Custer County, Nebraska - Founders and Builders, 1919 (part 16 of 32)

William Ihlow was born in Brandenburg, Germany, on the 14th of May, 1855, and is a son of Alichael and Louise Ihlow, who passed their entire lives in that part of the empire of Germanv, the father having been a shepherd by vocatioii. Michael and Louise Ihlow became the parents of two children, of whom the subject of this review is the younger, his sister, Amelia, born in 1853, being the wife of August Coody, a resident of Nebraska City, Nebraska. The family name of the second wife of ^Michael Ihlow was Walter, and they had three children, all of whom are deceased. The religious faith of the family in Germany was that of the Lutheran church.

William Ihlow received in his youth the advantages of the schools of his native land, and he early learned the lessons of practical toil. As he grew to maturity he found employment at various occupations - principally as a brick-maker and farm hand. In his native land was solemnized his marriage to Miss Louise Wittkey, and concerning their children brief record may consistently be given at this point: Bertha is the wife of Roger Zummerille, a farmer in Buffalo county, Nebraska ; Frank is engaged in agricultural and stock-raising enterprise in South Dakota ; Fred is a prosperous farmer in Custer county ; William is secretary of the Young 'Meu'is. Christian Association at Aurora. Nebraska ; John has active management of his father's farm, in Custer county : Charles is engaged in farming operations in South Dakota ; and Ruby, the younger daughter, remains at the parental home.

Determined to avail himself of the greater advantages that America offered to the youngman of ambition, in 1881 Mr. Ihlow, in company with his wife and their infant daughter, immigrated to the LInited States, and within the same year the little family arrived at Riverton, Fremont county, Iowa. In 1884, as a pioneer, Mr. Ihlow settled ou a homestead, in Custer county, amidst primitive surroundings, and he and his devoted wife bravely fortified themselves for the meeting of the trials and hardships of life on the frontier. Like other pioneers, Mr. Ihlow had to overcome many obstacles during those early years, but he did not falter in courage, persistence or self-reliance, with the result that he gradually made his way forward to the position of success and definite prosperity. As returns from his vigorous activities as an agriculturist and stock-grower justified such action, he gradually added to the area of his landed estate until he had accumulated an entire section of as fertile and valuable land as can be found in this favored section of Nebraska. On the property he erected good buildings and made other excellent improvements of a permanent order, and through his individual achievement, as well as his civil loyalty and liberality, he contributed his due quota to the development and progress of his community and the county in general.

In 1915, feeling that he had done his part in the work of social and material development and advancement, Mr. Ihlow retired from the active labors that had long challenged his energies, and has since lived in comfortable and well earned retirement in his pleasant home in the village of Ansley. Aside from his valuable farm property and interests Mr. Ihlow has other important capitalistic investments, and he is president of the Security State Bank of Ansley, the policies of which he has effectively directed in his executive capacity. As a man of broad experience and mature judgment he has done much to foster the success of this substantial financial institution.

In politics Mr. Ihlow is found aligned with the Republican party, and while he has had no desire for the honors of public office, his civic loyalty has prompted him to give characteristically efficient service in the various school offices to which he has been elected. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church, and as sterling pioneer citizens of Custer county it may consistently be said that their circle of friends is limited only by that of their acquaintances. Mr. Ihlow has proved himself a man of inviolable integrity, and is known as a citizen of intense public spirit.

CHARLES JARUSEK, the proprietor of a flourishing hardware business at Comstock, has shown during his comparatively short business career the possession of qualities which are rapidly placing him in the ranks of the successful merchants of this thriving locality. He is a native Nebraskan. having been born in \'alley county, January 28, 1894, and exempli- .fies in his daily activities the true western spirit of progress and energy.

The parents of Mr. Jarusek, Frank and Mary (Nenaskal ) Jaru.sek, natives of Bohemia, were early pioneers of Valley county, where the father settled in .1884. He located first at Ord, in which neighborhood he worked faithfully by the month and saved industriously un- til he had enough to purchase a farm. Since then he has been engaged in farming and stockraising, his ventures having placed him in the well-to-do class of citizens. He has also made a place for himself among the representative men of his locality, and his worth and integrity have been appreciated by his fellow citizens, who have electe<l him as director of the school board and member of the road commissioners on several occasions. The family belongs to the Catholic church. Mr. and Airs. Jarusek have had four children : Charles, who is the subject of this review ; Mary, who is the wife of Joseph Novak, a farmer of X'alley county ; one child who died in infancy: and Miss Alice, who remains with her parents.

Charles Jarusek received his early education in district school No. 53, this discipline being supplemented by one year's attendance in a business college at St. Paul. Nebraska. He remained at home and assisted his father until he reached the age of twenty-one years, and after leaving business college he entered mercantile pursuits by accepting a clerkship in the hardware store of J. T. Arthur. In that capacity he thoroughly informed himself in all details of the business, and August 17, 1918, he bought out his employer's interest and became proprietor of the establishment. During the short time that he has been at the head of the business he has accomplished much in the way of securing new business, and now presents to a large patronage a clean, attractive and up-to-date stock of shelf and heavy hardware, complete in every particular. It would seem as though this progressive and energetic young man is in a fair way to become one of Comstock's substantial men of business.

At Sidney, Nebraska, February 14, 1917, Mr. Jarusek married Miss Madge Yarmon, a daughter of Richard and Sadie (Gage) Yarmon, early settlers of Howard county. Nebraska. Mr. Jarusek has been to some extent handicapped in his rise by the state of his healtli, which in the past has not been all that it should be, but in large measure he has benefited his condition by taking long automobile trips, and in this way ha.** covered practically the entire state of Nebraska.

OLRI'.R j. KOLP.O. - When compilers of the real history of Custer county go to old settlers like ( )liver J. Kolbo, who has lived on his farm south of Callaway for the past thirty-five years, they learn at first hand of the struggles and hardships that attended the pioneers here, when settlers were few and far apart, when the land was entirely undeveloped and when crops were lost and stock died because of lack of water. Mr. Kolbo knows all about it, for he came here in November. 1883. He was born in Nanstad, Norway, December 22. 1853. His parents were John and Karen (Statum) Kolbo. also natives of Nanstad. Norway. In 1860 they immigrated to the United States w^ith their children, and settled in Coon Prairie, near Westby, Wisconsin, where the father was engaged in farming during the rest of his life. His children were as follows: Mrs. Mary E. Mohlmann, Hans, Oliver J., Martin, Christen, Mrs. Dena Johnson, John, and Berant.

Oliver J. Kolbo lived at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age. In boyhood he had district school advantages to some extent, but his time was mainly taken up with work on the home farm. In those days prairie chickens and quail were plentiful in Coon Prairie, and he became quite skillful in trapping them, thereby earning ])ocket money, for he could always find purchasers. Farming has been his occupation all his life, and in following it, carefully, persistently, and intelligently, he has become possessed of amp'.e means and owns a half-section of as fine land as can be found in Custer county.

Mr. Kolbo was married December 29, 1878, in the Lutheran church in Coon X'alley, \'ernon county, Wisconsin, to Miss Christena Lien, who w-as born in Norway. Her parents were Peder and Marit (Toreson) Lien. Mrs. Kolbo had two brothers, Peter, who is deceased, and Frantz. wdio lives in Norway. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kolbo. namely: Melvin C, who is a farmer near Lodi. Nebraska, married Lillian Johnson and they have six children. They attend the United Lutheran church. Hilmer E.. who conducts a garage at Callaway, married Flossy P. Maze and they have four children. They attend the Evangelicil church. Paul G.. who is a farmer in the neighborhood of Lodi. Nebraska, and who belongs to the \\'oodmen lodge at Lodi, married IvOrene Simonsen and they have three children. Julia is the wife of John Olson, who is a farmer and stockman near Paso Robles. in San Luis Obispo county. California, and they have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Olson belong to the Lutheran church. Selmar N.. who is sales manager for the Sample & Hart Motor Company. Omaha, married Eva E. Willv. and they have two children. They attend the Lutheran church. Rudolph N., who is a soldier in the national army, was at Camp Funston at the time when this sketch was written. T. .'\., remains at the parental home. The other children died in infancy. Mr. Kollx) and his sons vote the Republican ticket. He and his wife are of the Lutheran faith and all the children have been well instructed religiously and are church members.

THOMAS T. VARNEY, whose standing as a citizen of Custer county is very high and who has been intimately identifiecl with the material growth and industrial and financial development of the county for many years, is now a resident of Ansley. Mr. \'arney is well known to the people of this community, having been before them as merchant, postmaster and bank cashier, in each of which capacities he established a reputation for integrity and conscientious performance of duty, but he is now retired from active pursuits. He is a native of Corinth, Saratoga county, New York, and was born May 2, 1872, a son of Edgar and Mary Amelia ( Tiffany ) \'arney.

Edgar \'arney was born in Saratoga county, New York, June 30. 1839, a son of Hosea and Anna ( Conklin ) Varney, who passed their lives within the confines of the Empire state. Edgar \arney was educated in the public schools of his native place, where he was reared to manhood, and in 1864, at Saratoga Springs, he married Miss Mary Amelia Tiffany, who was born in Saratoga county, October 1. 1847, a daughter of Thomas and Arvilla ( Hogle ) Tiffany, natives of New' York and farming people all their lives, as well as devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. \'arney continued to live in New York until 1871, in which year they came to Nebraska and settled in Hall county, where they located on a homestead and engaged in farming for a period of eight years. In 1879 they came to Custer county, Mr. Varney becoming proprietor of the first store at Westerville, and later being the pioneer merchant at Ansley, where he remained in business until his retirement, eighteen years prior to his demise. Mr. \'arney was a Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. They were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics he was a Republican. His death occurred September 23, 1908. ^Mr. and Mrs. \'arney were the parents of eight children : Etta is the wife of Judare Armour, of llroken Bow; Millie is the wife of Richard Brega, a well known attorney of Calloway ; Lavina is the wife of .\nthonv Wilkinson, a retired ranchman of Grand Island, Nebraska; C. E. resides at Thermopolis, Hot Springs county, Wyoming; Thomas T. is the subject of this review; Seth is engaged in the barber business at Ansley ; James is engaged in merchandising ; and Clara is the wife of E. P. Gaines, a banker at Ansley.

Thomas T. Varney received his education in the public .schools of Ansley, where he was brought as a lad, and he supplemented this by a commercial course in the Lincoln Business College, at Lincoln. He began his business career in a commercial way, as a merchant at Ansley, where he conducted a general store during 1892 and 1893. From that time forward for ten years he was postmaster, an official position in which he did much to improve the postal service in this locality, and he then became cashier of the First National Bank of Ansley, now known as the State Bank of Ansley. He continued about fifteen years in that capacity, but in July, 1916. he disposed of his interests, and since then he has lived in retirement. Mr. \'arney has been somewhat active in local political affairs, as a Republican, and on various occasions has been called to public office, in which he has demonstrated the possession of marked executive ability and a desire and ability to perform his duties conscientiously and in such a manner as to benefit the community. He was for several years a member of the town council, and he served also as a director on the school board, and as city treasurer and township treasurer. His official record is a splendid one. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, and is past master of his Masonic blue lodge. With Mrs. \'erney. he belongs to the Christian church and supports its movements liberally.

Mr. \'arney vvas married June 15. 1895, to Miss May Sargent, who was born at Maynard, Iowa, a daughter of John S. and Laura (Rich) Sargent, the former a native of Tileigs county, Ohio, and the latter of Belvidere. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent were married in Fayette county, Iowa, where Mrs. Sargent had been taken as a child of five years, while her future husband was four years of age when taken to Delaware county, Iowa. Married in December, 1875, they came to Custer county, Nebraska, in 1883. Here they settled on a homestead farm, Mr. Sargent having always been engaged in his present occupation of tilling the soil. He was ver}' prominent in local politics during the early days, was independent in vote, thought, and action, and in 1889 was sent by his fellow citizens to the Nebraska state legislature, in which he made a good record. He and IMrs. Sargent are members of the Christian church and take an active part in the various movements which make for higher education, cleaner moraHty and better citizenship. They have three children: May. who is now Mrs. Varney : Allie, who is the wife of J. A. ]\Ioore. of Pasadena, California: and Sarah, who is the wife of Frank Hawk, of Custer county. Mr. and Mrs. Varney are the parents of two children: \ivian and Thomas T., Jr., aged sixteen and thirteen years respectively : they are attending school.

J.KMES IJXDLY. - The gentleman whose name introduces this record is one of the pioneers of Custer county who arrived within its borders when the work of development had hardly begun, and during a period of nearly forty years he has not only been a witness of the changes that have taken place but has also contributed his full share in the work of transformation and development. James Undly is a native of the neightx)ring state of Iowa, where he was born, in Jones county, .A.pril 2, 1846. His parents, Amasa and Mary J. ( Garison) Lindly, were natives of Ohio, their marriage occurred in Indiana and they became earlv settlers of Jones county. Iowa, their advent there being before railroads had entered that new country and when Iowa was still a territory. The mother of our subject passed away in Jones county in 1853, and the father's death occurred in 1908. when he had reached the age of eighty-four years. Of the four children, James and .\lbert are the only survivors.

Reared on a farm in his native county, James Lindly was not yet nineteen years of age when he ran away from home and enlisted in Companv G, Seventeenth Iowa \'ohmteer Infantry, on the 6th of March, 1865, and he served until the close of the Civil war, being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and receiving his discliarge at Rock Island. Illinois. His older brother, .\lbert, had enlisted in the fall of 1863. in Company G, Thirty-first Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, and he served until the close of the war : he now resides in Marion county. Iowa.

.-\fter the war James Lindlv returned to Iowa and he was engaged in farm work in Cedar countv until the spring of 1866. when he obeyed the call of the west and came to Omaha. Nebraska, thence to Grand Island, and for several months found emplovment with the L'nion Pacific Railroad. Returning to Omaha, he became a driver of ox teams.

("deck hand on a bull train," as it was jokingly called ) freighting across the plains to Denver, Colorado, where he remained from August, 1866, to December 15, 1867, when he went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, then a mushroom town of shacks, the terminal of the L'nion Pacific Railroad. From there he returned to Cedar coimty. Iowa, and resumed farming. He tliere married Charlotte Wood, a daughter of George A. and Martha (Laughery) Wood, pioneers of Iowa. They were married in the fall of 1868 and the following spring moved to Marion county. Iowa. That year Mr. Lindly. with his wife and one child, came to Lancaster county. Nebraska, he driving through with team and his wife and child coming on the train. He traded for land in Lancaster county, but in 1874 the grasshoppers took the crop and he returned to Iowa, where he remained until 1878. He then came again to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained till August. 1880. His wife died in Lincoln, in the fall of 1879, leaving one child, two others having died in infancy.

In September, 1880, Mr. Lindly came to Custer county and took a pre-emption in township 19, range 22. and also filed on a tree claim in the same township. In 1883 he took a homestead in this townshi]i and he is one of the few - if, indeed, there be anv other - who proved up and took a patent on pre-em])- tion. tree claim, and homestead. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Lindly went to Iowa, where he married Mrs. Mary J. Busby, wdio had three children by a former marriage. They were married February 3, 1881. and on Mar:h 17th they started for their Nebraska home, with a team and wagon. This was a strenuous trip and on the 22d of .\pril they arrived at the preemption claim. They were unable to cross the Missouri river by ferry-boat, owing to the overflow, so they were compelled to cross on transfer train over the L'nion Pacific bridge between Council Blutfs and Omahti. They were among the real early settlers of this part of the county and for a time Mr. Lind!y operated the farm of Judge C. R. Mathews, being penniless when he landed here and having spent his last dime for tobacco, at Westerville. From this humble beginning, at a time when hardships and ])rivations were at hand. Mr. Lintlly weathered all storms and by fliligence and good judgment has become one of the successful farmers and extensive land-owners of Custer county. Instead of the primitive sod house, his home to-day is among the best to be found in the community. His farm is named "Pilgrim's Rest," as for years it was the stop-

As a reminder of those days of hardship a few reminiscences may not be out of place. A storm in November. 1884, almost cut the Lindly family off from their transit from their dugout to the corn crib, which served as sleeping quarters, the snow having been three or four feet deep. Mr. Lindly and three friends were caught away from home and weathered a severe blizzard, with the temperature close to forty degree below.

On January 12, 1888, Mr. Lindly was out in his yard and observed the windmill, against which a warm southwest wind was blowing, suddenly whirl in the opposite direction. He knew at once a storm was on, and looking to the north he saw the wall of frozen mist bearing down upon them. Taking a supply of wraps, he started for the schoolhouse. one and one-half miles away, to get the children. Finding them safely housed at the home of a neighbor, he followed others until they reached home and then made his way to his own home, facing the suffocating blasts for more than a mile and a half. Few men were out so long during that storm and survived. During that winter the family burned corn for fuel.

In the dry year of 1894 Mr. Lindly planted five bushels of potatoes and gathered three pecks. But all obstacles were met and overcome, and James Lindly has become one of the well-to-do men of the county. The following is a record of the children of thi.s ])ioneer family: Charles and Rosella May died in childhood ; Albert is married and resides in Custer county ; GrSce is the wife of G. E. Lewis, of Niagara Falls, New York ; l\Iabel is the wife of Fred .Anderson, of Custer county ; Maud is the wife of E. E. Bell, of Custer county : Fred G. and Leonard \'. are married and are farming in Custer county. Mrs. Lindly has three children by a former marriage : Alice is the wife of Lewis Karnes, residing in California; Luclla married Harry G. Karnes, and thev are residents of Seattle. Washington : and John resides in Idaho.

For years Mr. Lindly believed in the principles of the Republican party, but he is now an advocate of those of the Non-Partisan League, believing the best interests of the farmer can be served by the doctrines of that party. Fraternally he is a Mason, and he and Mrs. Lindly are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Lindly has taken much interest in the development of the town of .Ansclnio and he there erected the building occupied by the Farmers" Mercantile Company, and also the drug-store building.

With good foresight and abounding faith in the increasing value of Custer county land, Mr. Lindly has made judicious investments and holds title to nearly 2,000 acres. He has made a success of farming and stock-raising and is not only one of the county's venerable pioneers but for many years has also been one of its substantial citizens.

Believing that the life record of such men as Mr. Lindly will serve as an mspiration to coming generations, the publishers of this volume take pleasure in according him the recognition he justly deserves and richly merits.

LINDLEY M. PICKETT. - This is the name of a man who is a leader in his community, a man who takes a deep interest in all public affairs and who is a worthy descendant of a very early pioneer family. Lindley M. Pickett was born in 1867, and is a Hoosier by nativity. He is a son of Dr. C. Pickett, well and favorably known in the early days of Broken Bow. His mother. .\nn ( Pemberton) Pickett, is still living, at the ripe age of seventy-six years. Dr. Pickett died in 1908, and is survived by six children : Celesta Pershall is living on a homestead in the state of Washington; Lindley M. is the second born; Luther E. is operating an elevator at Genoa, Nebraska; Mary F. ^IcMurphy lives at Antioch. Nebraska ; Edwin C. is professor in the Mullen school and was superintendent at Arnold for nine years; and Mrs. C)llie G. AIc- Dermott lives on a Blaine county ranch. I>r. Pickett located a homestead in Blaine county but died before making final proof. The patent on the land- was issued to his widow. Dr. Pickett brought his family to Custer county in 1888. He was a Republican voter and was an enterprising and progressive citizen of fine ability. He was for a time a member of the faculty of the medical college at Lincoln, and was a member of the pension board in Broken P)Ow for, several years. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow lives with her son Edwin, at Mullen.

Lindley M. Pickett was married in 1892, to .Anna M. Rusk, who was born in Illinois and who is a daughter of David and Catherine Rusk. Air. and Airs. Pickett have four children - Thirza J. Holmes, whose husband at the present time is serving in the marine corps of the government; Katie .M.. who is teaching school near .Arnold ; and ( )tis E. and Lloyd

E., who are at home. ]\[r. Pickett has Hved on a Kinkaifl homestead for the last thirteen years and has 100 acres under cnUivation. He has the place well stocked with a good grade of cattle. The farm carries about fifty head of cattle the year around. He breeds the Duroc-Jersey hogs and has made them fairly profitable. He has fine horses and mules, and the improvements of the place speak well for his management. All that he has is the product of his own labor and the able assistance given by his good wife. The first money he ever made was by carrying bundles to the shock, for twenty-five cents a day. He is a Republican voter and has long been promuient in local affairs. He has served as township clerk, census enumerator, road overseer, and school trustee, and in many other ways has contributed a valuable service to the community. The Picketts deserve well the good things their neighbors say of them - they are accommodating, courteous, and hospitable, and the community is better for their residence therein.

STEWARD B. MATHON is one of the successful farmers of his community and has been a resident of Custer county since pioneer days. He was born in Pennsylvania November 26, 1849. His father, John B. Mathon, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he spent his entire life, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Carey, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German parentage. The paternal grandfather, John Mathon, was a native of Ireland.

Steward B. Mathon was reared in his native state and at the age of twenty-three years he started for the west. For four years he worked at farm labor in Indiana, receiving thirteen dollars per month. In that state he married Miss Fannie Shankland, a native of the Hoosier state, and soon after their marriage they came to Nebraska. He was engaged in farming in Hamilton countv until 1883, when he came to Custer county. Here he secured a homestead, and after proving up on the same he sold it and pre-empted a tree c'aim. This claim he later homesteaded. and this has been his home ever since. He had the experience of living in a sod house, of hauling water for thirteen years, and of encountering all of the hardships incident to the early davs. But by di'igence he has prospered. The sod house h^s been replaced by one made of cement blocks, to his original tract of land has been added another quartersection, and general farming is carried on with good success.

Mr. and Mrs. Mathon have had five children, two of whom are living: Lizzie is the wife of Delbert Lewis, of Custer county ; and John, a bachelor, is still at the parental home. The family are members of the Methodist church and in politics Mr. Mathon is a Democrat. He has seen pioneer conditions give way to those of the present day, and in the work of development he has contributed his full share.

CHARLES N. DRAPER, a progressive reprsentative of agricultural industry in Custer county, has had a somewhat varied career, in which he has won his own way to success after several discouraging set-backs in his fortunes. Two occupations, mining and farming, have been engaged in by him, but the latter has been the more successful, and to it he is devoting his time at present, being the owner of 160 acres of land near Ansley.

Mr. Draper was Ixjrn in Illinois, near Saint Louis, Missouri, January 29, 1866, and is a son of Riley and Sarah E. (Hunt) Draper. His paternal grandfather, Albert Draper, was one of the earliest settlers of Huntington county, Indiana, where for years he was engaged in operating a saw mill, his death occurring in that state. Stephen Hunt, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Draper, was a Baptist minister who preached the Gospel in Indiana and other states, and whose career came to a close in Missouri. Riley Draper was born in 1839, the first white child born in Huntington county, Indiana, ami the log cabin in which he came into this world was considered of sufficient historic interest to be exhibited at the great Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, where it attracted much attention. He received a common-school education, which he supplemented by self-instruction, including wide reading and much study, and he became a pioneer school teacher in Indiana. There he married Miss Sarah E. Hunt, who was born in that state, in 1843. In the '60s they removed to Illinois and settled not far from the Missouri state line. There Mr. Draper continued his educational labors, as did he also in Missouri, for a number of years, and he finally removed to Colorado, where likewise he gave etTective service in instructing the voung. In his declining years he retired, and his death occurred in 1911, at Greeley, that state. He was a Republican in politics and was a member of the Baptist church, as is also his widow. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven survive, but Charles X. is the only one living in Nebraska at this time.

Charles N. Draper received instruction under his father and attended the schools of Clark county, Missouri, completing his education by three weeks' attendance in the Ansley schools. As a young man he accompanied his parents to Colorado, where he became a miner, a vocation which he followed ten years, but in 1890 he came to Nebraska and_ engaged for a time in farming. He next returned to Colorado, but in 1898 he came back to Custer county and began farniing again, this time as a renter. He worked industriously and intelligently, and saved his earnings, and in 1910 he was able to jjurchase his present property, a tract of 160 acrSs, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Draper is engaged in mixed farming and has made a success of his ventures, showing himself to be possessed of agricultural knowledge and skill. He has always maintained a high reputation for integrity in business dealings, and personally his circle of friends is virtually coincident with that of his acquaintances.

In 1892 Mr. Draper married Miss Effie Clay, who was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, a daughter of W. H. and ^Mary ( Rucker ) Clay, and a direct descendant of Henry Clay. Her father was born in Kentucky and during the Civil war became a member of the Fifth X'irginia \'olunteer Infantry, with which he served four years. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was carried off the battlefield by his father. John Clay, but he recovered and rejoined his regiment, with which he fought until peace was declared. After the war he went to Ohio, where he was engaged in milling and where he married. In 1871 he removed to Missouri, where he continued in the same line of business. In 1888 he came to Custer county and homesteadetl the property now occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. Draper. Here he continued to farm until his death, in 189<), his widow still surviving and making her home on the same iiroperty. Mr. and Mrs. Draper have two children : Alden was on the homestead in Colorado, and finally he entered the United States service hi connection with the world war; and Rosil, who was in training in the camp at New Lundon, Connecticut, was later assigned to duly on a submarine chaser. Mr. and Mrs. Draper are rearing Frank Willis, a son of Mrs. Draper's sister. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally Mr. Draper is identified with the Independent Order of

Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the official chairs, and the ^lodeni XN'oodmen of -America. He maintains an independent stand upon political questions and reserves the right to give his vote and support to the candidate whom he deems Ijest qualified for office.

MARIUS C. JENSEN. - Among the names of the early pioneers of Custer county will be found that of the subject of this review, and there are few more worthy of recognition in this history than Marius Charles Jensen.

Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark, June 2. 1862, and is a son of Carl and Anna Jensen, who spent their entire lives in their native land. Marius C. Jensen came to America when a youth of eighteen )-ears, and after a short time spent in Story and Shelby counties, Iowa, he came to Nebraska, where he found work as a farm hand, in Kearney county. In 1884 he came to Custer county and secured a homestead in section 17, township 17, range 22>. He was among the early settlers of West Table and had the usual experiences of those times. His first home was a sod house, and when this was worn out it was replaced with another one, which is still in use. Water had to be hauled for a considerable distance, until a well could be dug on the place, but with characteristic energy Mr. Jensen overcame obstacles, and as the years passed he met with success. He is to-day the owner of three quarter-sections of land, and he recently sold a quarter-section to his son.

Mr. Jensen married Miss Elsie Clausen, a native of Denmark, who came to America when a young woman and who ])re-enipted 1(')0 acres in Custer county, where she located in 1884. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jensen has been blessed with seven children : Christ, Claus, Stella, and Lena are still at home ; Dewey had become a member of our national army at the time this article was written; Anna is the wife of Thomas Christensen, of Custer county; and Serene is the wife of John J. Christensen, of this county.

Mr. and .Mrs. Jensen are members of the Lutheran church and maintain a home at }*Iinden, Kearney county, where they spend most of their time, the sons conducting the farm.

AUGUST JAEGER. - The Jaeger genealogy runs far back in (lermany, but the family line touched .America at last, and it has contributed wealth and energy to Custer county in the vicinity of Callaway, where the practical

It was without consultation or even with his consent, that Germany became the birthplace of August Jaeger, who was born December 6, 1859. He inherited from staunch German jjarents the splendid thrift and energy that show forth everywhere upon his ranch to-day. If Germany was the land of his birth, .America was the land of his choice, and here most of his life has been spent thus far, while here the tribute of his labors has been rendered. He is one of the six children of .\dolph and Eufronsia { \\'eber ) Jaeger - Fredericka T.. Litterst, .Anna (a nurse), .\ugust, Leo, .Anna (deceased ) , and Sigmund.

The early years of August Jaeger were spent in Germany, where he attended school until he was fourteen years of age. Then he was called upon to render manual service, and at seventeen, according to the custom, was placed as an apprentice, to learn the wagonmaker's trade. He worked eighteen months for the first man, to whom his father paid sixty dollars, besides the labors contributed by the boy. He started in as a journeyman workman and worked for different masters, having to carry a book of recommendations from one employer to another, and this book was deposited in the court house, with the clerk, where it was held until he had finished his job; then the employer added his testimonials to the book, as to efficiency, good moral character, etc.. and thus it was to be carried on to the next prospective employer.

The New World called Mr. Jaeger, and in 1882 he crossed the .Atlantic and settled at -Atlantic, Iowa, where he had his first, introduction to ways and customs of this country. He commenced working at his trade. .After his first two weeks" work his employer became bankrupt, and he lost half of his wages. He staved in .Atlantic eighteen months and then, in the spring of 1884, he come to Custer countv, and located on the farm where he now resides and maintains his pleasant home.

The domestic life of Air. Jaeger began June 18, 1886, when, at North Platte, Nebraska, he led to the marriage altar Miss Magdalena Bieser, a daughter of Haver and Helen ( Huber ) Bieser. Mrs. Jaeger had but one brother and he is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger became the parents of four children, but only one of the number has been spared to them until the present time. She is Ida, the wife of Rudolph Thanel, a farmer living near Stapleton.

is one of the best improved places in Triumph township. When he landed in Custer county Mr. Jaeger had but $200. All that you see on the Jaeger premises has been the accumulation of the years since that time. He raises cattle, hogs, corn, and other crops, tends strictly to his business, and few men in the county deserve more credit for the showing made than the subject of this review. It is to be remembered, too, that the years have not all been prosperous. Mr. Jaeger remembers that he once hauled wheat forty miles and sold it for thirty-five cents a bushel, that he sold hogs for two and one-half cents a pound, and corn for ten cents a bushel. He is a Mason in good standing, is a Democrat in politics, and the family belong to the Catholic church.

LINN S. DOWNING. - One of the substantial farmers and live-wire community promoters of the xArnold district is the man whose name forms the caption above. He came to Custer county subsequently to pioneer days, and his present activities entitle him to rank among the real producers of the day and age in which he lives, the while he is thus constituted a most desirable citizen.

Air. Downing is one of the really young farmers. He did not make his advent into this world until July 29, 1882, at which time he selected Abilene, Kansas, as his native city. He is a son of Joseph R. and Rebecca (Hammond ) Downing, who were born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, and who became the parents of six children, (^f the children three are living - Edward, Linn S., and Wilkie J. Linn S. Downing arrived in Custer county in 1903. One year prior to this time he led to the marriage altar Miss Lucinda E. English. Notwithstanding the marriage was solemnized in \'ersailles, Illinois, Mrs. Downing was bom in Custer county, Nebraska, a daughter of Rev. Nathan and Emma (Alills) English - very e.xcellent people, highly esteemed by all who knew them.

The Downings established an ideal home and since that time four children have brought sunshine into the home - W. Nelson, Kenneth L., Margaret, and Herchel. Three of the children are in school at the present time, while the voungest is winsomely serving in the capacitv of home dictator.

The Downing farm is located three and three-fourths miles northwest of Arnold. The initial tract was 160 acres, and upon this, by intensive cultivation and good management, Mr. Downing succeeded in raising the hogs, cattle, and corn with the returns from which he bought adjoining land, and then still more adjoining land, until to-day he owns in fee simple 1,600 good acres, well improved, with all necessary outbuildings and machinery equipment. He has demonstrated his ability both as a farmer and money-maker. He relates that when a boy, he saw a goat which a man wanted to sell for fifty cents and that he "rustled" rags and old iron until he had accumulated the necessarv' fifty cents, which he invested in the goat. Later he sold the goat for $2.50 and this constituted the capital on which the young lad began his life operations. The transaction of the goat has been repeated in other kinds of stock a good many times since that day and the results are told by the accumulation to be found on the Downing premises. Recently Mr. Downing has rented his ranch and he and his brother, forming a business partnership, have bought the Long & S'tockham hardware stock and business in Arnold, where, in connection with hardware and farm machinery and implements, they handle furniture anrl conduct an undertaking business.

The family are prominent in the community and are counted as active promoters of every progressive enterprise. Mr. Downing is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity attd he and his wife hold the faith of the Methodist church, in which denomination they are counted as very substantial constituents. .Arnold boast of no better family, and all prophesy well deserved success for the Arnold brothers in their business enterprise.

HENRY SCHMID. who is at present a retired citizen of Ansley, has been one of the industrious men of Custer county, linking his name with all that is admirable in farming, and wise and progressive in individual life, and bearing the distinction of being thoroughly and completely self-made. He is a native of Switzerland, and was born February 18. 1864, a son of John and Barbara ( Merc) Schmid, who passed their entire lives in Switzerland, where the father was connected with a manufacturing plant. They were faithful members of the Reformed church. Of their seven children si.x survive : Mary is the wife of John Ward, an Illinois farmer: Ida is the widow of a Swiss farmer and resides in her native land: Henry, of this sketch, was next in order of birth : Mrs. Elsie Hamer is the wife of a retired fanner of Apple River. Illinois : Barbara is unmarried and is a resident of Switzerland ; and Jacob resides in the L'nited States.

age when he immigrated to the L'nited States, courageously seeking his fortune in a strange land, though he was i^enniless, and ignorant of the customs and language of his new home. When he arrived in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, he not only vvas possessed of no funds, but also owed the money for his passage to this country, but as he was willing, strong, and ambitious, he had no trouble in securing employment as a farm hand, with the result that lie soon had his debt liquidated and began to make headway. After seven years spent in Illinois, Mr. Schmid had accumulated a little capital, which he brought to Custer county in 1888 and invested in a relinquishment. His start, necessarily, was a modest one, but as time passed and he was able to realize money from his labors, he added to his equipment, made improvements, and enlarged the scope of his operations, and then began adding to his acreage. The result is that to-day he is the owner of 480 acres of land in the county, in addition to owning town property, and has numerous business connections, including a directorship in the Security State Bank of Ansley. His farm, which he still owns, is a handsome property, with substantial buildings andother improvements, and lies on ]\Iuddy creek, three and one-half miles northwest of Ansley. In 1917 Mr. Schmid retired from the farm and moved to .An-sley. where he has since lived quietly, in the enjoyment of the many ct)mforts that his industry has brought him. Mr. Schmid is a Republican, but has never been interested in politics to the extent of seeking public office. He is a member of the Ansley lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and at the time of this writing is noble grand of the same.

In 18">0 Mr. Schmid was united in marriage, in Xeiiraska, to Miss .\my Billeter. who was Ixjrn in Switzerland, and to this union there liave been born five children : Henry, who is carrying on operations in his father's farm ; Lottie, who is the wife of Herman Bailer, a farmer of York county, Nebraska : Jacob, who also is operating on his father's big farm ; Emma, who is tlie wife of L. Tennent. a farmer near Berwyn : and Clara, who is at home. Mrs. Schmid is a member of the Baptist church and is actively interested in its work.

GEORGE H. SMITH, who is the owner and operator of a 480-acre stock farm situated seven miles southwest of Oconto, has been a resident of Custer county since 1887. and has been a witness of and participant in the great development that has changed the face of the country during this period. Mr. Smith, hke numerous other Custer county residents, is a native of Wisconsin, and was born in Sauk county, July 24, 1859, a son of Humphrey L. and Diana (Clark) Smith.

Humphrey L. Smith was born in Otsego county. New York, and his wife near Cooperstown, that state, and there were nine children in the family: Mrs. Sarah Rood, Albert T., j\Irs. Ella W'ulfert, Alonzo, Mrs. iMary Shew, George H., Mrs. Diana Rood, Jay D.. and Clark A. The family belonged to the Baptist church. The father of George H. Smith was a wagonmaker by trade, and followed that vocation in early life in New York, as did he also to some extent in his later years, although after moving to Wisconsin he was variously engaged - following farming, lumbering, and other vocations.

The district schools of the timber country of Sauk county furnished George H. Smith with the rudiments of an education, which he has since supplemented by observation, reading, and study, and his youth was passed in hard work, in which he learned the value of money and the wisdom of industry and thrift. An incident of his boyhood is readily recalled by him, for at a time when money was a decidedly scarce commodity the earning of one's first negotiable currency was an event of importance. He was working on his father's timber farm when a stranger visited the homestead, buying sheep pelts. When he had completed his transaction he secured the services of the boy George to guide him to the nearest road, paying him ten cents and apologizing for the fact that it was not more, his excuse being that the elder Smith had driven too close a bargain as to the pelts. To the youth, however, entirely unaccustomed to handling money of his own. it was a sum of magnitude, amply sufficient for the service rendered. It was the invariable custom of the time and community for the farmers' sons to remain under the parental roof at least until they were twentyone years of age, but Mr. Smith made an agreement with his father to clear four acres of timber land and thus secure his release one year earlier. This was done, and when he was twenty years old he found himself a free agent. He began his independent career by working on farms during the summer months and cutting wood during the winter tenns.

^larch 1, 1882, at Baraboo, Wisconsin, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Mary L. Hazen, who was born at Waterloo, Wisconsin, a daughter of John and Emily (Barnum) Hazen. To this union there were born ten children : Alaude, the wife of Ross Kitch, a wellman of Wagner, Nebraska, with a son and daughter; Delia, the wife of Homer Zingling, a carpenter of that place, with three sons and four daughters.; Earl R., who enlisted in August. 1918, as a sharpshooter of Company M, Twentieth Infantry, and is in the United States service at Camp Funston at the time of this writing; James N.. a "Kinkaider" of Logan county, Nebraska, who married Rose Draper and has one daughter; Nora E., the wife of Bud Jarmin, of Platteville, Colorado, a farmer, with two sons and a daughter ; Leora, the wife of Columbus Shields, a farmer of Arnold, Nebraska, with one son ; Harley G. and Frederick M., who are single, residing at home, and assisting their father; Stella M., who resides at home and is an eighth-grade student in the public schools; and William A., living at home, an overseer on his father's farm.

George H. Smith came to Custer county April 1. 1887, and first located in Deer creek, near Georgetown. Subsequently, in 1891, he homesteaded seven miles southwest of Oconto, his present home, where he is the owner of a stock farm Consisting of 480 acres. During the years that he has been a resident of this locality he has not only gained material success and established one of the valuable and productive properties of this section of Custer county, but at the same time has also built up a personal reputation for integrity in business, industry in the daily atTairs of life, probity as to personal habits and character, and public spirit as a citizen of his community.

GEORGE ROBERTSON. - The sons of Scotia have always been men of thrift and industry, wherever they have elected to make their homes, and are practically without exception found to be an asset to any commimity ; their sturdy traits of racial character contributing to their locality's development and commending them to the regard of their fellow men. One of the men of Scotch birth residing in Custer county, one who is well, known as the representative of a worthy family, and as a fanner and stockman who is deveolping large interests, is George Robertson, of the Redfern Table community. Mr. Robertson was bom in Scotland, in Noveml>er. 1875. and is a son of Walter and Martha (Johnston) Robertson, natives of that country. He is one of a family of five sons - John. Walter. Gavin. George, and William. John is carrying on operations on his father's former homestead farm in Custer county, and William is deceased.

when his parents immigrated to the United States, the family settling in the coal-mining community of Clark City, Illinois, the father having followed the vocation of mining in his native land. Here the youth grew up and received his education in the public schools, and here also it was that he earned his first money. by hauling oat-straw for the miners to fill their bed ticks with, at a standard price of twentyfive cents per tick. In the spring of 1887. when George was eleven years old, the family came to Custer county, Nebraska, the first location being on Cottonwood creek, north of Redfern Table. That continued to be the family home and scene of operations until 1898, when the father bought 160 acres of land on Redfern Table. There the mother died in January, 1914, at which time the eldes.t son, John, took over the homestead, the father removing to Alberta, Canada, where he took up 320 acres of land, on which he still makes his home.

George Robertsoii completed his education in the public schools of Custer county, and when not engaged at his studies he assisted his father and brothers in preparing the home fields for the plow. He was reared to all manner of agricultural pursuits and thoroughly trained therein, and farming and stock-raising have constituted the vocation to which he has given his interest and energies. He has succeeded in the accumulation of 720 acres of good land, lying west of the property now operated by his brother John. Here Mr. Robertson has a fine set of buildings, good equipment of all kinds, and a high grade of stock. He is making a decided success of his work, so that he is commg to be looked upon as a well-to-do and substantial citizen. ?klr. Robertson is a Democrat in politics, but is not a politician, taking merely a public-spirited part in civic affairs. Mrs. Robertson and her children belong to the Lutheran church.

Mr. Robertson was married February 12, 1898, at Broken Bow, Nebraska, to :\Iiss' Caroline Lang, who was born in Denmark, daughter of Theodore and Anna Lang, natives of that country. To this union there have been bom three sons and two daughters : Walter, an eighth-grade student ( 1918) , resides at home and assists his father on the farm : Marie also is an eighth-grade student ; Gavin and William are attending school : and Eva, aged five years, is recognized as queen of the familv circle.

their reward, was the late James Monroe Lowry, who was widely known throughout the eastern section of the county as a splendid and valuable citizen. He was a son of Alelvin and Malinda ( Batington) Lowry, who were natives of Illinois and who came to Custer county in the early days of 1878. Here they homesteaded. and here they made their home until their death. They were the parents of six children, only two of whom are living at the present writing - Mrs. Anna Nave, a widow living in t)klahoma, and Leander, also a resident of that state. At the death of James Monroe Lowry, which occurred December 30, 1912, a Broken Bow paper published the following comprehensive and appreciative sketch of his life :

"Tames Monroe Lowry was born near Springfield, Illinois, October 10, 1848. At the age of eight years he moved with his parents to Rochester, Minnesota. Here he received his education in the common schools and in the university at Red Wing. As a very young man he took up the profession of an educator, which he followed about twelve years, during which period he taught in five different states, varying from cold Minnesota to sunny Texas. March 17, 1877, he came to Custer county and located on a homestead in Clear Creek valley, where he continued to maintain his home until his death. October 11, 1879, he was united in marriage with Hattie A. Thompson, at Kearney, Nebraska. To this union seven children were born, four of whom survive.

"At the time of his death Mr. Lowry was Clear Creek's oldest settler, having been a continuous resident for more than thirty-five years. He witnessed the passing of the oxen and the dugout ; he saw the antelope, the deer, and the elk fade away before the flow of immigration : he saw the rolling prairies slowly transformed into waving fields of grain ; he saw the coming of the railroads, and the building of towns and substantial farm dwellings. Yes. he more than saw - he was a factor, at least in his community, in developing this new country. At an early date he established a nursery, from which scores of settlers of Custer and adjoining counties procured trees for their timber claims. Of his own homestead he made a veritable arbor of forest and fruit trees.

a rather extensive farmer and stockraiser he faced the brightest and darkest days that came to the county, overcame opjxjsing conditions and reverses, anrl accumulated a a comfortable competence. Mr. Lowry was an admirer of intellect rather than brawn, a stu- dent of the worlfFs greatest minds, and an ardent lover of nature. His views were ever progressive, and often in advance of the times. He believed in the religion of humanity. Honest and consistent, his life was above reproach.

"During the month of February. 1912. he contracted a severe cold, which grew rapidly worse, resulting in a complication of lung, heart, and dropsical trouble, from which he died, at the Clarkson Memorial hospital, in Omaha, at seven p. m., December 30, 1912, aged sixty-four years, two months, and twenty days. Funeral services were conducted from his home, at Huxley, Thursday, January 2d, and interment was made at the Lone Elm cemetery. Judge Sullivan, of this city, delivered the obituary address. He is survived by a wife, three sons, and one daughter - \"ictor and Maurice, of Purdum. Nebraska ; and Irma and Lawrence of Huxley. He is survived also by one brother. Leander J. Lowry, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and by two sisters, Mrs. Anna A. Nave, of Perry, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Ellen Welch, of New Plymouth. Ohio."

Continuing the family history, it is to be recorded that Mrs. Lowry is a daughter of P. H. and Sarah (Lewis) Thompson, both of whom were born in England, where their marriage was solemnized and whence they came to the United States, where, in the state of Wisconsin. Mrs. Thompson died in 1875. Three years later Mr. Thompson came to Custer county and settled on a homestead near Westerville. There he passed the remainder of his life. His daughter. Mrs. Lowry. owned the old homestead until 1911, when she sold the property.

In the Thompson home were seven children, four of whom are still living: Mrs. Lowrv. who is the widow of the honored subject of this memoir; John, who is living somewhere in the west ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Emerson Stafford, their home being in Wisconsin ; and Caroline, who is the wife of D. A. Coguel, of Cody, Wyoming. Mrs. Thompson, the mother of Mrs. Lowry. was a devoted member of the Piaptist church.

Mrs. Lowry received her early education in the public schools of \\'isconsin and later took a course in the Wisconsin State Normal School at Waukesha. In 1876 she began teaching in Wisconsin, where she taught several years. After coming to Custer county. Nebraska, she taught the first school in the Westerville district. The schoolhouse and furniture were both somewhat primitive. There was no floor, one kitchen chair was provided for the teacher, but the seats were the cheapest kind of hewed benches. Mrs. Lowrv and her husband, as noted in the foregoing obituary statement, became the parents of four children : \'ictor E. and Maurice T. are now ranching in Cherry county ; Irma \'. married Glenn Smith and they live with her mother. Mr. Smith having charge of Mrs. Lowry's farm ; Lawrence E. was a volunteer in the service of the United States Navy, in which he enlisted in January, 1917, and at the time of this writing he is on transport duty, as signal officer.

Mrs. Lowry still operates the farm, doing a general farming and stock-raising business. She has also been a stock-feeder to a considerable extent, and has furnished and is furnishing much beef and pork for the market. The stock is high grade and shows the cultivated strain of long lineage. The splendid farm home is the germane descendant of the regulation sod house which was so common in the pioneer days and in which Mr. and Mrs. Lowry began their domestic life.

In 1879 the p)ostoffice of Huxley was located by Mr. Lowry in his farm home, and for three months he himself carried the mail on horseback from ]\Iyrtle postoffice. which is now discontinued. The Huxley office at the present time is located in a building near Mrs. Lowry's home and receives mail daily from the .Ansley postoffice.

PHILIP W. LYNCH, who has long been one of Custer county's substantial men and dependable citizens, conducts large farming operations and has heavy live-stock interests. Forty years ago Mr. Lynch first came to Custer county and he has not only had much to do with the agricultural development of this section, but also, as a man of good judgment, has freeiuently been called upon when i)ublic-spirited movements were being furthere<l and general improvements initiated. Mr. Lynch was born October 12, 1858, in Oswego count>'. New York, the fourth of a family of seven children bom to Patrick and Margaret (McDermott) Lynch. The parents were natives of Ireland, whence they immigrated to the United States prior to their mariage. They finally settled in Oswego county. New York, where the father became a farmer. They had the following children : Catherine. Mary E., Joseph P.. Philip W., Thomas L.. John A., and Margaret. When Patrick Lynch first came to the United States he worked at his trade, that of blacksmith, in the government navy yard at Brooklyn, and after his marriage and location on a farm, he continued work at his trade.

age, when he was entrusted with the driving of one of his father's teams that hauled hemlock bark, hides, and leather for a tannery, and this was his work for four winters, while his summers were given up to farm industry. In 1878 he came to Custer county, Nebraska, and during the first winter he worked for Joseph Murray, at Lee's Park. In 1879 he took a timber claim in that section, but thereafter he went to Leadville, Colorado, where he was employed in silver-mining, besides which he was for two years employed as a mason for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. It was a hard and adventurous life in that region at tliat time, and Mr. Lynch gave it up and returned to Custer county. Here he settled on his timber claim and began to clear his land. He utilized his two yoke of steers in prejjaring for farming. His nearest neighbors were Joseph Murray, to the southwest of him, and Nelson Potter, to the west. He continued farming and retained his Lee's Park holdings until 1902, when he sold the property. He then bought railroad land on Buffalo creek, in the same year. In all his investments Mr. Lynch has evidenced excellent business judgment, and he now owns section 17, township 13, range 22. He has 225 acres under cultivation and raises Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, all registered. He has comfortable and attractive home surroundings, with a handsome, modern farm residence.

Mr. Lynch was married January 12, 1884, in Loup City, Nebraska, to Miss Catherine V. McEtowell, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, a daughter of Bernard and Mary ( Hughes ) McDowell, her father a native of Ireland, and her mother of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have six children : Philip L. is a farmer five mile^ southwest of Oconto. He is a member of the Catholic church, and is affiliated with the Royal Highlanders and the Knights of Columbus. He married Florence Powers, and they have two sons and one daughter. Patrick F. C, who has been farming his father's land, was ready to answer his country's call and to serve as a member of the United States army in the world war. Bernard is deceased. Ignatius M. is farming for his father. Katherine V., who resides at liome, is a school-teacher, and in 1917 she was graduated from the Catholic academy at Hastings. James J. is attending school.

Mr. Lynch and his older sons are independent voters, and while he has never been willing to accept public office, his practical and mature judgment as at all times been accepted by his fellow citizens. .A.S far back as 1879, he was one of the petitioners for a postoffice at Lee's Park, and he was one of the leading early settlers that signed the first petition in reference to the line, between Custer and Valley counties, that split Lee's Park in the center. He and his family are all members of the Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Highlanders.

JOHN W. GRIFFIN. - One of the native sons of Custer county, John W. Griffin belongs to the younger element of agriculturists upon whom the county depends in the future to develop its interests and maintain the high standards set by those who settled the county and established precedents. He was born on his father's homestead place, five and one-quarter miles southwest of Callaway, September 28, 1888, and is a son of John and Lydia ( Roderick) Griffin.

John Griffin was born in Canada, and was left an orphan by the death of his parents when he was ten years of age. He was adopted by an Illinois farmer and taken to the latter's home, in the vicinity of Springfield, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He remained in the Prairie state after he had attained his majority, and was there married to Lydia Roderick, a native of Illinois. Several years after his marriage he decided to make a new start, in the west, and accordingly, in 1885, he came to Custer county, where he located on a homestead situated five and one-quarter miles southwest of Callaway, a property which is still owned by his heirs. He was a man of industry, and, aided by his faithful and energetic wife, he succeeded in the accumulation of a liandsome and well cultivated property, the while he reared his large family of children to lives of honor and usefulness. He had the unqualified respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, and was a citizen who assisted in good movements. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom nine are living, as follows: Frank G., William E., Oliver S., and Charles V., all of whom are engaged in agricultural pursuits in Custer county ; John W., who is the subject of this review; Goldie, who is deceased; Mrs. Dolly Hunnell : Mrs. Sadie Bryner ; Jennie, who is single, and lives with her brother Charles V. ; and Pearl, who still attends school and lives with her brother Charles V.

From the time that he earned his first money by planting potatoes for John Stillman, in the Roten valley, John W. Griffin has been identified with some branch of agriculture. He received his education in the district schools of the vicinity of his home, and when old enout^h to make a decision he chose farming as his vocation, an occupation which he has steadfastly followed to the present time. He is now an owner of part of the estate left by his father, a rich and valuable tract, but his present activities are devoted to the cultivation of the Charles Martin farm, a tract of 320 acres, lyingf in the Roten valley. Air. Griffin carries on both general farming' and stock-raising, and is making rapid progress in both departments, being considered one of the progressive and energetic young agriculturists of this locality. On July 2, 1914, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage with Miss Efifie M. Bartlett. who was born in Polk county, Nebraska, daughter of Kellogg C. and Mary S (Smith) Bartlett, the former a native of Elgin. Illinois, and the latter of Pennsylvania. There were eleven children in the Bartlett family, namely: Airs. Esther I. Luft ; Earl B.. who, at the time of this writing, is in training for the national army, at Camp Codv. Deming, New Alexico ; Airs. Abbie B. AIcKellip ; Mrs. Effie M. Griffin, Dolly AL, who is single and resides with her parents at Primrose, Nebraska : Roscoe E. ; Anna AI.. Fannie F., and Edith E., who reside at home; and \'ernon C. and Fay J., who are attending school. To. Air. and Airs. Griffin tw'o children liave been born : Rosa A., in 1915 ; and Walter A., in 1917.

WTLLIAAI A. RUNYAN. who is becoming well and favorably known in banking circles of Custer county by reason of his connection, as assistant cashier, with the Farmers State Bank of Alason City, is also identified with agricultural matters here and has various other interests. He belongs to a family which has been located in central Nebraska for many years, and he w-as born on the family homestead, three miles northeast of Alason City, Custer county, April 25, 1889. His parents were George and Aledora H. ( .Amsberry ) Runyan, the latter a sister of D. AI. Amsberry, who was elected secretary of state of Nebraska in the fall of 1918, and a sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in this work.

William A. Runyan was educated in the district schools of his native community and for two months was a student in the Baptist College at Grand Island. When he left that institution he engaged in farming on the home place, continuing to be thus occupied until taking a ])osiiion with the Farmers State Bank of Mason City, in 1914. He has since won promotion through a display of ability and fidelity and the excercise of the banking talents which he undoubtedly possesses. While the main part of his attention is devoted to his duties at the bank, he also has interests of an agricultural character, being the owner of a fine farm property of (AO acres, in Custer county. He stands high in the estimation and confidence of his associates and of the [people among whom his life has largely been spent. January 1, 1913, Air. Runyan married Aliss Lowa F. Wood, a daughter of John T. Wood. She was well educated in the public schools of Broken Bow, subsequently became the assistant of her father, who was serving as register of deeds of Custer county, and continued with him for fifteen months. Just before her marriage she was employed in the abstract office of J. G. Leonard, for four months. Like her husband, she at present is acting as an assistant cashier of the Farmers State Bank. Air.- and Airs. Runyan are the parents of one son: Roger, born June 6, 1917. Airs. Runyan is a member of the Christian church and Air. Runyan is a Baptist. His political faith is that of the Democratic party, which he supports energetically.

ALBERT AIILLER, a solid, steadfast citizen of Custer county and a farmer of many vears experience, is a member of that pioneering band that came here in 1886 and, notwithstanding hardships and discouragements in the early days, never lost faith in the ultimate value of their lands and are to-day people of i;idependent fortune. Air. Aliller was born in Adams county, Indiana, one of the four children of William and Clarissa (Bristol) Miller, the former born in Germany and the latter in New- York. Albert Aliller has one brother. Reuben Aliller, who lives in Indiana. William Aliller was twenty years old when he, with many other young men, embarked on a sailing vessel for America, all desiring to escape service in the German amiy. They had a stormy passage, at one time adverse winds driving their vessel back almost to the point of sailing, but finally, after six weeks at sea. the passengers were safely landed in the harlior of New York city and on this following day William Miller obtained work on a farm. Later he moved to Indiana, where he followed farming. He had been married nine years when he enHsted for service as a soldier in the Civil war, becoming a niemlx-r of the Fifty-ninth Indiana A'olunteer Infantry, and a year and three months later he died in service, in a hospital at Louisville, Kentucky. His death occurred just three weeks after President Lincoln was assassinated.

Albert AKller was reared in Indiana and attended the public schools. In answering the question as to the first money he ever saved, Mr. Miller states that it was a "cold proposition," as the securing of the dime offered, necessitated his wading into a swamp to his middle, late in the fall of the year, and bringing out to its owner a horse that had stalled there. This spirit of courage and determination has never left Mr. Miller, and in part it explains his subsequent success in life. He remained with his mother until he was twentyone years of age and then went to work on another farm, where he continued four years. In the meanwhile he married, and two years later, in March, 1886, he came with his family to Custer county, Nebraska, locating in section 28, township 13, range 23, on West Buffalo creek, where he has lived on the same place for the past thirty-two years. During the first three months Mr. Miller hauled, for a distance of three miles, all water used in his household, but in June he found water in his well, at a depth of 135 feet. The lack of water during the long drouth period was not the only hardship to be endured, Mr. Miller recalling that at one time he drove 100 miles to get flour. The old-home folks in Indiana urged the Millers to abandon their Nebraska land and return east, but Mr. Miller did not give way, and the present prosperity of this whole region fully proves his wise foresight. He owns 600 acres of fine land and still is actively engaged in fami pursuits, few men being better qualified for the business of operating profitably.

Mr. Miller was married June 9, 1884, in Wells county, Indiana, to Miss Mary Foust, who was born in that county, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Householder) Foust, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Miller has one brother, John Foust, and one sister, Mrs. Malinda Bowers. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have four sons and two daughters, as follows: William H., who is a farmer located eighteen miles south of Callaway, this county, married Grace Copass ; Arthur, who farms his father's property on West Buffalo creek, married Mae Ashley: Samuel, who was sent to Camp Grant, Illinois, and while there, about the last of September, 1918, he suft'ered an attack of Spanish influenza, from the effects of which he died, on the 5th of October, his remains being brought home for burial ; Charles is at home at the time of this writing, as is also Clara J. : and Viola is the wife of Harry Pierson, who is a soldier in the national army and stationed at Camp Dodge, Iowa, at the time of this writing. Mr. Miller and members of his family

JOHN MATZ, ranchman, who is one of Custer county's heavy landowners and substantial citizens, has lived continuouslv mi this county since he came here in 1884, with the exception of four years. Mr, Matz is widely known through his extensive and successful live-stock interests. He was born in Scioto county, Ohio, January 27, 1861, one of a family of three sons and four daughters born to John and Dora (Tchel) Matz, both natives of Germany, the mother having been born in the province of Mecklenburg. In their early married life the parents immigrated to the United States, and the father was an iron-ore miner near Portsmouth, Ohio, for eighteen years, after which he bought a farm near Harrisonville, that state. He lived on his farm during the rest of his life and there his death occurred in April, 1896. His widow then came west, where she lived with her children until she passed away, in April, 1909. The children were seven in number - Mrs. Eliza Miller, Charles (died January 20, 1916), John, Gustavus A., Mrs. Anna Bonzo, and Sarah A. and Emma (both deceased).

As a boy and youth John Matz remained with his parents and assisted in the work of the home farm, the while he attended school during the winter seasons. Prior to coming to Custer county, in 1884, he worked for two years as a farmer in Clinton county, Indiana. For a time Mr. Matz worked on the Zimmer ranch in Custer county, but in the spring of 1885 he located a homestead west of Redfern Table, and from that time on he has kept adding to his acreage, his latest purchase beingthree whole sections. Additionally he owns 1,260 acres on West Buffalo creek. This is all fine grazing land, and Mr. Matz devotes it mainly to his stock interests, usually running from 400 to 750 cattle in summer and seventyfive head of horses, together with many hogs of the Poland-China and Duroc breeds. He has been very careful in handling his live stock and takes great pride in maintaining a standard quality. Mr. Matz is recognized as an able business man, and naturally he has often been asked concerning his early start. He has sometimes replied that the first money he ever earned w^as when he and his sister picked a gallon of blackberries and sold them for a dime, to a conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Mr. Matz was married January 3, 1894, at Kearney, Nebraska, to Miss Margaret E. Win- ter, who was born near Harrisonville. Ohio, and who is a daughter of Frederick and Felicia (Mag-ney) Winter. The father of -Mrs. Matz was born in Germany and her mother in France, and they liad four sons and six daughters - Charles B., George, Frank, William (the last named being deceased), and Katherine, Mary. Elizabeth. ^latilda. Caroline (deceased), and Mrs. Margaret Matz. Mr. and Mrs. ]\Iatz have two sons. Charles L. and Roy W., both of whom, at the time of this writing, are preparing to become soldiers in the national army for service in the world war as good patriots. The sons are both in partnership with their father and are well known stockmen. Charles L. married C'ara Carlson, a daughter of Otto Carlson, and they are members of the Methotlist Episcopal church. The whole faniiily connection is one of high standing in Custer county, Mr. Matz and his sons having the reputation of being able and enterprising business men and honorable in every relation of life.

STILLMAN GATES was born in Chautauqua county. New York. October 6, 1835, the eldest of five sons and three daughters born to Lorison and Salome (Felt) Gates. The father was born in New York and the mother in \'ermont. and they were married in Ellington, New York, December 4, 1834. In the spring of 1837 the family moved to Huron county. Ohio, where they lived until 1852, when they went farther west, and located in Porter county. Indiana, which was their home for several years. A few years before his <leath the father became a resident of Laporte, Iowa, where he passed away September 17. 1902. His wife had died in Porter county. Indiana, January 3. 18f)9. Lorison Gates was a minister in the Christian church and held several pastorates while living in Ohio.

Stillman Gates left home about the time he reached his majority, and was married in Wheatfield, Jasper county, Indiana. .April 2. 1857. to Mary McNeal. a daughter of James and Hope (Gifford) McNeal. of St. Lawrence county. She became the mother of five children, and passed away in Indiana. In Jasper county, Indiana, Mr. Gates again married. There he wedded Mrs. Susan (Miller) Brown, widow of Preston Brown. In the spring of 1877 they moved to Tama county. Iowa, and in June, 1879, he made a trip with a team to Custer county, Nebraska, looking for a location. He then made an entry on a homestead, in section 5, township 19, range 20, and also on a timber claim, after which he returned to

Iowa. In December of the same year he moved with his family from the Iowa home to the Custer county homestead, having a fourhorse team and a wagon, with a house six by sixteen feet, on wheels. They made the trip in the dead of winter and encountered many hardships before reaching their destination. During the early years they did their trading at Grand Island, making many trips over the road. Gates postoffice in Custer county was named for Mr. Gates, and for many years he served as postmaster. The local church and schoolhouse were built on his farm. He was one of the first settlers in his locality and for many years was active in the development and upbuilding of the community, being a friend of progress along all lines. He served for a number of years as justice of the peace and held other local ofiices. He had a country store at Gates and was one of the best known men in the county. He became a successful farmer and stockman, and is now the owner of 560 acres. In the spring of 1909 he retired and established a beautiful home in Sargent. In 1910 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary A. Cummings. With his fourth wife, who was Mrs. Lucetta Mary Bennett, he is now living in a beautiful home at Gardena. California.

His five children were all born of the first marriage. They arc : James L., of Tulsa. Oklahoma : Herbert P., of Broken Bow ; Harry S.. of Gardena. California; Frederick A., deceased : and Salome Hope, the wife of Oliver L. Swick. of the Gates vicinity.

Stillman Gates is a man of large stature, endowed with strong physical powers and endurance, which stood him in good stead when he was called upon to meet the pioneer conditions that confronted the early settlers of Custer county. He is of a kindly disposition, with a keen sense of humor, and no one can better appreciate a joke than he. even though the joke be on himself. He is a Christian man and a member of the Christian Order, or New Lights. His name is one which will always be remembered by the people of Custer county, and to the readers of this volume is here presented a portrait of this venerable pioneer.

WILLIAM C. NINON. - As farmer, teacher, and public official. William C. Nixon is well known to the residents of Custer county, in which he has lived continuously for thirtythree years. He came here in 1885. along with such other reliable early settlers as John Matz, .\ll3ert iMiller. Luther Barnes, John McNamara, Arthur Romine. and J. F. Williams, and with them he has ever since co-operated for the best interests of the whole county. Mr. Xixon was born in Clay county, Illinois, October 13, 1843. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Smith) Xixon, the father born in Harrison county. West \irginia, and the mother in Henry county, Kentucky. Of their seven children, but two survive : W illiam C. and Lizzie.

William C. Nixon was reared on his father's farm and was given such educational advantages as Clay county afforded at that time. In looking back to his childhood, in order to recall the first money he ever earned, the memory comes to him of a precious dime earned by keeping quiet during a visit of his grandfather, and there is no doubt at all but that in later years he would, on many occasions, have cheerfull)- paid the same amount under similar circumstances. He worked on the home farm as long as he remained there, and for several years he taught school in Illinois. In April, 1885, he came to Custer county, as noted above. He bought railroad land, the southwest quarter of section 22, township 13, range 23, on the south border of the county, and there he lived, developing, improving and managing his landed estate, until he retired. When he came to the county, Delight township extended eighteen miles east and west and twenty-four miles north and south. In 1887 Grant township was organized, extending nine miles north and south and eighteen miles east and west. Mr. Nixon was made assessor of Grant township and served twelve terms, and for twenty-eight years he has been a member of the school board. It is worthy of special note that he and his son Edgar and his daughter Jessie all taught school in the district.

Mr. Ni.xon was married .August 13, 1867, in Clay county, Illinois, to Miss Maggie Lee, who was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, and dietl in Custer county, .-Kpril 29, 1918. Her parents were John and Clarinda ( Davison ) Lee, the former of whom was bom in Indiana and the latter at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon had six children : Edgar, who owns 240 acres of fine Nebraska land, is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church : John is at home with his father; Jessie, who died September 26, 19C)4, was the wife of Herbert Smith, and for several years was a very popular and efficient schoolteacher, she having been a member of the Evangelical church : Nettie B. remains with her father: and Olive and .Mice are deceased.

THOMAS M. BIRNIE is one of the agriculturists of Custer county who has contributed to the general development of the Broken Bow community during recent years, and he now has a large and well developed farm in section 29. Mr. Birnie was born in Ireland. November 5, 1881, a son of John and Elizabeth (McLean) Bimie.

The parents of Mr. Birnie were born in Ireland and were there reared, educated and married, and in 1882 they came to the L'nited States, their first settlement being at Wahoo, Saunders county, Nebraska, where John Birnie followed his trade of brick-layer. He was an industrious and dirifty man and carefully conserved his earnings, so that, March 4, 1910, he came to Custer county and purchased a half-section of land. There he continued to be engaged in fairly successful agricultural operations until within a short time prior to his death, which occurred at Merna. He was a Democrat in politics. Both he and his wife, who also died at Merna, were faithful members of the Presbyterian church. They had seven children, of whom six are living: .\nnie and Tillie, who reside at Merna with their brother ; Robert, who is a farmer in the Merna locality; Thomas M. and John, who are associated in farm enterprise : and Janet, who is engaged in teaching school at Columbus, Nebraska,

Thomas M. Birnie was still a lad when brought to the United States by his parents, and his youthful education was acquired principally in the public schools of Wahoo. When he had completed his studies he turned his attention to farming. He came to Custer county with his parents, and here has been rewarded with marked success, being now the owner of a half-section of land, in section 29. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, in both of which departments of farm enterprise he has shown progressiveness and ability, and his propertv is finelv improved with good buildings and modern equipment. He is showing a good citizen's interest in the affairs of the community, although his only activity thus far in politics has l)een the casting of his vote for the candidates of the Democratic party. He belongs to the Presbyterian church.

ALBERT F. APPERSON. - One of the industries which is carried on in certain parts of Custer county, and which is profitable if practiced in a proper manner, is that of fruitraising. In this special field .Albert F. .Epperson is making a success as a raiser of cherries, apples, and pears, on his well cutivated property in the old town of Wescott. Mr. .Epperson was a homesteader of the year I88.1 in Custer county and for a long period was engaged in general farming and stock-raising, during which time he took a substantial and constructive part in the development of the county and its interests.

Mr. Apperson was born in Culpeper county. Virginia, December 9, 1836. and is a son of W. C. and Frances (Glasscock) Apperson, natives of the same county. The father, who followed farming throughout his life and was an industrious and highly respected citizen, fought as a soldier during the Civil war. He was a staunch Democrat in ]X)litics, and he and his wife were faithful members of the Baptist church. They had a family of ten children, of whom nine survive, but Albert F. is the only one residing in Custer county.

Albert F. Apperson received his early education in the public schools of his native county, and grew to manhood in the state of his birth, being given a thorough training in the art of agriculture. He was twenty-si.x years of age when he came to Nebraska, his first place of residence being Otoe county, where he was variously employed, principally at farming, for three years. Conditions there, however, did not suit him, and in 1885 he came to Custer county, where he took a homestead, about five miles west of' Comstock, in section 9. For a number of years he lived on that property, increasing its acreage and developing its resources, and eventually he became one of the well-to-do men of his community. He has since sold the old homestead, but he is still the owner of 200 acres of valuable and highly productive land, which is located in the same vicinity, and on which he has modern improvements. When he retired from the hard labor of an agriculturist, several years ago. Mr. Apperson removed to the old town of Wescott and began the raising of apples, cherries, and pears, an industry in which, as before noted, he is making an excellent success. He is accounted one of his community's progressive citizens and has gained in high degree the respect and esteem of his fellow men.

At Arcadia. Nebraska, February 9. 1897, Mr. Apperson married Miss Martha Bennett. Her parents, who were natives of New York, immigrated to \'allev county. Nebraska, at a very early day and took up a homestead there; they now live in retirement at .Arcadia. Mr. Bennett is a carpenter by trade, and still follows that vocation at odd times. !\'Ir. and Mrs. Apperson are the parents of nine children, as follows: William D.. who is single and is his father's representative on the farm ; Helen, who was the first child born at Comstock; and Carrie, Warren. Virginia, George. Rosette, Woodrow. and Walter, all of whom

JOHN PESEK. - While the active career of John Pesek was passed in agricultural operations in Valley county, his farm, which he still owns, lies just across the county line, and as his home is now at Comstock, he is accounted one of the representative men of Custer county, so that he is fully entitled to recognition in this publication. Mr. Pesek is one of the self-made men of Custer county, and. like numerous others who reside in his community, is a native of Bohemia, where he was born in April, 1860, a son of John and Lizzie Pesek.

The parents of Mr. Pesek were honorable farming people in Bohemia, were industrious. God-fearing and law-abiding, and their lives ended in a tragedy, when the home caught fire, and was totally destroyed, bringing death to Mr. and Mrs. Pesek. The fire attacked the barn and the resultant conflagration destroyed all live stock and farm equipment. There were six children in the family, of whom four are residents of the United States - two in Texas ; John, of this sketch ; and Mrs. Fannie Errat, who resides near Cummings Park, Custer county.

John Pesek received his education in the public schools of his native land, and was about twenty-two years of age when he immigrated to the United States. His first place of residence was the state of North Dakota, where he lived six years, and in 1888 he moved to Nebraska and bought land in \'alley county, just across the Custer county line, near Comstock. He started farming operations in a modest way and gradually increased his activities and interests, as well as his acreage. For years he was adjudged one of the successful and capable general farmers of his locality, as well as an intelligent breeder of highgrade cattle and other live stock. He was known also as a business man of ability - one whose word could be absolutely depended upon and who took no unfair advantage of those with whom he had transactions. After more than a quarter of a century of successful activity, he decided that it was time to shift the burden of hard work to younger shoulders, and accordingly. March 17. 1915. he retired from active life and took up his residence at Comstock. where he owns a comfortable home. He is still the owner of the farm, which consist of 480 acres and is in a high state of development, the while there are modern im-

June 28, 1885, Mr. Pesek was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Stanhonker, of North Dakota, who died March 16, 1916. They were the parents of si.x children : John, who was born July 26, 1886, married Mary Kukach and is engaged in farniiing on a part of his father's j)roperty in \'alley county ; Joseph, who was born February 28, 1888. is married and likewise resides in \'alley county ; Michael, who was born August 25, 1889, is married and is engaged in agricultural operations in \'alley county : Frank, who was born Januar}- 6, 1893, is married and is engaged in farming and stock-raising in Valley county ; Theodore, who was born October 13, 1894, is a member of the L'nited States army, and at the time of this writing is stationed with his regiment in France; and Lewis, who was born December 22), 1897, is a bachelor and is a farmer of \'alley county.

Mr. Pesek is a Democrat in his political views, but has not cared for public office. However, as a friend of education he consented to serve as school-district director for several years, and discharged the duties of that position with efficiency. He is a member of the Catholic church, and was its treasurer for some time.

RICHARD HALL. - While the connection of Richard Hall with the agrictiltural interests of Custer county, reaching back only until 1903, is not of such long standing as some others whose biographies appear in this work, his career has Ijeen sufficiently progressive to give him a position of prominence and prestige among the tillers of the soil and raisers of stock in this thriving and prosperous locality. When he came to this community, in 1903, he had yet to make his start ; to-day his industry and expert management are indicated l)v his possession of large tracts of valuable Custer county land in the vicinity of Ans'.cy.