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

Hiram Slagle was born in 1835, a son of Christian Slagle, of Penn- .sylvania-Dutch stock, who was a son of John Slagle, who came to this country with two brothers in Colonial days. In 1856 Christian Slagle emigrated from Pennsylvania to Iowa with his family and settled in Jones county. There Hiram Slagle married Alma Pike, who was born in 1843. daughter of Joel Pike, who also was born in New York state, of old Puritan (New England) stock, and who had settled in Iowa. In the summer of 1859 Hiram Slagle drove from his home county in Iowa by ox-team, with his family and household belongings, seeking a new home in the then territory of Nebraska, arriving at Brownsville on July 4, and celebrating the Fourth at what then was known as Melvin's Mill, later Bennett's Mill, one of the first camps in Nebraska. On the 5th he continued his journey down into Richardson county and stopped with Jack Harris, on the Mud(l\ , in what later came to be organized as the precinct of that name. \\ itli Hiram Slagle came his father, Christian Slagle, and all of the latter's family, Hiram at that time being the only one of the children who was married. Christian Slagle took up a homestead claim on the Sardine branch of the Muddy, north of where the of Verdon now is situated, ami then,- establislicil his liomc. Hirani Slagle located in llie timber not far In mi the Muddy, near the Xemaha county Hue, where fuel, fish and game then were abundant, his first home there being a dug-out. He later built a lo;.; house on Beddo creek and presently, in partnership with his brother Will, liought an "eighty" a little north of there and there erected another lo.^; cabin; an old elm tree now marking the spot on what is now the Morehead tenant farm, near Morehead's Island, formerly known as Morgan's Island. When the Ci\il War broke out Hiram Slagle took service in the Missouri State Militia and served until the close of the war, holding down "ja\- hawkers'" and proceeding against guerillas. In the spring of 1867 lie and his wife and three children moved to southeastern Kansas with a view to locating there, but on their arrival found conditions so unwholesome that they immediately returned and, in the fall of that year. Hiram Slagle traded a team of horses, a wagon and a set of harness for a iifty-acre tract out of the Medor-Duveil farm, in the precinct of Barada. . proceeded u< impnne and develop the same and there made his home until his retirement from the active labors of the farm, when he and his wife moved to the village of Auburn, o\er in Nemaha county, where they spent their last days, his death occurring there on August (), 1910. His widow survi\ed him for nearly five years, her death occurring in April, 1915. Hiram Slagle was the eldest of the seven children torn to Christian Slagle and wife, the others being William, James, Robert, Martha Jane, Allan T. and Catherine, all of whom came to Richardson county with their parents in 1859 and were married after taking up their residence in this county. Martha Jane Slagle became the wife of I. N. Cooper and Catherine Slagle married Daniel Harger. To Hiram Slagle and wife seven children were born, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being as follow: Allan Luther, who is now living in Thayer county, this state; Charles, who is living on the old home place in the precinct of Barada ; Ernest, of Thayer county; John, who died in 1910; Xola, wife of Hanibal Bennett, of Saline county, this state, and Fritz, who is lixiiig 011 ;i ])art of the old Slagle home farm in Barada precinct.

William E. Slagle grew up on the home farm in the precinct of Barada and received his early schooling in the King .school cHstrict in the neighborhood of his home. He then studied for two years at the Nebraska State Normal at Peru and, thus ecjuipped, began teaching school and was thus engaged for three years, teaching district school in this county. He then, in 1883, was apixiinted county ,sui)erinteiulent of schools, to fill the uncx])ired term of Mrs. .Schick, and ser\etl in that cipacily tor seven nuniths.

Richardso.Nt County, Nebraska. I39I

meanwhile working in the hardware store of \\'ilham Willing at Shubert. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Slagle homesteaded a tract of land in Rawlins county, Kansas, at the same time taking a tree-claim, and eventually "proving-up" the same, meanwhile continuing to spend his winters in the school room. In the winter of 1884-85 he attended the Teachers Institute in Nemaha county and sei'ved the following year as principal of the Nemaha city schools. Upon acquiring title to his Kansas land Mr. Slagle traded the same for a stock of merchandise owned by D. D. Honts at Shubert and presently traded that stock of goods to W. A. Cox for a seventy-acre tract of land in section 12 of the precinct of Barada, where he established his home and where he ever since has resided, he and his family having been for years very comfortably situated there. After getting the improvements well started on his original tract Mr. Slagle bought from the Stokes heirs a quarter section adjoining his place and has a splendid farm, the improvements of which are substantial and up-to-date. In addition to his general farming i\Ir. Slagle gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has fine Percheron horses. Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. Mr. Slagle "grew up" strong in the Republican faith, -but in the memorable campaign of 1896 aligned himself alongside the "free-silver"' Democrats and has e\'er since supported the Democratic party, though reserving his right to independence of action on local issues. For three terms he has served as justice of the peace in and for his home precinct and for three terms also served as assessor of that precinct.

On December 12, 1885, William E. Slagle was united in marriage to Sadie E. Manville, of Omaha, who was then teaching school in Douglas county, this state, and who was born at Sabetha, Kansas, May 4, 1867, daughter of R. H. and Emma (Calkins) Manville, natives of the state of Illinois and pioneers of Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Slagle have eight children, namely : Richard Hiram, who is engaged in the United States mail serxicc at the Burlington terminal office at Omaha and who married Hattie Lilly in 1916 and has one child: Edward William, a progressive farmer of the precinct of Barada. who married Nettie Ankroni and has two children, Alice and Mildred: Harry L.. who is farming eighty acres of his father's place in section 13 and who married Effie Ankrom and has three children, Nelson. Phyllis and Keith; Jay Luther, who is working on the home farm ; Fay M.. a student at the Nebraska State Normal at Peru and a teacher in the public schools of this county : Fritz O., who is a student in the Veterinary College at St. Joseph ; Glenn, who is a student in the high school at Shubert. and Jolm, who is attending grade school. Tlie

Slagles have a very pleasant home in the Barada neigiitorhood and have e\er taken an interested and useful part in the general social activities of that community. Mr. Slagle became a member of the Christian church wlien sixteen years of age and he and his family take a proper interest in church work, as well as in all local good works, ever helpful in j)romoting such movements as are designed to advance the common welfare.

George Gird

Although more than three decades have elapsed since the angel of death closed the interesting life chapter of George Gird, for many years a leading citizen of Richardson county, Nebraska, where he followed agricultural pursuits and later published the Sentinel at Humboldt, his influence still pervades the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing him. His influence in behalf of the general good of the locality honored liy his residence was unquestioned.

Mr. Gird was born in Shelby county, Indiana, December 12, 1832. He was a son of Edward and Nancy (Power) Gird, natives of Wexford, Ireland, and Indiana, respectively. The father left his native land in 1809, sailing for New York City, where he followed his trade of baker, operating an establishment that supplied bread to the ships laving that port. He later went to Virginia, where he was married and presently located in Marion county, Indiana, later moving from there to Shelby county, that state. ¥rum there he moved to Missouri, then to Richardson county, Neliraska, in pioneer days, but he eventually returned to Shelby county, Indiana, where he died. Edward Gird was twice married, first, to a widow, a Mrs. Orr, of \'"irginia. Her death occurred after coming to Indiana. His second marriage was to Nancy Power, a native of IMarion county, Indiana.

Edward Gird was torn on March 24, 1788, and his death occurred alxnit 1868. He was a son of Henry and Mary Gird, both natives of Ireland, where they grew up. married and established their future liome. dying there.

George Gird, of this memoir, was the second son of Edward Gird and his second wife. He grew up on the farm and received such educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded. On February 27, 1856, he was married in SIiell)y county. Indiana, to Mary E. Gossett. They moved til Andrew cimntv, Missduri. in iS^8, and from tliere to Ricliardson countv.

Neljraska in 1859, being among the early settlers here, and they endnred the usual hardships and privations incident to pioneer life on the Western frontier of those days. But Air. Gird was a man of indomitable energy and courage and he persevered in the face of obstacles until success as a general farmer and stock raiser attended his efiforts. He developed an excellent farm from the wild prairie, which he brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation. He finally gave up general farming and moved to the town of Humboldt, where he became joint owner of the SoitiiicI, which he published for years and under his able management it became one of the best newspapers of its type in the state, gaining a large circulation and wielding a potent influence for good in the general upbuilding of Richardson and adjoining counties. Mr. Gird also lived at old Middleburg and served as postmaster there for over twenty years. He was active in public and educational affairs in Richardson county and was county commissioner for one term. He also was connected with the Sentincl-Press for two years and was active in Republican politics, in fact, was a leader of his party in this county for many years. He belonged to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and was wdely and favorably known in southeastern Nebraska, long recognized as one of the leading men in the early days of Richardson county. His death occurred on September 7, 1885, at the age of lifty-three years.

Eight children were born to George and Mary E. (Gossett) Gird. namely : William Gird, an attorney by profession, who married at Hiunboldt, Nebraska, and died at San Barnandino, California, leaving a widow and two daughters ; Mrs. Ida D. Spencer, who lives in \\'ichita, Kansas, and has three children living: George Gird, Jr., who lives at Des Moines, Iowa, where he is a salesman for the King Land and Eoan Company; Mrs. Mary L. Bentz, deceased; Edward, who died in Falls City, Nebraska: John, a plumber by trade, who lives in Henrietta, Oklahoma: Arthur, now deceased, who was editor of the journal of the Mid-Western Hotel Keepers .Association, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Gertrude O., the wife of John G. Irwin, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The mother of the above-named cliildren. who was Mary E. Gossett jirinr to her marriage, was born on Alay 2^. 183CJ. at Greenfield, Hancock county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Ahijah and Susan (Sterns) Gossett, the father a native of Highland county, Ohio, and the mother of the state of New York. Ahijah Gossett, who was a talented landscape painter and musician, died in \\'a1)ash county. Indiana, in 1848. at the early age (88) of forty years. His widow came to Nebraska in 18OO and spent the rest of her hfe in Richardson county, dying in 1873, at tlie home of Mrs. Mary E. Gird, with whom she had spent her last years.

After the death of George Gird, his widow married Lyman Whitcomb on August 6, 1902. He was a native of Iowa and was a soldier in the Civil W^ar, enlisting in an Indiana regiment and seeing much hard service in tlie L'nion army. He took part in many important engagements in the Soutli. proxing to l)e a bra\e and etificient soldier, and was honorably discharged after four years of service. He came to Nebraska in 1902 and located at Humboldt. His death occurred at the Soldiers Home at Leavenworth, Kansas, ]\Iay 7, 191 5. After his death Mrs. Whitcomb retired to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude O. Irwin, at 2952 J street, Lincoln, Nebraska, where she still resides. She owns valuable town property at Humboldt, including two residences and some business buildings. She is a member of the Cliristian church and has always lieen a woman of fine religious culture.

John W. Mooney

John W. Mooney, one of Richardson county's most substantial landowners, former member of the board of county supervisors and for the pas: seven or eight years actively engaged in the live stock business at Rulo. where he makes his home, is a native son of Richardson county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm (jne mile west of the village of Rulo on January 18, 1867, son of James and Julia (Ryan) Mooney. natives of Ireland, who Ijecame pioneers of this section of Ncl)raska. and the former of wlioni is still living here, one of the well-known and well-to-do old settlers of this county, a continuous resident here sinciterritorial days.

James Mooney was l)orn on May 3, 1833, and when seventeen years of age, in 1850, left the Emerald Isle and came to the United States and began to work as a farm hand in the state of Vermont. He later found employment in \arious other Eastern states and was \ariously employed there until 1857, when he came West and started to seek his fortune at Omaha, that point he worked down the river, chopping wood, and jiresentlv reached Leavenworth, where he secured tlie contract for cutting the timber from Ivicapoo Island, remaining there until 1839. when he went to Atchison and became engaged working in a nursery. While there he married in i860 and Ix-canie engaged in farming in the vicinit)- of Atchison, remaining there until 1863, when he came u]> into Xebraska and settled in Richardson county, establishing his liome nn a farm in Rulo township, one mile west of the \illage of that name, 'i'hat was in territorial days and settlement here had not begun to set in in a very steady stream, hence James Mooney was one of the pioneers of the section in which he settled, Indians then being more plentiful therealxmt than white persons. He continued in farm a rented tract of land there until about 1872, when he bought a farm, the nucleus of his present extensive land holdings, he now being the owner of about seven Inmdred acres of fine land in Rulo precinct and continuing to make his home on llie old home place, one of the l)est-known pioneers in Richardson county. His v.ife dieil in 1916. She also was born in Ireland, in 1836, Julia Ryan, daughter of John and Margaret Ryan, also nati\-es of the Emerald Isle, the former of whom died there in 1850. After the <leath of her husband the widow Ryan came to America with her children, coming by way of Canada, and resided in Illinois until 1859, \vhen she came to Nebraska and settled in Richardson county. To James and Juha (Ryan) Mooney were liorn fi\e children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of l>irtli. the otliers lieing Thomas, deceased; Anna. \vifl(jw of J. B. Coryse, of Effingham, Kansas; Margaret, wlio is at home with her father, and James P., who is farming in Rulo precinct.

Reared on the old farm in the precinct of Rulo, John W. Mooney received his early schooling in the district school in that neighborhood and in the schools at Rulo and in 1888 entered the Christian Brothers College at St. Joseph, where he took the business course. From the days of his l)o}hood he was an alile assistant to his fatiier in the labors of the farm and ointinued tlius employed until 1895, wlien he rented a tract nf land fnmi his father and began farming on his own account. In that same vear lie bougiit an "eighty" in the ]irecinct of Rulo and after his marriage in tlic spring of 1899 established his home there, continuing to make that his ])lace of residence until 1910, when he retired from the farm and moved lo the \ illage of i\ulo, where he since has made his home, actively engaged in the buying and selling of live stock, one of the best-known stockmen in Richard.son county. Mr. Mooney li;is been (|uite successful in his farming and stock-raising operations and is now the owner of about six hundred acres of land in Rulo and jeft'erson precincts and is a large feeiler of caitlc and hogs, feeding the same for market and shii)]iing from l\n]o. I'olitically. he is an "independent"' Democrat. in ii)0[ lie was elected a member if

On May 4. I89(^ John W. Alunney was united in marriage to Clara W'interbottom, also a native of Richardson county, born at Rulo in the month of May, 1877. daughter of J. S. and Janet (Thompson) Winterbottom, both of whom were born at Adina, Missouri, and who settled at Rulo in 1865. J. S. Winterbottom was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted for service in the Union ami)- at St. Louis. He died in this county in 191 r, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his widow is still living at Rulo, being now past seventy-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Mooney have six children. Mary, Janet, James, John, Gregory and Clara. The family are memliers of the Catholic church and take an interested part in ])arish afifairs. Mr. Moone}' is a member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus at b~alls Citv and takes a warm interest in the affairs of the same.

Henry C. Zoeller

Ifenry C. Zoeller, proprietor of a hue farm of three hundred acres ill ilie vicinity of i'reston, in the precinct of Jefferson, this county, former justice of the peace in and for that precinct and one of the best-known farmers and stockmen in that neighborhood, is a native son oi Richardson count\ * and has lived here all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm in the l)recinct of Arago on January 6, 1867, son of Charles and Ernestine (Klose) Zoeller, natives of Prussia, who were married in their native land, later coming to this country and settling at Buffalo. Xew York, where they remained until 18(14, in which year they came with their family to the then Territory of Nebraska and settled in this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential pioneers.

Charles Zoeller wan born on September 17, 1824, and grew to manhood in his native Prussia, becoming a skilled carpenter. In 1849 'le married Ernestine Klose, who also was born in Prussia, January ly. 1828, and in 1854 came to the United States, locating at Buft'alo, Xew York, where he liecame engaged in the building trades and where he remained for ten vears. or until 18(14, when he came to Nebraska and bought a tract of land in the precinct of Arago. this count}', where he established his home and where lie and his wife s])ent the remaimler of their lives. His death occurred uu Ajiril 5. 1877, and his wid.nw survi\ed him for many years, her death occurring- on January i_', 1914. They were the parents of eleven children, tliree of whom died in infancy, the others being as follow : Oscar, a retired farmer of this county, now living- at Falls City: \\'illiani J., a farmer of the precinct of Jefferson: Mary, wife of C. '¥. I'rihheno, of Preston, one of Richardson county's most extensive landowners and a l)io,yraphical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this xolume: Charles V.. of Happy, Texas; Herman, a farmer of the precinct of Falls City: Henry C. the subject of this sketch: Mrs. Ida \\'alker, of Santa Ana, California, and Mrs. Fmni;i Baker, who died at Nebraska Cit>-.

Reared on the pioneer farm on which he was horn, in the precinct of Arago, Henry C. Zoeller received his schooling in the schools of that neiglil-jorhood and when eighteen years of age began working on his own account as a farm hand, receiving for such service fron-i ten to twelve dollars a month and reserxing three months in the year for school attendance. \\'hen twenty-one years of age he bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres in the precinct of Falls City, which farm is now a part of the Brecht estate, and a couple of years later, in 1890, traded that place for his present home farm in section 28 of the precinct of Jefiferson. In i8g[ Mr. Zoeller married and established his home on this latter place and there has resided ever since, he and his family being \ery comfortably situated. Thev ha\-e a hue, modern eight-room house, with gas lights, furnace and hot and cold running- water, and the farm plant is in keeping with the same Air. Zoeller has three hundred acres of well-improved and profitably cultivated land, one of the best-kept places in that part of the county. In addition to his general farming Mr. Zoeller has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done well with Shorthorn cattle, mixevl Duroc and Poland China hogs and mules. He has a three-acre orchard and his place is well equipped with all the latest appliances for successful agriculture. Air. Zoeller is a Republican and has served the jniblic in the capacity of justice of the peace in and for his home precinct.

On August J5. 1891. Henry C. Zoeller was united in marriage to Alartha Shelly, of this county, who was born in the state of Pennsylvania on July 6, 1873, daughter of Philip and Lavina (Shutt) Shelly, who became residents of this county years ago and further and fitting mention of whon-i is made elsewhere in this volume, and to this union four children have been born, Rhine, who is farming in Jefferson precinct, and Herbert, Beulah and Ralph, at home. The Zoellers have a very pleasant home and take ,ni interested part in the community's general social activities. Mr. Zoeller is a member of the lixal lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Rulo and takes an active interest in Masonic affairs.

Jolin H. ]!auLT, one of Richardson county's well-known farmers am! slockmen and the proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in the precinct of Ohio, was born in that precinct and has lived there all his life, at present owning a part of the parental acres in that precinct, the place where his parents settled back in pioneer days. He was born there on February 19, 1875, son of Joachim and Mary (Talk) Bauer, prominent ])ioneers of that section and the latter of whom is still living".

Joachim Bauer was of European birth, a Mecklenburger, born un .\pril 10. 1833, who came to this country in the days of his young manhood and after a sometime residence in Illinois came to Nebraska and settled on a pioneer farm in the precinct of Ohio, this county, becoming one of the substantial farmers and landowners of that part of the county. He developed an excellent piece of property there and there spent his last daj's, his death occurring in 1908. His widow, who still survives him, is now making her home with her youngest son, Herman Fiauer, in Ohio precinct, she now l)eing in the eightieth )ear of her age. To Joachim Bauer and wife were born seven ciiildren, uf whom the subject of this sket-ch was the fifth in order of birdi, tlie others being as follow: Eliza, wife of William Gebhard, of Ohio precinct: Joseph, now a resident of Texas; Mary, wife of A. Gebhard. of Verdon, this county: Mrs. Louisa Flarkendorfif, of the precinct of Ohio, and Henry and Herman, lioth 'Nvell-known farmers of that same precinct.

Reared on the home farm in the precinct of Ohio, John H. Bauer received his schooling in the district schools of that neighborhood and in St. Paul's German Lutheran school and from the days t)f his bovhood was a \alued aid to bis father and brt)tbers in the labors of developing and improving the home acres. When twenty-one years of age he rented a tract of land from his father and began farming on his own account and after his marriage a year later established his home on that place. Two years later, in 1899, he bought the place from his father and has ever since made his home there, he and his family being very comfortably situated. He built :i nindern house, set out trees and made otlicr improvcineius until now he h;is nue (if the best farm plants in Uial part nf the countw Air. Bauer is the owner of two hundred and forty acres lying in sections 4 and 6 and is doing well in bis farming operations. Li kjiO he beg.nn to engage somewhat more extensively in the Ijreeding of Hereford cattle, wilh a view to holding slock sales, the leaders of Jn's herd lieing ".Se(|uel 4X34S<)."

bred by J. J. Early, of Baring, Missouri. Mr. Bauer i.s a Democrat and has ever taken an interested part in local political affairs, ahvavs interested in movements having to do with the advancement of the general welfare of his home community.

On February 25, 1897, John H. Bauer was united in marriage to Mary Grossoehmig, who was born in the kingdom of Saxony on August 13, 1875, and who was but se\en years of age when she came to this country with her parents, Edward and Helen (Laudenbauch) Grossoehmig, also natives of Saxony, the family settling in the precinct of Barada, in this county. Edward Grossoehmig and wife are now living in the precinct of Ohio, wellknown old settlers of Richardson county. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have three children, Walter, Edward and Howard. They are members of the Lutheran church and have ever taken an interested part in church work and other neighborhood good works. They have a pleasant home and give proper attention to the general social activities of their home communitv.

Ernest Zimmermann

Ernest Zimmermann, one of Arago precinct's well-known and progressive farmers, who is farming a hue place of one hundred and twenty acres belonging to his father in section 28 of that precinct, was born on that farm and has lived there all his life. He was born on July 3, 1879, son of Louis and Mollie Almira (Reschke) Zimmermann, natives of the grand duchy of Baden, who became pioneers of this county and the former of whom is still living here, now a resident of Falls City, where his wife died in September, 1916, she then being seventy -two years of age. They were the parents of eight chiklren, of whom four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Gust, and Godfrey, farmers of Arago precinct, and Emma, wife of P. Baker, also a farmer of that precinct.

Reared on the pioneer farm on which he was born, Ernest Zimmermann received his schooling in the schools of district No. 28 and from the days of his boyhood was a valued aid in the labors of improving and developing the home place. When twenty-one )-ears of age he began farming on his own account, renting a part of the home farm from his father, ami after his marriage in the fall of 1906 established his home there and has ever since resided there, he and his family being very comfortably situated. In addition to his general farming, ]\Ir. Zimmermann gixes considerable atten- ti<.)ii U) the raising- of hig-h-grade live stock, with particular reference in Shorthorn cattle and Hampshire bogs, and is doing very well.

On October 25, 1906, Ernest Zimmermann was united in marriage to Mary Hartmann, who was born in the precinct of Jefferson, this county, July I, 1887, daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Singer) Hartmann, who were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters. After the death of Frederick Hartmann his widow married Benjamin X. Kupf and is still living in Jefiferson precinct. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmermann have one child, a son, Edward B., born on June 2, 1908. They are memljers .)f the Evangelical Lutheran church and take an interested part in churcli work, as well as in the general good works of their community. Air. Zimmermann is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political afifairs, but has not been a seeker after public office.

Wilelui L. Lietzke

William L. Lietzke, one of the well-known farmers of Arago precinct, this county, is a native of Germany, but has been a resident of this country since he was thirteen years of age and of Richardson county since he was seventeen, having come here with his parents in 1885, the family settling in the precinct of Arago, where he ever since has made his home. He was born in Prussia on October 25, 1868, son of Henry and Adaline (Fromke) Lietzke, also natives of Prussia, the former born on February 28, 1841, and the latter, March 30, 1839, who came to this country with their family in 1 88 1 and settled in New York state, where they remained until 1885, in which year they came to Nebraska and settled in Arago precinct, this county. I-ienry Lietzke, bought a farm upon his arrival here and spent the rest of his active life farming. He died in 191 1 and his widow is still living, now a resident of the village of Barada, where she is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Heine. To Henry Lietzke and wife were born seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follow : Albert, who is still a resident of his native land; Charles, who is living at Syracuse, Xew York; Otto, of Shubert, this county; Mrs. Emma Portner, of Jefiferson precinct, this county; Mrs. Henrietta Heine, of Barada, and Mrs. Ahine l-'ink, deceased.

when he came with them from Xew \'ork state tn Jvichardson count\-. I le completed his schoohng in the schools of this county and remained at h(jme, a vahied help in the labors of the home farm, until his marriage in the summer of 1890, when he rented a farm in Arago precinct and began farming on his own account. In igii he bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section <S ni that precinct and has since made his home there, he and his family being very comfortaljly situated. Since taking possession of that farm Mr. Lietzke has made numerous substantial improvements on the same and has a very well-kept farm plant and is doing well.

On July 30, 1890, William L. Lietzke was united in marriage to Bertha Fricke, who was born in this county on December 27, 1871, daughter of August and Dora (McKoel) Fricke, natives of Germany and pioneers of Richardson county and the latter of whom is still living, now a resident of Falls City, and to this union have been born six children, August, XA'alter, Bertha, Anna, Clarence and Dora, all of whom are at home. The Lietzkes are members of the Lutheran church and take a proper part in local church w(irk as well as in the general social activities of their home neighborhood.

William Herbster, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres of excellent land in section 9 of the precinct of Arago, this county, and one of the best-known farmers in that part of the county, is of European birth, but has been a resident of Richardson county since he was twelve years of age. He was born in the grand duchy of Baden on September 6, 1868, son of Fred and Caroline ( Branch) Herbster, and is the youngc'^t child of that parentage.

Fred Herbster and his wife also were nati\es of Baden, the former born on September i, 1840, and the latter on June 26, 1840. In 1881 tliey came to the United States with their family and proceeded on out to Nebraska, settling in the old ^-illag-e of Arago, this count}-. Fred Herbster was a shoemaker in his native land and during the first two winters speiu at Arago he worked at that trade, spending his summers on the farm he had bought in the precinct of that name. He eventually had his home farm under cultivation and gradually developed a good piece of proi>ert\- there in section 9, spending the remainder of his life on that place, his death

As noted above, \^'illianl Herljster was twelve years of age wlien lie came to this county with his parents from his native Baden and he grew to manliood on tlie home farm in Arago precinct, completing his schooling in the local schools, and from the days of his boyhood was a valued assistant to his father in the labors of improving and developing the home place. At the death of his fatlier he became heir to twenty acres of the old home place and he afterward bought the rest of the place and has since been the owner of the same, a tine tract of one hundred and forty acres in section 9 of the precinct of Arago, on which he has made excellent improvements and where he is quite successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, long having been regarded as one of the substantial farmers of that section. Politically, Mr. Herbster is a Republican; by religious persuasion, a Lutheran, and takes a proper interest in the political, religious and social afifairs of his home community, helpful in promoting all causes having to do with the advancement of the general welfare of that neighborhood in which he has lived since the days of his boyhood.

John H. Nolte

John H. Noble, one of the well-known and substantial farmers of Arago precinct, this county, owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres in section 28 of that precinct and a farm of eighty acres in ilorris county, Kansas, is a native of the old Hoosier state, but has Ijeen a resident of this county since the days of his infancy, his parents having settled here in 1877. He was born at Richmond, Indiana, IMarch 16, 1874, son of Christopher H. and Anna }*I. ( Cru\ell) Nolte, both of whom were of European birth, who became pioneers of Richardson county and the former of whom is still living here, at a ripe old age.

Christopher H. Nolte was born in tlie kingdom of Hanover on M;iy _'.:;, i84r, son of Lecker Nolte and wife, who were the parents of three children. The mother had been previously married and was the mother of five children ])y her previous marriage. Reared -in Hanover, Christopher H. Nolte there learned the caqienter's trade and worked at the same there for eleven vears. at the end of which time he came to the United States, landin" witli fortv-five dollars and two suits of clothes. His point of destination was Kichnioiul, Indiana, and wlien he arrived there he had hut thirteen dollars. He hegan working- at his trade in that city and on Feljruary lo, 1870. married there Anna J\I. Cm veil, who also was born in Germany. Januuary 21. 1845, and who had come to this country in 1864, locating at Richmond, Indiana. After his marriage Christopher H. Nolte continued to make his home in Richmond until 1877, in which year he came to Nebraska with his family and l)ought a quarter of a section of land in section _'X of t,he precinct of Arago, in this county, and there established his home. Se\-enty acres of that tract was timber land and while clearing the same he hauled six hundred cords of wood to Falls City. As he prospered in his .farming operations Christopher H. Nolte added to his holdings until he became a considerable landowner in that section of the county and still owns two hundred and forty acres, although he has sold considerable of his land since retiring from the acti\-e lal)ors of the farm in 1906. His wife dieil on September 12, 191 1, and he is now making his home with his granddaughter, Mrs. Albert Ifecht. of Arago precinct. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being as follow : George L., deceased ; Airs. Elizabeth Scheitel, of Arago precinct; Charles A., of the precinct of Ohio; Martin, of that same precinct; Fred E., living on section 27 of Arago precinct, and Samuel, of section 20 of that same precinct.

As noted above, John H. Nolte was but a small child when his parents came to this county and he grew up on the home farm in the precinct of Arago, receiving his schooling in the district schools of that neighborhood. For five years he worked as a farm hand and then rented a tract of land and began farming on his own account, continuing thus engaged until 1908. when he bought one hundred and sixty acres of his father's home place, the original quarter section in section 28, and has since made his home there. In 1912 he bought an adjoining "forty" from Ernest Werner and now has a fine farm of two hundred acres, on which he has made many substantial improvements since taking possession of the same. In addition to his land in this county Mr. Nolte owns a farm of eighty acres in Morris county, Kansas, and is quite well circumstanced, his holdings having been earned by his own efforts. In addition to this general farming he ships annually a couple of carloads of cattle and about one hundred and twentyti\-e head of hogs and is doing w^ell in his li\-e-stock operations, making a specialty of Herefords and Duroc-Jerseys.

i88i. dauijhter of Clin'^t and I'.ertha ( Schiiiecliel i Zoni. nativo nt (".eniiany and i)i()neers of Richardson county, the latter of wliom is still livin"-. now a resident of the precinct of Ohio. Christ Zorn was born on April i. 1845. and when si.xteen years of age, in 1861, came to the United States, locating in Illinois, where lie remained until 1863. in which year he came to the then Territory of Nebraska and settled in this count}, where he spent the remainder <if liis life, a ])r(iS])erous and successful farmer and stockman, at the time of his death on Aui^ust _'_'. ii)0_'. the owner of nine "ei,i;hlies" i.f Land in diis ciiunt\-. He was married after comini; to this county and his widow, who were born on l'"ebruary 23. 1855, still -survives him. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living save one of the sons, residents of Richardson county. Mr. and .Mrs. Xolte have two children, Esther, born on January 4. 1903. and I'liester. lanuarv 13, 1916. The Xoltes have a very pleasant home and take a projier l>art in the general .social activities of their home neighborhood. They arc members of the Lutheran church and also take a proper ]iart in church work and in "cneral neighliorhood good works.

Leonard G. Shellenbarger. of I'orter town-^hip. this county, ranks with the foremost farmers and stockmen in the \icinity of Richardson county. In addition to his work on two hmidred and forty acres of land which he rents, and on a portion of ^vhich he has been successfully growing wheat and corn, he is also engaged in the breeding of high-grade cattle and hogs. He was born on April i-j, 1877, in \\'arren county, Illinois, and is the sou of David and .\nna (LTmer) Shellenbarger, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this part of Nebraska in an early daw

David Shellenbarger was born in b'axette couutw l'enns\l\ani;i, in 1837. and died on Mav jo. 1905. He was the sou of George and Polly ( Smilcx ") Shellenbarger. natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and to whom ten children were born, of whom David was the youngest. With the latter they made their home for some years and died on the farm now operated by their grandson. Leonard G. Shellenbarger. David Shellenbarger came otu from his native state to the West for the benefit of his health and came later to Stella, Nebraska, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he i)aid twenty-five dollars per acre. Successful in lii> farming operations, he took up the l)reedino- of stock, purchasing numhcMs of calves and feeding for the market, and in this l)rancli of agricultural activity he was equally successful. At the time of his deatJi in 1905 he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, now worked hx his son, Leonard G., the subject of this sketch. His wife, Anna ( Ulmer ) Shellenbarger, was born in 1855 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Henrv Ulmer and wife, natives of Pennsylvania, who went to Illinois in an earlv day and there spent the rest of their lives, farming people. David and Anna Shellenbarger were the parents of seven children, of whom Leonard G. was the fifth in the order of birth, the others being Morris, who lives at Stella : Allie, who married J. Spivy and lives in Lincoln, this state; Alfred. li\ing in Stella : Harry, who lives in Furnas county, this state : Artie, a farmer, living in Stella, and Mrs. Gertrude Swan, living in Bellwood, Nebraska.

Leonard G. Shellenbarger, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Richardson county and attended the district schools of his neighborhood, later going to the Stella high school, from which he was graduated in 1898. In the following year he started for himself as a farmer and rented land and has been ever since engaged in farming and stock raising, anil has met with considerable success. In 1916 he began farming on his present holding, and in the pursuit of his agricultural interests he has brought the higliest form of scientific methods to work, thus securing the largest results. He formerly set out seventy acres to wheat and corn, but in lyiO reduced the quantity to forty acres, from which he raised a vield of fort.v bushels to the acre. In addition to his labors on the farm he is also engaged in feeding cattle and hogs, also obtaining maximum results from these lines.

On February 18, 1902, Leonard G. Shellenbarger was united in marriage to Bessie Knapp, who was born in Richardson county, the daughter of Miles and Fannie (Proctor) Knapp, who settled early in this count\- and who were farming people. Mrs. Shellenbarger was born on March _>, 1880, attended the district schools and later was graduated from the Stella high school. To ]\Ir. and Mrs. Shellenbarger four children have been born, namely: Raymond, Blanche, Vivian and Emery, all of whom arc li\ ing with their parents and attending the local schools. All the family are members of the Lutheran church, of which they are liberal supporters. In political afifairs Mr. Shellenbarger is a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never been a .seeker after public office, preferring to devote his time to his farming .-md stock raising. He is a member oi the Independent Order of Odd I'ellows and of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Shellenbarger began his woi-king career herding cattle on the i)lains, doing hi- work in l)are feet. Some time later his father s^a\e him a colt to li and which he used for two \-ears and then set fencing- around the Imh He frequently made trips as far as Salem Mills with wheat to exchange flour.

P. I. Kelly

Among- the well-kn(jwn. and prominent farn-iers and stockmen of Jvichardson count}- is J'. J. Kelly, the owner of one hundred and sixty-acres of prime farming land in the northeast (juarter of section 13, Liberty jjrecinct. He was horn in Manitowac, Wisconsin. ;nul is the eldest son of Miles and Mary ( Hollarn ) Kelly.

-Miles Kelly was born in Count)- Clare, Ireland, on August o. 1S33. and came to the Cnited .States while yet a \oung- man. On arrixing in this country he went to Wisconsin and homesteaded a timber claim at Maple Grove. He devoted his labors to the task of clearing the tract and bringing it to tillable condition and effecting- improvements calculated to bring satisfactory results. In time his efforts were rewarded and he continued to reside on his homestead tract until 1874, when he came to Richardson county.

Mvles Kelly was married in .Maple Groxe. \\'isconsin. to Mary Hollarn and to them were born the following children: J'. J., ^Largaret, who married T. J. Colfer. Atchison, Kansas r Daniel, who lives one n-iile south of Shubert, this state: Mary, who married S. M. Kegen, of .\tchison; Katherine. who married \\'illiani Ryan, and lives in Barada precinct; ]\lartin, who lives on the old homestead in Barada precinct : Daniel, who lixes in Barada precinct, and Francis, a graduate of Peru Normal School, Peru, this state, and now teaching at Stella, Nebraska.

Mar\- Hollarn Kelly \\-as Ix.irn in Ireland on -September (), 1SS4, and came with her parents to -\merica. On arriving in this country they went to Wisconsin and settled there on a farm. -Mrs. Kelly died on October 5, 1900, aged fifty-six years. ]>oth she and her husband were eNeni])lary members of the Catholic church, in the faith of which their children -.xere also reared.

On coming to Richardson county in 1874, .Miles Kelly Ijougbt tW'i hundred and twenty acres of land from Ed Towle in P.arada township, for which he paid fifteen dollars an acre. This tract was raw prairie and he expended considerable effort and toil t(-i liring it to a state fit for cultivation.

P. J. Kelly, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the Baratla precinct district school No. 88. He helped his father on the farm which the latter had bought in Barada precinct, and thus continued for some years, finally buying out the place his father had accjuired in 1874. He is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising and is regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in the community.

Mr. Kelly is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never been an office seeker, his attention being directed to his farming operations. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus, in the affairs of which he takes considerable interest. Mr. Kelly is not married.

George Gutzmer

It is a fine thing to l)e permitted to spend our lives on the old home place, under the "roof that heard our earliest cry," for there are associations about the hearthstone of our fathers that are not t(j be found elsewhere: but fate or chance or fortune - call it what you will - shoves most of us out from under our native rooftree to unfamiliar climes. George Gutzmer, farmer of Humboldt precinct, Richardson county, has been more fortunate and is stil! li\'ing on the farm where he was born, in section 34, on May 22, 1874. He is a son of Daniel and Minnie ( Koi-ber) Gutzmer. The father was l^orn in Germany in 1825 and there he spent his boyhood and attended school. He immigrated to the United States when a youngman, and he proved his loyalt\- ti' his adopted country by serving in the Union army during the Civil \\'ar. He came to Richardson county, Nebraska, in the early days and by hard work and close application develope<t a good farm from the wild prairie, taking up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Ijorn in Germany in 1837, and her death occurred in 1893. The father died also in 1893.

To Daniel and Minnie Gutzmer three children were bom. namely: Mrs. Bertha Schuetz, who lives in Humix)ldt, Neliraska : Mrs. Minnie Seller, who makes her home in bVanktin precinct. Richardson count}-, and ( leorge. of this sketch.

lianl when u buy. as did all boys who happened to live in the West on a farm in the pioneer days, especially if there was but one boy in the family as was the case in the Gutzmer family. Upon the death of his parents in 1893 he bought the shares of liis two sisters in the estate and has continued 1(1 reside on the homestead, which he has kept under a high .state of improvement and cultivation. The farm consists of one Inmdred and sixty acres and there he carries on general farming and stock raising. He has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Republican.

Max Mez

One of the enterprising farmers of Ohio township, Richardson county, is ;\Iax Mez. who was born in Baden, Germany, July 5, 1864. He is a son of Fred and Margaret (Grim) Mez, natives of Germany, where they grew up, married and established their home. The father was born in 1803 and died in 1879, spending his entire Hfe in his native land. He was in the government service during the major portion of liis active life, as a game and timber warden. Fred Mez was twice married. ^Margaret Grim being his second wife. Two children were born tn diem, nameix : Fred, who is still Hving in Germany, and Max, the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children was born about 1823 and died about 1881.

Max Mez grew to manhood in Germany and there attended the common schools, and when a young man learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed there for a period of eight years. He left his native land in 1838, immigrating to America, and settled in Richardson county, Nebraska. He worked as a farm hand for the Peck boys two years, then bought eighty acres in Ohio precinct, known as the old Sloan farm, which he improved, building a new barn and doing considerable fencing. After operating that place five years he sold out and bought his present excellent farm from B. F. ilorgan, and has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, making many important improvements in the place, and has been very successful in his career as a farmer. He landed in Richardson county with only twenty dollars in his pocket and is now owner of one of the choice farms of his locality, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres in section 18, Ohio precinct, also one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty precinct. Mr. Alez has followed a most commendable custom of setting out a large numlier of fruit and shade trees ever}- year since coming to this county and now has a tine orchard of about seven acres of an excellent variety of fruit. He raises a large quantity of grain, most of which he feeds to his graded live stock, preparing large numbers for the market annually. He has an attractive home, and numerous substantial and convenient outlauildings : in fact, exerything about the place denotes thrift and good management.

Mr. Mez was married on January 3, 1890, to Katherine W'erner, a native of Baden, (lermany, where she grew to womanhood and attended the public schools. She is a daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Suess) AVerner, natives of (lermany, where they lived and died. She came to the United States in 1881 and made her home with the famil\- of Henry \\'eick until her marriage. Eight children have been Ijorn to Max J\lez and wife, as follow: Fred, who is engaged in farming in Arago precinct, Richardson county : Katherine, the wife of C. Brawn, a farmer in Ohio precinct, and Herman, Henry, Charlie, Anna, Max A. and Benjamin, who are all at home with their parents.

Mr. Mez x'otes independently. He is a member of the .Modern Woodmen of America and of the Lutheran church. He takes a good citizenV interest in local public affairs and is a man of excellent standing in his community.

Chester .V. Fisher

Chester A. Msher, one of the leading merchants of Falls City and head of the firm of Fisher & Sandrock, dealers in groceries, dry goods and women's ready-to-wear goods, is a native of Illinois, but lias been a resident of this county ever since he was eleven years of age, with the exception of three years spent in Colorado. He was born on a farm in Edgar county, Illinois, July 5. 1883, son of George W. and Cynthia (Ross) Fisher, both also natives of the state of Illinois, the former born in \^ermillion county and the latter in Edgar county, who came to this count}- in 1893 and are now living retired at Falls City, where they arc very comfortalily and very pleasantly situated.

George W. Fisher was born in March. 184C), and grew u\) in Vermillion county, Illinois, and was married and became a well-to-tlo farmer and landowner in Edgar county, that stale, where be remained until 181)3, when he came to Nebraska and bought a tract of two thousand acres of land in (89) the i)i"ecinct of l-'alls City, this county, the land rej'.cliins^ to within one mile of the cit\-. and there lie established his home and continued to reside until his retirement from the active duties of the farm in 1910 and removal to Falls City, where he and his wife are now living. Besides his extensive land interests in this county, Mr. Fisher is the owner of a fine farm of six hundred acres in Illinois. He and his wife are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living and of whom the subject of this sketch is the liflh in order of birth, the others Ijeing as follow: Ethel, wife of Doctor Hahn, of Falls City; May, wife of George Braninum, of Oswego, Kansas; Nora, wife of Joseph Davison, a fanner living southwest of Falls City; Mrs. Grace Strong, of Strausville, this county; Lester, a retired farmer, who lives east of Falls City; Goldia, wife of George Sandrock, partner of Chester A. Fisher in the mercantile business at Falls City; Ota, wife of George Prichard, of Abilene, Kansas, and Lula, at home with her parents.

As noted above, Chester A. Fisher was eleven years of age when he came to this comity with his parents from Illinois in 1893 -'"'^^ ^^ completed his schooling in the public schools of this county and supplemented the same by a course in the Falls City Business College. Upon attaining his majority he received from his father a tract of four hundred and eighty acres of land in southeastern Kansas and after his marriage a short time later he made his home on that place, but two years later, in 1907. returned to Falls City and there engaged in the mercantile business and was thus engaged until 1909, in which year he disposed of his business and went to Colorado, where he bought two hundred and ten acres of land and was there engaged in farming for about three years, at the end of which time, in 191 2, he again returned to Falls City and resumed his mercantile business there and has ever since been thus engaged, having built up a quite extensive business. On December i, 1916, he admitted to partnership with him in that business his brother-in-law, George Sandrock, and since then the business has been conducted under the firm name of Fisher & Sandrock. This firm has a well-stocked store and does a fine business in the general groceries, drv goods and women's ready-to-wear line, the estalilishment being regarded as one of the best-appointed establishments of its kind in this part of the state. In addition to his extensive commercial interests Mr. Fisher is the owner of six hundred and ten acres of land in Kansas and Colorado and is quite well circumstanced.

On May 22, 1905, Chester A. Fisher was united in marriage, at balls City, to Hattie Pearl Cleveland, of that city, who was born in the Dominion of Canada, daughter of George S. and Amelia ( Colzere ) Cleveland. ;ils.i natives of Canada, who came tt) this slate years ai^-o and settled at I'alls City, where Geur.i^e S. Cleveland was engaged in the mercantile business until 1910 when he A\ent West to farm and is now living at Olathe, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have a ver\- pleasant home at Falls City and take a proper interest in the general social affairs of their home town. They have foiu' children, ( ieorge S.. born in 1906; Suzaine, 1908; Flinne. 1910, and Mildred, 1914. Mr. Fisher is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Benevolent and I'rotective Order of I'^lks and takes an active interest in the affairs of the same.

Martin B. Atkixs

Among the successful self-made men who ha\e hciuored Richardson county with their residence, is Martin B. Atkins, a pioneer agriculturist and stockman, who is now a wholesale gasoline and oil merchant of Lincoln. Iieing ambitious from the first, but surrounded with none too favorable en\ironment, his early youth was not especially promising, but resolutely facing- the future, he gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way aufl has risen to a prominent position in industrial circles in eastern Nebrask.i.

Mr. Atkins was born in Bureau county, Illinois. April 27, 1850. It'" is a son of Jesse and Amelia (Watson) .\tkins, natixes of Indiana and Kentucky, respectively, the father's birth having- occurred near the city o*" Terre Haute in 1812. He dexoted his active life to farming and died in Bureau county. Illinois, in 18A1. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in 18 11 on the northern border of the old Blue Grass state, and she died in 1863. To these parents thirteen children were born, of whom Martin B. was the eleventh in order of birth. Only three others are Hving at this writing, namel\- : Francis M., who makes his home at Princeton, Illinois: Mrs. Laura McConnell. who lives in Humboldt, this county, and .\dolphus W., who lives in .Marion, Iowa.

Martin I!. Atkins and all his brothers and sisters were born on the home farm in I'ureau county, Illinois, and there lie was reared. He had little opportunity to obtain an education, .spending only sixteen weeks at ;i select school taught by Professor Bangs, but nevertheless he attributes his success in life to the inspiration he received from this early-day schoolmaster. Mr. .\tkins has made his own way in the world since he was eleven years old. As a bov he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and worked at the same al Peru and Dover, IlliiKjis. until 1H73, when, liaving- l)een attracted lu the possibilities of ranching in the new .-^tate of Nebraska he took up his journey "toward the setting sun,"' arriving- at the village of Humboldt, in Kichardson county, on April 11 of that year. He turned his attention to farming and hou.ght land in l'"ranklin j)recinct, when settlers were few and trading centers far remote. He endured the usual hardships and ]irivations incident to life on the western frontier at that period. He went through the famine of the famous grasshopper years. He developed his land from the raw state, breaking up the prairie sod and gradually bringing his land under a good state of culti\ation and improvement. He cut grain for his neighbors the first year there, using an old-fashioned header, with which he cut sixteen hundred acres. There was not a dwelling in sight when he built his tirst house on the wild prairie. After fanning his land three years he UKned to Humboldt and engaged in the restaurant business two years; then, in 1878, he took up the furniture business, in connectitin with which he did an undertaking business. He attended the first state convention of undertakers, being now the only survivor of that convention in Xebraska. It was held in Lincoln in 1880. He movefl from Humboldt to York, this state, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for a period of twenty-five years. He then bought and sold Vive stock for elexen years, becoming one of the most extensixe feeders and shippers in the state. During that period he shipped forty thousand head of. cattle to the market, buying the st(jck in Montana, in which state be spent five months out of each year. He became well known to the ranch.- men and stockmen of that state. He is an excellent judge of hve stock, especially cattle, and was very successful in this field of endeavor. About 1890 he became interested in the Farmers' Mutual Association, which he heljied to Iniild tip to a state of efficiency, and in 1908 he was elected secretary of the same. About diis time he moved to the city of Lincoln. Ikwas interested in tiie automobile business a short time. He ha^ sold out his former business interests.

In 1915 Air. .\tkiiis began handling gas and oil from the refineries al Tulsa. Oklahoma, and other oil fields, under the firm name of A. r>. (.'. Independent Oil and (las Com])any, the company being composed of himself, his son, Arthur V... and his .son-in-law, O. .\. T'arber, the firm operating gas and oil plants at Sidney, (iurley, Kearney and Raymond, Nebraska. .Mr. Atkins understands every phase of ihe oil and gas business and is t)ne of the best-known men in this field in Xebraska. lie is also owner of \ahiable cit\ |)i-oi)ert\ in Lincoln, as well as fine farming land in South

I)akot;i and Dudley Cdunty, Nebraska, his holdings tutaling an entire section. He has been very successful in a Ixisiness waw I)cing a man 'if sound judgment, executive ability and foresight.

Air. Atkins was married at the old Union Hotel in h'alls City, Nebraska, .Vpril 24, 1873, to Lucy Barnhart, a native of Lee county, Illinois, and a daughter of Joseph and Reljecca ( Kuntz) Earnhardt, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the motlier of (^hio. who were early .settlers of Linn ccnuity, Iowa. Mrs. Atkins came to Ricliardson county, Nebraska, November 25, 1872, and lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Henry Stewart, a farmer of Franklin precinct. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Atkins, namely: Arthur E., who is engaged in the oil and gas business at Kearney, Nebraska: and I\a, wife oi O. A. Barber, of Lincoln, who is associated with the subject of this sketch in the oil and gas business.

Mr. Atkins is a memlicr of the Presbyterian church. Besides winningthe confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact in a inisiness and social way, he is regarded as a man of public spirit, having the best interests of his citv and state at heart.

Paul B. We.Vver

In this progressive twentieth centur}^ which we often refer to as an age of specialists, it is a somewhat rare thing to find a man who has the talent to succeed at a variety of callings. One of the most conspicuou-^ examples of this class of men in Richardson county is I'aul B. Weaver, attorney, horticulturist, fruit grower and farmer of Falls City, a man who lias succeeded at whatever he has seriously turned his attention to. Ho was born in the above named city on No\eniber 19, 1878, in the old Weaver homestead. He is a scion oi one of the influential early families of this localit}-, being- a son of Judge .\. J. and Martha (Weaver) Weaver, both now deceased. The reader is referred to a full sketch of these parents which appears on another page of this vohuue.

Paul B. Weaver grew to manhood in Falls City, where he attendcvl the public and high schools, graduating from the latter with the class of 189(1. He then entered the University of Nebra.ska at Lincoln, where he made an excellent record in the academic and law departments, graduating in 1902. and receiving the degrees of Bachelor of .\rts and Bachelor of Laws. Soon .-ifter leaving the university he began the active practice of his profession at

C'urdell, Oklahoma, where he remained three years, enjoying a good Ijusiness. In 1905 lie returned to Falls City, where he continued in his profession for three years, during which he took a high rank at the local bar rmd was known as an energetic, painstaking and trustworthy lawyer, well \ersed in the \arious phases of jurisprudence and he was successful in the general practice of the law. But finding the science of agriculture more attractive than a professional career he gave up ;ictive practice and engaged in farming and fruit growing, in partnership with his brother, A. J. Weaver. He has made a close and careful study of modern methods of scientific ;igriculture and Imrticulture and has succeeded from the start, being now regarded as one of the best intensive farmers in Richardson county, owning a \aluable and highl)- improved fruit farm of eighty acres adjoining Falls City on the east.' He also owns a productive farm of two hundred acres southwest of town, a part of which is also in fruit. He is farming twelve hundred acres in all. and thus is carrying on general farming operations on a vast scale. Mr. \\'eaver has die specific care of the orchards, in which he employs the most approved methods of spraying, pruning and general orchard culture, lie secures large annual yields and the exceptionally fine a])iiles from his orchards find a ready market over a large territoiy. Besides his fruit growing he farms eight hundred acres in Richardson county and raises large herds of cattle and hogs, about one thousand head of the latter annually, and one hundred head of fine cattle are grown on the place each year. He buys stockers and feeders and ships one hundred head to market annuallv. He employs from forty to fifty men continually on his farms, his farm buildings are up-to-date in arrangement and ei|uipnient. and everything is managed under a superb system, showing that Mr. Weaxer is a man of rare executive ability as well as of industry.

On August 30, ic)00, 'Slv. \^'eaver was married to .\iina L. Cook, a daughter of C. A. Cook, a native of Tennessee and an early .settler in Missouri, who came to Nebraska in 1S35 and l^ecame well known to the pioneer element of Richardson county and was prominent in the afifairs of his localitv. INlr. Cook was for some time clerk of the district court and also served as postmaster at Falls City. Mrs. \\'eaver grew to womanhood county, lie has never sought political leadership, preferring to devote his attention to his large business interests. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Personally, he is a pleasant gentleman to meet, genial, companionable and obliging, and his reputation has always been that of a man with a high sense of honor in all the relations of life.

Gust. Zimmermann

Gust. Zimmermann, proprietor of a well-improved farm of forty acres in section 28 of the precinct of Arago, this county, was born on a pioneer farm adjoining that tract and has lived there all his life. He was born on March 19, 1882, son of Louis and Mollie Almira (Reschke) Zimmermann, pioneers of that community and the former of whom is still living, now a resident of Falls City, this county. Louis Zimmermann is of European Isirth, a native of the grand duchy of Baden, born in February, 1852, who came to this country as a young man and became a pioneer of Richardson county. After renting land in Arago precinct for some time he bought a farm of eighty acres there and made his home there until his retirement from the farm and removed to Falls City, where he is now living and where his wife died in September, 19 16, at the age of seventy-two years. The}- were the parents of eight children, of whom four are still living, those liesides the subject of this sketch being Godfrey, who is farming with his lirother Gust. ; Ernest, also a farmer of Arago precinct and a biographical .sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, and Emma, wife of P. Baker, also a farmer of the precinct of Arago.

Reared on the home farm in Arago precinct. Gust. Zimmermann received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood and from the (lavs of his boyhood was a valued assistant in the labors of the farm. When twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account, renting land from his father and in time bought the "eighty" on which he is now living, adjoining the home place on the west, and where he and his family are very comfortably situated. Mr. Zimmermann has made substantial improvements cm his place and is carrying on his farming operations in up-to-date fashion. He is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, hut has not been particularly active as a party worker.

Zimmermann, who was born in Atchison county, Missouri, and to this union has been born one child, a daughter, Rosella. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmermann are members of the Exangelical Lutheran church and tai<e a proper interest in church work and in other neighborhood good works.

Fred Brecht

Fred Brecht, manager of the e.Ktensive plant of the Heacock Milhng Company of Falls City, former member of the city council and present secretary of the school board of that city, is a native son of Richardson county, a member of one of the real "old-time" families, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a pioneer farm three and one-half miles northeast of Falls City on October 30, 1869, son of Carl and Susan ( Hadley) Brecht, natives of Germany, who were married in Buffalo, New York, later li\ed in Canada and came thence to Nebraska in 1867, settling in this county. where their last days were spent, honored and useful pioneers.

Carl Brecht was born in 1826 and grew to manhood in his native Germany, coming thence to the United States and locating at Buffalo, New York, where he became employed and where he presently married Susan Hadley, who also was born in Germany, in 1836, and who had come to America with her parents in the days of her girlhood. .Vfter his marriage Mr. Brecht established his home in Canada and there continued to reside until 1867, when he came to Nebraska with his family and in the fall of that year bought a tract of one hundred and thirty acres of land three and one-half miles northeast of the then small village of l<"alls City, where he established his home and where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Brecht was a good farmer and as he jjrospered in his undertaking added an adjoining "eighty" to his homestead place and soon had one of the bestimproved and most profitably cultivated farms in that neighborhood, l-'or his original tract he paid three dollars and fifty cents an acre and before his death ten years later the place had increased many fold in value. Carl Brecht died on December 23. 1877, at the age of fifty-one years. His widow survived him until January, 1904, she being sixty-eight years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, five s<ins and three daughters, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth, the others being as follow: Charles, who died in 1912: Conrad, of Falls City: Mrs. Caroline Fenskae, who is living in northern

Nebraska; Henry, a farmer, living u mile and a half east of Falls Cil,\ : Mrs. Katie Kruse, of Falls City; Peter, also of Falls City, and Mrs. l>",lizabetli Schmechel, who is living in northern Nebraska.

Fred Brecht was reared on the old home farm where he was born, and npon completing the conrse in the common schools entered a business college at St. Louis and there became thoroughly grounded in business forms. In 1896 he was made assistant manager in the office of the Heacock Milling Company and has since occupied that position, manager of the plant in the absence of Mr. Heacock, and is therefore one of the besiknown millers in this part of the state. Besides his milling interests, Mr. Brecht is the owner of a quarter of a section of land in central Kansas and also has valuable real estate in Falls City. He is a Bryan Democrat and has long given his thoughtful attention to local civic aiifairs. For one term he rendered valuable service to his home city as a member of the city council and for the past ten years has been secretary of the school board, in which latter capacity he has done much to advance the interests of the city schools. In other ways Mr. Brecht has done his part in the promotion of the city's best interests and has long been regarded as one of Falls City's most energetic and public-spirited citizens.

On April 28, 1898, Fred Brecht was united in marriage to ^Marie hussner, of .\tchison, Kansas, who was born in Germany and who had lived in Faris with an aunt, who was the wife of a French army officer, and also in the city of London, before coming to the United States, and who therefore has a fluent use of the French, German and English languages. To this union two daughters have been born, Susan ie, who was born on Februar\- 18, 1899, and who was graduated from the Falls City high school with the class of 1917, and Xellie Lee, February 25. 1908. The Brechts are members of the Presbj'terian church and take a proper interest in church work, as well as in the general good works of their home town and in the social and cultural activities of the same. Mr. Brecht is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Royal Highlanders and in the affairs of these organizations takes a warm interest. Having been Ijorn in this county he has been a witness to the development of this region from pioneer days and has done his part in advancing that development, ever interested in movements designed to promote the general welfare of the community.