Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 6 of 16)

Henry H. Falldorf attended school in Germany and afterward in Hall County. He learned the stairbuilder's trade, a vocation he followed for twenty years, when he became a general contractor, and now points with pardonable pride to many handsome substantial buildings in Grand Island, for the construction of which he was responsible, among which may be named the following: the Grand Island Library building, the new Hall County Courthouse, and extensive business blocks and private residences. In addition to the local structures he also was the contractor for the exceptionally fine high school building at Norfolk, Nebraska. Recently he retired from active business, taking with him a reputation for business integrity and personal honesty.

In 1887 Mr. Falldorf united in marriage with ]\Iiss Mary Timpke, who was born at Grand Island, a daughter of Henry Timpke, a pioneer farmer of Hall County. They have had two children: Amelia, the wife of Albert Hein, a farmer in Merrick County, Nebraska, and Fred, who died at the age of thirteen. Mr. and Mrs. Falldorf were reared in the Lutheran church and attended there. In politics he is a Republican, as is his fatner. He belongs to the Low German social organizations in the city, and is identified also with the Masons and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

RICHARD GOEHRING, JR., an enterprising and popular young business man of Grand Island, bears the name of his honored father, a sketch of whom is found in this work.

public schools of his native city, subsequently taking a business course in the Baptist College in Grand Island. His industrial training was thorough and practical and when but twenty-three years old he became associated with such carpenters and contractors as William C. Southmann and E. J. Voss. In 1910 they built the Hedding building and other large structures in Grand Island. After disposing of his interests here Mr. Goehring went to Columbus, Nebraska, where for three years he was the manager of the lumber yards of G. H. Hoagland Company, but in 1914 he returned to Grand Island as manager of the George A. Hoagland lumber interests here. A large wholesale lumber business is carried on and great credit is due Mr. Goehring for the excellently organized system that prevails. The greater part of his time is devoted to this business although he is additionally interested in some other directions, being secretary and treasurer of the Central Storage Company.

In March, 1911, Mr. Goehring married Miss Ina Kaiser, who was born in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska. Her father George Kaiser, was formerly an electrician for the Burlington Railroad Company and now occupies the same position with the Oregon Short Line and resides in the state of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Goehring have one daughter, Helen, who was born August 13, 1913. Mrs. Goehring is a member of the Episcopal church. He is very popular in musical circles in Grand Island. It was mainly through his efl:'orts that a local orchestra was organized which for many years supplied fine music for dances and other entertainments, Mrs. Goehring also being an accomplished musician. Mr. Goehring belongs to a number of fraternal organizations including the Elks, the Eagles and the Liederkranz. He is a foremost member of the Y. M. C. A. and has been earnest in his efi'orts to further the work of this great and helpful organization in the year just closing.

AUGUST BECKER is one of the younger generation who is making a success of agricultural pursuits in operating the old home place in Washington township. He is a native of Hall County, his natal day being April 4, 1876, a son of Fritz Becker, a record of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume.

February 27, 1901 August Becker was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Ewoldt, like her husband a native of Hall County, a daughter of Cay and Elizabeth Ewoldt, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this vol- ume. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Becker has been blessed with five children, whose names are: Alfred, Matilda, Bertha, Bernard and Walter, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Becker is engaged in general farming and the raising of Poland China hogs and Short Horn cattle, both branches of his business bringing him good annual returns. His place is well equipped having been improved by his father, the barn being one of the landmarks of the neighborhood, its erection having been made more than forty years ago.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Becker is serving his school district as treasurer, holding this responsible position for the last seven years. The family are held in the highest esteem, and their friends to-day are they who have known them since childhood.

JAMES MICHELSON was one of the pioneers of Hall County and for many years was an active force in the business afifairs of Grand Island. He was a native of Denmark where he grew to manhood and married. He and his wife were members of wealthy families and were both well educated. About the time of the Civil War he decided to try his fortune in America. Not as many emigrants who had only the money to pay their passage across the waters, James Michelson was well provided with capital and to add to the comforts of the family two maid servants were brought along. Arriving at Omaha he purchased an outfit consisting of a spring wagon, a team and provisions and taking his family with him located in Montana where he engaged in the sheep business. He hired as interpreter a scout and from this man learned to speak the Indian, French and English languages. After spending two or three years in Montana he returned to Omaha where he built up a blacksmithing enterprise and found it very profitable shoeing horses for the soldiers. On his way west he had passed through Hall County and was very favorably impressed with the country so he returned to establish himself in the blacksmith business at a time when both horses and oxen were brought in to be shod. When the Union Pacific Railroad was being built Mr. Michelson found it profitable to supply ties for the construction of the road. He had purchased land with trees on it and the entire supply of timber was converted into ties for the railroad company. The second hotel in Grand Island was erected by Mr. Michelson; "The Nebraska House" will be remembered by many of the older settlers. He also followed mercantile pursuits for many years, being prosperous in all of his undertakings. At one time he was the heaviest tax payer in Hall County.

He was a Republican in politics and a liberal contributer to churches and all worthy enterprises. In his native land he had ser\'ed nine years in the Danish army and fought for his country in the war with Germany. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified the benevolent spirit of that craft in his daily life.

In this family were six children : Laurena, married Joseph Killian and is now a widow residing in San Bernardino, California ; Carrie Maria, residing in California, is the wdow of James Lambert, who was one of the first engineers on the Union Pacific Railroad ; Anker, who passed away in 1894, was for many years a conductor on the Union Pacific Railroad ; McLena, now Mrs. Wilkins, resides in Grand Island; Fred, who was born in Grand Island, in 1864, is now engaged in the real estate business in that city; and Rose Minnie, born in Idaho, is deceased.

The above record has been furnished by the daughter of this pioneer settler who accompanied the family to Grand Island. She was united in marriage to Edward B. Hirst who died in August, 1880. Of this marriage there were four children : Anker Hirst, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a machinist employed by an oil company; Fred, one of the organizers and member of the Sapho Chemical Company, died in St. Louis in 1913 ; Edward W., a mining promoter, also a member of the chemical company, residing at JNIansfield, Missouri, and George, who had just entered college when he passed away in 1899.

January 25th. 1886, Mrs. Hirst was married to Mr. M. H. Wilkins, a native of Bristol, England. He was brought to the United States by his parents when one year old, the home being established in Utica, New York, later in St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Wilkins learned the machinist's trade which he followed until he retired in 1904. Mr. and Airs. Wilkins are the parents of two children ; Vina Meta, married Charles Conklin, a salesman for the Nebraska Mercantile Company, and Isaac Tames, a partner with his father in the management of the billiard parlors.

HERMAN C. GOEHRING, who is one of the substantial men of Prairie Creek township. Hall County, owns a large body of well improved land where he carries on general farming and stockraising. He was born in

Germany, in 1865, the son of Ernest W. and Katherine (Easser) Goehring, who emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1874. The father died in 1892, when aged sixty-nine years, and the mother in 1911, at the hale old age of eighty-four years. Of their five children Herman C. was the second in order of birth, the others being: Richard; Ernest, who lives retired at Ravenna, Nebraska; Lena, a resident of Bufifalo County, Nebraska, and Paul, who lives at Sheridan, Wyoming.

Herman C. Goehring was nine years old when he accompanied his parents to Nebraska where his father took up a homestead in Buffalo County, which he improved so that his farm was one of the finest in this locality. He was a well educated man and believed in the principles of the Socialist party as they were understood in his day. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran church. Herman C. Goehring had attended school in Germany and had further educational advantages after coming to Nebraska. He remained in Buffalo County until 1913 when he sold his interests there and removed to Hall County, purchasing a well improved farm of 160 acres, to which he has added from time to time until he now owns 320 acres. He has always been careful in his farming and stockraising as a result of which he has been signally successful in this chosen vocation..

In 1893 Mr. Goehring was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Wutcler, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Goehring have had ten children born to them, those whom survive being: Emma, the wife of Richard Schroeder, of Hall County; Clemens, who is at home ; William, who is operating one of his father's farms; Lida, who resides at home; Rose, the wife of Louis Biering, a farmer in Hall County, and Elsie, Fred, Frieda and Richard, all of whom are at home. Two otheres died in infancy. Mr. Goehring and his family belong to the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican and while living in Buffalo County served as school treasurer. He belongs to the Modem Woodmen lodge in Grand Island.

MAX GREENBERGER, a man of enterprising and progressive personality who illustrates what energy and application to business can accomplish is representative of Grand Island's prospering business men, conducting a first class tailoring establishment and haberdashery, with attractive quarters on one of the leading business streets of this city. He

Mr. Greenberger was born in Hungary, the son of Samuel and Frediel (Berkowitz) Greenberger, who still live in their native land, where the father is a merchant. In 1883 he visited the United States and remained one year looking over business prospects but decided to return to Europe. Of his family of twelve children eight are living and four of these are in the United States : Samuel, vicepresident of the Grand Island Culvert works; Max, in business in Grand Island ; Anna, the wife of J. Berkwitz, associated with Mr. Greenberger in business, and Rose, who is a nurse and now detailed to hospital work in New Jersey. The family is of the Jewish faith.

Max Greenberger attended school in his native land, until he was twelve years old when he began to learn the tailor's trade. As he grew older he sought better business opportunities and to find them came to the United States in 1883, landing in the city of New York. He found countrymen there, and remained one year in the metropolis to become accustomed to new world methods before making his way to Omaha, Nebraska, in which city he remained until 1907, when he came to Grand Island. For one year he worked at his trade for John Alexander, then embarked in the tailoring business for himself, and, as he saw a favorable opening, added a haberdasher's stock. Being a keen business man as well as a skillful tailor, Mr. Greenberger has built up a very profitable trade connection, while his circle of friends is constantly enlarging because of his. honest methods and courteous manner.

In 1905 Mr. Greenberger married Miss Flora Graetz, who was born in the state of New York. They have two children : Louise and Miriam. The family attends the Jewish synagogue and keeps up the observances of their religious faith. Mr. Greenberger belongs to the Masonic fraternity but practically takes no part in politics.

WILLIAM SHEFFEL, one of Grand Island's most respected residents and influential business men, has claimed this city as his home for the past thirty-four years. His life has been one of great industry, by which he has gained well earned prosperity.

William Sheffel was bom at Baden, Germany, March 19, 1863, His parents were Jacob and Sophia (Kranmer) Sheffel, the former of whom was born in Germanv in 1830,.

and died there in 1903 ; the latter, born in 1835, died in 1905. The father's trade was that of a stonecutter. They had six children, two of whom live in the United States, these being Jacob and William. The parents reared their children in the Lutheran church. In his native land, William Sheffel attended school and then worked under his father until he was eighteen years old, learning the trade of stone mason. Realizing broader opportunities were open for young men in the new world he left his native country for that "land of promise," America, coming to the United States. For three years he worked for an aunt, who resided at Alexandria, Virginia, but decided to carve his own course and in 1885 he came to Grand Island, Nebraska, and for thirty two years engaged in stone contracting.

Since 1917 he has been in the monument business. His yards are situated on the corner of Clearburn and West Point streets. Mr. Shefifel has been concerned for over a quarter of a century in almost all of the important stone and brick construction work in Grand Island. Thip has been accorded to him because of his expert knowledge of stone and stone work. He has cut and placed many monuments. At the same time he has continued his work along other important lines.

In 1889 William Sheffel married Miss Mary Scroeder, who was born in Canada. Their family consists of four children: Katie, the wife of Erich ]\Ieyer of Grand Island; Carl, in business with his father, a civil engineer who has recently returned from Nitre, West Virginia where he built a power plant ; Flora, who lives at home; Tillie, who also lives at home ; and William, who is a student in the high school. 2\Ir. Shefifel's first wife died in 1906 and a year later he married Miss Katie Rickman who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Christofer Rickman, a pioneer in Buffalo County. ;Mr. and Mrs. Sheffel have two children : Rudolph and Louis. They are attending school and both are doing well.

Mr. Sheffel was for five years a member of the board of education. Also; he served as chief of a volunteer fire department for four years, and of which he has been a member for twenty-nine years.

JULIUS REESE. - One of the few trades in which factory work has not yet been able to equal skilled hand work, is harnessmaking, and in the shop of Julius Reese, No. 215 West Second street, Grand Island, may be found some fine specimens that have been turned out by the owner. He is an expert workman and

Mr. Reese was bom September 26, 1880, at Kiel, Germany. His parents are Christian and Margaret (Kruse) Reese the former of whom was born in Germany, May 7, 1852, and the latter in October, 1852. They came to America and to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1884. The father works in Grand Island as a tailor for A. W. Sterne. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is a Socialist in his political views. Of his five children, the following are living : Julius, residing in Grand Island; Anna, who is the wife of Louis Poft', a steamfitter in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad in Grand Island; Elizabeth, the wife of H. B. Alexander, a machinist in Grand Island; and William who is a mail clerk in Grand Island.

Julius Reese was but a child when his parents left their native land for America, soon after which they located in Grand Island. He obtained his education in this city and afterward learned the harnessmaking trade. There is a great demand for such work as he turns out and he has prospered in his chosen business to a most satisfactory extent. Like many other Germans, he has a talent for music, belonging to bands and orchestras, and takes an active part in the Liederkranz and Plattsdeutchen social organizations. He is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

In 1906, Julius Reese married Miss Marie Mollie Rickert, who was born at Grand Island, her father, Jacob Rickert, was an early settler here and shoemaker by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Reese have four children : Florence, Frederick, Dorothy and Lorraine. The members of the family are identified with the Lutheran church.

ALBERT THARP. - A busy, eventful, useful life has been that enjoyed by one of Grand Island's most esteemed citizens, Albert Tharp, who came to Thomas County, Nebraska in 1887, and in 1884 established himself in business in Grand Island. Business success has attended him, and many calls to public office have indicated the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He is an honored veteran of the Civil War, and has served as commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is a member.

Albert Tharp was born in Marion, Marion County, Ohio. April, 22 1843. His parents were John and Margery (McKeever) Tharp, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively.

The father was born February 9, 1808, and died August 27, 1897, in the home of a daughter, at Enid, Oklahoma. The mother passed away October 13, 1874, in Decatur County, Iowa. Of their six children, Albert Tharp is the second of the three survivors, the others being : Martha S., the wife of John Hendrickson, a retired farmer of Denver, Colorado ; and Joseph, who conducts a real estate business in Davis City, Iowa. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1846 John Tharp removed with his family from Ohio to Jasper County, Indiana, where he engaged in farming until 1853, when he removed to Leon^ Decatur County, Iowa, taking up government land, securing eight hundred acres for $1.25 an acre.

In the district schools in Iowa near his father's farm, Albert Tharp pursued his studies through boyhood. He gave his father assistance on the farm until 1862, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company I, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. During his three years and one month of military life, he participated in many of the great engagements of the war under leadership of many of the noted commanders. Judge Tharp can yet recall Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Mobile, Pensecola, Fort Blakely, Matagora Island and the Red River expedition under General Banks. He served at first as a private but later was promoted to drum major. All of his company in the army died, or were killed except twenty-one. Only that number returned.

At the close of the war Albert Tharp with his brave comrades returned to their homes in Iowa, where he resumed farming in Decatur County. With a quickened perception of public affairs that the war had brought, he realized clearly the duty of public-spirited men to enter intto the field of local politics, because politics everywhere was influencing public opinion and government. Having the confidence of his fellow citizens to a marked degree he was elected constable of Decatur County. During the next twelve years he served continuously and efficiently as deputy sheriff, deputy treasurer or chief of police, being elected to all offices on the Republican ticket. Since coming to Grand Island, he has been tendered many public offices and has served as police judge and justice of the peace. In 1887 he went to Thomas County, Nebraska, where he found excellent land and took up a homestead, acquiring two one-quarter sections. He lived on his farm there until 1894, when he removed to Grand Island, and

On July 4, 1867, Mr. Tharp married Miss Ella K. Jenree, who was bom in the state of New York. To them seven children have been born: Arthur S., who is engaged in farming near Overton, Nebraska; Izora, the wife of B. I. Mewhirter, who operates a telephone system at Tacoma, Washington ; Zella, the wife of M. E. Johnson, for the last-twentyfive years a passenger conductor between Edgemont, South Dakota and Alliance, Nebraska ; Fred, who is an engineer on the Northern Pacific Railroad ; Lou ; Ella, the wife of Michael O'Brien, a farmer near Blunt, South Dakota; Floyd, who owns a ranch in Wyoming, has but recently returned from his duties in the navy at Hampton Roads, Virginia ; and Hazel J., the wife of Ebert R. Potts, who lives near Wheatland, Wyoming. Mrs. Tharp is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. During 1918 Judge and Mrs. Tharp enjoyed a period of travel. They visited all their children and several states. They found all sections possess advantages but none superior to those belonging to Nebraska. Judge Tharp is one of the older members of the lodge of Odd Fellows in Grand Island.

EDWARD WILLIAMS, the leading florist at Grand Island, has been interested in this vocation throughout his entire life. His taste for flowers, and his skill in producing them are natural abilities, and, as far as he knows, not inherited. His success has been remarkable and many neighboring cities and all adjacent territory largely depend upon him for flowers and plants. Mr. Williams is located at No. 122 North Elm street. Grand Island.

Edward Williams is a native of North Wales, bom at Colwyn Bay, June 16, 1877. His parents were Hugh and Catherine (Elias) Williams, the latter of whom was born in Wales in 1848 and died there in 1885. Hugh Williams was born in Wales in 1848, came to the United States in 1888, and died at the home of his son in Grand Island in 1917. This son is the only survivor of his family of five children. When Hugh Williams came to the United States he located at Utica, New York, as a contractor and builder. For three years he was superintendent for a contracting firm in that city, then removed to Denver, Colorado, where he became superintendent of the Argo Smelter Company, continuing with that organization for eighteen years. While a resident of Denver he took an important part in civic affairs and served in the city council from a Republican ward, for some years. When he definitely retired from active life he came to Grand Island and became well known in his last years in this city.

Edward Williams attended the public schools in Utica, Njew York, and later the high school in Denver. In that city, with the firm of Brown & Miller, he learned the florist business, later having further training with the Wilcox firm in Council Bluffs, where he remained for five years. In January, 1899, in partnership with S. H. Brewster, he bought the Jones greenhouse in Grand Island. Five years later he purchased Mr. Brewster's interest, since which time he has been sole owner. Mr. Williams has an investment here of $45,- 000. His plant covers a half block and he has 28,000 square feet of glass. Aside from it being a creditable business enterprise, it is an exceedingly pleasant place for the people of Grand Island to visit at any time of the year.

In 1898 Mr. Williams married Miss Mina Rutledge, who was born in Missouri. They have two children: Irvin and Eleanor, aged respectively eleven and seven years, both of whom are attending school. Their eldest son, Lamont, was accidentally drowned in Lake Manawa, Council Bluff's, in August, 1918, at the age of fifteen years. Mr. Williams and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is prominent in Masonry, having received both the York and Scottish Rites, and he belongs also to the Elks. Like his father, Mr. Williams has always taken an intelligent interest in public matters, accepting at various times the responsibilities of active citizenship. He served as chairman of the Central Republican committee for one year and one year was its treasurer. For two terms he was a member of the county board, chairman one term, and under the administration of Governor Aldrich was a member of the State Fire Insurance Board.

JOHN V. REILLY, M. D. - In the wide field covered by the medical profession, there must be special lines of the vast whole that call more directly to one scientific investigation than another. Its problems seem either more difficult, more interesting or more appealing than others, and hence we find doctors of eminent learning becoming more or less specialists. Attention may be called to one of Grand Island's able medical practitioners, Dr. John V. Reilly, who, while engaging in a general practice, makes a specialty of children's diseases.

John V. Reilly was born at Auburn, New York, August 10, 188L His parents were William H. and Ellen J. (O'Neill) Reilly, the former of whom was born in Bombay, India, and the latter in New York. Both parents and one sister and two brothers of Dr. Reilly died in 1918, the latter being: William, a Catholic priest, residing at Riverhead, Long Island; Gertrude, a resident of Rochester, New York; and Frederick J., in business at Rochester, New York, and who had charge also of his' father's real estate. Of the survivors of his father's family. Dr. Reilly has two brothers and one sister, namely : Edward J., manager of the Parisian Cloak House, at Rochester; Frank, assistant corporation counsel of the city of New York; and Helen, the wife of Edward Kammer, in the house furnishing business at Rochester.

During boyhood and youth Dr. Reilly had both social and educational advantages and was thoroughly prepared when he entered Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was graduated in 1902. This was followed by his graduation in 1906 from Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. His subsequent graduate work brought graduation from Bellevue Hospital, the New York Post Graduate' School, Creighton Medical College, Omaha, and King's Park Hospital, Long Island. He has done much study in other lines. He was on the staff of St. Mary's Hospital at Rochester, New York, and assistant superintendent, Amilyville Hospital, Long Island, New York. Dr. Reilly has devoted much study and investigation to mental and nervous diseases.

He came to Omaha, in 1912, and after further graduate work he removed to Greeley, Nebraska. From there he came to Grand Island in May 1917. His coming added one more to the professional men of which the city may be proud. Dr. Reilly married in 1912, Miss Helen Lennon. Mrs. Reilly was born in Rochester, New York. They have two children : John V. and Helen G. Dr. Reilly and his family belong to the Roman Catholic church as did, also, his parents. He is a member of the Kinghts of Columbus and, also, of the Elks. A busy physician, feeling his responsibility, he finds little time to devote to politics. Nevertheless he takes an interest in all local and public affairs. He uses his influence for the welfare of the city, county and state.

West Third street, Grand Island, is an enterprising business man of this city. He was born in September, 1880, in Greece, where his mother yet lives. He is a son of Peter and Catherine (Kostopulos) Valonis. His father, who was a small farmer, is deceased, but on the maternal side the family is unusually longlived, the maternal grandmother of Mr. Valonis having exceeded the century mark by some years, and her proud descendants assert that she still possesses her natural complement of teeth.

Gus Valonis is one of a family of eight children, the eldest three living in the United States, the other two being: Dick, who works for his brother Gus, and William, who is employed in the Union Pacific car shops. The father was in poor financial circumstances when his sons were young and all had to do something to help the family. Even while attending school, Gus Valonis displayed commendable anxiety to give assistance, working first as a newsboy and later as a jewelry salesman. In 1895 he came to the United States and joined an uncle in Chicago, where he worked in his uncle's store and saloon for a time, after which he worked in a fruit store in Omaha, for four years. In 1904 Mr. Valonis came to Grand Island. He soon established himself in the confectionery business, in which he has greatly prospered. His business methods are honorable, his products attractive and wholesome, and Mr. Valonis stands well both as a business man and as a citizen. He gives his political support to the Democratic party. He belongs to the Orthodox Greelv church.

BENJAMIN R. McGRATH, M. D. - Scarcely enough time has yet elapsed since the tragedies of Beauvais, Chantilly, Courcy, Chateau Theirry and Argonne Forest, France, to enable the world to learn, much less sufficiently appreciate, the marvelous accomplishments of surgical science that followed. Still less does the world know as it should, of the high courage and professional devotion that led trained men of medical science into the same danger as their helpless patients, nor how often, with resolution but almost in despair, they pitted their skill against the forces of death. Seemingly impossible operations were performed whereby scores of valu-' able lives were saved and, through wonderful surgical work, thousands of apparently shattered men will, in time, be able to return to normal life. As yet the story is too big to tell, but who can question that it is more noble to restore than to destroy? In the wide citizenship of Grand Island can be found eminent professional men. The one to whom most respectful attention is called at the present time, is Benjamin R. McGrath, physician and surgeon, but recently returned from medical service in the hospitals behind the battle lines in France.

Dr. McGrath was bom in Jo Daviess Countv, Illinois, May 17, 1873. His parents were Robert and Esther (Weir) McGrath, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1829 and the mother in 1834. They were reared and later married in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, to which section their parents had removed in 1836. The father of Dr. Mc- Grath was a farmer all his life and at the time of his death, in 1903, owned a farm in Carroll County, Illinois. In early political life he was a Republican but later identified himself with the Prohibition party. Both he and the mother of Dr. McGrath, were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. She survived until 1906. Of the four surviving children of the family of five. Dr. McGrath is the youngest, the others being: James E., who is a farmer near Savanna, Illinois ; Charles M., who resides on his ranch near Wauneta, Nebraska, and Wilmer W., who is a practicing physician at Savanna, Illinois.

Benjamin R. McGrath obtained his education in the public and a normal training school and for seven years afterward taught school in Illinois, and for three years at Grant, Nebraska. In the meanwhile he pursued the study of medicine which he had determined to make his life work, and in 1902 was graduated from the University of Illinois. He located first in Perkins County, Nebraska, coming from there to Grand Island in 1904. Surgery from the first has always been the favorite branch of his profession, but not until 1915, when he associated himself with Dr. Woodrufl:', did he decide to make it his specialty, and in preparation for the same he attended clinics at Rochester, Minnesota, Chicago and New York City.

The year 1917 was a vital one to Dr. Mc- Grath as it was to thousands of other loyal Americanf men. Like others he put aside his immediate personal aflfairs and entered the active service of his country on August 27, 1917, first as a medical officer in the Medical Offcers' Training camp at Fort Riley, from there entering surgical service in Bellevue Hospital, being subsequently transferred to Camp Dodge. He was then assigned to Base Flospital No. 116, which mobilized in December, 1917, and he accompanied this hospital to France in March, 1918. He was temporarily detached from this base hospital to serve as surgeon, in an operating team to assist in the evacuation hospitals at Beauvais, Chantilly and Coincy, but returned to Base Hospital No. 116 after four months of service with the operating team. During this term he took care of patients from all the battle fronts in France, receiving wounded men from Chateau Thierry at Chantilly, and following behind the army to Coincy but returning to the base hospital just in time to receive his fellow countrymen who had suffered in Aigonne Forest, where he had charge of the fracture service. He left France, January 22, 1919 and was discharged from service at Camp Dix, February 3, 1919, reaching his home February 11. Hereafter Dr. McGrath will devote himself entirely to surgery, the general practice of the firm being attended to by Dr. Woodruff and Dr. Wilmer D. McGrath.

In 1905 Dr. McGrath married Miss Susan E. Williams, who was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. They have three children : William, Esther and Robert, all of whom are in school. Mrs. McGrath is a member of the Presbyterian church. In his political views, Dr. McGrath is a Republican. He has served both as county and city physician, and for nine years was a member of the board of education, a part of the time being president. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and also a Knight of Pythias.

RICHARD GOEHRING, a substantial and highly respected citizen of Grand Island, owner of valuable property here and president of the Central Storage Company, was born in Saxony, Germany, March 23, 1850. His parents were William Ernst and Ernestine (Steinbach) Goehring. They were both born in Saxony and in that country his mother died. After a time his father married, for his second wife. Miss Caroline Oeser. They came to the United States in 1874, settling in Buffalo County, where the father secured a land claim on which he lived until his death in 1892. Twelve children were born to the first family of which Richard is th^only survivor. Four members of the second marriage survive. His father was a weaver in his native land but after coming to this country he devoted his life to farming. He was a member of the Lutheran church.

Richard Goehring obtained his education in Germany. Coming to America in 1873, he shortly afterward reached Nebraska, where he homesteaded in Buffalo County, living on his land several years. He removed to Grand Island and for nine years worked for Fred Hedde, who operated a store, lumber yard and elevator. During this period he made rapid progress in this business and became so thoroughly qualified in the lumber industry that he was engaged as manager of a large lumber concern, a position he filled with the greatest efficiency for many years. As a solid, dependable business man, Mr. Goehring has always been very careful concerning the soundness of the enterprise with which he has permitted his name to become associated, and his acceptance of the presidency of the Central Storage Company definitely proves the stability of this large business house.

Mr. Goehring married, in 1881, Miss Paulina Wagner, who was bom in Saxony, Germany. They have had five children: Theckla, a very capable young lady employed in the office of the Central Storage Co. ; Hettie, the wife of Miller Bevier, of Salem, Oregon; Richard, manager of Hoagland's lumber yards at Grand Island, and Carl and Minnie, the last named being a graduate of the University of Michigan, now a teacher of mathematics in the high school of Salem, Oregon. Carl Goehring, a graduate of the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, for two years had charge of a large hospital at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and for the past year has been a captain in the medical corps of the Fourth Battery, Twenty-second Engineers. Mr. Goehring has great reason to be proud of a family that reflects so much credit on their home training and on the community. He belongs to several well known fraternal and social organizations, including the American Order of United Workmen, the Royal Highlanders and the Liederkranz, having been connected with the last named for forty years and many times has served as its president.

ROBERT TEVIOTDALE, sole owner of one of the large and important business enterprises of Grand Island, may be cited as an example of what may be accomplished through industry and thrift. Within fourteen years Mr. Teviotdale has built up a comfortable fortune. Eight of these years have been spent in Grand Island to the great advantage of the city. He is proprietor of the Monogram Bakery, and through his first class goods, his name has become well known all over the state of Nebraska.

His natal day was September 21, 1877. His parents are Adam and Isa (Burnett) Teviotdale, who still live in Scotland. His grandparents were Adam and Julia (Rail) Tevibtdale and William Burnett, old Scottish names that have been honorably known in their country for many generations.

Robert Teviotdale is the only one of his parents' family of seven shildren who came to the United States. He had as fair educational advantages as his father, a bookkeeper, could afford him in Scotland, and subsequently learned the bakery trade in a most thorough manner. On March 9, 1905, he reached the shores of the United States, well equiped in the way of good habits, trade and health but with little visible capital. He made his way to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he opened a bakery which he conducted for three years. During the next three years he operated a bakery at Onawa, Iowa, for an employer. But he was ambitious, decided to work out his own career and with this end in view came to Grand Island in 1911. He shortly afterward purchased a residence property and at the same time founded what is now the Monarch Bakery. Within a short period he bought a lot and erected his present modem building which is two stories in height, with dimensions of one hundred thirty-two by forty-two feet. This was completed in 1917. In its construction, space, air, light and sanitation were considered and without doubt, it is the most up-to-date and complete building of its kind in the state. Mr. Teviotdale is a systematic business man and has not only called to his establishment the most skillful assistants possible to secure, but he has made innovations that in a way, have radically changed many of the old methods of the industry. He was the first baker in Nebraska to introduce the wrapping of bread loaves in waxed paper. In a comparatively short time his business has grown to astonishing proportions. The bakery turns out 7,000 loaves of bread a day and the excellence and wholesomeness of his product may be indicated by the fact that it is shipped to various parts of the state. Mr. Teviotdale revolutionized the baking business in Grand Island. The old methods and processes in use before he came are no longer tolerated by the awakened community. He is president of the Nebraska Bakers' association.

Mr. Teviotdale married, in 1895, Miss Mary Smart, who was born in the northern part of Scotland. Three of their six children survive: William, recently honorably discharged from the army training camp at Humphreys, Virginia, who has resumed his old place in his father's business house, and Stanley and Ruby, both of whom are in school. Mr. Teviotdale and his family belong to the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Democrat and fraternally is a Mason and an Elk.

WILLIAM H. SAMPSON. - The ordinary, everyday man with no inventive talent, goes about his business unconsciously profiting in a hudred ways by the inventions of others who may have more quickness of brain and magic of hand. Possibly many of the inventions that have been perfected have not been beneficial in every way to mankind, but without a large number of them, modern life would lose much in safety and general comfort. In William H. Sampson, a widely known citizen. Grand Island has an inventor who has secured patents on several appliances of great merit.

William H. Sampson was born in Menard County, Illinois, December 26, 1847, the son of John W. and Susanna (Bale) Sampson both of whom spent their entire lives in Illinois. His grandparents were natives of Kentucky and his maternal grandfather was a Baptist minister. Of his parent's family of four children, William H. was the eldest, the others being: Stephen D., associated in business with his eldest brother; Joseph Marion, a resident of Casper, Wyoming; and Mary, the wife of William Clark, of Spingfield, Illinois.

William H. Sampson attended the country schools in boyhood and made the most of his opportunities, thereby fitting himself for teaching school. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was fifteen years old, taught school in Illinois for ten years and then came to Hall County, Nebraska. In 1873 he homesteaded in Hamilton County and in the spring of the following year brought his family to the new home, on which they lived for several years. He retained this farm until 1918, when he sold it to advantage. After retiring from the farm Mr. Sampson lived one year at Mc- Cook where he engaged in a mercantile business. In 1889 he came to Grand Island and for more than a quarter of a century engaged here in a general real estate business, doing much to develop Hall County and other sections of the state. Mr. Sampson has handled a large amount of valuable property and has been the means of bringing much capital to this section. He. is now giving particular attention to the patent business, several of his own inventions giving promise of large future returns. He invented a feeding machine for rivets, the patent for which he received No- vember 26, 1918. He has also patented an automobile tire that is as near puncture proof as can be manufactured, which will, nevertheless ride free and easy. This invention was put on the market in the spring of 1919. On October 26, 1871, Mr. Sampson married Miss Clarissa Denton, who was bom in Illinois. They have three children : John W., of Seattle, Washington, who is a detective and a specialist in finger print investigation ;' William E., who conducts a ranch near Denver, Colorado; and Goldie, the wife of Vincent Noble, a merchant in Grand Island. Mr. Sampson and his family belong to the Baptist church. He was made a Mason in 1870 and has taken many degrees. He belongs also to the Fraternal Aid Union. While never actually active in politics and always voting independently, ]\Ir. Sampson, with his wide, practical experience, has ever been a good citizen in deed as well as in name.

CLAUS STOLLEY, who for many years was a highly respected citizen and successful farmer in Hall County, everywhere known as an honest man and good neighbor, came to the United States in 1863. He was born in Germany. August 2, 1845, and died on his farm near Cairo, Nebraska, July 19, 1910.

Claus Stolley was brought up according to the laws prevailing in his countrj' when he was young, by which he had school training, and military experience would have followed had he remained there. He wanted, however, to live a peaceful life and be a farmer, hence he came to the United States when eighteen years of age. He had no money but he had habits of industry and good heaUh so that when he reached Douglas County, Illinois, he found no difficulty in finding work on farms and by 1890, when he removed to Sherman County, Nebraska, he was able to buy a fann near Ashton, where he remained fifteen years improving the land and gaining a comfortable living. In 1905 he was able to sell this to advantage and then bought the farm that his widow still owns, situated near Cairo, in this County.

In ISSl Claus Stolley married Miss Theresa Peters, who was born in Germany, a daughter of John and Anna Peters, both of whom died in the old country. In company with his sister Mrs. Stolley came to the United States in 1878 and lived in Davenport, Iowa, until her marriage to Mr. Stolley. Five childred were born to them: William, who operates the farm near Cairo ; Claus, who was a member of the American Expeditionary Force that landed in France November 12, 1918; Anna, the wife of Claus Grave, a farmer in Illinois ; Alvena, the wife of Frank Shoopman, a farmer near Cairo; and Emma, the wife of Dorsey Coons, a farmer near St Paul, Nebraska.

In the fall of 1910, following the death of her husband, Mrs. Stolley removed to Grand Island, in which city she has many friends and is highly respected. She is a member of the Lutheran church as also was Mr. Stolley. He was a Democrat in politics but did not desire any political ofiice. He was very industrious and saving and thus was able to leave his family in comfortable circumstances.

EMIL STOLLEY. - That no better opportunities are ofliered for the successful performance of agriculture and other enterprises, than can be found in Hall County, is proved by the fact that many of her native sons have chosen to remain within her borders or have returned here after having been elsewhere.

Among this number may be mentioned Emil Stolley, who was born on the William Stolley homestead, September 17, 1865. Reared on the farm, educated in the public schools, he was well prepared under the lessons of enterprise and thrift taught by his father, to take up the responsible duties devolving upon a young man. In 1884 he went to Texas and for fifteen years represented his father's interests in a cement factory. Returning to the old home he associated himself with his father and brothers in agriculture and pork packing. The old packing establishment still stands on the farm, but after the death of his brother Richard, the duties falling upon the others were too numerous to further continue that phase of the business. Mr. Stolley is now giving his attention to farming and stockraising on the old farm.

November 30, 1901, Mr. Stolley married Miss Sophia L. Lauber, a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Lutz) Lauber, who came from Crete, Nebraska, in 1889, and are now both deceased. They were homesteaders in FilmOre County, coming to Nebraska in 1873.

Mr. Stolley was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now non-partisan. For the past eight or ten years he has been deputy precinct assessor.

HERMAN WILKENS, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church in Grand Island, is a man of scholarly attainments, deep religious convictions and pleasing social gifts.-

He has practically devoted his entire life to the church, and he is not only highly regarded by the church authorities, but is esteemed and beloved by all who have come under his parochial care.

Reverend Wilkins was born in the northern part of Germany, August 27, 1871, the son of Frank P. and Magdeline (Beckedorf) Wilkens, also natives of Germany, who came to the United States and settled in Platte County, Nebraska, in 1880. The father bought a farm near Columbus, on which the family lived for ten years and then moved to Hamilton County, where both parents subsequently died. They were people of sterling worth and enjoyed the confidence and friendship of all who knew them. Of their four children, Herman was the second bom, the others being: Henry, a farmer in Hamilton County; Peter, also a farmer in Hamilton County,! and Magdeline, the wife of John Werth, a farmer in the above county.

Herman Wilkens was nine years old when his parents settled in Platte County, Nebraska. He attended the public schools, later a school at Concordia, Missouri, for three years, and spent three years more in study at Fort Wayne, Indiana. After that he took a course in theology in Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1895, being ordained in the same year. He remained in his first charge, the church in Minden, Nebraska, for eight years, and came from there to Grand Island in 1903. He has a large and intelligent congregation here of five hundred souls, two hundred and eighty communicants and seventy-three voting members. Through executive ability he has brought the various branches of church work to a high degree of excellence, and has the satisfaction of knowing that not only in his own congregation but with citizens generally, his teaching and influence are considered indispensible as a moral influence, outside of consideration of religious bias.

In 1896 Mr. Wilkens was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Rhode, a daughter of the late Carl Rhode, a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years in the army thereby contracting disease which finally terminated his life. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkens have the following children : Erma, who with complete efficiency, fills a position in a department store at Grand Island; Alfreda, who was graduated from the high school in 1918, is a bookkeeper in a Grand Island business house ; Walter, who is taking a course in college at Winfield, Kansas; Clara, who attends the parochial school, and Esther, who is also in school. While Mr. Wilkens is no active partisan in political matters, he always votes with the Republican party. The family residence is No. 512 East Second street.

PETER CONWAY KELLEY, M. D., a man of wide reputation as a surgeon, has been eminent in his professin in Hall County for a number of years and prominent in public aiTairs. Dr. Kelley is the founder and proprietor of the Grand Island General Hospital. He was born in West Virginia, May 29, 1870, one of six sons born to Joseph and Mary C. (Creigh) Kelley, and the only one to settle in Nebraska.

Joseph T. Kelley was born at Beech Hill, Mason County, Virginia, (now West Virginia), September 19, 1841, and is now an honored retired resident of Charleston. West Virginia. His parents were Peter C. and Mary (Woodside) Kelley, both being residents of an old Virginia section that suffered severely during the progress of the Civil War. In June, 1861 Joseph T. Kelley enlisted in Co. E, twenty-second Virginia Infantry, for service in the Confederate Army. He took part in the battles of Cold Harbour, Winchester, Dry Creek, Minoxie Junction, Fayetteville and New Market. On September 19, 1864 at Winchester, he was struck in the foot by a shell fromi which he was disabled for six weeks. He was captured during the battle and held as a prisoner of war six months in the Federal prison at Point Lookout, Maryland. A brave and gallant soldier, he served in the Confederate Army three years and six months. In 1865 he married Miss Mary C. Creigh, who was bom at Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, now West Virginia, May 9, 1839, who died in that state in 1880. Her parents were John and Delilah (McClung) Creigh, the latter of whom lived to the remakable age of ninety-eight years.

Peter C. Kelley had excellent school advantages in boyhood, subsequently attending the State Normal school at Huntington, West Virginia, and the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained one term. He then concentrated on the study of medicine and on April 13, 1898, was graduated from the Barnes Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kelley began practice at Looneyville. West Virginia, where he continued for two years and then spent some time in graduate work in the medical schools of Chicago. During the next four years he was in practice at Alda, Nebraska. The doctor then decided on a trip to Oregon and he and his wife made the long journey by mule team and during the next four years he practiced at Harrisburg, Oregon. Following his residence in the west Dr. Kelley visited New Orleans, Louisiana, and while there took an additional graduate course, subsequently engaging in practice for live months at Alexandria. He returned to Alda, Nebraska, to continue his practice there until 1912, when he came to Grand Island. Here he built his fine modern hospital, known as the Grand Island General Hospital, a sketch of which will be found elsewhere in this volume. That same year Dr. Kelley was elected to the state legislature and served as speaker of the house during the session of 1913.

Dr. Kelley married in West Virginia, June 19, 1898, Miss Virgie Taylor, who was born at Walton, West Virginia. They have four children : Kate, a graduate of a business college at Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Daisy, a high school student ; Helen, in school, and Robert Lee, who has passed his sixth birthday. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the Baptist church. Dr. Kelley belongs to the State Medical Society, Hall County Medical Society, and in 1907 was president of the latter. He is a Scottish Rite Mason. He is surgeon for the C. B. & Q. railroad and at one time served in the same capacity for the Union Pacific. He is first vicepresjdent of the Farmer's Life Insurance Company of America, of Denver, Colorado, and is president of the State Bank of Alda, which he helped to organize. Dr. Kelley's personality inspires confidence and the esteem in which he is held is continually being evinced.

JOSEPH M. SOPER, M. D., who has been established in the practice of his profession in Grand Island since 1918, has had no difficulty in winning the confidence of the public. Dr. Soper has an honorable professional reputation behind him which justifies the high regard in which he is held in this city.

Joseph M. Soper was bom at Forrest, Canada, March 27, 1880, the son of Seymour and Ellen (Cairns) Soper, tht^ former of whom was born in Quebec, Canada, and the latter in Scotland. His father followed an agricultural life until 1914, when he retired and removed to Forrest. Of the family of five children. Dr. Soper is the only one living in the United States. After attending the public schools of Forrest, he entered the University in London, Canada, from which institution he was graduated with the A. B. degree in 1905, receiving the degree of M. D. a year later. In 1907 he came to Shelton, Nebraska, for the practice of his profession, where he remained until 1918. He built up a large practice and still practically holds it, but he finally realized that his zone of work was too widely extended for his health, necessitating constant driving, hence he transferred his main office to Grand Island. Dr. Soper is a close student. Surgery is a preferred branch of his profession, and to perfect himself in this science he has taken graduate courses at Rochester, Minnesota.

In June, 1914, Dr. Soper was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hurley, a professional nurse, who is a graduate of St. Joseph's Hospital, Chicago.

Dr. Soper is independent in his political views. He belongs to the Elks, in Kearney, and to the Knights of Pythias. He is idetified with many professional organizations, among them the Nebraska State Medical Society, the American jMedical Association, and the Buftalo County Medical Society, which he served as president. He was reared in the Presbyterian church.

OSCAR WELLS, a large property owner in Grand Island is now practically" retired from active participation in business. For many years he was an important factor in the grain industry, operating a line of elevators in Hall and Bufifalo counties. Mr. Wells is a self made man, building up his own fortune after coming to Hall County in 1878. He was born in West Virginia, June 29, 1856, one of four children bom to Levy H. and Johannah E. (Wiseman) Wells, natives of Virginia. The maternal grandfather was Jephinneh Wiseman, who was of Dutch descent, his people having settled in Greenbrier County, now in West Virginia, when they came from Holland to the United States at an early day. The paternal grandfather, Levi Wells, was bom in the city of Philadelphia and removed early to Virginia. The father of Mr. Wells worked at the blacksmith trade during the greater part of his life. He was a man as sturdy in character as he was in muscle, serving in many public offices in the gift of the Democratic party, being a county commissioner at times and also was county judge. His two surviving sons are Oscar and S. F. The latter never came to Nebraska, living in West Virginia where he is engaged as a land broker. The parents were members of the Baptist church.

Oscar Wells attended both private and public schools in youth, and before coming to Nebraska taught school for two years. He joined an uncle who lived in Grand Island, thq late E. R. Wiseman, who was a pioneer lumber man here. For five years Mr. Wells was associated with his uncle in the lumber business before he became connected with Lewis Wasmer as a grain commission merchant. After the death of Mr. Wasmer, Mr. Wells took over the grain business of his former employer, expanded and developed it and in the course of years was considered a leader of this important business in this section of the state. From the time he first came to Grand Island and found his first job as a grocery boy, until in June, 1918, when he sold his last grain plant, Mr. Wells was one of the city's hardest workers. During the intervening years, as favorable opportunity came, he invested in real estate and has- accumulated much valuable property at Grand Island. Much of this property has been improved and is a credit to the city.

In 1881 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Morgan, who was bom in Missouri, and died in her home in Grand Island, in 1915. She was a woman of beautiful character, and was a member of the Presbyterian church. She is survived by one daughter, Florence, the wife of William Kelso, who is a clerk in the Grand Island post office. They have one daughter, Ruth. For a number of years Mr. Wells has been secretary of the Masonic lodge in Grand Island. In his political views he is independent of party ties, but has always been active in the cause of prohibition and therefore belongs to the great majority who rejoice over the suppression of the liquor traffic. Few men in the grain trade in this section are so well or favorably known as Oscar Wells.

Mr. Wells has been identified with church work for over forty years. He has been superintendent of Sunday schools and teacher for several years ; is holding the highest elective office in the Presbyterian church at present. He believes that the Bible is the only rule and guide for individual as well as national life; that the church is the only great factor in making the world /a safe place to live in.

WILLIAM T. DETWEILER, cashier of the German Bank, at Millard, Nebraska, has important interests in the line of agricultural implements in Grand Island and other points in Nebraska. Practically from the bottom of the ladder Mr. Detweiler has built his fortune, and the foundation stone of his success has been business integrity.

County, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1867, the son of John W. and Susan (Timmons) Detweiler, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The mother of Mr. Detweiler resides in Osceola, Nebraska. His father served more than three years as a soldier in the Civil War, participating in many important battles. He removed to Nebraska in 1878 and bought railroad land in Polk County and later took up a homestead in Custer County. In politics he was a Republican. While his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he remained steadfast to the United Brethren faith, in which he had been reared. His death occurred in 1896, at the age of seventy-three years. Of his children, the following are living: J. O., in practice as an attorney at Omaha since 1888; A. B., president of the German Bank in Millard, Nebraska ; Charles E., associated with his brother William T. in Ord and North Loup, Nebraska; Mrs. Jennie Hartzell, a resident of Pennsylvania; Mrs. David Kunkle, lives in Osceola, Nebraska ; Mrs. O. E. Mickey, whose father-in-law was ex-Governor Mickey, and whose husband is president of the Osceola Bank, and William T., who has established his home in Grand Island.

William T. Detweiler obtained his schooling in Polk County, Nebraska, and through boyhood worked on a farm. At a later time he became associated with his brothers, A. B. and J. O. Detweiler, in a banking business in Millard, Nebraska, where he remained eight years and is still cashier of the institution. Close confinement made it necessary for him to seek a more active life and this led to his becoming a traveling salesman for the Deering Harvester Company. He continued with that concern until the formation of the International Harvester Company, traveling in the southeastern part of the state out of Lincoln. In 1903 he entered into business relations with the John Deere Plow Company, which were not interrupted until July 1st, 1913, when he gave up traveling in order to give closer attention to his many personal interests which had increased in volume. Mr. Detweiler is a member of the firm of Bailey & Detweiler at Ord; Bailey & Detweiler of North Loup; of Detweiler & Petersen of Burwell; of Hisen & Detweiler, in Ansley, Nebraska, and additionally, operating under his own name, has a large implement store in Grand Island which he proposes to still further enlarge.

Wallace, a traveling salesman for the Liternational Han'ester Company, and JMerwyn, completing his high school course. On Jmie 4, 1915, Mr. Detweiler married Miss Anna Doshrn, who was born in Grand Island. They have two children, Ardith and Donald. Mr. and Mrs. Detweiler are members of the English Lutheran church. He is not very active in politics but votes with the Republican party and takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs. He has an unimpeachable business reputation and is known more or less all over the state.

CARL V. WILLARD occupies a prominent place in the business world in Grand Island as secretary and treasurer of the Donald Company. He is also an active and popular citizen, serving most satisfactorily as councilman from the second ward.

Mr. Willard is a native of Missouri, born in Shelby County, August 17, 1877, the second in a family of three children born to W. L. and Maggie (Vance) Willard. The father was born in 1845, at Auburn, New York, was married at Oquawka, Illinois, came to Grand Island and went into the insurance business. He died here in 1895. . He was a Democrat in politics and was a member of the Presbyterian church. The mother of Mr. Willard was born in 1847, at Terre Haute, Indiana. She now resides at Los Angeles, California, with her daughter Abigail, the wife of F. B. Reynard, secretary of the California Vegetable Union. Her eldest daughter, Frederika, the wife of Dr. E. O. Weber, lives at Wahoo, Nebraska.

Carl V. Willard remained in school at Grand Island until he completed his high school course, when he accepted a position with the Bank of Commerce as a bookkeeper, although he was only fourteen years old. Afterward he became connected with the Minton- Woodward Company, wholesale grocers and fruitiers, where he continued four years. On May 19, 1899, he became associated with the Donald Company, to which he has devoted his best business efforts ever since.

On May 16, 1905, Mr. Willard was united in marriage to Miss Meta Schoun:p, who was born at Grand Island, daughter of Edward Schourup, who was in the lumber and coal business in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Willard have two children : Vance, who was bom ]\Iay 20, 1907, and Carl Edward, who was borii May 8, 1910. Mrs. Willard is a member, of the Lutheran church and Mr. Willard of the Presbyterian church. He is vice president of the Liederkranz society, and a member of B. P. O. E. No. 604, being the youngest past exalted .ruler of this order to be so honored in the United States. In politics he is a Democrat but in his official position is non-partisan.

George Washington Wingert

GEORGE WASHINGTON WINGERT, cashier of the Cairo State Bank, came to Hall County in the days now denominated "pioneer times," and his life here has been fairly representative of the class that has taken an important part in the development of this section of Nebraska. In the quiet, comfortable, orderly procedure of life and business at the present time in settled communities, there is little on the surface to suggest the old days of hardship, privation and constant watchfulness, but INIr. Wingert and his contemporaries remember and in an interesting way, for historical purposes, recall them.

George Washington Wingert was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1857. His parents were Peter S. and Maria (Rynard) Wingert, both of whom were born in Perry County. Peter S. Wingert was a tailor by trade and followed the same in Perry County until he was thirty-five years of age when he turned his attention to farming for a time. With the intention of securing better agricultural opportunities, perhaps, for he had a family of ten children, in 1867 he moved to Warren County, Illinois, but later recognized the better advantages oft'ered in Nebraska. Hence, in 1873 Mr. Wingert brought his family to Hall County and homesteaded, securing the east half of the northeast quarter section 20-12-10 Prairie Creek township. He resided on that place until 1877 when he removed to a cultivated tract of land near Kansas City, on which he engaged in gardening until 1881 and then returned to Nebraska. The following four years he lived one mile south of Abbott, but when Cairo began to show signs of rapid development, in 1886, he came to the new town and was an important factor here but had removed to Grand Island before his death, which occurred in 1902. For years he was active in Republican politics, had served many times on the county board and had been a justice of the peace until he was eighty years old. His wife died in 1891 and of their ten children the following are living: Marj' E., the widow of Samuel Schlisler, lives at Denver, Colorado; Anna M., the widow of James T. Allen, lives at Los Angeles, California; Ida v., the wife of David Millhollen, lives in Oregon ; Alice C, the widow of George Adwers, lives in Chicago; George W., a resident of Cairo, Nebraska; Milton C, married Roberta Calhoun, lives in Wood River, Nebraska; and Emma J., the- wife of Joha H. Squires, lives in Canada. Those deceased are : Salmon M., who served as a soldier throughout the entire period of the Civil War; William C, who died July 6, 1907, and Jeremiah A., deceased, was the founder of the Grand Island Metal & Culvert Works. The mother of this family was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George W. Wingert attended the country schools in boyhood and practically remained at home with his parents until he was twentyone years old. At one time, for six months, he prospected for gold in the Black Hills, but met with so little success that he returned home. Afterward, for six months, he met with better success and came up with more adventure, as a trapper between Tredford and Seneca, Nebraska, on the Middle Loup river. In the meanwhile his father and brother had become interested in a gardening project near Kansas City and he joined them and continued until the fall of 1881, when he went into the same business one mile south of Abbott, Nebraska. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Wingert came to the new town of Cairo and was one of the enterprising early business men, opening a grocery and meat market and conducting the same in conjunction with the shipping of stock, until 1897. In that year he took charge of an elevator for Oscar Wells & Co., of Grand Island, continuing his stock shipping up to 1904, when he embarked in a grocery business in partnership with his brother, the late William C. Wingert. On account of ill health he later 'sold his interest to his brother and went to Denver, Colorado, where he remained one year and then returned to the grocery store, but sold out when his brother died in the following summer. Mr. Wingert became associated with the Cairo State Bank as cashier, October 7, 1997, and this confidential relation has continued ever since.

Mr. Wingert marrried, March 23, 1890, Miss Emma E. Travis, who is a daughter of Buckle C. and Mary (Vannetta) Travis, natives of Wisconsin, pioneers of Hall County and present residents of Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Wingert have four children : Fern M., employed in the public schools at Phillips, Nebraska; Ida B., the wife of H. S. Brown, lives at Loup City, Nebraska ; Jean B., the wife of Howard J. Finley, lives in Grand Island; and Edna B., who resides at home. As was his father, Mr. Wingert has been foremost in public affairs and is a zealous Republican. At one time he consented to be

Mr. Wingert relates many interesting stories of early days in Hall County. One of these occurred three weeks after he reached here, March 22, 1873, and made such an impression that it can never be forgotten. Every old settler of the county remembers the memorable snow storm of the spring of 1873. It happened that Mr. Wingert had "bunked" with John Mader, in a sod house, which had the big chimney of such primitive structures and the old fashioned latchstring in the door. When the boys awakened in the morning they found themeslves completely buried in snow and it was with difficulty they made their way to the neighboring frame house. When the storm of three days duration was over and they endeavored to enter the sod house, they found the interior completely filled with snow that the wind had driven down the chimney and through the latchstring aperture. It might have been their fate, as it was that of many others, to be suffocated by the snow.

HENRY SCHUMACHER. - One of the men of marked business enterprise steadily active for years in the affairs of Hall County and Grand Island, is Henry Schumacher, proprietor of a large meat market here, which he conducts in a modern building at No. 113 South Wheeler Avenue, Grand Island, an enterprise in which he has been engaged since

Henry Schumacher was born in Holstein, Germany, October 11, 1865, the son of Henry and Catherine (Brockmueller) Schumacher, who came to the United States in 1885, settling in Iowa. The father was a hard working farmer in that state where by thrift and industry he accumulated property. He died on his farm in Iowa, February 29, 1908, at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother survived him nine years, passing away at the home of her son in Grand Island, in April,

1917, in her ninety-third year. They were parents of four children : John, a farmer near Preston, Iowa ; Mary, the wife of William Barghols, a farmer near Gushing, Iowa ; Henry, a resident of Grand Island, and Eliza, the widow of Henry Vohs, of Holstein, Iowa.

The German schools afforded Henry Schumacher his education after which he worked on farms until 1885 when he accompanied his parents to the United States and to Iowa. j'

There he gave his father assistance and engaged in farm work until twelve more years had passed by, becoming a successful husbandman and a good judge of stock. After coming to Grand Island in 1897, he worked at various occupations before engaging in a saloon business, conducting an orderly and high class liquor store for eleven years. During this period he was prominent in city politics and helped start many business enterprises that have resulted in profit to the city. Mr. Schumacher never accepted city office except that of city jailor, in which he was an honest and faithful custodian. In 1916 he embarked in the meat business in a substantial building that he erected and owns, and now enjoys a fine line of patronage under the name of Henry Schumacher and Son.

In 1897 Mr. Schumacher united in marriage Mrs. Alvina Cornelius, the widow of John Cornelius. She had one son, Max John Cornelius, who returned to his home February 4, 1919, from military service at Camp Funston, which he entered April 1, 1918, being assigned to military police duty. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher have four children : Olga, her father's capable assistant in his business; Frieda, Elsie and Maxine, all of whom are at home. Mr.l and Mrs. Schumacher are members of the Lutheran church. They have a comfortable and attractive home at 709, West Koenig street, which was completed in 1912. He was one of the organizers in Grand Island of the Plattsdeutchen, was secretary of the society for fifteen years, belongs to the Liederkranz and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

JOHN E. COX, whose personal popularity in Cairo and throughout Hall County is marked, has numerous interests in Nebraska, both business and political, and since 1909 he has been vice president of the Cairo State Bank. He has lived in Nebraska almost all his Hfe and no native son is prouder of the state.

John E. Cox was born at Remington, Jasper County, Indiana, November 20, 1875, and is the eldest of the five surviving children bom to his parents, James M. and Sarah J. (Tyler) Cox, both of whom were born at Piano, Illinois. James M. Cox was a farmer in his earlier years. In 1879 he came with his family to Hamilton County, Nebraska, and still makes his home in Hampton, in which city he has lived since 1885. He continues to be interested to some extent in the stock business, and for many years he has been prominent in banking circles, being president of the Farmers State Bank of Bradshaw until he sold his interests there, and at present is on the directing board of a bank in York. He is well known in fraternal circles, having advanced far both in Masonry and Odd Fellowship, and he has an honorable record in Republican politics, having served two terms as state senator representing Hamilton, York and Clay counties. Of his seven children, the following are living: John E., a resident of Cairo, Nebraska ; Frank H., lives in Hampton, married Cora Powers ; Alice E., the wife of S. C. Houghton, resides at Hampton ; Vera S., the wife of W. T. Bavinger, of Omaha, and Ralph E., a lieutenant in the United States Army, is stationed at Waco, Texas.

John E. Cox attended school at Hampton, Nebraska, and afterward spent a year in the Omaha Business College. His first business connection was with an Omaha stock commission house, where he was employed for eighteen months as a bookkeeper, after which he engaged in the elevator business with his father for a few years, in Hampton, and in the same place conducted a hardware store for one year. After selling his store in Hampton, in July, 1901, he came to Cairo to embark in an elevator and stock enterprise here, in which he continued active until 1913, when he disposed of his elevator interests. Since that time he has devoted his time variously to farming, stock dealing and banking, in 1909 accepting the position of vice president of the Cairo State Bank. Mr. Cox's farming is on an extensive scale. He has a large farm south of Cairo and a ranch near Lakeside in Sheridan county and manages both properties. He finds time, however, to be also active in the political field, having served a term in the General Assembly from Hall County, elected on the Republican ticket. In local afTairs he has always shown a good citizen's interest and at present is a member of the town board. He built the first alfalfa mill in Hall County, erecting it at Cairo, and in many ways has shown business enterprise.

Mr. Cox married, November 17, 1896, Miss Dorothy C. Jacobsen, a daughter of Christian Jacobsen, a pioneer settler in York County. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have the following children : Gael M., Lucille E., Helen E., Sarah M., Ralph E., and Harold. Mr. Cox is a Mason and also an Odd Fellow.

at Peoria, Illinois, July 2, 1848, a son of Rev. R. R. and Emeline (McCowen) Coon. The father of Dr. Coon was born at Coontown, New Jersey, June 11, 1815, and his mother near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 6, 1820.

For sixty years the father of Dr. Coon was a minister in the Baptist church, during which time he organized six churches in addition to bearing his other responsibilities. He passed many years in churches and institutions in Illinois. At one time he was chairman of the board of trustees of ShurtlefT College ; was chaplain of the Illinois penitentiary, and in 1861 was a chaplain in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was the author of "The Primacy of the Jewish Race," "The Future Life," and a volume of poems. Of his five children, Dr. Coon of Grand Island, was the third in order of birth, the others being: Reuben W., now deceased, lived at Waukegan, Illinois, and served one term in the state senate ; James M., a resident of Chicago, founded the National Young People's paper, of which he was editor for twentyiive years and is the author of much Sunday school literature, John J., who was a journalist, died at Flint, Michigan, and Anna M., the widow of Rev. J. C. Johnson, formerly of Chicago.

Dr. Coon attended the public schools at Alton, Illinois, and an academy, the University of Chicago and the Chicago Theological Seminary, and on class day was first prize orator. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, editor of the college paper, and is entitled to the signatures of many degrees indicating high scholarship. On October 9, 1877, he was ordained to the ministry at Vernon, Michigan, where he served four years, going then to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 1898 he came to Nebraska and served churches at Laclede, Polk, Glenville and Peru, in 1905 coming to Grand Island in order to secure educational advantages for his children. He established the Inter State Christian Herald, of which he was editor for four years, and taught rhetoric and public speaking in the Baptist College, having trained five students at one time for intercollegiate oratorical contests and enjoying the satisfaction of having first prizes taken in two instances. He is historian of the Baptist State convention and is clerk of the Grand Island Baptist association. Much of Dr. Coon's time is taken up in literary effort which finds publicity in many leading publications.

of Charles B. Huntington, formerly a very prominent produce merchant of Chicago. Dr. and Mrs. Coon have four children : Raymond H., professor of Latin in William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, was the first Rhodes scholar selected from Nebraska ; Julius M. and Jesse D., twins, both of whom are lawyers at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, being graduates of the University of Chicago, the latter acting as assistant judge at Sioux Falls, and the former being superintendent of the Y. M. C. A. at Camp Funston, and Anna M., the wife of Julius R. Hickerson, a planter near Tullahoma, Tennessee. Dr. Coon, like his father, has been a lifelong advocate of temperance.

HENRY TALLMAN INGALLS, whose extensive milling interests have made his name well known for many years in Hall and other counties in Nebraska, is one of Cairo's progressive business men and is at the head of a very important modern enterprise that is conducted under the style of H. F. Ingalls & Sons. He accompanied his parents to Nebraska in boyhood and his subsequent life has been spent here.

Henr>' Tallman Ingalls was born in Dover, Bureau County, Illinois, the third in a family of four children born to his parents, Charles and Gertrude (Van Arsdale) Ingalls, both of whom were born in the state of New York. In early manhood Charles Ingalls moved to Illinois and engaged in farming there until 1872, when he came to Nebraska with his family. He took up a homestead in Adams County and later acquired another tract of 160 acres, both farms being now included in the city of Hastings, the latter being known as the College Addition, while the Catholic convent stands on the site of the old homestead. An interesting side light is thrown upon hardships the pioneers of those early times in the state were obliged to accept, in noting the difficulty that Mr. Ingalls experienced in the matter of transportation when he moved here. Railroad trains reached Hastings about once in two weeks and when he wished to bill his household goods to that village, he found it necessary to bill to the next station on the route. Fortunately he was saved the expense of back hauling for the engineer accommodatingly stopped the train at Hastings and put off his goods, in all probability there being no special train schedule followed closely. Mr. Ingalls shipped the first load of lumber that reached Hastings, and furthermore, he raised the first car load of wheat that was shipped from that point. He continued to live on his land in Adams County until his death, which occurred in 1900. In politics he was a Republican and in his neighborhood he was respected and esteemed as a quiet, capable citizen. Both he and wife were members of the Congregational church. Her death occurred in 1906. Their children were: Charles, connected with the claims department of the Chicago & Rio Grande Railroad, in Denver; Gertrude, deceased, was the wife of A. L. Clark ; Henry T., a resident of Cairo, Nebraska, and Mollie, the wife of A. S. Campbell, postmaster in Imperial, Nebraska.

Henry T. Ingalls attended the public schools in Adams County, the Nebraska State University at Lincoln, and a business college at Saint Joseph, Missouri. Farming was his chief employment until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he went into the cattle business in Howard County, in which he continued for five years. From 1889 to 1892 he was in the flour milling business in Hastings, having had a year of previous experience in this line at North Loup. From Hastings he came to Doniphan, Hall County, where he operated as a grain merchant for sixteen years. In 1911 he came to Cairo and embarked in a grain and coal business, subsequently expanding and buying a flour mill, which he has operated ever since, having increased by the installation of modern equipments the mill capacity and doubled it in 1916. The mill is kept running day and night and still cannot keep up with orders. A favorite brand that has met with almost universal approval, Mr. Ingalls has named Cairo. Associated with him in business under the firm name of H. T. Ingalls & Sons, Mr. Ingalls has his son, Ray Ingalls, and his son-in-law, Harry Turner. Two millers are employed in the Cairo mill and the company owns and operates an elevator at Saint Michael.

Mr. Ingalls married, December 9, 1884, Miss Anna Wilson, a daughter of John W. Wilson, of Saint Joseph, Missouri. They have three children : Helen, the wife of Harry Turner; Marion, the wife of Robert Thompson, and Ray, who married Edna Nielson. Mrs. Ingalls is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Ingalls is a Democrat, being active in local interests.

FREDERICK STOLLEY is one of the prominent and successful farmers and stockmen of Hall County where he has spent nearly all his life, coming here with his parents when two years of age.

He was born in Davenport, Iowa, March 26, 1857, a son of William and Wilhelmina Fredericka (Hagge) Stolley, of whom an extensive record appears elsewhere in this volume. He was reared on the pioneer farm near Grand Island and his early education was acquired in his father's home under a private teacher as there were no public schools in the county at that time. Later he took instruction under a Mr. Nogle for one year and then attended a school taught by a Polish teacher. When district No. 1 was organized he became a student there with Charles Rief as teacher.

When his school days were over he became a fireman on the Union Pacific Railroad and here he earned his first money. By carefully husbanding his earnings he was enabled to invest in land near Ravenna, Nebraska, taking up farming and residing there for eight years. He then removed to his present farm, and has since carried on farming and stockraising quite extensively and is known as one of the most progressive and up-to-date agriculturists of the county.

June 1, 1889, Mr. Stolley married Miss Anna Seier, a daughter of John and Sophia (Boehl) Seier, who were early settlers of Hall County, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stolley have become the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living: Minnie, William, Frederick, Clara and Herbert are unmarried and are still under the parental roof ; Anna, the wife of John Rhoades of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and Maude, the wife of Chris Nelson, of Grand Island.

Mr. Stolley is an advocate of the teachings of socialism, believing the best interests of the people can be better conserved through the principles of that organization than through either of the old political parties. He was the pioneer in promulgating the doctrines of that party in Hall County and he had converted his father to the belief before the death of the latter. Following in the footsteps of his illustrious parent he has given loyal support to those enterprises that have had to do with the upbuilding of the community. He was one of the organizers of school district unmber 80, and has served on the board of directors continuously since that time. He is president of the fire and tornado insurance company that his father organized more than twenty-five years ago, and the company have more than four millions of insurance on their books among the farmers of Hall and adjoining counties.

C. HUGO HEHNKE, recognized as one of the enterprising- business men and reliable citizens of Cairo, Nebraska, has spent almost all his life in Hall County. He was born at Wandsbek, Germany, August 8, 1877, a son of Herman Hehnke. He has a brother, Herman W. A. Hehnke, of Grand Island, in whose sketch will be found a more complete record of the Hehnke family.

C. Hugo Hehnke attended the public schools of Grand Island and later the Grand Island Business College. He learned practical business under his father's supervision and continued to be identified with his father's mercantile establishment until he assumed his present duties as manager of one of the largest general stores in Cairo. Tliis establishment carries an unusually heavy stock of well selected merchandise, and under Mr. Hehnke's admirable management, the business is very prosperous.

Mr., Hehnke married, February 6. 1901, Miss Bertha Kindler, a daughter of E. R. and Josie (Dell) Kindler, well known residents of Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Hehnke have five children: Josephine M., Robert H., Dorothy E., Bertha D. and Hugo M., all of whom attend school. Mr. Hehnke has not identified himself with any political party, preferring to use his own good judgment as to the merits of candidates asking the votes of their fellow citizens. He has been active in many public capacities and for several years has served with great efficiency as village clerk of Cairo and during the past year has been a member of the Hall County Food Administrative board.

ERVIN 'WHITEHEAD, a well known and highly respected retired resident of Cairo, Nebraska, has been identified with Hall County for more than forty years. He passed through its days of deepest discouragement, shared misfortune with other settlers, but never, like many of them, grew disheartened over the future. Mr. Whitehead, in fact, is one largely responsible for the better conditions that were evolved in time, that brought peace, plenteousness and consequent contentment to this favored section of Nebraska. Self reliance, industry, determination and a large measure of public spirit, proved helpful in his own case and he did not hesitate to use them to help others. Mr. Whitehead has served long and faithfully in many public capacities and his fellow citizens have recognized his honest and honorable eflForts for the public welfare.

Ervin Whitehead was born in Herkimer County, New York, March 9, 1852. His parents were William and Sarah (Watson) Whitehead, both of whom were natives of England, where William Whitehead worked as a cotton spinner, an occupation he also followed after coming to the United States until 1857, when he became a farmer in Wisconsin on land he bought from the United States government. He was twice married and to the first union nine children were born, there being two survivors : Ervin, a resident of Cairo, and Margaret, the wife of Albert Waldron, lives in Minnesota. The death of his first wife occurred July 22, 1857. In 1862 he married at Kingston, Wisconsin, Mary A. Ryan, and they had three children : Nora J., the wife of Mr. Tift'any, lives at Aberdeen, South Dakota ; Edna, who lives in Michigan, and one deceased. William Whitehead remained on his farm in Wisconsin until his health failed, when he sold out and came to Nebraska and afterward lived with his children, his death occurring at Wood River, January 30, 1892. He possessed musical gifts of a high order and organized the first band at Cairo and instructed it.

Ervin Whitehead had district school advantages in Wisconsin but his boyhood was largely given over to very practical matters connected with the operation of his father's farm and he remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1873 he came to Hall County and in the fall of that year homesteaded, securing 160 acres on section two in Cameron County, also buying forty acres of railroad land. It seemed an inopportune moment to come to Nebraska in search of a permanent home, for the memorable blizzard had just swept over this section, leaving death and disaster in its wake. At a later date Mr. Whitehead suffered from a somewhat less destructive snow storm, in which he saw his orchard demolished and the slow work of years wiped out. He lost heavily also when the scourge of grasshoppers visited Hall County, and, in fact, missed very few of the many hardships and struggles of the time.

In discouraging conditions like those mentioned above, the value of a quiet but energetic citizen can not be over estimated and Mr. Whitehead set an example by continuing his fami pursuits as normally as possible. He finally went into the business of breeding black Galloway cattle and found it very profitable. He continued to live on his homestead until 1904 when he retired because of failing health. After spending four years at Saint

Mr. Whitehead married February 15, 1877, Miss Susan Bellamy, the third in a family of eight children born to George and Jane (Hodgson) Bellamy. They came from Michigan to Hall County in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have the following children : Lloyd H., lives on his father's old homestead, married Frances Reed; Edith, the wife of Richard Dyre, lives in Cairo ; Ei'vin H., who conducts a garage at Cairo, married Vesta Deffenbaugh, and Ella M., the wife of Glen Roberts, lives on the ranch near Cairo.

It might be mentioned in connection with Mr. Whitehead's activities that he operated a threshing outfit every fall from 1875 until 1916, when it was accidentally destroyed by fire. In his younger political life he was a Republican but later found himself in sympathy with the aims of the Populist party. At present he is an independent voter. He has always been interested in the general welfare, and at times when many others thought only of their personal losses, he could look ahead and see the necessity of formulating stable laws and providing liberally for general edu-- cation. For twenty-one years he served on the school board in Cameron township and for seven years has been a member of the same in Cairo. He served three terms as assessor of Mayfield township and two terms as supervisor of Cameron township. He belongs to the M. W. A. lodge, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church with his wife and daughter, who are members as were his parents.

WILLIAM E. PRESTON. - Wonderful changes have been brought about in, Hall County since William E. Preston,- one of Cairo's most respected retired citizens, came here as a home seeker in 1872. Although he had been a soldier during the closing year of the Civil War, he probably encountered as much danger and more hardships during his early days of pioneering than had been his portion while in the army. He has been a continuous resident of Nebraska for fortyseven years and has done his full part in developing Hall County.