Richardson County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 16 of 19)

On October 6, 1886, Mr. Gebhard was married to Ella Bauer, a native of Illinois and a daughter of John and Mary (Kuckock) Bauer, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Caroline, who died in infancy;

Mrs. Mary B. Friedly, who lives in Ohio precinct: Minnie, the wife of Fred Allison, of Liberty precinct, and John, Brj^an and Ferdinand, at home. Politically, Mr. Gebhard is a Democrat, He belongs to the Lutheran church.

The parents of Mrs. Gebhard were natives of Germany. Mr. Bauer was born on October 12, 1827, and died in 1906. He left his native land when a young man and immigrated to America. After spending some time in Illinois he made the overland trip in a covered wagon to Nebraska, locating on raw land in Ohio precinct, Richardson county, where, through his industry and perseverance he developed a good farm and established a comfortable home. He had married in lUinois. His wife was torn in February, 1834, and died in 1881, To these parents tifteen children were liorn, eight of whom are living at this writing.

David Dorringtox

In the memorial annals of Richardson county there are no names held in better remembrance than those of David and Ann Dorxington, the first persons to establish a home on the site of Falls City when the townsite was laid out in 1857 and who have ever been cherished in the affectionate remembrance of the people of that place as "the father and mother of Falls City." Da\id Dorrington was a building contractor and in that capacity performed a ^-ery substantial service in behalf of the new town in the early years of its development. He was an energetic, public-spirited citizen and from the very beginning of his residence at the site of the present county seat exerted his -energies toward the fullest possible development of the place. For seventeen years, or until the accomplishment of the purpose of the villagers, he led the fight to have Falls City made the county seat and lived to see his pet project adopted by the people of the county. He was the third mayor of the town and also held other local offices, in the performance of his public duties ever preserving a high sense of his obligation to the community and doing all in his power to promote the l^est interests of tlie community. Intensely opposed to tlie institution of slavery, he was an ardent "Free-soiler" and upon the organization of the Republican part}- attached himself to that party and ever after remained a devoted and earnest advocate of the principles of the same. Forceful, aggressive and tireless in the advocacy of these principles, it is undoubted that he contributed more than did any other one person toward swinging Richardson county's vote to the Republican column in

1859. and he after held his place as one of the factors to be reckoned with in the political affairs of the county. Of the true pioneer type, David Dorrington possessed those distinctive personal qualities so essential to those who seek to subdue the wilderness and to lay the foundations for the coming community life, and these c|ualities were permanently impressed upon the community of which to tliis day he is recognized as having been the "father."

No less potent and forceful influence in the pioneer comnumity in the days of the beginning of a social order hereabout was that exercised by Ann Dorrington, wife of David Dorrington, whose beneficent ministrations among the settlers endeared her to all within the ample radius of those ministrations. "Mother" Dorrington, as- this gentle and cultured woman still is remembered bv survivors of the pioneer band in this county, was a woman of refined cultural development of the same. Possessed of considerable knowledge of tastes and brought to the new community much that contributed to the early the simpler forms of the healing art and possessed also of a deeply sympathetic nature, she was a veritable "mother in Israel" in the pioneer neighborhood and for years ministered ably to the sick and dying - no reasonalMe distance being too great to deter her on these calls of mercy across the open prairie. Provided with a simple stock of medicinal agents and armed with a stout walking-stick for protection in possible case of need, "Mother" Dorrington visited the bedsides of the ailing pioneers, taking cheer and comfort wherever she went. She was no less an ardent Abolitionist than was her husband and in the days just preceding the outbreak of the Civil War the Dorrington stable, standing apart from the house, was one of the most helpful "stations" on the "underground railroad" then in active operation through this part of the country, while during the sixties many a w'ounded slave received food, shelter and raiment from her generous hand and was helped on his flight North. Before coming up into Richardson county the Dorringtiins had for a time made their home down in Doniphan county, Kansas. One evening while "Mother" Dorrington was sitting alone in her cabin door she was approached by a travel-worn man who appealed to her for protection from the Aengeance of a tnob which he said was pursuing him. He assureil her that he was innocent of the crime charged against him by his pursuers, 1nit that it would be death to him if they overtook him. and asked her to provide him a hiding place. Convinced of the truth of the man's tale, Mrs. Dorrington gave him shelter and promised him her frail protection. In a short time the refugee's infuriated pursuers arrived at the Dorrington cabin and demanded to know of Mrs. Dorrington if a man had passed that way. "No," she replied. Not convinced by this answer, the men dismounted and advanced with a view to entering the house and searchint; the premises. Seizing a kettle of boihng water that happened to be "handy," the intrepid pioneer woman stood in the doorway an^ cried : "I will scald the first man that attempts to cross my threshold!" Recognizing that her words were not a mere idle threat, the men discreetly withdrew and the hidden fugitive presently was enabled to go on his way rejoicing. Another instance of "Mother" Dorrington's courage, stoutness of heart and intrepidity of spirit may be cited. At the time the "Jayhawkers"' were threatening to Ijurn the village the situation seemed sufficiently serious to warrant the removal of the women and children to a point of greater security, but Mrs. Dorrington stoutly declined to be thus sent away, declaring that where her husband and sons were, there she would stay.

Da^'id Dorrington was a native of England, born in Hertfordshire on January ii, 1812. He received his schooling there and became a skilled carpenter and joiner, later locating at Hatfield, the country seat of the ancient family of the Cecils (Burleigh), and for some years thereafter was engaged as the head of the mechanical force engaged in remodeling Cecil hall and the mansion house. In the fall of 1839 he married and in 1842 came to the United States, locating at Whitesboro, in Oneida county. New York, where he continued his vocation as a building contractor until the year 1857, when he came West and settled in Doniphan county, in the then Territory of Kansas. In that same year he heard of the platting of the Falls City townsite, not far to the north of where he had settled, and on September 7, 1857, he arrived at the townsite, the only visible evidence of which at that time was the location stakes, and proceeded to erect a dwelling house on the place, thus becoming the first householder in the now progressive and populous city of Falls City. It was not long until other settlers became attracted to the townsite and as the first carpenter on the ground, Mr. Dorrington presently had his hands full of contracts. He not only was extensively engaged in the building way, but he became an investor in farm lands and was more or less active in other pursuits having to do with the development of this region and was early recognized as one of the leading men in this section of the then Territory of Nebraska. As noted in the introduction to this sketch, Mr. Dorrington was elected third mavor of the town and in other capacities represented the people in an official wa\', and was particularly active in his participation in the movement that eventually led to the establishment of the county seat at Falls Citv. He had become an Odd Fellow in 1844, while living in Xew York, and was one of the movers in the raising of a lodge of that order in Falls City, having been a charter member of Falls City Lodge No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which was instituted on September 28, 1869. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dorrington spent the remainder of their lives in Falls City, ever useful and influential citizens of that place. "Mother" Dorrington died on June 26, 1879, and her husband survived her two days more than two years, his death occurring, on June 28, 1881.

On September 15, 1839, at Middlesex, England, David Dorrington was united in marriage to Ann B. Wood, who was born in Essex county, England, and to that union were born six children, namely: Frederick M., who died at Alliance, Nebraska, January 28, 1903; George E., who died in 1910; John W., whose last days were spent at Yuma, Colorado; Annie M., widow of Judge Isham Reavis, of Falls City; William E., a retired banker, of Falls City and Kittie E., wife of^Edwin S. Towle, of Falls City.

Nathaniel D. Auxier

Nathaniel D. Auxier, county commissioner, farmer and stockman, owner of two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land in sections 26 and 35, Liberty precinct, this county, was born on June 21, 1861, in Johnson county, Kentucky. He is the son of Nathaniel and Hester (Mayo) Auxier, to whom thirteen children were born, namely: Samuel, deceased: George, deceased: Julia, who married James Cooley, of Prestonburg, Kentucky; Mrs. Martha Hager, Missouri; Mrs. Minta Friend, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Thomas, deceased; James B., deceased; Mrs. Angeline Layne, deceased; Louise, who died in infancy; Edward E., further reference to whom is made elsewhere in this work; Nathaniel, the subject of this sketch; and John David, who was killed in the battle of Salt Works, Virginia. George was also a soldier in the Civil War and was wounded in the course of an engagement in Tennessee.

The elder Nathaniel Auxier was a farmer and continued so engaged up to the time of his death at the age of fifty-three years. He was born in Johnson county, Kentucky, in 181 2 and died in 1866, when the subject of this sketch was five years old. Mrs. Hester (Mayo) Auxier, born in Jackson county, Kentucky, died when forty-eight years old, her death occurring at the time her son, Edward E., was born in 1864, and when Nathaniel D. was three years old.

Nathaniel D. Auxier, who was but an infant when liis father and mother died, was reared on a farm with his elder brothers and sisters and was educated in the district schools of his native state. When . he had reached the age of twenty years, in 1881, he came to Richardson county and worked out for two months near Rulo. He taught school for a period of six years in this county, for one year in Kentucky and one year in Missouri. In 1887 Mr. Auxier Ixaught eighty acres of land northeast of Verdon. Having improved the tract he continued to operate the same for nine vears and then sold out in 1896. In the latter year he bought one hundred and twenty acres in section 18, Ohio precinct, which he fariued for ten years and sold in 1906. He then acquired his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres in sections 26 and 35, Liberty precinct. Since the purchase of this land Mr. Auxier has made considerable impro\ements and is engaged in general fanjiing in which he has been quite successful, his agricultural methods being modern in all essential features. In addition to his farming operations he is also engaged in the breeding of Poland China hogs, and, as in his farming operations, he is equally successful in his hog raising.

On October 24, 1883, Nathaniel D. .Ku.xier was united in marriage to Pheribe Prichard, daughter of Joseph and Caroline ( Compton ) Prichard, natives of Kentucky, who in 1865 came to Richardson county and settled in Arago township. Joseph Prichard died in 1914, at the age of sexentyseven years. His widow is now living in Falls City and is now in her seventyeighth vear. They were the parents of eight children.

To Mr. and Mrs. Auxier four children have been born, as follows: Walter T., a graduate of ^'erdon high school and now engaged helping his father on the farm: Elmer E., now living on the south eighty acres of his father's farm, married Edna Griffith and the\" are the parents of one child, a daughter, Alice; Maude, who died at the age of three \ears, and Ruth, at home, who was graduated from Salem high school.

Mr. .\uxier is affiliated with the Democratic party and has jjeen a consistent supporter of that party's principles for many years. Since January, 1917, he has been serving as county commissioner and in other ways he is interested in the welfare of his precinct and count}-. He is a niemlier of the Christian church and has been elder in the same for some \ears. He also holds membershij) in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at \'erdon and takes a keen interest in these fraternal organizations.

Morris Friend

\\'hene\er an attempt is made to write the history of a successful enterprise or the worthy career of any man it has been found that abiHty, backed by energy and push, has been the^basis of it all, and this fact cannot fail to impress itself upon the writer of history proper or that branch which consists of the biograpliies of tiiose wlio have achieved sufficient distinction to make the record of their lives of interest to the public. Morris Friend, formerly one of the enterprising citizens of Richardson county, but now lixing in honorable retirement in the citv of Lincoln, after a very successful Inisiness career, owes his success in life to his own fighting qualities - fightingability that overcomes obstacles.

Morris Friend was born on February ii, 1859, in Alsace-Lorraine, a son of Simon and 'Slary (Levy) Friend. The father was Ijorn in Alsace- Lorraine. France, October 24, 1826, and his death occurred on March 24. 1899. The mother was torn on January i, 1829, and died on February 8, 1898. She was also a native of France. There these parents grew to maturity, attended school and married. They made their home in .\lsace-Lorraine until 1886, when they immigrated t(i America and located at Humboldt, this county, hut removed to Lincoln in 1889. The father lived in retirement after coming to America. To Simon Friend and wife nine children were born, seven of whom are living at this writing. Only two of them came with their parents to Nebraska, the other living children having preceded them to the L'nited States. They were named as follow: Charles, who died in Europe in infancy: Mrs. Babette Spear, who died in Bennett, Nebraska; Sarah, who lives in Lincoln: "Sirs. Nannie Sarbach, who lives in Nebraska City; Morris, the subject of this sketch: Pauline, who makes her home in Lincoln: Mrs. Mathilde F'rosh. who lives in Lincoln ; Gus, also a resident of that city, and Mrs. .\lyne Levy, a resident of Hastings, Nebra.ska.

Morris Friend spent his boyhood in his native land and there received his education. He immigrated to America in 1876, coming on west to .\tchison, Kansas, where he clerked in the general mercantile establishment of his uncle, L. Friend. He soon mastered the various ins and outs of this line of endeavor and in 1880 came to Nebraska and engaged in the general merchandise business for himself, at Humboldt, this county, in partnership with .\lbert Weiman, with whom he remained two years, at the end of which time he formed a partnership with Joseph Sarbach, his brother-in-law, later buying the latter's interest and continuing the business alone until 1893, when lie sold out and moved to Lincoln. He had been successful as a merchant and built up a large and satisfactory trade with the people of Humboldt and vicinity, always carrying an extensive and carefully-selected stock of goods. His store would have been a credit to a much larger town.

Upon locating in Lincoln, Mr. Friend turned his attention to a new line of business, directing the affairs of the Beatrice Creamery Company, of which he was the organizer and of which he was secretary for a period of fifteen years. Under his able management and perseverance this venture proved to be quite successful. He first devoted his time principally to the egg and produce business. He is still a stockholder and director of the creamery, but retired from active life in 191 1, having accumulated a handsome competency through his earlier years of business, having proven to be a man of sound judgment and keen foresight. These qualities coupled with honesty, promptness and courtesy in dealing with his many customers, brought a large measure of material success and at the same time won the respect and good will of all with whom he came in contact. He owns a large acreage of valuable farm lands in Wyoming, Texas and Lancaster county, Nebraska, and is also a shareholder in a number of important corporations.

On January 19, 1886, Morris Friend was married at Atchison. Kansas, to Minnie Frank, a native of that city, where she grew up and attended school. She is a daughter of Leon and Matilda (Kohn) Frank, the former of whom was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 24, 1827, and who died on April 9. 1907. Mr. Frank grew up in his native land and there attended school and continued to reside until 1848, in which year a large number of his countrymen came to the New World, he being one of them. He located first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He came West in i860, and settled in Atchison. Kansas, in pioneer days, and there he engaged successfully in the mercantile business until 1893, when he returned to Philadelphia, where his death occurred. His wife, Matilda Kohn. was born in Wurtemburg. Germany. March 7, 1835, ^"<i she grew up and was educated in her native land. Her death occurred in Philadelphia on April 5, 1912.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Friend, namel\- ; Mrs. Gertrude Gugenheim. who lives in Lincoln, where her husband is engaged in the clothing business, and Victor E. Friend, who lives at home, and is a sales manager for the Nebraska Material Company. Both children received excellent educational advantages. After passing through high school they attended the State Universitv. Morris Friend owns a commodious and mod-

Mr. Friend is an independent voter, and has never been a seeker after political honors, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his large business interests and to his family, being best contented when b\- his own fireside. Therefore, he has never been much of a clubman, but is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which order he has attained the thirty-second degree. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Inde[)endent Order of B'nai Brith. He has been a member of the Reformed church for twenty-four years, and is president of the board, and active in church affairs. He has always been a liberal supporter of the church. He is also charitably inclined, giving freely of his means to worthy causes, but always in a quiet way, avoiding publicity as much as possible. He has been treasurer of the local charity organization for the past fourteen years. He was one of the organizers of the Richardson County. Association of Lincoln and has been president of the same since its organization. He is a member of the Lincoln Commercial Club, of which he was formerly a trustee and director. Mrs. Friend is an active worker in the Women's Club of Lincoln. They are both well known and popular in the best circles of Lincoln.

Washington Sailors

Washington Sailors, one of Richardson county's best-known and most substantial farmers and the proprietor of a fine farm of more than three hundred acres in the precinct of Barada, is a native of the old Hoosier state, but has been a resident of this county since he was five years of age and has thus been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region since pioneer days. He was born on a farm in Wabash county. Indiana, April 14, 1865, son of William H. H. and Mary E. (Miller) Sailors, both natives of that same state, who later became pioneers of Richards(Mi county, where the former spent his last days and where the latter is still living, now a resident of the village of Barada.

William H. H. .Sailors also was born in Wabash county. Indiana. Ajiril 9, 1837, son of George W. and Asenath (Scott) Sailors, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Indiana, the former of whom died in Indiana in 1852, the latter some years afterward coming to Nebraska, her last days being spent in the western part of this state. George W. Sailors and wife were tlie parents of eight children, of whuni H. H. was the second in iirder of Ijirth, the others being as follow: John T.. deceased; James A.. now a resident of Sioux county, this state, an honored veteran of the Civil \\ar and who served for some time as a prisoner in the dreadful Confederate prison pen at Andersonville, Georgia; Winfield S., deceased: Mahala. who married ;M. Allison and is now deceased; Andrew J., of Hitchcock county. Nebraska; Lot G., of Thurston county. Nebraska, and George ^^^, of Hitchcock count}-.

Reared on a pioneer farm in \\'abash county Indiana. \\'illiam H. H. Sailors there grew to manhood and married Alary E. Miller, who was born in the Cunnersville neighborhood in Fayette county. Indiana, February 12, 1843. daughter of George \Y. and Harriet ( Bloomhardt) Miller, pioneers of that county, who were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Sailors was the second in order of birth, the others being as follow : Daniel, a veteran of the Civil War. now deceased ; William T., also a veteran of the Ci^il \\'ar: Benjamin, who also served in behalf of the Union during the Civil War and is now living in Lincoln county, Kansas; Clara, who married J. Henderson and is now deceased; Hulda, wife of F. Saare. of Kansas; Margaret, deceased; Lincoln, deceased; Florence. deceased, and one w-ho died in infanc}-. Early in the spring of 1870, William H. H. Sailors left Indiana with his family and came to Nebraska, arriving in Richardson county on March 8 of that year, and settled on a farm in the precinct of Barada, where he established his home and was beginning to see his way clear to the development of a fine bit of farm property there when the grasshopper scourge swept over this region like a blight. He then would have gladly suld bis place and got out of Nebraska, but there were no buyers at that time and he was compelled to "stick it out," which was a fortunate thing for Iiini, for presently the plains began to smile and his operations prospered greatly. As he prospered he added to his holdings until he became the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of land and was accounted one of the leading farmers and stockmen in that part of the county. Mr. Sailors was a stanch Republican and from the very beginning of his residence in this county took an active interest in local civic affairs for .some time sending as a member lit the board of county supervisors. He was a member of the Christian church, as is his widow, and also took a proper part in church work and other local good works. William H. H. Sailors died on December 5, 1909. and his widow is now making her home in the village of Barada, where she is verv pleasantly situated. They were the parents of fourteen children of whom the subject of thii sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being as. follow ; James T., of Barada precinct; Melissa, who married Robert Ankrom and is now deceased; Harriet, deceased; John H., of Barada precinct; Benjamin, deceased; Clara, deceased; Omer, of Barada precinct; Ida, wife of William Percival, also of the precinct of Barada; Lot, deceased; Fred, of Cedar comity, this state; William, deceased; Pearl, deceased, and Otis B., of the precinct of Barada.

Washington Sailors was not quite tive years of age when he came to this county with his parents in the spring of 1870 and his youth was spent on the pioneer home farm in the precinct of Barada, where he grew up thoroughly familiar with conditions that confronted the pioneer farmer here on the plains. After his marriage at the age of twenty-one years he rented a tract of land from his father and established his home on that purtiun of the old home place, where he has ever since continued to make his residence and where he has developed one of the best farm plants in that part of the county. In 1901 he bought a quarter section in section 9; when the estate was divided he inherited an "eighty," and he has added further to his holdings until now he is the owner of three hundred and nineteen acres of well-improved and profitably cultivated land in sections 22 and 9. He has a modern, nine-room house, a barn sixty-six by seventy feet in dimensions, and the other impro\ements on the place are in keeping with the same. Until 1894 Air. Sailors gave considerable attention to the raising of li\e stock, liut has since then given his chief attention to general farming and is doing very well. He is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after public office.

On March i, 1887, \\'ashington Sailors was united in marriage to Avalena Prine, who was born in the vicinity of Indianapolis, in Alarion c mnty, Indiana, daughter of James P. and Frances (Richard.son) Prine, the former a native of the state of Pennsylvania and the latter of Marion count\ . Indiana, who came to Nebraska about 18S1 and settled in Barada precinct, this county, where their last days were spent. James P. Prine and wife were the parents of five children, those besides Mrs. Sailors, the third in order of birth, lieing George B., of Adams county, this state; Emery B., of Pawnee county; William H., of Adams county, and one who died in infancy. To Washington and Avalena (Prine) Sailors have been born eleven children, all of whom are living save the eighth in order of birth, who died in infancy, the others being Guy, who is clerking in a store at Barada, and Harry, Ray, Frances, Benjamin, Ruth, Rena, Emery, Laura and Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Sailors are members of the Christian church and their cliildren have been reared in that faith, the family taking a proper part in church work, as well as in other good works and in the general social activities of their home communitv.

Fred W. Heineaian

Fred W. Heineman, manager of the Alaust Elevator Company, also farmer and live-stock buyer, who resides at Verdon, this county, was born on July i8, 1861, in the principality of Waldeck, Germany, a son of Daniel and Louise ( Kahn) Heineman, also natives of that country, where they grew up, married and established their home. They were parents of seven children, namely: IVIinnie, the wife of L. Schaffer, of Auburn, Nebraska: Henry, who lives on a farm a mile west of Verdon: Frederick W., the subject of this sketch; Charles H., a contractor, of Falls City: Louise, the wife of William Crouch, of Liberty precmct, this county; Lewis, who also lives in Liberty precinct, and Mary, the wife of F. Bailer, of Exeter, Nebraska. Daniel Heineman. father of the above-named children, was born in Waldeck on November 18, 1824, and died on February 20, 1903. He left his native land in 1864, bringing his family to the United States, locating in Chicago : later moving to Carroll county, Illinois. About the time of the close of the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army, but never saw service. He was a stonemason by trade and followed that vocation for a livelihood throughout his active life. -He came to Nebraska in 1872, locating near Falls City, where he continued working at his trade, later moving to Barada precinct, where his sons were farming. About 1887 he moved to Liberty precinct and his death occurred on the place now owned by Henry Heineman. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in 1830 and died in 191 3. She and her hus- Ijand were members of the Lutheran church.

Fred W. Heineman was three years old when his parents brought him to America. He was reared on the farm in Richardson county receiving his education in the district schools, and has always engaged in farming. He purchased his first farm about 1895, paying fifty dollars an acre for the same, and is now owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive land, one hundred and sixty acres in section 1 1 and one Inindred and sixtv acres in section 16 of Liberty township. He has been quite successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and his land is under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He has always been regarded as an exceptionally good judge of live stock and has bought and shipped stock to the markets for many years. He is also manager of the Maust elevator at Verdon, which does a large annual business. Besides cattle and hogs he has also raised a good many horses from year to year. He moved to Verdon in 1910 and in February, 19 17, began managing the elevator for the Albert Maust Elevator and Live Stock Company.

Mr. Heineman is a Democrat and has served on the town board of Verdon. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married on August 17, 1886, to Lois Bowers, a daughter of Daniel Bowers. She was born near Canton, Ohio, in 1868, and came with her parents to this county when young. Mention of her family is made in the sketch of her brotheiv E. L. Bowers, appearing elsewhere in this work. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heineman, namely : Meta, the wife of F. Porr, t f Humboldt, this county, and Gorman, Roy and Keith, who are at home with their parents.

Herman A. Fischer

Herman A. Fischer, proprietor of a well-kept farm of eighty acres in section 18 of Jefferson precinct, this county, is a native of Germany, but has been a resident of Richardson county since he was seven years of age. He was born on November 4, 1875, son of Fred and Wilhelmina (Schmundt) Fischer, also natives of Germany, the latter of whom is still living, now a resident of Falls City, and who were the parents of six children, of whom two are still living, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Mrs. Hulda Peters, who is living in the precinct of Falls City. Fred Fischer was born in 1843 and grew up as a carpenter, working at the latter trade in his native land until the year 1882, when he came to the United States with his family and proceeded on out to Nebraska and settled in Richardson county. For some time after coming here he rented land, on which he engaged in farming, but after a while became owner of a farm of his own in Liberty precinct and at the time of his death in 191 1 was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres. His widow is now making her home in Falls City, where she is ver)- comfortably situated.

As noted above, Herman A. Fisclier was but seven years of age when lie came to this county with his parents in 1882 and he received his schooling in the local schools in the neighljorhood of his new home, remaining at home and assisting his father in the work of the farm until he was twenty-six years of age, when he rented a tract of land and began farming on his own account. The next year, in 1903, he bought a quarter of a section of land from his father in the precinct of Liberty and began to improve and develop the same. After his marriage in the spring of 1902 he established his home there and continued to farm that place until 1913, when he sold it and bought his present farm of eighty acres in section 18 of the precinct of Jefferson, where he since has resided and where he and his family are very pleasantly situated. Mr. Fischer has erected on his place a handsome seven-room farm house, a substantial barn and a fourteen by t\vent}-eight hollow-tile silo, and in other ways has improved his farm in excellent shape, having now an admirable farm plant. He also has some excellent live stock and is doing quite well in his operations.

On March 27, 1902, Herman A. Fischer was united in marriage to Alarie Gaede, who also was born in German}-, January 5, 1875. and who came to this country in 1891 with her parents, Fred and Eliza ( Germer) Gaede. the family coming on out to Nebraska and settling in Richardson county. [Mrs. Fischer's mother died here in 1898, at the age of forty-two years. Her father is still living in this county, past sixty-three years of age, the owner of a farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Jefferson precinct. Mr. and -Mrs. Fischer have four children, \'erna, Florence, Celesta and Reuben. They are memljers of the Evangelical church and take a pro[)er interest in cliurch work. Mr. Fischer is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attentinn to local political affairs.

Ex-Gov. Jiihn Henry Morehead began his career in southeastern Neliraska as a country school teacher and farm hand. From this humble beginning he worked his way upward and forward to a iX)sition of distinction excelled bv few men in this land of opportunity. Coming to Neliraska in the earlv eighties, after having been seized with the "Western fe\-er." Ins life has been one of ceaseless energy, finally resulting in having bestowed uitrm him the highest honor within the gift of the people of his adopted state, that of chief executive of the great state of Nebraska. While gr\ ernor of the state his conduct of state administrative aft'airs was such as to reflect credit upon the people whose vote placed him in the office: and his administration goes down in history as one of the ablest and best which the ])eople of Nebraska have enjoyed since statehood was conferred upon them. His knowledge of men, his desire to give the people the best administration w ithin his power, his proverbial honesty of purpose and pronounced abilit\- of a high executive order, enabled him to make an enviable record as an able executive, whose every act indicated that he had the welfare of the commonwealth at heart. "From the Hills of Barada to the Governor's Chair,'" might be made the title of an interesting story for the inspiration of future generations of Richardson county young men.

Governor Morehead was born on a farm in Lucas county, Iowa, December 3, 1 861, and is a son of Andrew and Frances (Cooper) Morehead, who were pioneer settlers in that section of the Hawkeye state. Andrew Morehead was a native of the old Buckeye state, born in 1822. He was reared to young manhood in Ohio and soon after his marriage he migrated to Lucas county. Iowa, and purchased a farm, upon which he resided until 1864, after which he spent a year in Ohio, returning t<j Iowa in 1865 and residing upon his land there until his death in 1889. Andrew Morehead became a leader among his neighbors and the people of his section of Lucas county, and filled the office of justice of the peace during his long residence in his adopted state. He was descended from old Scotch-Presbyterian stock, liut upon locating in Iowa he became identified with the Christian L^nion denomination. In politics, Andrew Morehead was a Democrat. Seven children were born to Andrew and Frances Morehead, as follow : Charles, wJin is residing in the old home town of the family at Columbia, Iowa; Mrs. Elizal)eth Dorrell,- deceased ; Ludlow Morehead, a retired farmer living at Barada, this county; William Morehead. a resident of Jefferson, Iowa; John Henry, the subject of this review; Mrs. Mary Duckworth, a widow living at Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Lavina Smith, a resident of Garden Grove, Iowa. The mother of these children, Mrs. Frances Cooper Morehead, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, April 3, 1829, a daughter of Liulk)w ("'loper, a native of Xew York, and an early settler in Ohio, who fought in the \Var of 181 2. She was descended from an old American family, her grandfather having fought in the army of independence during the Revolutionary War. Four brothers of Mrs. Frances Morehead fought in defense of the Union during the Civil War.

The little frame school house which the future governor attended was typical of the times and was furnished with slab benches fitted with pegs for support and no desks such as came at a. later day. To this school he trudged daily during the cold winter months and secured such education as was obtainable in the primitive educational mill. After the district school, in keeping with the desires of his ambitious parents, he attended a select school at Knoxville, Iowa, until he attained the age of seventeen years, then attended a business college at Shenandoah, Iowa. Thus equipped and blessed with a good, strong constitution and body he set out for the West in search of fortune and imbued with the desire to make his own way in the world. His original intention had been to locate in western Nebraska, but having friends in Nemaha county, he tarried there for a while in order to make them a visit. His visit lengthened into a protracted stay and he obtained employment, teaching school in winter for a time and working as a farm hand in summer for a few years, in Nemaha county, the adjoining county to the north. After his marriage in 1885, he located in the town of Barada, in Richardson county, and engaged in the mercantile business with a small stock of goods and plenty of energ\- to make a success of the business. This town proved to be a splendid location for the store and, during the ten years in which Mr. Morehead was engaged in conducting his general store at that place the business grew and he managed to lay the foundation for his subsequent considerable fortune. He invested his surplus in farm land and branched out into the handling of live stock - a lousiness in which he is still engaged, his first modest investments in land having been increased to a total of several hundred acres of land in Richardson county. His farm, just west of Barada, and which has Governor Morehead's personal supervision, is one of the most producti\e farming plants in Richardson county. The love of the soil and of mother nature having been deeply imbedded in his soul when a youth he maintains a keen and abiding interest in agricultural affairs and devotes the greater part of his time and energy to agriculture and stock raising since retiring from the governor's chair, early in 1917. Governor Morehead is interested in banking, having been one of the organizers of the Barada State Bank, of which concern he is president, and he is also a director of the First National Bank of Falls City.

Governor Morehead became interested in politics not long after his advent into Richardson county and the first civic office which he held in the county was that of town clerk of Barada. which he filled, as well as serving as town treasurer. He was elected county treasurer on the Democratic ticket in the fall of 1895, '^"'^l ^^'^^s re-elected to this office in 1897.

In the year 1899 he became cashier of the First National Bank of Falls City, and while filling this position he served one term as mayor of the city. His entrance into state politics was signalized by his election, in 1910, as state senator from the first district. His colleagues gave definite recognition to his ability by placing him in the position of president pro-tem of the Senate Upon the death of the lieutenant-governor of Nebraska, in 191 1, he became lieutenant-governor of the state, in accordance with a provision of the state constitution. In November, 1912, Mr. Morehead was the candidate of liis party for the governorship, and was elected to the office by a substantial majority. So popular with the people, was his conduct of the affairs of his high office that he was re-elected to the governorship in 1914- Upon the near expiration of his second term of office, in 1916, he was petitioned liy twenty thousand citizens of the state to become a candidate for a third term, but he declined. Very few men have been twice elected governor of the state and Governor Morehead was the first executive in many years to succeed himself - a fact which is the most substantial proof extant of his successful administration. During his administration the board of control for state institutions was established and was placed in. working operation with splendid success.

Governor Morehead's ability to judge men and their qualifications came in good stead while performing his duties as chief executive of Nebraska, and he made a record for appointing men of pronounced ability as heads of the different state institutions, which excels that of any preceding governor. The men whom he has appointed to state positions have, in practically every instance, proved their fitness and ability by zealously attending to their duties in the interests of the whole people. His record as governor of Neljraska speaks for itself and future historians will place stress upon tlie fact that John H. Morehead gave his state an able and conscientious administration, and that he proved himself worthy of the great trust placed in him by liis fellow citizens.

On I'eliruary 14, 1885, John H. Morehead was united in marriage to Minnie Weisenreder, and to this union have been born two children, Dorothy I,ee Morehead, a graduate of the University of Nebraska and a memljer of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Edwin J. Morehead, a student in the law department of the State University. Mrs. Minnie Morehead was born in Aspinwall, Nemaha county, Nebraska, and is a daughter of Edward and Minnie Weisenreder, the former of whom was born in Gernianv and the latter, in Missouri, a daughter of Gemian parents. The members of the family worship at the Presbyterian church in Falls City.

Governor Morehead is affiliated fraternally with the Independent (Jrder of Odd I'^llows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protec»s--e ( )r(ler nf Elks and with tiie Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being a nieniliers also of the local comniandery, Knights Templar, and of the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mystic Shrine. Governor .Morehead takes ;l keen interest in local civic affairs, and is ever ready to lend his snpport tti any ni<j\ement having the welfare of the people and their achancenient for its oliiect.

John Webster Towle

Signal achievement on the part of the individual is \v(jrthy of specific and honorable mention; when that achievement is the life work of a native son of Richardson county of pioneer stock it is well worthy of inscription in the annals of this county. John Webster Towle, civil engineer and successful business man and captain of industry, of Omaha, Nebraska, was born and reared in Richardson county and received his inspiration for accomplishment far beyond the ordinary during his boyhood days spent here, while this county and country were developing into the present prosperous section of the great Middle West. Mr. Towle has made a name for himself in the most difficult of vocations and is recognized as an engineer of pronounced ability and attainments. He has become a notable figure in the business world of his adopted city. Through all of his successes however, he has never lost his regard and affection for home folks and his native city and county, and still considers Richardson county as his home.

John W. Towle was born at Falls City, Nebraska, August 28, 1872, and is a son of Edwin Sargent Towle, dean of the Richardson county bar and one of the best-known pioneer residents of Falls City. Elsewhere in this volume a complete^biography of Edwin Sargent Towle is given. The paternal grandparents of John W. Towle were Samuel S. and Marie (Stephens) Towle, natives of New York state. The Towle family is a very old American family, the early records showing that one Re\'erend Batchelder, a minister, founded the town of Hampton, New Hampshire, as earl)' as 1632. Philip Towle, a direct ancestor, who was from England, settled in Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1640. Members of the Towle family lived for many years in the towns of Hampton, Chester, and Candia, New Hampshire. They emigrated from New Hampshire to Clarkson, New York, where the grandparents of John W. Towle were born. Edwin S. Towle, father of the .subject of this review, was born on ]\Iarch 13. 1843, '^^ Mishawaka, Indiana, whither his parents had emigrated from New York and had become sul)stantial residents of the community. From Indiana he came to Nebraska and has since been closely identified with the growth and up-building of b'alls City, one of the honored and respected pioneer citizens of the community and for years actively engaged in the practice of law in the courts of Richai"dson county and Nebraska. Edwin S. Towle here married Kittie Love Dorrington, daughter of David and Ann B. (Wood) Dorrington, natives of Watton, England, who immigrated to America and first settled in New York where Mrs. Kittie L. Towle was born on January 27, 1849, at Whitestown. David Dorrington was likewise a pioneer settler of Richardson county, and further and fitting mention of him and Mrs. Dorrington is made elsewhere in this volume. Edwin S. and Kittie L. Towle are the parents of two sons,- namely: Edwin H. Towle, of Falls City, concerning whom a biography is herein presented, and John Webster Towle, subject of this review.

John W. Towle practically grew up with the village and town of Falls City and he received his primary education in the public schools of his native city, graduating from the high school in 1889. He then spent a year in preparatory studies at the Highland (Kansas) University and entered Cornell Uni\ersity, Ithaca, New York, from which famous seat of learning he was graduated with the degree of Civil Engineer in 1894. After his graduation he returned to his home city and remained here until 1897. On July I of that year he took up his residence in Omaha where he has become actively identified with the business interests of the city. He served as city engineer of Falls City from 1894 to 1897 and was acting county surveyor of Richardson county from 1895 to 1897. He became general western agent for the Canton Bridge Company in 1897, and remained with that concern until 1900. He then embarked as bridge contractor and builder on his own account and was thus engaged until 1906 at which time he organized and became president of the Western Bridge and Construction Company, serving in that capacity until 191 1. In the meantime, Mr. Towle had extended his activities and had become connected with various industrial corporations, being an official and stockholder of the following important concerns: President of the Omaha Steel Structural Works ; president of the Nebraska Bridge, SuppK and Lumber Company; vice-president of the Concrete Engineering C<>mpan\-; vice-president of the Independent Lumber Company; president of the Omaha Structural Steel Bridge Company and president of the Towle Realty Company. After the great qxlone of 1913, which devastated a large portion of the residential section of the city of Omaha, Mr. Towle was selected by the relief committee and placed in charge of all reconstruction and rebuilding operations necessary to restore the devastated sections of the city. He had supervision of the erection of over seven hundred buildings.

On September 3, 1894, John W. Towle was married to Naomi F. Everts of Geneva, Illinois, and this union has been blessed with three children as follow : Marion Ruth Towle, born on July 5, 1895 ; Naomi Everts Towle, October 6, 1896, and Everts Sargent Towle, April 23, 1903, who died on April II, 1904. The mother of these children was born at Geneva, Illinois, March 19, 1873, and is a daughter of James S. and Meta (Warner) Everts, the former of whom was born in 1844 a"d died in 1908, the latter having been born in 1848 and departed this life in 1900. They were the parents of two children, Ruth M. Everts, born on May 6, 187 1, at Geneva, Illinois, and Naomi F., wife of John W. Towle. James S. Everts organized and developed the famous "Louieland Farm," which was located southwest of Falls City and was noted the country over. Further and appropriate mention of Mr.. Everts is made elsewhere in this history.

Mr. Towle takes an active and influential interest in affairs political and is aligned with the Progressive Republicans. He served as a delegate to the national conventions of his party held in 1912 and in 1916. He is aflfiliated fraternally with the Omaha Lodge of Elks and the Alpha Tau Omega - his college fraternity - and is a member of the following professional societies : The Omaha Technical Society; the Nebraska State Society of Engineers, and the Cornell Civil Engineering Society of New York. He is a memljer of the First Methodist church of Omaha and is at present serving on the board of trustees of that church.

Although the activities and career of this successful native son of Richardson county has called him to the Nebraska metropolis, his heart and mind is still with Richardson county, where he has farming interests which occupy his attention, and he has always considered this as his permanent home. His recreations are mainly confined to tennis and golf, and during his college days at Cornell played on the 'Varsity baseball team and took considerable interest in other college athletics. Mr. Towle has given evidence of his patriotism and deep love of country by offering his services to his country as an officer in the Engineering Corps, for active service in the great World War, and is expecting a call to Washington at any time.

John R. Shelly

John R. Shelly, postmaster at Preston and for years a well-known merchant in that thriving village, is" a native of the old Keystone state, but has been a resident of this part of the country since the days of his boyhood, he having come out here with his parents when he was about nine years of age. He was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1867, son of Philip and Lavina (Shutt) Shelly, both natives of that same state, who later became pioneers of Richardson county and both of whom are still living.

Philip Shelly was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in December, 1843, a son of Christian Shelly, also a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer, who spent all his life in his native state. Philip Shelly grew up in Pennsylvania and there married Lavina Shutt who was born in Montgomery county, that same state. In 1876 he came West with his family and was for some time thereafter engaged as a farmer and stockbuyer at Hamlin, Kansas, remaining there until 1880. in which year he came up into Nebraska and started the townsite at Preston, in the precinct of Jefferson, this county, building the first store building in that village, and also bought a farm at that site. Mr. Shelly was made the first postmaster of Preston and continued holding that office, engaged at the same time in the general merchandise and drug business and in the buying and selling of live stock, until his retirement from business in 1896. He is now living at Sterling, this state, and his wife is making her home with her youngest daughter at Denver, in Miami county, Indiana. To Philip Shelly and wife were born nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth and the first-born of whom died in infancy, the others being as follow: Katherine, deceased; Martha, wife of Henry C. Zoeller, a well-known and substantial farmer and stockman of Jefferson precinct and further and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume ; Christian, of Boise, Idaho ; Fred, of Gordon, this state; Robert, deceased; L'illie, deceased, and Mrs. Lavina Myers, of Denver, Indiana.

John R. Shelly was about thirteen years of age when his parents settled at Preston and he finished his schooling there and there grew to manhood, working on the home farm and clerking in his father's store. When twent\- one years of age he began farming on his own account and after his marriage in 1893 established his home on the farm and there continued to reside until 19 10, when he retired and moved to Preston, where he since has been successfully engaged in the general merchandise business, one of the best- known merchants in that part of the county. In igio Air. Shellv was commissioned postmaster of Preston and has since held that nffice, an office his father formerly and for years occupied. He is a Repuljlican and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs.

On August 15, 1893, John R. Shelly was united in marriage to Louisa Pyle, who was born on a pioneer farm in the neighborhood of Falls City, this county, August 2, 1870, daughter of Elbridge and Mary (Painter) Pyle, natives of Illinois, who came to Nebraska in 1870 and settled in this county, becoming pioneers of the precinct of Jefferson, where Mrs. Pyle spent her last days. Mr. Pyle is now living at Preston. Mr. and Mrs. Shellv have four children, Evelyn, who is at home; Lucile, wife of G. L. Waggoner, of Wymore, this state, and Irvin and Byron, at home. The Shellys have a very pleasant home at Preston and take an interested part in the general social activities of the village and of the communit}- at large. Mr. Shelly is a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd. Fellows at Rulo and of the Falls City lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the affairs of both of these organizations takes a warm interest. In addition to his mercantile interests at Preston, Mr. Shell}- is the owner of a quarter of a section of well-improved land in Blaine county, this state, and is quite well circumstanced.

Brevet Simanton

To succeed as a floriculturist requires not only infinite care and study, but also peculiar natural al)ility. As a rule it is only those with aesthetic tastes who follow this delightful occupation. Such a man is Brevet Sinianton, now living in honorable retirement in Falls Cit}-, this county. He was born on February 16, 1847, in Erie county. New York, a son of Robert ami Eunice (Wing) Simanton, whose family cbn.si.sted of eight children, the subject of this sketch being now the only survivor. The father was Ijorn about 1800. Flis parents were natives of Holland, from which country they immigrated to America in an early day. settling in Penns\ Ivania. Robert Simanton was a tanner by trade, also a harness-maker and trunkmaker, but he was operating a saw-mill near Buffalo, New ^'ork, at the time of his death, which occurred in 185 1. His wife, Eunice Wing, was born at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1808 and died in 1892. .She was a daughter of Andrew M. and Betsey (Hatch") Wing, both natives of Massachusetts.

in 1855, and there attended school. In iS68 he came to Xeljraska and located at Falls City, where he followed the painter's trade, which he had learned before leaving Indiana. He became quite expert and continued his trade in Falls City until 1887, when he turned his attention to horticulture, raising fruits and vegetables ; later starting a greenhouse as a side line, on a small scale, his. first buildmg being only eleven by tjj'enty feet. As his business prospered he later built an addition twenty by thirty-six feet, then another of forty by eighty feet dimensions. He made a pronounced succesa in this line of endeavor and enjoyed a trade for a distance of one hundred luiles on both sides of the railroad, each way from Falls City. Having by his thrift and good management accumulated a comfortable competency he retired from active life in 1915. When he first landed in Falls City he had but two dollars and fifty cents in money. He was succeeded in business b\- his son, John R. Simanton, to whom he sold out. in partnership with the latter's brother-in-law, Harry A. Pence, and these two gentlemen are now carrying on the business on a more extensive scale than it was formerly conducted, under the firm name of Simanton & Pence. '".Sunnyside Greenhouses."

On June i, 1871, Brevet Simanton was married to Helen 'SI. Bald\Mn, who was born in Montpelier, Indiana, a daughter of John C. and Rachel (Waugh) Baldwin, natives of Vermont, and to this union the following children have been born; Edwin B., who lives in Arizona; John R., who lives in Falls City; Mrs. Jennie S. Pence, who also lives in Falls City, and Marion, wife of T. R. Burchard, who lives on a farm in Xemaha county, Nebraska. Politically, Mr. Simanton is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Civil War veteran, having enlisted in 1864 in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana \'olunteer Infantry.

John R. Simanton, mentioned in preceding paragraphs, was Ijorn at I'alls City on September 5, 1874, and there he grew to manhood and attended the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1892. He has always worked with his father, whom he has succeeded in the greenhouse business and is making a pronounced success. He was married in 1901, to Ethel Minnick, who was born in Calker City, Kansas, a daughter of Robert and Sarah R. (Ireland) Minnick, who were early settlers of Richardson count}-. ]\Ir. and Mrs. John R. Simanton have two daughters. Sarah and Ruth. Politically, John R. Simanton is a Republican and, fraternallw he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ro\al Highlanders.

William Percival

William Percival, proprietor of a fine farm in sections 22 and 23 of the precinct of Barada. this county, is a native of the state of Illinois, but has been a resident of this county since he was eighteen years of age, having come here as a farm hand in 1891, and has gradually worked his way up to his present well-circumstanced condition. He was born on a farm in Effingham county, Illinois, January 15, 1873, son of John and Sophia (Koso) Percival, both of whom were of European birth, the former a native of the city of Manchester, England, and the latter of the grand duchy of Mecklenburg- Schwerin, whose last days were spent in Illinois.

John Percival was born on June 28, 1835, and remained in his native England until about 1861, when he came to this countrv and not long afterward enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil War. serving until his final honorable discharge, after which he located in Effingham county, Illinois, where in the early seventies, he married Mrs. Sophia (Koso) Madouse, of that county, widow of Joseph Madouse and mother of Christ. Madouse, a well-known farmer of the precinct of Barada. this countv. and a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume. After his marriage John Percival continued to make his home in Effingham county. Illinois, and there spent his last days, his death occurring on May 18. IQ03. He and his wife were the parents of six children, those besides the subject of this sketch being George, of Effingham county, Illinois; Fred, of that same county; Sophia, wife of I. Bailey, of Coles county Illinois; Mrs. Henry Ruegge, of the precinct of Arago, this county, and one who died in infancy.

Reared on the home farm in Illinois, William Percival received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood and remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when, in 1891, he came to Nebraska and began working as a farm hand in Richardson county, receiving a wage of sixteen dollars a month, and was thus engaged until 1894, when he bought three horses and some other equipment and rented a farm in the precinct of Ohio, this county, and began farming on his own accotint. The next year he married and continued farming with such success that in 191 1 he was enabled to buy his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in sections 22 and 23 of the precinct of Barada, where he has since made his home and where he and his family are very comfortably situated. Since taking possession of that place, ]\Ir. Percival has erected a fine new modern residence, and an ample barn, and has made other substantial improvements on tlie place, his farm plant now being one of the best in that part of the C(junt\-. Of late years he has been giving considerable attention to the breeding of Chester AMiite hogs and is doing very well in his operations.

On September 5, 1895, William Percival was united in marriage to Ida Sailors, who was born in the precinct of Barada, this county, ilav 16, 1872. daughter of William H. Sailors and wife, pioneers of Richardson count\- and further and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, and to this union seven children have been born, Alfred, Elmer, Elizabeth, Rov, Fern, Theodore and Clark, all of whom are at home. The Percivals have a very pleasant home and take an interested part in the general social activities of their home community. They are members of the Christian church and give proper attention to church works, as well as other neighborhood good works, helpful in promoting all agencies designed to advance the common welfare of the community in which they live.

Grant L. Windle

Grant L. Windle, laundryman at Falls City and proprietor and manager of one of the best-equipped steam laundries in this part of the state, is a native of Illinois, but has been a resident of Richardson count) since he was four years of age, having come here with his parents back in pioneer days. He was born on a farm in the immediate vicinity of the town of Polo, in Ogle county, Illinois, September 12, 1868. son of ^^'illiam and Susan V. (Baker) Windle, natives, respectively, of Virginia and of Illinois, who later came to Richardson county and here spent their last days, honored and useful pioneer residents.

William Windle was born at Woodstock, Virginia, in 1843. ^"d was but a child when his parents moved from there to Ogle county, Illinois, wliere he was reared on a farm and where he was living at the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted for service as a private in the Fortv-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with that command went to the front. At the battle of Shiloh Mr. Windle was shot through the breast, the bullet striking just above the heart. When he was able to endure the journey he was furloughed home and after lying in a hospital for several months was given his discharge, but upon recuperating from his wound he re-enlisted and served until the close of the war. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. Windle returned to Ogle county and there, in

1866, married Susan \'. Baker, who was horn in that county in 1841. After his marriage he estabHshed his home on a farm in Ogle county, in the immediate vicinity of Polo, and there remained until the spring of 1872, when he bought a farm in the precinct of Liberty, in this county, and moved his family out here onto an unbroken prairie farm and here established his permanent home. He lost little time in bringing that raw prairie farm under cultivation and it was not long until he came to be recognized as one of the leading farmers in that part of tlie county. In addition to his general farming he paid considerable attention to tlie l)reeding of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and in that line did \er\' well, bis stock for twenty years being widely known among exhibitors at the county fairs hereabout. Mr. Windle was an ardent Republican and an active member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He died in 1901 and his widow survived until 191 3. Both are buried in the Steele cemetery at Falls City. They were the parents of nine children, those besides the subject of this sketch, the first-born, being as follow: Lillian G., wife of C. H. Heckler, of Wakomis, Oklahoma; ^Lirl)le, wife of X. A. Morgan, of Center, Colorado; Edna I., wife of D. \\'. Griffith, of X'enlon, this countv; Charles A., of Salem, this county; Frank E.. of \A'akomis, Oklahoma; Bert O.. of Durango. Colorado, and two who died in infancy.

As noted above Grant L. Windle was four years of age when his parents settled in this county, in 1872, and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Liberty precinct. He received his schooling in the local schools and remained at home, a valued assistant to his father in the labors of developing and improving the home place, until he was twenty-four years of age, when he rented a farm and for a couple of years thereafter was engaged in farming on his own hook. He then, in 1894. recognized the need of a steam laundry in Falls City and in partnership with Wesley Brooks, started such an establishment there, about three months later becoming sole proprietor of the same, and has ever since been engaged in that business. As the business developed ^Ir. Windle has continued to add to his equipment and to his facilities until now he has one of the best-established and best-equipped steam laundries in this part of the country. When he started in business his plant, which was located in a dwelling house, consisted of a steam washer and extractor, a shirt ironer and a home-made drver. In May, 1895, his father erected for him a building more ser\ iceable for his laundry and after that Iniilding was destroyed by fire in 1908 he erected his present commodious and well-arranged building, equipping the same w ith a complete and up-to-date plant.

On August 3, 1898, Grant L. Windle was united in marria.i^e Id Clara Culp, who was born in Brown county, Kansas, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Hersey) Culp, natives, respectively, of Ohio and of Canada, who came up into Richardson county from Kansas about, i860 and here Joseph Culp, who was a well-known stock buyer, spent his last da\s. His widow is now living- at Hooper, Colorado. Mr. and j\lrs. ^^'indle have one child, a daughter, Thelma, born in 1900. They are members of the Cliristian church and take a proper interest in community good works. 3.1r. \\'indle is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and with the Elks lodge and takes a warm interest in the affairs of both of these organizations.

Conrad Brecht

Conrad Brecht, retired farmer, now living at Falls City, where he and his wife have made their home since moving from their farm in the precinct of Ohio in 1905, is a native of the Dominion of Canada, but has been a resident of Nebraska and of this county since he has ten years i)f age, his parents having settled here in 1867, the year in which Nebraska \\as admitted to statehood, and he thus has been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region since pioneer days. He was born on a farm in Waterloo county, in the province of Ontario, Canada, March 22. 1857, son of Carl J. and Susan ( Hadley) Brecht, natives of Germany. who became pioneers of this county and here spent the remainder of their lives.

Carl J. Brecht was born in the grand duchy of Baden in 1826 and \\a^ there trained to the trade of wagon-maker. When he was about twent\- years of age he came to this country and Ijegan working at his trade at Buffalo, New York, where he married Susan Hadley, also a native of Germany, born in 1835, and who was but twelve years of age when she came to this country with her parents. Not long after his marriage, I'arl J. Brecht moved up over the line into Canada and located in the cnuntv of Waterloo, province of Ontario, where he engaged in farming and als^ continued more or less engaged in working at his trade as a wagonmaker. remaining there for about ten years, or until the fall of 1867, when he returned to the States and settled in the then new state of Neliraska, the state just having been admitted to the Union in that year, the date >>i his arrival in Richardson county being October 14, 1867. His brother, Bernard Brecht, had previously purchased a tract of land in the northwest cornet of the precinct of Jefferson and after his death Carl J. Brecht bought the place .and there he continued to make his home, developing and improving the farm, until his death ten years later, in 1877, one of the best-known pioneers of that neighborhood. His widow survived him many years, her death occurring on January 9, 1903. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, namely: Charles J., deceased; Conrad, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Mrs. Caroline Fenske. of Hopkins, this state; Harry, a well-known stockman of Falls City precinct; Fred, of Falls City; Mrs. Catherine Kruse, of Falls City; Peter M., living retired in Falls City, and Mrs. Elizabeth Schmechle, a widow, of Hoskins.

As noted above, Conrad Brecht was ten years of age when he came to this county from Canada with his parents in the fall of 1867 and he grew to manhood on the home farm in the precinct of Jefferson, completing his schooling in the district schools of that neighborhood and from the days of his boyhood proving a valuable factor in the labors of developing and improving the home farm. When twenty-one years of age he rented a farm from his mother, his father having died meanwhile, and three years later bought a tract of sixty acres in the precinct of Jefferson, which he proceeded to improve and on which he established his home after his marriage in 1882. He later bought an adjoining "eighty" and continued farming that place until 1892, when he sold it and bought a tract of two hundred and forty acres in section 25 of the precinct of Ohio and moved onto the same, making extensive improvements on this latter place and there enlarged his operations in the wa\- of raising Hve stock. Mr. Brecht later bought an adjoining "eight v'" in section 36 and is thus the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, a half section, of excellent land and has brought the same up to a high state of development. In 1905 he and his wife left the farm and moved to Falls City, where they have a fine home, but he continued to give his personal attention to the farm until his definite retirement from farming in 191 2. though he continues to hold his old home farm. Mr. Brecht is a stockholder in the State Bank of Falls City and is also a shareholder in the Springfield Mnegar Company of Falls City and has other investments of a profitable character. He is a Democrat and has for years given his thoughtful attention to local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after public office.

that Conrad Brecht was united in marriage to Augusta Schmechel, who was born in West Prussia, Germany, April 21, 1862, and who was nine years of age when she came to this country with her parents, John and Justine (Tesnier) Schmechel, who settled in the precinct of Jefferson in this county, in the early seventies, becoming substantial pioneer residents of that part of the county. John Schmechel was born in Prussia on December 12, 1837, and died at his home in this county on July 23, 1907. His widow is now living at Falls City, past ninety years of age, one of the oldest residents of Richardson county. She and her husband were the parents of eleven children, of whom but four grew to maturity. To Mr. and Mrs. Brecht five children have been born, namely : Frank, who is living on the old home place in Ohio precinct and who married Rosa Bertram and has one child, Evelyn Pauline: Mrs. Anna Schindler, also living on the home farm and who has one child, Wilbur Conrad ; Elizabeth, wife of Charles C. Davis, postmaster of Falls City, and who also has one child, a daughter, Katherine ; Caroline, now deceased, who was the wife of James Stewart and who had one child, Clyde Conrad; and Alfred, battalion sergeant-major on the staff of Major Herman in the artillery section of the ammunition train with lieadquarters at lola, Kansas, and who in the fall of 1917 was transferred to the training camp at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Mrs. Brecht is a member of the Presljyterian church. Mr. Brecht is a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife are members (.f the Daughters of Rebekah and of the Royal Highlanders.

The Rev. Paul Hasler, pastor of St. Ann's Catholic church in Barada precinct, this county, is a man whom everybody knows and esteems in that portion of the county, where he is doing an excellent work. He was born at Muensterberg, province of Silesia, Germany, and he is a son of Joseph and Bertha (Voegel) Hasler, both natives of Germany, where they g:rew uj), attended .school and were married. The father was a tradesman in Muensterberg and he is still residing there.

The subject of this review grew to manhood in his native land and studied there at the College of Holy Cross in Silesia, also at the Seminary of St. Gabriel, near Vienna, .\ustria. He came to America in August, hk'' and studied at St. Mary's College, Cincinnati, Ohio. Thus well prepared for liis chosen life work he was onlained in 1910 at Colunihus, Ohio. Soon thereafter he came to Nebraska antl took charge of the churches of Gilead and Alexandria, near Hebron. He was later chaplain of St. Thomas's Orphanage, at Lincoln, Nebraska, for one year. He came to Salem. Richardson county, in July, 1914, and has since had charge of St. Ann"s church and the Salem church. Father Hasler has proven to be an industriou,> and conscientious worker, is popular among tlie members of his parish and has greatly strengthened the work of the churcli since coming here. He is a scliolarly man, unassuming :uid of genial atldress.

Henry E. Wyatt

Henr}- E. W'yatt, a prosperous farmer and live stock Ijreeder of l''alls City precinct, is a native-born citizen of this county, a son of old pioneer residents, who has found Richardson county a good enough place in which to spend his life, and has seen no need to wander from the land of his birth in search of opportunities - there being sufficient inducement for him to remain in his home county and here become a very successful agriculturist.

Mr. W'yatt was born on a farm one mile east of P'alls Citw Nebraska, July 13, 1868, on the old Wyatt homestead ui)On which his father settled in the year 1859. He is a son of Charles and Rebecca ( Eorney ) \\'\act. the former of whom was a native of England and the latter a nati\e of Ohio. Charles Wyatt was born at Sheffield, England, in 1837 and spent his earlier years in his native land, emigrating to America in 1857 and. after a residence of a short time in Illinois, he came to Nebraska in 1859. He bought a farm of eighty acres just east of Falls City, and erected thereon a small frame house, fourteen by sixteen feet in dimensions and at once set about improving and breaking up his land. His method of transportation from Illinois was by oxen, driving the long distance. He also used oxen in breaking up his land for cultixation during the first year of his residence here. A few years later lie joined one of the "gold rushes"' to California and remained employed in the gold mines of the western coa>t countrv until 1865, when he returned home and settled down to farming his land. He remained engaged in his farming activities until death claimed him on January 9, 1879. The mother and children resided on the home farm until it was sold in April, ic^oi.

Charles Wyatt was married to Rebecca Forney in 1867, and this union was blessed with a family of three sons and two daughters, namely : Henry E., the subject of this review; Mrs. Mary E. Perry, who died at Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania ; INIrs. Martha Fisher, who lives in Falls City precinct ; William, who lives in Jefferson county, Kansas, and Joseph, who is engaged" in fanning near Efifingham, Atchison county, Kansas. The mother of these children was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 26, 1845," and was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Brenniger) Forney, who became pioneer settlers of the Western country. She died on April 22, 1905.

Joseph Forney, father of Mrs. Charles Wyatt, was born on May 19, 1824, in Ohio, and there married Mary Brenniger of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1851. Soon after his marriage he joined a party of immigrants who were going to the Western country for the purpose of founding homes in the new and rich lands of the unsettled prairie regions. The party made the long journey down the Ohio river by boat and thence up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Severe spring storms weakened the structure of the steamer which was conveying this party of hardy adventurers and the boat was wrecked near the site of St. Joseph. The entire party was forced to land and lived in the open in hastily constructed camps for some time. The exposure was very hard on the weaker members of the party and cholera broke out in virulent form. Many died, among them being the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forney. This was a sad culmination to the long and arduous journey of six weeks which had been tinged with bright expectations of a home in the new lands which they were seeking. After much delay they again secured a steamboat, which conveyed them up the Missouri and they made a landing near Oregon, in Holt county, Missouri. Not long after landing, Mrs. Forney died as a result of the exposure and hardships to which she had been subjected. Joseph Forney made a home for his children in Holt county and in 1854 married Louisa Jane Coon, who had come to Missouri from Richland county, Ohio, in comi>any with a brother-in-law and his family, she walking almost the entire distance because of the heavily loaded condition of the wagons which carried her brother-in-law's effects. In the fall of 1855 this pioneer couple came to Nebraska and settled on a farm east of Falls City, where Mr. Forney prospered and became well-to-do, and one of the influential men of this county. For a number of years the Forney home was the only residence between Falls City and Rulo and the home was used as a meeting place for the (83)

Methodist people of the vicinity, both Mr. and Mrs. Forney being stanch members of the Methodist denomination. Sunday schools and revivals were freciilently held in the Forney home. Mr. Forney traded a great deal with the Indians and was well liked by them until an incident occurred which caused the wild denizens of the wilderness to shun the Forney home for a long- time. Once while on a trip to St. Joseph, Mrs. Forney contracted measles and was left at the home of an Indian. Measles naturally broke out among the red men and their families in a few days, and they became so frightened that they refused to go to the Forney home for a long time, believing that the evil spirit had in some way placed a curse on the place and its occupants. Mr. Forney lived to be eighty-six years old and his wife attained the age of eighty-one yearn. Both are historic characters in the annals of Richardson county.

Henry E. Wyatt, subject of this review, was reared to young manhood on the Wyatt home farm east of Falls City, assisted with the work of the farm and attended the district school during the intervals between crops. He cultivated the farm for his mother until 1894 and then rented the land on his own account, keeping it well improved and the soil up to standard by judicious rotation of crops. In 1906 he bought his present farm, the old Ewalt place, in section 16, just west of Falls City, which consists of eighty-two acres in Falls City township. This place is well improved, with a nice residence and good buildings, and is within sight and easy walking distance of the city. In connection with his general farming activities. Mr. Wyatt makes a specialty of breeding Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs, a departure which he began in 1895 ^"d is carrying on very successfully. In addition to his thoroughbred hogs and cattle. Mr. Wyatt keeps a fine flock of White Rock poultry.

On January 11, 1903, Henry E. Wyatt was married to Sallie Whitaker. who was born in Putnam county, Tennessee, April 23, 1868. Further mention of the Whitaker family will be found elsewhere in this volume. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt, namely: Bessie, who was graduated from the Falls City high school and is at home with her parents, and Jennings, also at home.

Mr. Wyatt is a Democrat and is more or less active in local political affairs, being one of the leaders of his party in Richardson county and having filled several offices. He served as road supervisor and as chairman of the Falls City precinct board and in 19 14 was elected to the ofifice of county supervisor, which position he held until the county goverment was changed so that a board of county commissioners succeeded the supervisors.

He discharged the duties of these official positions in a faithful and acceptable manner. Fraternally, ^Ir. ^\'vatt belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and Mrs. Wyatt are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

\\\ S. Leyda. mayor oT Falls City and a well-known cigar manufacturer of that city, is a native of the old Buckeye state, but has been a resident of Nebraska since he was a boy and of Falls City since 1889, in which year he moved down from Weeping Water, where he had been engaged in railroad service, and engaged in the mercantile business, presently embarking there in the cigar business and has ever since been engaged ^s a manufacturer and jobljer in that line, at the same time giving his attention to local civic affairs, and is now serving his eighth successive term as mayor of the city, to which office he was re-nominated by acclamation at a mass meeting in the spring of 19 17.

As noted above, Mayor Leyda is a native of Ohio. He was born on a farm in Vermillion township, Ashland county, that state, April 5, 1864, son of Reuben K. and Catherine fSharpe) Leyda, both of whom also were born in Ohio and Ixith of Pennsylvania parentage, the former a son of James Leyda. of Irish descent, whose wife, a native of New York, was of Colonial descent. The Leydas have been farmers as far back as their history in this country is known to the present generation of the family. In 1881 Reuben K. Leyda left Ohio with his family and came to Nebraska locating on a farm four miles north of Weeping Water, in Cass county, where he made his home until his retirement from the active labors of the farm and removal to Falls City, where he spent his last days, his death occurring there on October 23, 1910, he then being seventy-six years of age. His wife had preceded him to the grave more than nine years, her death having occurred in March, 1902. They were the parents of four children, sons all, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth the others being Tracy, a farmer, living near Murray, in Cass county: John M., a lawyer at Plattsmouth* and James E., a lawyer at Falls City.

W. S. Le\da was seventeen years of age when he came to this state with his parents and brothers and settled in Cass county. He had received excellent schooling in his Ohio home and upon his arrival here became engaged as a school teacher in Cass county, as also did his brothers, and for three winters was thus engaged, meantime assisting during the summers in the labors of developing and improving the home farm. He then entered the railway service and for three years was employed as cashier in the office of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company at Weeping Water, at the same time giving his leisure hours to the study of law under the preceptorship of Harvey Travis, an attorney-at-law at Weeping Water. In December, 1889, Mr. Leyda's services were obtained by the clothing firm of Herman Brothers, of Lincoln, to take charge of a clothing store operated by that firm at Falls City and he moved to that city and for three years was engaged in operating that store; after which, in 1892, he engaged in that city in the retail cigar business and was so successful in that line that on January i, 1898, he extended the business to include the manufacture of cigars and a general jobbing trade in that line and has ever since been engaged in that business.

Mayor Leyda is a Republican on state and national issues, though he ever has held himself independent on local issues, and from the days of his boyhood has taken an interest in political affairs. Upon locating at Falls City he entered into the political activities of the town and the coimty and not long afterward was elected city clerk, a position he held for two terms. He then was elected assessor and held that office by successive re-elections for four terms, after which he was elected mayor of the city and has been retained in that office ever since, now serving his eighth consecutive term of office as mayor of the city. During this long period of administrative service Mayor Leyda has been mindful of the needs of the city and his administration has been marked by many substantial evidences of the pmgressiveness and public spirit of the chief executive and his council. Among^ the permanent improvements thus made, reference may be made to the thorough system of concrete sidewalks, the effectual method of letting pavingcontracts, the inclusive extension of the city sewer system and the installation of boulevard lights on Stone street, the beautiful "White Way" of Falls City, this latter very marked improvement having 1>een completed and the "White Way" illuminated on September 27, 1912. During the winter of 1916-17 the high price of coal prompted Mayor Leyda to ask the council for permission to buy coal for distribution at actual cost to such deserving applicants for fuel as were unable without painful sacrifices to pay the market price for coal. This movement was indorsed by the council and the Mavor was thus enabled to relieve a measure of the distress that many in the city otherwise would have suffered during that long and trying winter. It was also through his initiative that the local board of associated charities was organized in that winter and a "tag day" inaugurated, whereby five hundred dollars was raised for the relief of the more immediate cases of distress among the poor persons of the city.

On November 15, 1895, W. S. Leyda was united in marriage to Mrs. Ada A. (McMillan) Ammerman, a widow, of Medina county, Ohio, and daughter of James McMillan and wife, and to this union four children have been born, twins, deceased ; Lucilla, who was graduated from Lincoln University and is now a teacher in Whitman College at Walla Walla, Washington, and Camille, also a graduate of Lincoln University, who is now a teacher in the high school at Crete, over in Saline county, this state. Mayor and Mrs. Leyda have a pleasant home in Falls City and have ever taken an active and an interested part in the general social and cultural activities of their home town. They are attendants on the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Mayor is affiliated with the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is high in the councils of Pythianism and is a member of the supreme lodge of that order representative from the grand lodge of the order for the state of Nebraska.

Jacob Franklin Wissinger

The county farm has never had a better superintendent since Richardson county made provisions for its aged and indigent citizens than it now has in the person of Jacob Franklin Wissinger. He v\'as born on September 21, 1847, in Washington county, Maryland, a son of Solomon B. and Lillian (Myras) Wissinger. The father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1804, and his death occurred on March 18, 1897. He was a farmer and wood-chopper. He was also handy with tools and made wagon spokes, axe handles and other articles of a similar nature. His parents were natives of Germany. He was twice married. His first union, which was with Lillian Myras, resulted in the birth of two children, namely : George, deceased, and Jacob F., the subject of this sketch. His last marriage was with Mrs. Elizabeth Asterdauch. and to their union five children were born, namely: Mrs. Ellen Baker, who lives in Wisconsin ; Mrs. Drusev Baker, who lives in Mar\^- land; Samuel, who was next in order of birth; Joseph, who lives in Washington county, Maryland, and Scott makes his home in Ogle county, Illinois.

Jacob F. Wissinger was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. When twenty-one years old he left home and began working on a farm in Illinois. In 1883 he came to Nebraska and worked on the farm of John Timmerman, in Richardson county, for five years ; then he married and rented land until 1902, when he bought one hundred acres in Barada precinct. He made many improvements on the place, remodeled the buildings and farmed there successfully until 1914, when he took charge of the poor farm at Salem at a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year and the use of the land - one hundred and twenty acres. The place was badly run down when he assumed charge of it, but he has now brought it up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and is raising good crops of all kinds common to this locality. He has replaced tlie old fences and gates with new ones, remodeled the buildings and made a general clean-up, being untiring in his efforts to make the place sanitary and healthful, as well as inviting and attractive. He has put up some new buildings of a minor nature and has set out a good orchard, doing the work himself, the county paying only for the trees. He has given eminent satisfaction in this work and anyone looking over the place can readily see that a man of good judgment and industry has its management in hand. He sold his own farm in 191 5, but still owns six acres in Falls City.

On May 7, 1891, Mr. Wissinger was married to Mary Schultz, who was born on July 21, 1867. in Vermillion county, Illinois. She is a daughter of Peter and Juhanna (Hoss) Schultz, both natives of Germany, from which country they came to America when children, with their respective parents, the families locating in Ohio and Indiana. Peter Schultz was a coal miner. He died in 191 5 at the age of seventy-five years, havnig made his home with the subject of this sketch during the last twenty-three years of his life. His wife died on February 10, 1912, at the age of sixty-nine years. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wissinger. namely : ^^"alter, who is at home; Ella, the wife of C. Wissinger, of Falls City: Scott, at home; Julianna. who also is with her parents, and one child who died in infancy.

Mr. Wissinger is a Democrat and has served as a member of the school board and as road "boss." Fraternally, he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-three years. He also is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, a charter memljer of the lodge at Salem, which he joined twenty-six years ago.