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

ALBERT Y. SUTTON. - After a long life of industry and usefulness, the worthy citizen of Broken Bow whose name constitutes the caption of this sketch is now spending his declining years in comfortable and contented retirement. Mr. Sutton was born in Peoria count)', Illinois, June 17, 1841, and has been a resident of Custer county for twenty-eight years, during which time he has been successful in the accumulation of considerable farming and realty holdings.

William Sutton, the father of Albert Y. Sutton, was born at Parsonsfield, York county, Maine, where he passed his early life in agricultural pursuits, removing from there to Peoria county, Illinois, where he married and reared his children, later moving to Hooper, Dodge county, Nebraska, where he died and was buried, as was also his wife, Mary J. He was a member of the Republican party and belonged to the Baptist church, as did also Mrs. Sutton, who bore the maiden name of Mary Young and who was the daughter of Levi Young, They were the parents of five children, of whom three are living: Albert Y. is the subject of this sketch ; William, who is a mechanic and school-teacher in Arkansas, a Republican and a member of the Baptist church, married Eva Hickok, daughter of William H. Hickok ; and Fannie E. is the wife of Joseph Wrigley, a retired farmer at Peoria, Illinois, a veteran of the Civil war, member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a Republican.

Albert Y. Sutton well remembers the first dollar which he ever eamed and the circumstances of securing it. It was a gold piece and was earned when he took the place of a sick uncle in work on the farm, and its reception gave more pleasure to him than any he has earned since. This gold piece he gave to the foreign mission. He went to the country schools and assisted his father on the farm, and in 1861 commenced a college course at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, Illinois, which old and honored institution he attended one and one-half years. His career, however, like those of other youths of his day, was interrupted by the Civil war, and in October, 1862, he laid aside his books and studies to don his country's uniform, shoulder a rifle, and become a member of Company E, Seventj'-seventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. With that organization he served until the close of the war, and during his service he participated in some heavy fighting, including Vicksburg, the Red River expedition under General Banks, Mobile, Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakelev. \\'hen peace was declared, he was honorably discharged, with a splendid record, and returned to his home, where for about a year he operated a farm.

August 26, 1866, in Peoria county. Illinois, Mr. Sutton married ^liss Abbie Donnell, a daughter of Captain Thomas and Ruth (Curtis) Donnell, natives of Plymouth county.

Massachusetts, her father having been a sea captain, and both he and his wife having been members of the Episcopal church. Miss Donnell came from Massachusetts to IlHnois to teach school, and she taught about two years before her marriage to Mr. Sutton, the young soldier. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sutton settled down for a short time to agricultural pursuits, but in 1867 they came to Dodge county, Nebraska, where he followed farming and the real-estate business until 1890. Then he came to Broken Bow, where he has since been splendidly successful in accumulating holdings in farming property and other real estate. He is accounted one of the wellto-do men of his community, and is living in quiet retirement, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutton there are two living: Jennie E. and Herbert O. Jennie E. married Hon. J. R. Dean, on the of the foremost lawyers of the state and now a judge of the Nebraska supreme court, with residence at Lincoln. Judge and Mrs. Dean are members of the Presb\-terian church, he is a Democrat in politics and fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Workmen. A biography of Judge Dean will be found elsewhere in this work. He and Mrs. Dean have two children: Paul H. and Dorothy S. Herbert O. Sutton is a graduate of the Nebraska State University and has always been in educational work, having charge at present of the physical-science department at the State Normal School at Kearney. He is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sutton wedded Miss Harriet Tripp and they have an adopted child, Evan M.

REINHART WANKE. - The modest operations of Reinhart Wanke are so common to Custer county that they attract small attention from those who do not know him intimately. The neighbors, however, appreciate the work of this frugal, industrious pioneer who has lived quietly, who has reared his children to manhood and womanhood, and who well deserves a place in the Custer roll of honor on which are inscribed the names of the successful farmers and responsible citizens.

Reinhart ^\'anke was born in Germany, in 1847. and comes of a strong German family noted for frugality and thrift. The father's name was Reinhart and the family name of the mother was Ludmille. Years ago the parents moved to the United States and settled in

Reinhart \\'anke, Jr., came to Nebraska ia 1878, and is accordingly a pioneer of forty years standing. The first eight years of his Hfe in Nebraska were spent in Butler count)'. Thirty-two years ago last March (1918) he moved to Custer county and selected a homestead, and since that time he has been identified with agricultural pursuits and the general development of the country.

Mrs. Wanke was formerly Miss Mary Turck, a native of Austria, where her parents lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart became the parents of six children : Reinhart lives in California; Mary lives in Nevada; Englebert lives in Idaho : Ernest lives in Nevada ; Robert died in 1887 : Ernestice died two years ago, she having been the wife of William Binder.

The Wanke farm residence, which contains the well deserved home comforts, is located on a splendid quarter-section of land, well improved, and rendered unusually profitable by good cultivation. All to be seen on the premises, which represents the life accumulations of Mr. Wanke, is the result of his own toil and industry'. Mr. and Mrs. Wanke are well respected and locally prominent. They are faithful members of the Catholic church and in their advanced years are provided with home comforts, while they are happy in the realization that their children are representative men and women of whom they Jiave reason to be proud.

JOSEPH C. HEAIPSTEAD is one of the venerable and honored citizens of Broken Bow, has been a resident of Custer county since 1902, and during the greater part of the intervening years he has here lived virtually retired from active business affairs. He is a scion of a prominent and influential family that was founded in Missouri in the very early period of the history of that commonwealth, and the name which he bears has been identified with American annals since the colonial era.

Joseph Conway Hempstead was born in St. Louis county. Missouri, on the 14th of March, 1848, and is a son of John and Lucinda (Conway) Hempstead, the former of whom was born in the vicinity of Hartford. Connecticut, and the latter of whom was born in St Louis county, Missouri, where her parents were pioneer settlers - at a time when that section of the Union was on the very frontier of civilization. John Hempstead was reared and educated in New England and in his youth he named Childs, a family that was distinguished in militarj' life. Mr. Newman's great-grandfather Childs fought as a soldier in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather, Charles Childs, took part in the War of 1812, while three uncles of his mother, Samuel, Nelson, and Seth Childs, were Union soldiers during the Civil war. The mother of Mr. Newman was bom in New York, July 16, 1826, and died February 14, 1890. Mr. Newman had one full sister, Clarissa, who died at the age of nine years. His father, Darius Newman, was born near Geneva, New York, and was reared on a farm. After marriage he came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1848, and settled in Brown county in 1849, buying a half-section of land from the Fox Improvement Company. In May, 1855, he left his family to go on a prospecting tour to Minnesota. The country was practically a wilderness at that time and the fate of Mr. Newman can only be conjectured, as he was never afterward heard from. He had been a man of some importance and was very active in the Whig party. Through the mother's second marriage, Mr. Newman had one half-sister and two half-brothers, namely : Bessie, who died at Menasha, Wisconsin : Charles Gear, who is a fanner on the old homestead in Brown county ; and William, who operates a milk route at Menasha. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In March, 1879, Henry C. Newman came to Nebraska and filed on a claim on Elk creek, South Loup township, Custer county, and also proved up on a tree claim. From 1880 until 1884 he had charge of F. C. Dodge's cattle interests on Elk creek, then carried on farming on his own claim until 1888, when he sold his land and moved to within six miles of Mason City, where he bought a half-section, subsequently expended much money in improving it and still owns the property. After retiring from the active work of the farm he moved into Mason City and for two years afterward managed the Farmers Co-operative store there.

Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Barbara Illingworth, who was born in 1856, near Liverpool, England. Her parents were Rhodes and Ann (Minikin) Illingworth, the former of whom was born in England in 1826 and died in Kansas, in July, 1884. The latter was bom in England, February' 4. 1830, and died in May, 1903. The father of Mrs. Newman was a carpenter by trade. In 1870 he came to the United States with his family, and after working at his trade for a time in the city of Chicago, he went to Wisconsin and from there to Kansas. Both he and wife were members of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Newman was the third born of their children, the others being as follows : Polly, who is the wife of Stephen Evans, a gardner at Los Angeles, California; Benjamin, who lives at Chicago, follows his father's trade; and Ada, who is the wife of Herman Riese, a Canadian farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have had children as follows : Rhodes Ollie, who was born in 1888, is a farmer in Custer county; John Darius, who was born September 14, 1889, entered military service in in the United States May 29, 1918, had training at Camp Dodge and Fort Snelling, then detailed to duty at Cicero, Illinois, contracted the influenza and died October 21, 1918, a brave soldier, just the same as if on the field of battle; Hugh Charles, who was born June 6, 1891, is fanning the home place ; Ada Ann, who was born August 4, 1892, spent three years in the Wesleyan University at Lincoln, taught school four years and is now a trained nurse in the Ford Hospital at Ohaha ; and Sybil Catherine, who was bom Febmary 10, 1893, died December 8, 1894. In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Newman united with the Evangelical church but transferred to the Methodist Episcopal cliurch. as more in accord with their religious belief and practice, when they moved to Mason City, and are active in its many avenues of Christian benevolence. Politically Mr. Newman is a Republican, with independent tendencies. He takes no very active part in political affairs at present, but during his many years on the farm was foremost in public movements and served in numerous official capacities. From 1887 until 1888 he was a member of the county board of supervisors ; from 1885 to 1886 was township supervisor; for thirteen years was school director of School District 19, and of District 146 for nine consecutive years. He is a member of the fraternal order of Modern Woodmen. Perhaps in no section of Custer county is his name unknown and it is always mentioned wth respect.

JOB P. WARD, who came to Custer county in 1882 and has since been successfully advancing his interests and position as a farmer and grower of live stock, is a Pennsylvanian by birth, but to all intents and purposes is a son of the sturdy west. While the state of his nativity could ofifer hini nothing that ]>romised success, he has found in Nebraska the opportunity to work out a satisfying career of achievement, and to-day he is accounted a leading and substantial citizen, thoroughly representative of the community of his adoption.

6, 1854, a son of George Samuel Ward and Hannah (Spendlove) Ward, natives of England. Hannah Spendlove Ward and the late President William McKinley were first cousins. George Samuel Ward, who was a maker of tortoise-shell combs in England, came to the United States in the '40s and here he settled on a farm, agricultural pursuits being his vocation up to the time of his death, in 1878. Mrs. Ward survived him until 1903, and both died in the faith of the Wesleyan Methodist church. He was a Republican in politics and was accounted one of the well-to-do men of his locality. Of the elev3n children in the family. Job P. is the only survivor.

After attending the common schools of his native state. Job P. Ward learned the trade of blacksmith, a vocation which he followed for several years, also doing some farming. At the time of his father's death, in 1878, he came to Nebraska, first settling in Polk county, where he resided one year. In 1879 he removed to Buffalo county, where he resided in a sod house while trj'ing his hand at farming, but in 1882 he disposed of his interests there and came to Custer count3% where he secured a homestead and a tree claim. He still owns his homestead, and is now residing on the tree claim, to which he has added by purchase until he is the owner of a section of land. During the early days Mr. Ward experienced all the hardships of the pioneer settler, -and at times found it hard to make both ends meet. He was frequently compelled to turn his hand to other employments in order that he and his family might secure the bare necessities of life, and during early times often hauled wood to Kearney, where he accepted whatever small amounts he could secure for it. In his wife he had a faithful companion during these hard times and sod-house days, their marriage having been solemnized in 1878. Mrs. Ward, whose maiden name was Sarah Jones, was likewise born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of eight children : Loretta is the wife of Mahlon Kelley and they reside at Bellingham, Washington ; Ida, a graduate of the State Normal School, is now teacher of English in the school at David City, Nebraska ; James, at home, is his father's assistant in the management and operation of the farm ; Harry, v.dio rents land near the home estate, is engaged in fanning; Emma is the wife of Bruce Williams, of IMcPherson, Kansas, a preacher of the Dunkard faith ; Mary Rosella is the wife of John Mitchell, also a Dunkard preacher, and they are living in Indiana : and Galen and Philip are at the parental home. Mr. and Mrs. Ward and their children are members of the Dunkard church. In politics Air. Ward is a Republican. He is a publicspirited citizen, and for a quarter of a centur)- served as a member of the school board.

Mr. Ward does general farming, and from a start of absolutely nothing has risen to be one of the successful men of the county. He also does a large business in growing stock, and in the summer of 1918 he disposed of seven thousand dollars' worth of live stock, including cattle, horses, mules, and hogs, the hogs being of the full-blooded Duroc breed. In April, 1918, he sold two old sows and nine young pigs that averaged 365 pounds. In business circles his reputation is an excellent one, his associates having every reason to have confidence in his integrity and fidelity.

WILLIAM STRUEA.rPLER, who is well and favorably known in Custer county, owns a large body of land here and has one of the most highly cultivated farms in this whole section. He is a man of great industry, and his good judgment has been shown in his adoption of the best of farm methods, with the result that he has accomplished more in eleven years than have many men who have been in the county twice as long.

William Struempler was born in Germany, June 3. 1866. a son of Christian Struempler. He attended school through his boyhood and was variously engaged in his own coimtry until 1885, when he accompanied his brother, Herman Struempler, to the United States.

William Struempler was married at St. Paul, Nebraska. January' 18. 1894, to Miss Johanna Tiede, a daughter of Carl Tiede, and they have twelve children, namely: Carl C. William F., Lydia L.. Henry H., Emil E., Theodore J., Magdalena J., Alma M., Frederick G., Albert AL, Martin A., and Dorothy C.

In the spring of 1907 Air. Struempler sett'ed on Buffalo creek, in Custer county, and he resides in section 33. township 13, range 22. He owns 480 acres of excellent land and has 200 acres under a high state of cultivation. All of his land is fenced and cross-fenced. He has accomplished wonders here, for when he settled, this was raw prairie land. and within eleven years he has so developed and improved it that he could easily sell it for $25,000. In addition to general farming he raises cattle and other live stock, and his wife, not to be outdone in thrift, manages a large flock of poultry and looks after the making of butter. All of these industries are carried on with the practical methods that make a well regidated farm a profitable investment. The children of the family are being taught habits of industry and economy and are being impressed with the value of individual integrity and honesty, Mr. Struempler not only setting them an example, but also taking pride in the fact that his given word is as good as if it were his signed note.

EBENEZER NICHELSON. - The story of Ebenezer Nichelson, a plain, unassuming farmer in the Callaway region, is easily told. He was born in Indiana, October 6, 1854. His father, James Nichelson, was a native of Maryland and a blacksmith by trade and occupation. The mother's maiden names was Susan Higdon. In the family of James and Susan Nichelson, father and mother of the subject of this sketch, were eight children, four of whom are still living. The surviving ones are William Nichelson, Isaac Nichelson. Ebenezer Nichelson ( whose story we are telling) , and James H. Nichelson. In 1862 James Nichelson moved to Champaign county, Illinios, where he worked at his trade, more or less, until his death, which occurred four years later. When but five years of age young Eben, as he was called, was left motherless. Thus, at twelve years of age, he was bereft of both parents, and very early in life thrown entirely upon his own resources. He was an industrious lad of frugal habits, and found work enough to keep him busy. He worked constanth', regardless of the small pay by which labor was remunerated in those days.

On March 4. 1883, before leaving Champaign county, Illinois, Mr. Nichelson was married to Miss Hanna B. Hayes. Mrs. Nichelson was born and married in the same house in Champaign county, Illinois. Her parents were natives of Ohio. Her father, Thompson P. Hayes, was a prominent citizen of Greenville, in the Buckeye state. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah A. Dunn. Mrs. Nichelson has four brothers and one sister. They are: David, x\sa, Joseph M., and John W. Hayes, Jeanetta (Hayes) Haines, and Benjamin F. Hayes. The Hayes family were affiliated with the United Brethren church.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichelson came to Custer county in the fall of 1883 and located on a pre-emption claim five miles southwest of Callaway, where they still reside. They have made good in Custer county and are now the possessors of 200 acres of fertile land, on which they have a beautiful home and are are in very comfortable circumstances. Mr. Nichelson is prominent in fraternal circles, being both an Odd Fellow and a Mason.

It causes Mr. Nichelson some amusement when he contrasts the opportunities and remunerations of the present day with those that obtained when he was a boy. The first dollar he earned was paid him by a neighbor for plowing corn with one horse and the oldfashioned "double-shovel plow - a mode of cuhivation that wouldn't get very far in these days of the double and triple rowed machinery.

Mr. Nichelson is to-day one of the substantial men and progressive spirits of Custer county. His development of liis early preemption claim and the general improvements which he has added to the assets of the commonwealth, make the county indebted to him. He and his wife are highly respected and have a host of friends who delight to see them so comfortbly fixed and pleasantly surrounded.

WILLIAM H. WATTS. - In the person of Mr. Watts, Iowa made a contribution which Custer county is in a position to appreciate. He came into the county in an early day, and in the most trying time of its entire history. By exceptional pluck and tireless energy he has succeeded in materially contributing to the present-day wealth and resources of this favored section of Nebraska.

Mr. Watts was born in Iowa on the 19th of February, 1870, and is a son of John and Julia (O'Daniel) in whose family were three children: Mary Alice is the wife of John Cherry and they reside in this good county; Jennie is deceased : and William H., the subject of this sketch, is to-day rendering a good account of himself.

Mr. Watts' arrival in Custer county dates from the dry year of 1894, at which time his father located here. The first purchase of land for the Watts farm was a tract of 200 acres, which was diligently tilled and improved, and to which successive additions were made until the landed holdings are now 600 acres, which trebles the original purchase. Mr. Watts began with nothing and has worked hard for every dollar of his accumulation.

In 1902 Mr. Watts married Elizabeth Cherry, who has been a faithful and companionable home-maker, and they are the parents of four children - Clifford, Clarence, Elmer, and Charles - all bright, sturdy lads who are living at home and pursuing their education in the community school.

In connection with agriculture, stock-raising is a prominent feature of the farm enterprise of Mr. Watts. A fine herd of cattle, and yards filled with splendid hogs, add to the thrifty appearance of his fine farm. The buildings are

Independent in poHtics. Mr. Watts cares httle for party or name. He makes his own selection of candidates for whom he votes. The family are Presbyterians.

SILAS C. WALDRON, one of the substantial ranchmen living in the Callaway vicinity, had more than the usual pioneer experiences, and. surviving the early days, he is rated as one of the heavy land-owners and food producers of Custer county at the present time.

Silas C. Waldron is a native of ^^'isconsin, in which state he was born May 24. 1860. He is a son of Arbitha and Emily (Chapin) Waldron. the former a native of Canada and the latter of Massachusetts. The subject of this sketch is the only survivor in a family of four children.

Mr. Waldron's early life was spent at the parental farm home, where he was a valuable assistant, and incidentally he ran the gamut of the countrj' school, obtaining a fundamental education that has served him well in an official and business capacity throughout the eventful years of his life. In addition to attending the district school he worked at home and took a course in the high s:hool.

In 1884 he made his advent into Custer county, coming with Charles and Frank Redfern, for whom the Red fern Table was named. His own land and early home is located on the Waldron Table, ten miles south of Callaway. He commenced his improvements in the days when water had to be hauled ten miles. All kind of means were resorted to for obtaining water for stock and house purposes ; the lagoons were scooped out. cisterns were dug, snow melted, and all this hel{>ed to supply water. Young Silas worked for stockmen and did everything he could to lK>ld and improve his claim.

Mr. Waldron was united in marriage December 12, 1894, in Elim township, this county, to Miss Edna E. Twist, a daughter of Salem and Awilda (Albright) Twist. After their marriage Silas Waldron and his wife established their home, and began their operations as Custer county farmers and homemakers. They have two children: Mrs. Fay Westman is the wife of a farmer near Callaway, and she has no children ; the second child. Fxlna M.. is making her home W'ith her grandmother, at \'aneta. Oregon. Mrs. Waldron died at the time of Edna's birth, and this

Mr. Waldron contracted a second marriage July 16, 1904, at Broken Bow. when he wedded Sopha Gustus, a lady from Illinois, she being a daughter of John and Matilda (VanGreen) Gustus, both natives of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Waldron have seven children - Charles T., Harry A., John A., Eva E., Esther M., Sidne)' C, and Anna R.

Mr. Waldron has taken more or less active part in public affairs. In 1886 he was appointed deputy sheriff, under Charles Penn, who was one of the most celebrated sheriffs Custer county ever elected. In the capacity of deputy sheriff Mr. Waldron served two years, and he had many exciting experiences in effecting arrests of outlaws and thieves, who were far more numerous in the early days than now. He was rated as one of Custer county's most efficient officers, one who was always ready, day or night, for any trip or any service required. He also sen-ed as town clerk of his precinct, and he represented Grant township on the board of supervisers during the hard year of 1894. He served until the board of supervisors was reduced from twenty-four to seven members. He has also been justice of the peace in his locality.

Successful as a ranchman and stock-raiser, Mr. Waldron's accumulations and property place him in good circumstances. He owns 2.000 acres of land, and aims to handle from 200 to 250 cattle, and from 100 to 150 head of hogs on the place at all times. Of his land 450 acres are in cultivation, and he superintends the operations himself.

In looking back upon those early days and the experiences through which he has passed, Mr. Waldron feels that he has contributed his bit to the development of the county. He is entitled to this opinion. His contribution has certainly been no small one. He recalls that when he was a boy his first money was received as pay for trapping pocket-gophers, a bounty for which was offered by Cass county, where his first individual enterprises were staged.

The Waldrons rate well in the community, financially, socially, and in every way. Mr. Waldron is a member of the Inde]>endent Order of Odd Fellows, and is Republican in his political affiliation.

J. WHITEMAN. - Though he is still a young man in years, it may consistently be said that Harvey J. Wliitcman is not lacking in maturity of experience. His career has covered a period in which he has been graduated froni the school of hard work, made for himself a position in the business world, and settled himself permanently as a sound and reliable citizen of Broken Bow, where he is proprietor of the business conducted under the title of the Community Sales Company, this concern being recognized as one of the city's essential and well ordered commercial adjuncts.

Mr. W'hiteman claims the Sunflower state as the place of his nativit)-. and thus he is naturally imbued with the progressive spirit Cowley county, Kansas, September 5, 1887, of the west. He was bom on a farm in and is the second eldest of seven children born to Albert L. and Alvira (Tomlini W'hiteman. Of the other children brief record may consistently be entered at this juncture : t)ennis and Effie are deceased; ]\Ialissa A. is the wife of Fred E. Dye, of Mulvane. Kansas; Albert L., who is a graduate, with a life certificate, from the Ray Automobile School, Kansas City, and who is now a mechanic at Pittsburg, Kansas, married Gladys Oxford, a daughter of Robert Oxford; Olive May is the wife of Stephen Johnson and they reside in the state of Colorado ; and Russell W . resides with his father, near Cambridge, Kansas.

A public-school education started Harvey J. W'hiteman upon his way in the world, and this training came from the schools of Jasper county, Missouri, where his parents established their home when he was six years of age. He was able to attend school during the winter terms only, as he was expected to contribute to the family support by such serv-ice as he could give during the summer seasons. A loving influence passed from his life when he was but twelve years old, when his mother died, the family having been at that time residents of Atlanta, Kansas. Shortly after the death of his devoted mother the self-reliant lad left the paternal home, and incidentally he felt himself competent to cope with any emergency that might come. He had already earned his first money, by riding one of the horses of a binder team, on the neighboring domain of a farmer named Buck, in the Missouri community, and after initiating his independent career his energy and self-confidence gained him employment in various positions, in each of which he proved reliable, trustworthy, and ambitions. Naturally his promotions came with regularity and he was finally able to feel that the time would come when he would be the owner of a business of his own. During his working years he was employed, among others, by S. A. Schooley and J. A. Rudolph, ranchmen in Cowley county, Kansas, and he remained with these gentlemen, as foreman of their ranch, until the partnership was dissolved. Following this, Mr. W'hiteman was for four years foreman of the Kinkaid interests in Brown county, Nebraska, and in 1912 he came to Broken Bow and established himself in business as proprietor of the enterprise conducted under the title of the Community Sales Company. In the conducting of well equipped feed yards, sales stables, and general operations in the buying and selling of horses, mules, and other live stock, this concern has a secure place of leadership, as is evident when it is stated that its business in 1918 attained to an aggregate of fully S400.000.

Mr. W'hiteman is a Custer county young man who has made good. It has been in his case merely a question of relying upon his own initiative and his own resources. He has not asked for extraneous assistance in any way. In his forward march toward material success he has shown the true western spirit, and if what he has already achieved is to be viewed as a criterion, he should feel assured of still greater success with the passing years.

In politics Mr. Whiteman is found arrayed as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party, and in a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has had no ambition for public office, but has proved loyal and progressive as a citizen and given his influence and support in assisting civic movements advanced for the general good of the community.

September 23, 1907, recorded the marriage of Mr. Whiteman to Miss Nellie B. Simons, a daughter of Adam B. and Hannah E. (Dawson) Simons, who reside on their fine farm estate near Burden, Kansas. Mr. Simons having been born in White county. Indiana, and his wife at Galesburg. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Simons are members of the Evangelical church and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Of their nine children seven are living, namely: George R.. Beniamin F., Nellie B., Mary G.. Elsie F.. Ilattie E., and Margaret V. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteman became the parents of four children : Navilla Bernice, who is ten years of age at the time of this writing, in the spring of 1919; Harold Ross, who died at the age of four years ; .^dam Albert, who died at the age of nine months; and Elsie Blanche, who is two years of age.

NELS WESTMAN. - Here is written the name of another man who hails from northern Europe and in whose veins the blood of Sweden has become a valuable asset to America. Just now in middle life, he has reached that place in his accumulations where he can afford surcease from strenuous eiTort and give opportunity to his children, who already have demonstrated that they are worthy of the name they bear.

Nels Westman was born September 3, 1868, in the frugal land of Sweden. He was the second child of Peter and Magdelian (Anderson) Westman, both Swedish by long lineage. His maternal grandsire was Andrew Anderson, one of the prominent characters of his native community. In the father's family were three children. Aside from Nels they are Anna Nelson, and Augusta Johnson. His father came to this country in 1869, and located in Galva. Illinois, where he worked on the railroad. In two years he accumulated enough money to send for his family and was joined by them and thus the first home young Nels had in America was established. The principles of industry and thrift, always so rigidly enforced in European countries, stood young Nels well in hand in the new world and have stimulated his efforts throughout his entire career. When a mere lad he gathered rags and iron and sold them for a few pennies. Later he began working for the neighbors. His first field work was dropping corn, and by this he earned money for his own clothes. Since thirteen years of age he has faced the world for himself, and his present holdings and surroundings attest that he "has made good."

The domestic career of Air. Westman dates from November 7, 1889, when, in Alinden, Nebraska, he was joined in wedlock to Anna Nelson, a native of Denmark, and a daughter of Peter and Mary (Christofersen) Nelson, both of whom were sturdy Danes by a long succession of ancestors. In the family of Airs. Westman were the following- : Mary Walberg; .\nna Westman; Hanna Oman; Christine Rodine ; and two half-brothers. Rasmun Larsen and James Larsen. In the home Mr. and Mrs. Westman established, comforts have predominated and thrift has supplied} every need. They have three children. Edmund P. J. married Fay Waldron and is farming on his own land, near Callaway. He and his wife belong to the Evangelical church. Aimer N.. who also is farming his own land, near Callaway, married Alma Anderson, and they, too, belong to the Evangelical church. There is one boy in their family. Karine

The Westmans came to Custer county in 1907. He had bought the land two years previously to that time. The location is ten miles southwest of Callaway, on the famous Stop Table. Many tinies this is mentioned in this volume. The Westmans have added to their original purchase until they now own 880 acres, 480 of which is called table land. Mr. Westman has his farm well improved and well stocked, and that portion devoted to agricultural purposes is in a high state of cultivation. By his diversified farming he deposits his eggs in several baskets, and he believes that if one crop fails it is better to have another to fall back vtpon. He attributes to hogs and cattle his greatest source of revenue. Mr. and Airs. Westman were reared in the Swedish Lutheran church, are stanch supporters of all moral and uplifting movements, are patriotic -Americans and are generally regarded as leading spirits in the community. At the present time they have retired from active labors but they still live on the home farm, overseeing the operations of those to whom it is leased.

FR.AXK KLIXKAIAN is a progressive, enterprising farmer and stockman who lives in the south part of the county, in a particularly productive locality, known as Sells valley. Mr. Klinkman came when pioneer days were over, but he has proved himself a valuable asset and is one worthy to be rated well as a Custer citizen.

Air. Klinkman was born in St. Joseph county. Alichigan, September 10, 1868. Both his father and mother were of staunch German lineage and both were born in Gernianj^. The father was Fred Klinkman and the mother's maiden name was Freda Aliller. In the family were the following children : Henry, Frank, Louis. Edith Holmes, and two half-sisters, Hannah Rubenstein and Caroline Perschal. Fred Klinkman came to the LTnited States in 1855 and here he passed the remainder of his life. He died when his son Frank was seven years of age. The bo}' remained with his mother until he was ten years old, when his mother remarried, and he went to live with an elderly couple, for whom he worked for his board and clothes, the while he went to school in the winter time. This continued for two years, after which he went to Center\nlle, Alichigan, and worked summers and attended school in the winter. In this way he earned about fortv dollars a vear more than his clothes, the most of which he gave to his mother. Afterward his mother made him a present of a five-dollar gold piece, which he highly prized because of the donor.

Two years before he reached his majority, Air. Klinkman turned his face toward the west and came to Nebraska, where for two years he worked in Polk county, receiving from ten to fifteen dollars a month. He began his domestic life on the 3d day of May, 1890, at Osceola, where he led to the marriage altar Miss Caroline Timm, a lady of fine qualities, who came from Wisconsin. Slie is a daughter of Louis and Johanna (Persohn) Timm, both German people, born near Mecklenburg, Germany. In many ways Mrs. Klinkman's family were remarkable. The grandparents on her father's side died while crossina" the ocean in a sailing vessel. They were sixteen weeks on the water. Louis Timm was then fourteen years of age. Three years later, when seventeen, he enlisted in the army and served three years.

The Klinkman home has always been comfortable in its appointments and ample in its provisions. As the years went by it became the home and shelter of a large family of children, all of whom do credit to their father and mother. The y6ung Klinkmans are ten in number and bear the following names: Conrad A., who was in the draft but never served, is farming his own land, near Cozad ; Edith E. was next in order of birth ; Mattie E. is the wife of Dean Booker and they live on a farm near Cozad, their children being three in number; Lily L.. Ruth H., Roy, Vida J.. A'era I., Harold G., and Ivan L. are all at home. It should be noted that Ruth H. and Roy are twins, fourteen years of age, and that ^'ida I. and Vera I. also are twins, twelve years of age. at the opening of the year 1919.

Mr. Klinkman and his family located in Custer county in the year 1906 and bought 320 acres of good land, which they still own and occupy as a home. Farming and stock-raising have made all the money with which the place has been improved and which makes up the sum total of the Klinkman possessions. They have just built an elegant farm residence and are well fixed for the oncoming years. The family enjoy a splendid reputation and are devoted members of the Evangelical church. There is a local church, with commodious building, two miles from the farm. The political tendencies of Mr. Klinkman are Democratic.

who has accumulated enough of this world's goods to provide for himself and family a very comfortable home and to enable him to take life easy. Crandall D. Samson is a native of Champaign county, Illinois, where he was born June 8, 1872. His father, James W. Samson, was a native of Marshall county, Indiana. His mother, Eliza E. (Watson) Samson, was a native of Ohio, James W. Samson was a frontiersman and had part in early western expeditions. In 1859 he left Leavenworth, Kansas, with an ox team and drove through to Pike's Peak. He accompanied a crowd of buffalo hunters, who were killing bufi'aloes for their hides. When he reached the Colorado gold-fields, he lost no time in commencing prospecting operations and finally he located a claim, which he worked for two years, when the outbreak of the war called for young men of Samson's caliber, and he enlisted in the First Colorado Cavalry, in which he served four years. Shortly after his enlistment he had an opportunity to sell his mining claim for $10,000, but was unable to get a furlough long enough to close up the deal and consummate the transaction. Accordingly, the claim was "jumped" and became a total loss to him. The First Colorado Cavalry was assigned to scouting duty and Indian fighting during most of his term of service. After his discharge he returned to his Illinois home, and was married to Eliza E. Watson, a daughter of Jonathan Watson, a prominent citizen of the Buckeye state. Airs. Samson's mother's maiden name was Delia Gregor. Crandall D. Samson is one of a family of eight children, all of whom are still living. The firstborn is Mrs. Margaret A. Hardyman ; Crandall D. was the second in order of birth ; the third is Airs. Emma Al. Street ; the fourth is Watson R. ; the fifth is Airs. Blanch B. \Mnkleman ; the sixth is David: the seventh is Airs. Gloraetta Lowe; and the eighth is Guy.

Crandall D. Samson earned his first money by doing chores for his grandmother. She gave him a calf, which his father let him keep, and when it was grown it was sold and the money was invested in other calves. These early transactions started the youth in the direction of farming and stock-raising. He attended the public schools and received a good common-school education. His father's family was large, and as soon as he was able to work Crandall was thrown upon his own resources. Since that time he has made his own living and has gathered the competency he now possesses. His father and mother, with seven children, landed in Custer county in 1892. and located four miles west of Octonto.

to Miss Alinnie Carroll, who was a native of Bedford county. Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of H. Carroll and Ruth Carroll. From this union two children were born - R. Walter, and Gladys G. Walter graduated from the high school and at present is attending the State Agricultural School at Lincoln, Nebraska. Gladys G. is in attendance at the Western Union College, at LeMars, Iowa. Mrs. Samson, mother of the children, died May 12, 1903. Mr. Samson was again married Alarch 28, 1912, when ]\Iiss Allie V. Stoughton became his wife, she being a representative of an old English family.

Mr. and Mrs. Samson own 320 acres of land, three and one-half miles northwest of Oconto, and by thrift and industrv' have accummulated a competency for old age. Both are members of the Evangelical church at Oconto. Mr. Samson is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Republican in politics. He is always called in the community consultations of his neighbors, and he is one of the upright and valued men of his community.

GEORGE W. HAjNIMOND. - Among the farmers of recognized moral and material worth whose labors have largely helped to develop the interests of Custer county, is George W. Hammond. ^Nlr. Hammond's success in life, which has not been inconsiderable, rests wholly with himself and his abilities, for his equipment at the outset of his career was of only an ordinary character, and he was compelled to rely solely upon his own resources.

]\Ir. Hammond was born in Harrison county, Indiana, August 5- 1860, a son of George and Rachel (Schwartz) Hammond. The parents were early settlers of Indiana and followed agriculture there in a small way until their migration, in 1884, to Custer county. Here they passed the remainder of their lives in the cultivation of the soil and the development of a home' and they here rounded out honorable and useful careers, leaving many to mourn their loss when they were called to their final rest. They were the parents of eight children, of whom three survive: Ab, who is engaged in farming on a property near Ansley ; George W., whose name initiates this article : and Alexander, who follows farming, in Kimball county, this state. George W. Hammond received only limited educational advantages, in Indiana, and his entire training during his youth was along agricultural lines. He reached his majority in Indiana, but continued to be associated with his father, and with him, in 1884, he came to Nebraska. Upon his arrival he filed on a homestead, and this has continued to be his home to the present time, although it has greatly grown in size by reason of numerous purchases, and now, in acreage, comprises a half-section of land. All of this has been accumulated by Mr. Hammond through legitimate channels of business, and his reputation in the business world is one that will bear the closest scrutiny. He has devoted himself to general farming in all its departments, raises all kinds of live stock, and is known to be thoroughly familiar with the most approved methods and processes in farm industry, being, all in all, a thorough, systematic, and successful farmer who is typical of the most worthy and substantial agricultural element of the county.

January 30> 1882, Mr. Hammond married Miss Mary Hannell, who was born in Harrison county, Indiana, a daughter of Michael and Matilda (Brown) Hannell, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Indiana. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Hamiuond there have been born twelve children, of whom eleven are living : Charity, who is the wife of Bert Jones, of Kimball county, Nebraska ; Sam, who is engaged in farming in Custer county ; May, who is the wife of Clarence Evans, a farmer twelve miles east of Broken Bow ; Elsie, who is the wife of C. B. Edwards, of Yankee Hill, California ; Bill, who farms in Kimball county, Nebraska, and is a homesteader of Wyoming; Joe, of Kimball county, who prepared himself to enter the United States military service ; Pearl, who is the wife of George Miller, of Kimball county; Edith, who died at the age of twenty years ; and Dewey, Alabel, Gladys, and Lloyd, who remain with their parents. Mrs. Hammond is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Hammond belongs to the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Repubhcan in politics, but his only public office has been that of school director, in which he rendered efficient and conscientious service, for eight vears.

JOHN ROBERTSON. - This is the plain story of a plain man who has run the experiences common to Custer county settlers, one who has made here his farm home and here reared his family to creditable manhood and womanhood.

Mr. Robertson is a native of Kankakee county. Illinois, where he was born February 21, 1865. He is a son of Walter and Margaret (Johnson) Robertson, both of whom were born in Scotland. The parents, a splendid Scotch couple, maintained, in strict conformity to Scottish customs, an ideal Scottish home, in which were born seven children - George, Gavin, Walter, Margaret Lang, John, Martha Williams, and William (deceased). The father's occupation in Scotland was that of a coal- miner. He married in Scotland but came to the United States in 1878, and settled at Clark City, Illinois, where he followed coalmining as a business for nine years. He then quit the mines and came to Custer county, Nebraska, which in those days was a domain of almost endless opportunity. He located a claim on the Cottonwood, eight miles south of Callaway, and there established his home, and arranged for the maintenance of his family. It was here that the boyhood years of John Rol>- ertson were spent. It was here that he received the common education of the Custer county youths, and here that he learned by practical experience all details of practical farming and stock-raising.

After passing through the experiences common to youth, John Robertson married, June 28, 1911, Miss Sadie McGuigan. Mrs. Robertson, like her husband, is of Scotch extraction, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Armour) McGuigan, both of whom came from Scotland. The young couple established their own home and they now have two children - Georgia A., six vears old, and \'erla S., four years old (19i81. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are living on the home place of the former's father, but Mr. Robertson has just bought 240 acres adjoining on the east, and this property he expects to improve for a home of his own, in the very near future.

Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are both well and favorably known, and the neighbors predict that their energy and thrifty habits will provide amply for the years of their retirement. They bear a splendid name in the neighborhood and are known as obliging, desirable neighbors. Their religious alTiliations arc with the Catholic church.

Mr. Robertson's farming operations are of a mixed nature, large dependence being placed upon live stock, and cattle, hogs, and sheep have prominent place in his operations. Mr. Robertson .says that his first dollar was earned when he was a mere lad, by herding cattle for Theodore Lang, but he does not remember now whether the money so earned went for candv or peanuts. He kept no book accounts in those days, and only one thing concerning his first financial exploit is fixed in his mind

WILLIAM C. JOHNSTON was born October 26, 1855, in the county of Victoria, Province of Ontario, Canada. His father, William Johnston, was born January 6, 1819, in the parish of Inver, county of Donegal, Ireland. His mother's maiden name was Isabella Cassidy, and she likewise was a native of Ireland. Mr. Johnston's parents were married in 1846, and in their family were eleven children, five of whom are still living - William C, James O., Margaret E. (wife of James K. Alorrison), and Lucy (wife of Wood C. Gray).

William C. Johnston came to the L'nited States in 1879 and located in Saginaw, ]\Iichigan. Thereafter he spent two years in Minnesota, and in 1882 he came to Nebraska and located one mile north of Lodi, Custer county, where he has resided ever since. After his arrival in the county he kept bachelor quarters for two years, at the expiration of which time his sister Margaret came from Canada and relieved him of household duties. Four years later she became the wife of James K. Alorrison. This gave Mr. Johnston a hint that it might be in order for him to take unto himself a wife, and accordingly, July 24, 1889, he married Miss Louise Cornish, who was born in the state of New York, and was a daughter of Lyman C. Cornish, her father having become a well known citizen in Custer county, and her mother, Eunice A. (Lowe) Cornisli, having been a New York woman.

During the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, six children came to bless their home, and four of the number are still living - - Isabelle M., who is a graduate of the Grand Island Baptist Academy, fitted herself for teaching, but she now lives at home with her father; Louisa M., also a graduate of the same school, is a teacher and is at the paternal home; .Mgena M. is attending the Kearney Normal School ; and Edwin C, of the home circle, is in the si.xth grade of his school career.

The hai)piness of this home was overshadowed with a great sorrow on August 16, 1916, when the loved wife and mother was summoned to the life eternal, leaving her devoted family to mourn her loss.

Mr. Johnston owns 6-10 acres of land, which is well improved and makes a splendid home for his chiklren. He says that when he landed in Custer countv there were onlv two houses between his place and Oconto. He has about 275 acres of land in cultivation and in farming and stock-raising he has made the money which constitutes a modest Custer county fortune. When a boy he earned his first money by pulling the tops from carrots in a neighbor's garden.

The Johnstons are excellent people and rated in the community as fine neighbors. Religiously they are Baptists and faithful supporters of the little church at Lodi. In politics jMr. Johnston is independent.

HENRY S. POSTON, whose story is told here, is a native of the historic Old Dominion state. He was born at Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia, March 27, 1861. His parents, William and Susan (Hamilton) Poston, were likewise born in \"irginia. In the family of William Poston were eleven children. Only three are living - Mrs. Susan Long, Mrs. Araminta Brigham, and Henry S'., the subject of this sketch.

Air. Poston's parents died when he was twelve years of age, and he then went to make his home with one of his sisters. He worked on the farm in the summer time and attended school in the winter. Recalling conditions under which \'irginia farming was conducted, he says : "I remember working day after day hoeing corn and thinning out by hand, for fifty cents a day." In work of this kind yovmg Henry did as much as any full-grown man could have done. When he was nineteen years of age he went to the city of Washington, where he worked with his brother at the carpenter's trade. After a few years, thinking that he liked farming better, and hearing the call of the west, he came out to Kansas, where he worked in Marshall county about four years. In 1887 he turned his face to the northwest and crossed the line into Custer county, Nebraska, where he located a pre-emption claim, five miles northwest of Callaway.

In November, 1889, at Broken Bow. Mr. Poston married Aliss Clara Schreyer, a daughter of Frederic Schreyer, who was one of the first settlers on the South Loup river west of Callaway, and to whom was given the honor of naming Triumph Precinct. Frederic Schreyer was born in Germany. Air. and Mrs. Poston are the parents of nine children: Mrs. Araminta Ridden ; Mrs. Alice Olson ; Mrs. \'irginia Rookstool : Mrs. Lela Butler ; Miss Maude Poston, who is a recent graduate of the high school in Gothenburg, and who still resides under the parental roof ; Mrs. Opal Ridden ; Frederic, who assists his father on the farm and at present is a student in the Callaway high school ; Albert ; and last, but not least. Master Richard Poston, who has reached only his third year but is nevertheless the dictator of the entire situation. The Postons own 200 splendid acres in the North Loup valley and have now reached the place where thev feel able to build a splendid farm home, which is in the course of construction at the time this article is written, and which is to be a model farm house. An elaborate water system, by which a hydraulic ram lifts water from a never-failing spring into the house, yards, and barns, is now being developed. Mr. Poston maintains an artificial pond, in which he is raising fish on a small scale, yet sufficient for home consumption.

Mr. Poston states that he earned his first money by turning a grindstone, and the memory of that old grindstone he claims gives him the backache still. For this service, on one occasion, he received ten cents in paper or script currency. It was more highly prized than any money he has received since. It was never destined, however, for profitable investment. He carried it around in the pocket of a pair of linen trousers, and one luckless day the trousers went into the washtub ; money and all. And when they came out the ten cents in script had faded into a scrap of white paper.

Mr. Poston is a prominent member of the Modem Woodmen of America. He takes a lively interest in politics, generally affiliating with the Democratic party. He is progressive in spirit and stands for everything progressive, helpful, and honest. The family are attendants of the Evangelical church.

August W. F Rohde And Otto

AUGUST W. F ROHDE AND OTTO ROHDE. - It is ever and again the same old story. Old-country thrift, replanted on western soil, brings success and develops the competency that renders life independent. Both August and his brother Otto are German farmers, natives of Germany and representative of the frugal, thrifty German type. They came to this country in April, 1882, and in Nebraska they first came to Grand Island, Hall county. They have made Custer county the stage of their operations and they are numbered among the successful and substantial farmers of the community in which they reside.

For extended mention of their parents, reference may be made to the sketch of Albert Rohde, elsewhere in this volume. In 1884 they came into the Custer county south region, where thev located a homestead, and thev now have the father's homestead and each owns three quarter-sections of good land. Otto owns one-quarter section in Custer county and two in the adjoining county of Buffalo, on the south. They are painstaking farmers and stockmen of a very practical type. They kec]) good horses, breed the best grade of cattle and hogs, and seem thoroughly convinced Lliat it pays better to produce the blooded tv-pes than to waste feed and time on inferior breeds of scrub stock. They have their places well improved and are supplied with modern machinery and every kind of equipment required for modern, profitable farming. Farms well fenced and in a high state of cultivation, show that much work has been done, and the surroundings denote that the toil has \ytien remunerated. Miller is their closest town, and there they are well known and enjoy the confidence of the business interests. They are Protestants in religious faith and are interested in every progressive enterprise that tends to better the community. They manifested in every possible way their loyalty to the government during the progress of the great world war, by assisting in every possible way and by contributing to all the war drives. They were lil>eral contributors to Red Cross and Young Men's Christian Association work and purchased lionds to the extent of their ability. The Rohde boys have a wide circle of friends and are held in gootUy esteem by all who know them.

JOHN HELMUTH. who is one of Custer county's most respected citizens, is also one of of its real pioneers and has the distinction of being the first man to locate on Red Fern Table - thirty-four years ago. He has witnessed wonderful changes during that long period and has seen men and whole families come and go, but never, even in the days of greatest hardship, has he entertained the idea of parting with his land and home. More than that, he has given encouragement to others and they, relying upon his practical judgment and good sense, have likewise weathered the storm and are safely in harbor. He has been active in promoting local enterprises that he deemed of general benefit to farmers and stockmen, and has always been foremost in maintaining schools and churches.

John Ilelnuith was born November 2. 1857. in Oberlauerengen, Bavaria, Gennany. His parents, John and Mary N. ( Benkcrt I Helmuth, were born in Germany, and thev had four children: William E., John, Christ, and Caroline Marv. the last named being the wife of George ^lary, and having one son. By a second nxarriage, the mother had one son, August Wirsching. The father of Mr. Helniuth was a farmer and belonged to the Lutheran church.

In February. 1870, John Helmuth, the immediate subject of this sketch, came to the United States and located first in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he worked for five years on the farm of General John A. Logan, who was one of that state's distinguished military men and statesmen. Although he did well in Illinois, Mr. Helmuth wanted land and a home of his own, and that brought him to Custer county, Nebraska, in February, 1884. when he located on the southeast quarter of section 12, township 13, range 23, where he still lives. It was lonely at first, but Ernest Schneider came soon afterward, and before spring had passed Christ Helmuth. James Whitehead, John Aluller, Chris and Henry Muller, Harvey Stockham. Otto Jester. William Greenfield, and Charles and Fred Drum had settled in the neighborhood. These settlers all suffered from lack of wells, and for five years they had to haul their water a considerable distance. Mr. Helmuth, always a leader in enterprise, was the first one to put down a well on the Table, finding water at a depth of 456 feet. This was in 1889, and since then he has put down three other wells. Almost every settler of the present daj' has a fine flowing well, and the lack of sufficient water is practically no more a matter for consideration. The early settlers made little pretension, all living at first in dugouts or sod houses. While these primitive domiciles were usually of rather small dimensions, they had the advantage of being warm in winter and cool in summer.

Mr. Helmuth was married June 8, 188-1. at what is now the flourishing town of Lexington, Nebraska, to Miss Lillie Schneider, was was born in Jo Daviess county. Illinois, a daughter of Ernst and Johanna ( Kaeb) Schneider, natives of Germany. The following named children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Helmuth: W'illiam C. who lives at home, is farming with his father on shares ; Bertha D. is the widow of John McXulty, who died September 2H. 1918. he having been a farmer near Oconto, and being survived by two daughters; Charles C. is at home and is heljiing his father operate the 800-acre farm, with 400 acres under cultivation, in corn and small grain ; John G., who was in the training camp at Camp Dix, New Jersey, but since September 1st in France, is in the L'nited States service as a member of the Three Hundred and Thirty-fifth Field Artillery, Eighty-seventh Division, and he arrived with his command in France in the early part of September, 1918; and Emma C. and Lillie A. remain at the parental home.

Mr. Helmuth is a Democrat in politics. He has always taken much interest in the public schools and for many years has been a member of the school board of his district, whicrh was organized in Grant township in 1885. He belongs to the Oconto camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Helmuth is a member of the Royal Neighbors. They are members of the Lutheran church. As a loyal and patrioti: citizen of the United States, Mr. Helmuth has served as a committeeman in Grant township for the Council of Defense.