Custer County, Nebraska - Founders and Builders, 1919 (part 6 of 32)

Homer Arthur, the paternal grandfather of Fred H. Arthur, was born in the state of New York, where he spent the greater part of his life, btit finally he moved to Wisconsin, and thereafter to Iowa, where he died at the age of ninety years. He married Miss Fannie Higby, who was related to ex-Governor Brad ford of New York and was descended from Revolutionary stock. Horace Arthur was born in Lewis county. New York, in 1828, and there he married Miss Mary Green, who was born in 1830. in that same cotuity, and who was a daughter of James and Hannah Green, the former of whom died in Wisconsin, in 1858, and the latter in 1869, both being natives of the Empire state. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Arthur went to Wisconsin, making the voyage via the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes to Chicago and thence proceeding by stage coach to Wisconsin. There Mr. Arthur took up government land and engaged in farming. He was making a success of his operations when the Civil war interrupted his peaceful career. As a loyal and patriotic citizen he enlisted as a member of a Wisconsin regiment of volunteer infantry, and he was with his command in camp in Indiana when he was suddenly taken sick with typhoid fever, his death occurring soon after his return to Wisconsin, in 1863. He was a Democrat in politics, and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church, as was also that of Mrs. Arthur, who survived until 1915. and died in Iowa. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are living: Charles M., who is a retired resident of Webster City, Iowa ; Fred H., whose name introduces this sketch ; and Minnie, who is the widow of Frank Wilson, and is a resident of Webster City, Iowa.

The district schools of Iowa, to which state he was taken after the death of his father, furnished Fred H. Arthur with his early education, this being supplemented by one year's attendance in a business college at Webster City. His life work was then commenced as a farmer in the Hawkeye state. He remained in that state until 1887. when he and his brother went to South Dakota and took up land, remaining there seven years. Following this. Mr. Arthur came to Custer county, where, in 1894, he bought land. He has since added to his holdings until he now has 520 acres in his own property, all well improved, said improvement having been made by himself. In addition to his own land, he is the owner of the property which formerly belonged to his wife's father, and both famis have splendid buildings and other improvements. When he star'ted upon his career he had absolutely nothing to assist him save his own initiative, determination, and resolute purpose, and with these fortifying characteristics and good management he won success. His judgment led him to make a speciahy of live-stock for a number of years. This venture turned out prosperously, and a good grade of stock is still raised upon his farms, although alfalfa is the principal product at this time. Mr. Arthur retired from the farm in lanuary. 1917. and since then has been living quietly' in his modern residence at Broken Bow.

In the year 1889, at Broken Bow. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Arthur to Miss Alta B. King, a daughter of George W. and Emily (Green) King, natives of the state of New York. Mr. King came with his family to Custer county, Neliraska, in 1886. Here he entered claim to a homestead and set himself vigorously to the developing of a productive" f ami. Sterling citizens of the county, he and his wife here passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. King died in Januar\-, 1908, his wife having passed away July 17. 1890. They became the parents of four children, concerning whom the following brief data may consistently be entered at this juncture: Emma, who was born in the state of New York, July 13, 1849, became the wife of Robert Ledwith, a farmer in Custer county, and her death occurred May 25, 1917. Edgar Howard, who was born Januarj' 29, 1852, in Wisconsin, died March 6, 1897. He married Ida Burnham and they had one child, Horace B. Frank E., who was born September 13, 1854, became a locomotive engineer in the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, died on the 19th of Januar>% 1895. Alta Bell, wife of the subject of this sketch, was born September 28, 1859. Captain George W. King, father of Mrs. Arthur, was one of the gallant sons of the nation who went forth in defense of the Union when the Civil war was ]3rccipitated. At the inception of the war he enlisted as a private in Company H, Thirtysecond Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and through valiant and efficient service he won consecutive promotion and was captain of his company when the war came to its close. He participated in many engagements, including a numlier of the important battles marking the progress of the great conflict, and was with the forces of General Sherman on the historic march from Atlanta to the sea.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur have one son, George F,., who now has active charge of the father's fine farm property in Custer county. The maiden name of his wife was Frances Shirkey, and they have one child - Louise.

Fred H. Arthur is a Republican in politics, and on his party ticket he was elected township assessor, an office of which he was the efficient incumbent during a period of seven consecutive years. He is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

JACOB M. CASE, who has spent the greater part of his life as a farmer in Custer county, Nebraska, is a representative of a well known and highly respected pioneer family of this section and is a substantial farmer living on section 11, township 17, not far distant from Berwyn. Jacob M. Case was born in Ringgold county, Iowa, August 25, 1874. He is the eldest of four children bom to Peter M. and Ellen (\\'ray) Case. They were natives of Indiana, from which state they moved to Iowa. From the latter state they came to Nebraska and thev reached Custer county in October, 1888. Thev came overland, in pioneer style, and the father bought a relinquislunent and developed the property into a fine farm. He now lives retired at Weissert. The mother died in December. 1893, her children all surviving, namely :

Jacob M. is the subject of this review ; Luther S. conducts a Salvation Army store in Peoria, Illinois ; Arthur G., who is a fanner near ^lonte Vista, Colorado, married Ida Leek ; Guy W. is connected with the Salvation Army unit that has been doing noble work in warravaged France.

Jacob M. Case was fourteen years old when he accompanied his parents to Custer county. He had already received a district-school education in his native state. The settlers of thirty years ago in Custer county found many hardships to contend with, but Mr. Case and his father had not expected anything otherwise for a time,' and gradually, through their industry and good management, the home property became productive and increasingly valuable. As years passed Mr. Case's younger brothers left the farm for other avenues of usefulness, but he has always remained a farmer and has the reputation of being a very competent one.

Mr. Case was married March 4, 1899. to Hattie W. Perkins, and of their seven children five are living: Daisv B., born Februan' 18, 1900; Everett A., born March 6, 1903: Gladys M., born ]\Iarch 2, 1906; Glenn B, born October 9, 1909 ; and Donald M., born Januan,- 16, 1917. All of the children remain at the parental home. Mr. and Mrs. Case are members of the ^lethodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican.

ROY B. SAMS, who is a general fanner living on section 14, township 17, Custer county, belongs to a well known pioneer family of the state and one of agricultural importance in Custer county. He was born in Polk county. Nebraska, October 5, 1885, and is a son of John L. and Florence A. (Hornback) Sams. His mother died October 29, 1907. Lie has one brother, James L., who is a fanner near Payette, Idaho, and two halfbrothers by his father's first marriage, these being Charles A. and Chester, both of whom are good farmers and substantial citizens of Custer county. John L. Sams came to Nebraska from Iowa, and eventually he established his residence in Custer county, where, in March. 1895. he settled on a fann near Weissert. There he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they continued members until 1904. when thev transferred their membership to the Church of God.

Roy B. Sams attended the public schools through his boyhood days and then began to learn the practical duties that make up the life of a fanner. His land is cultivated care- fully and intelligently and yields abundantly. Mr. Sams was married September 29, 1910, to Goldie Sampson, a daughter of James and Ida (Tift) Sampson, the former of whom was born in Denmark. Jaiuiary 24, 1855, and is a sailor. The mother of ^Irs. Sams died Februan- 20, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Sams have two children but only one survives, Lawrence LeRoy, who was born July 1, 1911. Mr. Sams is a Democrat in politics.

WILLIAM T. CLOUSE. - One of the substantial farmers of Custer county is the reliable citizen whose name initiates this paragraph. He came to Custer county in an early day, and experienced all of the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life in the period of the '80s, when the conveniences of the present day were vague dreams of the future.

Mr. Clouse is a native of Pennsylvania, in which state he was born July 24, 1856. His parents were H. V. Clouse and Barbara ( Metz ) Clouse, whose birth dates from 1811. In the family of H. V. Clouse were ten children : Susan, Hemian, and Ella are deceased : Philip lives in Yale, Iowa ; Floyd lives in Pennsylvania, the state of the family nativity ; William T. is the Custer county citizen around whose career the incidents of these paragraphs cluster ; Katy is deceased ; Theodore is in Iowa ; Davis still clings to Pennsylvania, where he has his home ; and Samuel was living in Iowa when last heard from.

During the Civil war the family of H. V. Clouse, lived close to the historic Mason and Dixon Line, and one of the experiences that fell to their lot during those trying years was the burning of their home, an event which the younger members of the family will never forget.

William T. Clouse was married in his native state in 1877, to Sarah Replogle, who is a daughter of David and Rosanna (Zook) Replogle, both of the Keystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Clouse became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living: David, resides at Squirrel, Idaho : Henry is located in Sumner, Nebraska ; Charles lives in Stapleton, this state; Reuben resides in Eddyville, Dawson county ; Rosanna is deceased ; Alice is the wife of Horace Austin, a farmer in Custer county ; Raymond answered the call of his country and is in the service of the government, as a member of a field-artillen,' company ; Nettie is the wife of Elmer Freeze, a prosperous farmer in Dawson county ; and George Washington is attending school in Sumner.

1886, and he pre-empted eighty acres in Buffalo county, but later homesteaded in Custer. At the present time the family lands consist of 240 acres well improved and in a high state of cultivation. L'pon this land a general fanning and stock-raising business is conducted. The home to-day stands in striking contrast with the sod house which was built in the early day and in which Mr. and Mrs. Clouse lived for twenty-one years. During the first years of their residence in Custer county they had to ford the river in order to reach either Ansley or Broken Bow, to which places their produce had to be hauled. At the time Mr. Clouse filed on his claim he made the entire trip to Grand Island and return with nothing to eat. These are only a few of the incidents through which he and his wife passed during the trying times of the early days. The blizzard of January 12, 1880, has left a lasting impression upon their memories. Mr. Clouse went to the schoolhouse that evening for his boys. He left one of the boys at the home of a neighbor, and he and the older son faced the blizzard. After a hard struggle and strenuous battling, they succeeded in reaching their home - a trip both will remember as long as they live. The Clouse family are ver)- excellent people, well rated by their neighbors, and they enjoy the confidence of all who know them. They are connected with the Brethren church.

HARRY WOODRUFF is distinctively a Nebraska product. Here he was born, here he was reared and educated, here he married, and here he has lived his life until the present time. He belongs to a family which is well known in the county and which is highly respected for its contribution to civic and material progress and prosperity.

Mr. Woodruff was born in Hamilton county, Nebraska, September 4, 1872, and in 1876, he came with his father into the pioneer section of Custer county. Here he was educated in the common schools, and" here he received the qualification which enables him at the present time to conduct successfully all matters of business pertaining to farm and stock transactions.

He married Miss Fannie Judge, a daughter of James Judge, who came to Nebraska from Illinois. As a result of this union four children were bom, all of whom are still living and make up a family circle of which any home might be proud. The first, Mildred, is the wife of Otto Johnson, a farmer who makes his home in Sumner. The, second born, Leo, is still at home and assisting in farm opera- tions. Eugene is the contribution of the family's patriotic spirit to the senices of the government. He is a member of the Fortyeighth Balloon Cor])s, stationed at Omaha, at the time of this writing. Frank, the youngest, is attending high school at Broken Bow and is a member of the senior class. When he entered the high school he was the youngest student in the school.

Mr. Woodrufif owns 160 acres of well improved land, splendidly equipped for successful farming, and on this he maintains his pleasant farm home. In social circles he has been active and prominent. He is a member of the Royal Highlanders, a fraternal insurance organization ven,- popular in the middle west. He is a member and generous supporter of the Catholic church. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, to the war-work of which organization he has always been a liberal contributor.

Speaking of early days, Mr. \\'oodruft' recalls that in the years gone by he hunted deer on the old home place and often stalked wild game in the immediate vicinity of his present home.

The VVoodruffs are splendid people, and well merit the high esteem of their friends and neighbors. Custer county is the richer bv the life efforts of this estimable family.

JOSEPH KAELIN, whose well improved farm is situated in section 13, township 17, with convenient market facilities at Berwyn. is not a native of the great state of Nebraska, but has been favorably known here for over a quarter of a centun-. He was born in Switzerland, November 15, 1868, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Kaelin) Kaelin. who passed their entire lives in Switzerland, and who were faithful members of the Roman Catholic church. The father followed the trade of shoemaker.

Joseph Kaelin was twenty-three years old when he came to the United States with the intention of making this country his future home. He was a well educated voung man in his own langiuige .ind very quickly acquired a working knowledge of the English tongue. He reached Pawnee county, Nebraska, in 1891, and remained there three years. He then came to the neighborhood of Ansley, in Custer county, and has followed farming ever since. In 1901 he bought his present well improved fann and here he is engaged in mixed farming and stock-raising, his persistent industr\- and thorough methods making his farm enterprise very generally profitable.

to Ida Spoerri, who was born in Switzerland. August 1, 1869, a daughter of Jacob and Annie B. (Keller) Spoerri, neither of whom ever came to America. Mrs. Kaelin has two brothers still li\ing in Switzerland - Carl J. and Jacob J. Her father was a watchmaker by trade, and both he and his wife belonged to the church at Zwingle. Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Kaelin five are living, as follows: Emma, born Xovember 23, 1899; loseph. born [une 12, 1901 : Frank, born August 23, 1904;" George, bom October 27, 1908; and Doris, born August 27, 1911. Mr. Kaelin and his family belong tO' the Catholic church at Ansley. He has never been very active in politics but gives his support to the Republican party.

U. S. HORX'. - One of the respected citizens of the South Loup country, prominent throughout his community, is U. S. Horn, whose life achievement is an asset to the history of the county.

Mr. Horn was bom in Nemaha county, this state, August 20. 1868, and is a son of John and Harriet (Ralston) Horn. His father, who is still living, was eighty-three years of age on the 4th day of July, 1918. The mother has passed to her reward. John Horn and his wife were the parents of eleven children, and concerning those now living, the following brief record is given: Mrs. Ann (Horn) Green lives in Montana ; Mrs. Alice Branstiter is a widow, and she resides at Lomax. Custer county ; Charles is a fanner, and resides in the vicinity of his brother, U. S. Horn ; U. S. Horn, the fourth of the family group, is the subject of this sketch; John Milton Horn is a Custer county fanner and citizen ; Mrs. Elsie (Hom) Sapp lives in Nemaha county; and Orley likewise resides in Xemaha county.

The early years of U. S. Horn were spent in Nemaha county, where he passed through the common schools, and secured a good fundamental education. He was married December 24, 1889, to Miss Fannie Jewell, whose family was prominent in Nemaha county. Mrs. Hom is a native of that coimty. where her early years were spent and where she had the same opportunities for education as did her husband.

In the family circle of the Horns are six children, all of whom are at home, where they assist in fann work and enjov the advantages of splendid schools. They are. Claret. Melvin, Blanche, Leo, Floyd, and Clyde.

too late for pioneer experiences, but not too late to contribute their sterling worth to the citizenship of the county at the present day. It was 1904 when they moved in, bought the place on which they now live and commenced practical farming operations. They had been farmers in Nemaha county and withal were very successful. They succeeded in securing a good foundation and what might be called a splendid start before they sold their Nemaha possessions and repurchased in Custer county. Accordingly they were better fixed when they came to the county than were most of the people who make their home in this central part of the state. But the greatest asset they Ijrought with them was indomitable spirit, good judgment, and industry. With these they commenced their Custer county home. For a time Mr. Horn rented his father's land, and he made it profitable both to himself and his father. The home place to-day is one of the attractive farm properties on the South Loup, wilh a modern and comportable house and all else to constitute a well equipped stock and grain farm. All these improvements are the result of the labors of Air. and Mrs. Horn. In social afTairs Mr. Horn is a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow. Both he and his wife are highly respected citizens and neighbors and have a large circle of friends who delight in the good fortune that has come to them in their western home Custer's county can well be proud of such citizens.

HARTFORD R. BR.\CHEAR, who, during a long and successful career, has followed various occupations in several parts of Nebraska, is now a well known resident of Franklin county, although his operations are by no means confined to the borders of that county. During his residence in this state, he has been in turn, and t'lgether, blacksmith, farmer, stockman, and auctioneer, and in his several fields his versatility has assisted him to well deser\'ed prosperity. He is a native of Illinois, and was boni December 14, 1867, his parents being Aaron R. and Ellen E. (Kelso) Brachear.

Aaron R. Brachear was born February 3, 1840, in Logan county, Illinois, and there grew to manhood and adopted the vocation of farming. With the formation of the Republican party he became an ardent supporter of its principles, and later was an advocate of the cause of freedom for the slaves. He enlisted in 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Sixth. Illinois Volunteer Infan.trv, and in November, 1863, at Jackson, Tennessee, he was joined by his wife, who was unwilling to be longer separated from him. She traveled with his regiment until the close of the war, acting in the capacity of nurse, and did not leave the service until he had received his honorable discharge, at the close of hostilities, at which time she returned with him to the farm in Illinois. Both had splendid records for bravery and fidelity to duty. In 1870 Aaron R. Brachear decided to try his fortunes in the west, and November 15 of that vear, with his wife and two small sons, Montford H., and Hartford R., he started from Taylorville, Illinois, and came to Saline county, Nebraska, traveling overland by the prairie-schooner route and arriving at his destination four weeks later. The family settled on a homestead three miles north of the present site of Friend, Nebraska, where Mr. Brachear became a prominent hog and cattle dealer, following this vocation as a seller on the market for eighteen years. He was widely and favorably known in business circles as a man of integrity, and he and his wife were devout members of the Christian church. Beside their sons they were the parents of a daughter, now Mrs. Laura M. Butcher. For the past twenty years Mrs. Brachear has made her home with her son Hartford R.

Hartford R. Brachear was educated in the public schools and reared to agricultural pursuits. He was brought up in a home which should have satisfied any boy of his years, but, like some other youths, he developed a roving disposition, and when si.xteen years old he suddenly took the notion to earn his own living and spend his money as he pleased. With this end in view, he arrived in a railroad camp, looking for employment, and three days later he was not only covered with glory but with various specimens of the insect world, the names of which are seldom mentioned in polite society, but a name for which has been coined by the fighting men in France, who refer to them as "cooties." Needless to say, voung Brachear was glad to make his way home, a sadder but wiser young man, and cheerfully to take up the work of the farm, prosaic and lacking in adventure though it nught be. In addition to general farming and raising stock, Mr. Brachear carried on a successful blacksmith business for a number of years, and eventually developed inherent powers for the business of auctioneering, one of the difficult vocations which necessitates the possession of peculiar talents. He has followed these three vocations with good success, and at present is the owner of a valuable farm, under stages of development, which is located in the vicinity of Wauneta, Chase county, this state, on the Frenchman river.

Mr. Brachear was married September 7, 1898, at Hastings, Nebraska, to Miss Geneva H. McCartney, riaiighter of James McCartney, and to this union there have been born four chikhen: Mon. D., who is assisting his father in the development of the farm ; Olga B., who is a high school student : Ora Ellen, who is a student in the graded schools : and Opal Ruby, who is the baby of rhe family. Mr. and Mrs. Brachear are consistent members of the Christian church. He is fraternally identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his political support is given to the Democratic party, although he is not a politician and has not cared for public office.

PAUL E. CAVENEE is one of the young farmers of Custer county who has the major part of his career yet before him, and he belongs to that class of young men who are the sturdy and substantial scions of the pioneer generation, and upon whom the burdens of the present day are resting.

Air. Cavenee was bom May 22, 1891, in Custer county, and is in every sense of the word a Custer product. His parents, John E. and Alice (Smith) Cavenee, were pioneers of the late '70s, and the family name has long been familiar throughout the county, in connection with ])ul)lic affairs and general civic and industrial interests.

John E. and Alice (Smith) Cavenee became the parents of two children, and the subject of this sketch is the one surviving. The father was a native of Ohio and he lived in the prairie district of the Buckeye state until the call of the west enticed him to move, and, when once started with his face towards the setting sun. he never stopped until he struck the South Loup country in Custer county. This was in 1878. Mr. Cavenee arrived with practically nothing except energy and determination. To-day the Cavenee holdings comprise 1,040 acres of splendid land, well improved and in a high state of cultivation.

Paul E. Cavenee ran the ordinary gamut of a Cutter county youth, save that he had better opportunities for education than are accorded the majority. After finishing the country- school he attended the Broken Bow high school and from there went to Kearney, where he took a normal and business course.

In December, 1917, Paul Cavenee married Mrs. Elizalieth Stairs, of Oconto, she being of splendid ])arentage and being a very- estimable, and gracious lady. Mr. Cavenee conducts farming o])erations on a somewhat extensive scale and is raisinsj all kinds of stock.

with which he is making a decided success. His fathers farm and also leased land, known as the Campbell place, constitute the ranch property he is operating.

Both Mr. Cavenee and his father are prominent in fraternal circles, the father expending most of his activities in the Knights of Pythias. Paul E. is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the time-honored Masonic fraternity he has received the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. The family's religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church.

JOHN R. ALLEN. - Industry-, self-reliance, and a capacity for painstaking labor have contributed to the present prosperity of John R. .\llen. a well known Custer county farmer, and will doubtless have much to do with his future usefulness and pemianent success. For many years a follower of the trade of caqienter, of more recent years he has turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and at present he is the owner of a fine farm and beautiful home, located two miles northwest of ( jconto.

John R. Allen was bom in Lincolnshire, England. January 15, 1861. a son of William and Martha (Swan) .Alien. The family came to the United States in 1871 and settled in Mahaska county. Iowa, where the father continued to be engaged in famiing during the remainder of his life. There were three sons and four daughters in the family, and of these children four still survive: John R., Mrs. t'liza Thompson. William, and Mrs. Mattie Shelby.

When he was a small lad in England. John R. Allen could not be kept in school, as his studies were distasteful to him, and his father, desiring to teach him a lesson, hired him out to a neighbor to do chores, at a wage of three shillings a week. His mother j)ermitted him to keep this money the first week, and the eight-vear-old lad immediately spent it for the first knife that he ever owned. It is to be recorded that he lost the knife before sundown of the same day. He was ten years old when the family came to the United States, and grew up in Mahaska county. Iowa, where he completed his education in the public schools and where he worked for some years on his father's fami. He remained under the parental roof until 1880. in which vear his mother died, and he left home and began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he spent two years, during which time he received his board and seventy-five cents a day. He continued to apply himself industriously to the carpenter trade, and in 1905 bought a farm of 240 acres, two miles northwest of Oconto, although he did not locate thereon until 1908. Since the latter year he has been engaged in farming, and he now has a beautiful home, of which he is justly proud, in section 25, township 60. He uses modern methods in his work and his property shows the beneficial results accruing from intelligent management.

On October 19, 1884, at David City, Nebraska, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Nora Lamunyon, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Wheeler W. and Nettie ( Snedaker) Lamunyon. Twelve children were born to this union : Mary is the wife of Clififord Howell, a railroad man of North Platte, Nebraska, and they have one son ; Edward, a farmer of Abbott, Colorado, married Bertha Kobo and has one daughter ; Carrie M., the mother of a son by a former marriage, is now the wife of O. B. Dresback, an electrician in Lincoln, Nebraska ; Nellie is the wife of John Kolbo, a plumljer of North Platte, and thev have one daughter; George W., who is at home and engaged in farming his father's property, was placed in Class 1 of the selective draft and made himself ready to respond to the call into the service of his country; Ruth is the wife of Lee N. Bolton, a farmer of Lodi, Nebraska, and they have one son ; Bessie is the wife of Thomas B. Waller, freight agent of the LInion Pacific Railroad at Kearney ; Joseph resides at home and assists his father; Ethel is an eighth-grade student; Frederick W. and Clyde R., are attending school ; and Doris is six vears of age (1918).

Mr. Allen is independent in his political views, and takes no active part in politics, but is a loyal and public-spirited citizen whose support is never withheld from helpful enterprises and good civic movements.

REV. BRENARD A. SHIVELY. - It is not often that an outsider understands or appreciates the work of the clergy of the United Evangelical church. Fortunately these learned and worthy ministers give but little thought to the criticism or lack of appreciation on the part of the world, resting content with the realization that they have carried out the ideas of their superiors, have done the work of their blaster, and have accomplished untold good for the benefit of humanity. One of these unselfish and venerated members of

Brenard A. Shively was born January 22, 1881, at Newport, on the Juniata river, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Charles and Catherine (Longacre) Shively, also natives of the Keystone state. The father, now deceased, was for many years a merchant in Pennsylvania, where he had stores at different points. There were five children in the family : Brenard A., Maurice

When still a boy, Brenard A. Shively came into the first money earned by himself, this being gained by picking slate in an anthracite coal-breaker at the mines at Kingston, Pennsylvania. When he was a little older he attended the public schools of Wilkes Barre, and when not engaged at his studies, he was employed in drawing wire in the establishment of the Hazard Manufacturing Company. Later he went to Albright College, at MyerstowaT, in his native state, where he received his higher education, in preparation for the ministry, and at Hazelton, Pennsylvania, in February, 1902, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, by the Eastern Pennsylvania conference of the United Evangelical church. At that time he came to Humboldt, Nebraska, where he accepted a call to the Cottage church, and after there remaining two years he went to Shelton, Buffalo county, where he remained a like period.

On October 19, 1904, at Dawson, Nebraska, was solemnized the marriage of Rev. Brenard A. Shively, to Miss Bertha R. Heim, who was born at Dawson, daughter of Joseph G. and Rosa Heim, early settlers of Richardson county, where they still reside. Six children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Shively and all reside at the paren^-al home - Mildred A.,

From Shelton, Buffalo county, Mr. Shively went to Naponee, Franklin county, where he ser\'ed three years as pastor. He then went to Eustis, Frontier county, where he spent a like period, and eventually he removed to Aurora, the county seat of Hamilton county, where he remained two and one-half years. In Se])tember. 1914, he was called to Callaway, where he has since acted as pastor of the Evangelical church, serving also the pulpits at Spring Creek and Brown Valley.

For seven years Mr. Shively held various offices in the State Christian Endeavor Union, pnd he was transportation manager for that organization to two international and one world's Christian Endeavor conventions. Possessed of no mean literary ability and of the power of expression, he has done much writing in the past, and he is the author of the history of the United Evangelical church in Custer county, which appears in this publication. Mr. Shively is an earnest, zealou?, and energetic pastor, - one who is not only possessed of ministerial ability, but is also a practical man of affairs, capable of handling business matters in an expeditious and able manner. He is greatly beloved by the members of his congregation, and has many warm friends among men of all creeds and denominations in the various communities where he has carried on his work.

LEE H. MORRISON. - The life stor>- of Lee H. Morrison nnis the common routine of ordinary- men who combine thrift, energy, and frugality, together with sterling character, in the composition of their lives.

He was bom August 2, 1872, in York county, Nebraska. His father. William F. Morrison, was a prominent man of the community and came of sterling Pennsylvania stock. His mother, \'irginia L. (Lichtenberger) Alorrison, also came from Pennsylvania, the region of coal and iron. In this family were ten children: Harry L. (deceased;, Edmond W., Charles O., Samuel A., Joseph E., Frederick W., Alfred E-, Lee H., Dr. George A., and Annie (deceased).

Lee H. Morrison was reared on the farm and made himself generally useful by doing chores and assisting in all kinds of farm work. He had good school opportunities and succeeded in graduating from the Bradshaw high school.

One of the episodes connected with Lee's early life, in which he and his entire family had a thrilling experience on the father's farm, is worth relating. On the 3d day of June. 1890, a funnel-shaped cloud, out from the southwest, was obsen-ed to be coming straight toward the village of Bradshaw and in a direct line with the Morrison farm, which was located on the edge of the town. It did not take long for the inmates of the home to realize that danger was near. The windows and doors were first torn out. and this gave a decisive intimation that the house was not a safe refuge. Young Lee and his brother .Alfred eot hold of their mother, and together thev made their way through the l)linding dust and flying timbers to the cellar. They reached the cellar about the time that the cyclone picked up the house, which was a large frame building, and then dropped it back again on its foundation. This caprice of the storm was followed by another effort, which this time lifted the house at least twenty feet high and tore it into fragments, scattering the timber and debris to the west and north for a long distance. There were eleven people in the house, and all succeeded in escaping to the cellar. The only one harmed was the hired man, George Forrester, who in some way had his left ear cut oft', close to his head. The entire town of Bradshaw was destroyed.

Mr. Morrison's first money, which was not a large amount, was earned while he was still a boy, living near Bradshaw, by herding cattle for the neighbors. After finishing school, which was some time in his eighteenth year, he commenced working for his brother Samuel, who was then conducting a farm-implement business in Bradshaw. Later young Lee had some experience in the livery business, but this was not financially profitable.

Lee H. Morrison came to the important date of his life October 22. 1899, at which time he married Miss Sadie McMullan a teacher in the Bradshaw high school. The bride's father was Patrick McMullan. an Ohioan by birth, and her mother. Rebecca ( Holbrook) ]McMullan, was an estimable \'irginia lady. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have three children, all at home with their parents. - Harold A., fifteen years of age ( 1918) : Edith, thirteen years of age ; and Mabel, eight years old. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison they fanned for a year near where they fomierly resided, and then, in 1901, they cast in their lot in Custer county. Thev located four miles east of Callaway, where they operated a fann for one year in partnership with Mr. Alorrison's brother Frederick. Then, still retaining his interest in the stock and farm, Lee H. Morrison formed another partnership, with his brother Alfred, and engaged in the hardware and furniture business at Callaway. This last enter- {)rise was short-lived, and in eight months the merchandise stock was sold to Mahan Brothers.

After this Mr. .Morrison returned to farming and stock-raising, and he has made the raising of short-honi, pedigreed cattle a specialty. His place is called the Sunnyside Ranch and adjoins the well known Young Ranch on the north. It is about three miles north of the South Loup river and constitutes a fine stock farm. Air. Morrison is getting well started with a fine heni of well built, blocky Durhams, which will soon make for themselves a reputation throughout the country.

JOHN REINHARD is a broad-minded Custer county farmer of retiring disposition - one who shrinks from undue pubHcity but whose story, nevertheless, should be recorded for the benefit of his children and also to demonstrate tlie advantages America has over most European countries.

John Reinhard was born May 9, 1858, near the great Krupp gtm works, at Essen, Germany. His father's name was Frank Reinhard and his mother's maiden name was Gertrude Sclihich. Both parents were hardworking people. In their family there were six children, John (the immediate subject of this sketch), Mary Schroeder, Agnes Buttler (deceased), Gertrude Penman, Peter, and Freda (deceased). The father was a coalminer by occupation, and by practicing strict economy he managed to support the familv.

The first money John Reinhard remembers earning was that made by working in the Krupp gim works. The laws of Germany compelled the schooling of children, so young John had the advantage of a fundamental education. He was compelled to remain in school until fourteen years of age. then he began his work in the now celebrated munition factorv. This was in 1872, shortly after the Franco- Prussian war. At that time business was booming, and the lad of fourteen made more money than he was thereafter able to make when he had reached the age of eighteen or nineteen vears. The particular work to which he was assigned was making molds for large casting, which weighed from five to fifty thousand pounds, from fifty to one hundred men being needed to fill these molds of the largest size. The metal used was Bessemer steel. In this establishment they used steel hammers weighing from two to seven thousand pounds. Mr. Reinhard worked in this establishment a full year, and he then went into the coal mines and worked with his father until he was twenty-three years of age, when his piarents immigated to America. The Reinhards began their career in America in the year 1881. their first location being the Hocking Valley coal fields of Ohio, where they worked at coal-mining about eighteen months.

During the time he was thus employed in Ohio coal mines, young lohn Reinhard learned to speak English fairly well, and he made up his mind that he wanted to see something of America. And so, during the next six years.

he developed into somewhat of a traveler, working from place to place and covering a good deal of territory. Being used to coalmining, he first supj)osed that mining was the only work that he could do. In 1885 he found himself in Nevada, working in a quartz mine, and in 1886 he and an English friend, Fred Hutchinson, entered into partnership and went to Alaska, where they prospected along the Yukon river. They did fairly well, and remained in the territory three summers and two winters. Then, in 1888, they came back to the states, and in 1889, Mr. Reinhard went back to Germany and consummated a romance of early years by marrying Mary Gehrman. a daughter of Frank Gehmian. The young people came to America the same year, and came almost directly to Custer county, Nebraska, where they located in Custer canyon, eight miles northeast of Callaway, in section 35, township 16, range 22. This is still their home place. Their landed possessions now are 560 acres, all of which is splendidly improved, and on which is a beautiful farm home. All the land and improvements have been earned on and from the farm, and Mr. Reinhard votes this a good country.

Mr. and Mrs. Reinhard have reared a splendid family of children, who have developed or are fast developing into representative men and women. They are as follows : Gertrude is the wife of Lester Kirkpatrick. a farmer and ranchman living five miles northeast of Etna postoffice, Custer county, and they have two sons and one daughter. Miss Anna Reinhard, a school-teacher who has qualified herself for her work by a normal course, has taught five temis in Custer county, and she still makes her home at the old homestead place. Frank Reinhard. a bachelor of 22 A'cars. was in Class 1. Division B. of the last selective military draft. He has 800 acres of rented land, near Round Valley, and is farming on his own account. Sophia is the wife of Clarence J. Garrison, a mechanic living in Kearney, Nebraska, where he is employed in a garage. Frederick, a popular young bachelor, is working with his brother Frank on a farm near Round Valley, this county. John, Jr.. and Hilda are at the parental home, where they make themselves useful and at the same time are attending school and qualifying themselves for useful American citizenship.

Mr. Reinhard is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in political matters he is independent and votes for the man rather than the party. He often talks about this country and compares its advantages with those of Germany, his native land. In speaking of the mammoth steam hammers.

of 7000 pounds' weight, used in the Essen Knipp gun works, Mr. Reinhard says those hammers were called Fritz and could strike such a blow on the large anvils that it would jar the earth for blocks around. The mechanism was also so perfect that the blow could be struck so gently that it would hardly break an egg, but he declares the blow struck by energetic, ambitious boys here in America will count for more than the blows of those heavy steel hammers.

PHILIP J. STEIGER is a ver>' successful farmer in the Ryno precinct. He was born November 21, 1870, near Augusta, Illinois, and is a son of Jacob and Sophia A. (Snyder) Steiger, both natives of Germany. In the father's family were five children, and Philip J. is the eldest of the four who are still living, the others being John H., Dora B., and Rosa A. All are connected with the United Brethren church. The father and the children are for the most part associated with farm industry.

When he was a very young man Jacob Steiger came to the United States with his older brother, and, like most men from the "Old Country." he was quick to improve the opportunities of the New World.

From his sturdy and worthy parents Philip T. Steiger inherited the characteristics that have made him a successful Custer county farmer and valued citizen. Mr. Steiger remembers that the first money he received was earned by trapping quails, at Huntsville, Illinois. The amount was not large, but in those days, and to a boy of his age, it amounted to almost fabulous wealth. The experience of young Philip were those which commonly fall to the lot of a farmer's son in this countn-. He attended countr\' school, made the most of his opportunities, and developed a self-reliance that has been one of the assets of his mature years. When Philip Steiger was but twelve years of age, his father came to Hal! county, Nebraska, and located three and onehalf miles northwest of Wood River. There Philip grew to manhood and there he married ;\Iiss Lillian .Afflerbaugh, who was bom in that count\ . and who is a daughter of Nathaniel and Leah (Erb) .Mflerbaugh. The parents were prominent people in Hall county, and both were natives of Pennsylvania. Their children were eight in number - Mrs. Kmma I. Smith, .\lva I., Mrs. Ida S. Leach, David C, Mrs. Nora E. Graham. Mrs. Lillian M. Sleif^er, Ira R., and Jason R.

In 1901, ^Ir. Steiger moved into the Spring creek region, and purchased a quarter-section of good land, and since that time he has added to his possessions until he has 480 acres of productive and valuable Custer county soil, on which he has a beautiful home and a splendid farm equipment. .All this is the product of his own toil and good management. Fanning has paid him well. In connection with agricultural enterprise he has indulged extensively in breeding and feeding live stock until the combination of farming and stockraising has rewarded him with his jiresent possessions.

In social circles Mr. Steiger belongs to the Masonic fraternity and Modern Woodmen of .America. His wife is an active member of the Eastern Star, and both are connected with the Evangelical church. Mr. Steiger's political preference is for the Republican party.

LE\ I S. EMPFIELD. - The vigorous and progressive population of Custer county is made up largely of successful e.xponents of the agricultural and live-stock industries. In e\ery part of the county, farmers seem to thrive, and as an able and honored representative of farm enterprise, as well as being one entitled to pioneer honors. Mr. Emjitield is speciallv entitled to consideration in this history.

Levi S. Empfield was bom in Beaver \'alley. Cambria county. Pennsylvania, and is a son of Jackson B. and Jane (Pittman) Empfield, both of whom likewise were natives of the old Keystone state, their children having been ten in number - Elmer E., Mrs. Salina E. Campbell. McKee P. (deceased). Chalmers (i., Levi S., Benjamin F., Laura C. McClure, Burton C, Mrs. Grace D. Owen, and Mrs. Nellie Headley. All of these children were reared to maturity in Custer county, Nebraska, and all became prominent and influential in those things that conserve and represent industr}', thrift, and community development.

In the earlv days large families did not enjov the advantages and luxuries that mark the ])resent era. and consequentlv, in order lo relieve ])arental burdens, Levi S. Empfield, when a lad of eleven years, went to live with an old gentleman, with whom he contracted to remain until he was eighteen years of age, his compensation for work on the fann in the meanwhile being his board and clothes, besides which, at the temiination of his contract, he was to receive a horse, saddle, and bridle.

Histurv Of Custer Couxty, Nebraska

The old gentleman had distinct miserly proclivities, was ne\er animated by any measure of generosity, and was very exacting in, his relations with his young assistant. After three years young Levi Empfield decided that he had fulfilled as much of his contract as it was possible for him to do. and he accordingly abandoned his work and walked to his father's home, thirty-five miles distant. He made this joumey, through a mountainous countn,', in the month of February, when the trip was made the more difficult by the presence of mud and snow. During the next year, 1886, Mr. Empfield worked on a farm, for six dollars a month, and he carefully saved his earnings. In 1887, in company with his father and his youngest brother, he came to Nebraska, and the other members of the family came later. In Custer county the father homesteaded the land where the old Ryno postoffice was located by him and where he served as postmaster for a period of fifteen years. During a part of this time Elmer E. Empfield, the eldest son, was mail contractor, and Levi S., subject of this sketch, carried the mail from Custer to Redfern postoffice, on the Red fern Table, via Lodi. He made the trips back and forth on horseback, and incidentally forded the South Loup river, both summer and winter. He continued his service on this mail route for two years. In 1894 he left Custer county and went to the state of Washington, where he remained about eighteen months and where he worked for fifty cents a day - and was glad to get even that amount. Thereafter he passed a year in California, and by working from five o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock at night, he finally accumulated a modest sum of money. From California he went to Utah, and there he was employed in the mines and ore mills for two and one-half years, at the expiration of which he returned to Custer county.

In the spring of 1901 Mr. Empfield purchased 320 acres of land and also homesteaded an adjoining tract of .eighty acres, on Spring creek, seven miles northeast of Callaway. Here he has since maintained his home. Mr. Empfield began his independent farm operations on a tract of 160 acres, and he is to-day the owner of a well improved landed estate of 560 acres, on which he has a most attractive home and through his association . with which, as a vigorous and progressive farmer and stock-grower, he has achieved substantial success. He is liberal and public-spirited as a citizen, is a Republican in politics, and he and his family command the unqualified esteem of the community in which they live.

Mr. Empfield to Miss Eva Waddington, who was born in Illinois and who is a daughter of Samuel and .Margaret (Oliver) Waddington, her father being now a well known stockman in Custer county. Mr. and Mrs. Empfield have a fine family of five children - Ralph E., Lloyd R., Alice B., Rae W., and Ruby H.

OLIVER D. JAMES was born September 21, 1856, in Park county, Indiana. His father, Samuel R. James, was likewise a native of the Hoosier state, and his mother was Lucinda (Jacks) James, who was a daughter of Pailman Jacks.

In the family of Samuel R. James were five children - Oliver D. James, Stella (James) Barney (deceased), Oscar M. James, Lydia (James) Mobley, and Alva James. Both Mr. and Mrs. lames belonged to the Methodist church. Samuel R. James served three years as a soldier in the" Civil war. He became a member of the Seventyfirst Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which later was made the Sixth Cavalry.

Oliver D. James says that he made his first money when eight years of age by picking blackberries. He invested the money in a pig, but this did not prove a ver\- profitable investment, as the pig died. He worked at home, and went to school in the winter time until he was seventeen years of age, when his father died, and, as he was the oldest of the children, the main burden of supporting his mother and the other children fell to him. In 1882 his mother moved to Putnam county, Missouri, where she resided for two year's. Then, with three of her children - (31iver D., Stella, and Alva - she came to Custer county. Oliver and his mother took pre-emptious and a homestead five miles southwest of Callaway, in the spring of 1884. Mr. James claims to have driven the second nail in the first building built in Callaway. The valley in which they settled derived its name from the James family and is still known as the James valley. Mr. James continued to care for his mother until the time of her death, which occurred at his home, December 4, 1916. The loved and devoted mother attained to the ripe old age of eighty-two years, and they were never separated longer than a month or so from the time of his birth until her death.

Februarys 10, 1891, at Trenton, Missouri, was recorded the marriage of Oliver D. James to Hattie E. Campsey, who was bom ill the state of Iowa, and is a daughter of John Campsey, who was a Pennsylvanian. Her mother, whose maiden name was Priscilla Nelson, was a native of the Buckeye state. Mr. and Mrs. John Campsey had eight children - Mrs. Mar\- Jane Penn (deceased), Mrs. Margaret Gregg, John C. Campsey. David S. Campsey, Joseph D. Campsey (deceased), Mrs. Martha Rison, Mrs. Hattie E. James, and Mrs. Catharine Newton. The religious faith of this family has long been that of the Methodist church, which has received from the family a loyal and generous support. Mr. and Mrs. James have one son, Guy C. James, who married Miss Helen Morrison, and is a farmer by occupation, living six miles north of Callaway. Mr. and Mrs. Guy

In 190Ji Mr. James sold his 4S0-acre farm in James valley and moved to Callaway, where he was engaged in the general merchandise business for four years. In 1909 he sold his stock of goods to his brother-in-law. J.

D. Campsey, after which he commenced farming operations with his son. on a rented fann. He thus continued about seven years, and then moved back to Callaway, buying sixteen and one-half acres joining the town on the west. He has this small tract in a high state of cultivation and so arranged that the entire area can be irrigated, which enhances its value many times. Mr. James is a breeder of largeboned Duroc-Jersey hogs, and it is safe to that say no breeder in Custer county produces better specimens ot "aulairn-haired" swine than does Mr. James.

In the matter of thrill and excitement, one of Mr. Tames' early experiences equals any of the "stunts" pulled oflf by Texas Jack, Little Buckshot or, perhaps, our friend Buffalo Bill. In 1886 he visited his brother in Cheyenne county, forty miles north of Sidney. One day he went with his brother and a neighbor named Di.xon, into a big cedar canyon, on a hunting expedition. Dixon shot and crippled a deer, which ran up the side of the canyon on to the table land above. Mr. James in those days was an expert horseman "and adept with the lariet rope. He mounted his pony and followed the deer across the level plain, gaining on it at every jump, and after a short and exciting race he was near enough to throw the rope. Then the deer suddenly disappeared - as suddenly as if the ground had opened and swallowed it. It dropped completely out of sight. The pony stopped so abruptly that Mr. James came near to plunging over its head, when he discovered that he was on the brink of another canyon with a precipitous bank of at least 100 feet. The jjony stopped so close to the edge of the bank that the dirt under its front feet caved off and fell to the floor of the canyon below.

After recovering from his excitement. Mr. James rode a mile down the bank of the canyon, to a f)oint where he found a trail leading down into the canyon. He then rode back up the floor of the valley and secured the deer.

J.AMES D. REAM. - Custer county has no resident more widely known in either private or public life than the progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen whose name initiates this paragraph. Mr. Ream is a native of Newcastle. Pennsylvania, where he was born (October 18. 1852. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Simpson) Ream and his paternal grandfather was John Ream - all intluentiai and respected residents of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Ream was born in 1824 and in 1855 moved to Mahaska county. Iowa. Responding to the call of his country, he enlisted in 1861 for three years' service in the Civil war. He was second lieutenant of Company C, Seventh Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. .\t the battle of Belmont, where he had command of his company, he was so severely wounded that he died seven days later. His death occurred at Cairo, Illinois. By trade he was a carjsenter and cabinetmaker. Politically lie was a Lincoln Republican. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the United Brethren church. His children were John T., Mrs. .\nna E. Foster. Mrs. Louisa Thompson. Samuel, and James D.

James D. Ream remained at home with his mother until after he had reached his majority. He recalls the early days of his first introduction into the science of agriculture, when he was paid twenty-five cents a day for dropping corn in a field of long rows which were covered by hoe by a second laborer. No modern machinery made farm labor either light or (lelighful in those days. He attended school ' when opportunity presented itself and worked (luring all the spare time at farming, chopping wood, grubbing out stumps, or quarrying stone, as occasion required. In 1878 he came to Nebraska and bought eighty acres of land near Stromsburg. in Polk county.

In January, 1880. Mr. Ream came to Custer county and selected a homestead and timber claim five miles northwest of where P.roken How now stan<ls. Neither the town nor the postoffice was yet established when he came, he being the first settler in the little valley where he still resides. It was here that the real career of the man began. He here found an n]ip(3rtunity for the develojiment of that resourceful character and that public spirit which have g-iven him a state-wide reputation as an enterprising, tireless worker along agricultural and educational lines. He was among the very first in the state to recognize that our little, inefficient rural-school districts were a positive hindrance to the establishment of adequate schools and ideal rural-life conditions, and if the future years bring enlarged or consolidated districts and adequate schools, with school buildings of such size and construction as will serve as community social and educational centers, thus providing an opportunity for the development of ideal rurallife conditions, he will be entitled to a fair share of the credit. He saw the opportunities of the west ; he saw the possibilities of the agricultural development of Custer county ; and likewise he saw the need of a community, life that would help develop the latent social instincts and inspire the ambitions of the rising generation. He gave himself to the double task. He developed his farm. He experimented with many kinds of grain and trees. He became a careful student of agriculture and horticulture, and discovered soine facts in relation to the Cedar apple fungus not previously known to the scientists.

In this connection it may consistently be stated that Mr. Ream was virtually deprived of the distinction that should be his in the matter of the discovery that it requires two years for the fungus to make its complete cycle from cedar apple to the cedar leaf and return again to the cedar tree to be there matured and made ready for a second onslaught, scientists having previously supposed that this com]}lete cycle was completed in one year. A report of this discovery by ^Ir. Ream was published in the Custer County Chief, a year prior to the time when the botanist at the L'niversity of Nebraska effected the publication of the discovery in the Sniithsonhiii Report. It may further be noted that at one time Mr. Ream had in Custer county the finest bearing-orchard in this section of the state. From lack of time properly to care for this orchard, it finally outgrew the supply of moisture and thus top-killed.

.A.S a result of the investigations and experiments of Mr. Ream in methods of farming, his crops are usually above normal, and his farm is to-day one of the most attractive of the central west. The evergreen windbreaks, consisting of cedar and Black Hills spruce, are exceptionally fine. No distinguished visitor ever comes to Broken Bow with a desire to see what the country can produce, without being taken to the Ream farm, where he sees a practical demonstration of what thrift, and skill, when applied in harmony with nature's laws, have been able to accomplish. His improvements are of the first order, and stand as a splendid monument to the profits of agriculture as conducted by Mr. Ream. He has been an able and consistent advocator of everything that would tend to better the social, educational, and material conditions of the community and the state. He helped organize the Nebraska Farmers Congress and the State Corn Improvers Association, and has served several years as master of the Nebraska State Grange. The Grange work furnished an ideal field of labor for him, as the Grange brings the people of the rural community togetlier in a social way, which not only contributes entertainment but also stimulates the latent ambitions of the young people and inspires them to greater activities in all the commendable avenues of life's endeavors. It was this work that gave him the clear vision of the inefficiency of our school system, and the determinnation to correct it.

Politically, Air. Ream is not classed as a partisan. He is, on the contrary, inclined to be independent and nonpartisan. Yet he is generally pojndar and has been the recipient of political honors at the hands of his fellow citizens. In 1901 he served in the lower house of the state legislature and made an honorable record. He has served also as county commissioner, making a splendid record for himself and serving to the best interests of the county. He has filled many minor offices in the local community and ]3recinct. In farmers' institutes, held for the purpose of promoting agriculture and horticulture, Mr. Ream has always been active, and his addresses, papers, and advice have not only been much sought but have also been very valuable to the public generally. Progressive in spirit, born with an ability to lead, he stands in the first rank of public promoters and is willing and able to lead in every progressive movement that contributes to the public welfare. For seven years he was president of the Custer County -Agricultural Society ; he was the leading factor in the organization of the Farmers' Institute held at Broken Bow and for twenty-one years was chairman of the local organization. He has also been effic'ently connected with the state board of agriculture, having served several years as a member of that body. He is widely known throughout the state as an agriculturist and horticulturist, and his name ranks high in agricultural and grange circles, as well in all farmers' movements.

Iowa, Mr. Ream was joined in holy wedlock to ^liss Anna E. Seevers, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Seevers. Further mention of Mrs. Ream's family is made in the sketch of Robert ^l. Seevers, on other pages of this volimie. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ream established, and have since maintained, an ideal home, to which every convenience and comfort of modern life has' been contributed.

Mrs. Ream has proved herself a veritable helpmeet in all the activities of their married, life, she having borne her full share of the trials of home-building in a sod house, and the privations and hardships generally due to pioneer life. Much of the credit is due to her for the the flowers that have bloomed so profusely in the door yard, and the order and neatness in which the grounds of the home have been kept.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ream the years have brought three children, all of whom are now grown to maturity and bid fair to continue the public services of their parents. The children are ; Fred H., who is in business in Kansas City, Glen C, who resides at Broken Bow, and Loy G., who is pursuing a course in the Universitv of Nebraska, at Lincoln.

PAUL G. KOLBO. - This begins the story of another young farmer of the Kolbo family. Mr. Kolbo, who is located near Lodi, is a farmer of careful and frugal habits, and he enjoys a splendid reputation in his community. He was bom April 5, 1885, in Custer county, and is, therefore, in every sense of the term a Custer county product. He is a son of Oliver and Anna K. (Lee) Kolbo, who are mentioned elsewhere in the biographical department of this volume, and who became the parents of nine children - Melvin, Hilmer, Paul G., Julia, Olson, Oscar, Selmer, Rudolph, and Tim. Rudolph is in the service of his country, and at the time of this writing, he is somewhere in France, Oliver Kolbo came to Custer county at an early date and has always been counted as one of the ])ioneer sjjirits who did much to develop the resources of the county.

Young Paul Kolbo made his first money by carrying water to the harvest hands. He and his father and brothers farmed on a very extensive scale, and the labor of every member of the family was required to conduct the oj)erations and make them profitable. Thus, early in life, Paul formed the industrious habits that have enabled him to make good in every farming or stock-raising undertaking with which he has identified himself.

Like most farm boys, his services were demanded on the fann, but he ran the gamut of the common schools and received a fundamental education which places him at ease in all business transactions requiring judgment, and business acumen.

On the 24th of December, 1898, Mr. Kolbo married Miss Laurina Simonson, at Broken Bow. Mrs. Kolbo also is a native of Custer county, and this makes the entire household of Paul G. Kolbo a Custer county family. Mrs. Kolbo's parental home was in Rose valley. She is a daughter of James M. Simonson, who by occupation was a shoemaker, and who for some time followed his vocation in the city of Broken Bow. The maiden name of his wife was Anna C. Jensen, and both were bom in Denmark ; they are estimable people. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Simonson are eight in number - Peter J., ^Irs. Mary J. Cunningham, Simon P., Mrs. Christina Cramer, Hans P., Julie, Mrs. Laurina Kolbo, and Mrs. Carrie M. Cantrell.

Mr. and ]\Irs. Kolbo have a happy and pleasant home, in which four children have come to share the blessings of their parental care, but one, the eldest, James O., has been taken from the parents into that heavenly home where he awaits the final reunion that time will bring. The living children are Pauline L., and Paul L. who are twins, six years of age, and the youngest, Jerold R., is a sweet little lad of two years, the pet of the home and the one who largely ndes the affairs of the Kolbo household.

Mr. Kolbo, aside from being a ])ainstaking and careful fanner, is a stock-raiser of no mean reputation. He likes stock, is counted a good hand with stock, knows how to handle it and succeeds in keeping his stock in good condition. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, in which he takes a prominent part. Religiously the home is divided between the Methodists and the Lutherans, but so long as strict integrity and Christian character are concerned, denominationalism counts for little. Mr. Kolbo generally votes the Repub-. lican ticket.

ROSCOE R. BANGS is a veteran of the Civil war who has had experiences in the field of agriculture and merchandising, and whose successful and well directed operations have served to make him one of the leading business citizens of Broken Bow, where his activities have been ceiUered since 1915. Mr. Bangs is one of the few men furnished this community by the state of Maine, for he was born there, at Fannington, March 18, 1843.

Richard Bangs was bom in October, 1809, at Gorham, Maine, and passed his life in the peaceful pursuits of farming. He died on his farm, in 1888, after an honorable and useful career. He was a Democrat but never entered actively into politics, preferring to give himself wholly to his farming operations, in which he was considered a successful man for his day. Mrs. Bangs, who was bom at Farmington, Maine, in September, 1809, died in 1872, having become the mother of six children, of whom three still survive: Mrs. Anna C. Sprague, a widow residing at Farmingfton, Maine ; Roscoe R., subject of this review ; and Mrs. Annette B. Kendall, who resides at Springfield. Alassachusetts, and whose husband is a fruit-grower and the owner of a chicken ranch.

Roscoe R. Bangs attended the public schools of Farmington and began life on the home fann. The peaceful routine of his life was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war, however, and September 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company L, First Maine Cavalry, with which he served two years and nine months, being a member of the Army of the Potomac and participating in such important engagements as Fredericksburg, Chancellorville. and Gettysburg. He took part in the battle of the \\'ildemess, went with his -company and took part in the engagement at Cold Harbor, and with his regiment participated in each consecutive battle in which it was involved up to the time when victor\- crowned the Union arms. He established a splendid record for bravery and faithful performance of duty, and when the war was closed and peace declared he returned to his home in Maine. His life was changed, however, and his views as well, and he soon left the parental home and went to Hartford, Connecticut, where for four years he was employed in a belt factory. While living there, in 1869, he married Miss Mary Baisley, who was born in Connecticut, and shortly after this event he returned to Maine and engaged in the clothing business. In this he continued with a measure of success for seven years, and thereafter he spent five years as the proprietor of a general store. Feeling that he could better his fortunes in the west, in 1882 Mr. Bangs came to Nebraska, and located at Ashland, where for one season he was the occupant of a farm. He also spent a like period in a shoe store, but in 1884, he came to Custer county, where he took up a homestead and proved up on it, and for four years thereafter continued to engage in farming. Eventually he rented his farm, although he continued to live in the country, and finally he sold the property. Later he was in business at Wescott, and subsequently at Comstock, for thirteen years, and in April, 1915, he came to Broken Bow, where he established himself as the proprietor of a modern furniture business. While he is a practical newcomer to this community, he possesses the necessary business attributes and qualities and has already gained the confidence and patronage that go to make for success in a mercantile venture. He has been found a man of sound integrity, and the business done by his store has shown a consistent advancement.

Mr. and Mrs. Bangs became the parents of six children : Twins who were born in 1875 both died in infancy; Carrie J. is deceased; Georgia B. is the wife of Howard Savage, an insurance man of Everett, Washington ; Lottie B. is the wife of E. C. Wescott, an automobile man of Chicago; and Ralph B. is on a ranch in Cherry county, Nebraska. Mrs. Bangs, who died in 1905, was a member of the Congregational church at Comstock, although she had formerly been a member of the South Baptist church of Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Bangs is a Mason, and is a popular comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, being past commander of C. C. Washbum Post, No. 98. The military honors of the family are being well upheld by two of his grandsons, Clarence J. Forte, and Roscoe E. Savage, who have been gallant young soldiers of the United States Army in connection with the nation's participation in the great world war. He is a Republican and interested in politics and public affairs, but his only official position has been that of town clerk.

WALTER WOOD. - A rancher and stockman whose field of operation is in the pioneer region of the South Loup river is Walter Wood. He is thirty-nine years of age, and is a descendant in the first generation from the pioneer, Joshua Wood, who was chosen as Custer county's first sherifif and was one of the early characters in pioneer days ; further mention of hi< career is madt in the life sketch of his son Frank, elsewhere in this volume, as well as in his personal sketch, which is accompanied by an excellent f)ortrait of this sterling pioneer.

^Valter Wood was born in 1879, in the ^\^ood river district. February 18, 1918, he was united in marriage to Edna Downey, a very excellent young lady who by birth and life-residence is entirely a Custerite.

large scale is conducted by him and his brother Frank. His cattle herds average about 900 head of high-grade Herefords, but of course the number fluctuates accordingly as sales are made. From 100 to 160 hogs are produced each year, which adds to the food stuff of the country very materially. A splendid Percheron stallion heads the stables ,from which are produced fine horses. The farm is well improved, with stock-raising prominently featured. All kinds of farm machinery, and a splendid automobile contribute their share to making operations profitable and e.xtensive. Mr. Wood and his wife are a splendid couple in good standing in the community and are rated always in the first class.

It might be said that no better stock- judge or ranch manager than Mr. Wood is to be found in the stock or ranch business to-day. Like his brother, he patriotically responds to all war appeals and is an ardent supporter of the government. The dependence of the country is upon such food-producers as the Woods Brothers.

JOHN HOTHEM, who is one of the sterling pioneers of the district aljout the town of Sumner and whose well impro\ed farm estate lies across the line in Dawson county, has been closely and worthily identified with the civic and industrial development and progress of this favored part of the state and is specially entitled to recognition in this history.

Mr. Hothem was born in Ohio, and is a son of John and Christena ( Bremer ) Hothem, the former of whom attained to the patriarchal age of eighty-eight years and the latter of whom passed away at the age of seventyeight years, they having become the parents of seven children, three of whom are living - the subject of this review and two of his sisters. Valentine died at the age of seventytwo years and Michael was seventy-one years of age at the time of his death; Catherine died at the age of eighty-two years, and IClizabeth at the age of eighty years. The two surviving daughters, in 1918. are Mary, aged seventy years, and Margaret, aged sixtyeight years. In 1840 John Hothem, Sr., immigrated to America from his native Germany, and he settled in the state of Ohio, where he became a substantial citizen and where his son John was born, as noted above.

He whose name introduces this article was reared in ( )hio, where he received the advantages of the common schools, and as a young man his ambition prompted him to seek his fortunes in the progressive west. After leaving Ohio he was a resident of Indiana for a period of six years, and the ensuing six years he passed in the state of Iowa. In 1879 he came from the Hawkeye state to Nebraska, in company with \\'ilson Hewett, whom he accom]janied to Custer county, Mr. Hewett's name being prominently identified with the pioneer annals of this county. Mr. Hothem states that when he and Mr. Hewett were making their initial trip into Custer county and were proceeding up the course of Muddy creek, they became stranded, on account of lack of water for themselves and their teams, but they finally extricated themselves from this difiticulty. Mr. Hothem has been actively associated with fami enterprise during the major part of the time since he came to this section of Nebraska, and he has won prosperity through earnest and well directed endeavors. He endured his full share of the hardships that marked the pioneer days, and he pressed forward to the goal of independence and definite success, all that he has in the line of worldly possessions to-day having been accumulated by him since he established his residence in this part of the state. \\'hen he arrived in Custer county he was fortified in the possession of two horses and a wagon, but his available cash was represented in the sum of only twenty dollars. He has been a productive worker and the passing years have brought to him a worthy success. He is affiliated with the Masonic fratemitv, including the Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1885 was recorded the marriage of Mr. Hothem to ]\Iiss Wilhelmina Lahm, and tliey have eight children : Jacob continues to reside in Custer county: Etta, Elizabeth, and Anna remain at the parental home : Wesley is out working for himself but still remains in Custer county : and Fern, William, and Alinnie remain with their parents.

HARVEY S. WATERBURY, who has been a successful participant in both agricultural and mercantile lines at Berwyn and the surrounding vicinity for a number of years, is one of the contributions of the state of Indiana to the citizenshi]) of Custer county. Mr. Waterbury was bom at Logansport, Indiana, September 24, 1858, and is a son of Harvey M. and Louie (Calloway) Waterbury.

1 larvey N. Waterbury, the paternal grandfather of Harvey S., was Ijorn at Waterbur\-, Connecticut, and at an early date removed to Michigan, where he j)assed the remainder of his life and where his death occurred when he was in advanced years. The maternal grandfather was Timothy Calloway, who was born near Dover Bay. Delaware, and after his marriage he settled in Ohio, shortly following which he lost his wife, who had home the maiden name of Jennie Olcar. Subsequently he became one of the early settlers of Indiana, and there his death occurred when he was seventy-seven years of age. Harvey M. Waterbury was born near the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1835, and as a young man he went to Indiana, where he met and married Louie Calloway, who was born at Lake Sicott, Indiana, in 1837. He was a farmer by vocation, was an energetic man who was making his mark in the world, and was a sincere member of the Christian church. He had been a strong Republican, and when the Civil war came on, it found him one with intense Union sympathies, so that at length he broke home ties, left his wife and five children, and enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He met a soldier's death on the field of battle, during the second day's fighting in the siege of Vicksburg. Of the five children, Harvey S. is the only survivor. Later, Mrs. Waterbury, who died January 2, 1906, became the wife of John Robison, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom three survive: Mrs. May Harrington, whose husband is now a photographer at Logansport, Indiana ; Mrs. Ruth Tiner, whose husband is identified with a laundry-machinery manufacturing company at Cincinnati, Ohio ; and John, a farmer in the vicinity of Logansport, Indiana.

Harvey S. Waterbury received a limited education in the public schools of Burnettsville, Indiana, and when he was sixteen years of age he left the home of his guardian, after which he worked for farmers in the neighborhood until he had attained to his legal majority. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Nebraska and located in Howard county, where he found employijient b^ the month, as a farm hand. About one year later, July 12, 1880, Mr. Waterbury came to Custer county and took up a homestead, his first -vote being cast that fall, for James A. Garfield for president. In 1881 he further strengthened his position by forming a home of his own - through his marriage to Miss Carrie Sigoumey, who was born near Sandusky, (Jhio. Seven children came to this union, of whom six are living : Louie, who is the wife of Charles Betts, a fanner of Chappell, Nebraska; Jessie, who is the wife of Charles Wolford, a very successful jeweler at Gothenburg, Nebraska ; Ray, who is in business at Litchfield, this state, the maiden name of his wife having been Mayme Garnett ;

Lottie who is the wife of W. L. McCandless, cashier of the Berwyn State Bank ; Harvey, who is his father's associate in the store business, and who married Ada Stark ; and Veva Ruth, who is the wife of L. G. DeValt, connected with the State Bank of Berwyn.

In 1894, after about fourteen years of successful farming operations, Mr. Waterbury turned his attention to mercantile lines, and during the period that has followed he has built up a large, representative and lucrative business. He has also' been interested in a blacksmithing business, and in each avenue of activity his abilities have served to bring him a full meed of prosperity. He bears the reputation of being a man of the strictest integrity, and this is evidenced by the confidence in which he is held by his associates and the public in general. A Republican in his political sympathies, he has always taken an interest in public matters, and has rendered his community valuable service in the offices of clerk and assessor. He belongs to the Independent .Order of Odd Fellows, and has not only been through the chairs of the local lodge but also those of the grand lodge, at Broken Bow. Both his sons are Masons, Ray liaving received the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Mr. Waterbury and the members of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and all have been earnest and generous supporters of all movements which have been made for better citizenship, better morality, and better education.

NORMAN E. BOYD is one of the pushing, energetic, and enterprising business men of Broken Bow, where he has built up a prosperous trade in the automobile-repair and general electrical business. Born in Dewitt county, Illinois, February 13, 1881, he is a son of Frank and Minerva (Waller) Boyd, and a grandson of David Boyd. Frank Boyd was an Illinois farmer until 1905, when he disposed of his interests in that state and came to Broken Bow, where he was variously employed for five years, then entering the city waterworks department, with which he has been identified for eight years. Mrs. Boyd died in Missouri, in 1896, leaving only one son, the subject of this review.

Norman E. Boyd was educated in the public schools of Illinois, and as a youth was engaged principally in assisting his father on the home farm. However, he had a natural bent toward mechanics and gradually mastered the trade of electrician, to which he devoted his attention for some years as a journeyman, both in Illinois and after coming to Custer county. Realizing the opportunities offered by the growing automobile business, with Harry Hildebrandt as a partner, he established himself in business at Eighth and K Streets. Broken Bow, where he does a general automobile electrical-repair business, a special feature of which is the vulcanizing of old automobile tire casings, which process prolongs their life thousands of miles. He n.ms a battery, as a Willard service station, and now has an excellent patronage, not only among the people of Broken Bow but also among those who visit from other parts of the state, his accurate and expeditious workmanship and his natural courtesy and consideration having combined to make customers as well as friends. At the time of this writing Mr. Boyd's partner, Air. Hildebrandt, is in the army, at Fort Funston, but retains his interest in the business.

Mr. Boyd was married in August, 1904, at Broken Bow, to Miss Minnie Boots, daughter of C. S. Boots, a Custer county farmer, and she died December 8, 1913, leaving two children : Frank and Iva K., who are attending the Broken Bow public schools. Mr. Boyd was again married, March 2, 1914, when he wedded Miss Mattie Gross, daughter of Charles and Mary (Gumi) Gross. Two children have been born to them: Paul and Lillian. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM C. SCHAPER. - While he is one of the younger members of the legal fraternity of Broken Bow, the fact of his youth seems in no way to have affected the success of William C. Schaper, who is already accounted one of the rapidly rising attorneys of Custer county. Experiences have been numerous and varied in the life of Mr. Schaper, who was born October 4, 1890, at Mason City, Nebraska, a son of Henry E. and Louisa (Trobbe) Schaper, and a grandson of Chris Schaper.

Henry E. Schaper was born near Hanover, Germany, and came to the LTnited States as a lad of fourteen years, locating at DeWitt, Nebraska. In 1888 he homesteaded southwest of Mason City, and in 1902 he went to Mason City, where he established himself in a mercantile business. There his career was rounded out. He was an Odd Fellow, was a Democrat in political belief, and he and Mrs. Schaper, who was born at Malvern, Iowa, were members of the Piaptist church. William C. Schai)er spent his boyhood on the home farm, and his first money was earned by jjitching hay for a neighbor. He has a keen recollection of how they praised his eftorts, how his boyish pride caused him to outdo himself in the work accomplished, and how his strenuous labors incapacitated him for further work for a week. He attended the country schools until he was twelve years of age, at which time his father moved to Mason City, and there the youth divided his time between clerking in his father's store and going to the public school. However, he did not feel that he was getting proper educational advantages, and when he was sixteen years of age he ran away from home and went to Grand Island. He arrived at his destination with just twelve cents in his pocket, but, nothing daunted, sought and found work, and he was able to make his way through school by laboring industriously as a clerk in a shoe store, waiting on tables in a restaurant, and whatever other honorable employment presented itself or that he could ferret out. During the second year, Mr. Schaper secured a pass on a hog train going through to Seattle, Washington, a trip on which he was accompanied by a chum, Emory Runyan. The men in charge of the stock became drunk and remained so during the entire trip, and the two youths were not only conipelled to unload the hogs at Alliance, Billings, and Spokane, but had to carry the feed from the cars to the stock yard, because of the fear of being left afoot and alone a long way from home. On reaching Spokane, young Runyan stopped off to see an uncle, but Mr. Schaper went on to Seattle, where he received a pass back as far as Billings. There he worked a week, earning just enough money to buy from a traveler a pass to Broken Bow, and after going two days without food he was extremely glad to get back to Custer county. He again began working his way through school and eventually finished a fiveyear course at Grand Island, during which time he attended two inter-collegiate oratorical meets, one at Orleans and one at Hastings, as a member of the staff of the Volant, the college newsi)aper, with which he was connected actively during the greater part of his college career. In the tall of 1911 Mr. Schaper entered the Nebraska State University, at Lincoln, where he took the full course in the law department and was graduated June 10, 1914, with his degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar by the supreme court on the day of his graduation ;ind to the federal courts on the same day.

( )nc week after his graduation Mr. Schaper was married, at Wahoo, Nebraska, to Shirley M. Shires, a daughter of Millard Shires, and started for his home town of Mason City, where he arrived without a dollar. He en- gaged in the practice of law there and was soon in sound financial circumstances, continuing at Mason City until October, 1916, when he came to Broken Bow. Here he has since carried on a general practice and has steadily advanced in patronage, in public confidence and in the ranks of his calling. He has been connected with much important litigation, and his success in several prominent cases has demonstrated his possession of marked talents. He belongs to the various organizations of his profession, is an active member of the Pul>lic Service Club, and is a Woodman, a Royal Highlander, a Mason, and a Shrin'er. His political inclinations cause him to stipport the Democratic party, and he and Mrs. Schaper hold membership in the Baptist church. They are the parents of two children : Carlos E- and Lucile.

DEWITT BOWLEY. - Among the young men of moral and material worth whose energetic labors are contributing to the business prestige of Broken Bow, one who is making rapid progress in the commercial world is Dewitt Bowie)', who for several years has been the proprietor of a furniture business and also has other interests. He was born at New Helena, Nebraska, October 21, 1890, and is a son of William O. and Minerva (Huddleston) Bowley.

William O. Bowley was bom in West Virginia and was an early immigrant to Custer county, settling in the vicinity of New Helena, where he established a home among the pioneers. He was a man of small capital when he came and this was soon swallowed up, his early experiences and those of his wife, particularly during the hard winter of 1880 and spring of 1881, including all the hardships and privations coincident with pioneer life on the western plains. He was compelled to haul his necessities of life from Grand Island and Kearney, and his wheat was laboriously ground in a cofYee-mill, but his was the kind of courage that but grows stronger under adversity, and eventually he became one of the coimty's successful men and accumulated a large amount of property. He died, highly respected, April 6, 1913, at Anselmo, and his widow is now a resident of ^Merna, this county. There were six children in the family, as follows : James, the owner of two farms near Sargent, married Grace Rtish, and has three sons and two daughters : Gallic is a farmer and stock-raiser near New Helena, and his wife is Josie, whose parents were from Virginia ; John, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on the old homestead, near

New Helena, married Ethel Smith, a daughter of Moses Smith, and has had three daughters ; Oscar, who is a Custer county farmer, married Ora Flemmings and they have five daughters and one son ; Annie is the wife of Bert Garrison, a farmer near New Helena, and they have two daughters and one son ; and Dewitt is the subject of this sketch.

Dewitt Bowley attended the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and divided his boyhood and youth between working on the home place, for his brothers, or on the farms of the neighbors. He remained on the home farm until he reached his majority, at which time he entered tipon his own career, his en- - ergies for a time being devoted to farming. In 1915, however, he became proprietor of a furniture business, which he has since built up to satisfying proportions, and in connection therewith he is conducting a rooming house. He is one of the alert and progressive young men of Broken Bow and is bringing himself rapidly forward by the exercise of industry and good management.

Mr. Bowley was married Jime 3, 1914, at Broken Bow, to Miss Grace Pemie, daughter of David and Eva (Albertson) Pernie, who for some years were engaged in agricultural pursuits near Anselmo but are now living in retirement at Broken Bow. Mr. Pernie is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and is a Republican in his political views. He and his wife had seven children : Blanche, Clark, Grace, Ethel, Myrtle, Lucille, Eva, and William. Mr. and Mrs. Bowley are the parents of one son, William, bom in 1915.

Fraternally, Mr. Bowley is affiliated with the Modern Brotherhood of America, in which he has numerous friends. He maintains an independent stand upon poltitical questions.