several different ones. He died in Ohio in 1886. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife, who is li\ing at the present day. She resides in Ohio, is seventy-four years of age, and is still quite active. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Ashpaugh, the latter of whom lived to be one liundred and one years of age, her birth occui-- ring in 1749. and her death in 1850. Our subject's paternal grandfather lived to be eighty-five years of ao-e. The children born to Preston B. Stewart and wife are named as follows: Sarah. Joseph, Elizabeth, William. Maria, Williliy. :Martha A.. Rhoda. Charles, Perry and Harvey. William Stewart passed his younger days in his native State, and at the break- ing out of the war shouldered his musket, donned his suit of blue and enlisted in Company E, Forty- fifth Ohio Infantry, under Maj.-Gen. Stanley. He participated in twenty-seven general engagements, the principal ones being Resaca, Ga. ; Altoona Pass, Chattahoochie River, Atlanta, Ga. ; Jonesboro, N. C; siege of RocksviUe, Franklin, Tenn.; Chatta- nooga, Ind was in a great many skii-mishes. He was a private, and during his entire time of enlist- ment was never sick a day. He assisted in the cap- ture of Morgan in Ohio, and was one of the mounted scouts of the undertaking. He was captured in Tennessee in 1863, was confined in Libby prison six months, and experienced all the horrors of that place. When first taken he weighed 185 pounds, and when exchanged in the spring of 1S64 his weight was 100 pounds. After this he was unfit for^service for five months, but at the end of that period he returned to the same company in which he enlisted, and served until the close of the war. He was one of three who came out of 400 taken in his regiment. After his discharge, in 1865, he re- turned to Ohio, and was married the same year to Miss Caroline L. Wright, daughter of William and Caroline (Broderick) Wright, natives of Virginia and Vermont, respectively. Her father died in 1862. and her mother in 1S47. They were memljers of the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Stew- art were born five children: Robert E. , Emma, Walter G. , :^Iinnie A. and Edmund H. While liv- ing in Ohio Mr. Stewart followed contracting, and in°1877 emigrated to Nebraska and settled at Hast- ings. Adams County. He moved to his present location in 1879. and has 160 acres of land all well improved and well stocked. He is quite deeply in- terested in the raising of blooded stock, and has some fine Durham cattle. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Stokes Lodge No. 40, Port Jef- ferson, Shelby County, Ohio, and is a member of the Chapter of the same county in Ohio. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. It was all a prairie when :Mr.. Stewart first settled in Nebraska, and he has experienced some of the severe storms of the State. ^U »- >?". 320 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Fred H. Stoelting is the proprietor of tlie Stoel- ting Hotel at Prosser, Neb. , whifli i.s one of the best conducted est:il)lishments of the kind in this part of the State. Althougli Mr. Stoelting began life with little means his career has been more than ordinarilj- successful, and for the past nine years his entire time has been given to his present calling, for which he seems to have a natural aptitude. His liirth oc- curred in Indianapolis, Ind., in the year of 1845, he being the fifth of thirteen children born t<> Christian and Susanna (Frink) Stoelting, l)Oth of whom were born in Germany. They came with their parents to the United States when they were children, and in this country the father learned the cooper's trade, and for some time operateil a large shop in Indianapolis. Later he established a shoe store there, which he successfully conducted a uumlier of years, and dur- ing this time he became intimately- acquainted with President Benjamin Harrison. After selling out his establishment in the city of Indianapolis, he removed with his family- to Wisconsin, where he purchased a large farm, on which he began farming on an exten- sive scale, andattheeudof a few years, after he had made many valuable improvements, he sold out for $16,000, and retired from active business life. He died in March, 1889, having spent a useful and active life, and is still survived \)y his widow. Fred H. Stoel- ting resided in Indianapolis until he reached the age of ten years, and up to that time had the advan- tages of the common schools. He afterward entered the Seminary at Sheboygan, Wis. , which institution he attended three years, and after the war had been in progress one year, he, in 1862 enlisted in Com- pany K, Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry, it being called "The Flying Division," and was in thirteen severe battles, among which may be mentioned Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Atchafalaj-a, Fort Morgan, French Creek, Spanish Fort, and was in the entire siege in front of Vicksburg. He was dis- charged at Galveston, Tex., on July 14, 1865, and returned to Wisconsin. He soon started for Mex- ico, but as the war was formally closed when he reached New Orleans, he went to Indianapolis, Ind. , and became foreman for a large establishment in that city. On August 3. 1868, he was married in Chicago, 111., to Miss Emma Deats, and soon after went to Shebo3'gan, Wis. . where he engaged in the saw mill business, and later ran a tug lioat on the lake for three years, a part of the time being captain. In 1878 he came to the State of Nel)raska, and set- tled in the southwest part of Adams County, where he took up a .soldier's claim, and on this farm made his home for three years, in the meantime making some valuable improvements. He still owns the farm, but at the end of the above mentioned time, he moved to Hastings and estal)lished the Pennsjd- vania House and the Queen City Hotel, which es- tal)lishments he successfully conducted for seven 3-ears. In 1888 he came to Prosser. a portion of the town being laid out on land which he owned, and here he built the Stoelting Hotel, and also a livery stable, both of which he conducts in a highly suc- cessful manner. Besides his jiropcrty here he owns some business lots in Hastings, and may Ijc said to have prospered, notwithstanding the fact that he has met with numerous reverses, among which may be mentioned a fire which swept over his farm when he and his wife were residing thereon, it destroj'ing all his farming implements, and woukl have undoubt- edlj- consumed himself and wife had thej" not been residing in a sod house at the time. He has been acti\'e in all enterprises which tend to promote the welfare of the countj-, and was at one time a mem- ber of the detective force of the count}-, and assisted in bringing to justice a number of criminals. He has always been an active politician, and is a mem- ber of the Laird Post, G. A. E. , and belongs to Hastings Lodge No. 50, I. O. 0. F. Dr. 'M. W. Stone, the subject of this sketch, was born in Delaware Countj-, Ohio, December 11, 1837. His father's name was Stephen W. Stone, who was a son of William Stone, and he was the youngest son of Thomas Stone, of Marjdand, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from that State. His mother's maiden name was Emilj- Moore. She was the only daughter of Gen. Sidney Moore, of Dela- ware, Ohio. He attended school at Delaware until he was twelve jears old, then Lis father moved on a farm in the northern part of Delaware Countj-, where he resided until the fall of 1853, when he removed with his father's family to Washington County, Iowa. In the year 1857 he began the stud}' ^ liL^ ADAMS COUNTY. 321 of medicine witli Dr. David A. Kittle, of Wasliing- ton. Iowa, and continued his studies in medicine wliile pui'suing bis studies in the high school in that city, during the \-car of 1858. In 1859 he returned to Delaware, Ohio, and there attended the Ohio Wes- leyan University for one year. He took his first course of lectures in medicine during the year of 1860, and graduated at the Bellevue Medical Col- lege, New York City, in February, 1861. After completing his medical course he made quite an ex- tensive tour of the Southern States, going as far south as Texas, and while there came very near Ijeing caught Ijy the secession acts of the Southern States. When it became evident that a war was to result from the treasonable acts and rebellious atti- tude of the South, he at once returned to his home at Washington, Jowa, and on the loth day of July. 1861, enlisted as a private soldier, in Company H, Seventh Iowa Infantry, and at once marched to the front in the defense of his country. In November of that same year, 1861, he was promoted to the position of assistant surgeon of the regiment. In this capacity he was with the regiment in the Ijattles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh and other minor engagements. In the latter part of this year, 1862, he was transferred to the United States Volunteer Staff, and was on duty at Corinth and St. Louis until May, 1863, when he was again promoted and transferred to the United States Medi- cal Staff, and ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans, then in command of the Army of the Cunilierland, for duty. He arri\-ed at the headquarters of the Arm}- of the Curalierland about August 15, 1863, and was assigned for dutj" to the division com- manded Ijy Gen. George H. Thomas, and was with them at the memoralile battle of Chickamauga, Sep- tember 19 and 20, 1863. where Geu. Thomas won the title of • ' The Rock of Chickamauga. '' On Sep- tember 21, 1863, he arrived in Chattanooga, and assisted there in organizing the hospital forces of what afterwards l)ecame one of the most important military points in the West. He remained at Chatr tanooga until after the battles of Lookout Jlountain and Mission Ridge, when he accompanied Gen. Thomas' forces on the campaign to Atlanta, and then returned with him to Nashville, and was in the notable battles of Franklin and Nashville, where Hood's arm}- met so signal a defeat that it was al- most annihilation. In February, 1865, he was ordered to Clarksville, Tenn. , to take charge of the general hospitals at that place, relieving Dr. Cooper, of the Eighty-third Illinois Infantry. Here he re- mained until Xovemlier, 1865, when the medical and hospital depot at that point was discontinued and broken up. Then he reported to the medical director at Nash\-ille, where he remained until Sep- tember, 1865, when he was granted a six mouths' leave of absence, with orders from the War Depart- ment to report to the C(immanding officer of the De- partment of the Platte, at Omaha, Neb. , at the expira- ation of that time. In accordance with those orders, on April 7. 1867, he reported to Gen. C. C. Auger, at Omaha, Neb., and was ordered on to the Western frontiers, with the Fourth United States Infantry. While on the frontiers he also served with the Thir- tieth and Twenty-seventh United States Infantry, and the Fifth and Tweutj'-second LTnited States Cavalry, and traveled over Western Dakota, Yellowstone Park, Montana, Washington Ten-itory, eastern part of Oregon, through Nevada to Reno, and from thence by rail to Sacramento, Cal. From Sacramento he went to Fort Yuma, from there to Tucson, Santa Fe, Fort Hayes, Kan., Denver. Cheyenne and to North Platte, Neb. On returning to North Platte he was assigned to duty with troops stationed there, and along the line of the Lhiion Pacific Railroad. In September, 1869, he was appointed surgeon of the Union Pacific Railroad, and resigned fi-om the regu- lar army in November, 1870. In March. 1871, he removed with his family to Polk County, Neb. , where he resided until 1877. when he moved to Saunders County, Neb. . where he engaged in the practice of his profession, and soon built up a large and lucrative business. He continued his residence at Wahoo from the date of his removal there to the present time, and his family still resides there. In 1878 he was appointed surgeon-general of the State by Gov. Albinus Nance, with rank of colonel on the Governor's staff. This position he has held con- tinuously since, having been re-appointed bv Gov. James W. Dawes, and also b}- Governor John M. Thayer. On May 1. 1889, Gov. Thayer paid him "%' ^ V ^1 'ii 322 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. the very handsome compliment of appointing him, without solicitation, superintendent of the Asylum for the Chronic Insane, at Hastings, Neb. Fredrick Stulken, farmer and stock raiser, Hast> ings, Neb. Another citizen of foreign liirth who has become prominently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of the countj' is Mr. Stulken, who was born in Holenliaugh, Germany, in 1S44. His father, Halard Stulken, was a shoe- maker bj- trade, andmamed Lena Barker, who bore him seven children. The father died in 1851 , and the mother in 1S7S. Fredrick Stulken passed his boyhood days in his native countrj-, and in 1871 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Ogle County, 111. , where he remained five years. He then moved to Nebraska, settled in Blaine Township, Adams County, and bought 200 acres of land, all of which he has improved. To the original tract he has added enough to make 360 acres, and now has a fine place. He was married in Illinois, in 1876, to Miss Lena Lambus, a native of G-ermany, and the daughter of Orr Lambus, and the fruits of this union have been seven children: Lena, Henry, Anna, Au- gust, Mary, Minnie and Lizzie, all living and at home. Mr. Stulken is Independent in his political views, and alwaj's votes for the best man regardless of party. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church at Hastings, and he is active in religious and educational matters. He was living in Nebraska during the ravages of the grasshoppers, and being one of the pioneers, has witnessed the many improvements made in the last ten or twelve j-ears. H. B. Talbert, farmer and stock raiser, Trum- bull , Neb. Mr. Talbert owes his nativity to Shelby County, Ind. , where his birth occurred in 1842, and was the sixth in a familj- of ten children, the result of the union of Jesse and Hannah (Engle) Talbert, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively. When a }'Oung man the father went to Indiana, was married there, and there followed agricultural pur- suits until the latter part of his life, when he en- gaged in trapping. His death occurred in 1878. He was a strong Abolitionist. His wife died in the same year. H. B. Talbert di\'ided his time in early vouth between assisting on the farm and in attending the subscription schools of Shelby County, Ind. At Indianapolis, in August, 1861, he enlisted for three years in the Third Indiana Battery, and was mus- tered into service at the above mentioned place. He was assigned to the Western Department and sent to St. Louis under John C. Fremont. During 1864 he was in Mississippi on garrison duty, and later was under A. J. Smith, and joined the Red River expedition. He was honorably discharged at In- dianapolis in August, 1864, having remained until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He re- turned to Shelby County, Ind. , and was married in that county, in 1866, to Miss Matilda Rittenhouse, a native of Shelby County, Ind., and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Young) Rittenhouse, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of Indiana. Mr. Rittenhouse was reared in Sheli)}' Countj-, Ind. , and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in August, 1846. His wife is still living, and makes her home near our subject. Mr. Talbert introduced tile making in Shelby Count}-, and followed that business for three years. In 1879 he came to Adams County, Neb., homesteaded 160 acres, and first lived in a dugout, to which he added a sod addition. In 1887 he erected a two-stoiy frame house, twenty-eight feet square, and has as fine a residence as any in the county. He takes a great interest in raising stock, and has good barns and outbuildings. In fact, his residence, barns, outbuildings, etc. , all indicate the quality of farmer that he is, and the same systematic condition of affairs about his home is apparent in his course as a man. Although not active in politics he is still a Republican in his views. He is a member of the school board of his district, and is a member of W. H. Harrison Post No. 183, G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Talbert are members of the Methodist Episco pal Church. The^- are the parents of seven children: Minnie F. , Edward Morton, Jesse H. , Elias F. , Cora Alice, IMyrtie E. and Charles W. Charles H. Tanner is a man who began life for himself poor in ))urse, l)ut who possessed a sutfi- cieutl}' determined spirit to bend the force of cir- cumstances to his will, and is now among the lead- ing ineml)ers of the .Vdams County bar. He was born in the ''Empire State" August 14, 1853, and ^ ADAMS COUNTY. 323 is the elder of two children born to the marriage of William H. Tanner and Nancy F. Jones, also natives of York State, the former's birth occurring in 1822 and the latter's in 1834. The career of Mr. Tanner, after his arrival upon the stage of human action, was rather uneventful, and like that of the majority of boys, was spent in the school room, graduating from the Academic Department of the State Noi'- mal School, at Cortland, N. Y. Being ambitious to make a name for himself, and thinking Horace Greeley's advice excellent, he, at the age of twenty- one years, came to Nebraska, and during four j-ears' residence at Lincoln was in the United States land office. In 1875 he began the studj^ of law in the office of Green & Ricketts, and in the year 1877, was admitted to the Lancaster County bar. In the spring of 1879 he settled in Hastings, where he at once entered upon a career of distinction and suc- cess, and took an active part in some of the leading criminal cases of the countj^ He was the leading counsel for the defense in the case of the State vs. Lizzie Aldridge, charged in the indictment with poisoning her husband. The case was tried at the June term of 1889, and resulted in her acquittal. Mr. Tanner has always l:)een a Republican, and in 1886 was elected on that ticket to the office of county attorne}- of Adams County, for a term of two years. For ten j-ears he has held the position of United States Commissioner. He is a Mason, belonging to Lancaster Lodge No. 54, Lincoln, Neb. His marriage to Jliss Flora V. Trippe was celelirated in August, 1874, she being a native of Cortland Count}-, N. Y. , but he was called upon to mourn her death September 22, 1884. November 19, of the following year, he espoused Miss Hattie Fay, of Hastings, born in 1864, a daughter of William Fay. Frank J. Taylor is a farmer and stockman of Adams County, Nel). , who has met with good suc- cess in following his chosen calling, V)eing now en- gaged in tilling a farm of 160 acres, which he pur- chased in 1879. He was born in Lake County, Ind. , in 1859, lieing the third of five children reared by De Witt C. and Louisa (Palmer) Taylor, and a grandson of Adanijah and Lucy Taylor, and James and Almira Palmer. DeWittC. Taylor was born in New York in 1826, and was married in Indiana about 1850, and died there in 1888. His widow survives him and makes her home in Lake County. Their children are: Helen, Charles A. , Frank J. , Emma and William. Frank J. Taylor received ex- cellent educational advantages in early life, and lie- sides attending the common schools, was an attend- ant at Valparaiso. In 1880 he began farming and raising stock on his own responsibility, and the same year was married to Jliss Mary Fuller, a daughter of Robert and Delia Fuller, and emigrated to Neljraska, where he had previously purchased his farm. He lived with his wife on his farm until 1883, when, while on a visit to Indiana, his wife was taken ill and died in December, and was buried in tlie Lowell cemetery. He has made many improvements since locating here, and his farm is considered one of the best tilled and most fertile in the county. In addi- tion to this he has engaged quite extensively in buy- ing and selling stock, and has taught school since coming to the countv, being a warm patron of edu- cation. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, is a Republican in politics, and in 1890 was elected assessor of Denver Township, and treasurer in 1887. He and wife are the parents of one child, Jesse Clinton. Thomas A. Templeton, farmer and postmaster, Kenesaw, Neb. Mr. Templeton owes his nativity to Armstrong County. Pa., where his birth occurred on October 6, 1837, and is now following a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from manv worth}- individuals, and one that always fur- nishes sustenance to the ready worker. His father, Thomas Templeton, was a native of Armstrong County . Pa. , and was a farmer and miller Ijy occu- pation. He married Miss Isabella Templeton. a na- tive of Huntington County, Pa., and to them were born ten children, of whom Thomas A. was next to the j-oungest. In his 3-ounger days the latter re- ceived the advantages of a good education, and when he was twenty years of age he Ijegan teaching in tlie public schools of the State. After that he entered the employ of the American Furnace Company as en- gineer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirt3--ninth Regiment, Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and the first duty of the company was to Inuy the dead after the second ^^ 324 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. battle of Bull Rim. He served as a member of the color guard, :uid was honorably discharged in June. 1865. He participated in the battle of Antietam. and was at both engagements at Fredericksburg un- der Gens. Burnside and Hooker He was with his company when they made the famous thirt^y-sixmile march at Gettysburg, and after a brief rest of but two hours participated in the terrible assault upon Little Round Top. At the battle of the Wilderness, on the morning of 3Iay 12, 1864, he received a gun- shot wound in his right limli and had his shoulder blade broken. From these injuries he has never re- covered, but has been a cripple ever since. He is one of those old veterans whose maimed bodies and shattered health partly tell the tale of emancipation. After having received his wounds he was taken to the hospital, and when convalescent was appointed a member of the veteran reserve corps, where he re- mained until discharged. Returning to his home at the close of the war, he engaged at steamljoating, and while thus employed his wife. Selicia (Crow) Templeton, whom he had married in 1858, died on board the boat. In 1870 Mr. Templeton turned his attention to merchandising, which he followed at Boydstown, St. Joe and Bryam Center, Pa. , until 1880, when he removed to Topeka, Kan., and there resided until 1883, at which time he came to Kene- saw, Neb., purchasing a farm on Section 14. In 1868 he married Miss Annie M. Hutchison, a na- tive of Butler County, Pa. , and their union has been blessed by the birth of one son and three daughters. In May, 1889, Mr. Templeton was appointed post- master at Kenesaw, and at once entered upon the duties of this office. He is a member of Capital Lodge No. 3, A. O. U. W. . at Topeka, Kan. , and is also a member of the G. A. R. The familj- wor- ship at the Presbyterian Church, and are universally respected and esteemed. L. S. Terhune. The career of this gentleman as a farmer and stock raiser has l)eeu a successful one, and although he has resided in Nebraska only about four years, he has already made many acquaintances and friends. He was born in Fleming County, Ky. . in 1819, being the sixth of twelve children born to Barnett and Ruth (Carter) Terhune, who were born in New Jersey and \lrginia, respectively, the former's birth occurring in 1780. He removed to Kentucky during the earlj- history of that State, where he was married about 1805, and reared his family, whose names are as follows: Albert, Henry, Daniel. Thomas. Mary A., James, Luke S., John and Elisha. Three children died in infancy. James and Luke S. are the only ones now living, the former being a resident of Jasper County, 111. , where he and wife have reared a large family- of children. The father and mother of these children died in In- diana in 1849 and 1848, respectively, worthy mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Luke S. Terhune, the immediate subject of this memoir, re- moved to Brown County, Ohio, from his nati\-e State, where he made his home until he was twenty- one years of age, after which he took up his abode in Dearborn County, Ind. , and started to farming on his own account. In 1848 he wedded Almeda Cox. a daughter of Elisha and Lucinda Cox, of Dearborn County, Ind., Almeda being the eldest of the follow- ing children: Margaret (Mrs. Blasdel), Lafayette, Malinda, John and Elisha. The mother died in 1886, at the age of eightj'-six years, but the father still resides in Indiana. Mr. Terhune and his wife have four children: Thomas (who died in 1881), Mary M. , Cora B. and Elisha. In 1858 Mr. Ter- hune removed to Richland County-, III, and later to Peoria Countj-, but since 1887 has been a resident of Adams County; Neb. The greater part of his life has been devoted to contracting and building, but he is now giving his attention to farming. He is a Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F. . and he and family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His farm is tilled bj- his son Elisha. who is married to Susie Furry, a native of Nebraska, by whom he has a daughter. Susan Almeda. Fred G. Test, M. I)., is one of the skillful and experienced physicians of the State of Nebraska, and is the assistant physician of the Asylum for the Incurable Insane at Hastings. He was born in Cler- mont County. Ohio, December 28, 1859, and is a son of Israel F. and Amanda M. (Moyer) Test, who were also born in the Buckeye State, and are there still residing, the former aged about sixty-three years and the lattter fifty-seven. After attending the common schools. Dr. Test entered the Ohio Wes- 5 ">y It'jau University at Delaware, and upon leaving this institution was engaged in teaching the ' ' 3-oung idea" for some time. In 1882 he began his medical studies in the office of Dr. L. A. Merriam, and later attended lectures in the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and graduated therefrom in the month of March, 1886. After practicing in his native State for one year he came to Nebraska, in October, 1887, and first settled in St. Paul, Howard Count}', liut in June, 1889, was appointed to his present position b}' Gov. Thayer, and came to Hastings. He has met with the best success in the practice of his chosen calling, and is well fitted to successfully discharge the dnties of the position which he is now filling. He has always supported the principles of the Re- publican party, and socially is a member of the K. of P. , in which he is Past Chancellor, and in the month of October, 1889, he represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. Walter Theesen, farmer and stockman, Glen- ville. Neb. Among those prominently identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of Adams County stands the name of Mr. Theesen, who was born in German}- in 185-t, and is the elder of two children, the result of the union of Jacob and Lena (Deaken) Theesen, both natives of German}-. The father was a successful agriculturalist, and followed this occupation during his j-ounger dajs. He died in his native country in 1860. The two children born to his union were named as follows: Walter and Charley. After his death the mother was mar- ried in the old country to Dirk Geerdes, and in 1864 emigrated to the United States, settled in Lee County, 111. , and here Mr. Geerdes followed farm- ing. They became the parents of one child, John. The mother died in 1889 in Nebraska, whither she had moved in 1874. Walter Theesen began life for himself in about 1877, although he had emigrated to Nebraska in 1873 or 1874, and had purchased railroad land in 1872. He was married in 1878 to jNIiss Maggie Snep, daughter of Henry Snep, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1865. Mr. Theesen has 400 acres of land, all well improved, and is one of the wide-awake, ener- getic farmers of the count}-. He was elected super- visor in 1887, and has been a member of the school board in District 71 for five or six years. He is in- terested in the building up of schools, and all else for the good of the county. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He was in the county when the towns were organized. His brother Charley is located in Clay County, and his half brother John, who is young yet, resides in Hanover Township, Adams Count}-. Abel Spaulding Thompson, postmaster and phar- macist at Holstein, Neb. , was liorn in Delaware County, of the '-Buckeye State," March 25. 1832, and is a son of Matthew and Martha (Spaulding) Thompson, the former of whom was born in Cum- berland County, Pa., a descendant of those sturdy Scotch-Irish Presljyterians who settled in the fertile valley of the Cumberland near Carlisle, Pa., about the year 1794. Martha Spaulding was Ijorn in the "Green Mountain State," a daughter of Abel Spaulding, who served from that State in the Revo- lutionary War, and also in the War of 1812, after- ward settling in Delaware County, Ohio, during the very early history of that State. Mr. and IMrs. Thompson lived to a good old age, and reared a family of seven sons and two daughters to honor- able manhood and womanhood, five of the sons serv- ing in the Civil War. Aliel S. Thompson, the im- mediate suliject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, and in early life learned the busi- ness in which his father was engaged, that of coop- erage, but upon the opening of the war he volun- teered his services in defense of the old flag, and enlisted in Company A. One Hundred and Twent}- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and followed the for- tunes of that command through all the vicissitudes and hardships incident to army life until the close of the war. Upon his return home he resumed his former occupation, continuing until 1866, when he spent about six and a half years equally between Illinois and Iowa, after which he came to Nebraska and entered a homestead in Kenesaw Township, which he tilled for six years, leaving it to engage in the drug business at Kenesaw. serving Uncle Sam honorably for seven years as postmaster. He re- mained here until the spring of 1889, then came to Holstein, and is engaged in business, as above stated, also serving as postmaster here. He was r - > A >^ ^ 326 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. uiarrieil in Wyandot County, Ohio (where he had • frown to manhood), to Miss Maria James, a native of tiiat fouiity and a daughter of John and Elizalieth (Miller) James, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Wyandot County. Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- son have three daughters: Luella A. (wife of Jlar- tiu Depriest, of Ogalalla, Neb.), Sylvia E. (wife of Eben L. Button, of Cottonwood Township), and Marie Antoinette (wife of Frank H. Cole, a builder by oeeupatiou). Mr. Thompson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of Mathias Post No. 155 of the G. A. R., aud belongs to the Blue Lodge in the Masonic fraternity. J. W. Thornton, farmer and stock raiser. Hast iugs. Neb. Adams County is indeed fortunate in having among her foreign-born element men whose industry, strict attention to liusiness, economy and perseverance have produced such substantial results in the different affairs with which they have con- nected themselves. Mr. Thornton belongs to this class, for, originally from England, his location in this county dates from 1884. He was born in 1842, near Lancaster, in Westmoreland, of the union of John and Margaret (Braithwaite) Thornton, the other children besides himself being James, Fannie, Thomas, Alice, Ann (deceased), Robert (deceased). Richard (deceased), aud two who died in infancy. The father followed overseeing in the mills of Eng- land, and was quite successful in this occupation. He and wife were both members of the Episcopal Church. They moved to the United States in 1856, settled in Buffalo, N. Y. , and there remained until 1859, when they moved to Illinois, settling in Grundy Couutj-, where the father died in July, 1870. He was a Republican in politics and a public spirited man. The mother is still living and makes her home with a daughter iu Michigan. J. W. Thorn- ton was about eleven years of age when he came to this counti-y with his parents. In 1866 he started out for himself as an agriculturist, aud has followed this ever since. He was married, in 1870, to jSIiss Henrietta J. Walker, daughter of Roliert Walker, who was one of the early settlers of La Salle County, III. and one of the first judges of election in Orundv Countv. He died in 1855. Mr. Thornton settled on a farm 'aw miles west of Morris, 111. , where he was very successful in agricultural pur- suits, I)ut in 1884 he concluded to try his luck in Nebraska. He located first in West Blue Town- ship, liut in 188G he came to Blaine Township, pur- chased 160 acres of land, and here he has since resided, perfectly satisfied with the State. He also owns 160 acres in Verona Township. He is a Re- pul)lican in politics, was elected treasui'er of the town in 1886. and has held this position for two years. He is interested iu all things for the good of the countj', and is uui\ersally respected. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. While in Grundy County, 111. , .Mr. Thornton was town clerk, also school trustee for foui' years in his township. P. H. Thrasher, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings, Neb. What is usually termed genius has little to do with the success of men in general. Keen perception, sound judgment, and a determined will, supported by persevering and continuous effort, are essential elements to success in any calling. Mr. P. H. Thrasher was born in Monroe County, N. Y. , on September 8, 1831, and was the youngest of a fam- ily of twelve children, the result of the union of John aud Roxaua (Holdridge) Thi'asher, natives of Connecticut. The parents were married in their native State, moved from there to Monroe Couuty, N. Y. , and in 1844 to Sullivan County, Ind. , where the father cultivated the soil. Two 3-ears later he moved to McLean County, 111., and made that his home until his death, which occurred iu 1856. The mother received her final summons in 1850. Their children now living are named as follows: Elnathan (married and lives iu Indiana), Gersham (married and lives in Sioux City, Iowa), Thankful E. (now Mrs. Harlan, of Belle Plain, Iowa), and P. H. Thrasher (the subject of this sketch). The latter was reared to farm labor, and received his education in the schools of New York, Indiana and McLean Count}-, 111. When twenty jears of age he was united in marriage, iu McLeau County, to Miss Marj- E. Bessie, a native of Ohio, who bore him two liv- ing children: Roxy Ann (now Mrs. Grimes, of Liv- ingston Couuty, 111.), and Arthur (married and lives in Adams Countv, Nel).). Mr. Thrasher lost his ex- cellent wife in November, 1858, and in 1860 was ^' A ADAMS COUNTY. 327 married in La Salle Count}-, 111. , to Miss Emma El- vira Coats, a native of La Salle Countj-, and the daughter of Peter A. and Eliza (Manville) Coats, natives of Connecticut, who at an earl}- da}- settled in La Salle Gounty, 111. Mr. Coats with his family took an overland trip to California in 1852, but returned in 1857, and settled in La Salle County, where the father made his home until his death in 1859. His wife died in California in 1855. After marriage Mr. Thrasher settled on a farm in La Salle County, 111. , and there remained until 1883, when he moved to Adams County , Neb. , and located on his present place. In 1886 he purchased 160 acres of improved land, and has since been engaged in farm- ing and stock raising. ]Mr. Thrasher is quite active in politics and votes with the Democratic party. He was elected justice of the peace in 1889, and will be magistrate of the township. To his marriage were born six living children: Ida (now Mrs. Winter, of Garfield, La Salle County, III), Pliny (married and resides in Hall County, Neb.), Adna (now Mrs. Stebbins, of Ayr, Neb.), Nellie (now Mrs. George, of Hall County, Neb.), and Clara and Mortimore, who are still at home. Although not as early in the county as some, Mr. Thrasher has seen many and vast changes since his residence here, and has taken an active interest in all that relates to the good of the country. He was here at the organization of the township. George W. Tibbets is the senior member of the successful and widely known law firm of Tibbets, Morey & Ferris, of Hastings, Neb. He was born in Allegany County, N. Y. , July 25, 1848, and is a son of James and Lucy A. (Raymond) Tibbets, who were also natives of the State of New York, born in 1S22 and 1824, respectively, the formers death also occurring there in 1876. George W. Til)l)ets received his education at Genesee Valley Seminary, N. Y. , and in the Iowa State University, but in 1874 he turned his attention to the study of law in the otHce of Richardson, Fhmnigan & Smith, at An- gelica, N. Y. , and after a thorough preparation of three years, he was admitted to practice in all the courts of the State of New York. He then prac- ticed his profession in his native State until 1886, at which time he came to Hastings, and in April of that }-ear the law firm of Tibbets & Morey was estab- lished , Mr. Ferris becoming a member of the firm in January, 1890. Politically, Mr. Tibbets has always been a Democrat, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married August 2, 1882, to Miss Mary A. Capron, a native of New York, l)y whom he has one child, Raymond M. Charles F. Morey, a member of the above named firm, is a native of Wyoming County. N. Y. , his birth occurring there on November 17, 1855. His father. Reuben Morey, was a Baptist clergyman, and was also a native of the "Empire State," his birth occurring in 1805. He was a graduate ot Brown University, and' was ever noted as a man of fine intellect, and in his ability as a minister was far above the average. In 1871 he moved with his family to Wisconsin, where the mother, whose maiden name was Abbie Bogman, died the same year, Mr. Morey passing away from life in the same State in 1880. Charles F. Morey received an unusuall}- good education, and was first a faith- ful and painstaking student in the Institute of Beaver Dam, Wis., and in 1879 graduated from the Chicago University, his course there being also marked by conscientious application. In 1877 he began his legal studies in connection with his col- lege work, and in 1882 was admitted to the Chicago bar, and, after a residence of four years in that city, he came to Hastings (in 1886), which place has since continued to be his home. His marriage was sol- emnized in June, 1883, his wife being Miss Anna 31. Riordan, a native of Columbus, Ohio, by whom he has one child: Clive R. Mr. Morey is a Repub- lican in his political views. Elmer E. Ferris, the junior member of the firm, was born in Wisconsin in 1862, and, like Mr. Morey, was an attendant of Beaver Dam, Wis., Institute, and the Chicago Uni- versity, also graduating in the class of 1884. After spending one year in the Chicago Union Law Col- lege he, in 1888, came to Hastings and the same year was admitted to the Adams County bar, form- ing his present partnership in 1890. They have gained an excellent reputation throughout the State, and show ability and sagacity in the management of their cases. !Mr. Ferris was married July 6. 1889, to Miss Minnie F. Lum. of Wisconsin. HcniT Trier, liUe all native Germans, is enter- prising, indnstrioiis, frugal, and therefore success- ful. His birth (X'curred in Hesse Cassel, Erksdorf, December 12, ISaG, and he is a son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Linker) Trier, the former of whom was a farmer of good standing in his native land, and died aliout the year 1870. still survived by his widow. Henry Trier is the fourth of their six chil- dren, five sons and one daughter, and when only sixteen years of age he determined to seek his fortune in a new land, and upon reaching the United States he located at Peru, La Salle County , 111. , where he remained about eleven years, a portion of his time being spent in town, and the rest in farming. While there he invested in some farming property in Lyons County, Kan. , on Eagle Creek, and after tilling this property two years he sold out and returned to his Illinois home, and a few years later came to his present abode. He settled on his present farm in 1885, but in the latter part of 1889 moved to Hol- stein, where he is now living. He was married in Peru to Mrs. Elizabeth (Peters) Keutzer, who was born in Peru, and their union has resulted in the birth of one son and three daughters: P^rama (Keut- zer), Louisa (Keutzer), George and Lydia Trier, Mr. and Mrs. Trier worship in the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Trier is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In addition to conducting his farm he is engaged in conducting a livery stable, which is one of the best in the county, and is pro\ing quite profitable. John Valentine, dealer in wines and licpiors, Hastings, Neb. Ever since his connection with the affairs of Adams County, Mr. Valentine has dis- played those sterling characteristics of men of Ger- man nativity- — industry, perseverance and integrity, that have resulted in awarding him a representative place in matters pertaining to this community. His birth occurred March 22, 1841, and he is the son of Harn and Auka (Hendrichs) Valentine, natives of German}-, the former born in 1811, and the latter in 1809. The father died in his native countrj' in 188-1, but the mother came to the United States in 1886, settled in Adams County, Neb., and here died three weeks after her arrival. John Valentine re- ceived a thorousrh education in the schools of Ger- many, and tiierc fdllowcd agricultural pursuits until 1865, when he came to the L^nited States. He se1> tied in Illinois, carried cm farming, and was also in the wine and liijuor business. He came to Hastings in December, 1880, and has since beeif engaged in his present business, at which he has been quite successful. He has a lirick building, 22x66 feet, at the corner of Hastings Avenue and First Street, which was erected in 1888. Mr. Valentine was mar- ried on December 5, 1870, to Miss Jurkea Engel- barths Siebens, who died at Jacksonville. 111., in 1881, leaving two daughters: Auka and Anna. In 1882 Mr. Valentine was marriennty. III. His labors have met with well merited results, and be is now one of the prosperous agriculturists of this county. He has always voted the Kepulilican ticket, and while a resident of Logan County, 111., held the position of sciiool director. He and wife arc members of the (lerman I'rcsliy- terian Church, and are the parents of the following named children: Swanetta. Harm, Kli/.abetli. Simon. Katie, .Vrbclta and Lena. Simon \'an Boening has resided on his [jresent farm of KKt acres in Section 23-0-9, Adams County, Neb. , since he made the purchase in 1880. His property is well improved, and the manner in which it is conducted speaks highly of his good judgment and ability as a manager. Born in Germany, in isr>7. he was the youngest of a family reared by Simon Van Boening. In 1809 he emigrated to the I'liitcd States, and settled near Lincoln, in Logan County. III. where he remained ten years, his at- tention being given to farming and stock raising. In 1879 he came to the State of Nebraska, settling in Hanover Townshii). and for two years made his home with his brother William, after which, in 1881. he bought and moved to his own property, which he has since been actively engaged in cultivating. His property has lieen accumulated by his own personal hard work, close application and good management, and he has transformed it from a vast extent of 21 l)rairie land to a finely tilled farm. This he deems one of the f:urest of farming commnnities. He is a Republican in |)olitics, and isa supporl(U-of scliools. churches, and all good works having for their object the uplniilding and development of iiis adopted home. He and wife are memliers of the flerman Presbyterian Chun-h, and he was its first trustee. August 28, 1881. Miss Ida Schmidt, a daughter of H. R. Schmidt, became his wife, she being a native of Peoria County, III. born .luly 21, 1800. They have four lioys: Hiram. Simon. Class and Crcorge. Mr. and Mrs. Van Boening aic highly resix'cted throughout the community. Jans Van Hove is a prosperous farmer and stock- man of Adams County, Neb., and from this lirief and incomplete view of his life record it will lie seen that his days from his earliest youth up have not been uselessly or idly spent. .\ native (ierman, he was born in 1827. and possess all the characteristics . of his race, that of stia-ling integrity, industry and frugality being among the number. His father, Tirde A^an Hove, was a sailor, and died in 1800; his wife, Catharina (). Van Hove, passing from life in her native land in 1884. Jans Van Hove was mar- ried in his native huid in 1858 to Miss ,\inia Dinkale, by whom he has reared the; following family: Tinle. Siemtje (Jlrs. Boontjer), Catharina, Cecntjc (Mrs. Dykhuiseu), Angenete, Kde and Jolian. l^pon first coming to the United States Mr. Van Hove settled in Ogle County, III. . in 18(;4, and after making that county his home until 1878. he came to Nebraska and purchased 100 acres of railroad land in Hanover Township, Adams County, and on this has since made his home, having imiiroved it to a very great extent. His property has been a<'(piired l>y honest toil, and he gives excry promise of becoming a wealthy man, if hard work and enterprise can acconi plish the desired results. He is a deacon in the Reformed Church, ami on the nin'thwest corner of his property has been erected a substant,ial church, in which he and his family, as well as their neigh bors, worship. Mr. Van Hove is indepemlenl in his political views. Frederick C. Van Veghlen, farnuT, stock raiser and furniture dealer. Tin' life of this well known gentleman affords an example which might well be "^^ •J'id HTRTORV OF NEBRASKA. imitati'il by the yoiiiij;' inoii of the |iics<'iit ihiy. I'poii startinsi out in life for liiiiist'lf it was with little means and as a farmer in ("oolc ("oiinty. 111.. and this occupation continued to recei\-e iiis atten- tion there until the spiin<>- of 1SS4, when lie came to Xeliraska and located on 1(10 aoi'es in Hoseland Township, Adams County, where his enterprises iiave resulted successfully. Itesides tilling his land he gives considerable attention to the raising of stock, especial!}- to the pr()i)agali()n of Hereford cattle, and is also engaged in dealing in I'm iiiture at llolstein. and his efforts to build u|) ami develop trade at this point have been \ cry snceessful. He was married in Kankakee t'ounty. III., to Miss Jennie M. Storrs, a native of Kssex ("ounty, N. Y., and a daughter of Hiram and .lane (Ferris) Storrs, also of that State, and well-to-ilo .igriculturists, now residing in Kankakee County. 111. Mr. and Mrs. Van Veghten have a son and daughter, named Carrie and Fred. Mr. Van Veghten is a mendicr of the Modern Woodmen of America. lie was born at Kagle Bridge, Rensselaei- County. N. Y. , on Decem- l)er 12, 1849, and is a son of (ieorge and Florilla (Crofutt) Van Vechten, who were liorn in New York and Vermont, respectively. The f.ithcr moved with his family to Maywood. 111., in IStil, but is now re- siding in Kankakee. His ancestors were among the I'arly Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam. His wife belonged to an old A'crniont family of Knglish and Scotch extraction. Napoleon B. Vineyard, [lolicc judge of the citv of Hastings, Neb., was liorn in St. Clair ('()unt\. 111., February 10, 1835, being the only surviving memlierof a family of seven children iiorn to Ceoriie \V. and iOlizalicth (llendersliott ) \'ineyard. who were born in Faui|uier County, \'a. . in 1S1(», and Trum- bull County. Ohio, in ])eceml)er. 1S12. and died at iicbanou. St. Clair ('(iinit\. 111., in I.'-ll.'). and in Henry County. Iowa, in ISI!.'). respectively. The fatlier was a contractor and liuilder by occupation, and his father. Itoliert N'iucyard. was a \'iriiiniau by birth, liorn in 17.S0. and passed from life in St. Clair County. 111., in 1S40, he having moveus ^-eneral mi'r chants of Prosser, Neli. . anil by his su(ierior man- agement and e.veellent business (pialilii'.-itions has become well known as a li'ading business man of the county. Born in \ermont. in 1851, he is the sixth of eight eliildren l)orn to Enoch and Tjonisa (Atwood) Ware, the latter of whom dieil when tlie subject of this sketch was a sm.-dl <-hild. The latlier was a farmer of \'erniont, and made his liome in that State until his ile,-itl\. being .-in ai'tive Kepnbli- can |W)litically . and a member of llie MellKidist ^± 332 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Episfopal Churi-'li ;il llic time (if his dralli. Fj. J. AVare, like so many of tlio substantial citizens of this county, was initiati'd into the mysteries of farm life in his youth, but up to the ago of eigliteon years he was also an attendant of the eommon schools, aciiuirins thereliy a fair knowledge of the common English branches. He then started out in life for himself as a coachman, but at the end of one year discontinued this occupation, and in 1S7] removed to Montgomery County. Til., wiierc he purchased 120 acres of wihl laud, wliich he greatly im|)roved, .and on which he resided until ISS"). tlien sold out and came to Nebraska, settling in Hastings, where lie clerked for one year for A. .). Nowlan. He next located in Hansen, where lie opened a general mer- cantile establishment, and was thus engaged in busi- ness alone for one year, then formed a partnership with K. Hemenover, and the lirm took tlie name of Ware & Hemenover. After another year spent in this manner he sold out to his partner and came to the then new town of Prosser, where he opened the lirst general mercantile house, also purchasing a nuudier of lots and erecting a store building and residence. He has done exceptionally well and commands a large trade in the surrounding country. lie was married in 1872 to Miss Adelaide Mack, a native of New Hampshire, and by her has one chikl, Lena M. He and wife are active meml)ers of the .■Methodist Episcopal Churcii. and are also stanch supporters of the cause of temperance, Mrs. Ware being a member of tlie W. C. T. TI. . of which organ- ization she was the first president in Adams County. Nel). Jacob S. Way, farmer and stock raiser, Hast- ings. Neb. In Pennsylvania, in 1S42, tliere was born to .Jolm F. and 3lary A. (.Mastens) Way, a son, wlio is now talien as tlie subject of this sketch. He received iiis education in Oiiio. and in ISdH started out for himself as an agricidturisl. The same year he emigrated to Macon County, III., re- maining there one year, and then moved to Iowa, settled in Van Bureu County, and was there married to Miss Rachel Logsdon, the daughter of Lawrence and Naomi (Shatter) Logsdon, natives of Maryland and PeiHisylvania, respectively, and l)oth of German descent. Mv. Logsdon died in ISCO. In 1S72 ^Ir. Way moxcil to .\daiiis Couniy. Neb., took upeighly acres of land, and to this he a, and tlu-ri' remained until nineteen years of age. In August, 1862. he enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Illinois lu- fantry, and served until discharged in June, 1865; during that time participating in the following en- gagements: Perryville. Stone River. Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, where he was shot through the left Iireast and disabled from V .•i:!4 lIlSTOltV OF NEBRASKA. I'lirlhrr illltv. Ariel' licillLl iliscli;il'uccl lie rrlm'IU'(l 111 IlliiKiis ;niil llir rollowinj;' yc;u' cnpiiicil in nilti vnliiiii' the soil, L:iUt he settled on :i farm in Win neliajio Connty and eoutiniied liis foriner pnrsnil nnlil 1 S7 1 . when lie moved to Nebraska, arriving in that Stale in May of that year. He located first in Wi'lister County, and, after a residence there of four years, renio\'ed lo his |ircscut residence in 1S75. lie has 1(J() acres of land, all in a jrood state of cultivation, has y'ood hiiildini;s, a good hearing orchard and is a iirospi'roiis and enterprising citizen. lie was mairied in Adams County on March 2S. 1S7.5, to .Miss .Mary Sliellli'amer, a native of Wis^ cousin, and t he daughter of K. C. Shellhaiiici'. To this union have been boni two children: Charles and .Mice. Mr. Wheat is a member of the (1. A. II., and is a member of the relief corps, same organi- zation, lie has ever been a Itepublican in his [)olit- ical views, and was elccteil distrit't treasurer in 1.S7I), which jKisition he has held ever since, with the ex- ception of two years. His parents, James and Krminnie (Hall) Wheat, were natives of New York State, and he was a carpenter and contractor liy traile. lie moved to Illinois in 1S5U, located in Winnebago Ccjunty, and tluax! he still resides en- gaged in tilling tlu? soil. John While (deceased) was a prosperous farmer and stockman of Hanover Township, Adams County, Neh. , and was liorn in the "Emerald Isle" in 1817, in which cdiniliy liis parents li\'cd and died. His father, Arthur White, .iiid wile reared a family of seven children, of whom John was the eldest, and all ari^ now living in tin- United States, located at I'hiladeiphia. yVfter coming to the United States John White also resided In that city for many years and was married in I'hihidelphia. Pa., to Miss Kliza McCiilly. a daughter of John .McCully. of Ireland. To their union a family of se\cii children were born .•iiid all were reared in the State of reunsylvani.a, tlu'ir names being, Wesh'y .M. , .Martha (who died in ISS(I), Margaret (who died in Pennsylvania, in I.Si;*)). John. James, Jut in 1879, gave up railroading and returned to farm life. His brother, John H. , resides at Hastings, and was mar- ried to Ada Snodgrass, by whom he has four chil- dren. Joseph B. . another brother, is baggage mas- ter on the Tfnion Pacilic Railroad. Wesley White served in the Union army the last two years of the Rebellion, in Company D, Forty-seventh Pennsyl- vania Infantry, Second Brigade, First Division, Nine- teenth .'Vrmy Corps, and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements, among which may be mentioned Berry vi lie. Winchester, Cedar Creek, and numerous others. In January. 18G6. he was dis- charged at Charleston, S. C. He is a charter mem- ber of the Masonic bodge of Hastings, No. 5(1. and is one of the successful and intelligeiit residents of the county. S. li. Wliitiii.-iii. fanner and stockman, Hastings, Neb. Among the worthy citizens of .Vdams County whose merits are such as to entitle them to rei)re.sen- t;i1iou in the |)rcscut work, is .Air. S. B. AVhituiaii, the siibji'ct of this bi-ief notice. His connection IS k^ ADAMS COUNTY. 335 with the uiteiests of Adams County have contributed \ci\ materially towtird givino- him an extensive aei|u:iint:iiice. wliile his arc()inuio(hitinnt, and the daughter of John ^Vood, also a native of that State, who died when ills daughter was ipiite young. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitman were born five children, three now living: .Mabel (now Mm. Olinger, who resides in Blaine Townshij). Adams County, Neb.), ('harlev (at home) and Maud (at home). !Mrs. AVhitman is a member of the Congregational Church. .Mr. Whitman emi- grated fnnn Vermont to Wisconsin in 18(JIj, settled in Fond du Lac County, and there remained for eleven years. He then came to Nebraska, settled where lie now lixcs.and is the owner of 1(10 acres of good land, all under cultivation. He has lieen road supervisor of the township, has been a member of the school l)oard for six years, and holds that posi- tion at the present, and is interestetl in all that per- tains to the good of the county. He is a Republi- can in politics, and is a menilicr of Silas ,\. Strick- land I'ost NO. 13, (jI. a. K. A. L. Wigton. secretary of the Cnion liifc In- surance Company ot Hastings, Neli. . has been a resident of Adams County for the past seventeen years. He was liorn in Delaware County, Ohio, January 19, 1841, and is a son of Z. F. and Mixv- garet (Harrison) Wigton. who wei'c born in Brad- ford County, Pa., and New Jersey, March 12, ISltJ, and August 17, 1815, and died at Malcom, Iowa, and Fonca, Neb., June!), 1870, and Ainil ], 1889, respectively. The paternal grandfather was William Wigton, a native of New England, who died in Delaware County, C)hio, in IStiti, at the age of seventy-eight years. A. L. Wigton received educa- tional advantages beyond that of the a\erage boy. and being a lover of books from his earliest youth, he made fah' progress in his studies while pursuing an academic coiu'se at Central College. Ohio. After leaving school he began teaching, and was discharg- ing these duties when the war cloud, which had .so long been hovering over the country, at last burst; but he was not enrolled in the service until 18G3, his previous application in 18(52 lieing rejected on account of severe sickness which he had passed through, and from which he had not thoroughly re- covered. He joined Company (i, Eigiity-eighth C)hio Volunteer Infantry, and at the enil of thirteen months he was honorably discharge(l t'oi' disability. In JIarcli, 18(55. he remo\ed from his native State to Iowa and took up his abode at Malcom, the occu- pation of farming recei\ing his attention for about live years, after which he, in August, 1871, engaged in the newspaper Imsiness. purchasing the Malconi Gazette, and six nn)nths later the Brooklyn Journal, successfullv conducting both until .March, IS73. At this date he came to Hastings, Neb., erected a Ijuilding and established the Hastings Journal, and with the exception of a shoil interruption has been in the newspaper business here ever since, being at present propricloi- of the Hastings Independent In 1885 he assisted in organizing the I'nion liifc Insiir ance Company, and has since acted as its secretary. He has always been a stanch Republican, .and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln for his second term. In 1S74 he was electeil police judge and justice of the peace of Hastings, and also succi'ssfuUy tilled the position of superintendent of puiilic instruction of Adams County for two terms. In 1879 and ISSO he served a term in the State Senate, representing the counties of Adams. Web- :?3(i HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. ster, NiiclcoHs and Thayer in this bocl_y. Hi' licloiigs to the 1. (). 0. F. , the G. A. K., and is an earnest uu'inhi'r of tlie Prosliyterian Clniicli. and was one of the lejidinji s|)irits in the establishment of the Col- lege al Hastings, and is now viee-presiilinl of liic board of trustees. On December 5, 18(i(i, lie was married to !^[iss Mary A. Hunt, a daughter of Rev. John and Sophia (Bingham) Hunt. Mrs. Wigton was lioiii ill Delaware County, Ohio. October 20, 1847, and she and Mr. Wigton are the |)arents of three children: William H.. Clara L. and Harrison A. Dr. Josephus Williams, physician, Kenesaw, Neb. .Vmong the younger niendicrs of the medical pro- fession in Adams County is he whose name heads this sketch, and who is nlicady well established as a physician of merit and true worth, and regarded with fa\or by those older in years and experience. His birth occurred in .Miami Counl\'. Ohio, on iMay 12, 1847, and he is the son of George and Martha (Rear) Williams, natives respectively of Pennsyl- vania anil Tennessee. When Dr. Williams was but six years of age he moved with his parents to Iowa, Tama County, and they were among the first settlers there. In 1884 they moved to Cherry County, Neb., and there they now reside. They thus lie- came pioneers of two States. Dr. Josephus Wil- liams received the advantages for an education fur- nished by the early district schools, and as his father was a farmer and miller by occuptition, he was taught this trade. Choosing the practice of medi- cine as a profession, he began to study under the instruction of his brother, Dr. David Williams. In 187!) he came to Kenesaw, Neb. , and bcg:in prac- ticing, continuing the same until 1882, when he ciitcrcil the Omaha IMedieal College, from which in- stitution he graduated i(i 1883. The Doctor is one of Kciic.saw's pioneers. At the time that he first lo- cated here, the town consisted of four small houses, and he lias therefore been an eye witness of its sub- seipient growth and prosiieiity. In IStiS he mar- ried Miss Malccnia Conger, a native of Bureau County, 111. , and a daughter of J. R. Conger, one of the early settlers there. To Dr. and Mrs. W'il- liams have been born two children: Sarah K. (now Mrs. Dr. F. C. Brosius, of Kenesaw). and George Vj. .Mrs. Williams is a niciulicr of the .Mclhodist Kpiscopnl Cliureh. and is active in the women's woii<. Dr. Williams is a member of the Adams County .Medical Association, and in ]88(( served as coroner of .\dams County. In 18G4, when but six- teen years of age, he enlisted in Com|iany (i. Forty- seventh Reginu'iit Iowa Voluntt^ers, and was sta- tioned at Helena. .Vrk. At the ex](iration of his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged ;it Daven|H>rt. He is at present a member of the (I A. K, and is not only prominent in his profession Imt is a man who, by his genial and jjleasing man- ners, has won his way into the hearts of the people. C. C. Wilson, farmer and stock-raiser, Hastings, Neb. Highland Township is acknowledged by all to lie (iiic (if the best agricultural townships in this county, and as such its citizens are mi'n of advanced ideas and considerable prominence. .\ worthy man among this class is foiiml in the person of C. C. Wilson, who moved to Adams County, Nebraska, in 1884, locating on a partly improved farm of ItiO acres, on wlii(^li he has made many anil \ ast im- provements since that time. He was born in Litch- field, Conn., in ISo)-), was the youngest in a lamily of three children bom trj Darius and Clarissa (Treak- way) Wilson, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut. The parents were married in the last named State, and there the father carried on the blacksmith trade until IStiO. when he moved to Ottawa. III., and there received his final summons in 18S(I. His wife died one year later. Their ehil- dreii were named as follows: Caroline (now .Mrs. Wiliam A. Jones, of Highland Township, .\dams County, Neb.), Charles (enlisted at Ottawa, III., in Waterhonse's Battery, in 18(;i2, was taken sick and died the following year). C. C. Wilson secured a fair education in the schools of Connecticut and worked in the factories of that State (iron foundry) until 18.")(;. when he moved to Knox County, 111. There he followed farming and there, in ISUS, he married .Aliss ^lary A. Preston, a native of New Jersey, and the daughter of Thomi)son and IMrs. Preston, natives of New Jersey, who iiioNed to Illi- nois and settled on a farm at an early day. There they remained the balance of their days. .\fb'rliis marriage, .Mr. Wilson followed farming, and in 1884 nioxeil tn .Vilnius Cmintv. Neb., where he ADAMS COUNTY. 337 purchased Innd. erected Imildiugs, set out orchards, and is now one of thv progressive men of the countj-. He is also interested in stock raising and has a liigh grade of Sliorthorn cattle. He is not active in pohtics, luit votes with the Repuldican party. Mr. Wilson lost his excellent wife in Illi- nois in 1.S74. .She was a member of the Presby- terian ("iiiircii. To their union were horn ri(>|ii'rty shows that thrift, gocxl jihluiiiciil anil I'niMiiv aiv liic owiuM^'s chief eharai-ter- istiis lie has a u;<)0(l tvvo-storv hoiiso. a large liani. uuiihtous shells for his grain ami stcirU. anil has f\rrvlliinr his attenlion for tlie past li\e yinirs. He j will ship aliiinl one ear loail of hogs this season and six of callle. lie is Irving to improve liis stoek, anil has among his ilro\e some line thoronghlireil I'oleil Angus cattle for lirceiling purposes. lie was married in April. ISTM, to .Miss .Mary K. Triester, a native of Wisconsin , and a daughter of William Triester. hy whom he has the following children: Anna. Katie. Nellie. .Maggie. Minnie. .John, .\ngust and I'Imma. Mv. and Mis. \Vinlei' arc mendicrsof Ihc l.nlhcran ( 'liunh. (icorgc \\'. Wolcutl. farmer. Kencsaw. Neb. There aie man\ incidents of peculiar interest ])re- sented in the career of >]r. Wolcott, which cannot 1k' given in I he lirief space allotted to this sketch. Known over a large I'egion of country t]-ilintarv to Kencsaw. his reptitalion is that of a man honoralile and lelialile in every walk of life. He was origin- ally fiom ( hicida County. N. V.. where his liirth ociaincd on Uccenilier /!. ISf.'l. and is the son of .liisiah I', and Hannah (I'ui.ssell) Wolcott. His father was a farmer l>y ociMipaliou. and the carh life of our subject was s[)ent at hard labor, assistiiiii | his pai'cnts to make a livelihood from the stnbboi-n soil. liis educalional ad\autai;cs. like those of many a pioneer boy. were limited, the schooling re- j ciaved consisting of a few numths' atliaiilance at a ' I snbscriptioii school, wlierc each family paid a cer- tain sum |)er cai)ita for the children sent. On Au- gust 2!l. 1S(;2. both falhi'i- and sou enlisted in Com- pany 15. One lluudrcd and Forty-sixth New York \\)lunteers. and fouglit side by siiU' for the defense of their coimtry. until soon after the battle of l<'red- crieksburg. wlien the father died. George W. (jar- ticii)ateil in fourteen general engagements as follows: l"'reilericksbin-g. Chaneellorsville, (Jettysl)urg, where he participated in the terrible struggle of Little Itonud Top. Williamsport. I5risti>e Station, Happa- hannock. Mine Run, Battle of the Wilderness, where the lighting was so severe that in one hour one-half the regiment was killed, jjauiel Hill, Spotlsylvania Court House, North Aim Miverand i5cthcsda Church. He was taken prisonci- near Kichmnnd on .jnucli. ISdl, and coutincd for a short linu' at I'cmbrrlon. hamille. Iiilib\ and Florence pri.sous. and for three months was conliucd in the terrible prison pen at Auilcrsom ille. lie was paroled on December 10. 1804. and was afterward exciianged. He was lion orably discharged in July. ISIi."!. alter which he iclnincd home and engaged in Ihc lumber and shin- gle manufacturing business, continuing at that until 1873, when he I'ame to Nebraska and purchased his present farm of l(i(l acres in Wanda Township, and just outside the town limits of Kenesaw. He lakes an active interest in both the business and political affairs of his comuiimit\ . and has seixcd as justice of the peace, has also been a member of the election board, and was elected to his third term as assessor. He selected as his compauiou in life .Miss Celestia E. Hurr. ii nati\e of jjewis County. N. Y.. and a daughter of Mr. John and Abbey (Tnttle) Burr, both New Knglaiiilers liy bii'th. and was married to her on March 4, IStiti. To this union have been born seven ihildri'n: Krvin K. (deceased), Artiuir M.. Clinton .\.. Myrta H. . liariy F. .(iny F. and Abbic F. (deceased). Mr. Wolcott is a uiemlier of Matthias i'ost No. 1.")."). (1. .V. !!. . at Kencsaw. and akso a charter memlier of Keni'saw jjodge No. 144. A. F. & A. M. Both he and his worthy wife are members of the F'ree Bajitist Church, and the latter takes a deep interest in woman s woik. Slu' is a member of the Ladies' .Missionary Society, and is also a member of the W. C. T. V. .John \\diMls. farmer and stockm.in. .\vr. Neb. Every community is bound to have among its citi- zens a few men of recognized iuHiience and ability, who. b\- their systematic and careful, thorouuh man iier of work, attain to a success whii4i is justly lU' servelarch 1 . 1830, and is the son of John A. and Margaret ((iallaher) Work, the father a native of Washington County. Pa. , born in 1813. He removed from Ohio to Iowa in 1852 and died in Jasi)er County, of that State, in 1857. In early life he followed the cariienter trade, but later in life tilled the soil. The mother was liorn in the Keystone State in 1814, and is now a resident of Fairbiiry. Neb. (leorge ?\ Work is the second of iiine children, seven of whom are living; William t'r., (Jeorge F. . David C. . .Mary B., Alex- ander 31.. Anderson L. and Oria A. He first attended the public schools of his native State and afterwards spent some time at Wittenliurg College, in Jasper County, Iowa. In April. 1861. he en- listed in Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry, known as the Jasper Drays, and on July 'J, of the same year, he was mustered into the Fifth Iowa, serving in that company until October, 18(i3. when he was mustered out to accept a commission as captain of Company E. First Iowa Infantry, of A. D. . after- wards changed to the Sixtieth Colored Infantry. He served until October, 1S(>5, when he was honor- ably discharged. He was at the siege of Corinth, New Madrid, Island No. 10 and luka. Miss., where he was woundetl. After the war he settled in Des ^loines, Iowa, and for some time was connected with the Des Moines postofflce. and served as an officer of the Iowa Legislature for two sessions. In January, 1871, he removed to Arkansas, where he engaged in teaching, and was assistant secretary of the Arkansas Senate, taking part in the Brooks- Baxter war in that State in 1873-74. He continued at Little Rock until November, 1874. when he came to Hastings and here has since resided, with the ex- ception of two years, when he was a resident of Colorado. Since his residence in Hastings he has been engaged in the real estate business and fire and life insurance, representing the liest old line com panics. He was admitted to the bar in Ailams County in 1878, and to [jractice before the supreme court of Nebraska in 1881. He was married in Jasper County. Iowa, October 2(1, 18G3, to Miss Maggie K. Sturgeon, a native of Lawrence County. Pa., born in 1844. and to this union have been born five children: CharU's I.. Florence B. . (Jeorge W. , Roy D. and Edna E. In politics Mr. Work is a J'rohibitionist. He is a member of the (1. .\. R. , a 340 HISTORY OF NEBIiASKA. iiu'iiilier of till' (_\)n<;i'egatii)iial CIuiitIi, Mild lias liocn siiiHTiiiU'iulfiil of its Sunilav-school for tliiiteeii years. He lias hnon a resilient of Hastings for fif- Ifi'M vears and is oni' of tiie leading citizens of the saiiic. Ill 1S7.") lie was elected jlistiee of llie peaee and discharged the duties incninhent uiimi that olliei' for some yi'ars. In ]S,S2 and 1883 he was coiml\ judge of Adams County, was also for two terms city pnlici' .judge, and scrxed two years as a meinher of the city i-oiincil. .Mirahaiii ^'ea/.<•l is tiie ellicieiit cashier of the l'',\cliauge National Hank of Hastings, Ncli.. and is line of llie leadhig liiisiiiess men of the county. .Vfter atteiiiliiig llii' common schools ami linishing his education in (he llliuciis Industrial rnivia-sity. he came to Nebraska and located at Lincolu in 1S72, hut after a short stay rctiiriiecl In Illiunis, and for two years was engaged in ■ ■ teaching tlu' yt)uiig idea how to shoot," after which lie returned to Liiieoln and entered the ciii|il(i\ of the linn of Cobb & Mar- iliiet, remaining with them until the fall of 1S77. when he came to Hastings aiul established the K;X- ciiangc National Uauk, with which he has since lieen connected. In ISSd his marriage to Miss Kva Cox was solemni/.cd. She was born in Hidianapolis, hid. . ill ISC;;, and is a ihiugliterof A. W. and ]<]. F. ( Uallard) Cox. Mr. Vea/.el is a Free-trader in his political views. He was born in Champaign County, 111.. HiM-einlicr 28, 1851, being the s(ui of James and Mary (Spencer) Veawl, nativesof Clarke County, (>hio. the fornu'r's birth oetairring in February, 1811, ;ind the hitter's ill ISl.'). .-ind died In Illinois ill 1888 and iHtKi, resiiectively. They removed to the Slate of Illinois in 18t(l, and were pioneer set- tlers of Champaign Coiiiit\'. .\aroii 1). Yociim is well known to the early resi- dents of the county, for he has been a resident of this locality for tlu' past eighteen years. He was born in Belmont t!ounty, Ohio, Hi'cember 0, 1842, and is the lifth of tugiit children, six of whom are li\ing. born to Samuel and .lane (Deweese) Yocinn. the tornu'r of whom was born in Ijaneaster Couutv, I'a. . in IStll. and died in Morgan Count\-. Ohio, in 1878, having li\cd the lib' of a farmer. He. as well as his wife, was a member of the Quaker Cliureli, the latter of whom \vas boi-n in Helmont County, (»hio. in ISdII. :nir the three months' service. At the expiration of this tim<' lu' re-enlisted, this time be- eoraing a member of Company E, Sixty-second Ohio Infantry for three years, and for faithful service he was commissioned first lieutenant on .\ugust 14, 18C3. He veteranized February 4. lS(i4, and re enlisted in his old company and regiinent. upon which 111' w.as commissioned adjutant. At Hcep LJottom, \'a. , he received a serious wound, and was honorably discharged from the service in Heeembcr, 18(1"), and reluriied to his home and friends with the consciousness of having been a faithful and trusted soldier. In 1872 he removed from Ohio to Adams County, Neb., and located on a homcsteail just east of the present site of Hastings, and here two years later lie began reading law in the office of Ash & Scolicld. and In the year 1S77 was admitted b) the Adams (.!ouiitv bar. and U> practice in the federal eourts in 1870. In 1874 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, serxingfor six years, and in 18811 was elected mayor of Hastings, and was again given this Iioiku' in I88S, which jjosi- tion he is now lilliug. He has always been a He- l)ubliean, a iirononiu'ed party man, and socially is a member of Hastings Lodge No, lit, K. of 1', He also belongs to the (J. A. K. He was married, in 180(1, to Miss Anna 1'. Stralil, of Ohio, by whom he has a daughter named Alice, J^l ^ s> CLAY COUNTY. 341 ^ Cl-ay County -»•+<- CHAPTER XIX. K ,,.„.,< ■,„.N-POPI,I,ATION-EI.KVAT,OX»-AKIOA-RTVEUS AN,. STIfF.AMS-Pm-.SKAI, FoUMATION-GUA.SMOPPEU l>I,A/Hwi/i. LAV County is known Con- oivssion;illy as To\vnslii[is f), Ci. 7 anil S west, in Raniivs :>. r,, 7 and S north. It is almost iliviiU'd iMiiially by Mk' lonjiitnilinal lino 21° west of Wasliini:;ton. botwft'n 40° anil l41° north latitude. The estimated area is [^ 571; s(iuare miles or 308, lUO aeves, and P^the estimated population is 14.795, this (^ I ^ total lieing based on the 2.7')^ votes east 1 Sf" tor the eounty treasurer in November. P ISSt), multiplied by five. Tn 187(1 the if^^C population was 54; in 1S74, 3,622; in 1875, 4.183; in lS7j)roacliing poverty. .\id rendered by Congress and the State, as well as liy the people, poured in to alle\iate tlu- dis- tress, and in the fall of 1S74 a I'onimittee of citizens was formed at Sutton to make an ei|uilalile distriliu- tion of this aid. namely: C. M. Turner. I". W. lloh man. 1>. (!. .Merrill, (reorge Stewart anad of I'nited States army elotliing w.-is distrilmted from Harvard, while from this |)oiut and Sutton, several cai- loads of coal and provisions were given out. The peoph' of necessity sutfered much fiom the res\dt of the insects' visitation, l)Ut they recovered in a snr|irisingly short time, and the following year found them in a position of comparative jirosperity. The distance from the great grain markets of Chieaijo, coupled with the high charges of the rail- road t-ompanies. have militated against the agricul- turists, not oidy of this section, hut also through- out the whole State. The land has produced al)Und- antlv, enough to supply Iweuty tinn's the nundier of inha'iitants of .Ndiraska; liut the prices ohtainalile for grain and other products have been so low as almost to oppo.se the idea of marki-ting farm pro (luce In Keliruarv. 1H!I(I. (Jov, Thayer and the people crieil out for better terms from the railroads. auil the railroad magnates consentc(l ri'lnctaut 1\ to a Ht per cent icduition in carrying charges. Throughout the country, iu l-'cbrnary, 1S!0(). great heaps of golden grain waiting shipment lu^ar every di'pot .and f.-irui house. toM \i-v\ plaiidy of t he Ikmiu Icons harvest of the year befoic. .\s tVu'est countries claim <-clclirated choppers: hemlock countries, famous bark-peelers, and mouu tain countries, hunters notorious and otherwise, so also do the rich corn lields of Nebraska claim heroic workers. In |ss!i-!Mi, .\lbert Walters picked and cribbed 1,750 bushels of corn in seventeen days for Hugh Loudin, and for Davis, superintendent of the poor farm, 3,994 bushels in thirty-three days. The blizzards of 1857-58 do not seem to have damaged person or property in this county. In No- vember, 1S71, .-i severe snow storm swept o\cr this section. During its progress a settler nanu'd .Mc- (loon, and his son. living three and a half miles south of Harvard, started for the village, and had almost arrived there, when the ohk'r McOoon became dazed with the cold and failed to keep up with th<' son. .\fter the storm a search was instituted, and his frozen body was found at the edge of the \il lage corporation. The blizzard of Aliril 111, IS7:>, commenced with a heavy, cold rain, which, during the night, changed to sleet. On the 14th the air was lillcd with a heav\. watcrv snow, and this, driven li\ the strong wind, pcnetratcil the heaviest clothing. The storm continued with unabating violence until the morn- iuii' of the Kith. Snow banks were as high as the house tops in many [ilaces, and the ravines and creeks were packed full of this |)e(adiar snowy sub- stance. Cattle growers suffered heavily, their stock being driven to death before the gale. A Mrs. Kelly, of School Creek precinct, ventured to a neighbor's, a few rods away, saying as she started out that she would die with her baby. Both were lost and were frozen to death. In the transactions of tlu' commissioners tlu' n;oues of many other suf- fi'i'crs are given, 'I'lie hail storm of IS.si was as pluMionuaial as it was disastrous. It swept across the northern sec- tions from the northwest in the summer time, pound- ing into the earth the growing crops. This storm ^ -»rv >> CLAY COTTNTY 348 cleared :i live milo (•(lurse. iiiid (hirini>' its I'lirtv- livc minutes udvimce througii llii' iinrllicni lowiisliips (iT Ilic coimty lol't iiotliiiiii' in llic w:i\' >>( crops iin- loiiclicil. 'I'lie storm <>t M;iy (i, 1SS!(, destro^'eil n good (IcmI of property in and around Fairfield. Anawalt's new JLousc in Canada was blown tlown. 'I'Ik' prairie tire of Xovenilier 14. 1S72, originateil ill a diiii-oul near Harvard, anil spread out t')w;v.-d llic .Morgan lioniestead. His stalile. I'our li()r.se.s. two cows and farm iiiipli'iiients were destroyed. A large area was liurned ovei' at tills time. The prairie fire of the same year was started liy tlie Burlington & Missouri lliver Railroad seetion men on the south side of the track. Some cinders were carried across the track by the wind, the tall grass caught flre, and from this \ery small liegin- ning the blaze spread out until it had licked up the prairie grasses almost to the banks of the I'latte River. Many residents lost lu-avily in tliis fire, liiit the losses were partly met by the railioad company. Ill .July. 1SS4. sparks from a St. Joseiih & Western Railroad locomotive set flre to the prairie one mile south of Fairfield, and, spreading to the farms of Horace Tibbits. .John I'almer and A. 15. i'almer. destroyed their crops, orchards, hav and other property. The prairie fire of April. ISS."). originated on tlie Lewis farm, five miles north of Kilgar. The people turned out in large numbers and organized to fight the fire, and at the bridge, near >L H. Cushings house, elected A. U. Jacobs caiitain. The work of back-firing, plowing and wet^sacking the |)rairie was carried out systematically and with success. In the chapters devoted to local history references are made to smaller jirairie fires. The exjiloration of this territor\' b\' the S|)auiarils in the long ago is legendary rather than historicil. In 173!) the French explorers placed on record an undoubted account of their travels along the Platte, and special I'xplorations beyond the valiew The names of the adventurers were Pierre and Paul .Mal- let. Philip iSobitaille. Louis Moven. Michel Rislot. .lo.seph liellccoiirt . .^hlnllel (iallicu and Jean ha\id. all from Quebec except !)a\id. Their mission was to establish trade with the Mexicans, and to find an easy route from tiie great lak<'s bi that country ; the\' gave the title L,i UIri, n I'hill, to this stream. Lewis and Clarke. () F.illon, Maj. Long, Fre- iiiout, the Argonauts, the pony express messengers. Halliday's stage drivers and the Indians and fur traders were the only travelers or temporary resi- dents here up bi 1S57, when the first irregular at- tempts to locate p<'rmaneiitly were made. The homesteaders or pioneers of LS71 to 1873, who resided on their original claims in ISSS, are named as follows and the location of their lands gi\en: .Mrs. A. S. Harding (husband deceased), from Illinois, settled on Section 22; J. W. Smith, from Illinois, on Section 28; Riley Thurber. from Ohio, on Section 34; J. W. Stacy, from Ohio, on Section 34; James Woodliead. from Wisconsin, on Section 8; Albert and William Woodhead. from Wisconsin, on Section 2; .Mrs. t'harles Hnrlbnt (husband deceased), from Michigan , on Section 14; Charles Ashley, from \\'isconsin. on Section S; Charles Bump, from Illinois, on Section 21; Peter Bures. from Illinois, on Section 32 (all the forego- ing in Township 5. Iiauge 5); J. N. JohiLson, from Illinois, on Seetion 4; A. Wiggins, from .Micliiiian. on Section it; R. Culp. from Illinois, on Section 10; John .Marshall, from Illinois, on Section 22; William Trent, from Illinois, on Section 1) (all in Township 4. Range (i); Mason Hnngerford. from .Michigan, on Section 4. Township 5. Rano-e (i; J. Sanderson, from Wisconsin, on Secti, Range 5); J. (!. (Jraliam. from Illinois, on Section 2. Ranii'e 4. Township 5; S. T. Caldwell, from Illinois, on Sec- tion 4, Township 4, Range (j; William Prouty. from ^lichigan, on Section 32. Township 4. Ranuc (i; .Mrs. Hanit'l Lenfest (husband deceased), from Maine, on Section 4, Township .'), Range 5; David Smith, from Missouri, on Section 22. Township 0, Range (!; J. H. Ilazlett. from lllini>is, on Section 22. Township (i, Range (1; B. F. Nail, from Illinois. on Section 22, Township li, Range (J; .Mrs. L. (_rni_ V ,1 Hit HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. luiiii. 1111111 Illinois, oil Section 12, 'rowiisliip 4, KuiilTc .">; Jctr Ailcock, from Illinois, on Section .'54, Township ."), Raiiije fi; K. Noitluoii. from Illinois, on Section ;i4, Towiisliip 5, li;ingo ii; I). H. San liuni. I'loin Illinois, on Section 4, Townsliip 5, Huiiiieli; Jesse Dulton, troin Illinois, on S<'ct ion '^2. Township 4, Range (i: A. (!. Jacobs, from Ohio, on Section 12. Township 5. Hange (I: K. S. Smith, from Illinois, on Sc^ction 12, Township.'). Range (i; .\. .1. Long, from Indiana, on Section 2(1, Townsliii) 5, Range 5; C. Ishani, from Ohio, on Section 4. Townshij) 5. Range .'>; S. Northrop, from Illinois, on Section l!4, Township 5. Range (i; I). Hssinger, from Illinois, on Section 2. Township 5, Range (i. The lirst settler of this county was John I?. Wes- ton, who in IS.'iT Idcatcil on Section I (1. Township 5, Ranges, on the Little Blue, luiilt a log house and called the place ■■ I'awnee Ranche. " Prior to this time a spot at the month of Lilierty Creek, on the Klne, was a favorite camping ground for the mail carriers. In 185S James H, Lemon kept Lib- erty Farm Ranche here, as agent of Wells, Fargo & Co. , and in 1867 Benjamin and John Royce arrived. I n 1 S()4 James Bainter settled at Spring Ramhc 1 u the spring of 1870 came .\. I). Peterson, followed bv Louis Peterson and Jonas Johnson, .-ill Swedes. They were here in .\pril. 1S72. when the \'irgiiiian, John L. Lewis, arrived. This settlement was given the iKiiiie Lewis precinct, in lS7ii. On November 1. 1^7:!, a Dane named I. C. Christianson settled in this precinct, and he is said to be the first of the sixteen l>aiies who were in the comity in 1SS2. In the summer of lS7(t two brothers named Norman, also natives of Sweden, settled in School Creek pre- cinct, .-ind ill the fall Jnlm Kennedy, an Ohioaii. located his homestead on Section 2. Towuslii|) S, P>ange 5. On January 27, 1871. A. K. Marsh Imilt a log house on the creek, lielow the .Xormaiis' dug- out, Mrs. .Marsh being the tirst white woman in this precinct. A. A. Covey, J. Steinmetz, the Ballzer brothers, I*". .M. . Charles W. . (ieorge and It. (1. Brown came prior to .Vpril 11. 1S71; W. Cuiiiiing •■ind his wife followeil in .May. and later came I!. L. (iarr and W. Iv Bcmis. The Conaul lirolliers ar- rived in Lincoln precinct in .May. 1S71. and on August 14, that year. W. T. .McKnight arrived. ()rrin Conaiit was shot and killed hereon .Ma\ 111, 1X75. by l>. .\. Smith, the trouble arising about the ownership of a claini. The same year (Jlcmille precinct claiincd llic |iioiiccrs. |).-iniel l''itcli, the trapper. J. W. Small, and Lei'oy S. Winti'is. B. I''. Ilocket constructed a sod-honsc on Section 2. Town- ship 7. Ilauge 7, in .May. |S7I. his conti'inporaiN settlers being W. II. Chadwick, J. I>. Afoore and L. J. Starbnck. C. 1). .Moore and .M. L. Latham ar ri\cd shortly after, and when the [irecinct was organi/.cil in IS"."), the name Lynn was given to it. Sutton pi'ccinct cl.-iims L. i'"rciicli. an Ohioan. as its first settler, in 187(1. lie built a dug-mit on the northwest quarter of Section 2, Township 7. Range ."), and soon after was visited by ("apt. Charles White and Nellie Henderson, who rode from the West Blue in pursuit of an antelope, which they captured. H. W. (J ray, his sou and (J. W. Bemis arrived May 4. 1S71; William and Henry Smith. J. S. Schem- merhorn. James Vromiin, the Angbergs, Hollings- worths, Brownells. Evans and .Maltl)ys came about this time. Leii'ester precinct was settled early in the winter of 1S71-72, iiy .Joseph Rowe, Stephen Brown, Wil- liam Woolinau and A. Woolmau. With William Woolman was his adopted child. Miss Ti'iiel(>\c Tibbies, who was drowned in . Vpril. 187(i. (i. W. Briggs and (Jeorge Midntire were the first settlers in Scott |)recinet, and in 1871 .lolm P. Scott was the solitary occupant of Lone Tiee (jn'tauet and the only settler for some time between School Creek and Spring Rauclii'. White Hlin postotlice was presided over by him from the fall of 1S71 until its removal to Fairfield. .lune 27, 1878. Reuben Peachy erect- eil a house for gener.-il mercantile purposes in 1S7(I, and was the first postmaster appointed in Clay County. After the re-estalilishment of the mail sei-- vice, Richard Baylcy. a lilacksmitli. located at the mouth of Buffalo Creek, followed liy II. .1, lliggins. In 1871 a water-mill was constructed near the Lib- erty Itanchc. liy .\l. .\|ills. Sheridan |in'cinct was settled in 1S72. liy John Vates. Patrick Nagle. R. Iliiliaid. R. M. Mariner, T, R. h:ider ami Dennis Lali.-inc. Logan precinct was lirst settled ii\' .Mbert Curtis. .March 7, 1871. Within a short time Riley Thiirber. .lolm Yandle, Wright Stacy, E. M. Isluim, -%H. CLAY COUNTY. 345 Niitluui Tiickc-r, A. Cliristisoii, Flt'trlu-r Page and the Pascalls arrived. J. B. Diiisiiiore came in May, 1S72. The first settlement in Marshall |)recinct was made in Jul^" of this year by Flavins Norlhrnp, followed b}' W. S. , Addison and Warner Randall, J. Prawl and William ToUe. In November, 1871, J. K. Sanborn arrived in Edgar precinct as its pio- neer, followed by tiie Carrs. Jacob Ilitterbiish came in 1.S72 and was appointed postmaster in June, and the same month the Jones family arrived. In the pages devoted to local history and biootatoes sold for live cents jjcr pound, the same for hay and other things in proportion. There were many In- dians around during the summer. {)rincipally the Pawnees and Cuiahas — all fi'iendly. In 1S()3 I was at Hackney Station, kept by a (ierinan named Myers, when a Pawnee came without an arrow. He said that two Sioux had chased him fro7n the Solomon, and would soon overtake anil kill him unless he could get some arrows. Myers had a lot of them, but would not loan him one. Ik- started to leave when the Sioux rode up, shot him deaward me. As we approached each other he suddenly left the path and. descend- ing a ravine, was at once lost sight of. Somethino; in his manner aroused my susiiicious, and getting off my mule I cautiously approached the i)lace where he disai)|)eared; presently I saw him, dismounted, and stretching his neck to see me. Twice I drew my revolver and could have easily shot him; but they had always been friendly, and I wouUl not be the first to kill. While deliating this ijucstiou he discovered me, and, leaping on his ponv. rode off, lying on one side of the pony, as Indians usuallv do when in danger of being lir(>(l ui)on. I knew now that l)nsiness had begini. He descended the ra\ine into Pawnee Creek, where he was joineil b\ two otliers. I then rode as fast as possible to my rauclic, and told my wife to get readv for an attack. My sou and hired man had gone to Pawnee Hanclie that morning, so my wife and 1 went to work, she to moulding more bullets an Uanche: and had killed and scalped Hurke, a freighter. They :rf- 346 TITSTORY OF NEBRASKA. desi'i-ihcd tlu' Indians and 1 was satisfied, from tlio description, tiiat tliey were the ones I had seen to- i;<'thcr. Tliat daj- and the following night passed witliout furllier distnrbance. The stage had failed to arri\c' tliat night, so in the morning I mounted a race mare wliieli I owned, and started up tiu; Blue to see what had become of it. I met it about three miles up the river, with several passengers, among tlicm being the stage agent, at Lone Tree, and his wile. Tiiey reported that the Indians had sur- rouiideil the stage the night before, but that toward morning they had withdrawn. The morning before a uian named Smith, from St. Joe, passed my ranche in charge of a train loaded with proxisions and two llH-csiiing machines. Tlu stage [leoplc did not meet Smith or liis train. I sus|)ectcd his party were cither kincil (vr captured, and so followed along the river to where I supposed they would camp for din- ner, about six miles from Spring Ranche, now (1 889) Whites farm. There a fearful sigiit met my gaze. Every man of them, six in all. had lieen killed and all scalped except a red-haired Hibernian, who was shot in the temple and aliove the iiip with arrows, and was still breathing. I pulled the arrow out of his temple, and went to a pond of water to obtain drink for him. I filled my liodf with water, l)ut when 1 returneer as a judge. After several months a companj- of United States troops carried away the skeletons of the murdered whites. The next morning, about 10 o'clock, we .sent Mrs. Met- 4. CLAY COUNTY. 347 ealfe and the two wouikUmI men to Fort Kearney on the stage coach, and the others of us went with theui as far as Hook's Kanche, ten miles east of the fort, where we met a company of United States troops going after the Indians, lleatii haxiuij; learneil at last that they were not as friendly as he thought. On our way we stoppetl at mv ranche. Nothing re- mained lint the smoking remnant of my property. All my stock was killed, except one poor team, and my total loss was $5,872.50, for which I have a claim l)efore Congress. We remained at Hook's all night, and in the morning Metcalfe and wife returned, and we took the trail for Neliraska City. Following the Blue, we struck the location of the present town of Crete; thence prru'ceded to Beatrice, where T left my family and returned to bury the dead and gather up my stock. At Big Sandy, near where Alexandria now stands, we found a few men who were not molested by the Indians, About seven miles above that we came to the claim of two Germans, and found their bodies minus the scalps; buried them and went on to Haekney Station (Holiday's), which was destroyed. At Yulick's Ranche, six miles below Oak Grove Ranche, we found the two (ierman owners dead and scalped. We found Kiow'a Station Imrucd. ami near by the body of Jo(^ Urbanks, who fcu'inerly had charge of liittle Blue Ranche. He was shot by arrows and scalped. Oak Grove Rant'he was de- stroyed, and near it lay the bodies of Kelly and Bntler, the former a part owner of Pawnee Ranche, and the latter a farmer from near Beatrice. At this point the nuMi resisted the Indians, but lost the two men named. Hurrying on to Ubank's Ranche, kept by Ubanks it Son (not Joe Ubanks who was killed), we found the remains of the old gentleman, his three sons and his danghter, aged eighteen years. She was .-i fci'lilc minded girl, but this did not save her from the vengeance of the savages. Her body was horribly mutilated. The body of the youngest child, a boy aliout live years old. was found some distance from the house with seven arrows in it. The Indians scalped him, taking all his hair. Mrs. William Ubanks, her two small chihlreu aning S!)0. After this 1 took my family to Missouri. Imt rctuincd in a few weeks with m\ lirother, only tolind ('apt. Flagg's troops at Pawnee Ranche. Next day I accom[)anied the troops up Thirty two Mile Creek; found Lone Tree Station, the first above Spring Uanclie. burned, and buried the six men whose bodies we discovered the morniu"- 37i: r 348 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. after tlu' lii-.sl liuiit. \\"t' I'ouiul Klin Creek Station destroyed, while George Comstoek's Station at Thirty two Mile Creek was undisturl)ed, the owner haviiii;' lied to Beatrice liefore the attack was made. Returning to the niins of Spring R:nuhe, 1 found the station at Pawnee re-cstalilished. and ininiedi- ately began the work of rebuilding Spring Rauche. In the spring of 18(55 I lirought my family from Missouri, and found Metcalfe and family at Pawnee Kant'he. We each carried a small stock of goods. My store goods destroyed cost $1 ,(J00. After this it was considered safe to leave the place, and the consideration was iicted upon. On my return in 1870,1 found my claim jumped by Tom Smith, of Marysville, Kan. 1 stopped at Hackney Station and raised a crop while I defended my claim, and succei'ded in olitaining jjossession of it. My buildings were nearly all ruined. John Crossman and John Holmes were Hying in one of mj- j)ilars since the beginnings of set^ tlement. L. N. Clark, of Sutton, was elected presi- dent; (icorge Noble, of Fairfield, and C. J. ^lartiu, of Clay Centre, vice-presidents; M. J. Hull, of Kd- gar. historian: A. E, (toodall.of Lynn, secretary; l>. N. Nettleton, of Spring Itandie. treasurer, and T. R, Elder, officer of the day. The executiye <'(im mittee comprised J. B. Dinsmoie. of Sutton; .1. .). Walley, of Edgar; L. Brewer, of Fairfield; Samuel Sloat. of Haryard; anil I,. X. Bryant, of Spriui; Ranche. Clay Count}'* was established liy act ajjproved February 1(5, 18(57, within the following . Town- ship 7, Range 6, on October 14, that year. J. R. Maltby, Alexander ('ami)bell and H. Manchester were named judges, with S. T. Davis and Chris (_'alkius clerks of this (>lectiou. A. K. Marsh. P. O. Norman and A. A. Corey w'ere the commission ers elected; F. M. Brown, the county clerk; J. Hoi lingsworth, the treasurer, on whose failure to (jual ify R. G, Brown was appointed; R. S. Fitzgerald, suryeyor: James SchemmcrlKU'u. superintendent of schools, and P. T. Kearney, sheriff. The vote for the candidates for the offices named, and other county officers, is given in the political chajjter. The vote on location of eounty seat shows 5G in favor of the town of Sutton. Section 'I. Township 7, Range 5; 24 in favor of the geographical center; 8 in favor of Section 34, Township 8, Range 7, and 1 in favor of Section 8. Township 5. Range 8, On November 4 the county was set ofl' into three election disfricts. Har\ard embraced Townships 7 and 8, Range 7, Townships 7 and 8, Range 8, and the west one-half of Township 7, Range 6; Little Blue embraced Townships 5 and ti, Range 8, Town- ships 5 and (5, Range 7, and the west one-half of Townships 5 and G, Range (J; while School Creek * The name Clay was eoiiferred on a division of old Pierce Comity as early as lffi,5, transferred to wliat is now the sontli part of Lancaster and nortli part of Ga^e, and ultimately given to the territory described above. CLAY COUNTY. 349 embraced Townships 5, 6, 7 antl 8, Range 5, and the east one-half of Townships 5. 6, 7 and 8, Range 6. Louis N. Bryant antl A. S. Willis were appointed justices for Little Blue. James Bainter, John Royce and G. W. Xoble, constables, and Jolm W. Langford assessor. Samuel C. Sloat and Ira F. Pearsall were appointed justices of Harvard. Frank Cheney and Bradford Stone constables, and Charles E. Canfield assessor. A. K. Marsh was appointed justice of School Creek. W. Cummiug constable, and J. C. Merrill assessor. The license for the sale of spirituous liquors was fi.xed at $25 per half year or $40 per year. The county was divided into six road districts. The salary of the clerk was placed at $300 per year; of school superintendent, $4 per day for actual service. In February, 1872. A. K. Marsh was appointed to proceed to Fillmore County and settle with the commissioners thereof, and W. W. Sellick was ap- pointed to ascertain the amount of moneys due Clay County V)y Saline Count}', and R. G. Brown was employed as attorney in the suit against Saline County. On March 2, 1872. R. (t. Brown's house, at Sut- ton, was designated as the place of meeting, and there also were fixed the offices of county clerk and treasurer, the commissioners agreeing to paj' $10 [jcr month rent from December 15, 1871. The owner was to furnish fuel in consideration of being allowed to use his office for his general business. On March 12, 1872, M. L. Latham, Louis Thayer and Jolin Kennedy were appointed appraisers of school lands in Cla}- County. In April. L. N. Bry- ant took Thayer's place. R. S. Fitzgerald was ap- pointed commissioner to locate all r(5ads ■' hereafter Ijctitioned for. "' At this time $5 was paid for hand-cuffs for sheriff's use; Martin Clark was allowed $1.75 for medicines supplied poor persons, and $16 was appropriated to Iniild a l)ridge in School Creek at county line; while $25 was appropriated to build a lu'idge at Sutton (after rescinded) and $031.55 was [laid Acres & Blacknian for books, etc. . for county. An election on the question of issuing bonds for $75,000 to the St. Joe & Denver Railroad Company was ordered; the liquor license was increased to $100 per annum, and the following tax levy authorized: State school, 2 mills; State general, 2^ mills; Stjite sinking, 1 mill; university. -^ mill; county general. mills; sinking fund, 1 mill; land road tax, $4 per 160 acres; court house, 1 mill, and bridge tax 2, mills. R. S. Fitzgerald was paid in July, 1872, for surveying poor farm, and A. A. Corey and F. M. Brown for locating said farm, while the clerk was ordered to procure pre-emption filing on the lands selected for farm. In October, 1872, an inquest on the body of Maximilian Reed cost the county $7.10, while the case of the State v. D. A. Smitli cost about $50. In October, 1872, Thurlow Weed was appointed probate judge in the alisence of Maltluy. A con- tract for an iron bridge at Spring Rauche was sold to the King Company, of lola, Kan., at $27 per foot, and a safe was orderengaged to defend the county against the JJnrlingtoii it Missouri River and Union I'acilic Railroad companies, the consideration being $157") and 2(1 per cent of taxes collected. In ease the taxes were collect eel fidm the railroad companies the retainer fee was to be deducted from the total of commission, 20 per cent. In October the Sutton Times was declared the ollicial journal of Clay ("oinity. The newly elected commissioners, R. Bayly, lizra Brown and .V. K. .Marsh qualified No- vember 8. The case of George F. Warren and D. W. HollisU'r w. Stephen and William Brown .'grow- ing out of affairs in sehool disti-ict No. 87, occupied much of the board's attention iii l<'ebruary, 1874. At this time the commissioners of Jianeaster County were notified to return all poor people, resi- dents of Clay County, to Clay County, or, in de- fault, bear the expen.se of keeping them. The final settlement with Treasurer Tracy was made, and Treasurer F. M. Davis, installed. On petition of L. S. Winters, of the Xebraska Land and Town (\)mpany, 5(1 per cent reilnction in the assessment of the town site of Edgai' was ordered, and a 2.j per cent reduction made on the assessment of Sutton, except lots fronting on Sanders and .Maltliy Ave- nues. In July. IS74. the tax levy for State pur- poses was 7 mills, and for county general, sinking and bridge funds. 12 mills, with a land road tax of .$4 per si'ction, a poll tax of $2, and a dog tax of $1 and $2. A special 4 mill tax was levied in Lit- tle Blue, to meet interest on mill bonds; a lot of railroad ties (lying near (ilenville) numliering ;-;(>. (100, were assessed |i5,750, and tiie St. Josciili it Denver Railroa pointed. The tax levy for State purposes made in July. 1877. was lOf mills, and 11 mills for county pur- poses. The school district levy did not exceed 25 mills, and there is no rect)rd of pIr. Walter's time. Messrs. FalnKpiist and (Iratz were employed at $12 per day, and aicnow (February, 1890) engaged in the work of auditing. The county is practically free from debt, and warrants are |i:iid upon presen- tation to the treasurer. The first record of the district court of Clay County dates back to AFay Hi, 1873. when Sheriff Kearney .and Clerk Brown opened court in the usual form. Judge Gantt's letter stating: ■ ■ The Legisla- tuie having made some confusion in amending the act fixing terms of court in this district, adjourn court till Friday, May 2.''>, IS73. at which time I will be there to hold your coiiit ' In accordance with this instruction court was adjounK'. l.'-iS". by a jury of whom (Jeorge E. Hirge was foreman, and was sentenced to imi)risonn)ent for twelve years, to be kept in solitary eonfineinent on July 111 of each year. K. K. Hairgrove. C. J. Bills and .Morris H. Pope were admitted to the bar .May 15, 1,S88; a year later H. \. Hairgrove and Edward P. Mitchell were admitted. The orticers of the court at the elo.se of ]S8il were judge, Hon. W. H. .Morris; county attor- lu'v. J. L. Kiiperson; reporter, S. A. Searle; clerk. J. K. Wheeler; sheriff, K. D. Davis. The members of the bar were J. L. Ei)person. R. G. Brown, B. F. McLoney. E. E. Hairgrove. E. A. Mitchell, T. A. Barbour, 8. W. Christy. T. H. .Matters. W. P. Shockey. Charles Epperson. William .AI. Clark. L. I". Crouch, L. (!. Hurd. W. S. Prickett. (',. W. Bemis, E. P. Burnett, M. S. Edgington. II M. Pope, W. M. Hairgrove. Hartigan & Albright. The law circle of Sutton, up to 1882, included Robert fi. Brown, who settled here in 1871. He tried the first law suit in this county before Judge J. R. Maltby. November 2. 1S71. the case being that of James 8. Schermerhorn rs. David P. Jaync. and the fee was .iuntry at once, and the others told it would be well for them to leave also. In the morning Nelson Celley returned to the sod- house to feed the stock and saw the bodies dangling from the bridge. Later the boy, Barker, was sent out to give information, when .loscpli .Mft'lian. John (juinn. Ed Yoinig and Ed Kollins repaired to the scene. ^Ir. Meelian ordered the liodies to be left there until the arrival of the coroner. A jury, com- posed of J. C. Waril, Jacob Eller, Cal Earnest, James Leitch, H. M. Goldsmith and M. Wiliman. with Jesse F. Eller, coroner, found tliat death ensued from hanging, the act being done liy persons un- known. The ropes used were ordinary mule halters. Evidently the ropi'S were placcil round tlic victims' necks while standing on the ground, then (h'awn across the stringers of the bridge anr. The widow brought suit against (uic of the persons who sold her husband liipior, and in the fall of 18S5 a verdict for $2,5(10 was given, the trial taking place before Judge .Morris, of Clay Center. The murder of John Roberts, of Spring Ranche, was perpetrated January S. ]S85. The first reports of this crime credited it to the Taylors, as Mrs. Tay- lor, a_ Welsh woman, thi-eatened the Welsh man, Roberts, with punishment if he dared to take an\: timber from an eighty-acre tract which she claimed on the Hliie. Elijah Smith, an old resident of Logan Town- ship, while engaged in burning an old straw stack, was burned to death in 1SK5. Mrs. Joseph Warner, who resided five miles south of Edgar, was poisoned bv aconite in Novem- lier. 18S5. The railroad disastci' at |)cweese occurred Octo- ber lil, LS8(). It appears a construction train back- ing down to Deweese, carrying ninety-five men to dinner, struck a IniU near the house of George Shei>- pard. The cars were thrown from the track into the draw twenty feet, killing si.x men and wounding several. The names of the killed were: R. H. Mar- vin, hotel-keeper at Deweese: (leorge Bnrke, St. Louis; Dennis (JConner, Weston, JIo. ; Dennis Ham- ilton, Michigan: Roliert Collins, England, and Thomas Kelly. Eight others suffered severe injuries. John Harvonic committed suicide in November. 1884. Fred Ronzo committed suicide in September. 1887, while imprisoned at Clay Center, pending his trial for attempting to kill his wife. James MeCullough committed suicide by stab- bing in May, 188!t. The scene of this tragedy is eight miles northeast of (ilcii\ illc. »Mrs. Tayloi' and others weie charged with the murder of Joliii Roberts, of Spiiiis Raiiclie, in January. ](«.i. ^ :558 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA. Jesse Oorilon. the eiglit yciir nlil son of ClKirlos (iunloii. was liiiricd in the cuvu iKippcr :il Minor's cli'valor and sinollu'red to dt'ulli. The accident at Sutton. October Ki. ISST. re- snlli'd ill llic dcatli ot tlic ciiiiit year olil son of (u'orii'c {'oiiii. The lio\" attciiii>tcd to jiiMi|i on a iiioxiiio' train, lull faliinti- liad one arm and liotli le