Richardson County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 6 of 19)

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peters: Frank lives in the Omaha Reservation at Walthill, Nebraska; Amil, Walter, Mrs. Mary Saviors and ]\Irs Josephine Mitchell, all live in the Omaha Reservation; Jacob is farming south of Barada, Richardson county; Mrs. Margaret Rockwell is the v.idow of Edward Rockwell and makes her home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Peters crossed the plains in 1853. from Kansas City to Ft. Laramie, Wyoming : in fact, he made three trips in all across the great western plains - one to .Salt Lake City, Utah, and one to the Solomon river, during the gold excitement period. He started to the Solomon river district in 1864, with a train of one hundred and five wagons, taking the short cut-of¥ by way of Pacific Springs on the Platte river and Green river in the mguntains. He built a boat which he used in crossing that stream. Some mem- Ijers of the party became dissatisfied and went to Oregon, but when onlv ten miles away the deserters were attacked by the Indians, or Mormons, and many of the party were killed, the survivors returning to the original wagon train. A new party was sent out which chased the marauders into the fastnesses of the mountains. But the camp was attacked the second night following and the cattle \\ere stampeded. Mr. Peters, with twentyiive men followed the stock, overtook them and turned them back. The train was again attacked on Green Creek mountain or Snake river, at a time when the party was divided, part of them having been sent to rescue another party of whites that had previously been attacked by the Indians. Mr. Peters and his band drove (jff the savages and he then took charge of the immigrants and their supplies, helping them to reach the settlement, the train finally reaching Walla Walla, AVashington. At Baker City, Oregon, .Mr. Peters engaged in mining for some time, finally returning to Nebraska. In 1873 he made a trip to .the Black Hills, in company with Anton Barada, 1'". Go(jlsby and William Ankrom. They made the overland trip to the Black Hills and started mining there, but on account of the hostile Indians of that country they were compelled to give up their prospects and return home, escaping the savages by strateg}'. They built a big camp-fire to deceive the Indians and stole quietly away during the night, arriving at Buflfalo Gap the following morning, their trip from there on home being uneventful. In 1883 Mr. Peters went to Blackbird, Nebraska, to locate on land which the Barada family was entitled to, but failed to get possession, after one year's efforts, even carrying his case to Congress. Some memiiers of the family proved up on their rights to portions of this land: but others really entitled to it, have failed.

Mr. Peters worked on the Ohio & Missouri Pacific railroad, when it was being built, contracting for a portion of the work. He was nearby when the memorable Gasconade disaster occurred. He worked on the construction of the Gasconade bridge of the -Missouri-Pacific railroad in 1855.

Mr. Peters is a well-preserved man for his age and is one of the wellknown and honored citizens of Richardson county, in which he has lived to see and take part in many great changes since he first traversed its wild prairies over sixty years ago.

Anthony J. Hanika

In a great general farming locality like Richardson county, immense numbers of cattle, hogs and other live stock are raised annually, which gives rise to an extensive business in the buying and shipping of stock to the markets. Among those who follow this line of endeavor here is Anthony J. Hanika, of the village of Shubert.

Mr. Hanika was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, June 28, 1857. He is a son of Herman J. and Catherine (Lash) Hanika, both natives of Austria, in which country they grew to maturity, but did not marry until they came to America, which was in the year 1856. Herman J. Hanika was the son of wealthy parents, and it was not .the custom for the better classes to nmrry among the poorer classes, but his romance with Catherine Lash began when they were young and in order that he might marry her, a poor girl, they immigrated to the New World. They established their home in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. Mr. Hanika took uji the trade of blacksmith at Fond du Lac when there were but three houses in what is now an important city. A year and a half later he went into the timber and bought forty acres, which land was covered with hardwood maple and other valuable timber. He cleared the land and built a* log cabin, working hard and undergomg the usual hardships and privations incident to pioneering in the rigid northern climate in that state. He soon iiad crops growing and continued farming there until the fall of 1866, when he sold out and moved to Nebraska, buying two hundred acres about three miles from Arago, one hundred and sixty acres of prairie and forty acres of timber: it had been partly improved. He ])rought four thousand dollars with him, which would have been regarded as a fortune to most early settlers. He knew very little about farming and stock raising. He began developing his new farm, but droughts and grasshoppers broke him up and he lost his farm and surplus money. At that time he had ten children. But he was a man of courage, and, nothing daunted, he made a new start, going to work at his trade. He finally was able to purchase two hundred acres in Barada precinct which he still owns and where he was very successful as a general farmer. His children were named as follows: Theresa is the wife of John H. Kelly, of Barada precinct; Mary is the wife of A. M. Palmer, of Barada precinct: Adolph died in Thurston county, Nebraska; Elizabeth died in Barada precinct; Herman, Jr., lives in Barada precinct; Frank lives in Hartington, Cedar county, this state : Catherine died in infanc) : Mrs. Lydia Shaw li\es in Lebanon, South Dakota; John lives on the home place: ^fargaret is the wife of Edward Frederick, of Falls City, and Anthony J., of this sketch. The father of the above named children was born on Jul\ 11, 1829, and is therefore at this writing eighty-eight years old. His wife was born on August 20, 1836, and died on January 24, 1905. Anthony J. Hanika was nine years old when his parents brought him from \\'isconsin to Richardson county, Nebraska. He remembers well the hardships of the family at the time of his father's failure. Although but a boy he was working out by the month and turning over his earnings to his father tn help in the support of the family, while he was getting a new start on rented land. The subject of this sketch had little opportunity to obtain an education. When twenty-one years of age he began life for himself : by hiring out as a farm hand he saved enough of his wages to buy a wagon- and team, then rented his emi>ioyer's farm, "^e continued farming on rented land until 1891. In [8q8 he bought eighty acres of unimproved land. He lived for some time on his father-in-law's place and farmed his own land until he could get it properly improved, build a house and otherwise get it in shape to live on. After moving to it he continued to reside there until in .\ugust, 1910, when he moved to a beautiful home in Shubert. He has succeeded as a general farmer and stock raiser through his persistent eiTorts and good management and is now owner of a valuable and well-impn.\ed farm of four hundred acres in Barada precinct, also three hundred and twenty acres in Texas, his wife owning equal parts of the land. Mr. Hanika has bought and shipped live stock for many years, making his headrjuarters in Shubert and he has been very successful in this field of endeavor. He ships aliout one hundred and fifty carloads of stock to the

On February 14, 1884, Anthony J. Hanika was married to Emma Catherine Lundy, born on October 6, 1865. in Barada precinct, Richardson county. She is a daughter of Ebenezer Lundy, a pioneer settler in this locality, mention of whom is made in the sketch of J. W. Lundy, which appears elsewhere in this work. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanika : Lula, the wife of Thomas Davis, of West Muddy precinct, and they have two daughters, Jessie May and Ruth Louise; Laurence, the next child, died in 191 1, at the age of twenty-five years; Olive is the wife of C. S. Weddle, of Barada precinct ; August, on the home farm, married Marvel Lewis, and they have one child, Austin J., and Jessie, living at home, is now attending high school.

Thomas F. Wuster

Thomas F. Wuster, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers in the precinct of Grant, this' county, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsyl- \ania. January .24, 1878, son of Christ and Martha (Marquard) Wuster, wlio came to this state in June, 1879, and became pioneers in Porter precinct, this count}-. Further and fitting reference to the \Vuster family in this county is made elsewhere in this volume.

Reared on the home farm in P'orter precinct, he having been but two years of age when his parents settled there, Thomas F. Wuster received his schot)ling in the schools of that neighborhood. He began working out at the early age of eleven years and worked constantly from the time he was fourteen years of age. In the spring of 1900 he began farming for himself. I'Or (jue }ear he rented the Strunk farm and then in 1901 he bought his present place of a quarter, section in the precinct of Grant and there established his home and has ever since resided there, he and his family being very comfortalily situated. His house, built in 1908, is one of the best in that neighborhood and the general farm buildings are in keeping with the same, the place being looked upon as one of the best-improved farms in that part of the county. In addition to his geiieral farming Mr. Wuster gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, with particular reference to sheep and hogs. He has a flock of more than one hundred and twenty head of .sheep and in 1916 fed more than four hundred head of sheep for the market. On iJarch 7. igoi. Thomas F. Wuster was united in marriage to Margaret Heim, who was born on a pioneer farm in the precinct of Grant, this county, May 31. 1880, daughter of Jacob G. and Regina (Gross) Heim, prominent and influential pioneers of this county and further and extended reference to whom is made elsewhere in this volume, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Minerva, born on December 28, 1901 : Ruth, November 6, 1903; Frederick, July 3, 1905: Dorothy, December 31. J906; Joseph. September 11, 1909; Milton, July 18, 1912, and Dwight, April 2;^, 19 16. Mr. and Mrs. Wuster are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and take a warm interest in church affairs, as well as in the general good works of the community in which they live, helpful in many ways in promoting such agencies as are designed to advance the common welfare thereabout. Mr. Wuster is independent in his political views, prefering to keep himself free to vote for the most competent candidate for public office without regard to party affiliations. He not only is a progressive and wideawake farmer, but a public spirited citizen and tries to do his part in advancing the interests of the community of which he has been a resident since the davs of his earlv childhood.

Tohx H. Holl.Wd

John H. Holland, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the real oldtimers of Richardson county, a substantial farmer and landowner of this county, now living retired at Stella, where he has made his home since 1908, is a native of Illinois, but has been a resident of this state since the days of his young manhood, having come out here almost immediately after completing his service as a soldier of the Union at the close of the Civil War. He was born on a farm in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, December 2/. 1844. son of Thomas and Hilary (Hamilton) Holland, natives of England, who were married in their native country and then come to the United States, settling in Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Thomas Holland was born in 1804 and died on October 8, 1892, at the great age of eighty-eight years. His wife had long preceded him to the grave, her death having occurred in 1850. They were the parents of ten chilflren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth.

the Others being as follow: Ann, who is now living at Elizabeth, Illinois, widow of James Ransom; Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, also of Illinois; Ralph, of Essex, Iowa; Thomas, deceased, who served in an Illinois regiment in the Civil War; Edwin, of Elizabeth, Illinois; Mary, wife of J. B. Williams, of Emmetsburg, Iowa; George, of Pawnee Rock, Kansas; William, of Elizabeth, Illinois, and Enoch, deceased, who was the first of the family to pass away.

Reared on the home farm in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, John H. Holland received his schooling in the neighborhood schools and from the days of his boyhood was an active factor in the labors of improving jfnd developing the home' place, and was living there when the Civil War broke out. In February. 1865, he then being but little past twenty years of age, he enlisted at Elizabeth, Illinois, for service in the Union army and went to the front as a member of Company A, Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with that command joined Sherman's army in its triumphant march up from Savannah and through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, but necessarily saw little active service, as the war came to an end in the following April. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. Holland returned to his home in Illinois and in the spring of 1866 came West and for a time was engaged in freighting between Council Bluffs and Red Oak, Iowa, later coming on over to Omaha, riding the old stage coach thence from the' Des Moines river. At that time, as Mr. Holland recalls, there were many of the old-timers out this way who were l^ecoming pessimistic enough to declare that land out this way would neyer amount to anything and that efforts here were being wasted, but he had confidence in the outcome and determined to become a fixture in the new country. For several years after locating at Omaha Mr. Holland was employed in the timber, cutting ties and posts for the railroad, and also farmed for a year in that vicinity; but in 1873 came down into Richardson county and bought a tract of school land in section 36 of the precinct of Porter, paying for the same twelve dollars an acre, and settled down to improve and develop the same, setting out trees and an orchard, and by the time of his marriage in 1880 had a very comfortable home there. After having improved that place in admirable shape Mr. Holland went over into western Kansas, where he homesteaded a tract of land and there made his home for fourteen years, at the end of which time he returned to his quarter section in this countv and there continued to reside until 1908, when he retired from the farm and moved to Stella, building there a modern house, one of the large residences (59) of that town, and there he and his wife have sitice made their home, very comfortably and very pleasantly situated. Mr. Holland is a Republican and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, for some time having served as a member of the school board.

On February 8, 1880, some years after coming to Richardson county, John H. Holland was united in marriage to Mary F. Crook, who was born on a pioneer farm in the neighborhood of Salem, this county, April 3, 1863, daughter of John and Martha J. (Thomas) Crook, early settlers of that community, and to this union have been born four children, namely: Oscar L.,.a salesman, now living at St. Ix)uis; John T., district salesman for the Republic Rubber Company, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Myrtle, wife of William M. Veal, who is operating the old Holland home farm, and Florence, at home, who was graduated from the Stella schools, later studied music and is now teaching music at Stella. The Hollands are members of the Evangelical church and take a proper interest in the work of the church,, as well as in the general good works of the community.

Charles H. Martin

One of the most progressive farmers of Barada precinct, Richardson county is Charles H. Martin, who was born May 14, 1863, in Fremont county, Iowa. He is a son of John I. and Rachel (Reeves) Martin, both natives of Illinois, where they spent their earlier years, but came to Iowa in pioneer times. John I. Martin, who was born on June 12, 1839, is a son of Isaac Martin, who settled at Tarkio, Missouri, about 1844, later moving to Fremont county, Iowa, thence to Richardson county, Nebraska, in 1866, settling near what is now the Falls school house. Isaac Martin bought a farm onemile north of Falls City, of Jesse Crook, for which he paid only five dollars per acre. John I. Martin paid only three dollars and twenty-five cents per acre for his land, which he improved and there reared his children, and he made his home in Richardson county many years, but finally moved back tO' Iowa. He spends his winters in California, and the rest of the time with his sons in Richardson county. The wife of John I. Martin was born on December 11, 1840, and died on December 15, 1908. To these parents the following children were born: Sarah Alice, born in Iowa, May 16, 1861, died August 9, 1863; Charles Herny, of this sketch; Elza, born June 11. 1866, lives at Hotchkiss, Colorado; Mary Florence, October 16, 1867, died at Howe, Idaho, April 5, 1914; Delia Maria, April 21, 1870, died August 18, 1871 ; Joseph Wesley, October 12, 1872, lives at Paona, Colorado; Susan Nellie, June 24, 1872, died August 10, 1879; John Ambrose, May 12, 1877 is the present postmaster at Barada, Nebraska; Mrs. Clara Lulu Stephens, January 25, 1879, lives in San Diego, California, and Mrs. Ella Sayre, wife of Harvey Sayre, was born on October 28, 1881, and lives at Hotchkiss, Colorado.

Charles H. Martin spent his boyhood in Richardson county and he received a common-school education here and in Fremont county, Iowa. He first attended school in his grandfather's home, taught by his aunt, Mary Martin, who later married Isaac Ryan. He also attended the old Maddox school. He remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-two years old. in 1885, when he began farming on his grandmother's place, now owned by William Nutter. After living there two years he moved to a farm in Barada precinct, where he spent three years, then moved to Colorado, in 1890, where he engaged in farming until 1896, having pre-empted forty acres, also bought forty acres. He carried on farming there by irrigation and prospered and lived there until 1897. It was a new country and he endured many hardships. It was thirty-five miles to the nearest railroad, and prices for all household supplies were very high. On account of his wife's health he sold out and returned to Nebraska and secured the farm he now owns, consisting of eighty acres in Barada precinct, on which land he has erected an attractive new home and has made other important improvements. It is well located one mile north of the village of Barada. He also owns a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Barada, precinct.

Mr. Martin was married on March 4, 1886, to Addah Dakota Butler, who was born on May 24, 1866, in Vermilion county, Illinois. She is a daughter of Ephraim Porter and Minerva J. Butler, who are mentioned in the sketch of W. F. Butler, appearing elsewhere in this volume.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin : Alta Ruth, born on January 11, 1887, is the wife of Philip Markt, of Oregon, Missouri, and they have four children, Morris Henry, Bernice, Merrill and Adeline; Grace Elfie, October 14, 1889, is the wife of Roy Dunn of Falls City, Nebraska, and they have four children, Fern, Dale, Delpha May and Alelvin Henrv, December 5, 1896, is working with his father on the home farm.

Politically. Mr. Martin is a Republican. He served as precinct committeeman of Barada precinct for several years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and belongs to the Evangelical church.

Rolaxd .M. Hill

Tliough for some years past a resident of Greeley county, Roland ^I. Hill, a substantial farmer and landowner of that county, has never lost interest in the affairs of Richardson county, in which county he was reared, back in pioneer days, and it is but fitting that there should be included in this volume of history and biography relating to Richardson county, some mention of the part he formerly took in the affairs of this county, together with a biographical sketch.

Roland M. Hill is a native of the Dominion of Canada, born in the province of Ontario, September 28, 1858, son of E. C. and Arcosh (Kallustine) Hill, who were the parents of twelve children, three of whom were born on September 28. When Roland M. Hill was seven years of age his parents came from Ontario to Nebraska and settled on a pioneer tract in the precinct of Grant, in Richardson county, where they established their home, influential and useful pioneers of that part of the county, further and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume in a biographical sketch relating to E. C. Hill, Jr., who is still living in this county. On that pioneer farm Roland M. Hill grew to manhood, receiving his elementary schooling in such schools as the district was able to provide in those da\s, and in 1881, some little time after he had attained his majority, he entered the State Normal School at Peru and was in attendance at that institution for two years. He then returned to the home farm and was engaged in farming there until 1888, in which year, he meanwhile havmg learned the art of railroad telegraphing, he was appointed night operator at the station at Humboldt and was there thus engaged for eighteen months, at the end of which time he was transferred to the office at Saltillo, where he remained as operator from the spring of 1891 to the spring of 1894. Mr. Hill then left the key and for a year thereafter was again engaged in fanning, but in August, 1896, he resumed his old employment as a railroad telegraph operator and was assigned to duty in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy station at Violet. Not long afterward he again was sent to the station at Saltillo and there he remained until late in the fall of 1897, when he was transferred to the Lincoln division and was thereafter for four years stationed at Horace. During the time he was looking after the railroad's interests at Horace he also was engaged in buying grain for the Central Granary Company. In 1901 Mr. Hill was transferred to the station at Wolbach, but fifteen days later was given charge of the station at Bra>i:on, in Greeley county, where he remained until in Xovember, 1907, when he resigned his position with the railroad company and went to McCook, in the neighborhood of which place he was for. four years thereafter engaged in farming a tract of land his father owned there. In the meantime he had bought a ranch of his own in Greeley county and in time located on the same and has since made that his place of residence, having developed a fine bit of farming property there. In addition to the quarter section he owns in Greeley county Mr. Hill is the owner of a quarter of a section in Grant precinct, this county, a part of the Hill estate, and one hundred and eighty acres in the neighborhood of AlcCook, a part of his father's estate there, also one hundred acres in Canada, part of his father's estate, and is doing well in his general farming and stock-raising operations.

On December 24, 1895, Roland ]\I. Hill was united. in marriage to Mrs. Nettie Decamp, of \^esta, this state, a widow, and to this union eight children have been born. Vera, Roland M., Annis, Ruth, Warren, Lyle, Grace and Leali. Mr. Hill is a Republican. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and takes a' warm interest in Masonic affairs.

William L. Stephens

William L. Stephens, farmer, of Barada precinct, Richardson county, was born on December 17, 1861, in Nemaha county, Nebraska, near the line between that county and Richardson county and only two miles from his present home. He is a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Rutledge) Stephens. The father was born in 1833 and died in 1899. He was a native of Maryland, and was a son of Jeremiah Stephens, who was of Scotch descent. Elizabeth Rutledge was born in 1838 and died in 1892. She was a daughter of William Rutledge. In 1857 John L. Stephens made the long journey by rail and steamboat from Maryland to northwestern Missouri, locating near Sonora. In the spring of 1858 he came to Nemaha county. Nebraska, locating on a farm in the southeastern part of that county. In 1863 he settled in section 3, Barada precinct, Richardson county. He was a typical pioneer, and lived in pioneer fashion. During the old freighting days he owned teams and a complete outfit for hauling and frequently sent them across the great plains. He bought land in the "Half-Breed Reservation," which he improved and engaged in general farming and stock raising there a number of years. His family consisted of four children.

namely: Anna, who was the wife of George Marsh, is now deceased; George, who died in infancy; Wilham L., of this sketch, and Ella, who married Will Casey, is deceased. George Marsh, mentioned above, who served as county clerk two terms and as county treasurer two terms of Richardson count)', also served two terms as secretary of state of Nebraska. He now makes his home in Lincoln, this state. He has long been prominent in public affairs.

William L. Stephens grew up on the home farm in Nemaha county and he attended the early-day schools. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He owns one hundred and eighty acres in Beddo Creek valley, where he located in pioneer days. In fact, he has made his home in the same place for a period of fifty-four years. Years ago his father built a substantial brick house, which is now surrounded by evergreens. His home is modern in its appointments and the surroundings are attractive. He is only forty-five minutes from Falls City, and, all in all, has no desire to quit the farm and spend his declining years in town, as so many farmers are doing nowadays. His father erected the first brick house here in 1873, and in 1914 the subject of this sketch built an addition, remodeled and modernized the entire home. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser.

Mr. Stephens was married on March 28, 1900, to Lena Georges, who was born on July 12, 1866, on a farm adjoining that on which Mr. Stephens was reared. She is a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Baker) Georges, both of French extraction. They were pioneers of Richardson county. The father was born in France, where he resided until 1851, when he came to America, locating first in Buffalo, New York. In 1854 he came to Richardson county, Nebraska, and established the future home of the family, becoming one of the successful pioneer farmers here. He was born on May 20, 18 19, and died October 23, 1901. His wife was also bom in France and she crossed the Atlantic with friends, the trip requiring fifty-six days. After living in New York for three years she came West. Mr. and Mrs. Georges were married in 1857. They Ixiught land in the Indian reservation in Richardson county and there developed a good farm on which they spent the rest of their lives.

Politically, Mr. Stephens is a Republican. He and Mrs. Stephens belong to the Brethren church. He is well and favorably known over the county, which he has lived to see develop from a wild prairie country to one of the best improved farming localities in the state.

Paul Hessler

Perhaps the oldest and certainly one of the best-known harness dealers in southeastern Nebraska is Paul Hessler of Falls City, Richardson county, who was born in Buffalo, New York, November 7, 1855. He is a son of Gottlieb T. and Louisa Hessler, both natives of Austria, where they grew up and where the father learned the cabinet-maker's trade which he followed for some time in the city of Vienna. He immigrated to America in 1853, and followed his trade in Buffalo, New York. He removed to Richardson county, Nebraska, April 15, 1870, locating in Arago precinct on a farm three and one-half miles west of old Arago. Here he developed a good farm and continued in agricultural pursuits for the rest of his life, dying on October 29, 1889. His family consisted of six children, five of whom came to Nebraska ; they were named as follows : Charles, now living in Seattle, Washington: Paul of this sketch; Mrs. Emily Evans of Norton, Kansas; Edward is engaged in truck farming near Kansas City, Missouri; George lives at Cashion, Kingfisher county, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Carrie Stackhouse, in Tonawanda, .New York.

Paul Hessler spent his boyhood in Buffalo, New York, where he attended the public schools and there learned the harness-maker's trade, beginning his apprenticeship in July, 1869. He came to Nebraska in 1870, but returned to Buffalo in the fall of 1873. where he spent three years, returning to Nebraska in July, 1876. After working at his trade in Falls City for three months he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he followed four years; then went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he followed his trade four years, after which he again took up farming for another four years, then located in Falls. City and has since devoted his attention to the harness business. His present business was first established in the year 1886 by Joe Bateman. He was joined on January i, 1888, by Mr. Hessler, of this sketch, who bought a partnership. On May 20, 1889, Mr. Hessler bought his partner's interest and has since conducted the business alone, making a great success. By industry and good management he has increased the business from five thousand dollars a year to thirteen thousand dollars a year. He is not only a highlv skilled workman, but is a man of sound business judgment and executive ability. His customers are to be found all over the southeastern part of the state. He has occupied the same quarters at 171 1 Stone street since June 29, 1890. He employs three efiicient harness-makers. His stock of goods ranges in value from five thousand dollars to eight thousand dollars. That he has dealt with his scores of customers in an honest and courteous manner is indicated by the fact that many of his best customers have been with him since the early years of his business career in Falls City.

Air. Hessler was married on April 19, 1886, to Anna Schimpf, who was born in Buffalo, New York, in September, 1855. She is a daughter of Emil Schimpf and wife, both natives of German3^ To Mr. and Mrs. Hessler one child has been born, Gertrude, who was reared and educated in Falls City and is still at home with her parents, the family residence at Alain and McLean streets being an attractive one and known for its genuine old time hospitality.

Politically, Mr. Hessler is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Rebekahs, Encampment and other subordinate lodges. He has always done his share in boosting his home city and is regarded by all as one of its best citizens.

Henry Siemering

Henry Siemering, former member of the board of county supervisors of Richardson county and a well-known and substantial retired farmer, owner of a fine farm of a quarter of a section of excellent land in the precinct of East Barada, now living in Barada village, where he and his family are very comfortably situated, is a native of the neighboring state of Missouri, but has been a resident of this county since the days of his early childhood, having come over here with his parents in 1866, and has thus been a witness to the development of this region since territorial days. He was born in Pike county, Missouri, the scene of John Hay's "Pike Count\- Ballads," and the home of Jim Bludso and other lx)ld and adventurous spirits of an earlier day, December 26, 1863, son of Henry and Lizzie (Wyland) Siemering, the former a Hanoverian and the latter a native of the state of Illinois, who came over into the then Territory of Nebraska in 1866 and settled in Richardson county, where both spent their last days, the latter dying in 1888 and the former surviving until July 19, 1912. After the death of his first wife the pioneer Henr\- Siemering married again and his widow is still living in this county, now a resident of the village of Barada.

The senior Henry Siemering was born in Hanover, Germany, on January 8, 1833, and was twenty vears of age when he left his native land and came to this country, landing at the port of New Orleans after a voyage of ninety-three days. Upon his arrival there he found employment in that city, but in 1854 came up the river and located at St. Louis, where he learned the cooper's trade, later moving up into Pike county, Missouri, where he engaged in the cooperage business, making flour barrels, and where he remained until in May, 1866, when he came over into the then Territory of Nebraska with his family and bought a farm of eighty acres in the Barada half-breed strip, in this county, and there established his home, building a log house and settling down to improve and develop the tract. It was a timber tract on which he settled and it was no small task to clear the same, but he soon had a clearing and it was not long until he was well established on his pioneer farm. As he prospered in his operations Henry Siemering added to his holdings until he became the owner of live hundred acres of valuable land in diat precinct. As one of the pioneer settlers of that part of tlie county he helped organize the school district and in other ways was helpful in the development of the early interests of the county. He was a .member of the Lutheran church and did his part in the organization of a church in the neighborhood of his home. The senior Henry Siemering was twice married, his first wife, Lizzie Wyland, who was born at Peoria, Illinois. January 2, 1842, dying in 1888. He married, secondly, Emma Kuker, who is still living, a resident of the village of Barada, and that union was without issue. By his first marriage he was the father of twelve children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follow: John, died in infancy; William, of Stillwater, Oklahoma: Josephine, now deceased, who was the wife of VV. H. Lemon; Alary, who was the wife of J. Dodson and who died in Montana; Rosa, deceased; Louisa, deceased: Emma, deceased; Fred W., a farmer, of Barada jirecinct : Charles, deceased : Louis, of Mound City, Missouri, and Mrs. S(jphia Lietzke, of Barada precinct.

As noted above, the junior Henry Siemering was but three years of age when his parents came over into Nebraska and settled in this county and he grew to manhood on the ])ioneer farm in Barada, receiving his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood. From the days of his boyhood he was a valued assistant in the labors of developing and improving the home place and lie remained at home until his marriage in 1887, he then being twentythree years of age, when he rented a farm and began farming on his own account. In 1897 he bought a c|uarter of a section of unimproved land in section 30 of East Barada precinct, built a house and barn on the same and made other improvements and there continued to make his home, successfully engaged in general farming, until his retirement from the active labor.s.

of the farm in 19 16 and removal to the village of Barada. where he has a comfortable home and sixteen lots. Mr. Siemering is a Democrat and in 1895 ^ind 1896 was elected assessor of his precinct. In 1899 he again was elected assessor and in 1907 was elected a member of the board of county supervisors from his district and was re-elected to that office at the next election, thus holding office on the supervisors board for four years.

On March 24, 1887, Henry Siemering was united in marriage to Miiwiie Kuker, who was 1x)rn in the precinct of East Barada, this county, April 3, 1868, a daughter of Louis and Emma (Buchmann) Kuker, natives of Germany and pioneers of this county, and to this union eight children have been born, namely : Mrs. Emma Gerdes, of the precinct of Barada : Charles H.. who is farming the home place: Mrs. Lulu Sailors, of the precinct of East Barada; Amanda and Ella, deceased, and Edwin W., Lizzie and Arthur J., at home. The Siemerings are members of the Lutheran church and have ever taken an interested part in church work, as well as in other local good works and in the general' social activities of their home community

Samuel H. Bayne

It is alwa\s a^ badge of honor to have served our great country during the crisis of the early sixties, in preserving the Union, and we, of this generation, should show every mark of respect such a veteran as Samuel H. Bayne, now living in retiranent in Falls City, Richardson county. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1836. He is a son of Robert Bavne, whose birth occurred in the city of Philadelphia in 1800, of German descent, his ancestors having come to America in Colonial times ; the original spelling of the name was Behn. The death of Robert Bayne occurred at the age of sixty-two years: he was a shoemaker by trade. He moved from the Quaker City, in 1840, to Newark, Delaware, where his death occurred in 1862, his death being due to fe\er and exposure while on a visit to an army camp in Virginia during the Civil War. His son, Nathaniel, was a soldier in the Federal ranks and the father had gone there to aid him, the son having been taken prisoner and escaped. The grandmother of the subject of this sketch lived to be ninety-eight years old. His mother, who was known in her maidenhood as Anne Duncan, was born in Philadelphia in 1804 and died in 1874 in Wilmington, Delaware. She was a daughter of William Duncan, who was of Scotch descent, and who was the keeper of the Sandy Hook lighthouse in an early clay. To Robert and Anne (Duncan) Bayne nine children were born, eight sons and one daughter, named as follow : Robert, who was an officer in the Fortieth New York Regiment, ^^olunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, is deceased; James, deceased; Mary A., deceased; Samuel died in infancy; Samuel H., subject of this sketch; John died when young; Nathaniel, who was a soldier in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Volunteer Infantry (the Corn Exchange Regiment), is deceased; Joseph died when young, and William, who died when twenty-six years old.

Samuel H. Bayne spent his boyhood in his native city and there attended the public schools. When eighteen. years old he left home and went to Galena, Illinois, where he clerked for his brother, James, in a grocery store. Later, James Bayne moved to Warren, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, accompanied by the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Bayne of this review was married in 1858, to Mary A. Vandervort, who was born February 8, 1841, in Erie, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of John and Charlotte Vandervort, of German descent, and came to Illinois in 1854. After his marriage Mr. Bayne located in Warren county, Illinois. On July 6, 1862. he enlisted in Company H, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was sent with his regiment into Kentucky and while there was taken sick and on that account was honorably discharged at Franklin, Tennessee, on May 26, 1863. He was with the Army of the Cumberland. He returned home after his experience as a soldier and continued to reside in Warren, Illinois, until the spring of 1867, when he moved to Salem, Nebraska, and opened a general merchandise store, engaging in business there successfully for a period of thirty years, building up a large and lucrative trade with that town and surrounding country as a result of his sound judgment, perseverance and honest dealings. He was one of the pioneer merchants at Salem. Upon leaving there in 1897 he moved to Falls City, Richardson countv, and retired from the active duties of life. For a period of twenty years he was vice-president of the Bank of Salem.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bayne one child was born, Mrs. Emma Moore, who lives in Falls City, and has two children living, Mrs. G. W. Daggett, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Ernest J. Moore, of Little Rock, Arkansas. The latter is a painter and decorator. Mr. Daggett is a motorman on the traction line at Lincoln, but formerly he was agent for the Chicago. Burlington & Ouincv Railroad Company at Dawson. Nebraska, which position he held for a number of years. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daggett, namelv: Winnie Gene, Christine, and an infant."

Politically, 'Sir. Bayne is a Republican. He has been a Mason for a period of fort}-four years, and has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for a period of forty years. He holds membership with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of Porter Post, Xo. 48, Grand Army of the Republic, at Salem. He has always been regarded as a good citizen in every respect and enjoys the friendship of a very wide circle of acquaintances both at Salem and Falls City.

Charles Fi. Schock

A well-known and highly honored citizen of a past generation in Falls City, Richardson county, was the late Charles H. Schock, a man who led an upright and honorable life and was rated at all times as a good citizen, in all that the term implies. He was born near Bellevue, Ohio, July 19. 1848. He was a son of William and Sarah (Heater) Schock, both natives of Ohio, but of Pennsylvania-German stock. Their family consisted of eight children, named as follow: George W., of Falls City, Nebraska; Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart, of Vermillion, Kansas; Mrs. Adeline Korner, of Falls City. Nebraska; Charles H.. of this sketch: Mrs. Amanda Stetler, of Long Beach, California; William A. is engaged in farming in Richardson county; Mrs. George W. Holland lives in Falls City. Nebraska, and Lincoln, who died when sixteen years old.

The Schock family came to Nebraska in 1868 and settled on a farm east of Falls City. There the father prospered, growing wealthy through close application and good management. Charles H. Schock was twenty years oi age when the family moved to Richardson county. After working on the home place for five years he began farming for himself, investing in land four and one-half miles southwest of Falls City, owning one hundred and sixtv acres of very productive land, which he brought up to a high state of improxenient, living there for a period of eleven years. He then moved to Ivills City in 1892. He also owned a good farm of one hundred acres near Salem. He continued to reside in Falls City until his death, which occurred on July 5, 1902. He had been very successful as a general farmer.

Politically Mr. Schock was a Republican and was active in party affairs. He attended the Methodist church. Fraternally, he was a member of the Independent (^rder of Odd Fellows and the Royal Highlanders.

was born April 30. 1857, in Indiana. She is a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Streasner) Melhorn. botli natives of Germany, where they spent their earHer years, finally emigrating to America. After living in Indiana for some time they came to Nebraska in 1865, locating in Arago precinct, living on a farm many years near the village of Barada. Their family consisted of six children, namely : Sarah, the wife of George A. Schock, of Falls City, Nebraska : Katie, widow of Charles H. Schock of this memoir : John died when eight years of age; George and Herman were both killed by lightning at the same time; Martin lives in San Diego, California.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schock, namely: Mattie, wife of Mark Tefft, a merchant of Falls City, Nebraska, and they have one child, Kathleen, whose birth occurred on January 12, 1914; Stella is the wife of Glenn McMillan, a druggist of Falls City. Mrs. Tefft is a member of the social circle of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Woman's Club of Falls City.

Mrs. Katie Schock built a beautiful home on Stone street. Falls City, in 191 1, where she still resides. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Ellis O. Lewis

A man of sound business judgment and recognized integrity is Ellis O. Lewis, manager of the Peerless Stock Powder Company of Falls City, Nebraska. He was born on March 2, 1861, in McHenry county, Illinois. He is the son of John Lewis and his wife, Rebecca Fitz- Randolph Lewis, the latter of whom is a direct descendant of Robert Fitz Randolph, who served as a private minute-man in the Middlesex New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary War. Robert Fitz Randolph also served for a time in a Pennsylvania regiment commanded by Col. William Cook and was present at the battle of Germantown.

John Lewis and his wife were lx)th born near MeadA'ille, Pennsylvania, and were married in Illinois in 1858. In 1863 the family moved from Illinois to Newton, Iowa, and in 1869 moved to Richardson count}', Nebraska, and in Octoljer of that year settled in Ohio township, six miles northwest of Falls City. He was among the early pioneers and, by hard work and perseverance he developed a farm from the wilderness and after many hardships, established a comfortable home for his family. Ellis O. Lewis thus grew to manhood amid primitive conditions, sharing the burdens of life on tlie Western frontier. He found plenty of hard work to do in helping to establish the family home in the new country. He remembers helping to raise corn and shelling it. then hauling it to St. Stephens, where he sold it for thirteen cents per bushel. He also tells of building "breaks" to catch the grasshoppers during the years of that plague and fattening pigs on the insects. He helped to fatten hogs which his father sold for three and onehalf cents per pound.

Mr. Lewis, of this sketch, studied awhile under D. D. Houtz, one of the first teachers in Richardson county, then attended the high school at I'alls Lit)', taking a three years' course, graduating in 1880. being thus a inemljer of the first graduating class there. In the fall of that year he entered Nebraska State University, taking the course in civil engineering and graduating in 1884. He became a member of the first fraternity that graduated from that institution - the Phi Delta Theta.

Thus exceptionally well equipped for life's duties in those early days in this section of the West. Mr. Lewis began teaching, assuming the duties of principal of the Verdon schools, also taught at Rulo, Richardson county, and at Reserve. Kansas, giving eminent satisfaction as an educator. He was elected clerk of Richardson county in 1890 and, discharging his duties in an able manner he was re-elected in 1892, serving four years. Upon leaving the office in 1894 he turned his attention to the real estate business which he followed with success until 1899, in which year he was appointed postmaster at 1^'alls City by President William McKinley. He discharged his duties in a manner highly acceptable to the people and the authorities until 1904, then turned his attention to the manufacture of what has since become known as one of the most reliable stock powders and stock dips for live stock on the market. The Peerless Stock Powder Company was established in 1904 bv Falls City people and Mr. Lewis purchased an interest in the business in Januarv. 1904, and took over the management. He at once began remodeling the plant, making a number of changes to better the output, inventing a better formula. By careful management and wise discrimination, close application and honest dealings with his customers he has increased the business from year to year until it has long since found a ready market over a large territory and its prestige has been growing daily. The annual output at this writing, in 191 7, will reach nearly one million pounds. Four of the leading live stock states of the Union are covered largely by the products of this company and used by stock feeders. Large quantities are consigned each week to various points in Nebraska, Iowa. Missouri and Kansas. The business is increasing materially each year. Two expert employees in the manufacture of dip and stock powder are used in the factory all of the time and others when the business requires it. This company also employs from six to ten men as traveling salesmen on the road. Associated with Mr. Lewis in the business are J. H. Miles, A. J- Weaves. J. H. Morehead and Jacob Marmet.

In December, 1883, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Eva E. Miller, of Lincoln. Xebraska. she being at that time a student at the State University with Mr. Lewis. She is the daughter of Elder Jason G. Miller, a prominent pioneer of Nebraska, and who was one of the men who helped lav out the state capitol at Lincoln.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis resulted in the birth of four children, namely; Theron E., who lives in the city of Omaha and who is a member of Company D, Fourth Nebraska Regiment, Volunteer Infantry ; he saw service on the Mexican border in 191 6 and is an electrician by trade. Ralph, the second son. is an employee of the Peerless Stock Powder Company as factory foreman. Ruth, the only daughter, is a graduate of the Falls City high school. She has also pursued a four years' course in the University Conservatory of ]\Iusic at Lincoln. Nebraska. She is an accomplished musician and a successful music teacher. Ruth Lewis now has the data and will join the Daughters of the American Revolution. Don. the youngest of the children, is an employee of the Peerless Stock Powder Company and is an expert in the manufacture of stock dip, insecticides and stock remedies used extensively by farmers in preserving their stock and making them more thrifty.

Mr. Lewis has long been a potent factor in local public affairs. He is a Republican, a member of the progressive wing of that party. He belonged to the state central committee in 1896. 1912 and 1916. He was assistant secretary of the .state Senate in 1885,. 1887 and 1889. While a member of the above named committee he served on the executive committee. He filled these responsible positions in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He took a leading part in making Falls City a dry town, and campaigned Richardson county during the fight between the wets and drys in 1916; in fact, he helped to make the state of Nebraska dry. He has long been a relentless foe of the liquor traffic and has done a most commendable work for prohibition. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and was a delegate to the national camp of this order. in Toledo, Ohio, 1914; he also belongs to the Royal Highlanders. He attends the Presb\-terian church.

]\Ir. Lewis is a born leader of men; he is _ aggressive, educated, well informed on all important topics of the world, familiar wnth the world's best literature; he is a man of keen business acumen and executive ability, and he takes an abiding interest in the general progress of his city and community, and his honesty and probity of character have never been questioned.

James S. Hillyard

One of the most widel\- and favorably known manufacturing firms of Ealls City, Richardson county, is that of Hillyard & Son. Mr. Hillyard, of this review, was born on August i, 1865, in Caldwell county, Kentucky. He is a son of Thomas L. and Nancy (Hart) Hillyard, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of South Carolina. William L. Hillyard, the paternal grandfather of the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, was born and reared in Kentucky and was a son of Alexander Hillyard, a native of V^irginia and an early pioneer settler of Kentucky, where he settled in the year 1816 on a large Revolutionary land grant, which was handed down to his children. William L. Hillyard was a strong Union sympathizer and did not believe in slavery on any. terms. Thomas L. Hillyard was born August 27, 1840, and died March 14, 1913. His wife, Nancy Hart, was born in 1841 and died in 1868. leaving two cliildren, James S. of this sketch; and Mrs. Belle McGough, of Caldwell county, Kentucky, in which county the father of these children lived and died, spending his active life in agricultural pursuits.

James S. Hillyard grew to manhood in his native county and was educated in the public schools. He left home in 1881. making his own living i' Kentucky for three years. In 1884 he came to Phillips county. Kansas, and in 1886 located in Gage county, Nebraska, where he followed farming for five years. In 1891 he moved to Pawnee county, this state, where he engaged in farming three years. In September, 1895, he located in Falls City, where he began working at the carpenter's trade which he followed for four years then began contracting on his own account, purchasing the Johnson factory, which he has greatly improved, including the installation of modern machinery. It is located at 1619 Chase street. He has admitted his son, Fred, and they are engaged successfully in the manufacture of window frames, door frames, screen frames and all work for buildings, being general manufacturers of wood work. The factory was established in 1913. They turn out first-class work in all lines, and emplo)- a number of highly-skilled workmen. Mr. Hillyard followed contracting for a period of fourteen years, erecting dwellings, barns and other buildings throughout Richardson county, including many of the largest and most modern building.s in this part of the state. Some of the leading citizens of the county gave him the contracts for their residences, including that of John Towle, just west of Falls City. In one year he "built two large residences for W. R. Holt and one each for A. J. Spofiford. John Ross. T. T. Ross and T. J. Whitaker.

Mr. Hillyard was married in 1888 to Mary McCurry. who was born in Green count}', Tennessee. She is a daughter of Joseph McCurry. who settled in Gage county, Xebraska. many years ago and there became well established on a farm. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillyard: Fred, born July 25, 1890, is engaged in business with his father; he was married on April 9, tqio, to Emma Stradter. of Humboldt, Richardson county, and they have one child, Harry, horn on March 15, 191 1. Charles, second child of the subject of this sketch, was born on Deceml^er 25, 1891, died on September 17, 1906; Thomas, February 21, 1894: Mabel, May 25, 1896, and Nellie, November 25, 1902.

Politically, Mr. Hillyard is a Republican, but is inclined to vote independently. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and, religiously, he belongs to the United Brethren church. He takes a deep interest in promoting the general welfare of his city and county.

Samuel F. Heim

Among the extensive and prosperous farmers of Richardson county must be included Samuel Heim. of GraiTt township, owner of seventeen hundred and si.xt}' acres of excellent farming land, three hundred and twenty acres of which are located in sections 10 and 16, in Grant township, and fourteen hundred and forty acres in Hitchcock county, this state. He was born on \ovember 17. rS59, in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Jacob G. and Regina (Gross) Heim, who were also born in the Keystone state and to whom further and more detailed reference is made in another part of this work, in the course of a sketch relating to Joseph G. Heim, a brother of the subject of this sketch.

vania on June 15, 1832, the son of Gotleib and Margaret ( Steiger) Heim, who came to America from Germany about 1808. Up to the time of his retirement a few years before his death, Jacob G. Heim was actively engaged in operating his farm of four hundred acres in section 15, Grant precinct, in which he was the pioneer settler of the Pennsylvania colony. He was married to Regina Gross, who was born on July 13, 1825, and is now in her ninety-second year. Jacob G. and Regina ( Gross ) Heim were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are deceased, the others Ijeing Joseph G.. who lives in Dawson, this county; Mrs. Sarah Ulmer, who lives in Grant township; Samuel F., the subject of this sketch; Jonathan W. ; Rebecca, the wife of Jacob Heim: Sophia, who married Martin D. Ulmer, and Margaret, who is the wife of Thomas Wuster, and all of whom are living in Grant precinct, this county. The father of these children died in 1914 and his widow now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Ulmer.

Samuel F. Heim was in his fifteenth year when he came with his parents to Nebraska, arriving on June 11, 1874, and remained at Rulo for a brief period of three weeks with some friends and on July 3, moved with his parents to Grant precinct. His first employment in Richardson county was herding cattle on the plains and farming. Some time later he obtained his first tract of land from his father, who had purchased a half section in Grant township, and Samuel F. Heim began farming operations on his own account. As he prospered in his farming work, he continued to add to his land holdings and is now the owner of seventeen hundred and sixty acres of prime tillage and fattening land. On his holdings, generally, Mr. Heim has effected some very extensive improvements and has set out an excellent grove of trees"and an orchard and in the latter is engaged in fruit-growing, the produce being sold and shipped in large quantities. Mr. Heim has been one of the Richardson county farmers who has helped to reclaim the prairie and convert it into well-cultivated fields and pasture lands.

On February 14, 1889, Samuel F. Heim was united in marriage to Elizalieth Heim. who was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of John J. and Rosa (Heim) Heim, who were the parents of seven children, all of whom are now living. John Heim and wife now reside m section 10. Grant township. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel F. Heim are the parents of six children, namely : Mrs. Luella Clark Belden, residing in Montana ; Mrs. Adah F. James, who lives in Porter precinct; Tillie, who married Fd. Richards, living in Porter precinct ; Melvin, Mary and Richard, at home.

public office. He and his family are members of the United Evangelical church, and are liberal supporters of its various activities. In 1916 Mr. Heini installed throughout his home and barns a Delco electric system, using the lights in the home and the outbuildings; also using the electric system for pumping water, washing and many other purposes.

Charles G. Hargrave

Charles G. Hargrave. well-known clothing merchant at Falls City and proprietor of clothing stores also at Wymore and Kearney, this state, is a native of the neighboring state of Iowa, but has been a resident of Nebraska since 1892, when he became engaged in the clothing business at Wymore; moving to Falls City in 1900. He was born at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, son of Thomas E. and Mary (Pyle) Hargrave, the former of whom was born at Richmond, \^irginia, and the latter at Steuben\'ille, Ohio, both of old Colonial stock, the Hargraves having been represented in this country since the days of the Pilgrim Fathers. Thomas E. Hargrave, who was a son of Lemuel Hargrave and wife, natives of Virginia, was reared at Richmond and there trained to the dry-goods business. In 1854 he came West and located at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he engaged in the dry-goods business and where he and his wife spent their last days, the former dying on December 1 1, 1897, at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow survived him for more than seventeen years, her death occurring on February 4, 191 5, she then being seventy-seven years of age. They were the parents of seven children, those besides the subject of this sketch being as follow : Mary V., who is buyer for a dry-goods firm at Kaufman, Texas ; Mrs. J. L. Wilson, a widow, of Salt Lake City: Thomas, who was a clothing merchant at Wymore and at Kearnev, this state, and who died in 1913; Miss Etna Hargrave, of Salt Lake City, and two who died in infancy.

Reared at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Charles G. Hargrave received his early schooling in the schools of that city and supplemented the same by a course in Howe's Academy, which he entered in 1875. From the days of his boyhood he had been made familiar with the dry-goods business in his father's store and upon completing his schooling entered the store and was engaged in Imsiness with his father until 1892, in which year he came to this state and became engaged with his brother, Thomas P. Hargrave, in the clothing business, the brothers establishing stores at Wymore and at Kearney, a connection which continued until the death of the younger brother in 1913. In 1900 Charles G. Hargrave established a clothing store at Falls Cit}- and has since made that city his home, at the same time continuing to carry on the business of his stores at Wymore and at Kearney, and has long lieen recognized as one of the leading merchants of the city.

On January 20. 1897. at Chicago, Illinois, Charles G. Hargrave was united in marriage to Jessie Roper, who was born in that city, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Roper, the former of whom was a Chicago banker, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Thomas E. Hargrave, who was born at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave have a very pleasant home at Falls City and since taking up their residence there have taken an interested part in the general social and cultural activities of the city. They are members of the Episcopal church and, fraternally, Mr. Hargrave is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

There is no royal road to success in the medical profession, those who achieve laurels in the practice of the same being compelled to lead lives of strenuous endeavor, after laying well a broad and deep foundation. Realizing this at the outset of his career. Dr. George G. Gandy, of Humboldt, Richardson county, has left no stone unturned whereby he might advance himself and he has achieved success in his chosen vocation, while yet a young man.

Doctor Gandy was lx>rn on January 3, 1880, in Humboldt, Nebraska. He is a son of Dr. James L. and Mary ( Ott ) Gandy. Dr. James L. Gandy was born near Clarksburg, Virginia, in 1844. He is a son of Dr. William O. Gandv, also a native of Virginia, who moved to Indiana, where he practiced medicine for many years, later settling in Iowa. Thus the subject of this review descended from a long line of physicians, and therefore evidently possessed much natural ability in this line. His father, who is now living retired at Humboldt, studied medicine with his father, and during the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army hospital service. He returned home and completed his medical course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating with the class of 1867. He had previously pursued a medical course at .\nn Arbor, Michigan, in the State University. He began the practice of his profession in White Cloud, Iowa, and in 1869 began practicing at Table

Rock, Xeliraska. later coming to Humboldt, Richardson county, where he built up a large practice, ranking among the leading local doctors of his day in this county. His wife, ;\Jary Ott, was torn in 1848, in Indiana. To these parents seven children were born, two of whom are now deceased, and four daughters and one son living.

Dr. George G. Gandy received his early education in the Humboldt public schools, began studying medicine when but a boy under his father, and later entered Ensworth Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated in 1902. In the spring of that year he entered the Chicago Polyclinic Institute, where he studied for some time. He began the practice of his profession at Covington, Oklahoma, where he remained two years, then in 1904, came to his home town and has since maintained his office in Humboldt and has had splendid success as a general practitioner, soon taking his position among the leading medical men in southeastern Nebraska. He took a post-graduate course in Allgemine Kraunken Hause (Hospital) in Vienna, Austria, in 1910. He attended clinics conducted by the famous Doctor Lorenz and others of the most noted medical men and instructors of the old world. He also pursued a course at Westminster Hospital, London, England, in the samfc year. He traveled extensively in Europe while abroad and was a spectator of the famous Passion Play at Oberammergau, Bavaria, which play is given every ten years. He has one of the best equipped offices in the state, which is located in the Park Hotel building. His furnishings and equipment are all modern and have been collected at great expense. He has the only real X-ray machine in southeastern Nebraska.

Doctor Gandy was married in London, England, September 6, 1910, to Clementine Rousek. a daughter of J. W. Rousek, who was also touring Europe at the time, with relatives, and Doctor and Mrs. Gandy finished a tour of the continent together. She was a daughter of J. W. Rousek, a deceased merchant of Humboldt, Nebraska. This family, like the Gandvs, have long been well and favorably known in Richardson county.

Doctor Gandy is a member of the Richardson County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Association, the American Medical Association and is a life member of the American Medical Association of Vienna, Austria. He is a director in the Home State Bank at Humboldt. He has remained a deep student of all that pertains to his profession, thereby keeping well abreast of the times. He is a man of engaging personality, obliging, .sympathetic and of unquestioned integrity.

Frank Eis

One of the most enterprising general farmers and stockmen of Ricliardson county is Frank Eis, of Humboldt precinct. He came to us from a foreign clime and, seizing upon the superior opportunities offered here, has made a success of his life work. He was born in Chotebor, Bohemia, April 20, i860. He is a son of Antone and Mary (Zulick) Eis, natives of Bohemia, where they grew up, married and established their home. Seven children were born to them, namely: John, living retired in Humboldt, Nebraska; Mrs. Mary Schwab, deceased; Mrs. Fannie Watzek, living in Humboldt, this state; Mrs. Lizzie Kubick, who lives in Clay Center, Kansas; Frank, of this sketch; the rest of the children died in early life. The parents of these children immigrated to America in 1869, the voyage across the Atlantic requiring thirty-three days, and in December of that year established their future home in Richardson county, Nebraska. They drove from St. Joseph. Missouri, in a sled, on Christmas day, and located on land in Speiser township, a mile west of the present Eis homestead, the father buying eighty acres for which he paid the sum of one thousand dollars. He built a stone house, containing only one room and when spring came he broke the prairie sod with oxen. His nearest market was Brownville, Nebraska. He endured the usitai hardships of life on the Western frontier, but being a hard worker developed a farm and had a comfortable home in due course of time, continuing general farming until his death, which occurred in 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife had preceded him to the grave in 1892 at the age of seventy-six years.

Frank Eis spent his childhood in Bohemia, being nine years old when the family came to the United States. He attended the common schools for some time in Humboldt township, Richardson county. He helped his father with the general work on the home farm until he was eighteen years old, then, desiring to further his education he entered the Humlxildt high school, where he studied for some time, then began clerking for the Nims Brothers in their general store in Humboldt. He continued working in Humlwldt for sixteen years, then worked with his brother, John, on a farm. He l)ought his present farm in 1889 and has been very successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising on the same place, which excellent and well-improved farm consists of four hundred and eighty acres. He built a large modern home in 191 5, which is equipped with electric lights, bath, sewer, furnace and hot and cold water fixtures, and is one of the most de- sirable and attractive dwellings in the county. He also has substantial barns and other outbuildings. Everything about his place denotes thrift and good management. He drove three yoke of oxen to a plow, breaking wild prairie in his boyhood. H^e has been a hard worker all his life.

Mr. Eis was married in 1889, to Mary Petrashek, who was born in Toledo. Ohio. She is a daughter of John and Marj^ (Skalak) Petrashek. both natives of Bohemia, from which country they came to America about a half century ago, and located in Richardson county, in 1867. Both are now deceased. Three children have been born to Frank Eis and wife, named as follows: Frank. Jr.. Rudolph, and Arthur, all at home.

Politically, Mr. Eis is a Democrat. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and the C. S. P. S. Bohemian lodge.

Lewis M. Billings

Another enterprising young farmer of Humboldt precinct, Richardson county is Lewis M. Billings, who was born in Adair county, Iowa, September 18, 1878. He is a son of John and Sophia (Meliza) Billings, the subject of this sketch being their only child. The father was born in Iowa, where he grew up, married and spent his life, dying there* in 1879 at the early age of twenty-eight years. His widow subsequently married James M. Trimble, and one child was born to their union. Sophia Meliza was bom in Indiana and died in 1898 at the age of forty-seven years.

Lewis W. Billings was but a child when his father died and he grew up on the farm of his. stepfather and he received his education in the district schools, al.so the higli school at Humboldt, Nebraska, later took a course in telephone engineering in the International Correspondence Schools at Scranton, Pennsylvania. He worked at the telephone business for nine years at Table Rock, also at Omaha, Nebraska, holding a position in the Union depot in the latter city for the Markell dining car system. I^ter, he was employed by the Hammond packing plant at south Omaha, in the fire department. In 19 13 he came to Richardson county and bought his present farm of eighty acres in section 18. Humboldt precinct, and here he has since been engaged in general farming, specializing in high-grade Poland China hogs. He has made many improvements on the place.

born on August 25, 1881, in Richardson county, and here she was reared to womanhood and educated. She is a daughter of Christian and Emma (Hunzeker) Rist, natives of Berne, Switzerland, from which country they came to Richardson county, in pioneer days and here became well established through their industry. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Billings, Lxjreene, whose birth occurred March 7, 1912.

In the spring of 191 7 Mr. Billings embarked in the thoroughbred poultry business with G. J. Cernohlavek as partner, the firm being known as the "Banner Poultry Farm." Many up-to-date poultry and brooder houses were built; also a modern hatchery of ten thousand-egg capacity. The "Banner Poultry Farm" breeds all of the popular breeds of chickens, as well as Belgium hares and Carneaux pigeons. It is one of the best equipped poultry farms in the state.

James William Luxdy

James W. Lundy, one of Barada precincts well-known and substantial retired farmers and stockmen, now living at Shubert, where he has a very, pleasant home, is a native of the neighboring state of ^Missouri, but has been a resident of Nebraska since he was five years of age, his parents having settled on this side the river in 1863, becoming counted among the most substantial and useful pioneers of the half-breed strip in the precinct of Barada. He was born in Johnson county, Missouri, T^Iarch 4, 1858, son of Ebenezer and Paulina (Chapman) Lundy, pioneers of Richardson county, whose last days were spent here.

Ebenezer Lundy was born in Grayson county. \'i'rginia, in 1832, son of Samuel Lundy and wife, also Virginians, and was early trained to the trade of stonemason. He married Paulina Chapman, who was born in Butler county, Kentucky, on September 20, 1835, of colonial ancestrv. Tracing a lineage back to "1676. An ancestor owned Lundy 's Lane, of Revolutionary fame: Benjamin Lundy, the great abolitionist, was another famous ancestor. After his marriage he settled in ^Missouri, remaining there until 1862, when he came over into the then Territory of Nebraska and became engaged on the construction of the bridge across the Missouri at Nemaha City. While thus engaged he bought a tract of land in the Barada half-breed strip in this county, just on the county line, and there estab- lished his home. There was a log cabin there and in that humble abode he and his family made their home until after awhile, when lumber became more plentiful, he erected a frame house. By that time he had one of the best-developed farms in that neighborhood and was recognized as one of the leading pioneers of the strip, helpful in many ways in promoting the early interests of his home precinct^. There he and his wife spent their last days, the latter dying in June, 1902, he surviving until in June, 1909. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last-born, the others being Emma, wife of A. J. Hanika, of Shubert; Mrs. Mollie Stotts, of Shul>ert, and Efifie, wife of Daniel Lewis, a well-known farmer of the precinct of Barada.

As noted above, J. W. Lundy was but tive years of age when he came with his parents from Missouri to Nebraska and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Barada precinct, familiar from boyhood with the life of the pioneers of the sixties, and his youth was given over largely to herding cattle on the jilains. He received his schooling in the local schools that c|uickly were organized in his neighborhood and remained at home until he \\as twenty-one years of age^ when he became engaged as a herder on the Jolin P. Smith ranch in Pawnee count}' and was thus engaged for a year, at the end of which time he resumed farming and was thus actively engaged until his retirement in 1913. He was married in 1884 and in 1886 his father gave him an "eighty," three miles west of Barada, where he established his home, continuing to develop and improve that place until he had one of the best-improved farms thereabout. To that tract he added an adjoining "forty" and when his father's estate was diveded he received an additional "eighty," and bought other land, thus being now possessed of three liundrcd and thirty acres. of fine land in the precinct of Barada. one of the best farming regions in Nebraska, besides eight acres in the town of Shubert. and has a half section in Texas - six hundred and fifty-eight acres in all.. In addition to his general farming Mr. Lundy gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock and did very well in his operations. On January I, 1 91 3. he retired from the farm, bought a fine home in Shubert and there he and his wife have since been living, very comfortably situated. Mr. Lundy is a Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic afifairs, but has not l>een a seeker after public ofifice.

On March 26, 1884, J. W. Lundy was united in marriage to Emma Barker, who was born in Nemaha county, this state. March 8. 1868, daughter of Henry and .\manda (Davis) Barker, natives, respectively, of Missouri and of Iowa, who were married in Nebraska and became well-to-do residents of Nemaha county. Henry Barker was a son of William Barker and wife, who came over into the then Territory of Nebraska in the early sixties from Missouri, and Amanda Davis was a daughter of Mathias Davis and wife, who became residents of the Territory in 1865, coming over here from Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Lundy have four sons, namely: Louis Lundy, who married Minnie Lehan and is now living in Idaho: Dr. Fred Lundy, a practicing physician of Seattle, Washington, who married Ruby Leedam on December 2}^, 1916: Ray Lundy, who married Nellie Bucholz and is living on the old home farm in Barada precinct, and has an infant child. Glen Lugene. and Clark Lundy, also on the home farm, who married V'era McDowell and has one child, a son, William Ervin. J. W. Limdy is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Degree of Honor and in the afifairs of these several organizations takes a warm interest.

John H. Koso

^Vhen John H. Koso came over into this county from Missouri in the spring of 1899 and bought the farm on which he is now living in East Barada precinct some of his new neighbors were good enough to tell him that nobody had ever been able to make a living on that place and that he, too, would be starved out, which was not very encouraging for a new settler. However, Mr. Koso did not starve: and, not only that, but he has added to his land holdings, is free from debt and besides developing a fine farm plant on his place has been able to make other investments. All of which simply goes to show that there may be different ways of getting results, for Mr. Koso certainly has been successful where others seemed to have failed, and is now accounted one of the substantial farmers of the northeastern part of Richardson county.

John H. Koso was born at Solon Mills, McHenry county, Illinois, in 1858, son of Joseph and Sophia Koso, both of European birth, natives of the grand -duchy of Mecklenburg, who were the parents of three children, and the latter of whom was married three times, being the mother of eleven children in all. When John H. Koso was two years of age his father died and his childhood was spent in the households of his uncles. John Koso and George Sutton. When sixteen years of age, in 1874. he left Illinois and came over into Nebraska to make his home with Peter Thelk in this county, working- for him and attending the Lutheran school in the neighborhood of the Thelk home, and remained there for three years, during which time he learned to speak and to read German. In 1877 he returned to Illinois, where he learned the cooper's trade and where he remained until 1883. in which year he returned West and in the vicinity of Thayer, Kansas, became employed as a farm hand and continued thus engaged until his marriage in the fall of 1885, when he rented a farm and began fanning on his own account. In December, 189.4, Mr. Koso disposed of his interests in Kansas and moved over into Gentry county, Missouri, where he bought a farm of iifty-eight acres and where he remained until the spring of 1899, when he sold his Missouri farm and came over into Nebraska, arriving in this county on April 5 of that year with his household goods, his live stock and nine hundred dollars in cash. This sum he applied on the purchase of seventy acres in section 27 of the precinct of Barada, a tract that had had several previous owners, and there established his home and proceeded to improve and develop the place. Despite the fact that neighbors told him he would starve on the place, as others, they said, had done, Mr. Koso went right ahead with his farming operations ajid soon found himself on the way to prosperity. He planted an orchard, built a new barn and made other improvements on the place; in 191 1 bought an adjoining "forty" and in 1913 bought another similar tract to the east, and now has a well-improved and profitably cultivated farm of one hundred and fifty acres in sections 27 and 28. By 1913 Mr. Koso had his land all paid for and has since been able to extend his investments in other directions, thus conclusivelv refuting the doleful predictions made by his neighbors when he took possession of his present fine home place less than twenty years ago.

On October 15, 1885, John H. Koso was united in marriage to Alice Elliott, who was born at Watson, Illinois, February 2, 1865. daughter of Sanford and Frances (Field) Elliott, natives, respectively, of Kentuckv and of Illinois, who later moved from Effingham, Illinois, to Livingston county, ^lissouri, where they spent their last days. Sanford Elliott and wife were the parents of seven children and one of their sons, Milton Elliott, was a soldier ' of the Union during the Civil War, having run away from home when fifteen years of age to enter the service. Mr. and Mrs. Koso have seven children, namely : Orin, who is a farmer in Barada precinct : John, also a farmer in the precinct of Barada; Mrs. Efifie Brooks, of the precinct of Falls City, and Hance, Mary, Ouentin and Augusta, at home. The Koso f;iniil\ liave a very pleasant home and liave ever taken an interested part in the <reneral social activities of their home community. Mr. Koso is a Ivepublican and. fraternally, is affiliated with the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, in the afifairs of which he takes a warm interest.

Terry Pollard

A man like Perry Pollard, of Htimboldt precinct, Richardson county, who makes a specialty of raising a superior grade of live stock, does an inestimable amount of good in his locality. His specialty, as is well known, is that of breeding fine Poland China hogs in connection with his general farming pursuits. He was born on his present farm, August 14, 1861, and he is a son of Pharagus and Sarah ( Crook ) Pollard, pioneers of this section of Nebraska.

Pharagus Pollard was born in Tennessee about 1830; he came with Jesse Crook to Richardson county, April 5, 1855, locating near Falls City; he later owned various farms until he bought the one owned by his son, Perry, on which he established his permanent home. It was wild prairie land, but he broke up the sod, working with oxen for some time, and put it under cultivation, and built a log cabin on the place. He endured the usual hardships of those who essay a life on the frontier. After coming here he engaged to dig wells for a numljer of the settlers in order to get money with which to carry on general farming. He was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in Company G, Second Nebraska Cavalry, at Falls City, and went to the front as corporal. He made a brave and efficient soldier and died while in the service of his country, of sickness. He was a son of Jesse Pollard, a nati\e of North Carolina, who in later life came to Richardson county, to live with his son, Pharagus. Sarah Crook was born in \\^hite county, Tennessee, January i_', 1831. She spent her latter years among her children, living to advanced age, her death occurring on February 12. 19 17. She was a member of the Christian church. Her family consisted of seven children, only one of whom is now deceased.

Perry Pollard was reared on the homestead in Humboldt precinct; in fact, he has never lived anywhere else. He worked hard when a boy and has kept the place well improved and under a fine state of cultivation. He owns two hundred acres of the homestead and has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He began breeding Poland China hogs in 191 5

Mr. Pollard has remained unmarried. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is president of the Farmers Union, of which he was one of the organizers. It now has three hundred members and it has proven to be an excellent thing for the farmers of this district, and they are able to get better prices for their products, some of which are now stored to await the best season in which to sell. Politically, he is a Democrat.

The following children were born to Pharagus and Sarah Pollard: Jesse A., who lives in Phillips county, Kansas; Isaac N.. living on the home place: Christopher Columbus lives in Humboldt. Nebraska; Elizabeth J. is the wife of J. A. Kunze. and they live in Rosalia, Kansas: Andrew J., deceased: Perry S.. of this sketch, and Eva. wife of St. Clair Ray, lives in- Humboldt.

Tohn Fankhauser

Speiser township, Richardson county, has no more painstaking tiller of the soil than John Fankhauser, who hails from that splendid little republic in the Alps, Switzerland, from whence so many of our good citizens have come. He was born there on February 3. 1842. aiTd is a son of John U. and Barbara ( Rothenbuhler ) Fankhauser, natives of Switzerland, where they grew up and married, but emigrated with their family to America in 1847. locating in Fulton county, Ohio, where they remained until 1864, when they came to Richards county, buying the farm on which their son. John, now resides in Speiser township. There they started life in typical pioneer fashion, building a log house and breaking the virgin sod of the plains with oxen and horses. Two years later the log house was replaced with a lietter frame dwelling, also a barn was built at that time. The father succeeded by perseverance and farmed here until his death in \o\ember, 1873. at the age of sixt\-one rears. .\s he prospered he added to his original holdings until he owned four hundred acres. His wife was l)orn in 1806 and died in 1874, aljout two months after the death of her husband. They were parents of six children, two of whom are now deceased.

John Fankhauser was five years old when his parents brought him to America. He grew up on the farm and attended the district schools only three months of a year, attending school in a log cabin. He came to Richardson county a few months preceding the rest of the family, his father having sent him here to look up a new home and to buy land. When a boy he worked in the timber 'a great deal. He worked hard helping his father develop the farm in Speiser precinct, and remained at home until 1872 when he married and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Huml)oldt precinct, where he farmed until 1877. when he moved to his present farm, having traded his homestead to the rest of the heirs for the old home place. His farm consists of two hundred and twenty acres, in section 15. He also owns two hundred acres in section 10, one hundred and twenty acres in section ir, and one hundred and eighty-scA-en acres in section 14, all in Speiser precinct. He has managed well and has met with a larger measure f)f success than falls to the lot of the average farmer. He is a man of sound judgment and wise foresight. He engages in general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He and his brother, Peter, worked the home place about two years. In 191 1 he erected a modern ten-room house, which is nicely furnished and in the midst of attractive surroundings. He also has four substantial cattle and horse barns and everything about his home place denotes good management and prosperity. He has for many years fed cattle for the markets extensively one or two carloads each year. He is a good judge iif live stock, especially cattle and no inconsiderable portion of his annual income is derived from the judicious handling of live stock.

Mr. Fankhauser has been twice married, first, in 1869. to Magdalene Oberly. who was born in Switzerland. Her death occurred in 1885 at the early age of thirty-three years. This first union resulted in the birth of nine children, namely: Elizalieth, deceased; Magdalene, the wife of \\'illiam Stalder of Speiser precinct: Mary, the wife of Ferdinand Stalder, of Humboldt precinct: Minnie, deceased; Henrietta, the wife of Alfred Stettler, a farmer, of Speiser precinct: Christena is the wife of Charles Porr, of Speiser precinct: Mrs. Amanda \'on Bergen, of Xemaha precinct; Sarah, who married Joe \\'ittwer. is deceased, and Rosa li\-es in the town of Humboldt.

The second marriage of Mr. Fankhauser was celebrated on February 11, 1886, when he espoused Elizabeth I.euenlierger. who was born on October 12. 1862. in Switzerland, from which country she came to America in 1883, locating in Richardson county, with her three sisters. Ten children have been ijorn to this second union, namely: l^lizabeth, the wife of Alfred Kanel. of Speiser precinct: F'rederick. living in Humboldt precinct; William, at home: I.clia. the wife of Alfred Guerber and they live in Oregon; Elmer, Caroline. Raynirmd'R.. Helen. Arthur D. are all at home; one child died in infanc\'. unnamed.

Frederick H. Schock

One of the most enterprising of the younger merchants of Falls City, Richardson county, is Frederick H. Schock, who was bom on May 31, 1882, in the above named town and country and he has preferred to remain in his native state, believing that Nebraska offers better opportunities than he could find elsewhere. He is a son of (ieorge A. and Sarah (Melhorn) Schock, whose family consisted of six children, rive of whom died in infancy, the subject of this review being the only one now living. The birth of the father occurred on January 4, 1850, in Seneca county, Ohio, at the town of Flat Rock. He is a son of Charles and Susan (Arnold) Schock, whose family consisted of eleven children. Charles Schock was born near Georgetown, Pennsylvania, in 1819 and died in 1875. He devoted his life to general farming. His wife, Susan Arnold, was also a native of Pennsylvania, from which .-^tate she went to Ohio when young and there was married. Her birth Dccurred in the year 1828 and she died in 1884. Charles Schock and wife were members of the Evangelical church.

George A. Schock, father of the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and received a meager education in the early day schools. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, but later turned his attention to railroading, which he followed for seventeen years. In 1882 he canie West and located at l-'alls City. Nebraska, where he followed his trade a> carpenter until his retirement. George A. Schock and Sarah Melhorn were married on October 2, 1881. The latter was born in Elkhart county. Indiana. April 16, 1854.

Frederick H. Schock, familiarly known as Fred, grew to manhood in i'"alls City and there received his education in the public schools, graduating frt)m the high school with the class of 1898. After leaving school and deciding upon a career as m£rchant he began clerking in the store of Cleveland Brothers, general merchants. Eater he went to Salem and then to Nebraska City, where he remained in the same kind of employment until in January, 1909, when he returned to Falls City and opened up a ready-to-wear store. iJy careful and judicious luanagement he was successful from the start and has succeeded in building up a large and growing trade, carrying a complete line of goods and there is no more modernly appointed or attractive store in southeastern Nebraska than his. His patrons are drawn from a wide territor_\-.

Germany and a daughter of John and Susanna (Fanclar) Pfann, natives of Germany from which country they came to Nebraska about the year 1887. locating at Nebraska City, the father following his trade of carpenter. His family consisted of sixteen children, thirteen of whom are still living. Three children have been born to Fred H. Schock and wife, named as follows : Wilbur, whose birth occurred on July 17. 1909: Robert, born January 29. 1913, and Jack K., the last born.