Dakota County, Nebraska - Chapter 17, 1893 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 17

Jesse Wiole, the sage of the pioneers, and first settler of Dakota county, journeying across the uninhabited Jands of the west, halted one pleasant morning in June, 1855, upon the present site of South Sioux City. He 3)eheld the high bluffs more than twenty miles $iway to the south and southwest, but no where over all this great scope of country were there any signs of -civilization - it was one vaet wilderness, where the songsters of the groves and the wild animals of the prairie :and forest lived unmolested. He was looking for a location, and ix)w he had found the land of his choice. Ketracing his steps back over the wiW prairies of northwestern Iowa to get his lamily, lie again landed upon the baidss of the Missouri river in August, opposite -^vhere Dakota City no'w" staiids, and on the 17th crossed -over to Nebraska. After looking over the country for two days he crossed the river to n-armte to his irlends .;glowingaec<:nints of tlie rich and beautiful country he had seen. So strong was his enthusiasm he determined that hencefortli iiis abode would be upon the soil of Dakota county, and on the 19th of August, 1855, crossed his family to Nebr.asJia^wlikOi was the iiist wjjite family that settled in the county. Pie crossed on Dr. J. D. M. Crockwell's ferry boat. Along with him came Spencer Moore, Robert and William Pilgrim, and others. They camped the night of the 20th at the foot of the bluffs near where John Brannt now lives. Just tifty-one years before this, on the morning of August 20, 1804, Lewis and Clarke set sail from a point on the river near where Omadi used to stand, and camped in the evening on the Floyd. During that day Sergeant Floyd died, and was buried on the high bluffs southeast of Sioux City. The Jesse Wigle party next camped on the Col. Baird place, where they remained until march 17, 1856, when Mr. Wigle moved onto the tract of land where Homer is now located, and afterwards settled on a piece of land north of wiiere Capt. O'Connor now lives. !Next moved to Wigle , Creek - so named in honor of himself - in 1863. Here he lived for many years and witnessed the transformation of a wild and almost uninhabited country into a rich and prosperous county, as we behold it to-day. In 1883 he moved to a tract of land east of Emerson, on the north boundary line of the Winnebago reservation, where he lived to the time of his death, April 13, 1893, leaving a wife and three children- - Marion, Jason and Loretta. The other three chihlren - Emma, Mary and Flora - are dead. Emma was the first child bc>rn in the county. Jesse Wigle was born January 29, 1825, at Frankfort, Ross county, Ohio. Went with his parents to Union county, Ohio, and from there to Jefferson county, low^a, in 1847, where he was married to Nancy H. Burdett, August 9, 1849. Afterwards went to Eldora, Harden county, Iowa. Started westward in search of a home in 1855.

George T. Woods, in company with a Frenchman and two Blackfeet Indians, rowed across the Missoui-i river to Nebraska in a skiff' on the 1st day of July, 1855. He had come over to look at the country; went afoot to the Col. Baird bluffs, had wild turkey for din- ner; thence soutlnvard to what is dow known as the Titn Murphy place, and here on the afternoon of July 1, 1855, he drove down the first claim stake ever driven into Dakota county soil. There were no impressive ceremonies or eloquent ''corner-stone" speeches on the occasion, although it will ever stand out as a very important step in the history of the county. On the 1st of September Chunr.ey A. Ilorr and Moses Xreps crossed the river with him, and they be^an bniklini)^ a log cabin where Omadi was afterwards located. This is supposed to have beau the first house erected in the county. They were getting ready to build a saw mill on Omaha creek. Mr. Woods foresaw the couiing of future events; he reasoned tliat a luiman tide would soon roll across the fertile prairies of JS'ebraska, and a great quantity of lumber would be required to satisfy the demand. While they were at work a band of Indians came along and took all of their provisions and everything else they could get their hands on, including their boat, "and," says Mr. Woods, "they came very nearly taking our scalps." They were now left without a mouthful of provisions and without any means of renching the Iowa siiore. They found a dead hawk, which was all they had to eat for three days, when a Frenchman happened to come along with a boat and rook them across the river. But this little drawback did not keep them from returning to Kebraska and completing the saw mill, which was put into operation on the 1st of April, 1856. Sold lumber at ^'60 per 1,000 feet. The first lumber sawed by this mill and sold to the settlers was used to build Gideon Warner's old house. Began running a steam saw mill in Omadi November, 1856; was also engaged in the butchering business in the lall of 1856, killing as high as four beeves in one day, on certain occasions, to feed the hungry travelers who were pouring into the counti-y. In the meantime, he had abandoned the Tim Murphy claim and had taken what is now known as the old

Charles Bliven place, as the latter was much nearer to where he wa? at work in tiie saw mill, b'ebruary 27, 1857, he started for Colorado, came back the next fail. Was married to Catherine Ream, sister of Henry Ream, September 23, 1860, in Omadi, by Elder Smith. Moved on the D. Y. llileman place in 1861, having previously purchased tlie same of George Fangley. Enlisted in Company I, Second Nebraska Cavalry, October, 1862; mustered out November 19, 1863. Engaged in farming until 1881, when he commenced building the Oak's mill, situated one and one-half miles north of Homer. He has from time to time been encragecl in brick burning - made the brick used to build the court house, the industrial school building at the Winnebago agency, and many other buildings in the county. Has since been eng-aged in farming, general merchandising^ etc. Was lirst president of the old settlers' association. Has never lost his residence in Dakota county since his first settlement here. To Mr. and Mrs. Woods there were born four children - Ida, Fannie, Robert; one son died.

George T. Woods was born February 23, 1831, in Chautauqua county. New York. March 9, 1854, went to. McHenry countj, Illinois; remained there the following summer and then went to- Delaware county, Iowa, and engai^ed in wagon makino'. Came to Woodbury county, Iowa, May 3, 1S55,

Henry Ream, as has been before stated, crossed the Missouri river to Dakota county on the 15th day of May, 1855. Before him stretched one vast wilderness where the tread of civiliziitio-n was yet unknown.. He made his way afoot to the high blull's where Col. Baird afterwards located. The grass and weeds weremore than ten feet high, and it was, indeed, a weary journey. But long before he again readied the lowtii shore, the marvelous richness and fertility of the soil had been fully determined by him. To iiimself hekept repeating over and over again L ''Upon, this fair

];in(l I will settle, and it shall ever more be my home." This was more than thirty-eight years ago, and Henry Ream is still living up to his promise, on liis farm adjoining Homer on the east.

On the 1st day of May, 1856, he moved his family from Sergeant Blutfi to old Omadi, and lived in a tent while he was constructino a residerice. He opened np the first hotel, and was tlie hrst postmaster. Settled on the farm where he now resides in 1864, but his wife soon afterwards died and he moved to Dakota City, where he took charge of the Bates House. Was married a second time, to Mrs. Almeda Hirsch, widow of Abraham Hirsch. Mrs. Hirsch was one of first pioneer women to reach Dakota county, and the second child that died in the county was an infant daughter of hers. She had two children by her iirst husband - Frank and Luella. Mr. Keam has five children by his first wife - Marcellus M., Charles, John, Mrs. Mary R. McBeath and Mrs. Fannie Easton. By their second marriage they have four children - Nina M., Mabel, Leon and William. Moved back to their farm in 1871.

A. H. Baker came strolling along through the west and crossed over the river to Dakota county August 23. 1855. He was "young and full of vim," an(l went to work building a saw mill on Omaha creek, near the town of Oniadi. Besides himself there were interested in this mill, Jacob Hallock, Geo. T. Woods and Chauncey A. Horr. It was one of the finest mill sites ever seen in this part of the country. Omaha Creek at that time made a square angle about a mile south of where is now located the Gideon Warner farm, and turning southward until it reached the bluflfs, thence east to the river below Blyburg. But during the Hood in the spring of 1857, when a great volume of water broke over the river bank above old St. Johns, and rushing down along the bluff's past Col. H. Baird's place into Omaha Creek, so great was the pressure of this vast amount of water that it cut a channel straicrlu through to the river. It was in the summer of 1855 when he, in company with George T. Woods, William Clieney and others, crossed tlie Missouri river and went on a claim-hunting expedition. Tliey crossed over at Omadi, went south to the bluffs through liigli grass, jungles, mud, water, cre«eks and the wildest looking country ever seen by mortal eyes in the west. Went eastward along the blulfs to Blyburg, struck across the hills to Squaw Creek, where Samuel Eymell lives, then to where Homer now stands and on up to Col. Baird's place. Here they crossed and re-crossed the creek. Every time they came to a bead in the stream they supposed it was another creek and would plunge in and swim across. They thought they had nevei- before seen such a country for ci-eeks. It was night when they reached their boats at Omadi, and a more weary, liungry and foot-sore crowd had never before or since been seen in Dakota county. To show the reader what a trip they made that day we will state that; the sauje Journey can hardly be male to-day by the strongest person, when he would have the advantage of good road*. The winter of 1855 was extremely cold, the mercury never getting above the freezing point from the 23d of December until spring, and the snow was eighteen inclies deep most of the winter, never drifting in the least. These sturdy pioneers worked away at the saw mill, and by spring had it ready to go to sawing lumber. They sold the mill and bongiit a steam saw mill in the town of Omadi, Here Mr. ' Baker worked about seven years. Was elected county commissioner at the first election held in Dakota county^ ill Xovem-ber, 1853. In the summer of 1858, while hewas commissioner, the question of submitting a proposition to the vote of the pjople in regard to changing the county seat from Dakota City, which had been located there by an act of the legislature passed. January:

23, 1856, to some other point, came up lefoie the board for action. Tlie affirmative was represented by John Talf, negative by Wm. Lockvvood, Tafi opening tlie discussion. He wanted the county seat moved to Oiriadi. Loud was his voice,. and defiantly did he "saw- the air'* with liis long arms. Lockwood replied with a still more fiery speech, and it looked at one time as if there would be a mortal combat between the two men. Taff, who was afterwards called to congress from this state to appear before the nation's Avise debaters, v/on his point, and the commissioners allowed the people to vote on the proposition August 2 of that year. Dakota City came out victorious. Mr. Baker was afterwards -elected probate judge lor Dakota county. But let us tell you what he had done in the meantime. He was not contented with three partners in the milling business; another partner seemed essential in the running -of that mill. Now, Jacob Hallock had a sister, Miss Rose, who promised to be Mr. Baker's partner to the end of life, and accordingly on the 20th of September, 1857, they were mai-riod, and liave three dangliters - Mrs. Wifliam Eckhart, Mollie and JVellie.

In 1863 he removed to De2atur, woik-ed at the an.nson trade al)out two years, then retuined to Dakota -City; i-iin a saAV mill, which stood in the southwestern , part of the town, two jears, then removed to the Winnebago agency, ran the saw mill there about two years, then i-eturned to Dakota City, and resided there until 1884, when he w-as appointed miller and sawyer at the Winnebago agency under Agent Wilkinson, lie has also been member of the Nebraska legislature and held variems other offices. Was one of the partners who built the Emmit inill at Jackson.

Mr. Baker was born in Chautauqua county, Kew York, in 1834, afterwards came to McHenry county, Illinois. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Delaware <county, Iowa. Landed on Kebraska's fertile soil Aug. .^3, 1855, whicJi has ever since been his home. By his

KoBERT Pilgrim crossed the Missouri river at Sergeant Bluffs with his father, William Pilgrim, Jesse Wigle and others, on the 19th dav of August, 1855. They camped on the west bank of the river, and the next day, August 20, proceeded to the Col. Baird bluffs, where they camped about a week, and then moved their tents down to where John Braunt now lives. Took a claim in September two miles east of Homer, the old Col. Warner place, and built a log cabin by the spring near the Spring Grove school house, in district No. 14. Lived here cluring the winter of 1855-'56, little dreaming that in future years a school house would be reared upon the site of his lonely winter quarters. Was married in 1858 to J\iereb Braunt, daughter of Jeremian Braunt, who then lived on the old Josinh Davis place. He went to Colorado, and on his return moved to the Lewis Blessing place. Took a claim, now owned by Barney Gribble, on Fiddler's creek - so named from the fact that the people who lived on the creek, were all fiddlers.

Robert Pilgrim was born February 15, 183C, in Langeville, Indiana. He went to Illinois with his parents about 1842, and then to Iowa in 1844, where he lived until 1855, when he started for iS^ebraska, Has five sons and three daughters- - Jeremiah, William H., Horatio, John K. and Ira; Mrs. R. M. Snyder, Mrs. Bosa Antrim and Melissa.

Leonard Bates, in company with ex-Governor Wm. H. James, crossed the Missouri river at Sergeant Bluffs in a canoe to JS'ebraska in the fall of 1853, but finding nothing but brush and wild jungles they returned to the Iowa shore with the opinion that JSebraska was one vast brush patch. He again crossed the river in the fall of 1855 and wended his way westward until he came to the beautiful prairies of Dakota county. Took a claim which is low cm red ly John Blessing and Eph Eunt. Built a log Ixuge in Logan in the summer of 1856, and the lolloMirg winter sold the house and also his claim. "Went to Sergeant Bluffs and remained one year, when- Ije returned to Nebraska andj,took a claim in the winter »f '56 and 'oT, where he now lives, three miles west of Dakota City. This claim was adjoining Logan on the west. Went to Colorado in 1859. About this time he csme to the conclusion that he would do something that would break him of moving around so often, and accordingly was married to jVlies ^lay "Weaver, February 27, 1860, in Dakota City, by Wm. Denton, a United Brethren minister. They immediately started on their wedding tour toji is claim. Here he has lived to see, as it were, a vision pass belore his eyes. The wild prairies disappear and behold the land teeming with wealtli and prosperity. The tcMn of Icgan rites, falls and decays until to-day there is no trace of a town there. Has five children living and one dead. Has been elected county surveyor four times on the Republican ticket, and was chosen as vice president of the Pioneers and Old Settlers Association at tlieir annual re-union, August 11, 1886, and elected as president at their meeting September 1, 1888.

Leonard Bates was born April 5, 1833, in "Winsor county, Vermont. Left there with his parents when three years old for Indiana. Went to Linn county, Iowa, in 1847, and was engaged in farming. Was educatedin the public schools. Started west July 18, 1852, and Ian ded in vYoodltury county, Iowa, August 8, 1852. Was employed by the government to survey the township lines between the Big and Little Sioux rivers. One day while they were out surveying they were overtaken by a great prairie fire, such as no man will ever i^ee again in this section of country, and one man was burned to death and others badly injured, but Mr.

Bates, like the three men we read abont in tlie Bible, came out of the lire unharmed. Took a claim wh.ere Sergeant Bluffs, now stands. Thus closes the history of another "sturdy pioneer."

CoL. Baelon Bajed, on the 27th day of September, 1855, crossed the Missonri river to Djttota county and proceeded to the bluffs, where he selected the farm on which he has lived to the present time, "about eight miles southeast of Dakota City. So much has already been said in regard to Col. Baijd. in this book, that to give a fall biography now of his life would only he a repetition;

When the war broke out he, with JWaj. McBeatli, Mat Patrick and Billy Curl, were among the first in Nebraska to otter their services for the country's good. They enlisted in August, 1861, in the Nebraska cavalry, a batallion raised in Omaha.' This was afterwards consolidated with troops from Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri and an independent regiment formed and assigned under the state of Iowa, and by special order was made the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. It was more widely known as "Curtis Horse" cavalry. They were known throughout the war as one of the pluckiest and hardest fighting regiments on the ground. He mustered in as a private, was selected as a captain by his comprny, and by promotion soon received the honor of C(.)lonel. He' to-day suffers from wounds received' while fighting for his country. He was discharged' from the service July 27, 1865. Wlien Nebraska was hi'st admitted as a state Col. Baird was wisely s'elected by the people of Dakota county to represent them in the legislature, and he did much work in helping to frame and adopt the constitution. It was at this session that the great tight was for the removal of tJie state capital, Columbus and Lincoln being the two leading points. Alter it was found that TJncoln had a majority of the votes all those who had voted for Columbus had changed their votes to Lincoln but the colonel, and if the records are correct, his vote alone will ba found standing there in favor of Columbus, He believed Columbus to be the proper place for the state capital, and he intended to stand l)y his belief. He has always been an unswerving Republican.

Charles Rouleaux was an Indian trader in Dakota county in 1855. Took a claim, which was subsequently tlie town site of Omadi; afterwards laid out the town of Rulo in the southern part of the state, where he died.

Judge Thomas L. Griffey was standing on the east bank of the Missouri river, some three miles below where Sioux City is now located, in the fall of 1851. and saw several deer come down to the water on the opposite side to drink. He was just as fond of hunting then as he was all his life, and forthwith he proceeded to cross the river on a hunting expedition, which was the first time he had ever touched the soil of Dakota county. "At this time," said Mr. Griifey, "there w^as the most dense timber and the largest trees l)etween where Dakota City and Covington now stand that I ever saw in my life." T. L. Griffey was born June 28, 1827, in Alexandria, Campbell county, Kentucky; went to Kanesvilie, now Council Bluffs, in March, 1849; was on his way to Colorado, but was taken sick and postponed, the trip- indefinitely; first stepped upon the soil of Nsbragka territory in 1850; started up the Missouri river from Council Bluffs in the fall of iS51 with a load of groceries to trade to the Indians for furs; established a. trading post . where Woodbury is now located; ^vas married August 7, 1853, to iMary I. Brown, daughter of Rev. Samuel Brown, a Methodist minister, who lived near Council Bluffs, In the fall of 1853 was employed by United States Indian

Agent Ilepner to escort a delegation of Onialia Indians of whom tfie Fontenelle boys were leaders, up the river to look at a tract of land .ubove where Ponca was afterwards located, and .f they chose to do so the government gave them the right to select land there in lieu of the reservation on which they are now living. They concluded they would select the latter for their home. The first night the party camped on what was afterwards to be known as the Col. Baird farm. When they awoke the next morning they found a bee tree directly above their tents, from wliich over fifty pounds of honey was obtained. After the party had returned from up the river they proceeded to the mouth of Wood creek, where the town of Decatur was afterwards built, and began selecting a tract of land to contain about 3CO,000 acres, which is now called the Omaha reservation. Mr. Ciriifey drove down the initial stake about a hundred yards from the bank of the river, immediately north of the forty-second parallel of north latitude. They then surveyed about twenty-four miles due west, eighteen miles north, and thence east to the Missouri river below Blyburg. In 1854 helped to frame the territorial government of Nebraska, named all the northern counties, including Dakota county, which at that time was spelled Dacotah. He organized Woodbury county, appointed a full set of county ofHcors and located the county seat near the grave of Sergeant Floyd, below Sioux City, and named the town Sergeant Bluffs, which was afterwards moved to a point opposite Dakota City and called Sergeant Bluffs. In 1856 took a claim within the present limit of Sioux City, which to this day is known as the Griffey addition; sold his entire interest in the land which had been in litigation for many years by the Iowa Falls and Sioux City railroad company to S. T. Davis, of Sioux City, for more than ^25,000. Was admitted to the bar in Sioux City in 1856, and went into the law and real estate business. Located in Covington in 1857 and moved his family there in the spring of 185S. In the spi'inor of 185U went to Pike'a Peak and returned in the fall. His family had the ague, so he concluded to get np on liigher ground and niov^ed to Cedar county in 1860. Moved to Dakota City in 1S61; was deputy county clerk in 181)2 under Dr. G. B. Graff, in 1862 he err. listed in C.)inpany I, Second JN'ebra-.ka Cavalry, under coniniand of Gov. Robert W. Furnas. Marched up the river to Ft. Sully and fought in the battle of White Stone iJill against the Indian warriors. Was orderly sergeant, and was mustered out November, 1868. Served in territorial council from 1864 lo 1866; was elected on tlie Demosratic ticket in a strong Republican district against Hon. Ex-Governor William II. James, and was appointed on the committee on scliools, where !i6 did niucli hard work to shape and mold the school laws for Nebraska. Was county attorney for seven yjirs. [n 1875 was elected judge ot the Sixth judicial district of Nebraska on the Democratic ticket, against Hon. E. K. Valentine, Republican. Served on the bench more than a year, when he was counted out by a Republican legislature which decided that Valentine had oeen decte f by 2 ani 21-100 votes. On the 26th day of May, 1882, was stricken with apoplexy, which rendered his left side useless. Up to this time he was enjoying one of the largest law practices ever acquired l>y any one man in the county bef >re or since. His wife died in October, 1885, leaving four children, of which three are dead. Was for years one of the heaviest tax payers of the county, and ever took a deep interest in the agricultural advancement of Dakota county. Was the lirst president of the Dakota County Farmers' Institute, organized in 1886. In 1885 moved on his farm a short distance northeast of Dokota City, builr, a substintiai residence, good barn and other comfortable out buildings for stock. It is a strange coincideiu^e tliat he settled near the spot whei-e in the fall of 1851 he crossed tlie river io Dakota county, long be- fore there was ;i solitai'Y white man there: when tliere was no Sioux City and the county was wihl and in its priirieval state. How uiarvelous it must seem to a man to liave seen this country in its- uninliahited condition and then look iij)oii it in its pi-esent, wonderful, prosperity. He died at ins home in Sioux City, iowa, January 1, 18U2.

John 13. Akteaix, in company with Cliaries llouleaux, crossed tlie .MissiHiri river in a canoe to whei-e Oniadi was af terwaids founded, and selected his claim September 5, 1855, whicli is situated west o!: the Gideon Warner place on Omaha creek. Jle visited Dakota county prior to this, June (i, 1851, while employed by the i:\merican Fur company, and in 1853, wnen he camped on tiie subscipient town site of Ojnadi. lit. liv'edin Dakota coir.itv until 1884, when he moved to Sioux City, Iowa, uhere he has since resided.

B. M. PizY was born in England, and visited what is to-day Dak<jta county in April, 1850. He was Sioux City's pioneer stage di'iver. Afterwards settled in Dakota City, where he now resides. Was married to Miss Mary Pndcerton, a pioneer school teacher of the county., in September, 1864. Has two sons - Alfred and. Paulding.

Moses Ki^Erscame to Daktita county in the fall of 1855. Took a claim in Omadi precinct, now ownel by David Waterman. He is now living in Dakota City.

Horace Dutton rode on a horse across the uninhabited lauds of Iowa in July, 1855. Tlrere were no roads, and he lost his way and for two diays did not see a human being. Fir'aily he reached Woodbury,, losva, vviiere hj rjmainal ua;;il Dacembar (5, 1855v when he cro.sse;! over the river to Dakota county and took a claim where John Joyce now lives. Spent thai: winter in the Covington timber hauling wood, to Sioux. City. Enlisted in Company 1), Fifth Iowa Cavnlry, in. jN'ovenrber, 1861 aud served four years. Jlarried to-

Sarah Sanlsberry in 1867 and settled on a farm five miles west of Dakota City, where he resides at present. They have two daughters - Maud and Knth.

Squire Dutton came to Dakota county with liis brother, Horace, December 6, 1855. Settled in Logan. Died at his home in Pagosa Springs, Colo., December, 1885, leavincr a widow and two sons.

John J. Trecy was born in Ireland in 1827. Emigrated to America with his parents in 1833, and located in Lancaster, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; in 1854, with tiie family m<.ved to Dubuque, Iowa; in the sumer of 1855, in company with his brother, Father Trecy, who vvas then looking for a location to establish a colony, drove across the state of Iowa, locating in what is now called Old St. Johns. In 1862 was married to Miss Elizabeth McLaughlin, and moved to Huntsville, Alabama, returning to Dakota county in 1870. In 1881 they moved to Wayne, JN'ebraska, where they now^ i-eside. Tliev have fivechildrjen - Francis S., Augustus J., liaymond J., Mrs. Minnie Frazier and Mrs. Annie Ivohl. He was one of the first commissioners of Daki^ta county, being re-elected October 11. 1859.

John and William Bay came to Dakota county, in 1855, and started a general store in Omadi. John afterwards went to Washington Territory and William went to Illinois.

Edward 0. Jones was born in 1832 in West Meath county, Ireland, and came with his parents to America in 183B. Came to Dakota county in 1855,, returned to low^a and, in con.)pauy with Trecy's colony, lagriin renched this county June 1, 1856. Enlisted in tlie war for the Union, and served two years. Was -also member of the territorial legislature in 1857 and 1858. Died at Neblette Lauding, Boliver county, Aliss., April 13, 188J.

Sioux City was al'teiNvaids luilt, in 1852, selecting a claim wLeie Covington is now located. In 1S54 built the first log cabin in the county. In those days deer were very plentiful in the lai'ge timbei- of tliat vicinity, and he Idlled many of them. Was married to Miss Clii'istiana Held lelnuai'y 10, ISoU, near Jaclvson. Have tliree sons and one daughter. Moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in 1871, where lie has a good, comfortable home on the very soil which years ago lie beheld in its wild, primeval state, coveied with lank prairie grass.

Marcellus M. Ream was born April 14, 1848 Came with his parents to Sergeant BlufTs, Iowa, in the summer of 1855, and the 10th of Cctober crossed over the Missouri river to Dakota county, being the first white boy to cross the river. His parents moved to Omadi in the spring of 1856, and he attended the first school ever taught in the county, by Miss Putnam. Afterwards went to school to G. W. "Wilkinson. Was married to Miss Jennie Eroyhill May 8, 1871, in Dakota City, where he has resided to the present time. Was clerk in the Land Office and deputy county clerk for Henry Stott, Have one child, a daughter - Edna. Postofiice address, Dakota City.

Jacob H. HALLOCKwas born October 11, 1833, in Bath, Stueben county, New York. Arrived at Sergeant Bluff's, Iowa, about the 1st of May, 1855, and about the 1st of July, in company with George T. Woods and others crossed the Missouri river at a point above where Dakota City was aiterwaids Itcaltd. Went up to the blufls at a point wliich \\as later named St. Johns, then to where Ponca is now built, and then down to where Col. Baird subsequently settled. Helped to build one of the first log cabins erected in the county, and also helped to build the first saw mill, in the winter of 1855-5(3, in Omr.di. Was elected first county clerk in 1856, while absent in Kew York to get the girl he left beliind hiii: - Miss Mary O. Nash- m-Ikhii lie iiiMiricd at Ciibji, Kew York, IS'ovtirjl er 10, 1856. In 1862, assisted in oigaiiizing Ccrajfiny 1, Second JNebraska Cavalry, and was second lieutenant of that company, mustered out in December 1863, and moved to Cuba, IStw To)k, vLere he still resides

Wm. C. McBeath, jouriieying into the wild west, crossed over the JVli^souri liver in the sj,riEg of 1856 aud branded Nebraska as liis state, Dakota as his county and Omadi for liis home. Here he was engaged in the mercantile business for nearly three years. He Mas a kind and generous hearted man, and the suffering caused by tlie severe winters of 1856 and 1857 offered an opportunity for testing these predominating traits of character. "Times were hard," the pioneers were on the eve of starvation and the future prc>spect for Dakota county was decidedly gloomy, l^ut this generous hearted merchant of Omadi was equal to the emei-gency. He sent word to all the needy pioneers that they could have flour or anything else he Lad in liis store, and pay for it when they got able to do so. Although thirty years of wonderful changes have passed away, those pioneers, now grown old, with whitened locks, still revere and hold in sacred remembrance the honored name ofWm. C. McBeath. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company D, Fifth Iowa Cavairy, promoted to second lieutenant in 1862, afterwards fri'st*lieutenant. In August, 1868, was promoted to captain on account of the deaih of Capt. Win. Curl. ]n June, 1865, for gallant and efficient service as a -soldier, he was promoted to major, wdiich position he held when he was musteied out, September, 1865. Kemained south abvut tliree yeais, then returned t© Dakota county, t'oon after was tnarried to Mary lieam, eldest daughter of Henry Eeam. The grateful people lemembering his lavors to then), felt that a Iriend in need was a fi'ieiul indeed - that they owed liim sometliing, and pi-oceeded to elect liiin county clerk twelve years in succeesion, beginning January 1, 1870. and ending January 1, 1882. Under Dr. G.'W. Wilkinson's administration as agent tor the Winnebago and Omalia Indians, he was appointed to the position of clerk at the Winnebago agency ; ai'terwaids appointed snperintendent of the industrial school at the Omaha agency. After this his liealth began to fail, and he took a trip to Eosebnd agency, in the hope of regaining his strength. He was horn in Wayne county, Ky., November 15, 1833. Died at his residence in Dakota City, Nebraska, March 30, 1886. Mrs. Mary R. Mc- Ijeath and two children - George and Mrs. Gertie Best - survive hiuj, and reside in Dakota City.

Thomas Asuford made his first footprints upon Nebraska soil on the morning of March lU, 1856, and since that time his vigilant ''footprints" have ever borne a conspicuous part in the general history of Dakota county. In 1858 he burned a kiln of brick for AVilliam Ashburn, who was intending to build a large hotel in Omadi and "was putting on lots of style,"' says iVir. Ashford, "just like many other people who have no money." i^nd sure enough, he didn't have any money except what he swindled the people out of. He '^skipped out," and thus left Mr. Ashford with a lot of brick on his hands, some of which he eold to the fettlers. Went to Colorado in ]859 and remained theie nearly two years, engaged in mining. Came back to Dakota county in November, 1860, to look after his claim, which lie liad taken previous to his trip to Colorado. This claim is the one wliere he lives at the present time, located a mile east of Homer. He now found use for the biick that he still owned in Omadi, and built a substantial dAveliing on his claim with them. It was now more than six years since he had come to Nebraska, and he saw that if he ever expected to accomplish much in the wOrld he must immediately down to business,'' and in order to do tiiis he iiin>t have somo one to li'lpliiiu out with it. Maggie Dnggaii, sister of Hon. Daniel Diiggan, of Jackson, \\ as also studying the sairie proposition, and somehow "!- another - the worhl will pr.)h,d)ly never know how it ilid happen - but liistoi-y tells us that they were niarli-'d ill the Catholic chu'ch at Jackson, Nebraska, .V|)ril 1, 1861. 'I'hey '-settled down" on his claim, whei-e they ha\"e since i-esided to the present time- - lived to see tin country all ai'ouiid th3m seftled up, and none but those w!io saw it in those days can iniacrine the great contrast between tlie landscape then and the civilized condition in which we behold it to-day. Mr. Ashford's life has been a busy one, both on the farm and in public enterprise, inchiding politics. He has a first- class farm, a pleasant hotne, and many warm friends. A person is naturally led to admire the energy and enterpi-ise that, spurs a man on from compirative obscurity to wealth and a higher estimaticm among his fellownjen. The record of such lives should evei- be prominently displayed before the people as guiding landmarks and lasting examples to many of the young men who are wdiiling away the springtime of theiilives in idle shiftlessness. Tlius,witli this aim in view, we tliought, per chance, some wayward traveler reading about those heroic veterans of early days, might ''take lieai-fc again," pick up his gripsack and p;iss on thi-ough this vale of tears with a lighter spirit toward the goal of honor and respectability. He was born April 10, 1828, in vVicklow county, Ireland. In 1849 he came across the ocean and lar.ded at New Orleans, and after J'emaining there two months went to Cincinnati by steamboat. In the spring of 1850 went to Butler, Hamilton county, Ohio, and remained tliere two years. Ill 1853 went to Indiana; lived there until February, 1856, when he began prepai'ations for that memorable joni-ney to Nebraska, which was undoubtedly the luckiest move of his life. Has six children living - Thomas, John, George, Mary, Mrs. Dr. C. II. Maxwell ;.ind Julia,

William Nixon bent his steps westward in 1856, laniJing upon Dakota county's fertile soil March 20, of that year, and since that time the fertility of her soil, added to his exhanstless energy, has yielded for him one of the most beautiful tar'ns in northern Nebi'aska,. He tirst located on the C. B. Bliven place, and afterwards took a c'aim a short distance south of where Homer now stands, Mr. Nixon hought five sacks of Hour of W. C. McBeath, of Omadi, built a rude house, and otherwise prepared for that stormy winter of '56-'57. In the spring he went to Council Bluffs for supplies. The roads were almost impassable, many abandoning their loads until the roads were better. He made slow progress, averaging but five miles a day. and tinally the roads got so muddy and he made such slow progress that he found it convenient to stop at the same house two nights in succession. There were but few licuises between Dakota City and Council Bluffs. Here on his claim he has liverl to the present time, and when an honest, upright man oi' pu>h and energy settles down on a piece of land and sticks to it for more than thirty years, you may be sure tliat he will have something to show for it. He has had his battles to fight with mishaps and accidents, just the same as other mortals. But men are not alike. Some sink i)eneath the weight of their trials ami troubles, others are seen above the foam where wme but the brave and strong can float. Whyisitthat those who began the race for fortune more than a quarter of a century ago are now so widely scattered along the line? Life is a battle, and energy is the cannon. Perhaps those who are accustomed to seeing Mr. Nixon's luxurious iion:ie of to-day would like to have a pen picture of it as the pioneers knew the place in early times. lie lived in a small log cabin, and sheds took the place of his large barn and other substantial buildings; stock of all kinds was rather slim around the premises; not a fruit tree wa& to be seen;, no beautiful groves - aU was a i)ai-ren prairie - -and some of tlie good old veterans who lived on the bottom said he was foolish fi'r going ''SO far out among the desolate hills" to live. But he went, all the same, and has lived there to witness the human tide that subsequently rolled across the wide Missouri valley, dotting the land with pleasant homes, until to-day he is in the midst of a thickly set tied community. He was born August 13, 1818 in \Vigtonshire, Scotland. Came across the ocean in 1852 on a schooner of which his brother Samuel was captain and part owner, who was afterwards drowned on the ocean in the time oi a great hurricane. Ir was f(jrty-tvvo days tVoai the time he started until he reached New York, after passing through some very severe storms. He went to Pittsl)urg. Pa., July 4, 1852, and worked there two years in a glass tactory. In 1855 went to Grinnell, Iowa, and started with an ox team for JN'ebraska in 1856,

John McQuilkin walked across the Missouri river on the ice at Sergeant Bluffs March 20, 1856, in search of a place to settle down and tight the battle of life, and it is safe to presume that these stirring engagements were many and oft times severe, when we consider the nuinerous trials and obstacles that confronted tliose fearless pioneers who subdued the "western wilds" and made it possible for us to enjoy the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us to-day. Across the ice with him came Benjamin Chambers, William Nixon, Louis Blessing and James Dickey. They had gone about half way across when Louis Blessing broke through the ice and went down to his waist in the water. But pioneers generally accomplish their aim, and they found another crossing place and landed safely on Nebraska's soil. Mr. McQuilkin stopped in a shanty on the river bank that night, and went out to Col. Baird's place next day to look for a claim. Not finding anything out there that suited his taste, he located on the Mark Fair place of 120 acres, east of

Dakota City, broke ten acres and built a log cabin 14 by 16 feet. An early fall was setting in, and things generally indicated that the winter was going to be very severe. That winter he lived alone on the Chambers place, just east of Dakota City, and if you want to hear sOine big stories about that awful winter of '56 and '57, he can satisfy you on this particular point. He farmed the Chambers pUice in 1858, and the next year the John Wright place, about three miles east oP Dakota City. In 1862 he farmed Samuel Gamble's place, now owned by Eston Rush, and situated due east of Dakota City. October 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Second Nebraska Cavalry, and in the spring of 1868 marched up the Missouri river with the army, crossed at Ft. Randall and went on to Ft. Pierre. He fought in the battle of White Stone Hill, Dakota territory, and was mustered out November^ 1863. January 13, 1864, he married Alice Rush, daughter of Eston Rush, and settled down on his claim, proved up on it, and lived to see the wild prairie of '56 thoroughly settled up with an honest, thrifty class of people. He sold his farm to Mark Fair in 1874 for ^3,500, and moved his family to Webster county, Nebraska. In the spring of 1884 he located on a piece of land four miles northwest of Emerson, built a barn and lived in that until he had completed a substantial dwelling house. He has a good or3hard started and several acres of forest trees planted. He has six children. He was horn June 8-, 1827, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, went to New Castle, Pa., iiv 1852, and in 1853 to Muscatine county. Iowa, by way of Louisville, Ky. Was engaged as painter and finishing furniture. He went to Grinnell, Iowa, in 1855, and the following spring jained a three-ox" team expedition for Nebraska. This cotiipletes the history of another pioneer.

broke through and came very near being drowned, but he did not give up. He tried another place, and reached Dakota county in safety, which, since that eventful day, he has called his home. Located on a claim just west of Homer, where he resides at the present time. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, August 11. 1825, and was married to Catharine Riddle at Sioux City, Iowa, July 28, 1860. Has two sons and three daughters - George C. and William; Christiana E , EllaE. and Anna JVI.

Benjamin F. Cha.mbees was born in "Westmoreland county, Pa., in May, 1882; was married to Nancy M. McCartney at Indiana, Pa., by Pev. David Blair, in August 1853; came west in the spring of 1855 and stopped at Grimiell, luwa, where his wife died in August of that year. While there he heard many glowing accounts of the beautiful county of Dakota, in tlie territory of Nebraska, and started to see for himselt if they were true, arriving here on the 20th day of March, 1856. He at once became convinced that Nebraska was good enough a country for him, and proceeded to build the tirst house ever erected in Dakota City. In the fall of that year returned to Pennsylvania, and was married to Sarah A. Hull in Mar.ch. 1857, by Rev. C. A. Carson. Returned to Dakota county in April of same year. The story of the trials and hardships in tlie years that followed is fresh in the minds of the pioneers.; of hard winters, storms and drouths; of encounters with thy festive n)osquitoes, and later on, the thrilling period of the grasshoppers, which caused suffering and devastation to the countrj. These destructive insects swarmed over tlie country in great clouds, oI)scuring tlie light of the sun to some extent, and flying into houses, wells, and everywhei'e, so that it was with the greatest difli- <;ulty that they were kept out of the victuals on the table. Served thirteen months in Company I, Second Nebraska Cavalrj. In this connection, Mr. ChanjUej-ij says: "I lived on grasshopper soup for several years and occasionally had a mosquito sing. Paid ^5 for a mosquito bar and put it around my bed, but it was no go, the mosquitoes got inside and could not get out after they got full of blood." He also says that there were plenty of deer in the county in 1856, but the severe winter and deep snow of '56 and '57 destroyed most of them. Was three times elected sherifl of Dakota county; was deputy United States marshal four years; represented Dakota and Dixon counties in the legislature in 1874:-'75; was register of the United States land office at Niobrara from May, 1876, until July, 1884. Has resided in Kiobrara since 1876. Has had four sons and four daughters, two of whom are dead and three are married. JMr. Chambers took much interest in the general welfare of Dakota county in its pioneer days and kelped to get it started on its prosperous career.

Dr. M. Pimkerton, on the last day of March, 1856, crossed the Missouri river at Sioux City alone iri an old skiff. Took a claim in Covington timber, built a log cabin and enjoyed the wildest looking scenery imaginable. Here he lived to experience the terrors of that fearful winter of '56 and '57, about which to this day the pioneers love to tell 'dong-winded" stories. The prairie chickens sought the woods for protection from the severe weather, and would light in the large trees around the cabin. Mr. Pinkerton and his comrade, Fitzpatrick, who was afterwards killed in Covington, had all the chicken that they could make use of. At different times has held the office of county treasurer, sheriff and justice of the peace. Was married to Martha Mershon Febvuary 20, 1861, in West Springfield, Erie county, Pa.; has two children. Moved to Dakota City in 1865, and was there proprietor of the "Pinkerton House," located in the so\ith part of town. In 1878 moved to Glenwood, Iowa, and has lived there and at Tabor, Iowa, ever since.

William Harvet Boals came to Dakota county April 20, 1856; was married toFlorettaA. Beardsliear ill December, 1872, Has one adopted son. Lives on a farm five miles west of Dakota City. He well remembers when Dakota county was one vast wilderness, where the wild beasts roamed unmolested and the streams went gliding on unobstructed by tlie hand of man.

Charley Eeam came with his parents to Dakota county in the spring of 1856. Married to Sina Mc- Pherson. They have live sons and three daughters.

George L. Boals, Jr., came to Dakota county April 22, 1856, and the following winter the house in which he lived was entirely covered up with snow. Was married in 1874 to Hattie Plank. Has two sons and three daughters. He is a farmer, and lives six miles west of Dakota City.

Joachim Oesterliko stood upon the hills where Sioux City is now located on the otli day of May, 1856. and viewed the wild and fertile prairies and timber lands of Dakota county, wondering what the future years had in store for himself and the surrounding country. There were a few houses along the river bank. He opened up the Des Moines House and it lur three years- Bought a tract of land above Yankton on the Nebraska side of the Missouri river, on v.hieh he proceeded to found the town of Frankfort. Erected a large hotel and other buildings; a postofhce was established, and he was appointed postmaster, and just as he was about to make a fortune out of his new town the war came on and left hini a poor anan on a deserted town site. Moved to I^ iobrara in I860 where he kept hotel and a store and served as postmaster three jears. Came to Dakota City, arriving iiere in the spring of 1863. Here he worked at the furrier trade until 1868. While in Sioux City for a ^?npply of raw furs in the winter of that year his resi- deuce, which stood near the Lutheran churcli, was burned to the ground, notliing being saved but a bureau. Was coroner of Dakota county two years. Built the Farmers' hotel, now the Eureka House, in 1870, where he acted as proprietor for seventeen years. In 1886 he sold the hotel and built a neat residence in Dakota City. Was just getting comfortably settled in his new home when be was stricken with paralysis, from which he sufiered a great deal. His wife died on Thursday evening, March 15, 1888, at the age of 61 years, 2 months and 2 days. The funeral took place March 17, conducted by Rev. W. C. McCool, all the children living, except three, being present. He was born March 21, 1821, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany; crossed the ocean and came to Columbus in 1816, then to Cincinnati, Ohio, the next year, where he was married to Miss Mary E. Guyer, at tbat place, Angust 5, 1848. To them were born ten children, of whom seven are living and three are dead. The next year he went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he followed painting and glazing three years, when he moved to Terre Haute and then to Gosport. In 1854 he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and in the spring, two years later, started on the crowning jonrney of his life over the wild, uninhabited prairies of western Iowa to the beautiful and tertile country of Nebraska, where in the years to come himself and family were to occupy an important place in the general bistory of Dakota county. Died at Seward, Nebraska, April S", 1892.

James Stott was a native of England. Came to Massachusetts in 1852, then to Connecticut; soon after to Wisconsin. Four years later Mr. Stott came to Dakota county, Nebraska, and located on a pre-emption of 120 acres in the timber southeast of where Covington now stands. Here be engaged in farming on a small scale and also in the wood and shingle business. Was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue, served about five years. In the spring of 1856 lie wa.s appointed by the commissioners as county assessor, and that fall was elected county clerk and held the office two terms; was appointed receiver of the government land ofifice, which he held for nearly twelve years. Soon after his settlement in Nebraska his wife died, lie was married to Mrs. C. Davis in 1868. His failing health compelled him to retire from all active business the last few years of his life. He died at his residence in Dakota CityJnly 16, 1882. His second wife and two step-children - ^John Davis and Mrs. Tim Carrabine - are living in the county. Three of his own chidren are living - ^Mrs. Yan Harden, JSiobrara, Neb.; Mrs. Sumner Whittier and Mrs. David Neiswanger, Sioux City. Iowa. His son Henry died January 5, 1887.

Thomas Smith, at the helm of a "prairie schooner," steered his way far into the great west, beyond the line of civilization, until on the 14th day of May, 1856, when his eyes first rested upon the beautiful land of J^Jebraska. He had never beheld such a desirable country before, an.d forthwith determined that Dakota county should thenceforth be his home. Across the river with him came Uncle Henry Pilgrim and family. Camped on the river bank and went to Omadi the next morning, remaining there until about the middle of May, when he started for his claim, which he had selected about two miles south of where Homer is now built. His team gave out at Omaha creek and one horse died, so he hired William Jones to complete the journey for him. When he reached the Henry Ream place they stopped for dinner, and his wife and son Lewis had ague chills, "but," says Mr. Smith, "that is the last time they ever shook." Nebraska climate is not a good breeder of ague. On the 19th of May, 1856, he was "at home" on his claim, resting from his long and tedious travels. His neighbors at that time were not visible to the naked eye, school houses had not yet sprouted and the churches were God's first teirjples - the trees. But such an uncivilized state of things vv^as not destined to continue long. Tiie stream of emigration soon began to pour in and neighbors became plentiful, especially about watermelon time; school houses sprang up magic like, and the old church bell of other daYS was once more heard in the land, awakening in the minds of the sturdy pioneers thoughts of the pleasant homes and dear friends that they had left in other climes. The old Omadi school house, erected in the spring of 1857, which was the tirst one ever built in the county, was moved to a point less than a quarter of a mile north of wdiere he iived, A school district was organized, and Thomas Smith, Wm. iN'ixon, and Jesse Wigle were elected as its tirst board of directors. Wheii Jan)es Stott was county clerk, by sonie revision of the numbers of the school districts. this was called district No. 9, ndien it should have been No. 1, as it is now the oldest in the county. Thos. Smith was born June 21. 1823. in Darbyshire, England; came across the ocean in 1845 and landed in New York; then went to Erie county, Ohio, and froui there to Sandusky. In 1853 went to Iowa county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. Was married in September, 1851, to Sarah Smith, of Erie county, Ohio. Had seven cliildren, three are dead. Started for jS'ebraska in 1856, which closes the story of another pioneer.

William Pilgrim stepped no-t from the Mayflower upon Plymouth rock, but from a flatboat upon the river b?ink at Covington, on the morning of May 14, 1856, with his father, the Uncle Henry Pilgrim, who,, until his death, was honored and respected throughout all this region. They baught a claim eight miles south of Dakota City, the Warner place, now known as Pilgrim Hill. Here he built a substantial house, bam and other out buildings, which decaying time has completely raz.ed to the earth,^ and aot a single, vestige of the buildings remain. At this time Col. Sites was grading down the military road, makicg times quite lively for a while. When the road was completed there was a great deal of travel, and William took in many a dollar by "giving the teams a pnll up the hill,'* which was very steep indeed, as many of the old pioneers know fr<)m experience. When the war broke out he joined a company' of cavalry and marched to battle against the red forces of the upper country. He was born October 18, 1839, in Illinois, and after settlinor in Nebraska, was married to Diana Corwin June 1, 1865. Has eight children - four sons and four daughters.

Henry Pilgrim was born in 1820, in North Carolina. Afterwards resided in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and worked two years in the mines of Colorado. Came to Dakota county in May 14, 1856, and settled on the place now known as the Col. W^arner farm. Afterwards moved to Blyburg, where he died January^ 11, 1880. His widow still survives him, and is now residing in Homer.

JouN Ryan drove off of John Feenan's flatboat at Covington with a yoke of oxen and a wagon containing all he had in the world. May 15. 1856. Took a claim two miles west of Jackson, where he lived until his death. He was bom in 1820, in Ireland, and was married in 1855 to Margaret DeWire. Had nine children, five of whom are dead. Those living are John, Mrs. Kate Clark, Mrs. Julia Waters and Annie. He died at his home, near Jackson, in 1892.

James Ryan cametu Dakota county May 15, 1856, and took a claim two miles west of Jackson. Died in the fall of 1863. His wife and two children - James and Catharine - live on the old place.

ever established at Dakota City. Served as county judge one term and as coinmissioner two terms. Represented Dakota county in the 5tli, 6th and 7tli sessions of the state legislature, and has held other minor offices. Married to Miss Lnrinda Packard. Has two sons and four daughters - William and Frank; Mrs. George Xiebulir, Mrs. Henry Niebuhr, Mrs. Harriet VVanhoz and Mrs. John Grimm. John JNaffziger was born in Bavaria, and came to America in 1826. Has always been a prominent and energetic citizen since he settled in Dakota county. His wife died July 5, 1891.

William Adair, as conductor of a ''praii-ie scho(^ner" loaded with provisions and drawn by three yoke of oxen, with D. W. Lowry as assistant, wended his way over the uninhabited prairies of northwestern Iowa, until the 22d day of May, 1856, when he beheld the beautiful Missouri va'ley, but it was a dili'erent sight Irom that which we behold in 1893. No beautiful faruis and pleasant liomes, no towns or villages dotted its surface - all was wild jungles and lonely prairies. He crossed the Missouri river at 18ergeant BlutiS and landed upon JN'ebraska soil in what he supposed from previous reports was the thriving town uf Dakota City, but no town was to be seen. Ko sign of habitation. Nothing but willows as far as the eye could penetrate. He started westward along a path, and going over a mile, he came to one lonesome looking house, wliicJj constituted the town of Dakora Ciry. Jt consisted of four log walls, dirt roof, no floor, one hole for a door and another for a window. The building was occupied by B. I^\ Chambers, John McQuilkin and Samuel McCartney, and afterwards became the "Chihuahua House,'-' under the management of Dr. J. D. M. Ci'ockwell. Took a chii.u adjoining Dakota City on the west,- a portion of it now being the Cheney farm. Built a log house and spent the remainder of the season breakin<»: on his own land and others, doing: his cooklnu; all suininer on a log tire in front of his cabin, utilizing it at night to drive away mosquitoes. Next year sold his claim and bought another one half a mile farther west, a portion of which he owns at the present time. Farmed during 1857, '58 and '59. Moved to ISioLix City in the fall of 1859, and taugir: school till July, lotk), when he resigned and came lo Dakota City to sell goods forC. F. Eckhart, with whom he remained until 1870, when he went into the real estate business, and continued there i:ntil the spring ut' 1877, when he was appointed clerk ac Ft. Ftck agency, Montana, which place he left in the fall of 1880, owing lo the failing health of one of his children. Was appointed postal clei-k on the Sioux City and Omaha railroad in the-springof 1881, which position he now holds. Was appointed treasurer of Dakota county by the board of commissioners, to till nn unexpired term, in 1,863, and at the next election was chosen for another term. Was a member of tlie board of regents of the State University for nine year.-, being elected by the state legislature for a term of three years, ai.d at its close was elected by the people for a term of six years. Has been a prominent member of the Methodist church for a number ot years, and an active Sabbath school worker in Dakota City, wliere his family has resided continu- ^)usly since July, 1860. Was married, the second time, to Martha l'\ Ford, of Griunell, lowa» Noveml)er 11, 1857. ll:vs ten cliiidreu livi;i_r. six sons and four daughcei-s. His two oldest daughters are resting in the cemetery at Dakota City. He was ;)orn in Westmoreland county, Pa., Aprd 17, 1832. Spent his earlier years on a farm, until at the age of 16 ye;irs, when he went to West Lebanon, Indiana county, Pa., aiul M^as engaged in teacliing school and in the mercantile business. Was married to Isabella McCartney, of SoutJi P.end, September 15, 1853. She died April 12. 1855. In June, 1855, he shipped a stock of goods from

Pittsburg, Pa., by river to Muscatine, Iowa. Went to Griiinell, Iowa, in a iiack (b'a^vn by lour horses, which were (h'iven by himself. Opened up a geneml store, and the next spring sokl out and, as we have stated before, launched his "prairie schooner" upon the wild praii'ies of tlie west, and came to JN^ebraska to "ii;row up with the country" and to be numbered among lier upright and honorable citizens. Here he has watche:! the mai'ch of civilization; the settlement ofawild conntry; the work of the ax and breaking plow; the rise of towns and villages, and every industry that helps to make a rich and prosperous country. ThirtT-six years ago he plodded along behind two yoke of oxen and a breaking plow on his claim west of Dakota City, today he rides over the selfsame ground on the cars as a postal clerk.

David Boals was born in Center county, Pa., and after learning the carpenter trade, came to Dakota county in April, 1S56. Married in his native state in 1847, to Hannah J. Boyd, who was one of the Hrst white women to arrive at Dakota City. Took a clain» about five miles west of Dakota City, wliere they live:! to endure the hardships of pioneer life, and to wittiess the storms and the sunshine of the years to the present time. Has been a inen:iber of the school board of his district tor many years. Has two sons and two d.-iughters - William H., George L., Mrs. Marenda Plank and Lizzie. Sarah A. died July 4, 1856, and was either the first or second white child buried in the county.

WiLLiA ! BouTON was born in Delaware county. N". Y., and came to Dakota county in the spring of 1856. Took a claim about four miles northwest of Dakota City, whei-e he has resided to the present time, witnessing the transformation of the wild prairies into rich and prosperous farms. Was married to Rose Bates, sister of Leonard Bates, April 4. 1861, by Pev. Brown. She died, and he was married a second tiuiCs

G. IlATTENHAcn Came to Dakota county and opened up a grocsry store in Ornadi, in the spring of 1850. Whs one of the founders of Covington. Died in Sioux City, where five children now live - Nathan, Ludwig, Mitchel, David and Mrs. D. A. Magee. Two of his clKldi-en ai'e in Deadwond, S. D. - -Joseph and Aaron.

Patrick O'Neil was born in Ireland in March, 1825. Married there to Bridget McNauiara, April 12, 1817. and Hi-rived in America Jurie 17, of the same year. On the lOth day of May, 1856, he found his \vay to Dakota county, wliere he has lived to the present time, on a farm near Jackson. Has three sons and three daughters - Stephen, Michael, Henry, Mary, Margaret and Alice. Mr. O'Xeil has lived to see Dakota county changed from "one vast wilderness" to a rich and prosperous land, as we behold it to-day. In 1883 he took a ti'ip back to old Ireland, and enjoyed himself ve'-y much.

Daniel Duggan, guided by the invisible hand of Destiny, found liis way to Dakota county, June 1, 1856, and located on aclaitn above the pi'csetit town of Jackson Here he lived to see the once wild country jiround him l)edecked with comfortable homes and enterprising towns and villages. Was at one time a niem^ bei- of the legislature, i-cpresenting Dakota county; held several offices of responsibility in the countv, such as county coiumiseioner, etc. Was one of the thiee conimissionei's appointed by the seci'etary of the intei-ior to appraise the Oraaha Indian knds in 1883. Took a deep interest in all public movements', was a ]ife long Democmt. «nd from the earliest titnee was an citizen, and accumulated considerable property'. He was born in Canavee, County Cork, Ireland, February 20, 1822. Was married to Catharine Lucy, February 18, 1846. Came to America in 1852, arriving at Boston in May of that year, and proceeded to the ''far west." Died at his home in Summit precinct, Dakota county, Neb., on Saturday, August 14, 1886, at 9 p. m,, aged 64 years, 5 months and 24 days. His disease was dropsey. Had been complaining for some six months, but was confined to his bed but two months. The funeral, whicii was on Monday, August 16, 1886, was very large, friends from all parts of the county and many from Sioux City, being in attendance. The services were conducted by Rev. Father Clements, of Hubbard, under the rites of the Catholic church, of which the deceased liad been a member for many years. It will be remembered that the very day on whicli he died the pioneers and old settlers of Dakota county were holding their fifth annual reunion in Hileman's grove. He had been their vice president for two years» and the greatest sympathy was expressed for their absent member. Resolutions to this effect were unanimously adopted by the- association, with a rising vote - honors such as no other old settler had ever received from the society. It was a touching and fitting token of remembrance kindly paid to one of the oldest pioneers. His wife and seven children survive him, six sons and one daughter - -Dennis, lerry F., Corneliu- H., Daniel E., John C, Michael J. and Katie L.

Daxiel Duggan

Friend and patron of my muse. These feeble lines of mine excuse. Accept and not decline As they are sent to thee and thine. Hubbard, Aug. 16, 1886, L. E.

Francis A. Kobinson whs born January 12, 1825. ill Alaiichester, Indiana. Came to Dakota City, May 28,1856. Took a cJaim one-half mile north of that town, and i?aw the iirst paper ever printed in Dakota City taken from die pre^s. Married to Zernah Fisher. January 12, 1859, in Whiteside county, Illinois. }1\9, wife died, leaving one soti, 0. Elmer.

Michael McKiveugan was horn in 1827,in Ireland and came to America iS'ovember. 1848, remaining in Mew York six years. Came to Dakota county June 1, 1856, with Father Treoy's colony. His wife died that winter in Omadi. Took a claim in the spring of 1857, hut on account ol extrenie hard times he failed to pay for it, and it went into other lunds. Took a homestead, where he now lives, six miles due west of Jackson, which is a good, comfortable home. Was married a second time, in 1863, and h is ten children living.

Samuel Sijltll was bom in Ohio, in 1832, and moved with his parents to Indiana in 1837, thence to Iowa in the fall of 1855. In the spring of 1856 crossed wver the Missouri river to take a look at JS^ebraska, and iinding it to be an excellent country, located that fall -on Fiddlers' creek, where he lived to see the wild conn> try around him settle up with thrifty farmers. Moved to Montana in 1879, where he is at present residing.

Patbick Twohict crossed the Missouri river at Sioux City on John Feenau's llatboat on Saturday, June 1, 1856, in company witli Father Trecy's colony. As he slowly wended his way along behind his ox team, he gazed out upon the wild and uninhabited prairies of the Missouri bottom, little dreaming what vast changes the fleeting years would bring about. That night the entire colony camped on the banks of what is now Crystal lake, then the Missouri river, and just as the sun was peeping over the eastern hills on Sunday morning, June 2, 18u(3,they broke camp and moved on to St. Johns. He took a trip up Elk Creek valley that evening, and selected the claim where he lived until his death, March 5, 1891, four miles west of Jackoon. In the winter of '50 and '57 chopped 210 coi-ds of wood at 50 cents a cord, in the timber south of Dakota City. Time? were hard, and he was forced to sell his work cattle for ^52 to get numey to prove up on his claim. Having borrowed ^j5U0 to pay his expenses on his journey west, and expending it all, he was in embarassing circumstances, hut the pioneers were not easily battled. He went to work with a determination to succeed, and to-day his linanciai standing shows what pluck and courage will do, Was married to Katharine Jones, September 7, 18G2, in Jackson. Enlisted soon after in Company I, Fir^t Nebraska Cavalry. His son, Janjes P., held the othce of county clei-k three terms.

Michael MoCokmiciv came to Dakota county June 1, 1856, and took a claim, which is part of the present site of Jackson. Was one of the founders of that town. Died September 28, 1880. There are two sonsand two daughtert: - ^lichael J., Kobert H., Mrs. Sarah Erlnch and Mrs. Mury Da\ey.

James Kelehan was born December 26, ISdl, \n Ireland, and c;ime to Dakota county June 1, 1856, with Father Trecy's colony. Was one of the founders of

(^ovin<Tton. Married in the full of 1855 to Bridcret Miuminij^. She died October 11, 1881. There are two children living - Matthew and Delia. Four children have died.

James McHenry was horn September 13,1837, in St. Louis, Mo., where he lived until 1856, when he was employed by the JMorthwestern Fur company, and took p-issatre on a steamer for the upper Missouri I'iver, landing in Dakota county at old Omadi, June 9, 1856. The boat then proceeded to Ft. Randall, where he worked for the fur company at their trading post at that place. In 1861 he established a store in Vermillion, Dakota Territory. He went into the army in the fall of the same year. Again settled at Verujillion in 1865, where he was engaged in the mercantile and milling business. Was married to Mary F. Jones, one ot the early scliot>l teachers of the county, in J\lay, 1865, at Jackson, Neb. In 1877 located in Jackson, and run a saw mill there; moved to the Logan valley in 1879, where he was proprietor of a gri^t mill near Wakefield. Moved to the fai'iu along the northicrn boundaiy of the Winnebago reservation, where he now resides, in 1888; since which time he has been engaged in farming, and in the milling business in Blyburg and south of Dakota City, two miles. Has six children living - two sons and four daughters.

Thomas B. Jones was born April 16, 1842, in New York, and came with Father Trecy's colony to Dakota county, June 1, 1856. Married in 1868 to Oatharino Ryan. Has ten children - -James J., John F., Thomas 1)., Mary Ellen, Sarah B., Katie, Maggie. Laura. Hattie and I^ucy. Lives on his father's old place, four miles west of Jackson.

CiiAULEi BoYi.E was bom in 1808, in Belfast, Ireland, and at the age of 22 years, came across the ocean to Philadelpliia, La. Lived live years a few miles c-outhwest of Dubuque. Iowa. In the summer of 1856 came with a colony of Catholics from the latter place and settled on a tract of land adjoinin<y old St. Johns. A portion of the colony came a month before, under the charge of Father Trecy. He had ten children, six of whom are living - Mrs. Mtiggie IIoltain,of Reynolds, Indiana; llrs. John 13. AiyeiP, Homer; Mrs. Ella Bnrd, H. S. and Patrick H., of Emerson; Michael M., Jackson.

Charles C. I'liven was bi>rn Oetol)er 30, 1811, in Washington county, Khode Island. At about the age (if ten years he c^;H)e^vith his piU'ents to Allegany county, iVew York, where he learned the carpenter trade. In about 1832 came to Tioga county, Pa., and followed the carpenter trade. In 1842 canjo to Ivock county. Wis., and worked at his ti'ade. In 1850 removed to Fayette county, lov/a. Also worked at his trade in Davenport, Iowa, building the lirst frame building there. Was married a second time, Febrnarv 20. 1867. In 1853 came to Minnesota. Two years later returned to Davenport. In 1856 came to Dakota county, and worked at his trade until 1862, when he removed to Henry county. III; in 1866 to Washin;j:ton county 111., and returned to Dakota county in 1870, where he located on a farm six miles due south of Dakota City, built a substautifd dwelling, good barn, and improved his farm in general. Mr. Bliven was always a quiet, peaceable and upright citizen, with a large circle of friends and few enemies. In 18S3 his wife died. ]\lr. Bliven then lived with his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bougus, urjtil his death, August 17, 1884.

L. M. Huffman was borji in 1843, and came to Dakota county with his step-father, Isaac Monroe, June 2J, 1856. ^larried to Fidela Shook. Has three sons and three daughters. Two children have died. Lives in Blyburg.

Robert Collingwood came to Dakota county June, 185G. Died in western Nebraska, leavinjj eighc children, two of whom reside in Dakota county - Mrs. Woods Hileman and LeRoy. Mrs. John Brassfield, Mrs, Will Crosby and Bird live in Woodbury county, Iowa.

John Braunt crossed the Missouri river into Dakota county with his father, Jeremiah Braunt, June 26, 1S56, and settled on the old Josiah Davis place. Was married to Mary E. Pilgrim. Has one son and two (laughters - John H., Julia and Lillie. Lives on the old Spencer Moore place, one mile north ot Homer.

James Garner was born in 1815, and celebrated the 4tli of July, 1856, by settling in Dakota county, where he i-emained until 1865, when he removed to Waterloo, JN'el). He died at that place Fridny, March 1^1, 1800. leaving two sons - Aleck and Leander; four (laughters - Mrs. Wm. Armour, Mrs. Hattio Bodenbender, JVlrs. James Ashley and Mrs. John Paige.

Col. Charles D. Martin, stood upon the deck of the "Arabia" on the evening of July 8, ]856, and as she passed ai'ound the high bluffs below Blyburg his eyes for the first time rested upon Dakota county. In those days Col. Martin was young and in his prime - seeking a home in the ^"far west " The steamer landed at Omadi and unloaded a steam saw mill for A. H. Baker & Co., and while this was being done he went ashore and took in the town. It was night when the boat hinded at Covington, and the next morning found him on an exploring journey in search of a home. After looking over the country thoroughly, he located on a pre-emption near Covington and east of the lake. He was looking abend in the year:.? to come. Purchasing another piece of land further down the river, he said to his friends: '-Isow I liave two pieces oi: land and as the country grows in wealth and prosperity there is certain to be a raih-oad bnilt across the river at Sioux City and thence southward, and it is bound to cross one or the other of these tracts of bind," We will now follow hiui down through the years and see how far sighted he was. He set to work building a log cabin, lived in a tent, used water of Covinoton la):e and found it healthy. In October, 1856, went down to Oniadi in company with Alonzo JMoses, and purchased a keg of nails of Wni. C. j\lcBeath, paying therefor 10 cents per pound, while at the same time Sioux City merchants were selling them at 12^ cents per pound. They passed over the ground on whicli now stands Dakota City and found but one log house, covered with dirt far a roof, which was ounied by J. D. M. Crockwell, who was the founder of Dakota City. September 11, 1856, moved his family into the preemtiou cabin which after the lapse of more than thii'ty years of changing scenes is still standing - a time lionored land mMrk of the early settlement of our county and a relic of tlie years that have passed away. Purchased a shingle mill in November and manufactnre<l shingles all through that cold and stormy winter of '56 and ^57, which will ever be reinembeied for its tb)'ty days of continuous freezin<jj weather. Was npappointed postmaster at Covinii^ton In 1858; was also justice of the }>eace. May 1851. appointed clerk oi.' tl;e U. S. district court for the Third judicial district of the territory of Nebraska and held that othice six years. In 1864 w^as appointed receiver of the U. S. land office for Dakota City land district and held tluit o-fBce four years and seven months, and on settlement of accounts was found short two cents, which amount was at once forwarded to the First National Bank of Omaha. In October, 1877, Col. Martin boucrht onehalf of the Nebraska Eagle: afterwards sold his in^ terest and founded the Argus in May^ 1880. Daring hi? Jonnuilistic life lie had written a continued story - ''The Conflict; Love or Money" - and published in the Eagle and the Argus, which is remarkable for its great number of chapters and the liberal comments it received at the hands of the Nebraska newspaper men. His wife died April 16, 1887, of congestive chills, leavingthree daughters and one son. In the fall of 1886 Soutii Sioux City was laid out along the east baid^s of Silvei- Lake, adjoining his old pre-emption. Land rapidly increased in valuation anci in tlie spring of '87 tjje town l)egan to boom. The first of J une, 1887, Col. ivlartin laid out his pre-emption land. What a contrast between the two scenes - that of settling on his pre-emption inl856and layingitout in town lots in 1887! A life time often embraces aperiod of many wonderful changes. Was married a second time to Louita Hansen of Jackson county. Minn., July 18, 1888. He died at South Sioux City in 1891. Col. Martin was born March 26. 1817, in Bath, Grafton county, "New Hampshire, Attended tlie public schools ten years and remembered when Kev;. David Sutherland was paid his salary as minister by taxing all property holders. At 18 years if age attended a Literary Institute in Loraine county, : )iiio, and there studied the languages four years. Taught school in ]\[iami county, Ohio, in 1839 and traveled as a missionary in Ohio up to 1841. Then l)ecame postmaster in Athens county , Ohio, and was married at that place to Nancy Dunlap, May 6, 1843. Moved to western Pennsylvania and then to Xew Orleans, December. 1849. Spent the year of 1850 in southern Arkansas near the Lonisana line; moved to ,-outhern Illinois in 1855, and then to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he took passage on the steamer, "Arabia," for Covington, Nebraska. This completes the story of a busy life.

William Fkazier was born in York county, Penntsylvania, Noveufber 7, 1820. Came from Council Bluifs, Iowa, to Dakota county on the steamer Arabia landing here June 8tlr 1850. lie settled near Covington where he has resided to the present time, witne.->sing the transformation ofawikJand uninhabited land to a rich and thickly settled community, as we behold it today. Married to Catharine Donlen at Dakota City, by Prof. Samuel Aughey, May 2, 1867. Postoffice, South Sioux City.

Andrew Johns was born 1834, in Ohio, and came to Dakota county, July 13, 1856, settled in Blybiirg, where his wife died leaving two sons - George W. and Joseph H.; three daughters - Mrs. Wesley McPherson. Mre. Cora Stubbs and Mrs. Sarah A. Harris. P. O. St. James.

D. W. Griffy in company with W. C. McBeath followed an old Indian trail from Omadi to Covington in the summer of 1856, and along their Journey tiiey saw no signs of civilization. I). W. Griffey was born June 24, 1834, in Kentucky. Was married a second time to Florence McConnell. Has one son, Martin W. Was one of the first party that evei- reached Pike's Peak, in 1858- Enlisted in the war for the Union, in 1st, and 2nd. Colorado Cavah-y, aud fought the ''bush-whackers" of Missouri. Postoffice, Dakota City.

Thomas Curran was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, December 23, 1823, where he was married, and came to Dakota county, in the summer of 1856. Kept the first store in St. Johns. His wife died in 1861 leaving three children - John, James and Maggie. He married a second wife, whu died in 1877, leaving two children - Thomas and Mary. He died at his residence in Summit precinct, March 21, 1890, of lung fever.

Henry F. Shull Avas born November 1. 1S40, in DeKaib county, Indiana. Moved to Iowa in fall of 1855, and on the 15th day of August, 1S56, stood for the first time upon the soil of Dakota county, in company with his father Daniel Shull. Was employed as

)()k at the Sluill niid Ilartmaii shingle mill in Oinadi, ;id afterwai'ds cooked in Menry Ream's hotel. Bought chuH) on Fiddlers Creek, and moved there with the : linll family in the fall of 1856, where he still resides thi-ee nnies west of Homer. Married January 17, 1882, to Olive Taylor, a daughter of Win. Taylor. lias three (laiicrhters - Hattie, Nellie and Effie.

Patrick Ryan was born in Tipperary county Ireland, 1827, and came to Dakota county, September 8, 1856. Took a claim in what is now knuwji as Summit precinct, and soon afterwards built a comfortable residence. Was married to a daughter of Wm. Tlogan shortly after coming to Nebraska. Was a hard working njan, accumnlating considerable property on his farm, and elected County Commissioner .on the Democratic ticket, November 6, 1877, but died January 18, 1880. before the expiration of his term of office. His wife having died October 11, 1871, leaving three children, one daughter and two sons, who are still living - one, Wm. li. elecled sheriff in 1889. The daughter (lied Kebrua'T, 1872.

John Joyce took his first tramp in Dakota county from Covington to the old town of Logan, on the morning of November 26, 1856, and as he plodded along he had ample opportunity to view the wild land which everywhere met his gaze. He little dreamed of the vast changes which a few fleeting years would bring to this uninhabited country as well as to his own iinancial standing. Lived in Logan in the winter of '56 and '57 and made rails and cut saw logs. The snow was over four feet deep in the timber and the weather it! tensely cold, i)uc still he worked on, and today as you drive by his pleasant countrj' home, four miles M^estof Dakota City, just remember how he' got his start in the world. Took a claim in Brushy Bend timber and afterwards bought the farm where he now lives of Horace Dutton. There was another wise thing he did to get a start on the road to fortune, and tluit was to marry Miss Phoebe Wigie, sister of Jesse Wigle, November 14, 1861- The wedding took place at the residence of the l)ride's brother, wliicli stood on what is now known as tlie Capt. O'Connor lane, Rev. Tiirrnan otficiating. They at once moved to his farm where they liave ever since resided, and witnessed the t^ettling up of the wild land around them. Have adopted three ciiildren and celebrated their silver weddinir, Novembei' 14,1886. John Joyce was born June 5, 1837, in Duchess county, N. Y.; was educated in the public schools. At tiie age of 12 years \vent to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming. J.eft Wisconsin in the spring of 1856 for Iowa and thence to Nebraska.

William Gribble was born in 1828, in England, »and came to America about 1834. settling in Dakota county in 1856- Took a claim in Brushy Bend. Married to Lorinda Logan about 1855- Died in 1881 ai, Sioux City, Iowa, leaving a wife and four daughters.

David Shull was born in Indiana, in 1848, and came to Dakota county October 14, 1856, taking a claim on Fiddlers Creek, January 1, 1857, where he has remained continuously to the present time. Wlien Samuel Watts came along in 1857, surveying tiie county he found that <nit of the entire luale population along this creek, thirteen in number, all were tiddlers but David. Watts immediately named it Fiddlers Creek. Was married to Anna Winkhans, ]\I;irch 13, 1879. He established ''Hillside Daii-y" on his farm two and oneha,lf miles west of Homer, in 1881. Died in July, 1891, leaving a wife and one daughter.

Col. Charles D. Maetin

Dalsota county, October 25, 1856. He had come to see for himself if the wonderful stories he had iieard of Nebraska were true, and he was not long in coming to the conclusion that he had found a land in which he wished to spend the remainder of his days. He moved his family to Dakota county in November of the same year. Early in the month ice began running in the rivei- and everything indicated that an extremely severe winter was at hand. He is one of the few who still live to tell about that ever memorble cold ;ind stormy vvinter of '56 and '57. He lived in Omadi that winter. Hearing about the wonderful rushes around Blyburg lake where stock were successfully wintered without hay or grain, he tried the experiment, but before winter was half over he lost every head of his cattle. The following spring moved down to Blyburg and opened up two wood yards on the bank of the river. Those who had occasion to visit Blyburg in early days will remember the big bend in that locality - it was a few hundred yards by land across the neck, but a number of miles by water. Well, at the lower end of the bend he had a wood yard, also one at the upper end, and lie generally wooded up a steam boat from his first yard, then in tlie afternoon or the next day would step across tiie narrow isthmus and sell wood from his other yard to the same boat, which had been a day or so in getting around the big bend, filled with ugly snags and trencherous sand-bars. So you see this is the way Mr. Lampson utilized the crookedness of the "old muddy'' and made "piles of money" thereby. This was one kind of "crookedness" that was "straightforward." In October, 1861, he joined the army against the Indian foes; served until May, 1862. Can remember when Blyburg was all prairie except large elm trees next to the lake and river, and the grass grew to a great height. While riding on a large horse through the grass, was wet to the shoulders with the dew, so the reader can easily imagine how tall the grass must have been. Amos

Larapson was born July 24, 1815, in Byron, Genesee county, Kew York. At the age of twenty-one moved to Wisconsin and built a bi'idge ?-crosfe Fox river. Hewed every stick of the timber, planks and all. "Worked in a mili in Missouri five years and was nsarried to Anna Jackson, of Clark county, Missouri, in 1843. Mo\e(l to Lee county, Iowa, then to Clark county, and iji October, 1856, started for Nebraska. His wife died in Homer, September 5, 1888, leaving nine childi-en- - four sons, Albert, George, "William and Frank; live daughters, Mrs. Lorenzo Whitehorn, Mis. Caleb Lane, Mrs. Elias Shook, Efiie and Florence.

Gen. Joseph Hollm.an was born in Williamsport, Washington county, Maryland, April 29, 1825. Attended Jefferson college, Pennsylvania, and afterwards studied law at Ilagerstown. He caught the "westei'n fever,' and leaving his home January 19, 1846. journeyed to Lee county, Iowa, where two years later he was elected prosecuting attorney. Was appointed by President Pierce as United States district attorney for Nebi-aska territory, and settled in Dakota county on May, 1856, on his pre-emption adjoining Dakota City, whicli he still tnvns. Ileretnrned to Lee county. L»vva, in 1859, where he was elected as state senator. After remaining there for a few years he again came to Dakota county, where he has ever taken an acti\e pavt in all pui>lic affairs pertaining :o the welfare ot the people. It is not nei es>aiy to give further sketch of his life here, as ;i full account is given in dilieient parts of this book.

Samuel WiirrEiiOKN was born in Rutland county. Vermont. Went to Yates county at the age of se\entf^en, where he learned the tailoring trade. iXcxt moved to Ontario county, nnd ther.ce to Seneca, Falls in LS87. where he worked at his trade two ye^irs. Came to [);'- kota county No\-ember 20. 1856, and settled in kogaii. where he kept a boarding house. Movt'd to Dakota City the following year and opened up a brick yard, manufacturing the first brick made in Dakota City. In 1872 located on a farm three miles west of Dakota City, where he lived until he moved to the state of Washington. Enlisted in 1862, in Co. I, 2nd Nebraska Cavalry and served thirteen months. Married. October 17, 1837, to Mary Beach of Seneca Falls, New York. She died June 11, 1846, leaving two sons - Leander and Lorenzo, and a daughter who is dead. Was mai'ried a second time to Sarah A. Evans, of Seneca Falls, New York. Has three children living by his second wife - one son and two daughters, George C, Mrs. Ralph Goodwin and Nellie. His daughter, Emma F., who was loved and respected by a large number of friends died August 21,1889.

Alanson Baker came to Dakota county, November, 1856, and helped Father Martin to manufacture shingles near Covington. Married to Lizzie George - a sister of Mrs. E. L. Wilbur. Has one s<»n and two daughters, Alanson, Sarah and Avis. Lostofhce, Akron, Iowa.

Crittenden McDonald came to Dakota county November 20, 1856, was afterwards badly hurt by falling from a tall cottonwood tree, where he liad clinibed after an eagle's nest, and soon afterwards went ea^t.

William H. Collins came to Dakota county in 1856, lost a lot of cartle that winter. At that time owned the Adam Sides farm, enlisted in Co. I., 2nd Nei)raska cavalry. He afterwards wont to Missouri where he died.

Alexander Foito came to Dakota county in the fall of 1856. Lived in Omadi, afterwards moved to Dunlap, Iowa, where he now resides. Has two children, Charles S. and Mrs. Julia Pease of Dunlap, Iowa.

the fall of 185(] and helped his father put up hay ueai- Oiiiadi. Attended the first school e\er tanght in the eonnty, atOmadi,by Miss Pntnani, afterwards attended school at the same place taught by Di'. G. W. Wilkinson. His parents moved to Serg'eant I;5inlf.- and soon afterwards returned to iS'ebi-aska, locating on tlie Tim JMnrphy phw;e, north of where llonier now stands. From here they went to DesMoiues, Iowa. Chus. Ford again returned to Dakota City in 1867 and was employed in the Bates IJonse. Taught school in a little old school house that stood near Col. [jainl's old honse; went to Ponca and taught two tei'ms ot scho:)l in 18GU. In 1870 opened up a general stoi'e near the Oaks' mill, and in the fall of 1871 he and Sim A. Comb.s bonght the Fi-ontier Mills. Here in connection with the milling business he operated a general store near by. Was married to Harriett Myers, iSeptembei- 17, 1872, at -Jackson, Neb. Sold his share in the miil to ('ol. Baird m the fall of 1873 and moved tu Ponca wheie he bonght out Scimnel Gamble's storo and remained in this business until 1881, when he moved to Bancroft and opened np a general store. In 1883 he sold out and again moved to Ponca and built a large skating rink 3r).'vllO leet, with a gallery on all sides. This was said to have been the finest skating rink this side of Omaha. The skate craze" became vei-y dull and he sold the building. In the spring o" 1888 started the hrst h:irdware store in Homer with Hugh Myei'S, under th? firm name of Ford & Myers. He soon afterwards houglit Myers' share. Has five children, four sons and one daughter. JVlr. Ford has l)een an eye witness to most of the improvements which we heboid in Dakota, county to-day and is now located and doing business within three miles of the place where he first lived in the county more than thirty-five yeai's ago. "Was apiioinled postmaster at Homer in 1893.

and began operatljjg a saw mill iu Covington, October, 1856. Afterwards run a saw mill in Brushy Bend. Went to Colorado and built another saw mill. He also had three brothers, Frank, Thomas and Daniel, all early settlers of Logan.

Stephen Ullery came to Dakota county in 1856 and engaged in the mercantile business in Omadi. Afterwards moved on the old Charley Eckhart farm two miles south of Dakota City. Moved to Omaha and then to Missouri; was in Ohio when last heard from.