Custer County, Nebraska - Founders and Builders, 1919 (part 19 of 32)

JAMES W. MAXSON. - One of the well known names of Arnold is that of James W. Maxson. who was born .\ngust 28, 1856, in Lewis county, West Virginia. He was the seventh son of Herman and Druzilla ( P.rown ) Maxson. both natives of West \irginia. In this family were nine children besides the subject of this sketch, the others being John E.. Mrs. Elizabeth E. McClain, Thomas (deceased). Timothy, Martha J. (deceased), .\lexander. Mrs. Marv M. Ward, and Benjamin W. The father followed farming and blacksmittiing as an occupation, but was also a shoemaker, at which trade he worked on different occasions. James W. recalls that the first pair of shoes he ever wore were made by his fathe*-. As the father was not in good health, James W. had to help on the farm and do all he could toward making a living for the familv. When he was nine years of age his parents moved to Clark county, Missouri, where they made their home for four years. They then moved to Gnmdy county, where the parents bought a farm thj.t was only partially cleared, and James W. had to assist in clearing the remainder of the farm. This gave a ver>- valuable experience in dealing with stumps and stumpy ground - an experience that enabled him to meet and uproot the various kinds of stumps encountered in active life. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Maxson were considered prominent people of their community and were staunch supporters of the Baptist church.

James W. Maxson lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age ; thereafter he fanned the home place on shares. Decemljer 30, 1880, in Grundy county, j\Iissouri, he was united in marriage to Martha A. G. Marrs. Mrs. Maxson is a daughter of Wesley P. and Saletha A. (Tabor) Alarrs. and in the immediate family were the following named children: Mrs. Elvina Ratliff (deceased), Ryley, Mrs. Sarah Ma.xson. Mrs. Martha A. G. Maxson. David C, Mrs. Delia Crogan, Mrs. Alice Price, John \\'., Bartley, and Mrs. Fanny M. Collins.

Mr. and Mrs. IMaxson established a home of their own which in many respects has been ideal, and in every way comfortable and convenient. They have five living children : Gertie is the wife of Emery D. Parson, who owns a harness shop in Arnold. They have three children, all girls, and the family is connected with the Methodist church. Caddie E. married ]\Iollie Koch and lives on a farm near Arnokl. They have two sons and both he and his wife are Methodists. Nellie M. Wimple is the widow of Dudley Wimple and she has four sons and one daughter. Elsie E. is the wife of Ernest Cunningham, a farmer near Arnold, and they have two sons and two daughters. Bertha A. lives at home with her father, in Arnold. Mrs. Maxson died December 19, 1894.

Mr. Maxson arrived in Custer county September 21, 1885. and located a homestead seven miles northwest of .\rnokl. On this place he lived until after the death of Mrs. Maxson, and he then moved closer to school and took care of his children until they were grown and large enough to go out into the world for themselves. In 1908 he moved into the village of Arnold, where he now lives, but he still owns the old homestead and has added to it until he now owns 480 acres. His has been an unusual career. More than the usual share of early-day hardships seemed to fall to his lot. Left with five children, it was a hard struggle to keep them together and maintain a home with unbroken family relations, but he met his difficulties and to-day has the satisfaction of knowing that he furnished his children a good home after the death of their mother, the while he finds himself in p>ossession of enough of this world's goods so that the years of his retirement from active life may be free from care and worry.

JAMES JOHNSON, who is one of Custer county's most valued citizens, is a man of substance and stability. For thirty-three years he has lived on his valuable homestead and has been very successful in his agricultural industries. From every point of view, after all these years, he declares he is well satisfied that chance and good judgment led him to make his permanent home in Custer county.

James Johnson was born in Moen, Denmark, June 3, 1855. His parents were Jens and Anna E. (Hanson) Paulson Johnson, and they and their parents were all born in Denmark and were members of the Lutheran church. James Johnson was the youngest born of his parents' five sons, the others I>eing: Hans, Nels, Christian, and Peter. He was reared in a farming district and well remembers, among other incidents, the day on which he earned his first money. A neighboring husbandman of his father's engaged him to ride a horse over the field of wheat stubble, while the daughter of his employer managed the old wootlen horse-rake to gather up the loose wheat heads. Little did he think in those days of the wonderful farm machinery he would some day own and oj>erate on his own land in a far-distant country. Although he did not know the English language when he came to the United States, in 1871, Mr. Johnson did not feel like an entire stranger on these shores, because three of his brothers had already come to America. He traveled by rail across the country and by steamboat then reached Omaha, Nebraska. During his first summer in the state he worked on the farm of one of his brothers, and he then went to school during the winter, in order to learn the English language more quickly. Strong, willing, and companionable, Mr. Johnson found no difficulty in securing employment, and for a time he worked at coal-mining in Carbon, Wyoming. Later he was a cowboy, and he was variously engaged until 1883, when he came to Custer county, which has been his chosen home ever since. In 1884 he secured the fine homestead on which he yet lives, in the neighborhood of Oconto, and in the course of years he has quietly added to his original homestead until now he owns 640 acres. Of this large body he cultivates 240 acres, and he has a well adjusted farm, with an abundance of grazing land for his stock. He has everything exceedingly comfortable around him and his success here merely illustrates what intelligent industry, courage and resourcefulness can accomplish. Mr. Johnson was married November 5, 1885, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Miss Anna K. Kjar, who was born in North Jutland, Denmark, the youngest of the five children of Nels and Cecelia M. (Anderson) Kjar, natives of Denmark. Mrs. Johnson is one of a family of six children and the others who are now living are Christian, Kronburg C, Andrea Sorrenson, and Johanna M. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson - Theodore C. Ralph. Arthur K., Marie E., and James P. Theodore C. Johnson, who is located on the Dawson county line, in section 33. township 13. range 22, owns a valuable farm and raises grain and stock. Ralph Johnson, who is a farmer and stock-raiser, owns a farm on section 27. Arthur K. Johnson is his father's partner on the home farm, on Bufifalo creek. Marie E. Johnson, the only daughter, was graduated from Broken Bow College in 1913, and further pursued her studies, during 1915, 1916, and 1917, in the Fremont Normal School. She now resides at the parental home, although she has taught school about four years. Janies P. Johnson, the youngest son, is a graduate of educational institutions at Broken P.ow and Fremont and for three years was so acceptable as a teacher that he was appointed principal of the Randall high school. This honor he declined in order to enter the service of his country. He enlisted in the United States service in July, 1917, and at the time of this writing he is at the officers' training camp at Louisville, Kentucky. His older brothers are equally loyal and all made preparations to answer the call of the government for service in the cause of world-wide freedom. None of the young men is married, and all are held in the most unqualified esteem in Custer county.

BARTHOL DITTMAR. a prosperous farmer and the owner of many acres of valuable land in Custer county, came here with the pioneers of the middle '80s. While none {>erhaps, expected a life of ease, they were soon calle<l upon to endure hardships and privations that disheartened many but only aroused greater courage in others, and to the latter the country at large is greatly indebted, for which reason the historical annals of the state should carefully preserve their names. Barthol Ditt- mar was born in Germany. Xovember 4. 1858. His parents were Michael and Dora ( Snyder) Dittmar, and his father was a small farmer near Kissingen. There were four children in the family. Barthol being the second in order of birth, with an older brother. John G.. and two sisters younger, Margaret and Dorothea.

Barthol Dittmar attended the schools of his class in his native land and as long as he remained there he was engaged in farm pursuits. \\'hen fourteen years of age he received for farm work but seventy-five cents a week. He remained in Germany and fulfilled all the laws of the land as to military' service, but in 1881, when twenty-three years old, he came to the United States. He sought an agricultural section of the countr}', and found ready employment and good wages in Jo Daviess county. Illinois. He remained in that section, working on farms, for the following five years. In the meanwhile Mr. Dittmar had made up his mind to remain in the United States, and he began to seek a suitable location in which to establish a permanent home. In looking over different sections for the advantages and opportunities that would come within his means and desires, he chose Custer county, Nebraska, and he came here in 188?. He located in section 20. township 13. range 22, on Buffalo creek, and here he has lived ever since. Since then, through his persistent industry, he has accumulated much more land, and at the present time he owns all of section 20 and three-fourths of another section. He has his fanns equipped with stock and machinery- for the most effective live-stock and crop production, and up to 1918 lue had never permitted himself to slacken for a day in the prosecution of his work : therefore it was a matter of family rejoicing when he consented to take a vacation of three weeks.

Mr. Dittmar was married February 1. 1887. at Mount Carroll. Illinois, to Miss Dora Dittmar, who was born in Germany, as were her Darents. I^wrence and Dorothy ( Schmitt ) Dittmar. Mrs. Dittmar accompanied her husband back to Custer county, and in recalling early times here she intimates that pen])le who actually survived conditions through 180,^-4 can sneak with authority of real pioneer hardships. Mr. and Mrs. Dittmar have five children: Albert L.. who lives on one-half section of land and is farming independently, was ready to respond to the call of the government for military duty; Charles C, who is farming on the home place, was likewise awaiting military' call; Herman W., the third son, also was eligible for military service; Lulu M., twin sister of Herman W.. is the wife of C. Heine, a farmer one mile south of Oconto, and they have one daughter; and Fred H. is a schoolbov of twelve years, with very sensible, practical ideas. Mr. Dittmar and his family belong to the Lutheran church.

WILLIAM T. BUCKXER. who is a representative business man of Oconto, Nebraska, is a large owner of realty here and is an energetic and progressive citizen who entertains a very high opinion of this section of Nebraska, for he was born here, on the site of this flourishing town. April 28, 1882. He bears a famous old Kentucky name and his respected father, J. B. Buckner. who is a retired resident of Oconto, was born in the Bluegrass state, he having been a farmer throughout his active career. J. B. Buckner married Elizabeth Stairs, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Ezra T. and Dorcas ( Fitzwater ) Stairs, and thev came to Custer county in 1879. Their children are as follows : Fred ; William T. ; Maud, who is the wife of Peter Overgard ; Agnes, who is the wife of James Overgard : Glenn, who became a soldier in the national army and went to Camp Dodge. Iowa, for training, in July. 1918; and Anna M.. who is the wife of Fred Thurman.

William T. Buckner was reared on the home fann in Custer county - the place on which his parents lived for twenty years. He was educated in the schools of his native county and when old enough to go into business for himself, he purchased a farm situated one and one-half miles south of Oconto. This he operated for several years, and he then moved to Oconto. He has been one of the active Republicans of the county for many years and during the administration of President ^^'illiam H. Taft he served as postmaster of Oconto. He thus sen-ed from 1912 until he was succeeded by an appointee of President Woodrow Wilson, when political changes came about all over the countrj-. As a loval citizen Mr. Buckner has been active in many ways, and he is a very pojudar man in Custer county. He owns a beautiful home in the little citv of Oconto, together with a number of profitable renting properties, and a large part of his time is occupied in the management of a hauling and draying line that he has had in operation here for some time.

Mr. Buckner was married January 2. 1905. at Oconto, to Miss Nancy Wiseman, who was born in Custer county, but is of West \'irginia ancestrv. her parents. John P. and Ella ( Twining) Wiseman, having been born and reared in West \'irginia. Mr. and Mrs. Buckner have three daughters and one son, namely: Maude, Lucy, Edna, and James F. - all exceptionally intelligent young people for whom there is full assurance of educational and social advantages. Mr. lluckner has long been identified with the Indejiendent ( )rder of Odd Fellows and is affiliated also with the Modern Woodmen of America.

GEORGE W. LINCOLN, who owns a large body of land and carries on general farming on an extensive acreage, is one of the substantial men of Custer county, where he is widely known. Mr. Lincoln has spent almost his entire life in this county and has done his part in assisting in its development. He was born in Carroll county, Iowa. December 9, 1881, and is a son of Charles W. and Edna (Johnson) Lincoln. His father was born in ^Massachusetts and has been a farmer all his life. He brought his family to Nebraska in 1886 and located in Turner valley, nine miles northwest of Callaway, Custer county, freighting across from Plum Creek.

George W. Lincoln was five years old when his parents settled in Custer county. He is the third born in their famih' of five children, the others being as here noted : Ida, who is the wife of John Foxworthy, and Frank A., Ross W., and Carl, the last named being deceased. George W. Lincoln grew up on his father's farm and spent an industrious boyhood, finding time, however, to attend school during the winter seasons. That is one thing very much to the credit of the pioneers of this county, the founding of schools in every community, and their wise foresight is reflected in the high grade of intelligence that marks Custer county citizenship. j\Ir. Lincoln not only assisted his father but also, in order fo make a little pocket money, sometimes worked for neighboring farmers in corn-planting time. Sometimes, he had to take "trade" for his wages, as real money was very scarce in the neighborhood in those days, and he recalls one occasion when he was paid off with a hen which was decorated with a "top-knot," and wliich was supposed to be worth several ordinary fowls. There were those who were a little skeptical, but Air. Lincoln still believes he got a barg-ain, and probably poultry-raising has been one of his many farm industries. He cultivates over 500 acres of land, some of which he has rented to capable tenant farmers, but in the main he superintends the opera- ' tions himself, employing modern methods and improved farm machinery. Mr. Lincoln is one of the large land owners of the county, for at the present time he has 1.280 acres, and every square foot of it is increasing in value annually. ]\lr. Lincoln was married June 24, 1916, to Mrs. Mary J. Griffith, who was a widow and who is a daughter of Moses and Anna Weaver. By her first marriage Mrs. Lincoln had five children, namely : Lynn, Ivan, Nellie, Clarence, and Eva. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln have one son, Oral, who was born in 1917. Mr. Lincoln is a Democrat in politics but has never taken any active part in public matters, though he has always show-ed a good citizen's interest. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Callaway.

BENJAMIN F. COX. - As standing in the front rank of the successful farmers and stockmen of Custer county, mention should be made of the gentleman whose name introduces this record and who from pioneer days has been identified with the upbuilding of this part of the state.

Mr. Cox is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Jackson county. August 16. 1856. His father, Jabez Cox, was a native of Kentucky, served as a soldier in the Mexican war and became a farmer in Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Margaret Hubbard and was a native of Indiana, wdiere her entire life was spent.

Benjamin F. Cox was one of a family of eight children, four of whom are living. He and a brother Henry are the only ones residing in Custer county. Reared on a farm in his native state and educated in the public schools, Mr. Cox was a young man of nineteen when he went to Iowa, and he worked as a farm hand in various counties until 1882, when he came to Nebraska. After here spending one year in Hamilton county, he came to Custer county, in the fall of 1883, and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 7, township 17, range 22. and an adjoining tree claim of equal area. His first home was a sod house, tvv^elve by fourteen feet in dimensions, and he shared in all the trials and hardships of the early days. He set resolutely to work developing the new farm and he has prospered in his undertakings, a fact which is manifested in the beautiful country home he has built for his family and in the landed estate of 800 acres' which he has acquired.

February 22, 1891, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Christina Kaupp, a native of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and a daughter of Christian Kaupp, an early settler of Custer county who now lives retired in Merna and of whom specific mention is made on other pages of this history. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Cox has been made happy by the arrival of eight ciiildren : Lloyd, who was a dnigoist in Omaha, is a member of the nation-.l army at the time of this writing; Adella is at home ; Chester is in the national army and is located at this writing at Camp Doclge, Des Moines. Iowa : Hazel. Ralph, Benjamin F.. Jr., Gladys, and Margaret are all under the parental roof.

Mr. Cox has not been remiss in any duty of citizenship. He helped organize the school district and seryed as a member of its board of directors many years. He has been president of the Farmers Bank of Mema since its organization. Fraternally he is a thirty-second-degree Mason and is affiliated with Tangier Temple. Ancient .Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Omaha. He is a member also of the Mema organizations of the Modern Woodmen of America and Independent CJrder of Odd Fellows. He is one of the progressive and influential men of Custer coimtv and his success is well merited.

ALFRED SCMREYER. - The name that initiates this paragraph belongs to a retired farmer in Arnold. Nebraska, and the name itself belongs to the early pioneer period, as it has been well known in the county since long before the county was organized.

Alfred S'chreyer was born March 31. 1863. in Hill.sboro. Wisconsin. His father. Frederick Schreyer. was born January 11. 1826, in Mitwitz. Bavaria, and lived until December 23. 1914. The mother. Anna M. fSchaller) Schreyer. was born in April. 1833. in Heubisch. Saxe-Meiningen. Germany. She died October 20. 1882. The parents were married October 31. 18.^6, and landed in America November 23. 1861. Tile father was a shoemaker by occupation and the first home in America of the family was in Wisconsin, but in the latter part of 1864 they moved to Cincimiati. Ohio, where Mr. Schreyer enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Eighty-n-nth Ohio \"o'unteer Infantry. He was discharged at Huntsville. Alabama, in .\ugust. 1865. Aiter the war he settled in .\tkinsonville. Indiana, where he was commissioned postmaster in 1868. Here he engaged in the mercantile business, later moving to Brazil. Indiana, when his son .Wfred was seven years old. There Alfred obtained a common-school education, getting all his schooling between the ages of seven and twelve years. It was here too that he earned his first money, by plowing corn with a singleshovel plow. The hard times and panic that ensued after the war depleted the fortunes of the senior Schreyer and, hearing about the splendid opportunities of the unsettled west, he came to Custer county in 1875 and located five miles northwest of Callaway, in Triumph precinct. This was two years before the organization of Custer county and several years before there were any schools in that locality. This curtailed the ambitions of young Alfred, who much desired an education, but he resolved to improve himself and so eft'ectually did he apply himself that to-day he enjoys the distinction of having been the first qualified teacher in the southwest part of Custer county. In the spring of 1881. in the residence of D. E. Sprouse. two and one-half miles north of Callaway, he taught two months, finishing the term by teaching another month in the resifleiice of John Schreyer, five miles north of Callaway. In the family of his father, Frederick S'chreyer. were the following children : Alfred, of whom this is written; Mrs. Hu'da Miller, and Mrs. Rosa Cassel. both of whom are deceased; Mrs. Clara I'osten ; and Oscar. -Alfred was married July 4. 1884, in liroken l!ow to Miss Addie Mulvany. a very excellent )oung lady whose native state was Indiana. She had taught several years in the Custer county schools. Her parents. John and Elizabeth A. (Dobson) Mulvany. were prominent people and early settlers of Custer county, and in their family were seven other children: Mrs. Henrietta Davis, Mrs. Darthula .\ikluan. Jolm H.. H. Sherman. Mrs. Hester .A. Runyan. Mrs. Mary S. Wright, and George W.

Alfred Schreyer and his wife immediately established their own home and. although it lacked the comforts of the present day. it was always homelike and comfortable. Time prospered them with this world's goods and blessed tiie family circle with seven children, concerning whom brief record is here given: Mrs. Mary E. Longmore is the wife of a thrifty farmer near Callaway, and they have two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Frieda \'. I'emiett is the wife of the manager of the Harding Cream Station in Arnold, and they have one son. Walter E. is deceased. Georgia L. is the wife of Samuel H. Bailey, a farmer living near Arnold. Elizabeth N. is the wife of David X. Oberg, a farmer living near Etna, and they have two sons. Frances A. is the wife of Rall\- C. Hickenbottom, a farmer of Callaway. They have one son and one daughter. Mabel I. is at the paternal home and is attending the .Arnold high school. Mrs. .Add'e Schreyer passed to the life eternal on the 25th of November, 1918, aged fifty-two years, three

Mr. Schreyer. whose residence dates from the early days of the pioneers, is one of the really substantial farmers of the county. In 1884 he homesteaded land adjoining his father's claim. This he never sold but he has added to it and eventually purchased most of the home place of his father. He now owns 908 acres of splendid land and has always been a large producer of hogs and cattle. His fancy turned always to high-grade Herefords. He lives in Arnold' and rents his ranch, fully stocked. This gives him a splendid source of income. He belongs to several social orders and stands high in the community. He is secretary and manager of the Callaway & .\rnold Telephone Company, and has held such local offices as school director, town treasurer, and justice of the peace, all of these preferments attesting to his abilitv as a communitv leader.

ESTEL P. SPRATT. - This review announces the name of a young farmer who is operating in the vicinity of Arnold and is . making good. Estel P. Spratt was born in Marion county. Missouri, in 1880. and in that county he spent his boyhood years. From his ])areuts he inherited (|ualities that have conserved his success in later years.

Prior to coming to Custer county Mr. Spratt lived on a farm in Logan county, but he prefers Custer county, as it oflfers greater opportunities to the man who is willing to work. He now owns 280 acres of good land, upon which he has built a new house which affords the comforts of a modern farm home. He has 160 acres under cultivation and does general farming in all its varied branches. His live stock is of good grade and he is a man who takes good care of everything on the farm.

Mr. Spratt married Miss Delia Phifer. who was born in 1883. in Mills county. Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Sjiratt have maintained a bos])itablc home - one that ranks well with the other homes in the communitv. Thev have two children - Gerald E. and Freda. Gerald was born in 1908 and Freda in 1909. They are bright. ]:)romising children in whom their parents feel a pardonable pride. The family belong to the Methodist church. Mr. Spratt is an independent voter but believes in rendering his community a local .service whenever opportunity presents itself. He is treasurer of the school board. Sociallv he is a member of the Modern ^\'oodman. The communitv has few more patriotic men than he. In all the war drives he has been a liberal contributor. He has bought \\'ar Stamps, Libert}- Ilonds. and rendered the government every possible service. The Spratts are rated Al in the community and are obliging, agreeable neighbors.

MEL\ l.X K. JONES, a representative farmer of Custer county and a member of that hardy band of settlers that came here in 1887 and lived through many hardships in those early years, still owns the farm on which he first settled and which is now a well improved, profit-yielding pro])erty. Melvin K. Jones was born in .\ppanoose county, Iowa. September 17. 1839. His parents were David A. and Priscilla (Guernsey) Jones, natives of Indiana, and his two grandfathers were Nathan Jones and Bronson Guernsey. They were all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Democracy was the political creed of the family.

Melvin K. Jones was the only son and is the only surviving child of his parents. When he was about four years old his parents moved to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, which at that time was still a wild, undeveloped region of country. They located at what was called Shantytown. a point on the Missouri river near the present town of of Loveland. and there the father of Mr. Jones worked in a saw mill. .\t that time the Winnebago Indians were more numerous along the river than white settlers. At first, living conditions were primitive, but after the close of the Civil war a great army of eastern settlers came to that region and by the time Mr. Jones had become ready to settle down permanentlv. states "farther west" had become attractive, he came to Custer county, in 1887. he located southea.st of Callaway, adjoining the old Olive ranch on the south and west, and here he yet resides, as the owner of 240 acres of fine laiid.

Mr. Jones was married March 12. 188.T. on Custer Ranch. Cu.ster county. NeS^raska, to ^liss Mattie Dickson, who was bom in Vermilion C( unty. Illinois, a daughter of Joseph B. and Clorinda ( Wells) Dick.son. the latter of whom was a daughter of John and Martha ( Odell ) Wells. The parents of Mrs. Jones came to Custer county. Nebraska, in November. 1884. and located three miles southeast of Callawav. They had the following children: ^Frs. Mattie Jones. Mrs. Mary Miller. Mrs. Jane Deal. Mrs. Emma Maier. Mrs. Susie \"an Antwerp, and James .\. Mr. Dickson had served in the Civil war and later was a member of the Grand .Army of the Republic, while in politics he was a Republican. Wx. and ]\rrs. Jones have four children - Millie E., Roy C. Florence E.. and Elva O. ?^Iillie E. is the wife of Albert B. Downin, a farmer and stock-raiser south of Locli, this county, and they have two sons - Ralph and Morris. Roy C. Jones married Miss Ulah Murphy and they have two daughters - Leah A. and Delma E. Miss Florence E. Jones is a teacher in the schools of Custer county, in 1918, and Miss Elva-O. Jones is attending the graded schools. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Jones has been measurably active in the development of Custer county, by co-operating in the public-spirited enterprises that have conserved the general welfare, but he has never consented to become a candidate for public office. He is independent in his political attitude and gives his support to men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, irrespective of partisan lines. Mr. Jones can recall many interesting events pertaining to the pioneer period of Custer county history and is, perhaps, one of very few left who had only Indian boys for playmates in the pioneer days of the history of the state of Iowa.

CHARLES B. MATTOX, who is in many ways one of the representative men of Custer county, owns a very large body of valuable, well improved land, and successfully carries on agricultural industries. Mr. Mattox has spent .almost all his life in this county, being ten years old when he accompanied his parents here, and he is thoroughly identified with the best interests of this section.

Charles B. Mattox was born December 1, 1874, in Coles county, Illinois, near Mattoon, the fourth of a family of eight children born to his parents, William and Mary (Larue) Mattox. William Mattox came to Custer county with his family in the fall of 1884 and homesteaded in Dry valley, the name indicating one of the discouraging conditions that these early settlers faced in those pioneer days. The Mattox family, like many others, was called upon to exercise courage, self-reliance, and hope, and in the course of time many of the earliest disadvantages were overcome. William Mattox and his wife continued to live on the homestead for twenty-four years, in 1908 retiring from active life and moving to Comstock where they now live. While never very active in politics, Mr. Mattox has always been a staunch supporter of the Republican party. Following is a record concerning their children : Thomas, who is a farmer south of

Comstock, has been twice married, first to Anna Tennant. who died in 1895, and. second, to Etta Davis ; James, who lives near Sargent, married Alnieda Tennant ; Laura E. is the wife of William Westbrook, wdio is a farmer in Custer county, south of Sargent ; Charles B. is the subject of this sketch ; Joseph, who is a farmer in Rose valley, married Flora McCaslin ; Anna is the wife of Frederick Neidt, a farmer in Dry valley ; Harvey O., who is a resident of Antioch, Sheridan county. Nebraska, married Zella Wills; and Arthur died at the age of two years, during his journey from Illinois to Custer county.

Charles B. Mattox was old enough to assist his father when the family reached Custer county, and he remained at home and worked on the farm up to the time when he started out for himself, in the meanwhile attending school as opportunity was afforded. He has devoted himself to farming and stock-raising, and through hard work and intelligent management he has greatly prospered. He now owns 600 acres of fine land, and liis home property is well improved, with evidences of thrift and careful, methodical farm operation to be seen on every hand.

September 10, 1902, Mr. Alattox married Miss Mary Roth, who was born near Comstock. Nebraska. She is one of a family of eight children born to Jonas and Jennie (Eubank) Roth, who were early pioneers in Custer county, their homestead being located four miles west of Comstock. all their children living in the neighborhood of this pleasant town. Mr. and Mrs. Mattox have two children. Beatrice and Paul, who are being given good educational advantages. In politics Mr. Mattox has always been a Republican, and the nature of his standing in party and comnnmity is evidenced by the fact that he has been retained in the office of township treasurer for more than four years.

CHRISTIAN KAUPP was one of the early settlers of Custer county and, after a period of many years spent in the development and operation of his farm, he is now living in honorable retirement in a beautiful home in Merna.

Mr. Kaupp was born in Germany, February 10, 1836, and is a son of August and Rosina (Wolf) Kaupp, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. When a young man Mr. Kaupp came to America, in 1864. and after spending about two years in New York and other parts of the east, he became a resident of Henry county, Illinois, where he resided until 1887. He then came to Custer county and took a homestead of 160 acres, in section 15, township 17, range 23, as well as a tree claim of an equal area. Here he spent many years in agricultural pursuits, and in 1910 he retired witlt a competence.

In March, 1867, at Lorraine, Illinois, Mr. Kaupp was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Heimindinger, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1852, and they became the parents of fourteen children - William, Christina, Charles, Rosina, Julia, Florence, Sophia. Mamie, Hardy, Albert, Walter, Nettie, anfl two children who are deceased.

Mr. Kaupp was among the early settlers of West Table, shared in the hardships of the pioneer days and became one of the well-to-do men of Custer county.

JAMES R. FORSYTH was one of the very early settlers of Custer county. He came here in 1875 and from that time until he retired he was one of the substantial men of the community.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, he was bom in 1835, a son of Henry and Eleanor Forsyth. Reared and educated in the south, he there made his home until about the time of the Civil war, when he became a resident of Dane county, Wisconsin, later moving to Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until 1875, when he came to Custer county and took a homestead in section 10, township 19, range 21. His first home was a log house, which still stands on the place and which was the family home for many years. He also took a tree claim, and this was the scene of his activities for many years. He was interested in all those things which had to do with the upbuilding of his community. In 1906 he retired from active life and moved to Kearney.

He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dryden, a native of Dane county. Wisconsin, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Emma (Bolsh) Dryden, who also were among the early settlers of Custer county.

Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth reared a family of seven children : David D. ; Elizabeth : Alpha : William H., residing at The Dalles. Oregon; Theron E., of Naches, Washington ; C. M . who owns and operates the old homestead : and John R., a resident of Great Falls, Montana.

The parents were members of the Methodist church and in politics James Forsyth was a Democrat. He came here at a time when hardships and privations were to be found on every hand but he was equal to the task and lived to see the changes that have made the Custer county of to-day. The life record of

J.\MES KRISS, whose success as an agriculturist in Custer county, Nebraska, proves that determination and industry will be generously rewarded here, has spent the most of his life in Custer county and is well known and highly esteemed b\' his neighbors in general. He owns a valuable farm in the vicinity of Comstock, his land being fertile and level and he has made improvements that are suitable and substantial.

James Kriss was born in Euroj>e, in the province of Bohemia, September 28, 1871, and is the youngest of the six children born to Frank and Annie ( Nickedah ) Kriss, the others being as follows : Frank, who is a farmer, married Josie Severien ; Fannie is the wife of Charles Severien, a farmer in Michigan ; Charles, who is a farmer south of Comstock, married Annie Palavek; Mary lives in the city of ( )maha. Nebraska : and Christie.

The ])arents of !\Ir. Kriss were natives of liohemia and from there they came to the L'nited States in 1881. During the first year they lived at Omaha, Nebraska, the father in the meanwhile looking about for a desirable section in which to settle permanenth', and finally he secured a homestead situated about eight miles north of Comstock, Custer county. The mother died there in 1906 but the father survives and resides with his son James. The old homestead property was sold four years ago.

James Kriss received the larger part of his schooling in Custer county, and remained at home and assisted his father until ready to begin business life for himself. His success has been imusual, and he now own 480 acres in section 24, township 18. which is his home place, and another farm of 240 acres, which lies to the north of the homestead. This large acreage gives him an opportunity to farm extensively and to raise live stock successfully. He has taken full advantage of these opportunities, and is numbered among the representative farmers and stock-raisers of the county.

Mr. Kriss was married in June. 1898. to Miss Mary Weverka. whose parents, John H. and Frances Weverka. were early settlers in Custer county and who still live on their old homestead which thev secured from the government. Mr. and Mrs. Kriss have a fine family of sons and daughters, all of whom still live at home, namely : James. Hettie, Emma,

Barbara, William, Joseph and Edward. Mr. Kriss and his family are members of the Bohemian Catholic church and attend services at Comstock. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a willing worker for his party when called upon, for he has much influence among his Bohemian neighbors, but he has never consented to accept an)' political office. His reputation is that of an honest, upright man. and good American citizen.

WILLIAM FLIEDER. - The good judgment shown by many of the early settlers when they came from other countries to find a home in the United States, has resulted in the development and improvement of a wide area of land, not only in Nebraska but also in other sections. W'ithin the last thirty-seven years many sturdy people have come from Bohemia, and wherever they have settled, substantial results have followed, for, as a people, they are steady, industrious, and home-loving. About 1881 the parents of William Flieder. who is a well known resident of Custer county, came to America, and after some time spent at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, they came into Nebraska and homesteaded in Valley county. In this state they passed the remainder of their lives.

\Yillian: Flieder was born in \'allev county. Nebraska. July 5. 1882, a son of John and Annie Flieder. They had eight children and William is the only survivor of the entire family who is now living in Custer county. He was educated in the public schools of Dakota county and remained at home and worked on the farm for his father until he was eighteen years old. He then started out for himself, and has been a farmer ever since. At the present time he has a large farm under his care, operating some of the James Kriss land in Woods Park, six and one-half miles north of Comstock. He carries on general farming and raises considerable live stock, modern methods governing his operations and resulting in satisfactory returns. Mr. Flieder has never married. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party.

HENRY HOGG, who is now one of the successful agriculturists and highly respected citizens of Custer county, is another one of the men who came to Nebraska in the early days with little else than their ambition as capital, and who have lived to see their resources grow and develop and to attain positions of marked prominence in their communities.

Mr. Hogg is a native of Scotland and possesses all the sturdy characteristics of the Scottish race. He was born in the shire of Haddington, November 6, 1860, a son of Henry and Mary (Forrest) Hogg, the former a native of Berwickshire and the latter of Haddingtonshire. The parents were staunch and uncompromising members of the Scotch Presbyterian church, in the faith of which they reared their children, and were people greatly respected in their home community in Scotland, where Mr. Hogg, the father, was variously engaged in business pursuits. They came to the L'nited States in 1890 and joined their son Henry, at whose home both passed away in peace and contentment, when well advanced in years. There were four children in the family : Henry, whose name introduces this sketch ; Robert, who is engaged in farming eight miles west of Burwell, Nebraska; Mary, who is the wife of William McLennan, a tailor of Rapid City, South Dakota ; and .^gnes, who is the wife of A. S. Winch, a fruit grower and dealer of Washougal, Washington.

Henry Hogg was educated in the public schools of his native land and grew up an industrious and energetic lad. applying himself to his studies and mastering the trade ot carpenter, in the city of Tranent. In his native land he saw no future for himself, and accordingly, when twenty-one years old. he turned his face hopefully toward the shores of America, in which country he felt sure that a youth of his ambition and industry could gain independence and prosperity. By the time he had reached Grand Island, Nebraska, his small capital was completely exhausted, but he managed to make his way to St. Paul, this state, where he secured employment at his trade Three years later, on August 9, 1884, he secured a homestead in the Berwyn community, the first improvement on which was a dugout built by himself. As noted, Mr. Hogg's capital was nothing large, and in order that he might live he had to spare some of his time from his farm to work at his trade at Ansley, as opportunity presented itself, and this process he kept up for twelve years, thus carrying himself over the rough places. Also, during this time, he was able to make improvements, to build a good house and other buildings, and to stock his property with a good grade of cattle and other live stock. It was not until 1896. however, that he sent for his bride. Marv Riddell. who was born in Scotland, and thev were married in Hall county, December 7th of that year. They became the parents of five children, of whom three are living: lanet, who is engaged in teaching a rural school near Oconto, this county : Edith, who is attending

Mr. Hogg is now the owner of loO acres of well improved land, all developed and improved under his own eye and through the work of his hands. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and through industry and good management has made a success of his various ventures. He and Mrs. Hogg are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally he is identified with Ansley Lodge No. 176, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Hogg holds independent views as to political matters, but has the complete confidence of the people of the comnninity. and since he held the office of town clerk in the early days he has fre()uently been called u])on to represent the people in positions of ])ublic trust and responsibility.

JOHN P. LONG. - Arnold has a long list of substantial citizens. One of them is named above. Mr. Long was born September 29, 1863, in Jasper county, Illinois. It was there that his early boyhood days were spent and there he received the education of the common schools. It was in this state also that he was united in marriage, in February, 188.^. to Miss Mary S. Mills, who since that time has been tile partner of' his joys and sorrows and cohuilder of hi^'fiiodest fortunes. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Long came to Nebraska, and in the spring of 1886 they located a pre-emption claim eight miles east of .Arnold. Custer county. They proved up on this in fourteen months and homesteaded a (|uarter-section in the same locality. Here they made their home until 1909, when they moved to Arnold, where Mr. Long assumed charge of the telephone office, handling farm implements on the side. This occupation he followed nearly eight years, and he then engaged in the hardware business, which he has conducted until recently. Mr. Long is a public-spirited citizen and has been connected with every ])ublic enterprise promoted in .\rnold. He has served as a member of the school board for more than twenty years. He is interested in the new Security State Bank, which is erectinsj a new building, at a cost of more than $.W,000. Mr. Long is one of the direc'ors. and one of the managers of the Arnold Telejjhone Exchange. In the recent election be was chosen suuervisor to rej^resent the Fifth supervisoral district in the affairs of Custer county. In connection with the nation'.s. participation in the world war every war appeal has received ready response from Mr. Long. He devoted time and made liberal donations to every object appealing for support from the ]5eople. He and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. I^ong have three children : Letha A. is the wife of John S. Harrell, a farmer living near Arnold, and they have one son antl two daughters. .Arthur C. married ]\Iary Lehmkuliler and they live on a farm near .Vrnold. Myrtle A. is the wife of Clarence N. Brummett, a young farmer living near Lantry, South Dakota, and they have two sons and two daughters.

Financially Mr. Long has always been successful, although his accumulations are modest and have l>een made and expended without ostentation. He and his wife live in a modern home and are possessed of enough of this world's goods to provide comfortable retirement for theni during the remainder of their lives. All he has has been made in Custer county. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and in politics he delights to be called independent.

EMERY J. CHAPIN. - Here is related the story of a successful young business man who came to Custer county in an earlv dav. received his education in the common schools, learned the carpenter's trade, and at present occupies a responsible position in an Arnold mercantile establishment.

Emery J. Chapin was born in the city of Chicago, ^lay 12. 1878. and he is a son of Chester .A. and Laura ( Tyler ) Chapin. the former a native of New York and the latter of Illinois. Chester -A. Chai)in came to Custer county in 1887 and located in Broken Bow. where he followed the carpenter trade. Here Emery J. Chapin grew from boyhood to manhood. Here he learned his father's vocation and worked with him most of the time during his minority. The parents were excellent people and were devoted members of the Christian church.

Emery J. Chajiin has been twice married and has three children by the former marria.ge, two daughters and one son. On November 22, 1908, he led to the marriage altar his present wife. Lulu ( Phifer) Chajiin, whose r>arents were early settlers in the .Arnold neighborhoixl and are well remembered by all of the old-timers. Of this second union three children were born. Charles, James, and \'irgil. Ma.'iter \'irgil is but two years old. in 1918. and he "manages things" at home while his older brothers are in school.

blacking boots and tbat this was put to good use. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, in which they are influential supporting members. So:iaUy, he is in good standing in the Odd Fellows lodge and is present counsel of the local camp of the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America. His occupation at the present time is that of a clerk in one of the .Arnold stores, where he is well established and enjoys the respect and esteem of the large number of patrons. In the village and surrounding community the Chapin family are well and favorably known and their many friends wish them abundant prosperity, all of which thev declare is well merited.

He was born at Loup City, Nebraska, July 26. 1876, and is a sonof James and Elizabeth ( Dryden ) Forsyth, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

In the year 1876 the early settlers of the Victoria creek neighborhood heard of the Indian uprising in the we.st and became alarmed to such an extent that nearly all of the families in the settlement went to Loup City, a settlement where they thought they would be safer. During the stay there the subject of this biography was born.

His boyhood days v\'ere spent ons,tl}e old homestead and his preliminary education was acquired in the district school. Later he attended the public schools at Kearney and also the L^niversity of Nebraska. Reared on the farm, he naturally chose the occupation with which he was familiar. When his father retired he purchased the old home place, where he successfully carries on general farming.

For a companion and helpmeet Mr. Forsyth chose Miss Pearl Swan, a native of Indiana, and they are the parents of the following named children : Donald Mason, Theodore Scott, David D., Claude Eugene, and Mary Eleanor.

Mr. Forsyth is a Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the Ancient Order of L'nited Workmen. Mrs. Forsyth is a member of the MethodLst church and both are held in high esteem by all who know them.

GODFREY NANSEL. - This review has to do with an Arnold citizen, a substantial, progressive Custerite, who has given a practical demonstration of what thrift and energy, combined with business acumen, can do in this good county. It is a remarkable story, and one that can hardly be duplicated in any other section of the state.

Godfrey Nanscl was born April 24. 1857, in Nauvoo, Illinois. He is a son of Conrad and Ann G. ( Bollin ) Nansel, who were born in Germany, and who became the parents of five sons and three daughters - Godfrey, Joseph, Mrs. Mary McGary, Mrs. Margaret Owens, Mrs. Ella N. L'lvely, Michael, John, and William, the last two being twins. After coming to this country Conrad Nansel showed his loyalty by serving as a Union soldier during the last eight months of the Civil war. After his discharge he settled in Nodaway county, Missouri, and there his son Godfrey' lived until he was eleven years of age, when, on account of a disagreement in the home, young Godfrey gathered up his belongings and faced the world for himself. That he has "made good" will be seen when this sketch enumerates his presentday possessions. After leaving home he went to work for' a farmer, Frank Frawley, his wages being ten dollars a month. Later he worked three years for a man named Moore, from whom he received eighteen dollars a month, which was at that time considered very high wages. Later he returned to his former employer and worked two years, for twenty dollars a month.

January 10, 1881, Mr. Nansel was united in wedlock to Sarah ,E. McCreary, a daughter of Jehiel and Margaret A. (Jackson) Mc- Creary. Mrs. Nansel's native state was Iowa and in her father's family were four children - Lewis, Indiana (deceased), Ambrose, and Sarah E. Mrs. Nansel's mother was closely related to General Andrew Jrfckson.

The next day after their marriage Godfrey Nansel and his young bride started for Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they made their first home, and where he worked for a dollar a day until he accumulated enough money to buy a team and a few farming implements, and he then rented a farm and started farming for himself. Mrs. Nansel was a plucky woman and determined to do her part toward making a living and accummulating a fortune. Aside from the housework and outdoor chores, she took in washing and saved the thirty-five dollars with which they bought their first cow. In 1885 they came to Custer county and pre-empted a quarter-section of land six miles west of Callaway. This was their home imtil 1890, when they sold out and went back to Council Blufifs. In the memorable dry year of 1894 they returned to Custer county, and this has been their home ever since. Mr. Nansel has retired from active farm operations and in the village of Arnold he has built a beautiful residence, which is equipped with modern conveniences and home comforts. He now owns over 4.000 acres of land - 2,280 acres in Logan county, Nebraska: 160 acres in Colorado; 320 acres in South Dakota; and 1,280 acres in Montana.

The years brought twelve children to the Nansel home : Arthur R. married Nannie Tietjens and they have one daughter. Anna G. is the wife of F. Earl W'haley. a farmer living near Callaway, and they have nine children. Jesse F. married Alargaret AIcFate and they have seven children. Lillie B. is deceased. Nora J. married Perry J. Moore, a farmer living near Callaway, and they have four sons. Lewis O. married \'irgie Walker and they have one son. Hubert G. married Ida Gile.'^ and they live near Myers, Montana. They have one son. Joseph E. married Phebe Giles and they are living near Myers, Montana. They have one son. Harry \V. married Bernice Pierce, they have one daughter and their home likewise is near ]\Iyers, Montana. Cecil M., who is a graduate of the Arnold high school and is still at home with her parents, is a teacher in the Arnold schools. Lloyd K., still a bachelor, is operating a farm near Arnold. Charles A., the youngest of the children is in the eleventh grade of the Arnold high school. The family is connected with the Methodist church and is one of the most substantial families in the community. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Nansel are prominent members of the Mystic Legion and other organizations.

During the last two years np one has been more prominent in all the war activities than Mr. Nansel - he has been a heavy contributor to all war objects. He conducts a real-estate business, into which he puts the same energy that inade his farming and stock-raising operations successful.

JOSEPH F. RUSSELL. - When Joseph F. Russell became a homesteader in Custer county, in 1884, he had already entered his thirty-third year, but his advantages uj) to that time had been so few that he was in the most modest financial circumstances. His resources, in fact, totaled only twenty-five cents in money, in addition to which he still was in debt for a ])art of the purchase price of his horse and wagon. He had, however, many far more dependable resources, and among them were grit and determination and a ca- ])acity for untiring industry. These have elevated him to a place of wealth among the substantial men of .\nsley, to prominence as a

Mr. Russell was born in Henry county. Ohio, December 16, 1851, and is a son of William and Eliza Ann ( Ingraham ) Russell. His paternal grandfather, Elisha Russell, was a native of Maine and of English descent ; he was a shoemaker by trade and his death occurred in Ohio. The maternal grandfather, A. Green Ingraham, was bom in England, and on his arrival in America first settled in New York. Later he migrated to Ohio, where he pre-empted land, became a substantial citizen, and for several years served in the capacity of associate judge at Tiffin. William Russell was born in Maine, in 1807, and during his early years was a merchant in his native state. Later he became a boat captain on the Erie canal, but eventually he turned his attention to. farming, in which he was engaged, in Ohio, at the time of his death, in 1878. He was laid to rest in the Fort Seneca cemetery, as was also his wife, who was born in New York, in 1820, and who died in 1869, in Ohio. They were members of the Universalist church, and of their ten children three survive : W. Henry, a veteran of the Civil war. living at Liberty Center, Ohio ; Josejih F., of this sketch ; and M. F., who is bookkeeper for the Farmers Elevator at Liberty Center, Ohio. William Russell was a Republican in politics. A man of the strictest integrity, lie was successful in his business atifairs and had the respect and confidence of his associates.

Joseph F. Russell was given a districtschool education in a log schoolhouse in Henry county, Ohio, and during his b<iyhood and youth was given a thorough training in the various departments of farm work. It seemed impossible for him to get a start on the highway of success, and in spite of his industry he was unable to make any progress, so that finally he struck out for the west, and in 1884 arrived in Custer county. He secured a homestead and l3egan o[>erations, and during the next eighteen years he continued to make agricultural enterprise his chief interest, with the result that he arose steadily in fortune, and finally decided to enter business affairs. However, he still is the owner of a fami of 400 acres, where general farming and stock-raising are carried on under his .supervision, but his home is at .Ansley, where he has resided since 1902. Ujion his arrival in town he engaged in the livery business and also conducted a feed store, but he finally disposed of his interests in these enterprises in order to purchase a bakerv and confectionery, of which he is still the proprietor. He has made this venture a most successful one, and is accounted one of the town's leading and substantial citizens. ]\Ir. Russell is independent in politics, and he has served as a member of the board of supervisors and as justice of the peace. He belongs to the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the various official chairs, and is a member of the encampment body of this fine fraternal organization.

In 1876 Mr. Russell married Miss Cordelia Leist, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Levi Leist, a farmer who died in that state. To this union there have been born three children : Lory D., who assists his father in conducting the bakery business: Ogle F., who married J. H. \'arney, a merchant of Ansley : and Carl D., who is a baker at Arcadia. Nebraska. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

GUSTAF W. NELSON. - With its numerous opportunities for advancement. America has offered a welcome and a home to the people of other lands and has proved attractive to the young and ambitioils who in their own countries have seen little chance for advancement. It is not in every case, however, that these opportunities are recognized, appreciated, and grasped in a degree equal to that shown in the career of Gustaf \V. Nelson, of the Comstork community, who. borrowing money to come to the United States, is now the owner of 618 acres of excellent Custer county land.

Mr. Nelson is a native of Sweden, born April 2L 1866. in a family w'hich was honorable but in modest financial circumstances. He was given his education in the public schools, as were his two brothers: Eric P., who now lives at the old home place in Sweden ; and Carl, who lives near Comstock. Custer county, and is a farmer. The youngest of his father's children, Gustaf W. Nelson, could find little encouragement in the outlook before him in the land of his birth, and even when a mere youth he began to make plans for immigrating to America, where he felt sure there awaited him a chance to prove his worth and gain a competence. Finally, in 1885, when he w^as only nineteen years of age, he su.cceeded in borrowing sufficient money to make the trip to the United States, and he at once came to Nebraska, arriving in Hamilton county December 14th of that year. He was willing and eager, strong and ambitious, and had little trouble in finding employment and keeping it.

Also, he was thrifty and economical, saved his earnings carefully, and during the eighteen years that he resided in Hamilton county he took long strides toward the attainment of his goal, which was the possession of a farm of his own. In 1903 Mr. Nelson came to Custer county, where he bought a farm near Comstock and since that time his advancement has been constant and consistent. From time to time he has added to his property by purchase, until his landed estate now comprises 618 acres, and it is under a high state of cultivation, with improvements that are modern and valuable beyond the ordinary. He has not only shown himself skilled in the arts of farming and stockraising, but also a business man of high calibre, and one whose reputation for integrity is built ' upon strong foundations. His buildings are modern and he raises a high grade of live stock. In matters which affect the welfare of his community, Mr. Nelson takes a good citizen's interest, but he has never sought to invade actively the fields of pohtics or public service as a candidate for offices of preferment at the hands of his fellow citizens.

On April 22, 1889, in Hamilton county, Nebraska, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bister, who was born in Sweden and who came as a young woman to the United States, her parents settling in Hamilton cotmty, Nebraska, in 1886. There her father carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, while the mother still makes her home in that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson there have been born nine children, of whom seven are living, all residing at home : Emma. Agnes, :Melvin, Dora, Dwight, Walter, and Glenn.

JAMES H. BROWN, who is one of the leading business men of Eddyville. Nebraska, is also one of the pioneers of the county, coming here in 1880, and during the thirty-eight years that have passed since then, he has been active in many ways in assisting in the county's substantial development, so that his name is probably as well known as that .of any other resident.

James H. Brown was born in Delaware county, Indiana, December 18, 1860. His parents were Samuel G. and Sarah { \\'ills) Brown, the father being a native of Indiana and the mother of Ohio. They had five sons, namely: G. Riley, John H.. Joseph P.. James H.. and Samuel E.. all surviving except the oldest. The father was a farmer all his life and was a staunch Democrat. Both parents belonged to the Christian church. The father died in the spring of 1865.

James H. Brown was only five years old when he was left fatherless, and hence many advantages that boys enjoy under happier conditions, were denied him. He started out to make his own way in the world when but twelve years old and worked for farmers in his native state until 1880. when he came to Custer county, where his brother, John H. Brown, had already settled, on Deer creek, four miles north of the Joshua Wood ranch. Having had farm experience, he was able to help the ranchmen in this section while awaiting his twenty-first birthday, when he would be entitled to enter a land claim, which he subsequently did, securing' a homestead situated twenty-four miles south of Broken Bow. He resided on this homestead six years and then sold to advantage and bought 160 acres, situated on Deer creek, this transaction showing business capacity, with which he is very generally credited. He continued on his farm and carried on its various activities quite successfully until 1907. when he moved to Eddyville. where he has been foremost in business ever since. For four years he was engaged in the real-estate business and then he turned his attention to his present line, which includes dealing in farm produce, poultn,', butter, eggs, and cream, and in connection with w'hich he conducts a cream station at Eddwille.

Mr. Brown was married first. August 22, 1884, at Muncie, Indiana, to Miss Emma \'annettie. who was born in Indiana, and was a daughter of Samuel and Savilla Vannettie. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Christian church. She died January 22. 1891, the mother of two children: Samuel \V. and William O. At Lorenz. Iowa. Samuel W. Brown is station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He married Alta Bennett and they have four daughters and one son. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica, and in politics is a Democrat. William O. Brown is serving as a soldier in the national army, belonging to a supply company of the Three Hundred and Fiftieth Infantrv. sent to Camp Do<:lge. Iowa. July 23. 1918. Mr. Brown was married, second. .April 11. 1896. at Kearney, Nebraska, to Miss Ellen Cox. who is a daughter of Noah Cox. Mr. Brown pnd his brother Samuel are both musical and in thai way, perhaps, came about the organiztion of what was known far and wide, during the stirring times that visited Nebraska when the Populist party was holding rallies and conventions, as the "Cat Creek Band." It was made un of local talent, including the Browns and Thomas Emerick, and

JOHN C. KLINGBEIL is a "live wire" of the Roten district where, in addition to farming and stock-raising, he conducts enough side operations to entitle him to be called a stock dealer.

John C. Klingbeil was born at Golden, Illinois. December 30. 1879, and his parents, August and Trenke (Ostendorf ) Klingbeil, natives of Germany, transmitted to their offspring the German characteristics of thrift and industr>\ To them were born five children - Lula Stellman. John. Hattie, Lena, and Ida. The father came to the United States in 1864 and followed milling for an occupation. He married at Golden, Illinois, and came to Custer county. Nebraska, in 1889. He located about twenty miles southwest of Oconto, in the vicinity of Roten valley.

The early days of John C. Klingbeil were spent on the farm and at an early age it was necessary for him to lend a hand. When seven years of age he went to live with his uncle, George Ostendorf. in Dawson county, and he stayed with him until he was fourteen years old. at which time he returned to his father's home farm, where he remained until he married. He received a common-school education and applied to general farming his inherited characteristics of thrift and energ)'.

On November 3. 1915. Mr. Klingbeil led to the marriage altar Miss Una Stinehagen. a young lady who came from Missouri, and who is a daughter of Henry and Cora ( StaufFer) Stinehagen, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Missouri. Mrs. Klingbeil had only one brother, Louis Stinehagen. Mr. and Mrs. Klingbeil have but one child of their own. baby Gyneth. who is only six months of age at the time of this writing, in 1918. but in this hospitable home two adopted children have found asylum fraught with home comforts. They are Louis and Rosella Stinehagen.

On his farm of 320 acres. John C. Klingi>eil conducts a general agricultural and stock-raising business on a practical and profitable basis. He buys and sells live stock, and is uniformly regarded as a valuable man to the community. Any man who will buy what others have to sell and will sell what others want to buy is a pivotal character in any community - one upon whom much of the prosepritv of that particular locality revolves. Mr. and Mrs. Klingbeil are connected with the Lutheran church, and in politics he maintains an indejiendent

LOUIS M. ROWAN. - It would be high treason to underestimate or underrate the services of the early pioneer, but it would likewise be an injustice to discount the contributions of those men of tireless energy who came into the county in later years and since their arrival have contributed a wealth of example and leadership, as well as practical demonstration of the county's possibilities.

Louis AI. Rowan was born in Livingston county, Illinois, September 2L 1873, and is a son of Benjamin F. and ]\Iary (Pembrook) Rowan, the former of whom came from the Empire state and the latter from Illinois. In the family of this excellent couple were eleven children - Helen Collar, James (deceased), George M.. Charles W., Ida Wiltsey, Louis ]\I., John T., Henry A., AFartlia Stauffer. Benjamin F.. and Mary McFarland - all creditalDle citizens and a credit to their parentage.

IXiring the early years of Mr. Rowan he lived on a farm, where he assisted his parents, and he often herded cattle for his neighbors. It was by this means that he earned his first money, which became the foundation of the accumulations of the present time. The first money that he earned went to purchase his first overcoat. He received the advantages of a common-school education and by application and reading has augmented the fund of schoolhouse lore until to-day he is a well informed and versatile man of aiTairs. In 1896 he led to the marriage altar Miss Elnora Benckeser, a daughter of John and Mary (Chard) Benckeser. The father was a native of Germany but the mother came from the Hoosier state. Further information concerning this family is contained in the biography of James A. Howell, whose wife is a sister of Mrs. Rowan.

The home which Mr. and Mrs. Rowan established for themselves was quite up to the American standard in all its appointments of comfort and plenty. They became the parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy: Ival L.. a young man of draft age, had not been classified at the time this sketch was prepared. Raymond is at home and is assisting his father. Clarence E. and Gladys M. are students at school. A'iola is seven vears old, Lewis M., four years, and "Cantain John." twenty months of age. will soon be promoted colonel of the "Home Squad."

crossed the line north into Custer and rented wloat is known as the John Duvall farm, on which he opened bachelor's quarters, which were not much to his liking. On August 6th of the same year, he concluded he had enough of '"batching," and he was married, as recorded above. He now owns the farm, and has added to it until his holdings are now 560 acres of splendid land. He made his money in general farming and stock-raising, and year after year continues his operations, each year showing an increase of his worldly possessions, and all of this being the measure and standard of success. Mr. and Mrs. Rowan are fine people and deserve their good name and reputation. They are connected with the Evangelical church and Mr. Rowan votes the Republican ticket.

JOSEPH M. GIDDINGS. - No one who has lived and labored in the vicinity of Ansley since the early '80s has more emphatically gained the good will and confidence of his fellow men than Joseph M. Giddings, a Civil war veteran now living in retirement, after years of agricultural effort. Not only have industry and perseverance contributed to the usefulness of this highly respected citizen, but an inheritance of old New England traits has lent peculiar strength and conservatism to his character and influence. He was born in Mc- Henry county, Illinois, September 4, 1840, and is a son of George and Harriet (Montague) Giddings.

On both sides of the family Mr. Giddings is descended from English forebears, for his paternal grandfather, Josiah Giddings, was born in England, early removed to \'ermont and passed his life there, and his maternal grandfather, Joseph Montague, was likewise an Englishman by birth, was an early settler and farmer of Vermont, and later a resident of Massachusetts. George Giddings was born at Bakersfield, Vermont, January 15, 1813, and as a youth went to Massachusetts, where he met and married Harriet Montague, who was born in that state, in September. 1812. Almost immediately after their union they set forth for the west to make a home, first going to DuPage county, Illinois, and later to Mc- Henry county, that state, where they lived for a number of years. In 1844 they penetrated the wilds of Winnebago county, Wisconsin, where, in a virgin countrs^. thev settled on a homestead. There they rounded out their careers, Mrs. Giddings dying in 1900 and Mr. Giddings having passed away a number of years previously. They experienced all the hardship of the wild life of the pioneers, but their sturdy New Eng-land characteristics carried them safely through, and they Hved to see their i)roperty become valuable, to rear their children to honorable lives, and to secure unto themselves ties of respect and friendship. They were faithful members of the Seventh Day Adventist church, and as a Republican Mr. Giddings was frequently elected to positions of public honor and trust. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living: Elvira, who is the widow of Chauncey Ellerton, and resides in Wisconsin : Joseph M , who is the subject of this review; Amy, who resides at Hiawatha, Kansas, and is the widow of Frank Kimball ; and Ralph, who is a veterinary surgeon in Wisconsin.

Joseph M. Giddings was about four years of age when taken by his parents to Wisconsin, and in the primitive country schools of Winnebago county he secured a somewhat elementary training. Attending school in the winter months, his summers from early boyhood were given over to work on the home farm, and he thus grew to sturdy and well trained manhood. \\'hen he heard of the call for troops, issued by President Lincoln, he was anxious to join the Union army during the early months of the Civil war, but his parents were against his becoming a soldier and as he was an obedient youth he respected their commands. However, on his twenty-first birthday, he felt that he was free, and immediately enlisted. September 4, 1861, in Company K. Eleventh Regiment. Wisconsin \'olunteer Infantry. When his terin expired he veteranized with the same company and regiment, and his service therewith continued until beyond the close of the war, he receiving his honorable discharge and being mu.stered out of the service September 6, 186.^. His engagements were numerous, including the siege of \'icksburg. and other important and bloody battles of the big struggle between the forces of the north and south, and through all the vicissitudes of camp and army life he comported himself as a brave and faithful soldier, courageous in battle, and strict in his performance of duty.

When he returned to civilian life. Mr. Giddings resmned the vocation of farming, and in 1871 he founded a home of his own. when he married Miss Tulia Spernt". who likewise was lx)rn in McHenrv county, Illinois, and who is a daughter of Rais and Sarah (Lilly) Sperry, natives of Dover Center, Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sperry lived for a time in Illinois, but later moved to Wisconsin, where, in Winnebago county. Mrs. Sperry died. Her husband then came to Hve with his daughter, Mrs. Giddings, and he died in Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings became the parents of two children : Lillie. who married Wes Lee and lives on a farm at Poison. Montana; and Ira. who married Alice Sherbeck. and resides on his father's old homestead.

In 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Giddings came to Nebraska and settled in York county, where they made their home for two years. Their next place of residence was Custer county, where, on a farm of 160 acres, which Mr. Giddings homesteaded, they continued to live until their retirement to Ansley, in 1*^)12. Here they have since resided quietly, in their modern home, surrounded by all the comforts which they richly deserve, because of their years of strenuous and continued lalxjr.

Mr. Giddings is a valued member of th-; Grand Amiy of the Republic, while Mrs. Giddings belongs to Stedman Circle, of the Wnnien's Relief Corps. In politics Mr. Giddings is a Republican, and on various occasions he has efficiently discharged the duties of township offices to which he has been elected by his fellow citizens.

IMARIUS LANGE. - Eminently successful in all his farming operations, eminently successful in all of his dealings and speculations, is the way to describe what has been accomplished by the man whose name initiates this review.

Marius Lange was born in Demnark, on the 13th day of June. 1863, and he is a son of Theodore and Anna (Sorrenson) Lange, both representatives of fine old Scandinavian stock. In the father's family were seven children - IMarius. James. Lewis, Christina Sorrenson, Lena Robertson, Anna Robertson, and Theresa Syerson. Concerning his early life. Marius Lange says that when a mere lad he herded sheep for a neighbor for six months, for which he received ten crowns - equal to two dollars and fifty cents. This was the first money that came into his possession and is in reality the foundation of his present competency. He early formed the habit of trading knives, watches, and other boyish commodities, and from these transactions he obtained a little money. When fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker, and he worked for four years in learning his trade, during which time he received only his board, .\fter working twelve hours a day for his board, he had to work nights and Sundays to earn his clothes. When eighteen years of age he came to the I'nited States and obtained a position in a rolling mill in New York, where he worked for a short time - till he got enough money to reach Chicago. There he worked in H. H. Andrews' bank-furnishing establishment and he stayed with this concern for four years. It was in Chicago that he led to the marriage altar Miss Christina Christensen, a lady of Danish blood and, like himself, a native of Denmark. She is a daughter of Andrew and Ida Christensen, in whose immediate family were four children - Mrs. Lange, Peter, Catherine Sorrenson, and Hannah Caspersen. Mr. and Mrs. Lange established a home of their own and in time supplied it with all comforts and necessities. The stork has been kind to them and thirteen children have been born to them. Of the number ten are living: Ida is the wife of Charles Booth, a farmer in Kimball county, Nebraska, and they have five children. Anna is the wife of Willis Chadd, a farmer living near Callaway. Sophia is the wife of Chris Rookstool, a Callaway farmer, and they have had two children, one of whom died in infancy. Theodore, who is fanning near Callaway, married Ethel Hendricks, and they have one child. The military draft for the great war placed Theodore Lange in the 4th class. Andrew, who married Mabel Kolbo, lives near Pine Bluff, Wyoming, where he is farming. There are two children in his home. Lena married Bert Holibaugh, a Dawson county farmer, and they have two children. Nels married May Woods and lives on a farm near Callaway. The draft exemption board had not yet classified him. at the time this sketch was revised. Veile is the wife of William Helmuth, an Oconto farmer. Julius and James are both assisting their father on the home farm. Leetta, the youngest, is eleven years of age, and is pursuing her studies in the seventh grade of the public schools. She is especially fond of music, in which she is taking a sp>ecial course.

The Langes came to Custer county in 1886 and settled on what is known as the Lange Table, north of the Redfern Table and eight miles south of Callaway. The old habit" of trading, contracted in youth, broke out again in after years and has always been a source of some profit to Mr. Lange. He recently sold his home place, consisting of 1,350 acres, for $47,000, and he is still the owner of 1,100 acres of good Custer county soil. His health is not good, and he and his wife will travel and investigate conditions in other states before they decide upon their relocation. Few men of Custer county have been as successful as Mr. Lange. When he started in Custer county he had nothing, and was three hundred dollars in debt. The entire family, children and all, are connected with the Lutheran

CHARLES E. BRANSTITER. - One of the more recent settlers of Custer county is Charles E. Branstiter, who is carrying on farming and stock-raising near Lomax Station. He has demonstrated his ability as an agriculturist and by honorable dealing has won the respect and friendship of his neighbors. Mr. Branstiter was born in Nemaha county, Nebraska, August 26, 1882, the sixth in order of birth of the ten children born to Daniel M. and Mary A. (Horn) Branstiter, the former of whom was born in Illinois, and the latter in Nebraska. The surviving children are: Claude M., Jacob L., William H., Dan M., John, Charles E., Mrs. Ethel Van Houten, and Florence. The father was a farmer all his life. He died in Nebraska, May 2, 1915.

Charles E. Branstiter attended the country schools in boyhood and grew up on his father's farm. Farming has been his business all his life, and as he is an intelligent and enterprising man he has made his vocation profitable. He has been established in Custer county since February, 1918, when he bought 320 acres of what is known as Lomax land, situated near Lomax Station, a fine property that Mr. Branstiter is rapidly developing and improving. When he was not more than eight years old Mr. Branstiter went on record concerning the matter of good wages being the due of farm laborers, his uncle, Charles Horn, being fond of telling a humorous stor}' concerning a certain job of dropping corn from an old cornplanter, when there was much discussion as to salary.

Mr. Branstiter was married in 1909, in Nemaha county, Nebraska, to Miss Cora B. Cathcart, who was born in that county and who is a daughter of William C. and Mary C. (Starr) Cathcart, the latter being a native of Illinois. The father of Mrs. Branstiter was a native of Pennsylvania and from that state he went forth as a soldier in the Civil War. Afterward he located in Nebraska and he became well known in Nemaha county, where, with his family, he belonged to the Alethodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Branstiter has two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Bailey, and Mrs. Lala Weaver. !Mr. and ^Irs. Branstiter have one son, Bervl E., an engaging child of three years. Mrs. Branstiter, as implied above, was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, but Mr. Branstiter belongs to the Christian church. He takes a good citizen's interest in public matters and gives hearty support to the Democratic party, but his personal affairs have up to the present time so engaged his attention that he has never entertained a desire for public office of any kind. He is well known in several communities, through his membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the -Modern \\'oodmen of America - orders largely made up. in this section, of representative and reliable men.

EDWIN F. MYERS. - The kind of energy-, resource, and initiative required of the young man who would succeed in any of the learned professions, seems to have been an integral part of the equipment of Edwin F. Myers when he entered upon his career. He was still a school boy when he began laying practical plans for a thorough education, and his faith in himself has been fully vindicated, for to-day he is one of the successful lawyers practicing at the Custer county bar. .Mr. :\Iyers' birthplace was Georgetown. Custer county. He was born November 22, 1879, in a cedar-log house such as all the more industrious of the early settlers provided for their families.

From boyhood .Mr. :\Iyers showed marked ambition and business abilitv. He did his grammar-school work in the country school district and at the age of fourteen years he entered the Broken Bow high school. ' .A-t the age of nineteen he built the two-story building where his office is now located, and here ran a bicycle shop on the lower floor, for two years. .At the expiration of that time he sold out to enter the University of Nebraska, and had $1,000 of clear profit.

In 190+ Mr. Myers was graduated from the State University and immediately entered the Harvard Law School, at Cambridge. ^Massachusetts. He was graduated froni Harvard. with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 1907, passed the bar examinations in Massachusetts, and was admitted to practice there. His first practical work was done in the collection department of Marshall Field & Company's great retail store in Chicago, where he worked during the fall and winter following his graduation. He there became a member of the bar of the state of Illinois.

In the spring of 1908 Mr. Myers came to Broken Bow, and opened a law office, as the partner of Judge Silas A. Holcomb, former governor and former justice of the Nebraska supreme court. This partnership continued until January 1. 1910. since which date he has conducted his law office alone.

-Mr. Myers to Miss C. Julia Haumont. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jules Haumont. Mrs. -Myers was born at Elton, .Nebraska. May 18, 1890. lo this union there have been born four sons - Edwin Jules Francis, seven years of age (1918): Kenneth Lucian. aged si.x years ; Frank .Marcellus, aged two years ; and an infant. John Robert.

.\t the State University Mr. Myers was captain of the football team of his class, as well as a member of his class baseball team, and the second football team. .\t Harvard he won the much coveted "H" as a member of the swimming team. He also played on the first football team in one of the early games of the season but was put out for the remainder of the season by an injury to his face, and the following year the rules were changed to bar graduates.

Since coming to Broken Bow Mr. Myers has been instrumental in organizing the Round Table Club, which meets once each month during the winter season, for a good dinner and the discussion of some live topic.

Three of Mr. Myers' direct ancestor on the maternal side fought as patriot soldiers during the war of the Revolution, and this gives him membership in the Sons of the -Vmerican Revolution. His mother's people on both sides came from old colonial stock. She is one of the more than 5,000 direct descendants of Daniel Shedd, whose landing place of 1636, now a part of greater Boston, is marked by a marble' shaft. One of the very prominent members of this family is the capitalist, John Graves Shedd. president of ^larshall Field & Company, of Chicago, chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Central Railroad and prominent in other big business institutions of his city and state.

The name of Mr. Myers' maternal grandfather was Bezaleel Shedd and his maternal grandmother was .Ann ( Prouty ) Shedd. The F^routys descended from Richard Prouty. who landed in .America in 1667. This Prouty family has furnished a member of the federal interstate commerce commission, a governor, and two congressmen.

Mr. Myers' father is John E. Myers, who is spending his declining years in the milder climate of Boise. Idaho. He was born .August 22, 1841. in Sus.sex county. New Jersey, and is a son of Jacob \\'. and Hannah L. (Saunders) IMyers. Jacob W. Myers was a nativeborn -American, and a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. Jacob \\'. Myers moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, where he resided some twenty years. He came from Pennsvlvania to Nebraska Territorv in

In 1861 John E. Myers enhsted for service in the Civil war, in which he served three years and two months. While so serving he had the remarkable experience of being knocked down and stunned by a shell that grazed his forehead but did him no damage. He arrived in Nebraska Territory on April 1, 1865, with only such money as he had saved from his soldier pay of thirteen dollars a month, after supporting a bedridden grandmother, but, like most of the other pioneers, he possessed a very strong body and a good, clear mind. He organized a gang and went through as far as Green River, Wyoming, getting out ciedar ties for the Union Pacific Railroad, the track for which was then being laid. He then returned to Nebraska and went into the cattle business, first near Grand Island, later near Fort Kearney, and finally, on June 13, 1877, he moved to the South Loup, where he preempted a quarter-section. Thereafter he bought land from time to time, until, at the time of his retiring, in 1910, his ranch consisted of 3,240 acres.

John E. Alyers was county commissioner of Dawson countv in 1875 and 1876. and of Custer county 'in 1879, 1880, and 1881. He was chairman of the board during the year 1881, when the commissioners ordered the county clerk to "take charge of the county properly and remove the same to Broken Bow."

At Overton, Nebraska, on the 5th of March, 1876, was solemnized the marriage of John E. Myers to Miss Amanda M. Shedd, of North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Of this union were born five sons, of whom four are still living - Edwin F. and Morris E. are still residents of Custer county, Nebraska, while Arthur I. and Herbert G. are residents of Idaho. Each of these four sons was given a college education. Mrs. Amanda AI. (Shedd) Myers was born in Chester, \'ermont, on February 16, 1849, and her parent's soon afterward! moved to North Brookfield, Massachusetts.

JAMES R. LAUGHRAN was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1852, and is a son of the late Thomas Laughran, of whom extended mention is made on other pages of this volume.

James R. Laughran is the eldest in a family of four children and accompanied the family to Nebraska in 1869. W'hen his father moved to Custer count}- young Laughran remained on the farm in Saunders county. In 1876 he came to Custer countv. where he remained that winter. In 1879 he engaged in the cattle business in Blaine county, where for many years he was one of the largest cattlemen in this part of the state. Upon the death of his mother he purchased the old homestead, in the Anselmo district of Custer county, and here he is now living practically retired. The record made by his father as an early settler and the associations surrounding the old home make it a very desirable place to live.

In 1877 James R. Laughran was married, in Omaha, to Miss Margaret Foley, a native of Princeton, New Jersey. Mrs. Laughran is a daughter of Timothy and Mary Foley, who were natives of County Cork, Ireland, and who were residents of Princeton, New Jersey, for many years after coming to America ; eventually they came to Saunders county, Nebraska, and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Laughran have become the parents of seven children ; James, who conducts the ranch in Blaine county ; Thomas, who is farming in Custer county : Lizzie, who is the wife of H. C. Cox, of Brewster, Nebraska; Timothy and William, who are residents of Canada ; Kate, who is the wife of William Christen and lives in Custer county : and Mike, who is a farmer in Custer county.

James R. Laughran has been successful in his business ventures and his family own a ranch of thirty-two quarter-sections of land, besides his father's old homestead in Custer county.

He and his family are members of the Catholic church, and after a residence of forty years in this section of the state he is well and favorably known.

HENRY E. ZIMMERMAN, who for many years was one of the influential and substantial men of Custer county, came here as a pioneer from an old settled community in Iowa, where he was already a man of prominence. During his thirty-seven years of life in Custer county he became equally respected and relied on, and he is recalled as one of Custer's most useful and worth}' citizens.