Gage County, Nebraska - Chapter 31: People Who Have Done Their Part in Making Gage County, 1918 (part 16 of 29)

GEORGE W. NICHOLAS. - Though Mr. Nicholas is now serving as postmaster of the village of Dewitt, Saline county, he is entitled to recognition in this history, for not only is he a native of Gage county and a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families but is also the owner of a fine farm on Section 30, Grant township, his farm being about one and one-half miles distant from the village of Dewitt, where he resides and is a prominent and influential citizen.

Mr. Nicholas was born on the old homestead farm of his father, in Grant township, Gage county, and the date of his nativitiy was March 29, 1870. He was the fifth in order of birth of the family of Robert and Mary Ann (Plucknett) Nicholas, of whom a record will be found on other pages of this volume- George W. Nicholas -gained his early education in the pioneer schools which his father aided in organizing in Grant township, and his independent career as a farmer was initiated when his father gave him a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, a property which he still owns, and upon which he continued his successful activities as an agriculturist and stock-grower until 1905. He then removed to Dewitt and engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock, in which he continued for ten years. In 1915, Mr. Nicholas was appointed postmaster of Dewitt, which position he still holds. He has given a most effective administration, and from the Dewitt postoffice, service is now given on four rural free-delivery routes. In politics Mr. Nicholas is a stalwart advocate and supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and he has been influential in its affairs in Gage and Saline counties. He has served four years as village treasurer of Dewitt and has been specially active and liberal in support of measur- es advanced for the general good of the community. He and his wife are communicants of the Protestant Episcopal church, and he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. It is worthy of note that Mr. Nicholas had the distinction of killing the last deer that appeared within the borders of Gage county, - in 1883.

On September 12, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Nicholas to Miss Agnes I. Moore, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, and whose parents, Thomas and Louisa (Milligan) Moore, removed from that state to Gage county, Nebraska, in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas became the parents of two children ; George W. and Wallace M. the latter of whom died in childhood ; George W., Jr., was graduated in the Beatrice high school as a member of the class of 1912, and was one of the foremost players on its football team. He is now assisting his father by his efficient services as deputy postmast at Dewitt.

JAMES P. SAUNDERS. - The metewand by which are gauged personal ability and popularity will find no indirection or obscurity of application when brought to bear in the determining of the status of James P. Saunders, who, served from' 1916 until the spring of 1918 as mayor of the city of Beatrice. This former chief executive, who gave such admirable administration of the municipal government of the Gage county metropolis, is a citizen who has here maintained his home for thirty-eight years and who has staged his various productive activities - as a business man and as a public official - in such a way as to inure greatly and conspiciously to the furtherance of civic and material development and progress in the city and county in which he justly claims pioneer honors. He has held various local offices of public trust and as mayor stood exponent of those vital and progressive policies that inevitably conserve the best interests of the community.

A scion of the staunchest of colonial New England stock, Mr. S'aunders reverts with a due measure of pride to the fact that he can claim the old Pine Tree state as the place of his nativity. He was born in Hancock county, Maine, on the 2d of September, 1852, and is a son of Thaddeus S. and Eliza Jane (Doyle) Saunders. Born and reared in Maine, Thaddeus S- Saunders there learned the trade of ship carpenter and became thus actively associated with the maritime interests of his native commonwealth. In the little seaport city of Kittery, Maine, he worked at his trade in the United States navy yard during the climacteric period of the Civil war, and in this connection it is interesting to record that he assisted in the construction of the historic battleship "Kearsarge." In 1867 Mr. Saunders removed with his family to Bradford, Stark county, Illinois, and there he continued to follow the trade of carpenter until his death, at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow long survived him and about 1882 came with one of her daughters to join her son James P., of this review, in Nebraska, where she lived to attain to the venerable age of eighty-two years, her death having occurred at Lodgepole, Cheyenne county. Of the seven children five attained to maturity, and of this number three sons and one daughter are now living- James P. Saunders is indebted to the public schools of his native state for his preliminary educational discipline, which was then supplemented by his attending a seminary at Bucksport. He was a lad of about fifteen years at the time of the family removal to Illinois, and there he worked with his father at the carpenter's trade until he could provide ways and means for acquiring higher academic schooling. This he achieved by entering Eombard College, at Galesburg, Illinois, and in this institution he continued his studies two years. For the ensuing two years he found employm.ent in connection with the bridge department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and he devoted the major part of his time during the next four years to the reading of law, in the office and under the preceptorship of Benjamin F. Thompson, of Bradford, Illinois. The ambition of the embryo lav/yer led him then to come to the west with the determination to apply for admission to the bar of Nebraska. In the year 1880 Mr. Saunders arrived in Beatrice, which was then little more than a straggling frontier village, and here he entered the law office of Bush & Rickards, where he continued his technical studies about one year. He then initiated his service in connection with public affairs in Gage county by accepting a position in the office of the county clerk and recorder, J. E. Hill being the county clerk at the time. A year later Mr. S'aunders became associated with the abstract office and business of John Ellis, and about two years thereafter he identified himself with the Gage County Abstract Company, in which connection he compiled an entire new and complete set of abstract books and made the record effectively and authoritatively cover the entire county. With this company he continued his connection until 1893 and in the following year, with the best of records and facilities, he established himself independently in the abstract business, as a member of the firm of Saunders & Emery, in which his coadjutor was George E. Emery. To this successful enterprise Mr. Saunders continued to give his attention almost exclusively until 1898, when he was elected city treasurer, an office of which he continued the incumbent four years and in which he ably and carefully administered the fiscal affairs of the city. Thereafter he served four years as deputy county treasurer, and it is worthy of special note that the entire management and work of the office were reposed in him during this interval, as the regular incumbent of the office of treasurer gave virtually no attention to the executive details of the office. After his retirement from this responsible position Mr. Saunders resumed his activities in the abstract business, and to the same he gave his time until popular appreciation of his character and ability brought him again into public service, by his election to the office of mayor of Beatrice in the year 1916. With characteristic loyalty and vigor Mr. Saunders gave effective administration in the position of mayor of Beatrice, and under his regime many improvements were effected in the public utilities and other departments of the municipal government.

The political allegiance of Mr. Saunders has never swerved and he has been active and influential in the local councils of the Republican party. He served two years as a member of the board of education of Beatrice and prior to his election to the mayoralty he had been for four years a progressive and valued member of the city council. During one year of his incumbency he was president of the council. He served for a short time also as city clerk, to fill a vacancy in this office. Mr. Saunders has taken at all times the most lively interest in all things pertaining to his home city and county and in 1896 he executed a complete and reliable map of Gage county, the same having been authoritative and having continued in use until 1916, when he again brought to bear his cartographic skill, by making a new and authoritative map which gives all details normally pertaining to such productions and which also covers most fully the platting of the city of Beatrice and the smaller municipalities of the county. Since 1893 Mr. Saunders has been in active affihation with Beatrice Lodge, No. 26, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

On the 13th of March, 1882, Mr. Saunders married Miss Anna Coe, who was born in Knox county, Illinois, a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Brown) Coe, both natives of Ohio. In 1879 Ebenezer Coe came with his family to Gage county and established his residence at Beatrice, where he engaged in business at his trade, that of cabinetmaker. He was an honored factor in community affairs and both he and his wife were active in church work, both having attained to advanced age and both having been sterling pioneer citizens of Beatrice at the time of their death. Mrs. Anna (Coe) Saunders acquired her earlier educational discipline in Illinois and continued her studies in the Beatrice schools after the family removal to Gage county. S'he was loved by all who came within the compass of her personal influence and her death occurred June 17, 1909. Of the four children one died in infancy and the others survive the loved mother: Marie is the wife of W. LEee, of Beatrice; Thaddeus E., who was graduated in the University of Nebraska, was holding a responsible business position at the time when the United States declared war against Germany, and he promptly evinced his patriotism by enlisting as a private in the national army, in which he has won promotion to the rank of lieutenant, being stationed, at the opening of the year 1918, with his command at Camp Lewis, Washington ; and Helene, the youngest of the children, is the wife of Charles Pyle, of Beatrice.

On the 17th of June, 1915, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Saunders to Mrs. Bertha E. (Clemens) Cone, of Lincoln, Nebraska, she having been born in Pennsylvania and being a distant kinswoman of the late and distinguished author best known as Mark Twain. Mrs. Saunders is the gracious and popular chatelaine of the attractive home, is a leader in the representative social activities of the community and is an earnest communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church.

FREEMAN E. CLAYTON is a member of a well known pioneer family of Gage county and has become a successful exponent of farm industry in Sicily township, where he gives his attention to the operation of a well improved domain of three hundred and fortyfive acres. Of the family history due record is given on other pages, in the sketch dedicated to Isaac R. Clayton, father of him whose name introduces this paragraph.

county, Illinois, on the 30th of May, 1874, and was a child at the time when the family came to Nebraska and settled in Gage county. Here he was reared on the pioneer farm, the while he profited by the advantages of the district schools. Of the large tract of land on which he prosecutes his vigorous operations as an agriculturist and stock-grower he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of his father, the latter having developed in the early days a productive farm from the virgin prairie in this part of the county. On his home place Mv. Clayton has good buildings, including an attractive farm residence, the buildings having been erected by his father.

In politics Mr- Clayton gives his support to the cause of the Republican party, he is affiliated with the Wymore camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church.

In the year 1898 Mr. Clayton wedded Miss Helen E. Armstrong, who was born in Canada, and they have five children, - Loren Herbert, William Homer, Gilbert LeRoy, Frederick Randolph and Paul Morris.

FRANK MOSELEY was an honored representative of the class of sturdy men who came to Gage county in the early stages of its history and contributed toward the development that has made it foremost among the agricultural sections of the state.

Frank Moseley was born in Lee county, Illinois, October 1, 1852, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Moore) Moseley, natives respectively of England and Pennsylvania. Joseph Moseley was a farmer and spent his last days in Lee county, Illinois, where he was numbered among the pioneers of that section of the state. His death occurred in 1886. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Clinton, and she was twice married, her first husband having been named Moore. Two of her sons, John Moore and William Moseley were soldiers in the Civil war. Mrs. Moseley passed the closing period of her life in Thayer county, Nebraska.

resident of Page county, Iowa. There he married and in 1879 he became a resident of Thayer county, Nebraska, where he lived until 1883. He then came to Gage county and ' bought land in Paddock township. This he improved and developed and at his death, which occurred May 10, 1915, he was one of the extensive land owners of the township where he had lived for thirty-two years. In Page county, Iowa, on the 26th of November, 1879, Frank Moseley married Miss Lovisa Beer, a daughter of William Beer. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Moseley are as here noted: Nellie M. is the wife of Fred Drake, a res^ident of Idaho; Fred R-, married Jessie Long and they live in Idaho; Ida J. is the wife of Dr. E. L. Feese, of Wymore, Gage county ; Paul F. is a farmer of Paddock township and is individually represented on other pages of this volume; Maude M. is the wife of Dr. T. L. Cartney, of Idaho ; and Max J- remains with his widowed mother. After the death of Mr. Moseley the estate was divided among his children and his widow now resides in Idaho, where all except two of her children have found homes.

RAY C. HEFFELFINGER, manager of the Beatrice Hide Company, is to be designated not only as one of the representative business men of the younger generation in the fair metropolis of Gage county but also has the distinction of being mayor of this city, an office which he assumed in April, 1918. His election to this important executive position in connection with the municipal government of Beatrice attests alike to his ability and his personal popularity. His administration as mayor is certain to be marked by the loyalty and progressiveness that have signally characterized his business career.

Mr. Heffelfinger was born at Geneseo, Illinois, on the 27th of January, 1887, and is a son of Bell M. and Louisa (Wagner) Heffelfinger, whose marriage was solemnized at Geneseo and who became the parents of six children, namely : Otis R-, of Beatrice ; Roy W., of MinneapoHs, Minnesota; Harlan W., of Superior, Nebraska; Ray C, subject of this review;

Flossie, wife of Pearl F. Ahlquist, of Buhl, Idaho; and Percy F., of Beatrice. Of Otis B. and Percy F. individual mention is made on other pages, of this volume.

Bell M. Heffelfinger claimed the old Buckeye state as the place of his nativity and was there reared and educated. He was born at Wooster, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1859, and as a young man he followed farm enterprise in Ohio, as did he later in Illinois, in which latter state his marriage occurred, as previously noted in this context. In 1888 he came with his family to Nebraska, and thereafter he maintained his residence at Grand Island, this state, until 1889, when he came to Gage county and established himself in the wholesale meat business and the buying and shipping of live stock. With these important lines of enterprise he continued to be successfully identified until his death, which here occurred on the 24th of January, 1908. His widow still maintains her home in Beatrice.

Ray C. Heffelfinger was educated in the public schools of Beatrice and in the Beatrice Business College. After leaving school he became associated with his father's wholesale meat and live-stock business, and with this enterprise he continued his connection until 1911, when he purchased and assumed control of the business of the Beatrice Hide Company Of this business he is the general manager and under his vigorous direction the enterprise has been signally prosperous. Mr. Heffelfinger is the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres, in Riverside township, this property having been purchased by him in the winter of 1916.

Mayor Heffelfinger has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party and has been active in its local ranks, as a citizen of distinctive loyalty and public spirit. In April, 1918, the popular estimate placed upon him was significantly shown in his election to the office of mayor of Beatrice, and he assumed the functions of this municipal post on the 9th of April, 1918- He holds membership in the Royal Highlanders and he and his wife affiliate with the First Christian church of Beatrice.

the marriage of Mr. Hefifelfinger to Miss Edith Brandt, daughter of John and Mary Brandt, of Beatrice, and the two children of this union are Edna Louise and CHfford John.

LLOYD H. TILTON is successfully conducting operations as an agriculturist and stock-grower in his native township and stages his activities on the old homestead farm, in Section IS, Filley township, which was the place of his birth, the date of his nativity having been February 5, 1877. His parents, Curtis and OHve (Burright) Tilton, were bom and reared in Ogle county, Illinois, where their marriage was solemnized and where they continued their residence until the Centennial year, 1876, when they came to Nebraska and estabhshed their home on a pioneer farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which the father reclaimed and improved and to which he added until he was the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and forty acres. He was one of the vigorous farmers and representative citizens of Filley township and remained on his old homestead until his death, which occurred September 11, 1916, his widow having passed away on the 11th of the following month. Curtis Tilton was a Republican in politics and the high regard in which he was held in his home community was shown in his having been called upon to serve two terms as township clerk and one term as representative of Filley township on the county board of supervisors. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, was a member of the Christian church and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents of seven children, all of whom are living, and of the number Lloyd H.. of this review, is the eldest; Mabel G. is the wife of Frederick Cornelius and they reside at University place, Lancaster county ; Earl is a resident of the city of Beatrice and Ralph of Lincoln; and Frank, Andrew, and Leon W. continue to be associated with farm enterprise in Filley township.

dependent operations as a farmer, though he remained at the parental home for two years thereafter. At the age of twenty-two years he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Filley township, and there he continued his operations until after the death of his father, when he purchased and returned to the old homestead farm on which he was born and reared, the fine old place being endeared to him by many gracious memories and associations. He accords allegiance to the Republican party, is afifiliated with the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Christian ' church in the village of Filley. On the 21st of December, 1899, Mr. Tilton wedded Miss Grace Clark, who was born at Mansfield, Ohio, and whose parents, Jacob and Jennie Clark, are now residents of the state of CaHfornia. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have an interesting family of seven children - Cloyd, Merl, Pearl, Ruth, Clarence, Marie, and Thelma.

FRANCIS A. MILLER, residing at 620 North Sixth street, Beatrice, is an influential business man and citizen who is descended from a long line of colonial and Revolutionary ancestry which reaches back into the earliest history of our nation. The individual branches have entwined themselves into the web and woof of our nation, having taken active part in public affairs of a civil nature, as well as in the wars which have been fought during the development of our country from its earliest colonizing period to the present. Mr. Miller is of the tenth generation in descent from John Thurston, who, with his wife, Margaret, came to Dedham, Massachusetts, May 10, 1637; from Wrentham, Suffolk county, England, said John Thurston having been baptized in that town, January 13, 1601. Mr. Miller is a product of English, Scotch, and Irish descent. His grandfather, Abijah Thurston Miller, eighth generation, married, on January 1, 1721, Betsey Lermond, daughter of John and Nancy (Burd) Lermond. Nancy Burd was born in 1772, on Fox Island, her father having emigrated from Scotland, and having been killed by Indians, in 1776.

Vina Thurston, seventh generation, married, December 19, 1793, Jesse Miller, whose mother was Thankful Gilmore, of Irish descent. One of their children was Abijah Thurston Miller, referred to above.

Horace Miller, father of the subject of this sketch, was born October 16, 1834, on a New England farm, near Whitefield, Maine. At different times he followed the vocation of farming, learned the trade of a cooper, taught school, mined in California, in which, at that time, far remote region he was residing during the progress of the Civil war. He was for many years a Methodist local preacher. He married Olive Chase Fuller, October 12, 1870, at McMinville, Tennessee, they having been schoolmates while attending Kents Hill Academy. While living in Cumberland county, Tennessee, four children were bom to them, namely: Francis A., the eldest; Edna L-, wife of Robert Stratford, residing in Beatrice, and being engaged in the jewelry business ; Julius Gilmore, who lost his life while serving his country as a member of Company C, First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, his death occurring at Honolulu, Hawaii, while he was en route to the Philippines ; Howard V., who graduated from Wesleyan University, University Place, Nebraska, in 1918.

The mother of this family was born in New Sharon, Maine, June 2, 1835. Ller greatgrandfather, Elisha Fuller, and his son, Aaron Fuller (I), each ser\'ed his country with credit during the Revolutionary war. Her father, Aaron Fuller II, turned out as member of militia during the War of 1812, doing guard duty at Portland, Maine. He also was a Methodist minister, during those early times when that arduous religious duty required the traveHng of a circuit, and he was a well known and valuable citizen of his times. Much of the time when his family of eight children was growing to maturity, his home was at North Livermore, Maine, where he combined the occupations of farmer and minister. Miss Fuller received her education in the public schools of her native state, and at Kents Hill Academy, Kents Hill, Maine. She was for a number of years a successful teacher in

Maine, and later in Illinois. In her early years she united with the Methodist church, in which she retained her membership throughout a long and active life. She was at all times an active and persistent student of both the religious and political affairs of the country, and was always able to discuss these affairs with a keen intelligence. She retained to the full this faculty until her demise, which occurred at Arapahoe, Nebraska, March 23, 1915, she then being in her eightieth year.

Francis A. Miller, named in honor of the first Methodist bishop, Francis Asbury, was born April 26, 1872, near Howard Springs, Cumberland county, Tennessee. His attendance at school there was limited, but fortunately his father and mother made good that defect, and when, at the age of ten years, he removed with them to Sandwich, Illinois, he was able to take the place in the public schools to which his age would entitle him. When he was thirteen years of age, in 1885, his parents removed to Arapahoe, Furnas county, Nebraska, where his schooling was finished by his graduation from the high school, at the age of sixteen years. September 30, 1890, he came to Beatrice, where he has since resided. He worked at his trade as a printer for seven years, clerked in a grocery store nearly four years, later engaging in the business successfully on his own account, beginning December 5, 1900, and continuing to the present time.

November 20, 1895, Mr. Miller married Nellie Robbins, who was born at Dwight, Illinois, a daughter of William H. and Carrie (Horton) Robbins. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins was solemnized September 13, 1870, at Poughkeepsie, New York. William H. Robbins was born in Saratoga county. New York, January 14, 1844, a son of Richard Robbins, who was born in England, January 12, 1805, and Sarah (Deth) Robbins, who was born in England, June 7, 1809. Mrs. Carrie Robbins was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, a daughter of Smith Horton and Mary (Riggs) Horton, who were married in Fishkill, New York, September 4, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins made their home in Dwight, Illinois, later removing to Steele City,

Nebraska, and in 1884 he engaged in business in Beatrice. Mr. Robbins was a territorial pioneer of Nebraska, having engaged in freighting across the plains before the railroads were across the state of Iowa.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and they have all received their education in the public schools of Beatrice, and are, as they graduate, supplementing this with advanced work in higher places of learning. Dorothy Robbins, a graduate of the Beatrice high school, class of 1914, was graduated in 1918 from Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Horace Gilmore Miller, of the class of 1917, Beatrice high school, is a member of the 1921 class at Doane College. Lermond Horton Miller is a member of the 1920 class of the Beatrice high school, and Ruth Eleanor Miller attends the sixth grade of the Beatrice public schools.

Mr. Miller has at all times taken an active interest in matters of a public nature, never, however, having been a candidate for public office, except to serve as member of the school board for four years, 1914-1918, during two years of which time he was president of the ' board. He was a member of the building committee and served for a period of seven years on the board of directors of the Mary Young Men's Christian Association, when it was first organized. With his family he is a member of the First Congregational church, and he has in turn been trustee and treasurer of that organization. He states his politics ai being progressive' Republican, is a member of Beatrice Lodge, No. 26, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and the Nebraska Society Sons of the American Revolution. During the present war he is active in what has been termed "the third line of defense," serving on various committees, assisting in the food administration, being a member of the Home Guards, and keeping himself generally useful.

DELL B. COLGROVE is a native son of Gage county and is successfully operating a farm of seven hundred and ten acres in Paddock township. He was bom in this township, March 3, 1890, a son of James F. and Eliza-

Dell B. Colgrove was reared on his father's farm in Paddock township, attended the public schools, and when old enough assisted his father in the operation of the farm. He came into possession of four hundred and seventy .acres of the estate and has recently purchased the two hundred and forty acres where his father settled when he came to the county, in 1878. He is one of the extensive stock farmers of the county, the only son in the family -who carries on stock farming in much the same manner as did his father.

Mr. Colgrove married Miss Celia Etta Whitton, who was born in Gage county, a of the late Richard Whitton, an early settler of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Colgrove have two children, Eugene and Thelma. A third child, Beulah, is deceased.

BENJAMIN A. BRUBAKER, who has prestige as one of the substantial farmers of Rockford township, is here the owner of a well improved landed estate of three hundred and twenty acres, in Sections 16, 21, and 22, and his is the further distinction of being a member of one of the sterling pioneer families Gage county, which has been his home since he was a youth of sixteen years.

Mr. Brubaker was born in Greene county, Tennessee, September 2, 1863, and is a son of Peter and Delilah (Watenbarger) Brubaker, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. Peter Brubaker was ten years old at the time of the family removal to Tennessee, where he was reared and educated and where his marriage was solemnized. There he continued his activities as a farmer until 1879, when he came with his family to Nebraska and numbered himself among the pioneers of Gage county. For the first year he rented land near the village of Dewitt and he then purchased eighty acres in Rockford township where he developed a productive farm. After he had attained to advanced age he lived for some time in the village of Holmesville, but he passed the closing period of his long and useful life in the home of his son

Benjamin, of this review. He was seventythree years of age at the time of his death and his widow attained to the venerable age of eighty-two years, she having been one of the revered pioneer women of the county at the time of her demise: both were most earnest members of the Brethren, or Dunkard, church, and Henry Brubaker, a brother of Peter, was the founder of the church of this denomination in Gage county, where he established his home in 1876 and where he did much to foster the development of the very appreciable and valued Dunkard colony that has been representative in social and industrial development in the county. The subject of this review is the youngest in a family ol seven children; Susan is the wife of Noah Wrightsman, who is mentioned on other pages ; Mary became the wife of William H. Root and was a resident of this county at the time of her death; Martha is the wife of George A. Plill and they reside in the state of Kansas; Henry D. is a farmer in that state; John was a resident of Gage county at the time of his death, which resulted from injuries received when he was kicked by a mule.

Benjamin A. Brubaker passed the period of his childhood and youth on his father's farm in Tennessee, was afforded the advantages ol the district schools and was a lad of sixteen years at the time of the family removal to Gage county, in 1879. He here continued to be associated with the activities of his father's farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-one years, when he purchased a farm near Blue Springs. He made good improvements on this place and there continued his residence four years, at the expiration of which he purchased his father's farm, where he made a home for his venerable parents until the close of their lives, according to them the filial solicitude that was so essentially their due. He has since added to the area of his farm estate, which now comprises three hundred and twenty acres and gives every evidence of thrift and prosperity.

munity afifairs, his political support being given to the Republican party and both he and his wife being active members of the Church of the Brethren.

In 1890, v^ras recorded the marriage of Mr. Brubaker to Miss Sarah McPheron, who was born in Tennessee and whose father, James M McPheron, is now a resident of Holmesville, Gage county. Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker have six children, all of whom remain at the parental home except the eldest, Anna, who is the wife of David M. Frantz, a successful farmer in Rockford township. The children of the parental home circle are John, May, (wife of Roy Shaffer), Florence, Ray, and Lois.

JAMES F. COI.GROVE. - One of the earliest settlers on what was formerly the Otoe Indian reservation was James F. Colgrove, who came to Gage county in 1878 and who for many years was one of its substantial farmers and stock men. He was born in Steuben county. New York, July 31, 1853, a son of Andrew and Almira (Baxter) Colgrove, natives of New York state. The parents of Mr. Colgrove lived at different time in Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, and their last days were spent at Marysville, Kansas.

James F. Colgrove received his education in the various states where his parents lived, and was the third in a family of nine children. He came to Gage county in 1878 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Paddock and Sicily townships. This land was wholly unimproved, as it had been but recently opened for settlement and had been a part of the Otoe Indian reservation. Without capital, but with that perseverance and ambition which always augur for success, Mr. Colgrove became one of the extensive land-owners and stock men of the county. He owned more than two thousand acres in Gage county, besides land in Oklahoma and Texas. He has lived retired for several years, and is making his home at the present time in Oklahoma.

Mary With, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Clark) With. Mr. and Mrs. Colgrove became the parents of the following children: John W. married Delia Smith and resides at Linn, Kansas; Willie M. was killed in a runaway accident at Wymore, when eleven years of age ; James A. is a farmer near Barneston, Gage county; Charles H. married Lena Fisher and resides in Washington county, Kansas; Edward F. is a farmer in Paddock township; Elizabeth A. died in infancy ; Elmer L. married Myrtle Burdette, and resides in Texas ; Dell B. is individually mentioned on other pages ; and Nell J., is the wife of Owen Brown, of Linn, Kansas.

LYSANDER H. BARD WELL. - The record of this gentleman furnishes a forcible illustration of the power of industry and selfreliance, he having risen by successive steps from moderate circumstances to his present position of affluence. He was born in Onondaga county. New York, October 7, 1844, a son of Orren Bardwell, who was a native of Massachuetts and when ten years of age was taken by his parents to New York state. Here he was reared and became a successful farmer. He passed away in that state, at the age of ninety-three years. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Arvilla Bostwick, a native of New York. She died at the age of thirty-five years. The paternal grand-parents were natives of Massachuetts. They were Zenus and Polly Bardwell. The latter lived to the age of one hundred and one years.

Lysander Holland Bardwell grew to manhood in New York state, and at the age of twenty-four years came west and established a home in Holt county Missouri, where he farmed for seven years. In 1878 he became a pioneer settler of Gage county, Nebraska, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Paddock township. This land had but recently been opened for settlement, having been part of the Otoe Indian reservation. Mr. Bradwell built his first house by setting poles in the ground and fastening boards to them, with one door and one window. The roof was made of boards with strips of paper to cover the cracks. In this house the family lived the first winter. The stable was built in much the same manner, the roof being thatched with grass cut from the prairie in the month of January. Water was obtained by cutting through the ice on the creek, for household use and stock. At that time corn was selling for fifteen cents a bushel, and to provide for his family Mr. Bardwell would go to the settlement north of him and husk corn, receiving as his pay every seventh bushel. He at one time cut and traded half A cord of wood for a half -gallon of syrup, a little sugar and a package of soda. His nearest neighbor was five or six miles away, and there was only one or two houses between his farm Beatrice.

Mr. Bardwell was united in marriage to Miss Clara Rice, who like himself was born in Onondaga county, New York. She was one the pioneer women of Paddock township, and that first winter, while living in that primitive dwelling, she was called to her final rest. Mr. Bardwell was left with four children, the youngest but a few weeks old. Two years after his wife's death he married a widow, a sister of L. S. Austin, one of the early settlers Sicily township. She passed away some years ago.

As the years passed and his financial resources increased, Mr. Bardwell added to his -original purchase and to-day he is the owner four hundred acres of valuable land, well improved, - a worthy monument to his unfaltering zeal. His children are four in number: Leroy is married and living in Oklahoma; Frank is married and, with a family of four children, lives in Middleton, Idaho ; Ezra, with his wife and three children, resides in Tabor, Iowa. The fourth child, bereft of its mother when a few weeks old, was adopted into the family of L. S. Austin, and is known as Orren Emory Austin; he lives in Dakota.

Mr. Bardwell is one of the few remaining Teal early settlers of Paddock township. He has done his share to bring about present day conditions, and will soon leave the farm to enjoy a well earned rest, and will make his home in Odell, Nebraska.

GEORGE F. MILLER is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Section 5 Highland township, and is one of the energetic and successful agriculturists and stock-growers of this part of the county. In addition to this homestead farm he owns also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Kearney county. Mr. Miller was born in Lancaster county, Nebraska, July 2, 1879, a son of Fritz and Anna (Hempke) Miller, he being the second eldest of the four surviving members of the family of children; Theodore is a successful farmer in Kearney county; Mrs. Anna Menner resides at Dorchester, Illinois ; and Laura maintains her home in Kearney county.

Fritz Miller was born in Germany, in 1836, and was a young man when he immigrated to the United States and found employment as a farm workman in Illinois. Later he gained pioneer experience in Iowa, where he worked on the farm of an Irishman and where he gained his first colloquial use of the English language, which he had previously been unable to speak. In Iowa he met and married Miss Anna Hempke, who was bom in Germany, in 1842, and came to America when young. In 1878 Fritz Miller numbered himself among the pioneers of Lancaster county, Nebraska, where for the ensuing seventeen years he was engaged in farming, his farm having been onethird of a mile north of Hickman. He then removed with his family to Kearney county, where he improved a good farm and where his death occurred in 1898, his widow having survived him by a decade and having passed away in 1908.

George F. Miller early gained full fellowship with arduous toil, as he was a mere boy when he began to assist his father in the work of the home farm, the while he availed himself as fully as possible of the advantages afforded in the district schools. In 1905 he rented land from his widowed mother, in Kearney county, and initiated his independent activities as a farmer. Energy and close application brought tangible returns and his success increased from year to year. On the 5th of March, 1914, Mr. Miller purchased of Wil-

Ham Wagner his present farm in Gage county, the place having been well improved but having received under his control further improvements of substantial order, including the erection of an excellent modern barn that is fifty-two by fifty-four feet in lateral dimensions. Mr. Miller is vigorous and resourceful in all departments of farm enterprise, main-, tains his land under effective cultivation and is a successful grower of short-horn Durham cattle and Duroc- Jersey swine. He has won advancement through his own well directed industry and has placed himself in secure status as one of the successful exponents of farm industry in his native state. He has had no desire for public office, is independent in politics and is liberal in support of measures projected for the communal welfare. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church.

On the 18th of February, 1905, Mr. Miller married Miss Lizzie Scheneman, who was born in Germany, on the 9th of November, 1879, and who was a child at the time when the family home was established in Gage county, Nebraska^ she being a daughter of Gottfried and Anna Scheneman. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children, - Ernest, Viola and Ruby.

WILLIAM RIGGERT is one of the successful and up-to-date farmers of Glenwood township, where he owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, on the 24th of January, 1869. His parents, John and Dora (Maas) Riggert, were likewise natives of Hanover, Germany, in which country they passed their entire lives. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living. William of this review and his sister, Mrs. Herman Dunker, of Lundell, Kansas, are the only representatives of the immediate family who are living in America.

William Riggert was a young man of seventeen years when he came to the United States, and for six years thereafter he found employment as a hired man on a farm. During this time he carefully saved his earnings and finally he began farming for himself. He rented land for four years, and for twenty-one yearshe has owned and cultivated his present farm, v/hich is equipped with a good set of buildings,, all of which have been put on the place by itspresent owner.

For a companion and helpmeet, Mr. Riggert married Miss Mary Loemker, a native of Washington county, Kansas, a record of the family being found on other pages, in a sketch of Ernst Loemker, a farmer of Paddock township. Mr. and Mrs. Riggert have one child, Raymond. Their religious faith is expressed by membership in the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Riggert is a Republican. Though he has never aspired to public office he is serving efficiently as moderator of his school district.

Coming to America with no capital except a willingness to work and a determination to own a home of his own, so characteristic of his race, Mr. Riggert has every reason to be proud of his record, for to-day he is one of the substantial men of Gage county.

FREDERICK L. ROOT is consistently to be designated as one of the representative farmers of the younger generation in his native county and is conducting his operations on a part of the old homestead on which he was born, in Section 36 Rockford township, where he received eighty acres from his father's estate and has since added by the purchase of an adjoining tract of equal area. He was born on the 26th of September, 1881, and is a son of the late Wilham H. Root, an honored pioneer to whom a memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work. The subject of this review was reared on the farm which is now his home and is indebted to the public schools for his early education. He has never had desire to sever his association with farm enterprise and is making himself known as a progressive and successful agriculturist and stock-raiser.

In 1906 Mr. Root married Miss Ida Falwell, who likewise was born and reared in this county, and they have four children, - Ruth, Marion, Addie and Gertrude.

GILBERT R. SHELLEY is one of the representative agriculturists and stock-growers of the younger generation in his native county and is giving his attention to the management of the fine old homestead farm of four hundred acres, in Section 19, Rockford township, which was the place of his birth, the date of his nativity having been December 17, 1888. He is a son of James W. Shelley and a brother of Frank R. Shelley, owner and executive head of the Beatrice Business College, a sketch of the latter's career being offered on other pages, with due incidental record concerning the family history, so that a repetition of the data is not here demanded. Gilbert Shelley gained his initial experience of practical order in connection with the work of the farm which is now his home, and in the meanwhile he made good use of the advantages afforded in the public schools of his native county. He remained at the parental home until he had attained to his legal majority and for seven years thereafter he conducted farming operations on land which he leased. In 1916 he assumed control of the landed estate of his father and he is directing his energies specially to making the place a thoroughly modern and scientific stock farm, his energy and progressiveness offering assurance of cumulative success in this important field of industrial enterprise. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In 1910 Mr. Shelley wedded Miss Bessie Kennedy, who likewise was born and reared in this county, and they have a winsome little daughter, Geraldine.

FRED H. TURNER, who is engaged in general farm enterprise in Sicily township, is operating one hundred and twenty acres of land, this farm having been the home of the Turner family since pioneer days in Gage county.

Mr. Turner was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, August 20, 1870, and is a son of the late Alva Turner, of whom further mention is made in a biography prepared for William

R. McKinley, of Beatrice, a half-brother of the subject of this sketch. Fred H. Turner was only a boy when the family home was established in Gage county and amid the pioneer conditions he was reared to young manhood on the farm which is now his home. When a young man he spent four years in Colorado and Wyoming at a "cattle puncher." Returning to Gage county, he took up the occupation to which he had been reared and for several years he has successfully operated the home farm.

For a companion and helpmeet Mr. Turner married Miss Effie Floyd, a native of Gage county, and they have become the parents oi three children : Floyd H., Fern and May. Mrs. Turner is a member of the United Brethern church.

Mr. Turner is a Republican in politics, but the emoluments of public office have had no attraction for him, as he has preferred to devote his time and energy to his private industrial and business affairs. He has been an eye-witness of the vast changes that have taken place in Gage county and this, together with the fact that the Turner family has contributed its share to the development of the community, makes a publication of this order of especial interest to him and his family. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, of which latter he has been a member for twenty-seven years.

JOHN SCHEIDELER was a pioneer farmer in Paddock township, and contributed his share to the upbuilding of Gage county, - a sterling citizen to whom a tribute should be given in this history. Mr. Scheideler was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 8, 1847, and as a soldier he did valiant service for his native land in her war with France in 1866. Soon after this he came to the United States, working in New York for a time. He then came west and located in Waukesha county, Wisconsin. In 1879 he became a resident of Gage county, Nebraska, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land in Section 14, Paddock township. He immediately began the improvement of the place. His first abode, - that in which all of his children were born - was a rock house which still stands. In 1882 he returned to Wisconsin and was united in marriage to Miss Anna Loibl, who was born at Eagle, that state, October 31, 1860. She came with her husband to the pioneer home in Gage county, and as the years passed she assisted him in the development of the farm. To this worthy couple were born nine children, as follows : Catherine is the wife of Alfred Barnes, a railroad man residing at Norfolk, Nebraska; Edward is a farmer in Gage county; Anton is a business man of Wyraore, this county, and at the present time (1918) is a member of the county board of supervisors ; John is a farmer in Gage county; Herbert is in the national army and is now a corporal in his company, located at Salt Lake City, Utah; Henry is, at the time of this writing, about to enter the aviation school of the United States army at Chicago ; Albert and Carl are at home ; Mary, the youngest, is the wife of Clay Cole, manager of the Kriter elevator in Paddock township. The father of these children, after a useful life, passed away January 21, 1907, on the farm where he had lived twenty-eight years.

Mr. Scheideler came west in search of health and while he found this climate better than Wisconsin or Iowa, yet he was never a really healthy man. He and his wife, by diligence and careful management, developed a valuable farm from the virgin prairie where they cast in their lot with the early settlers on the Indian reservation. A commodius frame house had just been completed on the farm when Mr. Scheideler was called to his final rest. His widow occupies the home and delights in recounting experiences of the early days, including the hardships and pleasures incidental to rearing her children. Her family is one of which she may well be proud. The husband and father was a. loyal citizen of his native land and their boys have been quick to respond when the nation is endangered and their services are needed to defend the country. The members of this family are communicants of the Catholic church. John Scheildeler will always be remembered as a loving father, a faithful husband, an honorable citizen and a loyal friend.

S. E. GIDDINGS was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents to Nebraska, in 1874, and he figures as g, scion of one of the specially well known and highly honored pioneer families of Gage county, where his father achieved large success in connection with farm enterprise, as will be noted in the memoir dedicated to him - the late Harvey W. Giddings - on other pages of this work. He whose name initiates this paragraph was long numbered among the representative agriculturists and stock-growers of the county and is now living retired in the city of Beatrice, where he has an attractive residence and where he finds activity and profit in the management of his well equipped feed yard, which is supplied with excellent sheds and is largely used by farmers visiting the city, three city lots being owned by Mr. Giddings.

Mr. Giddings was born in Warren county, Illinois, on the 28th of July, 1862, and is a son of Harvey W. and Rebecca E. (McClure) Giddings, both of whom passed the closing years of their lives in Gage county, adequate record concerning the family being given in the previously mentioned memoir, dedicated to Harvey W. Giddings. The subject of this review was fourteen years old when the family home was established in Gage county, and here he received the advantages of the district schools, as well as of the Beatrice high school. From his boyhood he was closely associated with his father's agricultural and dairying enterprise, conducted on an extensive scale, and in Filley township he is still the owner of a finely improved and valuable farm estate of two hundred and twenty-seven acres. Here he conducted a substantial and prosperous business as an agriculturist and stock-grower, with his live-stock enterprise carried on in an extensive way, and he made excellent building improvements on his model farni, to which he still gives his personal supervision, as he has not found it expedient to rent the prop- erty and has placed the same in charge of a capable man whom he employs by the year. Mr. Giddings remained on the farm until 1908, when he removed with his family to Beatrice, where he has since maintained his residence, - a citizen who is well known in the county and whose circle of friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances.

The year 1888 recorded the marriage of Mr. Giddings to Miss Mollie Pilcher, who likewise was born in the state of Illinois, and whose death occurred in August of the following year. Mollie, the one child of this union, is now the wife of John Rae, a repre^ sentative business man of Sterling, Colorado. In 1891 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Giddings to Miss Clara Hollingworth, who was born and reared in Gage county. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings had three children : Harold is a soldier in the national army, as a member of Company C, Fifth United States Infantry, stationed at the time of this writing (spring of 1918) on the Mexican border. His early education included a course in a business college and he is twenty-four years of age. Katherine, who was graduated in the Beatrice high school and was for two years a student in Wesleyan University at Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away December 4, 1917 ; Oliver H. is a student in the Beatrice high school.

In politics Mr. Giddings is a staunch Republican, and he is affiliated with the Royal Highlanders and the Modern Woodmen of America, his wife being identified with the Royal Neighbors and both being active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOSIAH YOUNG, who is one of the representative exponents of farm industry in Lincoln township, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, December 20, 1864, - a date that clearly indicates that he is a scion of a pioneer family of the Hawkeye state. He is a son of Josiah and Mary Ann (Corbin) Young. His father was born in Connecticut, on the 20th of July, 1823, and as a young man he found employment in the woolen mills in the state of Rhode Island. In 1854 Josiah Young, Sr., numbered himself among the pioneers of

Iowa, where he obtained land and turned his attention to farm enterprise. His marriage to Miss Mary Ann Corbin was solemnized May 23, 1854, and she shared with him in the trials and vicissitudes of pioneer life in Iowa. They became the parents of six children, of whom four are living, - William H., of Prescott, Iowa; Emily, wife of Charles Smith, of Hiawatha, Kansas; Josephine, wife of Ransom Leonard, of Holstein, Iowa; and Josiah, Jr., the immediate subject of this review.

Mrs. Mary Ann (Corbin) Young had three brothers who gave valiant service as soldiers of the Union in the Civil war. These loyal men were William, Royal and Charles Corbin, all of whom enlisted at the outbreak of the war and all of whom served until its close.

He whose name initiates this article was reared and educated in Iowa, and there he eventually instituted his independent career as a farmer. He rented land about ten years and then, in 1891, he there purchased forty acres of land, upon which he made good improvements. He later sold this property at a distinct financial profit, and in 1905 he came to Gage county, Nebraska and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Lincoln township. Here he is meieting with merited success in his farm enterprise and he is one of the valued citizens of his community.

In politics Mr. Young is a Democrat, but since coming to Nebraska he has never desired or held public office of any kind, as he has preferred to give his undivided time and attention to the management of his farm and business affairs. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity while still a resident of Iowa, and he now maintains his Masonic affiliation in the city of Beatrice. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. Since establishing his home on his present farm Mr. Young has shown his enterprise and progressiveness by erecting on the same good buildings, including an attractive residence.

of Mr. Young to Miss Edith Wilson, daughter of William R. Wilson, of Prescott, Iowa. Of the children of this union Ralph H. and Mary Edith died in infancy ; Blanche, who Was born October 26, 1889, is the wife of C. S. Weigle, of Gage county; Josiah R. was born December 22, 1891 ; Jesse O., who was born April

15, 1899 are showing their patriotism under the present conditions of warfare by serving as members of the United States navy; and Harry L,. was born February 11, 1907.

ANTHONY W. SNYDER. - Years of toil and industry enable the subject of this record to spend the declining years of his life in honorable retirement, surrounded with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of the present day. Mr. Snyder was born at Dayton, Ohio, August 27, 1837. He is a son of Eli and Barbara (Manning) Snyder, the former born at Baltimore, Maryland, January 4, 1808, and the latter at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1811. The father died in 1885, and the mother was called to her final rest in 1891.

Anthony W. Snyder was reared on a farm and secured the advantages of the common schools. When the Civil war threatened to disrupt the Union he volunteered for one hundred days' service, enlisting in April, 1861, in Company G, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service he returned home and engaged in farming, in Miami county, Ohio. In 1870 Mr. Snyder came to Nebraska and located in Gage county. Here he leased land in Adams township for several years. In 1891 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Section 33, that township, and this property he still owns. He is the owner also of one hundred and sixty acres in Sherman county, Kansas, and foi years was engaged in farming in that state. Returning to Gage county, Nebraska, he successfully conducted his farming interests until 1907, when he laid aside the active work of the fields and retired to Adams.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder has been blessed with eight children : Charles and Joseph E. reside in Dewey county, Oklahoma; Hattie is the wife of Daniel Dellahant, oi Beatrice, Nebraska; Harry is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lancaster county. Nebraska ; Richard operates the home farm in Adams township ; William F. resides in Dewey county, Oklahoma; Nellie is the wife of W. C. Silvernail, of Phillips, Nebraska; and Myrtle is the wife of A. P Wiar, of Adams.

In politics Mr. Snyder is non-partisan, voting for men and measures he considers best. In 1903 he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors, on the Democratic ticket, and in this office he served one term. He keeps in touch with his old comrades by membership in Sargeant Cox Post, No. 100, Grand Army of the Republic, at Adams.

Forty-eight years have passed since Mr. Snyder cast in his lot with Gage county, Nebraska, and in all those years he has always been faithful to every duty and trust. He merits most fully this recognition in the historical records of his adopted county.

GEORGE E. HORRUM. - Fifty years, have come and gone since the subject of this record came to Gage county. He was born October 20, 1859, at Manchester, Indiana, and is a son of L. R. and Elsie (Sayers) Horrum. E. R. Horrum was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, June 28, 1830. As a boy and youth he learned the trade of harnessmaking, and he followed this trade at Manchester, Indiana, until 1867, when he located at Sterling, Illinois. Residing there one year, he came to Gage county, Nebraska, in 1868, the year after the admission of Nebraska to statehood, and thereafter he farmed in Adams township until 1883, when he again took up the trade he had learned in his youth. In this line of business he continued until his death, which occurred September 18, 1913. Mrs. Elsie (Sayers) Horrum was bom at Oxford, Ohio, March 19.

1833, a daughter of Dr. Sayers, who later removed to Manchester, Indiana. The paternal grandfather of George E. Horrum was Daniel Horrum, who was a native of Vermont and who located in Dearborn county, Indiana at an early date, he having been a pioneer farmer of that county and having devoted his entire active career to the basic industry of agriculture.

George E. Horrum came to Nebraska with his parents in 1868, and attended the pioneer district schools of Gage county in the acquirement of his youthful education. On reaching man's estate he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and he continued to follow farm enterprise until 1892, when he established his residence at Adams, this county, where he has since been successfully engaged in the harness buusiness.

On September 20, 1883, George E. Horrum was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Bryson, a daughter of Silas Bryson, whose record appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Horrum are the parents of two children : Pet is the wife of W. H. Coleman, superintendent of schools at Crawford, Nebraska; and Clara is the wife of William Pittam, of Savoy, Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Horrum are members of the Methodist Epicopal church, in which they take a commendable interest. In politics Mr. Horrum is a Republican and fraternally he is afiQliated with the Adams lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. Mr. Horrum has lived to see many changes in Gage county since he came here as a lad of ten years, and he has done his full share to bring about the present high state of development.

WILLIAM H. MILLER. - A worthy representative of the agricultural and financial interests of Gage county is the gentleman whose name introduces this record. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Miller was born at White Haven, Carbon county. May 8, 1858. His parents, William M. and Martha (Stiver) Miller, were likewise natives of the Keystone state, the former having been bom September 26, 1826, and the birth of his wife having occurred December 25, 1826. They became residents of Illinois in 1869 and both passed the remainder of their lives in that state. The death of the father occurred October 12, 1901, and that of the mother in 1883.

William H. Miller was reared on a farm in Illinois and acquired his education in the public schools. He was engaged in farming in the Prairie state until 1884, when he came to Gage county, Nebraska, and purchased land in Nemaha township. In 1900 he removed to his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Lincoln township, where he has made good improvements and is meeting with success in his undertakings.

Mr. Miller made complete the arrangements for a home by his marriage. May 25, 1882, to Miss Emma Frazier, a daughter of Louis and Elizabeth Frazier, of Illinois. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been blessed by the birth of six children : James Leroy is a farmer near Ellis ; Linda May is the wife of W. F. Walsh, of Omaha; Amy is the wife of John Fitzgerald, of Omaha ; Raymond F. lives in Lincoln township ; Guy G. is at the parental home; and Orin R. runs a store at Ellis.

In 1907 Mr. Miller assisted in the organization of the Ellis State Bank, and later he became president of the same, a position in which he served three years. He is still a stockholder and director of this flourishing institution. He exercises his right of franchise by supporting men and measures for which the Republican party stands sponsor, and while he has had no ambition for public ofifice his civic loyalty was shown in three years of most effective service in the position of treasurer of his township. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and both he and his wife are members of the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Miller has given close attention to his various industrial and business interests and is one of the substantial and valued citizens of Lincoln township.

GEORGE H. JONES was one of the honored pioneers who won individual success and furthered industrial and civic advancement through his association with farm enterprise in Gage county, and it is most fitting that in this history be entered a tribute to his memory. He was born near Bangor, Maine, December 23, 1847, a son of Cyrus Jones, and in his character and achievement he showed forth ' the sterling traits that have so significantly marked the sons of New England. His father likewise was a native of the old Pine Tree state and was a scion of a family that was founded in New England in the colonial era, the lineage being traced to staunch Welsh origin. At the age of eleven years George H. Jones came with his widowed mother to the west and the home was established near Dixon, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood on a pioneer farm. As a young man he went to Jones county, Iowa, where he amplified his pioneer experience as an agriculturist, and where his marriage was solemnized in 1867. Thereafter he continued to be concerned with farming at intervals in Iowa and at others in Illinois, until 1872, when he came with his famity to Nebraska and took up a homestead of eighty acres in Section 30, Highland township. Gage county. Here he continued his activities as a progressive and successful farmer until 1888, when he removed to the village of Cortland and engaged in the general merchandise business. There he continued successfully in this line of enterprise until his death, which occurred August 22, 1910. His well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres is that of which his son Cyrus P. now has the management and of this son, as well as of the elder son, Frank W., specific mention is made on other pages of this volume.

Mr. Jones was a man of high standing in the community and did well his part in furthering the general advancement of Gage county along both civic and material lines. His political support was given to the Republican party, he was affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and at the time of his death he was a deacon of the Congregational church at Cortland, where his widow, likewise a devoted member, still maintains her home.

who was born near Meshoppen, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1847, a daughter of George P. and Christina (Kintner) Whitcomb. Mr. Whitcomb was born in Massachusetts, March 17, 1816, and was one of the honored pioneers and prosperous farmers of Gage county at the time of his death, in 1873. His wife was born in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1826, and she passed the closing years of her life at Beatrice, Gage county, Nebraska, where she died in 1901. The parents of Mrs. Jones came to this county and settled on a homestead of eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of seven children, of whom four survive the honored father : Frank W. is represented on other pages; Elva is the wife of James E. McCormick, of Clatonia; Cyrus P. has charge of the old homestead farm; and Verna remains with her widowed mother in their attractive home at Cortland.

CYRUS HOUGHTON, a retired farmer, residing at Blue Springs, was born in Will county, Illinois, November 18, 1853, and is a son of Rudolphus and Sarah (Capron) Houghton, who came to Illinois when Chicago was only a small city, and at a very low figure he was offered land on which a part of the city now stands. This land he refused to purchase, as it was too marshy for farming purposes. Mr. Houghton then went to Will county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and where he died in 1869, his wife having passed away several years previously.

Cyrus Houghton was but sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death and was left with very little means. He managed to purchase a team of horses and began teaming, - first in Gilman and later in Paxton and other towns in Illinois. Mr. Houghton finally bought forty acres of land in Will county, where he farmed for some time. Being in poor health, he was advised by his physician to go west. He disposed of his interests in Illinois and started for Beatrice, Nebraska where he spent the winter. The following spring Mr. Houghton determined to remain in

Nebraska and bought eighty acres of land on Section 34, Rockford township. Gage county, on which was built a shanty twelve by fourteen feet in dimensions with a dirt-covered log addition. This he afterward replaced with a frame building, and in later years he built a still better house, as well as other good farm buildings. He later bought an additional eighty acres of land, adjoining that of his first purchase and here he continued farming for many years. He and his family saw some very hard times in the early pioneer days, owing to drought several years in succession, and it took a good deal of determination and struggle to pull through.

In 1916 Mr. Houghton left the farm and after spending some time in Biloxi, Mississippi, he returned to Gage county, in June, 1917. Here he has since lived, making his home in Blue Springs, where he owns a comfortable residence.

Cyrus Houghton was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Jones, of Will county, Illinois, she being a daughter of David and Mary Jones. To this unoin was born three children : Belle is the wife of Levi Miller, of Beatrice; Pearl is the wife of Clarence Jones, of Holmesville, this county; and Ralph D. has the management of the home farm, in Rockford township. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton are members of the Methodist church, and in politics he is a Republican. He is also an ardent advocate of the prohibition movement.

ERNST H. SPILKER. - The vital energy and good judgment which Mr. Spilker has applied in connection with farm industry have made him one of the specially successful representatives of this important line of enterprise in Gage county, and he is the owner of a valuable landed estate of three hundred and twenty acres, in Section 12, Grant township, eighty acres of his well improved farm property being situated just to the south of the corporate hmits of the village of Dewitt, Saline county.

eight children born to Henry A. and Louisa (Fromme) Spilker. The eldest of the children, Karl, died in Germany; William is another of the prosperous farmers of Grant township; Frederick died when about fiftyfive years of age ; Louisa is the wife of Henry Damkroger, of Holt township ; Carolena is the wife of Henry Bergmyer, of Grant township; Henry died when about thirty years of age; Christian is a resident of Holt county, this state.

Henry A. Spilker, a member of a family established for many generations in Westphalia, Germany, was bom February 3, 1828, and his death occurred October 14, 1906. His wife was born February 18, 1831, and passed to the life eternal on the 19th of May, 1910. In 1883 Henry A. Spilker, accompanied by his wife and their four children, came from Germany to America and forthwith made his way to Gage county, Nebraska, where he purchased, at the rate of thirty dollars an acre, the present fine homestead farm of his son Ernst H., of this review. Minor improvements had been made on the property, and with characteristic thrift and discrimination he carried forward the development of the farm, upon which he eventually erected modem buildings, besides setting out trees, and also planted onehalf of an acre with catalpa seeds, one hundred trees, which now average fully thirty feet in height. Mr. Spilker was a man of indomitable energy and with the aid of his devoted wife and his sons and daughter he made his old homestead one of the model farms of Gage county. He achieved substantial prosperity and manifested his paternal loyalty and stewardship by assisting each of his children to gain a good start in life upon reaching maturity, though to compass this end he was at times compelled to borrow the requisite money. Sturdy and unassuming, he made his life count in productive activity, ordered his course upon a high plane of integrity and commanded the respect of his fellow men. He was liberal in support of measures and agencies for the conserving of the general welfare of the community and he continued his active association with farm enterprise until within a few years of his death. Both he and his wife were devout communicants of the Lutheran church and he aided generously in the organizing and support of the church of this denomination in Grant township. It is interesting to record that at the time of his wife's death their grandchildren numbered fifty-two and their great-grandchildren fifteen.

Ernst H. Spilker acquired his rudimentary education in his native land and was a lad oi nine years at the time when the family home was established in Gage county. Here he supplemented his mental discipline by attending the district schools and he early began to lend his aid in the work of the home farm, upon which he has remained until the present time, his father having given to him the old homestead when he was twenty-three years of age. In 1907 Mr. Spilker purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Scotts Bluff county, and this property, which he purchased for seventy-five dollars an acre, he sold in 1913 at the rate of one hundred and fifteen dollars an acre. On the old homestead he has erected one of the most modern and attractive farm residences in the county, the house having eleven rooms and being equipped with electric lights, steam heat, hot and cold running water, and the best type of modern bathroom. Within the past fifteen years he has expended fully six thousand dollars in making improvements on his farm and he is known as one of the wide-awake and progressive agriculturists and stock -growers of the county, with secure place in popular confidence and good will.

In 1896 Mr. Spilker wedded Miss Mary Meier, who was born in Germany and who was twenty-nine years of age at the time of her death, October 24, 1903. She came with her parents to America in 1881 and her father, Ernst Meier, became one of the prosperous farmers of Gage county, where he established his home in Clatonia township and where he passed the remainder of his life, his widow, whose maiden name was Mary Pohlmann, being now a resident of Jefferson county. Mr. and Mrs. Spilker became the parents of two children, Sophia and Martha, both of whom remain at the paternal home. On the 10th of February, 1905, Mr. Spilker married Miss Anna Tegeler, who was born in Clatonia township, this county, on the 18th of February, 1886, a daughter of Frederick and Charlotte (Schnele) Tegeler, who came to this county from Germany in 1882, Mr. Tegeler having been one of the representative farmers of Clatonia township at the time of his death and his widow remaining on the old homestead place. Mr. and Mrs. Spilker have four children, - Amanda, Paul, Benjamin and Esther.

In politics Mr. Spilker is found staunchly aligned in the ranks of the Republican party and he served three terms as assessor of Grant township. He and his wife are earnest communicants of the German Lutheran church in their home township and he has served since 1907 as a member of its board of trustees. The old homestead farm which he received from his father comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and through his own ability and resources he has accumulated and paid for the remainder of his now large and valuable landed estate. He is one of the shareholders in the farmers' co-operative grain elevator in the village of Dewitt, where he also assisted in the organization of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, his stock in which he later sold. On his fine farm he keeps the best of live stock, and at the tirne of this writing, in the winter of 1917-1918,' he has nearly two hundred head of Hampshire swine. A man ot splendid energy, he has achieved large and worthy success, the while he has so ordered his course as to prove a valuable citizen and command the respect and confidence of those with whom he has come in contact in the varied relations of life.

ELMER L. ROOT is a son of the late William H. Root, to whom a memorial tribute is given on other pages of this volume, and he is doing well his part in upholding the prestige of the family name in connection with farm industry and civic affairs, his base of operations being the farm of one hundred acres which he inherited from his father's estate, in

Mr. Root was born in Rockford township, this county, March 9, 1888, was afforded the advantages of the public schools and has been actively allied with farm enterprise from the time of his youth to the present. He married, in 1910, Miss Sadie Ault, likewise a native of this county, and she is the popular chatelaine of their attractive home.

WIIvLIAM CRAIG. - For thirty-six years William Craig has been an honored citizen of Gage county, residing at Blue Springs. He is descended from staunch Pennsylvania stock, his father, Thomas Craig, having been born in Northampton (now Carbon) county, that state, in 1797. As a young man he engaged in farming for a time and later, .for nearly quarter of a century, conducted a hotel at Lehigh Water Gap, besides operating a general merchandise store at the same place. He was also the owner of a stage line running from Mauch Chunk and Easton, as well as being extensively engaged in boating and transporting lumber from his mills, on the upper Lehigh, over the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company's canal, to Easton, Mauch Chunk and other points. He owned and operated his own boats and made considerable money in the enterprise. He owned three saw mills and an immense tract of timber land During the memorable freshet of 1841 he lost heavily in boats and lumber, and his entire store and contents were washed away. He continued as a hotelkeeper until about four years before his death, which occurred in 1859. The maiden name of his second wife, who was the mother of William Craig, was Catherine G. Hagenbuch. She was a native of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, her death occurring at Lehigh Gap, in 1871. She was the mother of six children, all of whom lived to maturity. The maiden name of the first wife of Thomas Craig was Kuntz and of the two children of this union one died in childhood, the other growing to manhood. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Craig, who was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania and who served as a general in the Revolutionary war; he lived to the ripe old age of ninety years.

The subject of this review was born at Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1841. His early education was acquired in his native village, later he became a student at Allentown Seminary and he completed his education in the agricultural college of Center county, Pennsylvania (now the Pennsylvania State College). He then began teaching, and later, in company with his brother. Colonel John Craig, he engaged in the general merchandise business at Lehigh Gap. To this enterprise he added the business of boat building and railroad contracting. These interests he operated extensively and successfully, and also dealt largely in lumber, railroad ties and coal, at the same place, until the fall of 1882. The family was widely and favorably known; three of his brothers served as members of the Pennsylvania legislature, two of them being elected to the state senate.

Mr. Craig, in 1882, came to Nebraska and established himself in the stove and hardware business at Blue Springs, where his progressiveness and reliability gained him an enviable place in the community. When the Farmers' Elevator Company was organized, sixteen years ago, he assumed the position of manager, which executive post he has held continuously since.

On September 26, 1866, was solemnized themarriage of Mr. Craig to Miss Mattie Gish, who was born at Berlinsville, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1844, a daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Hummel) Gish, natives of the Keystone state, where the father was a man of prominence as a farmer and merchant. Theparents of Mrs. Craig both passed their entire lives in Pennsylvania, the death of the father occurring in 1878, and that of the mother in 1884.

Mr. and Mrs. Craig became the parents of the following named children: Annie, unmarried, is a teacher in the Wymore schools; W. A. married Miss Alice Welch and resides.

at Rochester, New York ; F. G. married Miss Elsie Noah and resides in Lincoln, Nebraska ; Jesse V. married Miss Beatrice Fenton and resides in Lincoln, Nebraska ; and Martha E., unmarried, is a teacher in the schools of Omaha. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1914.

Mr. Craig cast his first presidential vote for McClellan, and now supports the Democratic ticket. He has been called to public office and gave effiicient service as a member of the school board many years. In 1888 he was elected and served as mayor of Blue Springs. He has also served as treasurer of the township and city. Mr. Craig has won and held the esteem of the people of the community in which for thirty-six years he has lived and labored and in which his influence and support have always been on the side of those things which are best.

It is a matter of definite record that the Craig family name has been worthily linked with the annals of American history from the colonial period, and it is specially pleasing and consistent to enter in this work a record concerning a distinguished Revolutionary patriot of the ancestral line of William Craig of Gage county. It was General Craig, then a lieutenant-colonel on the staff of General Washington, to whom the noble Quaker woman of historic note, Mrs. Lydia Darragh, reported the intended surprise attack that would be attempted by the British commander. General Howe, upon the forces of General Washington that were encamped above Philadelphia, the timely information resulting in the frustration of General Howe's plan. Of this Revolutionary incident definite mention is made in an old history which was published in 1827 and which is now in the possession of William Craig, of this review. From this old history the following quotations are taken: "Colonel Craig was also with General Washington encamped at White Marsh, fourteen miles above Philadelphia. It was through him Mrs. Lydia Darrah, of Philadelphia, conveyed to General Washington warning of General Howe's intended attack on December 2, 1777, she having heard the order read for the attack, through the keyhole of the door in the chamber of her house. The British troops marched out of the city as planned, to attack by surprise, defeat and capture the army and take General Washington prisoner. Finding General Washington fully prepared, and cannons mounted, the attack was not made, and the British marched back again, - as General Howe expressed it, 'like a parcel of fools.' "

P. M. ANDERSON, who conducts a thoroughly well ordered automobile garage in the village of Filley, was bom in Schleswig- Holstein, Germany, on the 15th of December, 1867, a son of Marcus and Marie (Rasmussen) Anderson, both likewise natives of that district, which was formerly a part of Denmark. There they continued their residence until 1871, when they came to the United States and settled at Princeton, Illinois. Later they removed to the city of Chicago, where they remained six years. Marcus Anderson then engaged in farming enterprise near Princeton, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1883, when he came with his family to Gage county, Nebraska, where he purchased a farm and turned his attention with characteristic vigor to agricultural and livestock industry. Later he sold his farm and purchased another, in Thayer county, but eventually he returned to Gage county, where he passed the closing years of his life. He had no financial resources when he came to America, but by energy and good management he here gained independence and a gracious measure of prosperity. The children of his first marriage were four sons : Nis is a farmer in Cheyenne county, this state; Andrew Anderson is serving in 1918 as county treasurer of Gage county; P. M., of this review, was the next in order of birth ; and L. C. owns and operates a well improved farm four miles north of Filley, this county. For his second wife the father wedded Margaret Hendrickson, and they became the parents of two children : Anna, who is the wife of George Hendrickson, of Broken Bow, Custer county ; and Marie, who is the wife of Henry Remmers, of Firth, Lancaster county. The father

P. M. Anderson acquired his youthful education in the public schools of Illinois and Nebraska, besides completing an effective course in a business college in the city of Beatrice. His independent career has been marked in earlier years by close and successful association with farm enterprise, and he is now the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres, north of Filley, and another, of one hundred and sixty acres, south of this village. In 1909 Mr. Anderson removed from his farm to the village of Filley, where he engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock and later in the agricultural implement business. He now has a well equipped automobile garage and as local agent for the popular Overland automobiles he has developed a prosperous business. He still continues to handle agricultural implements and is one of the substantial and representative business men of this attractive Gage county village. In politics Mr. Anderson is a staunch Republican, and he has served as treasurer of Filley township, as well as township assessor. He is an active communicant of the German Lutheran church, as was also his wife, whose death occurred June 2, 1911.

In October, 1895, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Christina Jensen, who was born in Denmark, and who is survived by one child, Blanche, the latter being now the wife of Edward Protsman, a representative farmer of Filley township, and their only child being a son, Harold.

JULIUS NEUMANN. - The enduring satisfaction of successful achievement rightfully belongs to Julius Neumann, for along -well defined lines of enterprise he has advanced until he now holds a prominent position in the commercial circles of Gage county.

Mr. Neumann was born at Longenglonsheim, Bingen on the Rhine, July 7, 1848. His father, GottHeb Neumann, was born July 26, 1790, and as a young man served in the German army. Later he held a government position until he was sixty-eight years of age. In

1857 he immigrated to America and settled on a farm near Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois, and there his death occurred December 25, 1861. His wife, who bore the name of Catherine Kehl, was born at Meisenheim, Germany, March 18, 1805, and died August 4, 1880, the last years of her life being spent in the home of her son Julius. Of the family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, all grew to piaturity. Four of the sons each served full three years in the Civil war. Frederick and Valentine were in the Fortysecond Illinois Infantry, Charles in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and Jacob in the Fortyeighth Illinois Cavalry. All of the sons are living except Valentine, who died in May, 1917. The oldest lives in the city of Omaha, at the age of eighty-five years. Julius was the second youngest.

Julius Neumann acquired his education in the public schools of Cambridge, Illinois, and when a young man of twenty-one he found employment in a mercantile establishment in Henry county, that state. He was in business in several places in that state and finally established himself in business in San Jose, Illinois. March 19, 1882, he came to Wymore, Gage county, Nebraska. Here he built a fine brick block, on Niagara avenue, and here he has been engaged successfully in business since that time. Seventeen years ago he erected his present business block, a two-story building with one hundred foot frontage, the main floor being occupied by his business establishment, in which is the largest stock of general merchandise in the city. The uppei story is used as offices by professional men, besides providing headquarters for the local Masonic bodies.

June 3, 1874, recorded the marriage of Mr. Neumann to Miss Arrielia Wellmeyer, who was born at Wapello, Iowa, September 1, 1854, a daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth Wellmeyer, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Neumann are the parents of seven children: B. W. is married and resides in Philadelphia, where he is engaged in the laundry business ; Clarice is the wife of Fred J. Kelly, Chancellor of the University of Kansas, at Law- rence; Mahlon J., who married Miss Bertha Pirie, is associated with his father in business ; Gertrude is the wife of Harry W. Hinman, an instructor in the Case technical school at Detroit, Michig-an; Wilhelmina is the wife of Dr. D. M. Ausmus, of Nashville, Tennessee; Cecil H. married Miss Edith Kruger, and he is associated with his father's business ; Warren R. is a student in the University of Kansas.

The religious views of Mr. Neumann coincide with the teachings of the- Methodist church, in which he and his wife are active workers and liberal supporters. In politics he is a "dyed-in-the-wool" Democrat, and he has served efficiently as mayor of Wymore for three temis, besides having been a member of the municipal council and the school board for many years. He is afifiliated with the blue lodge, the chapter, and the council of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. .Neumann has always upheld those things which he thought were best for his city and state, and for thirty-six years he worked in implacable opposition to the saloon and liquor traffic. While he has made a signal success of his own business, he has not been remiss in any duty incidental to the religious, educational, and general civic uplift of his community, and he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. Mr. Neumann is proud to have been born in Germany, the land of his fathers, but is as loyal an American as were his brothers who served three years for the preservation of the Union during the Civil war.

JOHN C. EMERY, who holds the position of bookkeeper for the well known firm of Kilpatrick Brothers, of Beatrice, gained in his youth a wide and varied experience in connection with pioneer activities in the west, and he is a scion of the staunchest of American stock of English strain. Mr. Emery was born at Lawrence, Kansas, December 23, 1861, and this date indicates conclusively that his parents, Charles N. and Mary (Benson) Emery, v,rere numbered among the pioneers of the vSunflower state, the father having been a native of Aug-usta, Maine, and the mother of the city of Dublin, Ireland. The father of Charles N. Emery was of English ancestry and became a pioneer representative of lumbering enterprise in the old Pine Tree state, besides which he went forth as a loyal soldier in the war of 1812.