Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 7 of 16)

William E. Preston was born in Wyoming County, New York, December 1, 1843. His parents were Eli and Belinda (Coleman) Preston, natives of New York. Eli Preston was a man of consequence, prominent in the Democratic party, a farmer and a lawyer at Johnsonburg and for a number of years was

Although his early years were spent on a farm, William E. Preston had school advantages in two states, New York and Illinois. In 1865 he enlisted for service in the Civil War and took part in a few battles, f requentlyy being in great danger but fortunately escaping injury. In 1872 he came to Hall County, Nebraska, and homesteaded, then bought eighty acres of railroad land north of where Abbott now stands, but later disposed of this land on account of failing health. Mr. Preston has vivid recollections of the great storm that was so destructive in the spring of 1873 in this section. It was of such unusual severity and so far reaching in its effects, that it occupies a definite place in every history of this section. Indians were numerous when Mr. Preston came here and frequently were guests in his home. He treated them well and never had any trouble with them. Farming was a hard proposition during those early years and the settlers had to work in many other ways in order to make a living. For a time Mr. Preston worked at the carpenter trade in Grand Island and afterward found hauling a more or less profitable industry. He hauled cedar posts and a load of piling from the Niobrara river, a distance of 110 miles, and sold them to the railroad, his first load bringing him $78. It required a week to make the round trip, but Mr. Preston continued, receiving $120 for his last load. He made a corral on his land with some fine cedar posts and disposed of others to a neighbor, exchanging a post for a bushel of com. When Mr. Preston came here wolves, coyotes, prairie dogs and rattlesnakes were numerous, he sometimes killed as many as seven snakes in one day.

Mr. Preston married in December, 1873, Miss Emma Dean, who died December 24, 1917, in Grand Island. Her father, William C. Dean, was a pioneer in Hall County from Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Preston had two children: James, who lives at Metzler, Wyoming, married Florence Smith, and Susan, the widow of William Robinson. Since the death of Mrs. Preston, Mr. Preston has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Robinson in Cairo. In politics Mr. Preston has always been identified with the Democratic party and at times has served in local offices, for seventeen years being overseer of the poor. He is highly regarded by his old army comrades and was commander of the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Grand Island for one

MARY A. OLDFIELD, widely known and very highly esteemed in Hall County, .is the widow of the late William C. Oldfield. They came to Hall County among the pioneers of 1872 and Mrs. Oldfield has resided here ever since. A woman of courage and resource, in early days she faced and overcame manifold hardships, and to her helpful energy and cheering encouragement may be attributed much of the success that finally brought to the household domestic comfort and financial independence.

Mary A. Oldfield was born near Cambridge, England, one of a family of seven children born to her parents, James and Susan Pedley. They came to the United States in 1845, the mother dying one month after landing. Mrs. Oldfield is the only member of the family living in Nebraska. One sister, Mrs. Sarah Balker, died in Hall County in 1896. The father of Mrs. Oldfield had been a farmer in England and after coming to this country bought land in the state of New York where he continued to reside on it until his death in 1867. Mrs. Oldfield was eight years old when her parents brought her to the United States receiving her education at an excellent school near her father's farm. On August 7, 1865, she was united in marriage with William C. Oldfield, at Baldwinsville, New York. He was a farmer just returned from service in the Civil War, and they lived on his farm in Onondago County until 1872. Although he had not been wounded while in the army, his health evidently had been under-mined to some extent by military exposure, and it was in the hope of regaining it that Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield determined to seek a more bracing climate and came to Nebraska, reaching Hall County in the above year. He homesteaded 160 acres, his land adjoining the present city limits of Cairo.

For the first two years after coming to Nebraska, Mr. Oldfield's health seemed to improve but the hard work entailed by the necessity of using ox-teams to break up his land and the long distances he had to travel to secure any of the comforts of life to which he had been accustomed in his- eastern home, together with an unusually inclement winter caused him to break down again and to become so discouraged that he wanted to return with some other disheartened settlers, to New York. It was then that Mrs. Oldfield practically took charge of the farm and about that time they received financial aid, being paid the proceeds from a tobacco crop they had left for sale when they gave up their New York farm. They acquired cattle and soon were in better circumstances than the average settler although they, too, at first lived in a dugout. Mrs. Oldfield relates that the way neighbors could know of each other's whereabouts, was to look over the level prairies and note where smoke was rising from chimneys. Although Mr. Oldfield never became a robust man, his health improved and he lived until 1896, in the meanwhile carrying on his farm industries successfully and taking his place among the useful public men of his township. He was a sound Republican and for several years was road overseer. He was a greatuncle of Barney Oldfield, the American automobile racer.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield : Frank, who is deceased ; William, who lives in Grand Island, married Lola Pierce; Mamie, who is deceased; Lottie, the wife of Albert Seymour, of Grand Island ; Emma, the wife of Warren Baker, of Dunning, Blaine County, Nebraska; Lucy, the wife of William Taylor, of Dunning; Ida, the wife of William Sensenay, of Wood River; Anna, the wife of Martin Lorenson, of Cairo ; Charles, who is deceased ; Maude, the wife of Harry Waters, of Cambridge, Nebraska, and Belle, the wife of John Solon, of Grand Island. Mrs. Oldfield is a member, as was her husband, of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William Adelbert Thompson

WILLIAM ADELBERT THOMPSON, one of Cairo's most prominent citizens, has been a resident of Hall County for almost forty years. He came here in early manhood, and with other pioneer settlers of that period cheerfully assumed tasks and shouldered responsibilities that subsequently led to progress and development. For some years Mr. Thompson has lived retired from active participation in business, although his extensive farm and city property interests still require his general supervision.

Mr. Thompson, familiarly known as "Dell," is a native of Iowa, bom in Jasper County, December 27, 1858. His parents were Wilson and Susan (Hart) (Ferrall) Thompson, the former of whom was born near Muncie, Indiana, and the latter near Cleveland, Ohio. They had seven children and two of these are living: William Adelbert, resides at Cairo, Nebraska, and Robert, resides at Newton, Iowa. There are two children of a former marriage living: Samuel C. Thompson, a res- ident of San Diego, California, and Alta Sangfelter, a resident of Seattle, Washington. Wilson Thompson enlisted for military service during the Mexican War but by the time he reached Chicago the war was over. He was a conscientious supporter of the principles of the Republican party but never accepted a political office. For many years he was a substantial farmer in Jasper County, Iowa, and a heavy shipper of horses, cattle and hogs. When he retired, several years before his death, he visited Oregon, Washington and Nebraska, returning then to Iowa and buying city property in Newton. He died there in 1905. His widow survived until 1912. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William A. Thompson had educational advantages in Newton, attending both the public schools and Hazel Dell, the local academy. He assisted his father on the home farm until the spring of 1881 when he came to Hall County. He bought 160 acres of railroad land, situated two miles east of the present site of Cairo. This land was originally owned by George Bussell, who lived, in early days, in a sod house just north of Mr. Thompson's present handsome residence which is made of cement blocks, planned and erected under Mr. Thompson's personal supervision. He can remember cutting grass on the land now occupied by the busy little city of Cairo. His railroad land was situated at a point then known as Easton, where he resided for six years, inaugurating many improvements, and during this time succeeded in having the hamlet made a post office station, serving as postmaster until the office was removed to Cairo, when the latter place was established. Mr. Thompson then traded his land for a hardware store in the new town and continued in the hardware line in Cairo for the next thirteen years before establishing a general mercantile business which he conducterl for eight years. Since 1909 he has) been practically retired, although a man who owns a large amount of city property and 1700 acres of fine farming land is still regarded as an important factor in business life. He has 420 acres in Hall County and 1286 acres in Morrill County, Nebraska.

Mr. Thompson married, March 29, 1883, Miss Harriet F. Nebergall, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Vanbiber) Nebergall, who were natives of West Virginia. They came west at an early day, locating' in Iowa. Subsequently they became pioneer residents of Hebron, Nebraska, where they resided many yars. The father died in the state of

Washington, the mother passing away at Gilead, Nebraska. There were six children in the Nebergall family : William and Philip, reside at Peudleton, Oregon ; David, lives at Baker City, Oregon; Jennie E., the wife of Samuel Wheeler, of Carlton, Nebraska; Victoria, the wife of Robert McGee, of Providence, Rhode Island, and Mrs. Thompson, who met and married her future husband in Hall County. She was leading saleswoman in his mercantile establishment, assisted in conducting the store and materially contributed to accumulating their present comfortable fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have four children : Loren W., married Belle Grossert ; Robert R., married Marian Ingalls; Millard F., a sergeant in the United States army, now stationed at Camp Mills, Long Island, New York, and one child deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Republican in his political views but has never been a seeker for public office. He has become one of the capitalists of this section mainly through persistent industry, careful habits and the possession of the good judgment that led to wise investments.

WILLIAM B. WAITE. - To the settlement of Nebraska many pioneers came from homes in the eastern states, where comfort and even luxury generally prevailed, and the story of early struggle and unexpected hardships here, with the subsequent coming of affiuence and ease, possesses much that is interesting and that is illustrative of American energy. In this history of Hall County no better example of the above reflection can be found than is afforded by William B. Waite, whose landed possessions include 1,180 acres of rich Nebraska soil, and whose herds of cattle graze over many miles.

William B. Waite was born September 12, 1856, in Etna, Licking County, Ohio. His parents were Hiram and Sarah (Hartsell) Waite, the fonner of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of seven children of whom the following are living: Arthur H., Frank E., WilHam B., Charles E., and Hiram H. Tlie father of the above family died in Nemaha County, Nebraska, in 1868, but the mother yet survives, a venerable lady of ninety-two years, making her home in Beatrice. After she was left a widow, she built a house on one of the farms of her husband's estate, six miles west of Brownsville, Nebraska, where she lived until 1876 when she moved into Browns- ville and two years later to Auburn and then to Beatrice, where she still takes part in the affairs of the Presbyterian church and enjoys social life. The father of Mr. Waite was a carpenter and wagonmaker, carrying on these trades in Ohio until 1862, when he came to Nemaha County, Nebraska, and bought three quarter sections of land near Brownsville. In the previous year he had made a prospecting trip to that section and on his return gave such favorable reports that about fifty other families joined him in 1863. They all came by wagon to settle on the beautiful Nebraska prairie. He did not live long enough afterward to reap much benefit from his investment as his death occurred as above stated, in 1868. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. In the light of recent public events Mr. Waite relates that three times his father was drafted for service in the Civil War and three times he provided a substitute. No one of the three lived to return.

William B. Waite had but meager educational advantages after coming to Nebraska. He assisted his father and later worked on his mother's farms one year after his own marriage, which was celebrated December 17. 1882, to Miss Cora Mclninch. Her parents were Benjamin F. and Eliza (Kennery) Mclninch, natives of Ohio and Missouri respectively, who came early to Nemaha County and acquired a farm, on which the mother of Mrs. Waite still lives. The father of Mrs. Waite died December 6, 1911, at that time being a guard at Fort Kearney. Mr. and Mrs. Waite have two duaghters : Opal, the wife of Dr. Marcus Piersol, in Cairo, and Viva, who teaches school.

After marriage Mr. Waite remained to operate his mother's land until 1883. In the fall of that year with his father-in-law he went to Custer County in order to file a claim for a certain tract of land, but when they reached Grand Island on the way they learned that that claim had been taken. With the idea of securing land that would enable him to get into the cattle business, Mr. Waite went on into Hall County and filed on section S. E. one-quarter. Township 12-12 and bought 280 acres of railroad land on section 15, township 12-12. at $4 an acre. At that time he generally made the trip on foot but early in March of the following spring he began to plan to occupy his land. He went to Grand Island and started on a walk he yet remembers. Through eight inches of snow he made the Ernest Ramsel farm where he remained all night and the next day went on to his new place to make arrangements with J. J. Brewer to break his land, then walked back through the snow as far as the Varney farm and on the next day, through melting snow to Aurora, where he found he had worn out a pair of shoes. In August of that year he constructed his sod house, built a barn, dug a well and had a good first crop. He still owns the homestead he filed on in March, 1884, which was supposed to be the last homestead remaining in Hall County. In addition to his 1,180 acres, all broke and fenced and the most of the farms improved with buildings, Mr. Waite owns a handsome residence in Cairo. For many years he has been a heavy dealer in cattle, and in this line as in others has done well through hard work and close attention to business.

The winter of 1885-1886 was particularly stormy and on account of being in poor health, Mrs. Waite made a visit to her people in Nemaha County, and when prepared to return Mr. Waite drove five times to Grand Island to meet her only to find that the heavy snow had prevented her reaching there. On the day she did come, with her infant, Mr. Waite drove twenty-two miles in a lumber wagon through twelve inches of snow with the thermomenter 28 degrees below zero. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr .Waite helped to start and he also assisted the United Brethren congregation when it held its first services in a sod house. In politics he is a Republican and has served in numerous public offices, having been road overseer, school director and county supervisor for sevearl years. He has always taken honest interest in the welfare of Hall County and has encouraged many worthy enterprises here.

ALBERT D. TRUMBULL, whose long continued, faithful and eft'ective ser^'ice in the ministry of the Baptist church, entitles him to the esteem and affection in which he is held in Cairo and in other sections, came first to Nebraska in 1872 and settled in Hamilton County. He has been a resident of Cairo since the summer of 1916, a moral force in the community, and is, perhaps, the oldest minister in the state, both in age and years of ministerial service.

Reverend Trumbull was born October 8, 1838, in Ohio. His parents were Drayton E. and Sallie A. (Morey) Trvmibull, the former of whom was born in Connecticut and the latter in Massachusetts. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Albert D. is the only survivor. They both passed away when about seventy years old. The father of Mr. Trumbull was a farmer in Ohio, later in Indiana and still later in Michigan, where he died. In addition to farming he raised fine Devonshire cattle. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, united with the Republican party after its formation, and both parents were members of the Baptist church.

Albert D. Trumbull attended the district schools near his father's farm in Indiana. He was thirteen years old when he was converted and his mind was turned to serious subjects. He never had an opportunity to attend a theological seminary but devoted all his spare time to the study of religious books and readily absorbed their teachings and was yet quite a young man when he was licensed to preach, at Athens, in Marshall County, Michigan, and afterward was ordained at Hesparia, in Oceanic County, becoming pastor of the Baptist church there. He continued to live on the home farm for some years, his health never having been very robust, but has held many pastorates both in Michigan and Nebraska.

In August, 1872, Mr. Trumbull came to Nebraska and took up a homestead in Hamilton County, near what is the present site of Phillips, his being the second family to settle in that neighborhood. He lived there until the fall of 1875 when he was called to the pastorate of the Grand Island Baptist church, to which city he then removed, selling his homestead. In the fall of 1874, recognizing the need that the people of southwestern Hamilton County had for religious privileges, he went there and made preparations, succeeded in interesting the people and a church was organized in April, 1875, under the name of the Salem Baptist church, which name continues. He served that congregation as well as the church at Grand Island, for two years and then returned to Michigan for a year When he came back to Nebraska he again became pastor of the Salem church. By that time the B. & M. Railroad had been extended through Hamilton and Clay counties and a new town was started which, by request of the people, was named Trumbull, they demanding this honor for Mr. Trumbull because of his fervent and self-sacrificing efforts in founding the first church in the vicinity. They knew that every time their pastor came to minister to them, he had to walk a distance of twentyfour miles, twelve there and twelve back to Grand Island. He realized how hard the times were for the people and while traveling as above noted and preaching twice a day on Sunday, through the week he worked at manual labor to support his own family.

Two years later Mr. Trumbull removed tu a location near the present site of Cairo and organized the first church in the village and also organized the first church at Bluti' Center, eight miles southwest of Cairo. For several years longer he was active in church work here but his health failed again and he went to California to recuperate, living there for eighteen months. After returning to Nebraska he preached in Madison, Madison County ; in Crab Orchard, Johnson County, and in Filley in Gage County. Although, for the past twenty-five years the state of his health has prevented his accepting pastorates, it has not debarred him from active ministerial work, and even yet he gladly responds when called to supply or to assist in evangelical movements.

On October 8, 1861, Mr. Trumbull married Miss Nancy Sands, who was born at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and died at Fremont, Nebraska, in January, 1916. Two children were born to them : Albert W., who lives at Sioux City, and Drayton E., a resident of Omaha. In July, 1916, Mr. Trumbull's second marriage was celebrated when Mrs. Eva (Stanley) Brundage became his wife. She was the widow of R. D. Brundage, to whom she had been married March 15, 1879, and they had come to Hall County shortly afterward, homesteaded and remained here. Mr. Brundage was a well known and highly respected citizen and substantial farmer. Did space pennit, it would be interesting to go into details concerning the many Christian enterprises with which Mr. Trumbull has been connected in the exercise of noble virtues for the welfare of 'his fellowmen.

WILLIAM STOLLEY. - No man ever lived in Hall County whose name was more closely connected with the early history of its settlement, and no man wielded a greater influence in the growth and development of the county than the gentleman whose name introduces this biography, who at the time of his death. May 17, 1911, had been a resident of this community for nearly fifty- four years.

William Stolley was born at Warder, Germany, April 6, 1831. His father, Frederick Stolley, was a noted teacher in the duchy of Holstein, and his mother, Abel Stuhr Stolley, was descended from a family of considerable wealth. William Stolley reveived his early education in his father's school, which, though only a common school, was considered of high grade in those days. At the age of sixteen he ceased attendance at this institution and took special instruction from his father, at the same time taking regular lessons in the cabinet making business. He acquired sufficient knowledge to construct waterproof boxes for the shipment of specimens of natural histor)^ His brother George was a naturalist and it was the intention of William to study and travel with his brother, who had assurances of aid from the government for his explorations. In ]March, 1848, however, the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein rose in revolt against Danish misrule, and William Stolley in company with his brother, enlisted in the service of his country. Both were enrolled as sharpshooters, though William was not then seventeen years old. He saw service immediately after enlistment, and remained in the company until his tenn of enlistment expired. He did not enlist in the regular army, however, but with his three older brothers made ready to emigrate to the United States. His youngest brother, August, remained at home to care for the aged parents who died a few years later. His brother afterwards gained the very highest position as a teacher, winning a national reputation. On April 9, 1849, Mr. Stolley sailed from the harbor of Hamburg, under the Russian flag for the port of New Orleans. After an exciting voyage, the vessel having been pursued from the outset by Danish war ships, and later beaten back by storms, he landed at the mouth of the Mississippi River eight weeks after the date of his departure. Cholera was raging in New Orleans upon the arrival of the vessel, and the dread scourge attacked the little colony. Before they reached St. Louis thirty-one of the healthy and nearly all of the young passengers had died of the disease. During that voyage the future Mrs. Stolley who was then a child of twelve years, lost her mother, one brother and one sister. The party took steamer from St. Louis to Davenport, Iowa, and they arrived there almost disheartened. Here Mt. Stolley's knowledge of cabinet making stood him in good stead, and by such work he earned his first dollar in America. His inclination for natural history, however, caused him to take up that work for a time, and in company with his brother George he traveled for three years in the states of Iowa, Illinois. Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee collecting and preparing specimens for Professor Agassiz. The collections were sent to museums, in Gennany principally, though some were sent to London and Paris. Feeling that he could never make a success at this work, owing to his lack of sufficient education, he returned to Davenport and became a salesman for a large lumber concern. Later he was employed in a general mercantile store and was finally taken in as a partner, the firm being Hagge & Stolley. The concern had the largest and best trade in Davenport, and was very successful for a time, but on account of the finanpial crisis of 1857 was forced to assign. Though much money was owing them, they were unable to collect the larger part of it, and Mr. Stolley was thus placed under a debt of ten thousand dollars, which he afterwards spent ten years of hard labor, privation and self-denial to liquidate. That year a party consisting of congressmen and bankers in Washington, D. C, decided to form a colony along the Platte valley somewhere in Nebraska. This plan was carried out, and Mr. Stolley became sole organizer of the colony, taking an active part in looking after the welfare of the little band which settled on the site of the present city of Grand Island. The capitalists who were the promoters of the colony, tmder the lead of a Mr. Barrows, furnished six thousand dollars for the support of the colonists until they could raise a crop and establish themselves in business. This money was to be repaid to the company, each man of the colony agreeing to pay his share. The terms of the contract did not provide any money for clothing, and when winter set in great suffering threatened the little band unless they could receive aid. A delegate, Fred Hedde, was therefore sent to Mr. Barrows to secure from him five hundred dollars additional to be used in the purchase of clothing and blankets. The request was refused, but upon Mr. Stolley's agreeing to become personally responsible for the amount, Mr. Barrows drew his personal check for five hundred dollars, and the colony was provided with warm clothing for the winter. Mr. Stolley was afterwards released from this obligation, the company losing the whole sum which they had advanced, six thousand five hundred dollars, oijly three men paying their obligation. In 1857 Mr. Stolley took one hundred sixty acres as a squatter's claim in the vicinity of Grand Island, and later preempted it, which was the first claim entered in Hall County. Here he shared in all the hardships and privations incident to the early days and by perseverance and the exercise of good judgment became one of the substantial men of the county. During the grasshopper scourge of 1874, he was delegated to go to Washington to seek aid for the suffering and succeeded in securing one hundred fifty thousand dollars for the relief of the people of this section of Nebraska. Through personal appeal to Mr. Jay Gould he secured free transportation over the railroads for the ship- ment of all goods sent to Nebraska. The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Stolley were teachers in the old country, and realizing the experiences they had, led Mr. Stolley to take great interest in the public school system of the county. He helped to organize school district No. 1 and served as a director for forty years. He travelled all over the state organizing the State Grange and became master of the same. He always advocated the planting of trees and had much to do with the furthering of arboriculture in the state. In former years he distributed vast numbers of seedling trees best adapted to the soil and climate of Nebraska, and they now present themselves in little groves, dotting the once barren and treeless plams. The beautiful orchard and shade trees on his own farm are the result of years of patient labor in planting and caring for the same by himself and his sons. The first English sparrows in this section were twenty-five Mr. Stolley carried from New York City to his farm. He was a lover of bees and had as many as sixty stands at one time. The cannon now m the court house grounds was donated by Mr. Stolley, who secured it through a noted general m recognition of the excellence of old Fort Independence, which was located on Mr Stolley's farm.

July 15-, 1856, at Davenport, Iowa, Mr Stolley married Miss Wilhelmina Fredericka Hagge, who was bom in the same province as her husband, April 21, 1837, and came to America on the same vessel that brought her future husband to America. They became the parents of ten children: Frederick, a successful farmer and stockman of Hall County ; Anna, is the wife of Emil Leonardt, residents of Cuero, Texas ; Minnie, is the wife of Oscar Roeser, of Grand Island; William, is a resident of Dowagiac, Michigan; Emil, is engaged in farming in Hall County; Auguste and Richard, are deceased ; Clara and Ottilie, are unmarried and reside with their mother! and Olga, the wife of J. C. Palmer of Grand Island.

This pioneer family were here at a time when the older children had for their playmates the Indians. William Stolley was always on friendly terms with the red man and learned to speak their langauge quite fluently, and in a history of Hall County which he wrote in 1907, will be found many Indian names which he translated into the English language.

Of the noble men of Hall County who have passed to their reward, who made sacrifices and did deeds to make the county a better place in which to live than when they found it.

no name stands out more distinctly than that of William Stolley. And while we are paying tribute to him we must not forget the partner of his life's joys and sorrows, who, if her life be spared till September, 1919, will have lived in Hall County more than half a century. We take pleasure in presenting the life record of such noble men and women and trust their Hfe record will serve as an inspiration to future generations.

GEORGE ALEXANDER DOVE, engaged in the mercantile business in Cairo, has made his home in Nebraska for many years, always finding here many of the good things of life, and in the main, intelligent, prosperous and centented people as associate citizens.

George A. Dove was born in Allen County^ Ohio, May 8, 1856. His parents were Reuben and Elmira (Creps) Dove. The father was born in Virginia and remained there until eighteen years of age, when he went to Ohio, engaged there in farming and stockraising, and died there in 1861. Although not able to enter the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War, he was so patriotically active in soliciting volunteers, that he brought on an illiness that terminated fatally. He was an ardent Republican, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belonged to the order of Odd Fellows. The mother of George A. Dove was born in Ohio and died there in 1892. Of the family of four children, George A, is one of the two survivors, the other being Mrs. Inez Brown, who lives in Ohio.

George A. Dove had educational advantages, first in the excellent schools of Westminster, Ohio, and later in a college in Adrian. Michigan. The death of his father placed responsibilities on him very early, and he was only sixteen years old when he began farming for himself. He remained in Ohio until the fall of 1879, when he removed to De W'itt County, Illinois, where he resumed agricultural pursuits and continued until the fall of 1889. when he came to Hall County, Nebraska, to buy land, and since that time this state has been his preferred home. In the spring of 1908 he went to Morrill County, where he invested in land, which he still owns, and remained on the same until 1916, when he came to Cairo. Here he embarked in a general mercantile business and has built up a trade that is entirely satisfactory, keeping his unusually varied stock attractively arranged and selling it according to honorable business methods.

marriage with Miss Callie Slick, the only seurviving child of Thomas H. and Hannah (Monnett) Slick. Mrs. Dove had one sister, Minnie. Both parents of Mrs. Dove were born and reared in Ohio. Her father was a farmer, a merchant, a banker, and was quite prominent in Republican politics in his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Dove have the following children : Laura, the wife of Howard Hulett; Walter v., married Anna Scanlon; Claude H., married Catherine Stahl ; Cassius N, married Esther Glau ; and Earl W., resides with his parents. Mr. Dove has always been in sympathy politically with the Republican party but has never desired to accept official responsibilities, although at all times being ready to cooperate with his fellow citizens in matters of public moment. He is conscientious in his support of worthy charities. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.

RUDOLPH GUHL, one of Grand Island's well known and highly respected retired business men, has been a resident of this city for thirty-six years and knows its history by heart. In a business way he has been intimately associated with its best citizenship and on friendly terms with its most distinguished men. His reminiscences of earlier people and events are authentic and interesting.

Rudolph Guhl was born October 25, 1847, near Luet Kenwisch, Wittenberg, Germany. His parents were John J. and Elsabe (Stendel) Guhl, the father a native of Germany and the mother of France. The father's business was farming but undoubtedly he was a man of superiority because he served as mayor of his city for forty years, and had other official duties. Both parents died in Germany. Of their three children, William died in Germany; Mrs. Wilhelmina Heinrich still lives in Germany, while Rudolph resides in Grand Island. He attended school in Germany before coming to the United States in 1864, landing on June 24. The following five years he lived with his brother-in-law, at Cincinnati, Ohio, working as a cigarmaker and barber. In 1883 he came to Grand Island, and for fifteen years was employed by John Zink, then embarked in business for himself, which he conducted until 1918, when he retired.

In Toledo, Ohio. October 1, 1872, Mr. Guhl married ]\Iiss Ottelia Linenfelzer, born April 6. 1855, at Oesteringen, Baden. Germany. Her parents were Pius and Paulina (Milch) Linenfelzer, who settled in Monroe County, Michigan, after coming to the United States. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Guhl :

Annie, the wife of Horace Jones, of Omaha; Louisa, the wife of Wallace Quest, of Upton, New York ; Arthur, who resides with his family in Toledo, Ohio ; Minnie, the wife of Otis B. J\lills, of South Dakota ; William, living at Horton, Kansas, married Emma Hohenstine; and Ellen, the wife of George Gaver, lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Guhl are active members of the English Lutheran church in Grand Island, and Mrs. Guhl is a member of the Degree of Honor lodge. In politics Mr. Guhl is a Republican.

FRANK EUGENE BLAUVELT. - Perhaps no family at Cairo is better known in , business circles or more highly respected than the Blauvelts, who are substantial people here. The head of the family, Frank E. Blauvelt, is prospering as a producing merchant, while Mrs. Blauvelt and their competent daughters, own and operate a first class restaurant and confectionery store. Mr. Blauvelt has spent almost his entire life in Nebraska.

Frank Eugene Blauvelt was born in Jones County, Iowa, April, 15, 1871. His parents were Elijah S. and Elizabeth (Horton) Blauvelt, natives of New York, both of whom are deceased, the father died in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, February 11, 1902, and the mother at Hardy, Nebraska, September 1, 1898. They had eight children and of the six surviving Frank E. is the only one living in Hall County. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father was a Democrat in his political opinions. By trade he was a bricklayer. Before moving to Iowa he served three years in the Union army during the Civil War. Although he was never wounded or taken prisoner, he had many thrilling escapes. On one occasion while driving an army ambulance, he was closely pursued for twelve miles by a guerilla band, and when he at last reached safety at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, three of his four horses fell dead. In 1873 Elijah S. Blauvelt came to Nebraska, homesteaded and secured a tree claim in Franklin County, living on his 320 acres for six years. After one year he engaged in work at his trade, in Blommington, then moved to Nuckolls County, where, during the rest of his life he was engaged mainly in brick mason work and farming.

Frank E. Blauvelt was nine years old when his parents moved to Nuckolls 'County, where he later had common school advantages. He remembers very well the wild conditions that prevailed in those early days there, and relates many exceedingly interesting occurrences. In- dians were very often seen and deer and buffalo were so numerous that Mr. Blauvelt, in describing the droves of deer, can think of nothing better to compare them to, as they rushed over the prairies, than the rough waves of a great sea. Sometimes these wild creatures, both antelope and buffalo, would seemingly try to escape from civilized surroundings, but occasionally they would be tempted into some settler's barnyard and trouble would inevitably ensue. Mr. Blauvelt recalls an occasion when he was young, when his father had gone to town, a distance away, for provisions, his mother being left with the task of doing the evening "chores." When she went about these duties she found a buffalo among the herd of domestic catttle. As soon as she advanced the wild animal would threaten her and finally she used the usual distress signal to her neighbors, running up a white flag. This brought speedy assistance and the buffalo was killed.

After Air. Blauvelt left the farm he went to Custer County to engage in the harness and saddlery business at Callaway, continuing there until 1916, when he came to Cairo. He recognized this a promising business point, establishing a produce line, in which he has greatly prospered, at present doing a $15,000 annual business.

On December 24, 1895, Mr. Blauvelt united in marriage Miss Marie A. Minnich, in Trenton, Missouri. Her parents, Henry and Margaret (Eakin) Minnich, settled in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, in 1878 and bought school land. In 1895 they moved to Missouri but two years later returned to Nuckolls County, where the father died in 1899, and the mother at Casper, Wyoming, in 1918. Of their six children, Mrs. Blauvelt is the only one living in Hall County. Mr. and Mrs. Blauvelt have the following children : Ercel M., Sybil, Thelma, Nyleptha, Zane and Daphne, all of the daughters residing at home. The only son, Ercel M., who did a hero's part as a member of the American Expeditionary Force in France, has recently returned to his native land and is under treatment in an army hospital in Virginia. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

EDWARD DODD, M. D. - Although Dr. Dodd has been a resident of Cairo only a short time, he has already gained the confidence and esteem of the community through personal characteristics as well as professional ability, and the hope is openly expressed that this little city will be his permanent home.

Dr. Dodd came here in 1918 with years of professional experience back of him, having spent fifteen in active practice in other sections of Nebraska.

Edward Dodd was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, August 8, 1878, the second born in a family of six children. His parents were William L. and Eda (Hinkle) Dodd, both of whom were born in Iowa, where the father of Dr. Dodd was a farmer until 1905, when he removed to White Tail, Montana, and there he engaged in ranching until his death, in 1915. He was a man of sturdy character, a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic fraternity. With his wife he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. She still resides in Montana. They had the following children: Amy L., the wife of F. E. Porter, of Putnam County, Missouri ; Edward, a resident of Cairo ; Luther, who resides with his mother; Orpha G., deceased, and Elmer and Eva, twins, who reside at home.

Edward Dodd attended the public schools of Centerville, Iowa, and after completing his high school course, became a student of medicine in Keokuk, Iowa, and subsequently was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that city. During his college course he had the great advantage of being under the immediate teaching of the celebrated Dr. C. E. Ruth, for one year being his assistant in anaesthesia, and for another year being his surgical assistant. For three years Dr. Dodd engaged in practice as a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Keokuk, being an instructor for one year in the nurses' training school as lecturer on sanitation, gynecology and obstetrics. After leaving Keokuk Dr. Dodd practiced his profession in Nebraska from 1903 until August, 1918, when he located at Cairo. For one year he served as chairman of the Howard County Medical Society, and for seven years he was district surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad. In addition to a general medical and surgical practice, Dr. Dodd is an experienced optician.

Dr. Dodd married June 27, 1906, Miss Mary Rae Jones, a daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth (Irion) Jones, the former of whom, was bom in Northampton, England, and the latter near Princeton, Illinois. They are people of prominence in Knox County, Nebraska. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have three children: Phyllis W., Donald F., and Daniel E. Dr. Dodd has been active in all patriotic movements during the past few years and in 1917 he volunteered for the World War in his professional capacity, but was not accepted for- active service because of physical disability. In no sense a politician, nevertheless he keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in public affairs and has the courage of his convicitions.

WILLIAM STOEGER, a well known and most highly respected citizen of. Cairo, is also one of Hall County's heaviest land owners, and individually with his brothers he has valuable holdings in other sections. He has built up his ample fortune through farming and stockraising.

William Stoeger was born March 30, 1860, in Hendricks County, Indiana, the third member of a family of eight children born to his parents, John and Mary (Billmeyer) Stoeger, both of whom were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1854 and 1852 respectively. At the time of their marriage, the mother of Mr. Stoeger was the widow Kemptar with two sons, Lawrence and Charles, both of whom are deceased. To her second marriage, to John Stoeger, besides William the following children were born : Philip, who lives near Cairo, Nebraska ; John who lives near St. Michael, Nebraska; Mary, who is deceased ; Elizabeth who is deceased ; Frank, who is deceased ; Henry, who formerly lived on the timber claim his father bought in Hall County, now a resident of Cairo; and Adam, who lives at St. Michael. The mother of this family was a remarkable woman in many ways. She survived her husband and three children and at the time of her death on September 22, 1918, lacked but one month and eight days of being ninety-three three years of age. To the very last she retained her mental faculties and physically was more active than many whe were much younger.

John Stoeger, father of William, was a tanner by trade and he followed this work in Terre Haute, Indiana, from 1854 until 1862, when he removed to Crawford County, Illinois, and for the next ten years engaged there in the same business. In 1872 this businss, as a private enterprise, had become less profitable and he sold out and moved to near Russellville, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and raising stock until the summer of 1879. In the meanwhile the second son, John, and the second daughter. Elizabeth, had developed signs of ill health that the anxious parents believed a change of climate would dissipate and that was the reason that the farm and stock were sold in Illinois and the family started on the long overland journey to Nebraska. Before they reached there, however, Elizabeth died. When Mr. Stoeger came to

Hall County he bought a timber claim of John L. Means, which adjoins the town site of Cairo. In the spring of 1892 he sold his homestead and timber claims to his sons and moved then into Cairo and lived retired until his death, which occurred February 22, 1906. He was a man of sterling character, honest and upright in all his dealings and a faithful member of the Evangelical church. His wife belonged to the Roman Catholic church. He was a Democrat in politics and frequently was elected to township offices.

William Stoeger obtained his education in Illinois and worked for his father until he was twenty years old and afterward up to the summer of 1882, on other farms, the general wage being $17 a month. In the spring of 1883, in partnership with his brother John, he bought a flock of sheep and the partnership in sheep raising and farming continued for four years and then was dissolved, William continuing alone as a farmer until 1892 when the four brothers in partnership bought the father's land, he having acquired and improved a large acreage, and they carried on farming and ranching together until 1900, when two of the brothers withdrew. The other two, one of whom was William, continued until 1906, when the property was all divided. William then carried on his, ranch interests alone for a number of years, selling the last of his horses in the fall of 1918, when he rented the ranch and retired to Cairo. He owns more than 2,000 acres of land and the Stoeger brothers together own several thousand more acres in the state. Additionally, Mr. Stoeger owns land and town property in Texas ; he is a stockholder in the Ravenna (Nebraska) State Bank, and is on the directing board of the Cairo State Bank.

On November 14, 1898, Mr. Stoeger married in Cairo, Miss Mary Feldmayer, daughter of William and Anna (Lepold) Feldmayer, who were pioneers in Buffalo County, Nebraska, in 1882, and died on their farm in Garfield township. Mr. Stoeger is a prominent Democrat and served two tenns as assessor of South Loup township and for the past ten years has been supervisor. He is a past grand in the Cairo lodge of Odd Fellows. He has had many ranching experiences and lost many cattle in the great storm that came upon this section in January, 1888.

EDWARD H. BAKER, engaged in the concrete construction business in Grand Island, belongs to an old Nebraska family and was born at Columbus, Nebraska, July 28, 1875.

His parents were Edward H. and Zilda (Senical) Baker, the former of whom was born at White Pig-eon, Michigan, and the latter in Montreal, Canada.

The earliest member of the Baker family in Nebraska, was an uncle of Edward H. Baker of Grand Island, who settled on Silver Creek in 1858, when his nearest neighbor was seventeen miles away. Mr. Baker's father came to Platte County, Nebraska, in 1866, but his mother had located in the city of Omaha in 1853. She died November 16, 1906. Prior to the Civil War, the, elder Edward H. Baker lived in St. Joseph County, Michigan. He enlisted in the Union army, August 30, 1862, at Freeport, Illinois, and served three years, being mustered out as corporal of his company, June 19, 1865. His company, locally known as "Young's Lions," was detailed when the war closed for such important work as taking charge of supplies and of Confederate paroled prisoners. When he came to Platte County in the following year, he homesteaded and lived on his one hundred and sixty acres until June 18, 1887, when he came to Hall County, which remained his home until his death which occurred February 27, 1916. For the last eleven years of his life he had been engineer for the Soldiers and Sailors Home. In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Of their seven children, six are living. Edward H. is the youngest. The others are : Mrs. R. G. Isdell, who lives in Grand Island ; Alfred J., who resides in Grand Island, is agent for the American Beet Sugar Company; Mrs. Frank Smock, of Colorado Springs ; Mrs. A. J. Knipe, who lives at Seattle, Washington; and Ray R., with a medical unit in the American army in France.

Edward H. Baker attended the public schools of Grand Island. Upon finishing his education he started to work in a concrete construction business. After nine years in the employ of others, Mr. Baker established a concern of his own in 1905, and has done well, usually keeping six men employed. He has built up a trustworthy reputation that extends all over Hall County.

At Wood River, Nebraska, December 7, 1904, Mr. Baker married Miss Mary J. Nelson, a daughter of Sylvester and Amanda J. (Hargis) Nelson, who came to Hall County in 1887 and lived in Wood River. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have five children ; Mrs. Bert Miller, who lives at Elm Creek ; Mary J., who is Mrs. Baker; Olivene, wife of J. Ven Roberts of Florida ; Oscar E., a soldier in France, a member of Company C, 318

Engineers, Sixth division ; and Elmer S., who lives in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have an adopted daughter, Helene E., who was born February 23, 1917. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Baker is a Republican and keeps well infomied on public matters as he is justified in doing, but he has accepted no public office except membership on the city school board. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Elks and the Odd Fellows, in the latter organization having passed all the offices in the local lodge. Mr. Baker is held to be one of the sound, dependable business men of Grand Island.

VIRGIL R. EVERHART. - To assemble together iron, copper, brass, aluminum, rubber and wood and make that necessity of modern life, the automobile, was a great achievement, and yet, without proper care and repair, this great triumph of mechanism would be practically useless. To give this scientific care and to have at hand proper accessocies, many young men have entered this line of business, finding it exceedingly profitable. At Grand Island, Virgil R. Everhart has been financially interested in automibles, tires and accessories, throughout his entire business life. He is located in his own building, No. 1 10 East Second street.

Mr. Everhart was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, August 31, 1893, the son of William S. and Ida M. (Carr) Everhart, both of whom were born at Hayden, in Jennings County, Indiana. Until the last three years, when he became associated in business with his son, Virgil R., the father was a railroad man. The family home has been in Grand Islartd for thirty years. In politics he is a Democrat, is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, and both his father and mother belong to the Baptist church. Three of their four children are living: Virgil R., of Grand Island ; Verna, the wife of Frank Ludvik, of Hartwell, Nebraska; and John, who resides with his parents. Virgil R. Everhart was educated in Grand Island. After spending three years in the high school he accepted a position in the garage of the Harrison and Reed Automobile Company, Grand Island, in order to leani the business in which he has continued to the present. Since May, 1915, it has been operated as a private concern. He handles all the standard tires, all first class accessories, and does expert repairing. His business standing and reliability are unquestioned.

On July 5, 1916, ]\Ir. Everhart married Miss Kizzie M. McGuirk. Her parents came to Hall County in 1906, where her father, Andrew McGuirk, was accidentally killed on the railroad two years later. Her mother, Mrs. Sarah (Davis) McGuirk, resides in Grand Island. I\Ir. and Airs. McGuirk have five children: Kizzie and Katie, twins, the former of whom is the wife of Virgil R. Everhart, and the latter resides with her mother; Andrew, who is deceased : and Clara and Edna, both of whom live at home. Mr. and Mrs. Everhart have one daughter, Florence L. He has never taken any very active part in politics in party organizations, but is a very intelligent, thoughtful young man with decided opinions to which, he testifies by an independent vote. As a citizen he is ready to help measures of a public nature when they seem to promise substantial benefit to Grand Island. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Elks.

JAMES H. YUND. - For almost a half century James H. Yund, one of Grand Island's substantial, representative citizens, has been a resident of Hall County. Although his business engagements have frequently called him to other sections, this has always been home. He owns valuable improved property in Grand Island.

Mr. Yund was born in Hillsdale County, Michigan, March 9, 1853, a son of George and Rachel (Stevens) Yund. His father was born in Pennsylvania, February 15. 1820, and died in Van Buren County, IMichigan, November 15, 1867. His mother was born in the state of New York, August 3, 1818, and died April 26, 1911. They were the parents of seven children of whom the following are living: John S., Emma, James H., Isabella and Ida. The greater part of George Yund's mature life was spent in Michigan, where he was a fanner. He was an active Republican politician and for several years was a county commissioner in Van Buren County.

James 11. Yund had excellent educational advantages ; after his common school course, he attended the high school at Decatur, Michigan, following which he was a student in Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan. A business life attracted him, and from 1876 until March, 1881, he was employed as a dry goods clerk in a large establishment in Hartford, Michigan. A change of climate at that time being decided on, Mr. Yund came to Hall County in April of that year, and in Grand Island he lx)Ught a small grocery from H. A. Bartling, which he operated until 1897, and although that period was a season of hard times in this country, he came through without loss but not with sufficient encouragement to make him continue in the grocery line. It was then he embarked in an entirely new business, as fas as he was concerned, accepting the ofifer of a position as traveling salesman for lumber mills. In his case, as in many others, a touch of adversity seemed the key to open the lock of the door of success, for the new work not only proved congenial but his services were of such value to the Kansas companies which employed him, that they were sensible of great loss when he accepted a similar offer from lumber companies for the mill interests of the state of Nebraska. Mr. Yund still continues his activities in this line.

At Lawrence, Michigan, December 9, 1880, Mr. Yund was united in marriage with Miss Addie Ridlon, who was born at Pa Pa, Michigan, September 28, 1861, a daughter of John N. and Sarah M. (Phelps) Ridlon, the former of whom was born at Hollis, Maine, May 16, 1822, and the latter at Parkham, Ohio, December 4, 1831. The father of Mrs. Yund was a man of much importance in civil life and during the Civil War he was an officer in the Twenty-fifth Michigan volunteer infantry, taking part in the military campaign that resulted in the capture of the noted Confederate guerilla leader, Quantrell. For six years he was on the board of commissioners of Van Buren County, and after the close of the war removed to Lawrence, Michigan, where he engaged in the mercantile business. Following this he was for twenty years previous to his death engaged in insurance business. He passed away April 23, 1916. For fifty years he was a deacon in the Congregational church at Lawrence, which he had been instrumental in building, and he had served on church building committees at other points. Mrs. Ridlon still lives at the hale old age of eighty-seven years. Of their three children, Mrs. Yund was the second born, the others being: Jennie, the wife of S. M. Hess, of Lawrence, Michigan, and Charles A., who lives at Roulette, Pennsylvania, married Sarah Cooper.

Mr. and Mrs. Yund have had four children : Sylvester G., who was born September 10, 1881, married Grace Ericson ; Grace B., who was born September 15, 1883, is the widow of Henry D.; Kleinkauf ; Harry C, who was born August 27, 1885, married Marguerite Goss : and Henry R., born November 28, 1889, who sleeps in a soldiers' grave in the American cemetery, near Merignac-Bordeaux-Gironde, France. This youthful hero was a member of the American Expeditionary Force in France, belonging to Company H, Three Hundred Fifty-fifth regiment, Eighty-ninth division. He received wounds that proved fatal, October 24, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Yund are members of the Presbyterian church, he being one of the trustees. Politically he is a Republican. Li 1892 he broke prairie sod for the erection of his handsome residence at No. 222 West Eighth street, and in 1909 put up the brick store building on West Third street, which is a remunerative renting property.

IRA T. HOMAN, one of Grand Island's enterprising young business men, is the junior member of the firm of Teeter & Homan, formerly of Holbrook, Nebraska, but since November 21, 1916, doing business at No. 112 Second street. Grand Island.

Mr. Homan was born at Corning, Adams County, Iowa, November 25, 1890, the son of Joseph N. and Lena C. (Knodle) Homan, the "former of whom was born in Adams County, Iowa, and the latter in Ogle County, Illinois. During his active years the father of Mr. Homan followed agricultural pursuits from which he retired in 1917 and now lives at Bethany, Nebraska. He has always been affiliated with the Democratic party, frequently serving in township offices and has been county supervisor. In the Order of Odd Fellows he has been through all the local offices. Both parents of Mr. Homan are members of the Baptist church. Of their four children two reside in Hall County, Ira T. and Ollie L.

Ira T. Homan attended school at Ridgeway, Missouri, the high school at Bethany and spent one year in a business college at Grand Island. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age and then engaged in the mercantile business with his present partner, at Holbrook, Nebraska, under the firm name of Teeter & Homan. The firm carried on a general mercantile business there for six years before transferring their interests to Grand Island. As agents and dealers they carry on an extensive business in the Dodge automobiles and Republic trucks, their record being about 6oo cars in two years, distributed over their territory of ten counties, with the same number of dealers. In addition they carry a full line of Dodge parts.

On Christmas Day, 19 10, Mr. Homan married Miss Carrie C. Cooper, of Holbrook, Nebraska. The parents of Mrs. Homan were Robert and Alice (Miller) Cooper, the former of whom was a merchant and died at Holbook. The latter resides with Mr. and Mrs. Homan, who have one child, Phyllis O., who was bom

September 29, 1917. They are members of the Baptist church. Politically Mr. Homan is a Democrat and fraternally belongs to the Masons and the Elks.

LEWIS S. MOORE, D.D.S., engaged in the practice of dentistry in Grand Island for twenty-nine years, is one of the best known members of his profession in the state. Long before dentistry had received its present universal recognition as a vital necessity in the preservation of health, Dr. Moore, with the intelligence that has made him a leader in many helpful movements, lost no occasion to call attention to his own beliefs on the subject. Supplementing his own careful studies with attendance on dental conventions, he did much to arouse interest and investigation that in time led to the formulating and passage of the present dental laws in Nebraska. He has seen wonderful advances made in dental surgery in its several branches since he entered into practice, and has lived to see his own opinions as to dental therapy more than justified.

Lewis S. Moore was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 20, 1855. His parents were John and Sophia (Biddenger) Moore, the former of whom was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1816, and died in Iowa, October 1, 1905. The latter was born in Pennsylvania in September, 1822, and died in Iowa in July 1895. Of their nine children seven yet live ; Lewis S. being the only one residing in Hall County. The father of Mr. Moore followed farming all his life, in a modest way and met with deserved success. He brought his family to Iowa, in 1855, driving across country to the new home in a wagon ; Lewis S. being at that time an infant of eight months, his mother carrying him in her arms the entire distance of 700 miles. When she died, aged seventy-three, one of the best of women passed out of life. The father survived long afterward and he, too, was held in high regard, being always an honest, upright man, and for over forty years was a deacon in the Baptist church near his home.

Dr. Moore was educated in the public schools and in Independence, Iowa, where he studied dentistry and engaged in practice during his apprenticeship of several years. On April 1, 1879, he opened an office at Fairmont, Nebraska, where he engaged in the pursuit of his profession until April 1, 1890, when he came to Grand Island, where he has continued ever since, having a professional reputation of high standing all over Hall County.

Lucie M. Wellman, a daughter of William and Clara (Schryver) Wellman. The father of Mrs. JNIoore was born in New York, May 25, 1819, and died in 1867. The mother wa's born also in New York, in 1825, and died January 6, 1882. Of their four living children, Mrs. Moore is the only one residing in Hall County. Dr. and Mrs. Moore have three children: L. Don, who lives at Grand Island, married Rose Erdburger; Ruby A., who lives at home ; and J. Ross, who is relieving his father of many professional duties, resides in Grand Island, and married Rose Faerber. Dr. J. Ross Moore served three months in the dental department of the Walter Reed Hospital, L^nited States anny, at Washington, D. C, also three months at Camp Greenleaf, and two months at Camp Beauregard.

Dr. Lewis S. Moore belongs to the order of Maccabees and to the Odd Fellows and is quite active in the latter organization, having held all the offices in the local lodge, of which he is the present treasurer. In politics he has always been a Republican, and for six years has been a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are very active members of the First Baptist church in Grand Island.

DAVID M. GRAHAM. - In the death of David iM. Graham, which occurred January 10, 1919. Grand Island lost a citizen of sterling worth, and a man who was held in high esteem both in business and social life. He had a wide acquaintance in both Hall and Merrick counties and everywhere left friends who remember his kindness, generosity and good fellowship.

David M. Graham was born in Merrick County, Nebraska, April 8, 1878, one of a family of ten children bom to John W. and Mary (Gurley) Graham. Mr. Graham's parents were both natives of Scotland, from which land they emigrated at an early day, coming to the United States where the father became an early settler in Merrick County, Nebraska, a homesteader engaging in farming and also worked at the carpenter trade. His death occured in 1896, surviving his wife just one year. Three of their children became residents of Hall County : David M., Mrs. Daisy Ewalt, and Mrs. Maud Ehlers.

Mr. Graham grew up in Merrick County, where he attended the public schools, but later took a course in the Baptist College in Grand Island. He was interested in farm pursuits almost exclusively until 1915, in Merrick and Keya Paha counties, for three years, from 1902 to 1905, being manager of a ranch in the latter county. In 1915 he came to Grand Island, where he immediately became immersed in business, becoming manager of the Kelly Well Company, and selling agent for the Buick, Maxwell and Oakland automobiles, with territory covering several counties. He was a hard worker and was actively engaged in business until his death.

On December 27, 1905, Mr. Graham married Miss Emma Frauen, a daughter of Marcus and Rebecca (Niehus) Frauen, who were born in Germany, but left their native land to settle in the United States many years ago and are highly respected citizens of Ainsworth, Brown County, Nebraska. All of their family of nine children are living: Mrs. Graham has one sister, Mrs. Tillie Stanley, as a neighbor in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Graham had two children, Marion and Madeline, the latter of whom passed away February 20, 1919. Mr. Graham belonged to the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Moose orders, was a faithful member of the Lutheran church, and in politics was a Republican and an occasional township official.

JENS RASMUSSEN, who came from far off Denmark to the United States in 1880, has been practically a resident of Hall County since that date. He is now one of Grand Island's substantial and respected citizens, and has had much to do with the material development of this handsome city.

Jens Rasmussen was born in Denmark, September 3, 1854, a son of Rasmus and Andreyette (Sorenson) Rasmussen. The father was a small farmer in Denmark and both passed their life there. Jens is the only member of their family living at present in the United States. He had both common and high school advantages in his native land and there also learned the trades of brickmason and plasterer before leaving his native country. This was fortunate, as after reaching the United States he came to Nebraska and found work at these trades during the summer of 1880, in Grand Island, and for two and a half months of the following winter found an opportunity to attend a school in the country by working for a farmer for board and lodging. In the fall of 1883 he returned to Denmark on a visit and for business purposes ; upon his return to the United States he was accompanied by a sister and another young lady. Miss Margrethe Ericson whom he married December 8, 1885. Her parents, Jens and Anna (Christensen) Ericson, came to Grand Island in 1887, where they live retired. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen have seven children : George R., his father's partner in business, is a soldier in the United States army in France, a member of a hospital ambulance corps ; Anna A., the wife of Floyd White, of Grand Island; Mable A., who resides with her parents; Roy W., in business at Casper, Wyoming; and Marie, Evelyn and Lorraine, all of whom are at home.

When Mr. Rasmussen settled permanently in Grand Island, he went into the contracting business for himself, in which line he has continued to the present time. His son and present partner, George R., grew up in the business under his direction and they have been associated as a firm since 1915. Among the fine buildings they have constructed in Grand Island may be mentioned the H. P. Hansen store, the Emil Rickert store and several large buildings for Mr. Wolbach. Mr. Rasmussen has always taken interest in educational progress and he has served six years as a member of the city school board.

JEREMIAH A. WINGERT, the founder ofl one of Grand Island's most important manufacturing concerns, in which he continued to be interested until the close of his busy life, was a member of a large family that has been more or less distinguished in Hall County for over forty years. While other members of the family followed agricultural pursuits to some extent, Jeremiah A. Wingert's predilections were in the line of mechanics, in which branch of industry he was eminently successful. Mr. Wingeii established the Grand Island Culvert and Metal Works.

Jeremiah A. Wingert was born in Warren County, Illinois, in 1868, and died in Grand Island, Nebraska, September 13, 1914. His parents were Peter S. and Maria (Rynard) Wingert, both of whom were born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, where they were reared, married and lived until Peter S. Wiiigert was thirty-five years old. He was a tailor by trade. A rapidly increasing family led to thoughts of providing for the future in a more certain way than remuneration from his trade promised. That led to removal to a farm in Werren County, Illinois, and later to Nebraska. In 1873 Peter S. Wingert homesteaded in Hall County and the family resided for some years in Prairie Creek township. Some changes of residence were made between 1877 and 1886, when Mr. Wingert came to the rapidly developing town of Cairo, where he, as a nian of high character and sound judgment, was a valued chizen. His death oi.curred in Grand Island in 1902, having survived his wife since

1891. Of their ten children the following survive : Mary E., the widow of Samuel Schlisler, of 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 the city of Chicago ; George W., cashier of the Cairo State Bank ; Milton C, who married Robert Calhoun, lives at Wood River, Nebraska ; and Emma J., who lives in Canada, is the wife of John H. Squires. Those deceased are: Salmon M., William C, and Jeremiah A.

Jeremiah A. Wingert was five years old when his parents came first to Hall County and it was mainly in the Hall County schools that he secured an elementary education. He learned the tinner's trade and followed the same for a time after coming to Grand Island. He had business ambition beyond many of those with whom he associated and hence came about the establishing of the Grand Island Culvert and Metal Works. Beginning in a small way the concern rapidly grew to large proportions under his management and became a great factor in the city's industrial enterprises. He retained management of the company and was virtually its head for many years. In 1909 he consented to sell some of his interest in the plant and reorganized it under the name of the Grand Island Culvert Works with Mr. Wingert as president. After his death Mrs. Wingert disposed of her interests to the other stockholders.

On September 15, 1901, Jeremiah A. Wingert married Miss Stella Heath, who was born in Putnam County, Indiana. Her parents were H. C. and Isabel (Adair) Heath, natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. Both were brought to Michigan in infancy, were married in Indiana, and now reside with their daughter, Mrs. Wingert, who occupies the attractive residence that Mr. Wingert built on East Seventh street. Grand Island. Mrs. Wingert has one brother, Frank Heath, who is a civil engineer, and has one sister, Cora, the wife of Arthur Snell, employed in a bank in Denver, Colorado. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wingert, Mildred and Helen, both of whom are attending school. Mrs. Wingert and her daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he was identified with the Republican party, and fraternally he was a Mason, belonging to the Commandery, and also a Shriner. Also, he was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Highlanders. He is recalled by his fellow citizens as an upright, honorable man in business and thoroughly dependable in all friendly relationships.

CHARLES A. HOFMANN, well known in Grand Island in both business and political circles, has been a resident o' this city for more than a quarter of a century. During almost all of this period he has been in business for himself as a blacksmith, starting necessarily in a small way as he had little capital, but through hard work and pru'dent investments gradually accumulating until at the present time he is the owner of valuable property.

Charles A. Hofmann was born January 19, 1859, near Coblentz, Germany, the only survivor of eleven children born to Anton and Henrietta (Lotz) Hofmann, who spent their lives in their native land. The father was a blacksmith by trade and evidently was a man of responsibility, as for many years he was assistant mayor of the village of Obemhof, a place noted for its fine scenery on the river Lahn. He was a politician and belonged to what was then known as the Liberal party. Until he was fourteen years old, Charles A. Hofmann attended school, then he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade and made such good progress that when only eighteen years old he had completed his trade and went to work in a shop. A year later he was a finished workman and though only a lad of nineteen was engaged as a bridge builder in constructing bridges over the Rhine and other rivers of Germany. Subsequently he worked in the mines of his native country. From 1879 until 1882, he served in the German army, and in 1883 he came to the United States.

When Mr. Hofmann reached Nebraska he found many of his countrymen comfortably settled here and the greater number were prosperous and respected business men. He stopped for one week in Kearney before coming on to Grand Island, where he entered the employ of Henry Stratman, for whom he worked three and one-half years. Mr. Hofmann then embarked in business for himself, as mentioned above, and being an expert at his trade and honest in his business methods, soon made friends, many of whom were his patrons up to 1918, when he retired.

Mr. Hofmann married first in 1886, Miss Ella Trinke, who was born in Hall County, Nebraska. On a return voyage from Germany, January 30. 1895, the ship Elbe was wrecked in the North sea, and Mrs. Hofmann and infant son were lost. Only four of the passengers and sixteen of the crew of the ill-fated ship were saved. In 1897 Mr. Hofmann married Miss Minnie Sievers, who was the first white female child in Howard County, Nebraska, taken there by her parents when an infant. Her parents were Theodor and Catherine (Sierk) Sievers. Her father built the first school house in Howard County.

Mr. Hofmann has always been intelligently interested in public afi'airs. While he is a strong Republican in national politics, good judgment has led him to maintain an independent attitude in regard to local matters, and the personal knowledge he has of local candidates assists him when casting his city vote. He formerly belonged to the A. O. U. W., of which he was recorder for thirteen years, and to the Liederkranz society, of which he has been secretary for two years.

JOHN W. DENMAN is one of the pioneers of Hall County who for many years was a leading farmer and stockman and whose industry and good judgment brought him success that makes it possible to put aside the activities of former years and is living in retirement in a beautiful home in Grand Island, surrounded by all the necessities and many of the luxuries of the present day.

Mr. Denman was born in McLean County, Illinois, November 15, 1854. His parents were William H. and Mary (Brown) Denman, the fonner a native of Licking County, Ohio, while the birthplace of the latter was in the state of Virginia. William H. Denman was a farmer all his life residing first in Ohio, later in Illinois and about 1856 became a resident of Nebraska and secured a homestead in Nemaha County, where he resided until 1871 when he came to Hall County and bought land, making this his home the remainder of his days.

John W. Denman was the youngest of eight children, six of whom are living: Henry C, J. H. and Joseph, all residents of Grand Island ; Augusta is the wife of W. H. Dempster, of Oregon ; Martha, is the wife of Hiram England, of Hamilton County, Nebraska ; and John W.

The latter was a babe when brought to Nebraska and was reared on the pioneer farm in Nemaha County, acquiring his education in the public schools, later attending the State Normal at Peru. On the 25th of January, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Huhn, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Magee) Huhn. Mr. and Mrs. Denman have become the parents of three children, two of whom are living, namely: Albert J., who is manager of the Ajnerican Beet Sugar Com-

John W. Denman has been a resident of Hall County since 1871 and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1912 when he retired to Grand Island, although still retaining possession of a valuable farm property. Mrs. Denman is a member of the M. E. church and in politics Mr. Denman is a Republican. The family are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

CLAUS EGGERS. - One of the representative citizens of Hall County may be found in Claus Eggers, one of Grand Island's retired business men, who came here in early days and through his own industry soon became independent. He has assisted in the development of this section of Nebraska, from the days of savage Indians and herds of deer and buffalo, to present conditions that represent comfortable living and even luxury.

Claus Eggers was born December 7, 1849, under the Danish flag, in Schleswig-Holstein. After the war between Austria-Germany and Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein was annexed to Germany, which the parents, like many other patriotic Danish people, bitterly resented. Thfey were Hans and Margaret (Peters) Eggers. The father owned a little farm and lived contentedly until political conditions made him anxious to escape German rule, and in 1875 they left Schleswig, their old home, for that land of the free, the United States, to join their son Claus in Hall County. The father died December 14, 1885, and the mother, January 20, 1901. They have five children and of the four who are living all are residents of the United States. They are Claus and Mrs. Anna Rethmann; Mrs. Charles Guenther and John Eggers, Loup City, Sherman County, Nebraska.

Mr. Eggers attended the common schools in his native land before coming to the United States in 1869. In the winter of that year, on his way to Nebraska, the ferry boat on which he was crossing the Missouri river, froze fast and he crossed on the ice. After reaching Hall County he went to work on a farm and then on railroad construction. He remembers seeing the first year so many antelopes on the land that the present site of St. Francis Hospital could not be seen. During 1870 and 1871 great herds of bulTalo could be seen at many places coming from the river as the lack of rain had caused all their secret water holes to dry up. In 1870 a gang of railroad section men were killed by the Indians, and after that the railroad men were allowed to carry weapons for their protection. All these things caused a different mode of living than the present, but it is well for our pioneers to recall them as interesting pages in the history of the county.

Early in the eighties Mr. Eggers went into the meat market business in partnership with his two brothers, a partnership which continued until 1888. Mr. Eggers then engaged in the retail liquor business, which he followed for fourteen years, conducting a quiet, respectable place which had the approval of the community and the patronage of leading citizens. Mr. Eggers never countenanced the modern objectionable features that largely led to the adoption of the present prohibitory laws.

On April 24, 1886, Mr. Eggers married Miss Mary Nieburger, a daughter of Christ and Annie (Kramback) Nieburger, who were born in the same section of Denmark as the Eggers family. They came to the United States and settled in Clinton County, Iowa, in 1869. In the fall of 1870 Mrs. Eggers' father took a homestead in Hall County, on which they yet live. It lies four miles southeast of Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Eggers have two sons, Otto and Henry, both of whom are soldiers in the United States army.

Mr. Eggers took out his first naturalization papers in 1870, and his second papers in 1875, having come to the United States with the intention of becoming an American citizen. He has proved the sincerity of his proclaimed intentions, and in every way is recognized as true and loyal to this country. He votes with the Demorcratic party in the large affairs of the nation, but in local elections uses his own judgment. For two years he has been a member of the city council. While he attends the Lutheran church he has never formally united with it, but he has been liberal to all religious bodies, and has assumed it his duty to contribute to all worthy charities that have been brought to his attention. The comfortable family residence was built in 1875 and in 1913 it was thoroughly remodeled and is , now modern in every way.

STEPHEN S. HAYMAN, numbered with the 1883 pioneers of Hall County, is a prominent business man in Grand Island, where he has spent many years of a ver}' busy life. He still owns his old homestead, secured thirtysix years ago, together with much valuable city realty, and since 1898 has been in the real estate and general insurance business.

Mr. Hayman was born November 19, 1851, at Letart Falls, Ohio, one of a family of four children and the only survivor, born to Stephen T .and Letitia (Caldwell) Hayman. The Hayman family is of old English stock. Its founders in the United States were four brothers who landed in Maryland, one of whom, a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal faith, was the grandfather of Stephen S. Hayman. He located in Ohio and there Stephen T. Hayman was born, and there he died when his son Stephen was six months old. Like his father he was of religious mind and was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but his vocation was farming. The mother of Mr. Hayman was born at Wolf's Island, Kentucky, and died in Nebraska at the age of eighty-four years. Her father came to Kentucky from Ireland after the most of the family had died there of the black plague. He bought Wolf's Island and died there when his daughter was only four years old. The only relative was an aunt, who lived at Rutland, Ohio. She took the orphan child to her home, abandoning the island, the child's birthright, which was subsequently sold for taxes and at the present time is worth millions. Mrs. Hayman was reared and married in Ohio, and after the death of Mr. Hayman, married again, being united to H. P. Lawrey, a lawyer at Letart Falls, Meigs County, Ohio. Of the four children of her second marriage, two are living in Hall County : H. P. Lawrey, and Mrs. W. H. Quillen, of Grand Island.

Stephen S. Hayman completed his high school course at Racine, Ohio, in time to teach his first school when sixteen years Df age, after which he took a full course in the .Lebanon Normal school and thus thoroughly fitted himself for teaching, which profession he afterward followed in Ohio for several years. Having thereby impaired his health, Mr. Hayman decided upon an entire change of both climate and business. In 1883 he came to Hall County and bought a half section of land. He lost his first crops, later suiTered from the low prices obtainable for his products, and during the drought of 1890, his cattle died. In the meanwhile he had taught school during the winters and thus had managed to get along. He had been graduated in penmanship from a commercial college at Poughkeepsie, New York, and in 1890 he found an opportunity to teach this art, conducting classes in the Glover building in Grand Island.

continued his work for several years. A business opportunity then seemed to open in the Black Hills, in the wholesale fruit and vegetable line and it was while there that he first became particularly interested in fraternal insurance, and the position of state manager of the Home Forum, with jurisdiction in Oregon and Washington was offered him. He declined the oii'er, however, and in 1898 came back to Grand Island. Subsequently he accepted the position of state manager of the Modern Brotherhood of America, which still engages his attention. From this beginning Mr. Hayman gradually embarked in a general insurance business and the handling of real estate, much of the latter being his own property.

On November 4, 1875, Mr. Hayman married Miss Elizabeth Douglas, who was born near Ravenswood, West Virginia, a daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Stone) Douglas. The father of Mrs. Hayman was a wealthy farmer in West Virginia. He survived to the age of seventy-five years but the mother of Mrs. Hayman passed away at the age of forty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Hayman have had three children : Ora O., who resides on his father's farm ; Stephen A., who owns and operates the beautiful Lyda Theater In Grand Island, and Sarah, who was accidentally killed by a gasoline explosion. Mr. Hayman is a Republican in politics and he says the nearest he ever came to political office was when he was defeated by only eleven votes for county superintendent. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and a Mason, his son having reached the Thirty-second degree in this order.

RICHARD A. ODUM, deputy county clerk of Hall County, Nebraska, has been a resident of Grand Island for over two decades. Although not entirely, yet in large measure, Mr. Odum has been identified with railroads throughout his business career, and he is well and favorably known in the offices of the different systems that operate through Nebraska.

Richard A. Odum was born at Benton, Franklin County, Illinois, February 13, 1876, the only survivor of two children born to Adelbert R. and Hannah (Moore) Odum, the former of whom died when the boy was only two years old. His business was farming and stockraising, for the most part in Illinois, where he owned fine land on which coal was subsequently discovered. After his death, which occurred in March, 1878, the mother left the farm and moved to Benton where she and her son resided until January, 1891, when removal was made to Colfax County, Nebraska. At that time Mrs. Odum was united in marriage with John A. Brown. Since June, 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Brown have lived retired in Grand Island.

Richard A. Odum attended the common schools in Benton and the high school in Schuyler, Nebraska. He began his business career as a clerk in the offices of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad, at Schuyler, and after transfers to a number of other cities, came to Grand Island in 1898 remaining with the above system until 1905. From 1906 until 1910, he was associated with the Union Pacific Railroad, when he retired from railroad work, and for the following five years conducted a meat and grocery business in Grand Island. This business he sold in 1915 and for a few months afterward was again in railroad work, which he gave up when he was appointed deputy county clerk, in January, 1917. He is serving in his second term and is a very popular official.

On June 14, 1899, Mr. Odum married Miss Jennie Brown, of Schuyler, Nebraska. Her parents were James T. and Ellen (Miller) Brown, both of whom are deceased, having been old and highly respected residents of Colfax County. Mr. and Mrs. Odum have one son, Windsor A., who was born June 7, 1900, a well educated young man who still makes hig home with his parents. Mrs. Odum is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which she is very active. She has been one of the leaders in the Y. W. C. A. in Grand Island and is on the board of directors of this organization. During the entire period of the World War she was indefatigable in her labors for the Red Cross. Mr. Odum also has been a leader in patriotic work and was secretary of the county council of defense. In politics he is a sturdy Republican, in church connection he is a Baptist, and fraternally is identified with the Elks.

FRANCIS CORKINS, one of the best known residents of Grand Island, came to Hall County when this present modern commercial city had but one store and three saloons to represent its business enterprises. He was a young man of twenty-five but had already seen much adventure, having just served three years in the Union Army during the Civil War. His settlement here was for permanency, not speculation, and throughout many succeeding years he was actively and

The birth of Francis Corkins took place in County Cavin, Ireland, October 26, 1842. His parents were Patrick and Nancy (Carlin) Corkins, who came to the United States in 1847. They reached Illinois on their travels westward, spending one year in Chicago. The father had been a small farmer in Ireland and it was on a farm in McHenry County, Illinois, that they settled permanently, and there the father died in 1863. The mother survived until 1904. Of their seven children four are living, but Francis Corkins is the only one of the family in Nebraska and the only one of the name, the other children of the family being girls.

Francis Corkins attended the country school in his boyhood, that was situated two and a half miles from his father's farm in McHenry County, and as soon as old enough assisted on the farm. On August 4, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Union Army for service during the Civil War, and as proof of being a worthy soldier, was promoted to be corporal of his company. He was honorably discharged August 18, 1865, having escaped all serious injuries and even capture by the enemy, although close to it in the engagement at Guntown, Mississippi. Mr. Corkins then returned to his father's farm but was not satisfied to remain there, having by that time ambitions to own land for himself, hence, in the fall of 1867 he came to Nebraska. He worked for farmers in Hall County and then homesteaded near Wood River, remaining on his farm eleven years, then sold and moved into Grand Island, where he purchased a livery stable. For twenty-four years he operated that establishment, through his business capacity making it a profitable enterprise and the leading one here for many years. On March 1, 1913, Mr. Corkins retired.

On November 5, 1876, Mr. Corkins married Miss Harriet E. Smith, a daughter of George P. and Harriet N. (McGregor) Smith, her mother being a first cousin of Ralph W. Emerson. Mrs. Corkins' parents were early settlers of Hall County. Her father's death was the result of one of those unfortunate accidents that pioneer history so often records. Although seventy years old he was both physically and mentally active and enjoyed taking part in some of the farm industries. In May, 1875, he attempted alone to bum ofif a field of prairie grass, and when the wind suddenly veered to the opposite direction, he was caught in the flames and his death followed six weeks later. Not having any children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Corkins adopted a nine year old girl named Anna Bliss, who was carefully reared and subsequently married Douglas Woodman, of Denver, who is now a soldier in the Unites States army in France. They have one son, Wilbur Woodman, who resides with Mr. and Mrs. Corkins. The latter is a member of the Christian Science church. In politics Mr. Corkins is a Democrat. His fellow citizens have often desired him to accept public office and he served as county supervisor for two years, but otherwise he has always declined. The legislation that has abolished alcohol from the country as a beverage may have disturbed some of Mr. Corkins' fellow citizens but not himself, for never, in his entire life, has he tasted liquor, and what is still further somewhat unusual, he has never used tobacco.

CARRIE L. FRASER. - There are many well satisfied residents of Grand Island who. consider the development of the public schools during the past twenty-nine years, one of the city's most notable evidences of progress. In this connection not a few will accord much credit to Miss Carrie Eraser, whose devotion to the cause of education has been the leading motive of her life since early girlhood. In 1894 Miss Eraser was made principal of the Piatt school. Grand Island.