Richardson County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 11 of 19)

Michael L. Hays was five years of age when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Iowa, and was seven when they came to this county. He grew to manhood on the home farm and, like the sons of all pioneers, found plenty of hard work to do in assisting his father develop the home place in West Muddy. He received his early education in a pri\ate school, as the opportunities for attending public schools in those early days of the West were exceedingly limited. By wide miscellaneous home reading and by actual contact with the world he has become a well-iaiformed man along general lines. He continued to work on the home farm until 1883. having purchased the place about 1870. He made extensive improvements on the place, kept it under a splendid state of cultivation, and was successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. However, desiring another field for the exercise of his talents, he left the farm in 1883 and moved to Stella, where he purchased a lumber yard, which he conducted until 1885. when he sold out and engaged in the drug business there until 1895, in which year he resumed the lumber business and has retained interests in a lumber yard there ever since. In 191 7 he located in Lincoln, and is now president of the well-known and rapidly growing Hays Lumber Company, which, under his able and judicious direction, has taken its place in the front ranks of lumber companies in this state. The company owns and operates six )-ards, located at the following Nebraska towns : Stella, Shubert, Syracuse, Crete, Hebron and Dewitt. The general offices of the firm are in Lincoln, at No. looi Terminal Building. All the retail yards are doing a very satisfactory business, carryng large stocks of all kinds of lumber and building material.

Mr. Hays married Mattie McDowell, who was born near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Weller) McDowell, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Nebraska, having located on a farm in Muddy River precinct, Richardson county, where they became very comfortably established as a result of their close application and good management. Mrs. Hays grew to womanhood on the farm and was educated in the district schools and in the Brownsville high school. Prior to her marriage she taught in the district schools for a number of years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hays two children have been born, one of whuni died in infancy. Herbert Hays, the son, whose birth occurred on October II, 1888, was educated in the public schools of Stella, in the Omaha high scliool and at Colgate College, at Hamilton. Xew York, and also studied in the University of Nebraska. He made an excellent record as a student, and thus exceptionally well equipped for his life work he turned his attention to the lumber business at Stella, and became secretary, treasurer and general manager of the yards of the Hays Lumber Company there. He discharged his duties as head of the yards there in an able, successful and highly satisfactory manner until January, 191 5, when he went to Lincoln, where he has held an official position with the company ever since.

Herbert Hays was married on January 26, 1916, to Evelyn Beaumont, who was born in Perkins county, Nebraska, a daughter of C. H. and Grace (Nash) Beaumont, both natives of Connecticut, but who are now residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Mr. Beaumont is engaging in the banking business.

Michael L. Hays and his family belong to the Baptist church. His wife was first married to Arthur Walsh, and a daughter was born to that union. Marguerite, who is now Mrs. Harvey Hogreve. Mr. Hogreve is now manager of the yards of the Hays Lumber Company at Hebron. He formerly lived at Stella. He is a member of the company and a stockholder in the same: Michael L. Hays is a man who has always borne a reputation for unswerving honesty, industry, public spirit and pleasing personality, and has a host of friends wherever he is known.

William G. Tones

A highly respected citizen and successful agriculturist of Richardson countv during the generation that has just passed, who is deserving of a place in local history was the late William G. Jones, of Humboldt. He was l)urn on Alarch 30,. 1828, at Steuben, Oneida county, New York, a son of William G. and Grace (Griffith) Jones, lx)th natives of Wales, from which countr)- William G. Jones, Sr., emigrated to New York and was there married. William G., the subject of this review, was reared in New York -State, and there on January 20, 1857, was married to Elizabeth J. Owens, who was born on August T9, 1837, at Remsen, Oneida county. Xew "S'ork. Her family and the Jones family were later neighbors. Eliza- 1-eth I. Owens was a daughter of Evan Owens, who was born in 1799 in Wales, from which country he came to America with his parents in 1800, and here he spent the rest of his life, dying at an advanced age in 1884. He married Honorah Smith, who was horn at Remsen, Oneida county, New York in 1808. Her death occurred in 1850. Ten children were born to Evan Owens, nine by his first wife, named as follow: James, deceased; Charles, who lives in New York; John, deceased: Elizabeth J., who became the wife of William G. Jones; Mrs. Martha Brown, who lives in New York state; Mary Ann, deceased; Hannah, deceased; Evan. Jr., who lives in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Smith, deceased.

William G. Jones, the subject of this sketch, and wife moved from New York to Kane county, Illinois, in 1857. They purchased a farm and continued to reside there until 1880, when they sold out and came to Nebraska, buying a farm in Porter precinct, this county, for which they paid only eighteen dollars an acre. The same land is now worth two hundred dollars an acre. Mr. Jones brought the place up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and made a success as a general farmer, the place now being one of the most desirable farms in the precinct; being not only exceptionally productive, but well equipped with timber and running water. Mr. Jones continued to reside there until in November, 1903, when he purchased a beautiful home in Humboldt, where he also made many important improvements. He had been a gpf)d ma'nager ant} a hard worker while on the farm and he was thus enabled to spend his declining years in the midst of plenty and in lionorable retirement. He accumulated two hundred and ninety-six acres of valuable land in all.

To \\'illiam G. Jones, Jr., and wife the following children were born: Frank, whose birth occurred at Sugar Grove, Kane county. Illinois, February 23, 1858, and who died on June i, 1903; Herbert, born at Sugar Grove, Illinois, December 3. i860, who lives at Colorado Springs. Colorado. where he has been employed by a grain commission firm since 1892, and Grace, who was graduated from the State Normal school at l^eru. Nebraska, taught school successfully in Richardson county for a number (if years, including three terms in the Humboldt schools, and now looks after her father's estate, which she is managing with ability and success. Her mother was also a school teacher for some -time in the state of New York and was a well educated wf)man for her day and generation.

Politically, Mr. Jones was a Rei)ublican, and was active and infiuential in public affairs. He held the office of county commissioner in Kane county. Illinois; however, he never cared for public office, being primarilv a home man, best contented when by his own fireside, and was alwavs kind, thoughtful and indulgent to his familv. He and his familv attended the

Ii04 Richardson County, Nebraska

The death of Mr. Jones occurred on Februarj- 25, 1907. when lacking about a month of his seventy-ninth birthday. Five weeks before his death, on January 20. 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Jones celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, the day being devoted to a reception and dinner to scores of their country friends, and the evening being devoted to receiving. the city people from 7:30 to 9:30 P. AI. More than two hundred invitations were issued and many very fine presents were received by this estimable couple.

Major William H. Keeling

In a history of Richardson county, Nebraska, special mention should be made of Major William H. Keeling, now living in retirement in Falls City, after a successful career. His army record is one of which his family and friends may well be proud, for he performed his duties nobly in assisting to save tlie L'nion a half century ago. He was born on ^larch 18, 1835. in Vermont, near the Canadian boundary. He is a son of Henry and Nancy ( Hill ) Keeling, natives of Canada and Vermont, respectively. The mother of Henry Keeling was a Revolutionary pensioner, who, when ninety-six years of age, made the long journey from Rockford, Illinois, to Connecticut. The family is of pioneer New England stock, dating back to the year 1635. Henry Keeling left Vermont in 1836 and went to New Orleans, Louisiana. He became a sailor, following the sea in a sailing vessel until 1855, then came to Amboy, Illinois. He bought the land warrants of American soldiers who had served in the Mexican war, and entered a vast tract of land near Amboy. engaging in fanning there on an extensive scale; but he had sold all his land prior to his death. He sold one hundred and sixty acres to a brother of Charles Dickens. The mother of the subject of this sketch died when he was a child. He remained with the rest of the family in Vermont when his father went to New Orleans. It was not long until the latter became a sailing master on the Gulf of Mexico, where he remained for a number of years.

William H. Keeling spent his boyhood in his native state and there attended the common schools and the academy at Bakersfield, \'ernionl. He began working at the printer's trade, but in 1853 joined his father in New Orleans. In April, 1855, he entered the employ of the L'nited States government, and was a member of a surveying corps at Leavenworth. Kansas, one season. He then clerked in a grocery store at Leavenworth until the spring of 1856, following which he entered the employ of an immigration company in eastern Iowa for one year. He followed surveying in Louisiana a year, and in 1858 went to Houston, Texas, where he was associated with a family that were relatives of William H. Taft, later to become President of the United States, remaining with that household until i860. He planned to go intcf business in the South, but sickness overtaking him, he returned to the old homestead, later coming to St. Louis, where he worked awhile, going to eastern Iowa in 1861, where he recruited for the L'nited States army. He was offered a commission of lieutenant-colonel of a regiment of volunteers, but declined, preferring to i-emain with the Thirteenth Regiment of the regular army, which he did until 1867. He has been known as "Major" Keeling for fifty years. He has three commissions, two signed by President Lincoln and one by President Johnson. His first service was at Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, but from 1862 until the close of the war he was under Gen. William T. Sherman in his famous Southern campaigns, and he was for a time a member of Sherman's staff, temporarily as quartermaster. He had authorit\- as lieutenant to use Sherman's name in performing his duties in his official capacity. He is one of only two living survivors entitled to "head- (juarters badges" of the military division of the Mississippi commanded by Gen. \\\ T. Sherman. He was admired by his comrades and trusted by his officers, known to all as a brave and efficient officer. He served in many important engagements and campaigns. On May 6, 1866, having remained in the regular army aftei' the close of hostilities, he was sent from Ft. Lea\enworth to Montana, as quartermaster in charge of a vast amount of government supplies carried on several steamers, arriving at his destination on July iith of that year. He built the military post at the mouth of the Judith river in Montana, known as Camp Cooke. He also selected the site of Ft. Shaw. He retired from the service in 1867, after a most commendable record, receiving an honorable discharge. He came to Falls City in 1868 and on September 5th of that year engaged in the general merchandise business with Maj. J. E. Burbank, until the fall of 1872, when he was appointed army post trader for the United States government at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He held this position until the spring of 1886, when he returned to Falls City, wher he had retained some business interests during his absence at the fort, and here he again entered actively into mercantile pursuits. It was a partnership business until in January. 1888, when he conducted the store alone for five years or until 1893. (70)

Ii06 Richardson Couxtv, Nebraska

Major Keeling had rare experiences on the western plains in the early days of the "wild and woolly West," and he recalls many interesting reminiscences of those times. He mingled much with the Indians, was a friend to them and in turn was beloved by them; he had great influence over them. \\'hile in Montana they called him "The man that shakes hands and gives ns bread and meat." He and General Sherman remained warm friends until the latter's death.

Major Keeling was married three times: first in 1S63. to Abbie E. Dunham, of Almoral. Iowa, who died in Alay, 1866. This union was without issue. On January 3. 1868, he married for his second wife, Eliza E. Hoyt, whose death occurred on April 5, 1891, leaving two children, Lois H.. who lives at home, and Taylor, who lives in Montana and is married and has one child, Lois Harriet. The Major's third marriage took place in Ju'v, 1897, when he espoused Mrs. Zaida (Miller) Strech, of Falls City, widow of one of the first editors of the Falls City Journal. She is a daughter of Anderson Miller, an old settler of Falls City, and was born near Savannah. Missouri. Anderson Miller, her father, was born in Indiana, but moved from that state to Hancock county, Kentucky. He married Lucretia Crane, a native of New York state and the representative of an old family there. She was born in 1825 and died in 191 1. Anderson Miller was born in 1825 and died in August. 1916, having reached an advanced age. They were married in 1853 3"<i fi''''^ moved to Missouri, locating near Savannah; then returned to Indiana, but later moved back to Missouri, and in 1859 came to Richardson county, where there was but a handful of houses at Falls City. They secured eighty acres, which is now covered by the city and is a part of the original survey of the town. Mr. Miller devoted liis entire active life to farming, specializing in fruit growing, maintaining a large orchard and was one of the most successful horticulturists of this locality. He was well known and highly respected throughout the count}-. His daughter, Zaida Miller, first married H. S. Strech in 1872. He was for a number of years publisher of the Falls City Journal and his death occurred in 1885. ^^ ^^r. Strech and wife three children were born, namely: Mrs. Ada Coleman, living in Wyoming: Helen, the wife of J. L. Morgan, of Strahsville. Richardson county, and Mrs. Stella Sweeney, who resides at Golden, Colorado. To Major Keeling and his last wife one child has been born, William M. Keeling, who is at tlnis writing attending tlie military school at Kearnev. Xebraska.

Politically. Mr. Keeling is a Repul^lican and lie lias long been active- and influential in party atifairs. He has served as mayor of Falls City three ditlei- ent terms, during wliich he did much for the general welfare of the community, discharging his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon his business ability, his public spirit and high sense of honor. Religiously, he belongs to the Episcopal church. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has served this order as district commander. He is one of the most substantial and progressive citizens of Richardson county and is a man of excellent personal qualities, being well informed and an obliging, companionable and upright gentleman, who is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Christi.An A. Jorn

Christian A. Jorn, contractor of Verdon, this county, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 7, 1864, a son of Christian and Melasina ( Siebrecht) Jorn, who were natives of Germany, where they grew up, married and established their home. They were parents of twelve children, only four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mrs. Louise Wellhousen, who lives in Hesse Cassel. Germany; Mrs. Christena Ihsen. who lives in Hanover; George, who lives in Decatur, Kansas, and Christian .\., the subject of this sketch.

The gentleman whose name heads this review grew to manhood in his native land and there attended school. When a young man he learned the trade of cabinet maker. He left his native land in 1880, coming to Nebraska and setthng in Arago, where he followed his trade; and in 1883 moved to Verdon, where he has since made his home, with the exception of five years spent in iJecatur county, Kansas, where he was a pioneer. He has been one of the leading builders in the county for over thirty years, erecting town and farm houses, barns and public buildings all over this part of the county. He is also a designer, which art he learned in his native land. He is a student of modern architecture and has kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his calling. He is owner of five valuable residence properties in \'erdon, and also owns two vacant lots there. In IQ15 he erected a modern bunagolw, equipped with hot and cold water, furnace heat, gas lighting, etc., designed and built by himself, and it is one of the choice homes of its type in the county.

On October 16, 1898, Mr. Jorn was married to Emma Schrader, who was lx)rn in Illinois, February 8, 1872. Mention of her family is made in the sketch of Harry H. Schrader, appearing in another portion of this volume. To Mr. and Airs. Jorn f<jur children have been born. Mildred. Mabel, Alma and Georgia, all at home. Mr. Jorn is a Democrat, is president of the \^erdon high school board and has for some time been deeply interested in the welfare of local schools. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He belongs to the Lutheran church.

Elijah Curtls Hill, Jr

Elijah C. Hill, well-known stockman and farmer, of Grant township. Richardson county, owner of two hundred and fifty acres of land, sixty acres of which he farms, was born on the farm on which he now resides on April 7, 1867. He is the son of Elijah C. and Arcosh (Kallerstine) Hill, who were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are deceased, the others being Roland, wlio lives at Greeley, this state; Reuben J., of Porter township; Marshall N., further reference to whom is made elsewhere in this work; Mrs. Martha Van Vleet, Crete, this state, who recently married Perry M. Talle>-, and Grant, who lives in Cameron, Montana.

The following interesting facts are gathered from the Falls City Journal, published on the occasion of the anniversary of the fiftieth year following the arrival in Nebraska of E. C. Hill, Sr. :

"In 1865 E. C. Hill, Hving in the province of Ontario, near London, Canada, heard and hearkened to the call of the great West. He gathered such possessions as were his and started for the homestead country, which he understood was j^eyond the Missouri river. Somehow or other the name 'Nebraska' loomed large l>efore him and l^eckoned him on to the promise of a new and free home, the gift of the great republic on whose borders he was born and had lived up to that time. It was the 19th day of April, 1865, tliat he arrived in Nebraska.

"It was to celebrate this event that his neighbors and old-time friends met at his farm, three miles north of Dawson, on the 19th of April, 191 5, at a twelve o'clock dinner, there to rejoice with him that the fifty interveningyears had brought to him and his such a wealth of friends and fullness of life and success in the effort to build a home upon and from the fruitfulness of tlie virgin soil of Richardson county.

"E. C. Hill was born in the province of Ontario. Canada, on December 2. 1832, and is now in liis eighty-tliird year. On September 19, 1856, he married Aliss Arcosh Kallerstine. On April 19, 1865, he arrived in Nebraska. On March 26, 1866, a home was established on the one hundred and sixty acres of land entered as a homestead north of Dawson. From this modest start Mr. Hill's possessions have grown until his farm, including the original homestead, comprises one thousand and forty acres, three miles north of Dawson. . . . But these broad acres do not comprise all his land holdings, for he owns a section of land near McCook,' Nebraska, and a section of land in Saskatchewan, Canada.

"Mr. Hill is distinctly a farmer and stock raiser and his success has come by giving close attention to the details and much study to the planning for the harvest before the seed was committed to the soil. ... In 1875 the grasshoppers ate up the early crops and later the same year a severe hail storm wiped off the face of the fields what remnants the hoppers had overlooked. ... At that time Mr. Hill had a family of eight to feed and it was no easy task to keep the wolf from the door. . . Following the plow for seventy-two years has given him a close acquaintance with the mysteries of nature and the evolution of life as manifested in the growth of crops, the development of live stock and the procession of the seasons. He lias never held any political or military positions. In politics he is a Republican and his church affiliations incline to the Baptists. He is a Mason." Mr. Hill died on April i, 1916. Mrs. Hill was born on October 6, 1829, and died on October 17, 1906.

E. C. Hill, Sr., was the first farmer in the state of, Nebraska to introduce and breed the famous Polled Angus cattle, of which he was a very extensi\e breeder. With some fine specimens of his stock he won a good many prizes at various cattle shows and his Polled Angus breed were in much demand outside the confines of his home county. He was a member of the Polled Angus Cattle Association, tlie Farmers' National Congress and the Corn Belt Meat Association, in all of which organizations he took an active part, his ripe experience in all matters appertaining to the breeding and care of cattle being widely sought.

Elijah C. Hill, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of Grant township and th^ Humboldt high school. When twenty-one years of age he began working as a farm hand in his home neighborhood. ~ After a year's experience at this work he commenced clerking in a confectionery store and thus continued for about nine years. He then decided to go into the business on his own account and started a confectionery store, which he operated for a period of seven years, meeting with considerable success. He then moved to Dawson, where lie also carried on the confectionerv business for two years. In 1904 he moved out to the place which was the original homestead and began farming. He was his father's overseer on the holdings until the, death of the latter.

On October 11, 1896, Elijali C. Hill, Jr., was united in marriage to Mary A. Murphy, who was born at Seneca, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas and Ellen E. (Quinn) Murphy, both of whom were natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are parents of two children, namely : Marguerite, who is now in a convent in Falls City, this state, and Aileene, who is also in a convent at Falls City. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are earnest members of the Catholic church and liberal supporters of the same, ever ready to assist in all matters tending to the welfare of the church. Mr. Hill is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in the affairs of these organizations he takes considerable interest. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican party. By the terms of the will of the late E. C. Hill, he was made executor of the large estate left by his father and is ably managing it. He is continuing the breeding of thoroughbred Polled Angus cattle. He has only recently added some registered thoroughbred stock to the Hill herd. Mr. Hill has contributed liberally to the Red Cross movement and is a member of the local chapter of the Red Cross.

Rev. John J. Hoffman

The Rev. John J. Hoffman, pastor of the Catholic church of Sts. Peter and Paul at Falls City, is of European birth, but has been a resident of this country since he was eighteen years of age and of Nebraska since 1889. In June, 1895, the year of his ordination to the priesthood, he was appointed to the parish of Rulo, later l>eing transferred to Bellwood and thence, in 1910, to Falls City, where he since has had his residence and where he has performed a notable work in behalf of the parish over which he has spiritual direction.

Father Hoffman is a native of Lu.xemberg. born in the grand duchy of that name on October 3, 1871, son of John J. and Catherine ( Concimiu i Hoffman, the latter of whom was of Spanish parentage. The elder John J. Hoffman, who was a native of Belgium, was a manufacturer in Luxemlierg and late in life moved over into Germany, where he spent his last da)s. Until he was nine years of age the younger John J. Hoffman received his schooling in his native Luxemberg and he then was sent to an academy in the vicinity of Liege, in Belgium, where he recei\ed a scholastic training about the same in scope as that comprised in the American high school course, after which he entered the ancient University of Treves, perhaps the oldest institution of learning in what is considered to be the oldest city in Germany. Before completing the collegiate course there he came to America and located at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he entered the high school, with a view to rounding out his acquaintance with the English language. It was in 1889 that Father Hofifman came to this country, he then being eighteen years of age. After a year of high school training in English he entered upon the prescribed course in theology and philosophy, in preparation for the service of the church, to which he had consecrated his life, and after three years of such study in Milwaukee entered St. John's Universitv, in Minnesota, where, in 1895, he was ordained to the priesthood.

Immediately following his entrance upon Holy Orders, Father Hoffman was given charge of the Catholic parish at Rulo, this county, and he remained there for five years, doing a good work. In 1900 he was transferred to the parish at Bellwood, in Butler county, this state, and there he remained ten years, at the end of which time, in 19 10, he was given charge of the church of SS. Peter and Paul at Falls City, a charge which he since has faithfully administered, long having been regarded as one of the leading clergymen of his communion in the eastern part of the state. It was in May, 1910, that Father Hoffman entered upon the duties of his priestly office at Falls City and not long after becoming settled there he took up the work of parish improvement and in a remarkably short period of time had a movement on foot that resulted in the erection of a newchurch edifice and parish house, the same being provided for at a cost of fifty-two thousand dollars. Since then Father Hoft'man has made additional improvements, in the way of furnishings and decorations, costing no less a sum than thirteen thousand dollars; the total expenditures on parish improvement during his pastorate thus totaling about sixty-five thousand dollars, a notable work when it is considered that the parish contains but one hundred and twenty-five families. Not only in a material way has Father Hoft'man advanced the interests of the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul since assuming the pastorate of the same, but equal progress has been made in a spiritual way and all departments of the work of the parish are reported progressing admirably. In the historical section of this volume, in the chapter relating to churches of Richardson county, there is presented an admirable picture of the church, school and parish house which will give the reader a definite idea of the fine bit of church property owned

Charles Alfred Strawn

Charles Alfred Strawn, former justice of the peace in and for the precinct of Speiser, an honored veteran of the Civil War and one of the bestknown pioneer farmers of Richardson county, proprietor of a fine farm in Grant precinct and the owner of other land in Speiser precinct, is a native of the state of Illinois, but has been a resident of this county since 1866, the year in which he came out here and entered a claim. He was born on a farm in Franklin township, DeKalb county, Illinois, February 13, 1843, son of Abner and Sarah (Hart) Strawn, natives of Canada, the former of whom was born in 1812 and the latter in 1824, who became ])ioneers i>t this county and here spent their last days.

Abner Strawn was the son of Joab Strawn, who was born in Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and who had moved to Canada in the days of his young manhood and had married and reared his family there." Abner Strawn married in Canada and in 1842 mo\ed to Illinois, locating on a farm in Franklin township, DeKalb county, where he reared his family and where he resided until 1867, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Nebraska, settling on a farm seven miles south and west of Humboldt, in Speiser precinct, later moving to a farm four miles southeast of Humboldt, where he spent his last days, his deatli occurring there in 1900. His widow survived him for nine years, her death occurring in 191 1. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this .sketch was the first-born, the others being as follow : Mrs. Mary Jane Backus, of Brown county, Kansas, died in 1888; William ].. of Lamar. Colorado; Frank, deceased, and Thomas, deceased.

Charles A. Strawn grew to manhood on the farm on which he was born in Illinois, receiving his schooling in the neighborhood schools, and was living there when the Civil War broke out. On August 7, 1862, he then being nineteen years of age, he enlisted for service at Franklin, Illinois, as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with that command served until the close of the war, receiving his final discharge at Chicago on June 17, 1865. The One Hundred and

Fifth Illinois participated in some of the most stirring battles and engagements of the war and during all this strenuous service Mr. Strawn was wounded but once, a spent ball glancing off one of his ribs while fighting Wheeler's cavalry at Lawtonville, during the Carolina campaign, February 13, 1865, the wound laying him up for several days. During that battle he was in the advance guard and was lying in a ditch at the side of the road awaiting the enemy's advance when the buHef\struck him. He was all through the Atlanta campaign, took part in the taking of Atlanta, having previously fought in the battles at Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Churchy Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, and then went on with Sherman to the sea and took part in the capture of Savannah, crossing the Savannah river in a row boat on the cold and stormy New Year Day of 1865. With the great army he then proceeded on up through the Carolinas and after the battle of Lawtonville, mentioned above, participated in the battle of Averysboro, March 17, 1865, and then, on March 19, the battle of Benton viHe, the last engagement of that division. Mr. Strawn then participated in the Grand Review at Washington and witli liis regiment was mustered out in that city, later reporting at Chicago for final discharge.

Upon the completion of his military service Charles A. Strawn returned to his father's farm in Illinois and the next year, in 1866, came out to the then Territory of Nebraska with a view to entering a claim and establishing a home in the new country. He drove through by way of Council Bluffs, entering Richardson county via Table Rock, and after a bit of prospecting located his claim in section 21. town i, range 13, which later came to be organized as the precinct of Speiser. He then returned home and on the following New Year Day married and straightway returned here with his bride, employing a man to drive him and his wife out from St. Joseph, the trip being made through a foot and a half of snow. He erected a Cottonwood shanty on the place the next summer, 1867, and in that humble abode, with unbattened chinks and no ceiling, he and his bride began their housekeeping operations. To his original claim Mr. Strawn presently added two and one-half acres of timber land, paying for the same sixty dollars an ;icre and adding forty acres to his homestead. On that pioneer place lie lived until 1888, meanwhile improving and developing the same in fine shape, and then traded the two hundred acres for the old Bowman liomestead quarter section in Grant township on which he is now living and where he ever since has made his home, long having been very comfortably estaljlished there. Mr. Strawn has a well-kept and well-improved farm and is looked upon as one of the substantial i)ioneer farmers of that community.

I I 14 Richardson County, Nebraska

He is a Republican and has ever taken an earnest interest in the general political affairs of the county, and has served Speiser precinct in the capacity of justice of the peace, as a school director and as constable. He is an active charter member of the William Mix Post, No. 66, Grand Army of the Republic at Humboldt, in the affairs of which patriotic organization he has for years taken a warm interest, and is also affiliated with tiie local lodges of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Mr. Strawn has been twice married. On January i, 1867, in Illinois, he was united in marriage to Emily J. Young, who was born in that state on February 2.2, 1849, a daughter of John and Emaline (Morris) Young, and to that union four children were born, namely: Mrs. Rosa West, who is living on the old home place; Sherman, who died in infancy; Emory M., now a resident of Los Angeles, California, and Laura, who died at the age of five years. The mother of these children died on September 5, 1876, and in March, 1877, Mr. Strawn married Mary Houser, who was born in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1853, and who died on December II, 1910. To that union were born eleven children, five of whom died in infancy, those who grew to maturity being as follow : William G., who is farming the home place; Mert and Bert, deceased; Mrs. Ella Bemis, of Speiser township; Charles Alfred, Jr., who is on the home farm, and Alice A., who is her father's housekeeper. The Strawns have a pleasant home and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of tlie conimunitv.

Charles E. Stoltz

Charles E. Stoltz, for years a well-known and successful farmer, living in Franklin precinct, this county, has recently disposed of his tine farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of prime land, all in an excellent state of improvement; however, he is still the owner of forty acres of land in Texas, in the irrigated section of the Rio Grande. He was liorn on April 27,. 1870. in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, the son of \\'illiam and Alary (Ulmer) Stoltz, also natives of tiie same county and state. \\'illiani Stoltz was a son of Jacob Stoltz, a nati\e of Germany. Mary Ulmer was the daughter uf Isaac Ulmer and wife.

sixty acres of raw prairie land. He moved his family to the farm the following spring and began the task of clearing the ground for culti\ation. William Stoltz was born in 1847 aaul died on March 20, 1915. His wife, Alary Ulmer, was born on Alay 31, 1849, ^"^1 died on January li, 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Jacob F., who lives in Aurora, Illinois; Isaac H.. of Onaga, Kansas; Samuel, who lives in Chicago; WiUiam F., who lives on the home farm; Ezra W.. of Jerome, Idaho; Daniel, who died in 1878; Martin, who died in 1896; Mrs. Clara Bobbitt, who lives in Jerome, Idaho, and Hattie, who lives in Porter precinct. Of these children, Charles E. was educated in the Lycoming county schools, Pennsylvania, and Jacob was graduated from the Stella high school and from the University of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. William Stoltz were married on June 22, 1869.

Following his education, Charles E. Stoltz assisted his father in building up a home and continued in this way up to the time of his marriage in 1893. In the latter year he rented his father's farm for four years and later bought out the home place, subsequently selling it. In 1904 he moved to Dawson and for two years was engaged in the hardware and imj)leinent business and then sold out. In 1906 Mr. Stoltz bought an improved farm near Holdridge, Phillips county, this state. He was the second man to pay fifty dollars an acre for land in that locahty, and sold his holding at an enhanced price of seventy-five dollars an acre. He then moved to Franklin precinct, this county, and bought the farm, which he vacated about twelve months ago, paying one hundred dollars an acre for the same in 1908. This tract of one hundred and sixty acres he parted with in 1916, obtaining one hundred and seventj-live dollars an acre for the land.

On February 9, 1893. Charles E. Stoltz was united in marriage to Anna Heim. who was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on February II, 1869, daughter of John J. and Rosina Heim, also natives of that state. Further mention of this branch of the Heim family will be found in another ])art of this work in a sketch relating to Israel Heim. Tc Mr. and Mrs. Stoltz four children have been born, as follow: Esther, born on June 25, 1895; Iva, December 2j. 1900; Carl, December 30. 1904, and Mildred, October 20, 1908.

yiv. Stoltz is a Democrat, l)ut has never sought public office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen, and in the affairs of both organizations he takes a warm interest. He and his wife and family are members of the United Evangelical church.

Richardson Countv. Nebraska

The name of Edward Uhri of Humboldt, needs no introduction to tile readers of this book, since he has long l)een active in the affairs of Richardson county, and is one of our leading- farmers and business men. He was born on May 14, 1864, on his present farm, being the scion of a pioneer family ; in fact, his birth occurred in a corn crib, his parents, John ^fatthew and Barbara (Lutz) Uhri, having started in life here with little of this world'"s goods. The father was born in Germany. April 19, 1823, and died on Juh i, 1904. The mother was born in Baden. Germany. Februar\ 4. 1827, and died on February 8, 1886. They grew up in their native land and crossed the Atlantic together and were married at New Orleans, Louisiana, March 28, 1849. Later, in 1855, they ascended the Mississippi and Missouri rivers by steamboat to St. Joseph, Missouri, and drove over from there to Richardson count}-, where they took up a homestead, a part of which is now included in the place belonging to the subject of this sketch. Here they endured the usual privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, Ixit through hard work and perseverance succeeded in l)ecoming well established. For some time they occupied the same house with the Speiser family. St. Joseph was their nearest market. This was still an Indian domain, but the red men were friendly and never molested the settlers. They once, while Mr. Uhri was on a trip to St. Joseph, came to Mrs. L^hri for food and she divided her supply of meal with them. To Mr. and Mrs. John M. Uhri the following children were born: John, who lives in Speiser precinct; George, deceased: Mrs. Carrie Stecker, who lives in Colorado: .\ugust. who makes his home in Denver: Edward, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Sophia Case, who lives in Colorado.

Edward Uhri grew up on the home farm, where he worked hard when a boy. He attended the district schools and the Humboldt schools, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-three years old, when he rented land from his father. He bought his first land in 1890 from his father, and went in debt nine thousand dollars. He managed well and graduallxincreased his holdings until now he owns five hundred and forty acres of excellent land in the vicinit\- ni Humboldt, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. Part of his land lies in Spei.ser township. He engaged also in the automobile Intsiness in 1912 at Dawson, and now has a .garage at Humboldt. He also sells gas tractors and is interested in

Ii20 Richardson Cointv. .Nebraska

HighlaiKler> the Benevolent and I'mtective Order of Elks, and last, hut not least, the Booster Club, of Falls City. He has been very successful in a business way, being a man of rare soundness of judgment and executive ability. His public spirit has ne\er been questioned. He has done much to increase the prestige of his home city and to make it a good place in which to li\e. f^ersonally. he has the confidence and respect of all who know him. being a man of obliging and genial manners and unciuestioned integrity.

Albert Russell Keim, editor and proprietor of the l-'alls City Jounuil. one of the best-known newspaper men and lawyers in eastern Nebraska, former judge of the probate court of Richardson county, former police judge of Falls City and for years one of the leaders of the Republican party in this countv, is a native of the (jld Keystone state, but has been a resident of Nebraska and of this county since he was twelve years of age and has therefore been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region practically since pioneer days. He was born near the village of Stoyestown, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, February 22. 1859, son (jf Christian Livengood and Amanda Corday (Will) Keim. both natives of that same county, who later l^ecame useful and influential pioneers of this county, the former of whom spent his last days in l\'ills City, his widow dying while on a visit at Ft. Collins, Colorado.

The Keims are of the old Mennonite, .\mish or Dunker stock, so largely represented in the hill country of southwestern Pennsylvania and have been established as a family in this country since early Colonial days. Johannes Keim. believed to be the- first of the name in .\merica. was in P'ennsylvania prospecting for a location in 1698. He returned to Germany and came back with his wife to remain in 1707, settling in Berks county, Pennsylvania. His son, John Keim. was horn in Oley. Pennsylvania, in 171 1. This John Keim is supposed to l)e the father of Peter Keim, born in Berks county. Pennsylvania, who was the father of six sons and two daughters, among whom was numbered Nicholas Keim, born in that same countx on February 2. 1768, and who died in Somerset county, .same state. October 18. 1830. Nicholas Keim was married three times and was the father of twenty-four children, among whom was Jonas Keim. born in .Somerset countv on March 11. i8ov who married Sarah Livengood and had twelve children, among whom was numbered Christian Livengood Keim, the fatlier of the subject of this sketch. Jonas Keim was for years a leader of the Dunker people in his community and for some time represented that district in the Pennsylvania Legislature. He also served as associate judge of the court and was a man of extensive affairs, his principal activities being noted in the cattle business and farming, and at the time of his death was rated to be worth in the neighborhood of seventy-five thousand dollars, a considerable fortune for that time and place.

Christian Livengood Keim, son of Jonas and Sarah (Livengood) Keim, was born in Elklick township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December i6, 1829, and grew to manhood there, following his father's line as a cattle buyer and drover, doing an extensive business in that line. After his marriage in 1857 he established his home in his native county and was living there when the Civil War broke out. He was reared firm in the faith of the Dunker church, which faith forbids the taking up of arms, and though an ardent sympathizer with the cause of the Union did not enlist for service in the army, rendering his service to the cause by furnishing cattle for the use of the army. While on one of his quests over the line South to deliver cattle to the United States army he was captured by the enemy and was for fi\-e months a prisoner in Libby Prison, though a noncombatant. He also operated a farm, flour-mill, tannery and distillery at Pine Mills, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. This he sold about 1869 and came West to seek a new location. He was favorably impressed witli Nebraska and bought a farm near Falls City. During 1869 and 1870, he was engaged in selling land located in Thayer and Nuckoll counties, Nebraska, which he had entered at the United States land office, paying two dollars and a half an acre for that within the railroad grant and one dollar and a quarter an acre for that outside of the two-mile limit ; this he sold at a good profit in Pennsylvania. When Congress, in 1870, required six months residence on the land to pre-emptors this business was cut off and, in 1871, Christian L. Keim with his family came to Falls City, where he built a residence at 1903 Stone street. In that same year or in the next vear he established the Falls City Bank.

What with the crop failures due to the dry years and the grasshoppers, together with the general panicky depression of that period, this pioneer bank was doomed to failure and, in 1877, was compelled to close its doors, Mr. Keim, as well as some others, losing quite heavily in the crash. Upon the failure of this bank Mr. Keim engaged in cultivating a farm not far (71) from Falls City, until his death, June 30, 1883. His widow and children continued to operate the farm until 1907 when it was sold at one hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre, that being the highest price paid for a quartersection tract in Richardson county up to tliat date, for agricultural purposes. The widow moved to Falls City in the spring of 1908 and on August 8, 1908, while on a visit at Ft. Collins, Colorado, died unexpectedly, being at the time past seventy-three years of age.

It was on December 8, 1857, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, that Christian L. Keim was united in marriage to Amanda Corday Will, who was born in that same county on February 14, 1835, ^ daughter of John and Nancy (Scott) Will, and to this union were born eight children, of whom the subject of this biographical sketch was the first born, the others being as follow : Carrie Alwilda, born near Stoyestown, Pennsylvania ; Mary Martha, born near Stoyestown, who died at Falls City, this county, January 3, 1886; Grace Greenwood, lx)rn near Stoyestown, who died at Falls City on May 6, 1890; John Brown Keim, torn near Stoyestown, who married, at Enid, Oklahoma, Kate x\lford and has one child, a son. Jerome; Jennie S., born near Stoyestown; Will Seward Keim, born at Falls City, who married there, Fernanda R. Godfirnon, to which' union six children have been born, John, who died in infancy; Paul, Grace Corday, Will Seward, Mary Aletha and Martha, the last-named of whom died on June 17, 191 5, and Clement Leroy Keim, Inirn at Falls City, who died on Noveml)er 22, 1881.

Albert Russell Keim was twelve years of age when his family came from Pennsylvania to this county in the spring of 1871, arriving at h'alls City on May 5 of that year. The family came by rail to Hiawatha and thence up here by stage, the trip proving a great adventure for the boy, Russell, who still vividly recalls the incidents of the journey out into the then frontier country. He completed the course in the public schools of Falls City and then entered the State University at Lincoln, from which he was graduated in 1881, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Ui)un leaving college Mr. Keim was employed as assistant principal of the high school at Falls City, and was thus engaged for two years, later ser\ iiig for a time as principal of the high school at Brownville. In the meantime he had been giving his leisure time to the study of law and, in 1887, was admitted to the bar and opened an office for the practice of his profession at Falls City, where he has ever since been actively engaged in practice, though of late years his chief attention has been given to his newspaper. During the legislative sessions of 1895 <i"d 1899 ^Ir. Keim served as as.si.>it- ant secretary of the state Senate; in 1901 he was again assistant secretary of the Senate, and in 1903 served as secretary of that hody. In the fall of 1895 he was elected judge of the probate court and served in that office for two years, 1896-97. Previously he had served as justice of the peace in and for the precinct of Falls City and as judge of the Falls City police court. Judge Keim is an ardent Republican and has served his party as chairman of the county central committee and as a memlier of the state central committee.

On May 3, 1909, Judge Keim took charge of the plant of the Falls City Journal, the former proprietor of which had "gone broke," and entered upon the somewhat difficult task of reviving the newspaper; after some years of earnest and laborious efifort restoring the paper to a self-supjiorting basis and putting it on a substantial financial footing, having made it one of the leading daily newspapers of eastern Nebraska and of the wide territory it serves. By prudent and enterprising direction Judge Keim has built up the Journal's circulation to a point exceeding two thousand and by his direct and independent attitude in the conduct of his editorial columns has made the paper a power of usefulness in the community. Tlie Journal has an up-to-date and well-ecjuipped plant, and is recognized among newspaper men as one of the strong newspapers of the state.

James B. Davis

The present popular and efficient postmaster at Humboldt, James B. Davis, is well known in Richardson county, where he has long maintained his residence and where he has won the respect of all who know him. He was born at Jackson Center, Shelby county, Ohio, March 21. 1862, a son of Jacob M. and Jane S. (Furrow) Davis, both natives of Ohio. Calvin Davis, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia, of Welsh descent. He was an early settler in Shelby county, Ohio. Jacob M. Davis devoted his active life to farming. He came to Nebraska in 1864, and located on the prairie three miles northwest of Humboldt, developing into a good farm a practically wild piece of prairie land. He moved to Kansas in 1883, and later went to the Pacific coast, locating in the state of Washington, where he spent the rest of his life, dying in Julv, 1912. His wife had preceded him to the grave in 1874. They were parents of the following children : E. A., of Tonkawa, Oklahoma ; J. S., of Lincoln, Ne- braska, who is engaged in the real-estate and loan business in Humboldt; James B., the subject of this sketch; L. M., who lives near Castle Rock, Oregon; Mrs. Rebecca Knight, who lives in Taft, Oregon, and Mrs. Flora Beck, who makes her home at Kelso, Washington.

On June 20, 191 7, James B. Davis had rounded out just fiftj- years in Richardson county. During this long period he saw the county develop from practically a wild prairie to its present high state of prosperity, with its fine farms and substantial towns. He grew up on the home farm and was educated in the common schools. He left home in 1882 when twenty years old and began learning the blacksmith's trade. He then engaged in the saloon business for a period of twenty-seven years, selling out on May I, 1910, after which he conducted a garage for two years. He then served as mayor of Humboldt two years, then farmed for a while. He owns thirty acres of rich land at Humboldt. He was appointed postmaster on August 23, 1916, for a term of four years and is now filling the office acceptably both to the department and to the people. Politically, he is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge, which he joined twenty-five years ago. He is past chancellor commander of Humboldt Pythians and is a member of the grand lodge of Nebraska, having represented Humboldt lodge in the sessions of the grand lodge, of which he has been a member for fifteen years.

On December 27, 1897, Mr. Davis was married to Lorena Kline, who was born October 10, 1865, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Stephen and Olive (Steele) Kline, and who was three years old when her father died in 1868. Mrs. Kline later came to Nebraska and settled in Richardson county in 1872, joining the Steele family, she being a niece of Charles, Joseph and John Steele. She taught school at Falls City for a period of twelve years, and taught for two years at Stella, and two years at Humboldt. She at one time made a long visit in Pennsylvania among old home friends and scenes. She spent her last days in Humboldt with Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Her death occurring in August, 191 2. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kline: Lorena, wife of Mr. Davis, and Charles, who died in youth.

During Mr. Davis's incumbenc\- as mayor of Humboldt he did much for the general improvement of the town. It was then that the splendid concrete band stand and fountain in the city park was built. It was erected in honor of O. J. Tinker, who gave the park to the city. During his administration tlie waterworks plant was connected with the springs two and one- half miles northeast of Humboldt, which furnish what is regarded as possibly the best water in the state, its analysis showing that it is ninety-nine per cent pure, and which provides an unfailing water supply for the town. The splendid sewer system which Humboldt possesses was installed during his administration, through Mr. Davis's energ\- and persistence. This system is imique, inasmuch as it was built by private subscription.

William W. James

William W. James, one of the best-known and most substantial retired farmers of the northern part of this county and the proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in the precinct of East Muddy, who since 1907 has been making his home at Shubert, where he and his wife are very comfortably situated, is a native of Wales, but has been a resident of this country since he was five years of age and of Nebraska since he was nineteen. He was born in South Wales, January i, 1848, son of Evan and Mary Ann (Thomas) Watkins, the former of whom died in 1849, the subject of this sketch then being but an infant. The Widow Watkins later married John T. James and her son by her first marriage has ever since been known by the name of James instead of Watkins.

In 1854 John T. James left his native Wales with his family and came to the United States, proceeding to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, a short time later moving to Pomeroy, in Meigs county, Ohio, where he remained until 1865, in the spring of which year he came out to the then Territory of Nebraska and bought a tract of land in the precinct of East Muddy, in this county, returning then to his home in Chicago with a view to bringii-ig- his family out here to settle on the farm. Before these plans could be carried into effect his wife died in December, 1865, and was buried in Ohio. Not long afterward, in 1866, Mr. James brought his children out here to the farm he had bought the year before and there established his home. In 1867 he married Margaret Griffith, who died in December, 1868. and in 1871 he married Elizabeth Jenkins, who remained his helpmate until death, both dying in the same month, in February, 1906. John T. James developed a good farm in East Muddy precinct, ISecoming the owner of three hundred acres cjf excellent land, and there spent his last days. By his first wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, lie was the father of five children, namely: Mrs. Elizal)eth Higgins. who died in 1914; Jacob T., who died in 1913;

Upon coming out to Nebraska with his stepfather in 1866 William W. James entered heartily upon the labors of helping to develop and improve the home place and there remained until after his marriage, when, in 1870, he began farming for himself, investing the proceeds of his share of the sale of his father's old farm back in Wales in the purchase of a farm of three hundred and seventeen acres adjoining that of his stepfather in East Muddy precinct, paying for the same four dollars and fifty cents an acre, land now worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars an acre. On that place he established his home and there he and his wife continued to reside, prospering in their operations, until 1907, when they retired from the farm and moved to Shubert, where they have since made their residence. Formerly Mr. James was a Republican but later became a Democrat and on local issues has long voted independently. For some time he served as assessor of his home precinct and in other ways has contributed of his time and energies to the public service.

On December 7, 1869, William W. James was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jones, also a native of Wales, born on August 17, 1849, slaughter of Jonas and Mary Ann (Evans) Jones, who came to the United States in 1853 and settled at Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, remaining there until 1869, when they came to Nebraska and settled in Aspinwall precinct over the line in the county of Nemaha, not far from the James place. Jonas Jones, who was born in 1837, died in February, 1903. His wife, who was born in 1826, had preceded him to the grave about nine years, her death having occurred in 1894. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are still living, those besides Mrs. James being as follow : Mrs. Sarah Taggart, of Trout Lake, Washington; Lance, of Shubert, this county; John, who is farming in Nemaha county; Morgan, also a Nemaha county farmer; Mrs. Margaret Lambert, of Kearney, this state, and Mrs. .\nna Williams, of Nemaha county.

To William W. and Elizabeth (Jones) James seven children have been born, namely : Mrs. Mary Gillilan, of Auburn, this state, who has one child, a son, James; Edward, of Stella, who married Laura Armstrong; Arthur W., who married Anna Hellwig, formerly of New York, and is now located at Prescott, Arizona; Mrs. Ella Holmes, of Lincoln, this state; John, who died at the age of ten years; Ella, who died at the age of six years, and Lela, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. James are members of the Bap- tist church and liave ever taken an interested part in church work, as well as in other neighborhood good works. Mr. James is a member of the local lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and takes an active interest in Masonic affairs.

Joseph Vvindle

There are, naturally, in a great grain country like southeastern Nebraska, a large number of elevators, and one of the best known in Richardson county is that owned and conducted bj^ Joseph Windle at Salem, where he is also engaged in farming and the live-stock business.

Mr. Windle was born on October i, 1847, in Shenandoah county, Virginia, a son of William and Mary (Kretzsinger) Windle, both natives of Virginia, the father born in 1807 and the mother, in 1810. They grew up in their native state and were married there, establishing the family home on a farm in Shenandoah county. In 1855 they removed to Ogle county, Illinois, where they spent the rest of their lives on a farm, the father dying in 1878 and the mother in 1874. They were members of the Lutheran church. Ten children were born to them, two of whom are now deceased, Joseph Windle being the seventh in order of birth.

Joseph Windle was eight years old when his parents moved to Ogle county. Illinois, and there he grew to manhood on the farm and attended the ptiblic schools. In the fall of 1872 he came to Nebraska and for a number of years rented land in Liberty precinct, Richardson county, where, in 1883, he bought a farm of eighty acres, which he operated until 1892, when he sold out and moved to Salem, where he has since resided. He had bought the Salem grain elevator in 1890 and has conducted the same ever since. He also has bought and shipped live stock in large numbers from Salem during the past twenty-five years. Although during this period he has been busy with his elevator and live stock business, he has also continued farming, owning a valuable place of seventy-two and one-half acres near the Burlington depot at Salem.

Mr. Windle was married on March 2, 1872, to Anna Belle Price, who was born in Pennsylvania on July 2, 1850, a daughter of George and Rebecca Jane (Cornelius) Price, the latter a native of Pennsylvania and the former of Germany, from which country he came to Pennsylvania when a child and there spent the rest of his life. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Windle, namelv : Mrs. Hattie A. Mettz, deceased: Fred R., who is engaged in the grain commission business at St. Joseph, with the Garnell- Windle Grain Company; Oliver P., who is engaged in the hve-stock commission business in St. Joseph, Missouri; Grace, deceased; Joseph E., who is engaged in the lumber business in Salem, this county; Dean K., who is connected with the bank at Wymore, this state, and \\'ayne, who is operating an elevator at Fortescue, Missouri. Mr. Windle is a Democrat and has served as a member of the school board. He and Mrs. Windle belong to the Congregational church.

Edmond J. Durfee

Among the real "old-timers" of Richardson county there are few who are better known throughout the county than is Edmond J. Durfee. a retired pioneer farmer of the precinct of Rulo, who is now living at Falls City, where he and his wife are very comfortably situated in their pleasant home at 20I2 North Fulton street. Air. Durfee has been a resident of Nebraska since the spring of 1859 and has consequently lieen a witness to and a participant in the development of this region since territorial days, few men now living in the county having a more thorough acquaintance with the conditions that confronted the pioneers here back in the latter fifties and early sixties than has he, and when in a reminiscent mood he is a veritable "mine of information" on matters relating to the early settlement oi this part of the state.

Edmond J. Durfee is a native of the neightering state of Iowa, born at Black Hawk on March 7, 1849, a son of Edmond and Caroline \i. (Clark) Durfee, both -natives of the state of New York, who became pioneers of this section of Nebraska back in territorial days and here .spent the remainder of their lives, honored and useful pioneers of Richardson county; thougli the former did not live long to continue the useful work upon which he had entered upon coming to this region, his death occurring at \\'innebago on January 19. 1861, but a few years after coming here from tlie state of Iowa. He was born in New York on Septemljer 3, 18 15, and was therefore but forty-five years of age at the time of his death. His widow survived him many years. She continued to make her home in tliis countv after her husband's death and died at Salem on January jo. 1901. She was born, also in the state of New York, on August 12. 1822, and was therefore in the seventy-ninth year of her age at the time of her deatli. Edmond

Durfee and his wife were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others having been Russell K., ^lary A., Celia and Louis. Russell K. Durfee was born in ^Missouri, September i, 1836, and died at his home at Winnebago, this state, June 25, 191 7. Mary A. Durfee was born at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa, March 2-/, 1 85 1, and was but a child when she came to Nebraska with her parents, in 1859. She married J. R. Babbitt and was the mother of four children, James Babbitt, Sylvia Babbitt, Mrs. Gay Sisco, of Burchard, and Charles Babbitt. Mrs. Babbitt died at her home in Rulo on February 26, 1890. Celia Durfee was born in Iowa on October 28, 1856, and was about three years of age when her parents came to Nebraska. She married Jefiferson Gentry, of Salem, this county, and has four children, Daniel, Clarence, Albert and Lloyd. Louis Durfee was born at Winitehago. this state, Octoter 14, i860, and is now living in the state of Minnesota.

The senior Edmond Durfee was a millwright and builder by vocation and for some years after moving from New York state to Iowa followed that vocation in the latter state. In 1857 he and Louis Darvean, Jarvis Durfee, his brother, and E. H. Johnson came over from Iowa to the then Territory of Nebraska to build a mill for Charles Rulo and erected the first mill to be built on the Muddy. That pioneer mill, which occupied the site of tlie present mill at that place, was successfully operated for a time and then was accidentally destroyed by fire. Upon completing the Rulo mill Mr. Durfee. accompanied by Louis Darvean and Bruno Cornearry, went to Winnebago on the Missouri river, where they erected a mill for a man of the name of Pecot, who was doing an extensive business there, and at that place Mr. Durfee died in 1861, as noted atove. In 1859, two years after he came to Nebraska, Edmond Durfee moved his family from Iowa to Nebraska, driving through from Iowa in a covered wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, and arrived at Winnebago on May 10 of that year. After his death the family home was established in Richardson county and, as noted above, here liis widow spent her last days.

lulmond J. Durfee was but ten years of age when he came to Nebraska with his parents in 1859 and he completed his schooling in the primitive schools of Richardson county. He was reared on a farm and early l)ecame a i)ractical farmer. .After his marriage, in 187 1, he for four years made bis home on a bottoms-land farm in the precinct of Rulo. where he had a rather disastrous experience. He improved that bottom-land farm, spentling upwards of- sixteen-hundred dollars upon the same, and then traded it for a span of horses and two pigs, because of the fact that tlic treacherous and ever-hungry Missouri river was encroaching on the land and carrying tlie soil awav. It began to look as though the river worild carry away all of the farm, so Mr. Durfee traded it off for what he could get. In 1874 he "hired out" to John R. Smith and worked for Mr. Smith for three years, at the end of which time he rented the Smith farm and farmed the same for one year. He next rented a place three miles north of Rulo. for three years, and used his savings to buy a farm eight miles northeast of Falls Citv, in the precinct of Arago. That place, a tract of three hundred and forty acres, he brought up to a high state of cultivation and development. He also engaged quite extensively in the raising of cattle and soon became recognized as one of the most progressive and substantial farmers in the eastern part of the county. In 1904 Mr. Durfee retired from the farm and moved to Falls City, but afterward returned to the farm and there continued to make his home until 191 1, in which year he returned to Fall> Citv, where he has since made his home, having a tidy bit of property there in addition to his valuable farming interests. Mr. Durfee is a Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, having for years served as a member of the school district in his old home district in Arago.

Mr. Durfee has been thrice married. On June 2, 1871, he was united in marriage to Cordelia A. Carr, who was born in 1855 and who was but eleven years of age when her parents, Eli and Catherine Carr. came to Nebraska and settled at Rulo in 1866. To that union were l)orn two chil- -dren, Edmond, who died in infancy, and Mark J., born on Januar\- u. 1874, near Rulo, and who is now residing ou a farm eight miles northeast of Falls Citv. The mother of these children died in [879 and on Tune 8, 1880. at Rulo. Mr. Durfee married ]\laria L. Montgomery, wlm was born at White Pigeon, Illinois. October 4. 1849, and who came to Nebraska with her parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Jones) Montgomery, in 1863. To that union were born two children, Edward E., Ixirn on Januarv II, 1882, on the farm eight miles northeast of Falls City, where he still resides, and Amantha, who died in infancy. On March i, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Durfee left the farm and moved to Falls City, where Mrs. Durfee shortly afterward was taken ill and where she died on the 27th of that same month. After this bereavement Mr. Durfee returned to the farm and there made his home with his son. Edward E. Durfee and family, until November 28, 1910, on which date he was united in marriage to Tsabclle Elshire, who came to this county with her parents, Epiiraim and Maria h'Jshire, in i860, the familv settling at Kulo. After bis last marriage Mr.

Edward E. Durfee, who is now managing his father's place in Arago precinct, where he makes his home, was united in marriage on August 26, 1903, to Jessie L. Waggoner, who was torn on a farm twelve miles northeast of Falls City, in this county, March 9, 1883, where her parents. Riley D. and Martha J. (Anderson) Waggoner, still reside. To this union six children have been torn, Maryee, Opal, Agnes, Blanche, Edward and Martha. The first-named of these children, Maryee, born on J'^ine 17, 190-I.. died on March i. 19 14.

Ralph R. Philpot

One of the most enterprising of the younger generation of business men of western Richardson county is Ralph R. Philpot, a lumber and coal dealer in Humboldt, where he was born, February 14, 1884, and he has been content to spend his life in his native town. He is a son of Samuel 'Si. and Winnie A. (Moon) Philpot, an old and highly esteemed pioneer family of this section of Nebraska. The father, Samuel Morrow Philpot, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 22, 185 1, and died on November 22, 1916, when nearly sixty-six years old. He came to Nebraska in 1868. first locating at Omaha, where he resided for about a year. He then went to Rulo and for two years he held a position in a bank and general store, later taking a position with a lumber company at Salem, where he lived until 1874, when he moved to Humboldt. Mr. Philpot brought with him into the West a rugged and strong physique, indomitable energy and full measure of honesty, industry and courage, ancV was thus well fitted for the hardships that confront the pioneer. During these early years he laid the foundation upon which he builded a business of considerable magnitude.

Samuel M. Philpot was a son of Robert and Susan (West) Philpot. The mother was born August 5, 1826, in Carroll county, Ohio, and she and Robert Philpot were married in 1847. Soon thereafter they moved to Nebraska and settled on a farm one and one-half miles south of Humboldt, where they spent the rest of their lives, his death occurring on February 28, 1897. She passed away on April 2, 19 15, at an advanced age. Thev were parents of the following children, namely: James \\'., S?nuiel M. (father of the subject of this sketch), Mrs. Belle Adams, of Lisbon, Ohio; Mrs. Tina Crawford, Hugh D., John R., William H., Mrs. E. S. Cope and Charles P. Seven of the nine children survive, and all li\e in Hum-

Samuel M. Philpot was married on February 22. 1875, to Winnie A. Moon, to whom four children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The second son, Gurney, was accidentally drowned in Maloney lake near Humboldt, on Decoration Day, 1892. Ralph R., the subject of this sketch, has a brother, Harry, who now lives at Circle City, Montana. The mother of these children is living- in Lincoln, Nebraska. Samuel M. Philpot was a Presbyterian, as were his parents before him. He joined the church at Humboldt, February 18, 1875, and was made an elder in the same, January 26, 1890, which position he tilled most efficiently until his death. Broadminded on the questions of municipal report, he was called upon to serve the city of his residence both as its mayor and as a memljer of the council at dii¥erent times, and he was almost a life member of the school board and of the library board, in the affairs of which he always took a deep interest. He was also a member of the Masonic lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Degree of Honor and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Ralph R. Philpot was educated in the Humboldt schools, later attending a business college in Lincoln. Nebraska. When but a boy he began working with his father in the lumber business, becoming a partner with him in 19 10, and upon the death of the elder Philpot the son, with his brother Harry and their mother, took full charge of the business which has since been continued with ever-growing success, under the active management of the brothers, Ralph R. looking more specifically after the management of the lumber yard at Humboldt. They also own a yard at Burchand, this state. Their yard at Humboldt is the largest in southeastern Nebraska. A stock of lumber and coal is carried aggregating- in value nearl)'- twenty- thousand dollars on an average, and a large territory is supplied from this yard. Ralph R. Philpot is also a shareholder and vice-president of the Home State Bank.

On Decem1)er 7, 1909, Ralph R. Philpot, of this review, was married to Edith Finch, who was born in Arapahoe, Nebraska, a daughter of R. J. Finch, a banker and merchant and one of the leading men of affairs of that place. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Philpot, namely : Robert F., .Adelaide, and Samuel G.

Mr. Philpot is a Republican and is now serving as a member of the local school lioard and city council. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Presbyterian church. He is a man of sound judgment and business acumen, public spirited and of unquestioned integrity.

William M. Brandow

William M. Brandovv, one of the real "old settlers" of Humboldt precinct, the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the neighborhood of Humboldt, is a native of the Dominion of Canada, but has been a resident of Richardson county since he was twenty years of age, having come here in the spring of 1869, and has consequently been a witness to and a participant in the development of this county since pioneer days. He was born on October 16, 1849, son of Moses and Phoebe Brando w, who became pioneers of this county and here spent their last days, the former dying in 1891 and the latter in 1892.

Moses Brandow was born in Canada, in 1814, and was one of three sons born to his parents, who left the Catskill region of New York state and moved over into the Dominion. There Moses Brandow grew up and married, later moving to Illinois and thence, in 1865, to Iowa, where he remained until after his children had grown up and had come out here and established a home, when he and his wife rejoined them and here spent the remainder of their lives. Moses Brandon was a car]:>enter and did much carpenter work in the western part of the county. He and his wife were the parents of four children, the subject of this sketch having had three sisters, Harriet, who married John Lynch and came to this county from Iowa in 1868 and died here in 1892; Mrs. Angeline Elliot, a widow, now living in Denver, and Mrs. Emma Ray, now living in California. John Lynch, referred to above, was the son of Thomas H. Lynch, the pioneer postmaster at Lynchburg, on the old Revelle place in this county.

William M. Brandow was but an infant when his parents moved from Canada to lilinois in 1850 and he was about fifteen years of age when the family moved from that state to Iowa. He grew up in the latter state, living there until the spring of 1869, when he and his two sisters, Mrs. Elliot and Emma, and the former's husband, Frank Elliot, drove over into Nebraska, arriving in this county at ten o'clock in the morning on May I, eight days from Prairie City, Iowa, with a load of two thousand pounds of household and other goods on their wagon. On September i following, Mr. Brandow made liis location on his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Humboldt precinct and was shortly afterward joined there by his parents, wlio made their home with him thei-eafter, and he did not marry until some time after the death of his parents. Mr. Brandow built his first suljstantial house in 1872 and rebuilt the same in

1901. He has improved his farm in excellent shape and has long been looked upon as one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood. He i.s a Republican in his political views and has held township offices, doing well his part in the public service.

On December 25, 1894, William Isl. Brandow was united in marriage to Xellie INIadden, who was born in this county on October 8, 1872, daughter of Da\id Madden and wife, pioneers of Richardson county. ^Ir. and Mrs. Brandow are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a proper interest in church work and in other local good works. Mr. Brandow- is a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Humboldt and a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security, in the aft'airs of which organizations he takes a warm interest.

Fred Haeffele

Fred Hneft'ele, proprietor of nearly two hundred acres of tine land in the ]jrecinct of Arago, one hundred and twenty acres in section 28 and seventy-nine acres in the adjoining section, 22, and one of the best-known breeders of live stock in Richardson county, is a native of the Badger state, but has been a resident of this county since he was twenty years of age, having come here with his parents in 1883. He was born on a farm in Fond du Lac count\-, Wisconsin, October 19, 1862, son of Fred and Susanna (Schmidt) Haeffele, who came to this country in the spring of 1855 from Germany and after some years of residence in Wisconsin came to Nebraska and settled in Richardson county, becoming substantial pioneers of Arago precinct.

The elder Fred Haefifele was born in southern Germany on February 5, 1827, and there grew to manhood. In the spring of 1855, he came to this country, leaving his native land in March of that year and bringing with him his sweetheart and her parents and the other members of her family, seven in all, paying the passage of the family, and in May of that same year the part\- arrixed in Wisconsin, their objective point upon taking passage for this country, and on July 4 following he and his sweetheart were married in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. She also was born in southern Germany, ]\Iarch 8, 1834. After his marriage Fred Haeffele established his home on a farm in Fond du Lac county and there continued to make his home until in the spring of 1883, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Nebraska, arriving in this county about the middle of March. LTpon his arrival here he bought a farm in tlie precinct of Arago, estabhshed his home there and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on July 2, 1900, that date lacking but two days of being the forty-iifth anniversary of his marriage. The elder Fred Haeffele and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follow : Susan, who married Charles Hartman and is now deceased; Mrs. Minnie Zimmerman, of Falls City;. Henr}', of Falls City; Mrs. Katherine Hartman. of the precinct of Arago; Mrs. Louisa Scheitel, of the precinct of Jefiferson; Charles, of Falls City, and Albert, of Jefiferson precinct.

The junior Fred Haeffele was twenty years of age when he came tothis county with his parents in the spring of 1883 and his labors proved a valuable factor in the work of developing the home farm during the first two years of his residence here. After his marriage in the fall of 1885 his father gave him a team, a wagon, harness and certain essential implements of farming and in the following spring he rented a farm three miles north of Falls City and began farming on his own account, his undertaking proving so successful that in 1891 he was able to buy a farm of eighty acres, two miles east of the county seat. There he farmed for four years, at the end of which time, on account of the failing health of his wife, he sold his place and moved to Falls City. In 1896 he bought his present farm in sections 28 and 22 of Arago precinct and began to make extensive improvements on the same, among these improvements being the removal of the house and barn from the center of the farm to the east-and-west road, and has for years been very comfortably situated there. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Haeffele has been an extensive breeder of live stock, his specialties being Durham cattle and Percheron horses, and he has done very well in his operations, having been thus engaged since 1904.

Mr. Haeffele has been twice married. On Octoljer 22. 1885, he was united in marriage to Emma Wulf, who was born in Iowa on April 19, 1867, a daughter of Henry and Dora ( Hahn ) \A'ulf, natives of Germany. who later became pioneers of Richardson county, where the former spent his last days and where the latter is still living, now a resident of Falls City. Mrs. Emma Haeffele died in May, 1897, without issue, and on May 27, 1900. '\\x. Haeffele married Hattie Bertram, who was born in the jjrecinct of Arago, this count}-, October 29, 1881, daughter of Adolph and Mary (Graff) Bertram, the former a native of Germany and the latter of the state of Indiana, who came to Nebraska in territorial davs and settled in Arasjo precinct, this count)-, where they Hved until their retirement from the farm and removal to Falls City, where they are still living, well-known pioneers of Richardson county. To this second union seven children have been born, Esther, Ernest. George, Walter, Dorothy, August and Llovd, all of whom are living save the last named. Mr. and Mrs. Haeffele are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and take a proper part in church work, as well as in the general good works and social activities of their home community. Mr. Haeffele is "independent" in his political views.

Homer D. Kirk

Homer D. Kirk, treasurer of the village of Rulo, justice of the peace in and for the precinct of Rulo and actively engaged in the insurance and farm-loan business in his home village, was born there and has lived there all his life. He was born on Septemlier 26, 1886, son of George D. and Martha ( Hurn) Kirk, the former a Kentuckian and tlie latter a native of the neighboring state of Kansas and who is still living at Rulo.

George D. Kirk was born at Murphysville, in Mason county, Kentuck}-, in 1847, son of Washington Kirk, also a native of that state. When twenty-one years of age, in 1868, George D. Kirk came to Nebraska and located at Rulo, where he spent the rerhainder of his life. For some years he served as assistant postmaster of that village and was also for years justice of the peace in and for his home precinct. He engaged in the insurance business and built up a profitable connection in that line, remaining thus engaged until his death on September 4, 1906, the business since then being carried on by his son, the subject of this sketch. In 1877 George D. Kirk was united in marHage to Martha Hurn, of Rulo, who was born at F"t. Leavenworth, Kansas, October 11, i860, daughter of Gentry and Susan Hurn, who settled in Rulo in 1868, arriving there by steamer. Gentry Hurn was born in Missouri and his wife was hi^rn in \'irginia. He was one of the original "forty-niners," having gone to California over the old Santa Fe Trail in the early, days of the gold di.scovery on the coast, and was later employed by the government at Ft. Leavenworth. Upon coming to this countx" in 1868 he engaged in farming in the vicinity of Rulo and there spent his last days, his death occurring in 1907, he then being seventy-seven years of age. Mrs. Kirk is still living at Rulo. She and her husband were the parents of nine children, of whom six are still living, namely : ^Irs. ^lamie Brown, of Falls City: ]\Irs. Jennie Robertson, also of Falls City; Homer D., the subject of this biographical sketch ; Mrs. Pauline A'IcFrye, of Rockford, this state, and Max and Forrest, of Rulo.

Homer D. Kirk was reared at Rulo and completed the course in the Rulo high school in 1902. Upon leaving school he engaged in the insurance business with his father and upon the latter's death in the fall of 1906 he succeeded to that business and has since been cjuite successful conducting the same, most of the leading companies for which he is writing insurance being the Royal of Liverpool, the Hartford Fire, of Hartford, Connecticut, and the National Security Fire, of Omaha. Since taking over the business Mr. Kirk has added farm loans to the same and in this latter line also has done quite well. He is a Republican and is serving now as treasurer of the village. In November, 1916, he was elected justice of the peace and is still serving in that magisterial capacity.

On October 2, 1916, Homer D. Kirk was united in marriage to Ruth Gonnley, who was born at White Cloud, Kansas, and whose mother, Mrs. Mary E. Gormley-Miller, is now conducting a boarding house at White Cloud, Kansas. To that union one child has been born, a son, George Homer, born on June '27, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk attend the Methodist church and take a proper interest in neighborhood good works, as well as in the general social activities of their home town. Mr. Kirk is a member of Aerie No. 49, Fraternal Order of Eagles, at St. Joseph, and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.

Tacob Bloom

A stranger viewing for the first time "Evergreen Heights Farm", in Falls City precinct, this county, would at once conclude that its owner, Jacob Bloom, was a man of industry and good taste, for everything about the place is well kept.

Mr. Bloom was born on January 30, 1863, in Mahoning county, Ohio, a son of Jacob and Clementine (Swartz) Bloom. The father was born in Germany in the year 18 12, and when about a year old his parents brought brought him to America, the family locating in Ohio among the pioneers and there he grew up, married and established his home in Mahoning county, where he was a cooper b\' trade. His death occurred in 1877. His (72) second wife, Clementine Swartz, was born in 1839, near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and her death occurred in 1902. His first wife, whom he married in early life, had no children. He was a member of the German Lutheran church. Eight children were born to the parents of the subject of this sketch, namely : Franklin M., who lives in Youngstown, Ohio; Katherine. the wife of Joseph AIcDermott, of Ellsworth Station, Ohio; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Joshua, a farmer near Verdon, this county ; Solomon, a carpenter at Verdon ; Airs. Cora Cook, who lives in Alliance, Ohio; George, who lives at North Lima, Ohio, and Victor, who lives at Elsworth Station, Ohio.

Jacob Bloom was but a lad when his father died and he started out to make his own living when but fifteen years old. His father was a poor man and left a large family for the widow to rear. Jacob earned his own board and clothes from the time he was seven years old and had little chance to obtain an education. He continued to work out as a farm hand until he was twenty-one years old, when he came West, in 1884, and rented land in this county for ten years. In 1895 he bought a farm five and one-half miles northwest of Falls City. He made many improvements on the place, including the building of a good barn, and there he engaged in general farming for ten years, at the end of which time he sold out afid bought eighty acres near Verdon, on which he built a house and made many other improvements. Selling out in 1907, he moved to Falls City and worked for an implement store a year and a half, then bought a hardware store which he operated for a year, trading it for his present farm, which contains one hundred and twent}' acres, in section 9, and here he has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Bloom makes a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle, which find a very ready sale, owing to their superior quality. The leader of his fine herd is "Gardenia's Villager No. 485957". He started his herd in 1912 and it is now well advertised. At stated intervals he holds public sales on his place and the same are always largely attended. His farm was quite extensively improved by its former owner, W. R. Holt. The home is modern, being equipped with a furnace, hot and cold water and electric lights.

On December 18, 1890, Mr. Bloom was married to Cora Weaver, who was a daughter of Jesse and Emma Rebecca (Kroah) Weaver, bnth natives of Pennsylvania, from which state they removed to Illinois when young and there they were married. In 1873 they came to Nebraska and tought a farm fifteen miles northwest of Falls City. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are now deceased. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bloom, a daughter, Minnie, who married Ralph Burgner and has one child, Mary C.

ternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and Mrs. Bloom are members of the Brethren church.