Richardson County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 1 of 19)

Biographical sketches

Joseph H. Miles, president of the l'"irst National Bank of Ealls Cit\, president of the State Bank of Rulo, proprietor of the great [Miles ranch in the vicinity of Dawson and the owner of mvich other land in this count) . for years regarded as one of the leading hankers and stockmen in Nebraska, is a native of the old Kexstone state, but has been a resident of Nebraska and of Richardson county since 1862, and spent his boyhood days in this county on the great ranges of the early days, having thus been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region since pioneer days. Mr. Miles was born at Delta, in York county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1850. and is a son of the late' Stephen Boyd and Hannah (Scarborough) .Miles, the former a native of that same county, and the latter a native of the state of Maryland. E.xtended mention is made of .Ste]ihen Boyd Miles elsewhere in this work.

Joseph H. Miles was reared on the Miles ranch and from boyhood was accustomed to tlie free life of the range. During the Civil War ])eriod he was in attendance at St. Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas, and in 1865 pursued his studies in Highland University, later (1866-1868) attending the school at Peru, Nebraska, in the neighboring county of Nemaha, which school was raised to the rank of a normal school in 1867. Upon the comliletion of his education he returned to the home ranch and was there actively engaged with his father in the cattle business until 1872, when he went to St. Louis and perfected himself as a telegraph operator, a vocation in which he then engaged, finally becoming a train dispatcher, and was continualh engaged in railroad .service until 1880. He then embarked in the mercantile business in Rulo, tliis count\-. where he marrietl in 1882. Two years later, in 1884, he became engaged in connection with his mercantile 1)usiness, in the banking business at Rulo in association with his, father. Tn 1888 he sold his store and devoted his attention to the bank and his live-stock interests on the ranch and was tlnis occujiied until i8(>o. In that \ear he went back with his father to his birthplace at Delta, Pennsylvania, and they organized the Miles National Bank of Delta. In 1891 he became cashier of the First National Bank of Falls City, with which institution he has Ijeen connected, as a member of the board, of directors, from the time his father, Stephen Boyd Miles, established the bank in 1882, and was elected jjresident of this bank in 1903. He is also interested in the State Bank of Rulo and in addition to his banking interests continues to give much of his personal attention to his extensive land interests. He operates the original Miles ranch of six thousand acres in the neighborhood of Dawson; besides which he owns other valuable tracts in Salem, Speiser, Nemaha and Grant townships, a total of about ten thousand acres in all, his sons, Stephen B. and Warren C, assisting him in tlie management of his various land holdings.

After the death of his father in 1898, Mr. Miles was made executur of the large estate left by the old banker and ranchman and considerable time was consumed in finally and definitely closing the trust. A vast amount of litigation ensued as a result of relatives and heirs-at-law starting a contest to break the will left by Stephen Boyd Miles, which provided for the disposition of an estate valued at over one million dollars. Attracted by the possibilities of rich fees, lawyers from St. Fouis, Omaha. Fincoln, Kansas City and F"alls City, took part in the effort to break the will, l>eing actuated by a desire to win a contingent fee of forty per cent, of tlie amount secured if they succeeded in breaking tlie will. The celebrated Miles will contest was liegun in 1899 and occupied a period of twelve years. .-X host of lawyerstook part in the contest only to meet with disappointment in the final outcome. The case was brought up in the supreme court of Nebraska five times and was finally disposed of in 191 1, the validity of the will matie i)y Stephen I'oyd Miles being upheld in the final decision given in favor of Joseph FT. Miles and otiier ])eneficiaries whom the father recognized in his will.

Mr. ]\liles has e\-er taken a warm intere.st in the growth and dexelopnient of his home town and county, and among his numerous acts of pul)lic sjiiril was his presentatitju to the cit\- of the ground occupied l)_\- the pu1.)lic lil)rary of Falls City. He !» a Democrat, as was his father, and has for years taken an active and influential interest in county and state politics. He has been interested in county politics to the extent of assisting his friends to election to public office, an assistance whicJT has always been given whole heartedh and without stint. He attended the Democratic national convention which nominated ^^'illiam Jennings r>r\an for the presidenc\- in Chicago in 1896. ruul was also a delegate to tiic succeeding convention of his party held at Kansas City in T()oo. To local ci\ic aft'airs Mr. Miles has I)een equally attentive and has served two terms a mayor of Falls L'ily. occupying the executive chair in 1893 and again in 1897. Fraternally. 'Sir. Miles is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Ortler of Odd Fellows, the Royal Highlanders, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks. He became affiliated with the Knights of Pvthias in 1875 and is a memlier of the grand lodge of that order for the state of Missouri.

On January 31, 1882, at I-iulu, Air. Miles was married to Sue A. Easley, who was born at Rulo, this county, a daughter of Drury T. and Mary (Thomas) Easley, natives of Virginia and pioneers of this comity, the father of Marv (Thomas) Easley having been one of the earlx- Baptist ministers at Rulo. To this union six children have been born, namely: Mrs. Mabel Meyer, of Los Angeles, California; Stephen B., of Falls Cil\, who is managing the Allies ranch; Joseph T., who died in 1912; ^^'arren C, who is li\ing on a section of the Miles land in Xemaiia township; Ivlna. who is at home with her parents, and Mrs. Sue Adele Dulin, of T.ns Angeles.

Among the early pioneers of the northern part of Richardson county few, if an)-, are held in better rememlirance dian is the late Henry W. Shuliert, wh.o was one of the first settlers in that part of this county and on whose Land the town of Shubert w;is laid out when the railroad was surveyed through that section. He not only was one of the first settlers in northern Richardson county, Init he became one of the substantial farmers and stockmen thereabout and an extensive landowner, owning lands in thi^ county and in the neighboring county of Nemaha. He was the pioneer orchardist of Richardson county and set out the first commercial fruit orchard in the state of .Vebraska. lie built up a fine homestead place in the Shubert neighborhooil and his children and grantlchildren are worthily carrying on the work he started so admirably here back in pioneer days.

Henry W. .Shubert was a Kentuckian, born in Badi counl\- in the old Blue (irass state. June _'. 1834, son of John and Rebecca ( Shrout ) Shuliert, also nati\-es of Kentucky, the former I)orn in 1806 and the latter in iSio. John .Shubert was the son of Nicholas and l*lHzabeth ( Me}-er ) .Shubert, natives of rierm;in\-. the former Ixirn in 1780 and the latter in 1785. who were ])ioneers in Kentucky and whose last days were spent in Alason county. Illinois, the latter <lying there in i860 and the former in 1870. There were four brothers who came fnjm Cermany about the same period, of whom John

Slnihert \\;l;~ one. I.ouis Slniliert was another wlin was the ancestor of the Sluiberts of theatrical fame, jolin .Shnhert was trained as an iron moulder in iiis youth and wnrkecl at the trade fur a number of years. Tic was married in i8-'N and in 1835 built a llat1)oat at the headwaters of the Lickinfr ri\er in Kentucky and with his family and household goods floated down that stream into the Ohio and thence to the landing at Madison, Indiana, where he flisembarked and then pushed on eighteen miles into the wilderness, where he hewed out a home in the woods, .started a farm and presently also started a country store. I'here he remained until 1843, '^vhen he disposed of his interests there and mo\ed by covered wagon o\er into Illinois, where he settled on a farm in .Macon county, reniaining there until iS^j^, when he and his Avife joined their sons, who had meanwhile settled in Nebraska, and spent their last days on a farm in the neighlwrhood of Shubert, in this county. John Shubert dying there in i87«) and his widow in 1883. They were the parents of eleven children of whom nine grew to maturity, those besides the subject of this memorial sketch being as follow: Rachel, widow of T. Harmon, of this countv; l-llizabeth, wife of George Vanlandingham, of the neighboring county of Nemaha; Mrs. Mary A. deceased: Eliza Jane, who died at the age of eighteen years; Jairies .M., who became a substantial pioneer farmer of this count)- and who met a tragic death in March, 1882, by being tin-own from a wagon when his team of horses ran away in the vicinity of r.rownville; jolni W"., who also became a pioneer of this county and who is now living retired at Spokane. Washington ; .William ^I., another Kichard- .'(in count} pioneer, now living retired at Shubert, and Rebecca, also living at Shubert, wife of Charles I'ond. a veteran of the Civil ^^'ar and one of the pioneers of this county.

Henry W. Shubert was but a lialje in armswhen his parents moved down tile river, changing their place of residence from Kentucky to Indiana, and he was but nine years of age when they nioved from the latter state over into Illinois and settled on a farm in Macon county, wh.ere he grew to manhooil. He had little schooling when a l)oy. He heljied to build the first school house ill the neighl)orliood of his lionie and was a good student, becoming a ver_\' well-informed man tlirough wide reading and much study at home, h'rom i83() to 18(10 he opei-ated a grain sei)ar,-itor and corn-sluUer iii connection with his general farming. In the meantime, in the spring of 185S, he married and in 18(13, .-ittracted by the |)ossibilities then opening to settlers in the then Territor\ of .Vebraska, came out here and bought the northeast cpiarter of section 3 in tlic |)recinct of Barada, in Richardson county, that tract then being a i)arl of the I hdf-breed Kc-ervation, i)aving two dollars and hftv cent^ ail acre for tlit- same. The next year he put out a crop ou that place, but range cattle ate the crop and he then spent the next year splitting rails with w hich to fence the place. In the meantime he had taken up additional land, over the line in A'emaha county and on this latter tract had erected a logcabin in preparation for the removal of his family to the new home in the wilderness. He then returned to Illinois and settling up his affairs there returned here with liis family and established his home in this state, where he spent the remainder of his life, one of the active and influential pioneers of the northern part of Richardson count}-. When the Burlington railroad was sur\ eyed through this county a station was located on Mr. Shubert's land and was given his name, which it still bears, the thriving village of Shubert having grown up there. As he prospered in his farming and stock-raising operations Mr. Shubert added to his holdings until he became the owner of seven hundred acres of hue land and was accounted one of the most substantial resitlents of that part of the county. He l>rought his father and mother out here in 1873 and gave them forty acres, on which they spent their last days, liis Ijrothers also became well established and the .Shubert family tlius came to have a most important part in the development of that region.

In 1884 Henry M'. Shubert became associated with the Lincoln Land Company and in tiial cnnnection did much valuable development work hereabout. On his iiome place he set out extensive fruit orchards and was the pioneer orchardist of Nebraska and was the first apple grower to use a spraying machine ami also the first grower to pack apples in barrels for shipment. Mr. Shubert's career was not always favored with successes, however, as he had many vicissitudes during his active life in this county. During 1886 he suffered the loss of jjractically all of his hogs and cattle because of hydrophobia contracted from a shepherd dog, which was afflicted with the dread disease. In later years he lost a coiisideralile fortune because of a bank failure wherein he had served as bondsman for the bank officers.

This noted pioneer gave away to his children practically all of his estate, when old age crept upon him, and was widely known for his great liberality to his friends and acfiuaintances. He was known- never to have forced a collection in instances where he had loaned money or given assistance to his neighbors in time of need. He took a ])ride in assisting new comers to his neighbors in gaining a foothold and many settlers have cause to bless his kindness of lieart and generosity, h'or a period of thirty-five years prior to his death, 1 ienr\ \^^ Shubert suffered from an incurable cancer, but uncomplainingly and smilingly pursued his way and did the things which he deemed were iust and right in tlie e\-es of the world. He was a meniber of the Christian church, a P^ree .Mason, and a Repubhcan in poHtics, ever taking a warm interest in church, lodge and political affairs, as became a man of position and standing. He died at his home in this county on April 19, 1909. Henry W. .Shubert was twice married. On May 7, 1858, in Illinois he was united in marriage to Mary Griffin and to that union seven children were born, namely: John D., of Shubert: M. Fannie, wife of E. F. Burson. of Shubert; M. Etta, wife of J. L. Speece, of Falls City; Arthur M., a farmer and orchardist, of Shubert; J. Franklin Shubert, banker and orchardist, of Shubert; Henry W^alter, a merchant of Ottawa, Kansas; Austin Grant, a wellknown real estate dealer and farmer of Falls City. The mother of these children died suddenly while riding in a carriage on the highway between her home and that of J. P. King, on New Years Day, 1881, her last born child, Austin Grant, less than two years of age, being held in her arms at that time. In 1883, 'Mr. Shul^ert married, secondly, Mary Skeen, daughter of S<iuire .-V. D. Skeen, one of the pioneers of Nebraska and a former resident of Nebraska City, and to that union was b(irn one son, Leon Willard, whose mother (lied on Januar\- i, 1917.

Hon. Isham Reavis

It has been given to but few men to have left behind ilit-ni an imperisliable recortl such as that of the late Judge Isham Rea\is, whd was one of the ])ioneers of P^alls City, a jurist nf exceptional ability and renown; a lawyer of profound learning, a pleader of exceptional force, and a strong man who lived and carved out a career during an age when strong and sturd\- '--haracters were necessary to create a state. Judge Reavis was a member of the first Legislative assembly of the, new state of Nebraska and distinguished himself and reflected credit upon his constituency by his able service in behalf of his adopted state: and further distinguished himself as an associate justice of the supreme court of the Territor\ of Arizona. As a practitioner in the courts of Neliraska antl in the supreme court of the nation; he was for years a ]M-ominent figure in legal circles; lieing a man of exceptional learning, he was likewise endowed with literary ability of a very high order and. had he so chosen, could have gained renown as a writer and essayist. While a versatile individual and blessed with sujjcrior mental endowment which caused those who knew him best to class him as a genius. Judge Reavis attained high rank as an attorney and jurist: he was for manv years the dean of the Riclianlson coun(y bar. and was uni\ersally recognized a> a peer among that famous group of lawyers which shed hister ami fame upon Richardson county during the formative and creative period of this county's history. It is probable that in the whole state of Nebraska he had no superior as a legal light, and his high standing at the bar was maintained during a period of time extending over half a century.

Isham Reavis was born on January 28, 1836, on a farm near Beardstown, Illinois. He was the youngest son of a large family born to Isham and Mahala Reavis, both of whom were memljers of old Southern families, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia, but reared in Kentucky, members of whose families fought in the Revolution. Judge Reavis came of the old stock of pioneers who were home builders and creators of new communities in the Middle West and Western country, so that it was entirely natural that he. himself, should decide to cast his fortunes in the newer countrv to the westward of his birthplace. He remained on the farm imtil his father's death, when he was a lad of but nine years. He attended the common schools and the Beardstown schools and was a student in Illinois College at Jacksonville until compelled to leave the college on account of his mother's death. He then returned to Beardstown and began the stud\- of law in the office of .\l)raham Lincoln. Apropos of this venture, a letter from Mr. Lincoln to Isham Reavis is one of the valued relics on exhibition in the Nebraska Hi.storical Society's exhibit. This letter is in replv to one regartling Mr. Reavis's contemplated study of law, written by Mr. Lincoln in 1855, and is full of characteristic advice given to the young man by the great emancipator. Isham Reavis applied himself diligentl)' to the study of law until 1858, when he was admitted to the bar in Illinois. His ambitions and an inherent craving for the life of the frontier led him to the West and in May, 1858, he came to the little settlement, surrounded on all sides b\- open prairie, the one-year-old Falls City, ;nid while his life's labors were centered here for fifty-six years, he watched the hamlet de\elop into a thriving little city in one of the richest districts of the Missouri valle}-. The story of the hardships and privations of those early days, of the ambitions, the hopes, the disappointments, the achievements of those who laid the foundation of this later-day prosperity, are told in this volume; and through it all Isham Reavis was in the thickest of the fight and he lived to see the visions of his earlier years materialize. Nothing more fittingly describes the appearance of the frontier country of sixtv vears ago than the first installment of Judge Reavis's "Reminiscences of a Wayfarer,"' which appears in this work.

Judge Reavis immediately Ijegan the practice oi law in the little prairie \illage and took an active and influential part in the political matters of the day. hi> intluence lieing felt in the community and state in all matters affecting the ])ul)lic welfare. Jn the year 1867 he was appointed district attorney for the hrst judicial district of the new state of Nebraska and served in this capacity for two years. He was elected a member of the state Senate in 1868 and served in the first state Legislature during the ensuing winter and spring. In 1867 he was elected to the post of district judge and. in 1869, he was appointed by President Grant to the position of justice of the supreme court of the territory of Arizona, which position he filled for four years, at the end of which time he resigned and again resumed his law practice at Falls City. Judge Reavis practiced in practically all the courts of Nebraska and was frequently a pleader before the United States supreme court at W^ashington. During his day, it is probable that no man was better known nver the state than Judge Reavis and perhaps no other lawyer has t'igured in more remarkable or celebrated cases. The deadi of this esteemed ]/icineer citizen occurred on JMay 8, 1914.

At the November election of 1868, Isham Reavis was elected senator from what was then called the third senatorial district. That Senate was the first one elected in the state after the adoption of the state constitution and was conip(5sed among others of such capable man as Guy C. Barton. W'Wliam F. Chapin, E. E. Cunningham, Charles H. Gore and Thomas J. Majors. The city of Lincoln at that time contained alxiut one thousand souls and was about one third the size of Bnnvnville. During the session of 1869 the senatorial contest between Tipton, McCann, ^larquette and David Butler was the absorbing interest and passion. The great heat engendered by the contest thrust all else aside and involved the entire state. Town lots in the city of Lincoln as well as other considerations were freely offered as pay for the support of some of the candidates. It seemed that it was the desire of the powers that were to make Butler senator if possible, at any cost. He had l)een the successful Republican candidate for governor the fall before the meeting of die Legislature, against no less formidable a candidate offered 1)\- the Democrats, than J, Sterling Morton, and was ambitious to follow Ins star of destiny to greater places of honor and trust. He seemed to be the likely and l<\gical man for the honor. He was also from Pawnee county and these many considerations were urged upon the Richardson county delegates for votes for Butler. The Richardson cc)unt} men, however, were in.structe<l by their county conventions to vote for rijiton and in spite of all temptation- and contrary personal predilections, voted for and helped make Thomas W. lipton. tiie first L'nited States senator from the new state of Nebraska.

provements were disposed of to assi.>t in tlic building of railroads. The state was full of railroads on paper and there was not enough land in the state to pay for half of the construction necessary'. To provide for the proper expenditure of this money, Mr. Reavis introduced a bill to provide for the expenditure of the money accruing from the sale of the pulilic lands, where it would do the most and lasting good, and lie of the greatest benefit to the state. Three railroads were selected, and possibly a fourth, as beneficiaries of this fund when they should comply with the prerequisites to show good faith. The Midland Pacific, now owned l)y the Burlingt(tn System and running from Xel)raska City to Lincoln, was one of tliose roads; the .Vtchison & Xel)raska railroad was another one. now owned -1)\- the liurlington and running from Atchison to Lincoln; the Burlington & Missouri River railmad was annther in Xel)raska. running from Plattsniouth to l"t. Kearney.

It was at this session of the Legislature that Senatdr Keavis introduced a bill appropriating money to the Lincoln .Monument Association. This association was in jjrocess of building the monument for our martyred President in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. Illinois, and it was the desire of Mr. Reavis to ha\e our state represented in the construction of that beautiful edifice. One of the senators from Nemaha county introduced an amendment to strike out tlie words "Lincoln Association" and insert "Xebniska Soldiers Association." In reply to the member's remarks introducing this amendment. Senator Reavis had this to say :

Mr. CUiiiriii:m: - I ivjiivl cxcctHliiiiily that tlic .WMilioiii.ni tnnii Xciii.-ilia Iims seen tit to offer this iuin'iiiliiiciu. In my .iiiiluiiicMt iiothiii;; (nuld lie iiior,. ill-tinicil ;iii<l out of place thiiu ji iiroiiositloii «( tliis cliMi-.-ictci-. His cxiihiii.-itioii iii.-iy lie satisfactory to tlie members on this iloor who h.ivo licanl it: hut, sir. thffc .-uv thnso outside of these w.ills who will doubt while the ;;eutleinjin prote.sts. Tlie bill under ((iiisidei-atidii .aiipropi-i:ites - should it beeonie a law - one thousand dollars to aid an assori.ation of very respectable iudivldu.als. ainou;; them which .-ire some of the stall's of the I iiion. in buildiUR a monument over the grave of Abraham Lincoln. The jienlleui.iii moves to strike out --Lincoln Association" and insert --Xel>rask;i Soldiers^ .Vssociation." The .-imendmenl. if iidopted. will destroy the bill iind defeat .-i measure th.-it counnends itself to the heart if every patriot in this broad land of ours. It will do more. If |.erslsted in il will compel senators to discriminate between the soldiers who were slain in battle .ind i>uv -cmmI old President who w:is murdered in Washiufiton.

Sir. I do not want the time ever to come when I .shall be compelled either .-is a legislator or otherwi.se to make such discrimination. 1 would rear a monument to the memory of each, tall enough to be seen over the hilltops of all the centuries. 1 am .-it .-i loss to know why the gentleman offers this ameiulment. Does he think the fallen heroes of tlie rebellion are in danger of being forgotten? If he does 1 am bound to believe he has less confidence in the people, to say nothing of the survivors of si.\ hundred bloody biittle tields of the slavery war than I h:ul snpiiosed him to iios.sess. The soblier.s - (!od bless them - will take care of the luoiuory of their lost couirailes, whether they receive assistance from associations or legislatures or not. Jlouuineutal piles are but the physical manifestations of the love we bear the deported who sleep beneath, and shall it be said of Nebraska that she had uot love enough in her young Jieart to pla<-e one slab in the marble etlifit-e that is to stand like a ghostly sentinel by the side of the great patriot's grave, while time shall grow old with the agesV

For my.self, I desire to appropriate money enough for the iniiiioso iiuMitiontMl in tlu' bill, to give Nebraska - the youngest member of the federal family - a rcsiicctable position in this magnificent and praiseworthy enterprise. The gentleman need have no fears that the fallen soldiers of Nebraska will receive less attention on account of this bill. Sir. they are being attended by those that "drank from the same canleen"" - by thosi' that loved them in life - that love them in death, and who revere the lofty patriotism that impelled them to take arms iu defense of the best human government that was ever ni.-ide. In the court house square at my own home, stands a beautiful ni.irble shaft. It was lilaced there by the members of two companies of Nebraska soldiers in memoriam of the dead of both. On its smooth surface is engraved the names of the "lost boys in l)lue"; when and where they died; whether killed iu battle or carried away by disease: and the names of the companies at whose instance it was erected. All honor to the warm-hearted, generous citizen .soldiery who did the noble deed. It is the spontaneous offering of the companies in arms whose march is ended forever and there, sir, it will stand long after this generation shall have passed away and the memory of those whose names are chiseled on its smooth surface shall have otherwise faded from the world. For these and other reasons I oppose the amendment and hope it may l)e withdrawn.

The amcndnicnt was withdrawn, the bill passed and Uie appropriatiini allowed to langnish in the treasury until it became null and unavailable. IMany years afterward, in the year 1880, Judge Reavis had (jccasion to visit his old home on the Sangamon river, near Springfield. He visited the Lincoln monument that hatl been recently completed, and having an added interest in the building b\- reason of his successful efforts in having Nebraska represented in the erection of it he made the cemetery a visit. The surprise lliat came to him when he found that the money appropriated by Nebraska in 1869 was not used or gotten from the state treasury at all is spoken of in his reminiscences, together with his immediate effofts in having the nionc\- re-appropriated and forwarded to the custodian of the immortal septilchre for the use. benefit, Ijeautification and maintenance of the tomb, thus finally placing Nebraska among the hst of donors. A distinction which would have been lost to the honor of the state whose capital bears the immortal President's name. Init for his interest and efforts in memory of the one man who lived upim this earth but to bless it, whom he reallv loved and worshiped - .\braliam Lincoln.

On May 19. 1864, Isham Reavis and .Vnna Dorrington were united in marriage in I^alls City. Anna Dorrington was a daughter of David and Anne Dorringinii, who were well-known ])ioneer residents of Richardson ouinly. lM\e chilihvn were Imrn nf this marriage, as follow: ^Mrs. Anna

(Reavis) Gist, of Falls City; Isham, Jr., deceased; David Dorrington Reavis, of Falls City, concerning whom a biography is given in this volume; Charles F'rank Reavis, meml^er of Congress from this district, and Burton Isham Reavis, of Falls City. All of the living children are residents of Falls City, and it was a source of supreme happiness to Judge Reavis that he lived to rear and educate his family and to see them take honored places in the life of the community of which he was one of the distinguished creators. Mrs. Reavis taught for a time in the first school established in the county.

For over half a century Judge Reavis v\as an honored member of the Masonic order and was the last of the charter members of Falls Cit}' Lodge X(j. 9, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The Masons attended his obsequies in a body as also did the Ricliardson County Bar Association, augmented by the entire bar of Pawnee and Nemaha counties and members from Otoe. Johnson, Gage and Adams counties, who were associated with Judge Reavis in the State Bar /Association.

Judge Isham Reavis did his work nobly and well and left to his family a splendid heritage of deeds which will live long in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best. He gave the best that was within him to the business and social life of the city, county and state and achieved a place of prominence and renown which will live through the years to come and which entitles him to a place among the leaders of the great commonwealth which he assisted in creating. His was a worthy life, his many years having I)een filled witli usefulness and the accomplishment of things wnrtli while.

Judge John D. Spragins

judge John D. Spragins, police judge at l"~alls City, an honored veteran of tlie Civil ^^'a^, justice of the peace in and for Falls City, also engaged in the insurance Imsiness in that city, of which he is one of the pioneers, is a nati\e of Illinois, Imt has Ijeen a resident of Nebraska ever since the summer of 1869, when he came out here and settled at Falls City, then a village of but two hundred :uid fifty inhabitants. He was born on a farm three and a iialf miles north of Galena, in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, December 21, 1N40. son of Thomas and Louisa (Langlois) Spragins, both of French descent, tlie former a native of \'irginia and the latter of Illinois.

Thomas Spragins left ^'^rginia in the days of his young manhood, in jS_>7, and came AX'e-it, 1)ecoming one of the early lead miners at Galena. Illi- iiois. He was niie of ihc party led by ^[oiisieur Dul)U(|ue that crossed tlie Mii-sissippi river and laid (Hit the tnwn that later developed into the present city of Dnhu(|iie. That part\' was nui nut hy the Indians, hut later DulniijUL^ returned with a stron<>er party and the Indians were dispossessed of that tract fc never, the town thereafter being peaceably settled. Thomas Spra,Q;ins married I.nuisa I.anglois. who was born at St. Charles, Illinois, daughter of ( iabriel I.an,i;lc)is. a l-'renchman, who later was kille<l in the l'«1ack Hills while an expedition in Jiehalf uf the American Fur Companw In 1S44 Thomas Spra.Siins mo\'ed tn the Apple l^iver mines in I'.liz.abeth. Jo Daviess connty. where' he made his hdUie niUil 1869, in which year he came to Nebraska and settled at i'alls City, where his last days were spent, his death occurring there in 1883. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birdi, the others being as fi)tl<jw : J. \\ . .S., wild went on farther West and spent his last days in California; i'lmmas I"., who l)ecame a pioneer in Montana and there spent his last (lavs: Mrs. l.nuisa Itatchehler. now living at I'rairie du Chien, Wisconsin: Mrs. Julia C. Cnudwin. who died in Milwaukee: Mrs. Annie E. Miller, (if Diilnth. Minnesota, and Mrs. \'irginia 1". Crowley, also of Duluth.

John I). Spragins grew u]) in Jo Daxiess count}-, lllinoi-. and from the days of his boyhood was trained in the wa\s of the mines, becoming an expert miner, and was engaged in working in the mines when the Civil War broke out. In Augn.st. i86i-. he enlisted for service as a member of Company K, l"(irt\-hfth Regiment, Illinois \'ohinteer Infantry, and went to the front ^vith that command, C(jntinuing in .service until the close of the war. being mustered out on Jnl\- ij, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant. During this long l)eriod of service Judge Spragins participated in eighty distinct engagements, including some of tlie liotte^t battles of t'.ie war. including forty-eight da\'S at tlie siege of \icksburg. during which historic siege his ability as a miner l)roved very serviceable, he having there had ch;u-ge of a detachment of saj)- ])ers and miners, whose hazardous task it was to mine under the Confederate forts and blow them uy. On one of these expeditions the Judge was trapped with three others in his own mine, the reliels having been successful in blowing np tlie eiUr;incc to the mine, and before he and his men were able to dig liienisehcs ou.t tiiey were ;dmost overcome bv the deadly mine "damp." .-\fter the fall of \icksbnrg lie was cm |)ro\-ost-guard dut\- in the citv from Jul}- 4 to October -'-| and thence on down Rlack river, going on to Meridian, Mississippi, lighting exei} <la}-. ami at Canton, Mississippi, entered upon the task of destroxing the railroad. te;iriiig up twcnt}- miles of track and de.stroynig twentv-three locomotives and other rolling stock, .\fter this expedition the Judge was given a \'eteran furlough home. After some hazardous experience, on his return, he rejoined his regiment at ^^icksburg and proceeded on to Huntsville, Alabama, and thence to Chattanooga and then on the march through Georgia. .Vfter the battles of Resaca and Carterville, his regiment was detailed to guard the l^ttawa bridge and from there went on, taking part in numerous battles including Kenesaw Mountain and Marietta and was then detailed to guard the bridge near the Chattahoochie cotton mills, burning that bridge when Atlanta fell and then returning to Marietta. Just as the army was starting on the march to the sea the Judge was seized with a severe attack of rheumatism and was turned back, that having been his last fighting. He remained on sick leave until he joined his regiment at Louisville; after the close of the war, the command proceeding thence to Chicago, where it was finally discharged. Among the other battles Judge Spragins participated in max be mentioned, as among the hottest, Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Savannah. I'iltsburg Landing or Shiloh, Holly Springs, Thompson's Hill. Clinton, Ra\- mond. Jackson, Champion Hills and the Black River and on tn A'icksburg. His command was in action almost continually and, as noted alxive, he was an active partici])ant in eighty distinct engagements.

Upon the completion of his military service John D. Spragins returned to Illinois and in June, 1868, at White Oak Spring, Wisconsin, was united in marriage to Lydia Frances Friend, who was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of George and T'riscilla (Harrington) Friend. The next year, in August, 1869, the Judge and his wife and their four-months-old son came to Nebraska and located at Falls Cit\-. then a promising village of about two hundred and fift\- inhabitants. He there became engaged as a building contractor and three years later engaged in the livery business, continuing engaged in that line for three years, at the end of which time he began manufacturing wagons and buggies and was thus quite successfully engaged until 1884, when he sold his establishment and went out to Hayes county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded a tract of land with a view to establishing a home there and "grow up with the country." The Judge has little to say regarding diat homesteading experience, the disastrous experiment in pioneering being sunrmed up in his terse phrase that he "saved himself, but lost fi\e thousand dollars." Upon the failure to realize his plans as a homesteader, the Judge returned to Falls City and there engaged again in wagon-making, later moving to Straussville, Richardson county, but after a sometime residence there returned to b'alls Citv. where he since has made his liome. In

Xovember. 1005. hi- was electetl justice of the peace in and for Falls City and in April. i(jo6. he was elected city police judge, both of which magisterial offices he still holds. In addition to attending to his magisterial duties Judge Spragins is engaged in the insurance business and is doing very well. The Judge formerly was a Republican, but in the memorable campaign of 1S06. became one of the ardent supporters of \\'illiam Jennings Bryan and lias since remained a Democrat. He is an active member of the local post of tlie Grand Army of the Republic and is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, taking an earnest interest in the affairs of these several organizations. Judge and Mrs. Spragins have a pleasant home at Falls City and have ever taken an interested part in local good works. They have one son, George W. Spragins, whoAvas born in Illinois in April, 1869. and is now a traveling salesman for the Oliver Chilled Plow Company. He married Grace Jack and has one cliild. a son. GiAen .Spragins.

Dr. ?klillard Lewis ^^''ilson, of Falls City, Richardson county, and one of the best-known physicians and surgeons of this part of the state, a resident of this county since he enfered upon the practice of his profession in 1896, is a native son of Nebraska and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a ])ioneer farm in the immediate vicinity of Nebraska City, November 26, 1866. son of Enoch and Eunice (Jarrett) Wilson, die former of whom was Ijorn in the neighboring state of Iowa and the latter in the old state of X'irginia. and who were married in Missouri. Enoch Wilson, a life-long farmer, ser\ed as amemlier of the state militia, the Union Home Guards, during the Civil ^^'ar. In 1864 lie settled on a farm just north of Nebraska City and there made his home until a few years ago, when he retired from the farm and moved into Nebraska City, where he is now living in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He was the father of ten children, eight of whom are living. Three sons of Enoch AA'ilson are physicians. Dr. S. S. ^Vilsn^, of Nebraska City; Dr. J. S. Wilson, of Johnson. Nebraska: Dr. .M. L. : and an attorney. Judge \\'. W. A\"ilson. Nebraska City; .\ndrew. Xebraska City: Airs. Dora Delzell, Peru, wife of Prof. W. N. Delzell. of Peru Normal: Donna, wife of Prof. J. W. Crabtree, ])resident Normal school. River I'alls, \N'isc(nisin. and Delia, at Nebraska City.

public schools, supplementing the same by a course in the State Normal School at Peru and thus admirably equipped by preliminary study entered the medical department of Cotner University at Lincoln and was graduated from that institution in 1896, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In that same year the Doctor established an office for the practice of his jwofession at Humboldt, in this county, and after his marriage the next year estabhshed his home there, remaining there fur eleven years, at the end of which time, in 1907, he moved to Falls City, where he ever since has been very successfully engaged in practice. The Doctor has well-appointed offices in the Wahl building and has ever kept abreast of the wonderful modern advances being made in his profession. In 1905 he took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic. He is affiliated with the Richardson County Medical Society, the Nebraska State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Nebraska State Eclectic Medical Society and the National Eclectic Medical Association and to the affairs and deliberations of these various learned societies gives his thoughtful and earnest attention. Doctor Wilson is a Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local political affairs. He served for one term as coroner of Richardson county and has in other ways done his part in the public service. Dr. W'ilson is president of the local board of pension examiners. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, besides various fraternal insurance associations, and in the affairs of all of these organizations takes a warm interest. Doctor and Mrs. Wilson have a very pleasant home in Falls City and take a proper interest in the general social and cultural activities of their home town.

It was in 1897, ''* Essex, Iowa, that Dr. Millard L. Wilson was united in marriage to Elfrida Eugenie Ruth Osterbolm. who was born in the kingdom of Sweden, February 15, 1875, daughter of Peter Emanuel and Anna (Schubert) Peterson (now Osterholm), who left their home at Branstorp, in their native .Sweden, and came to this country with their family in the summer of 1881 and settled at Essex, in Page county, Iowa, where Mr. Osterholm engaged in the jewelry business and where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on April 20. 1906. His widow survived him for nearly- five years, her death occurring on December 3, 191 1. Her. Grandfather Schubert was born in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, of German parentage. He was a sympathizer with the cause of the "Little Corporal" during the time of the Napoleonic Wars and became attached to tlie staff of Napoleon's great field marshal, Gen. Johan Bernadotte, accompanying- the latter to the Scandinavian peninsula when Napoleon created him king of Sweden and Norway, with the title of Carl XIV, and there Schnljert fell in love witli a lovely Swedish girl, married her and established his lionie in Sweden, ]\Irs. Wilson therefore being a great-granddaughter of one of Napoleon's favored soldiers of fortune. To Peter Kmanuel Osterholm (Ijorn Peterson) and wife eleven children were born, of whom six are still living, those l)esides Mrs. Wilson being as follow : August, who is engaged in the implement business at Essex. Iowa; Dr. Martin Osterholm. Ph. D., professor of modern languages in the University of Heidelburg at Tiffin, Ohio; William, who is in charge of the efficiency del)artment of the great Deering works at Chicago : Elmer, who is employed in that same department, and Mrs. IMiilip Schorr, of Ottumwa, Iowa.

Stephen Conlee Barlow

Stephen Conlee Barlow, an honored \eteran of the Civil War, one of the real "old timers" of Richardson county, one of the founders of the village of Dawson and for years actively identified with the aft'airs of that village, one of the leading merchants of the place and in other ways interested in the business life of the community, now living comfortably retired in that village, is a native Hoosier, .i fact of wiiich he has never ceased to be proud, l>ut has been a resident of this county since the days of the close of the Civil War and has therefore seen tliis region grow from its original wilderness state to its present flourishing condition as one of the richest agricultural communities in the great state of Nebraska. He was born on a farm in Shelby county, not far southeast of Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana, January 15, 1842, son of Lewis and Ruth (Bishop) Barlow, both natives of Kentucky, but pioneers of Indiana, both having moved up into the Hoosier state with their respective parents in the days of their youth, the Barlows and the Bishops both settling in Shelby cminty in pioneer days. There Lewis Barlow and Ruth Bishop grew up and were married, establishing their home on a farm in that county and there ciuitinuing to make their residence until 184O, wlien they came West and settled in Polk county, Iowa, at a point six miles east of the present center of the city of Des Moines, back in territorial days. There Lewis Barlow built a log house and started farming, presently building a log .additidn to that house and in tiiat addition starting a country store. As others presently settled in that neighborhood, the store being the center nf the social life of the settlement, he laid out on his place, with the store as the center, the tnwnsite of Rising Snn, now a nourishing suburb of the city of Des Moines. He had to haul his merchandise up the river trail from Keokuk, then being the nearest extensive trading point. He gave to his new town of Rising Sun a plot for cemetery purposes and after his death in 1858 his body was laid away in that burying ground. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and their children were reared in that faith.

Stephen C. Barlow was four years of age when his i)arents moved from Indiana to Iowa and he was sixteen when his father dieil. He remained there assisting in the affairs of the store and of the farm until the Civil War broke out and on July 4, 1861, enlisted for ser\ ice as a member of Company E. Fourth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and at the end of that term of enlistment, three years, re-enlisted, at Woodville, Alabama, and served until his final discharge, at Davenport, Iowa. August 23, 1865. having served for four years and six weeks. The Fourth Iowa was raised at Council Bluffs and went to the front under Gen. Granville M. Dodge, coming down the ri\er. It was on this trip that Air. Barlow got his first view of the beautiful valley of the Xeniaha. When the boat carrying the soldiers reached Brown- \-ille the peojjle of that \icinity turned out cii masse and gave them a rousing reception. Air. Barlow's first test under fire was at the battle of Pea Ridge, .Vrkansas. and his last battle was that fought at Bentonville, North Carolina, this latter battle having been fought after Lee's surrender. He participated in the siege and capture of Vick.sburg and in the battles at Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bayou, Jackson, Champion's Hill, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, and then on with Sherman's army in the .Vtlantic campaign, the battles at Resaca and Dallas, and at the fall of .\tlanta was in the seventh and final charge and hand-to-hand fight which effected the capture of DeGrasse's great battery. When General McPlierson was killed he was within tw^o hundred yards of the spot. He then went on with the army on the march to the sea and thence north after the taking of Sa\annah ; witnessed the burning of Columbia and fought Johnston's ,Hrni\- all the way through the Carolinas. the struggle culminating in the final l)attle at Ilenton\ille. .Mr. Barlow then went on with his command to Washington, where his regiment was accorded the honor of leading the (irand Review down Pennsylvania avenue, l-'roni Wa.shington the regiment was sent to Louisville :uid while at the latter place Mr. Barlow secured a thirty-days furlough which he spent in \isiting his wife and her folks out here in

Richardson county, he having married after lie joined tlie army. Rejoining his regiment at Louisville he presently returned with that command tu Iowa and was finally mustered out at Davenport.

Upon tiie completion of his military service Mr. Barlow returned to his home in Iowa and there remained a year, or until the fall of 1866. when he came to Nebraska, his wife's father, Ira Draper, and family being among the pioneers of Richardson county, \V. F. Draper, his brother-in-law. having entered the tract of land now covered by the village of Dawson. Air. Barlow drove through, crossing the river at Brownsville, and settled on the Stratton farm on the site oi the old county seat of deneva. where he remainetl for a year, at the end of wliich time he took a homestead one mile north and a mile east of the present village of Dawson and there established his home and proceeded to develop his place. He helped Iiis brother-in-law, W. F. Draper, lay ofY the townsite of Dawson and there started a wagon shop, which he operated in addition to his farming work. ;md after the death of his wife in 1877 moved his family to the village. He built a new shop at the point now occupied by Cooper's store and operated the' same for four years, at the end of which time he .sold it and then started a restaurant. Meantime he had married again and after operating the restaurant for a year he sold it and Ixiught Chittenden's store, built an addition to the store building, enlarged the stock and continued in business there until the spring of 1883, when he sold to Allen Brothers and tlien erected a l)rick store building and started a hardware store, which four years later he traded for property in Humboldt. He then opened a general store and continued operating the same until his retirement fourteen }cars later. Xot content to live retired, he presently started another store, but two years later sold that place and retired from business permanently, being now. to use his cnvn expressive iihrase. "the jiresident of the "Xexer Sweat Club'."

Mr. Barlow is an ardent .schoolman and was one of the fir.-.! members of the school board in the Dawson district, a position which he occupied continttously. with the exception of one year, for thirty-three years. The first school in Dawson was started in a hall where the Stiles drug store is now located, and the school board presentl\- erected a frame school building and after that structure was destroyed by fire, a brick jjuilding, Mr. Barlow having charge of the construction of the same. 'Sir. Barlow was present at the first Old Settler's meeting held in Richardson county and for twenty-five years thereafter held the post of director of ceremonies of tliose meetings, having charge of the ])latforni and program of the two- days meetings which liave lieen so memora])le a feature of the social life of the "old timers" of this county all these years. When the local cemetery association was organized in 1890 he was elected president of the same and has ever since held that position. For seven years he was manager of the Dawson-Nemaha Telephone Comjiany and in numerous other ways has done well his part in the development of the \illage which he helpetl to lay out back in the days of the beginning- of things in that part of the county. For many years Mr. Barlow was an ardent Republican, but of late years lias been inclined to be somewhat independent in his political affiliations. He was (ine of the organizers of the local post of the Grand .Vrmy nf the Republic at Dawson, whose roster came to carry the names of forty-seven veterans of the Civil War, of whom Init four now remain, those licsides Mr. Barlow being F. W. Bu.ser, R. B. .Mien and E. T. Levy. When Mr. Barlow came to this county Indians still were numerous hereabout and wild game, including deer, was plentiful. He has seen these primitive conditions changed to the present well-ordered and highly-developed state of things that marks this region and there are few, if any, of the old timers of this section who have a more vivid recollection or more distinct impressions cif the early days than he.

Stephen C. Barlow has lieen twice married. On .March 4, 1864, lie was united in marriage to Ruth Dra])er, whose l)rother, W. V . Draper. as noted abo\e, was the original owner of tlie townsite of Dawson, and to that union four children were born, namely : Eugene W^illiam, who was killed while herding ponies : Louis Henry, a successful ranchman at Gillette, W^yoming; Elvon Eldred, of San Diego, California, and .\da Celia, wife of the Re\-. C. F. Heim, of Eddyville, this state. The mother of these children died in 1877 at Hays City, Kansas, while on her way to the mountains with her husband, seeking a change of climate for the ])enetit of her health, she then being thirty-one years of age, and on June i. 1878, Mr. Barlow married Frances ^Marrium Ingram; wlio was bom in Ross county, Ohin, January 9, 1862. daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Jane (Wilson) Ingram, also natives of Ohio, who came to Nebraska in 1869 and settled near Dawson, where the latter died in 1872. Jeremiah Ingram remained in this county for years "afterward and then went to Oklahoma, where he died in 1913. To this second union ten children have been Irorn, as follows: Thomas Coulee Barlow, a noted musician, now living in the state of \A^ashington, who ser\ed as a soldier during the Spanish-American War, serving for tlircc years in the regular army, went to the Philippines as a Red Cross nurse and has trax'eled all over the world: ]Mar\- Ethel, who married William Heim, a railroad telegraph operator, now living at Phoenix, Arizona ; Charles Arthur, a traveling salesman of Seattle, Washington; Stephen Francis, a railroad train dispatcher, of Vancouver, Washington; Florence May, wife of Ora Barnwell, a telegraph operator in Arizona; Mrs. Leona Ruth I'rice, who lives on a farm near Hastings, this state; Elma, wife of Prof. Abraham Lawrence, Jr., principal of the high school at Brownville, this state; Mrs. Evangeline Ortl, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Ralph McKinley Barlow, in the United States naval service, and Esther Loverne, who is still in school. The Barlows are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and ha\e ever been active in local good works, Mr. and Mrs. Barkiw for many years having been helpful in promoting all agencies having to do with the advancement of the common welfare in their home town and in the communit)- at large. Mr. Barlow has been a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since the year 1877 and has ever taken a warm interest in tiie affairs of that organization.

James Lines Slocum, president of the Richardson County Bank of i'alls L ity, former mayor of that city and a large landowner in Richardson county, is a native of the old Keystone state, but has been a resident of the West since he was ten years of age and of this county since he was twenty-one. lie was horn on a farm in Linesville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, Deceiuher i, i84-j, son of Samuel E. and Mary V. (Line) Slocum, the former :i natixe of \ermont and the latter of New Jersey.

Samuel I'".. Slocum. who became a resident of this county in 1865 and wiiiise last da_\s were spent in Falls City, was Ixirn in the state of \'ermont I in January j, 1815, a son of Samuel Slgcum, who w'as born in Rhode Island and the greater part of whose active life was spent as a sailor on the high seas. Samuel Slocum was a cousin of Commodore Perry, the hero of the decisive na\al battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, and for years he served as first mate on a sailing vessel. LTpon his retirement from the sea lie ukkIl- Ins hume- with his son, Samuel \\. Slocum. and died in the \icinity of .^hnhert, Xehraska. in 1865, shortlv after coming here with his -oiT. when the latteT settled in this count\-. Samuel F,. Slocum went to rennsylvania. where, in I.ines\ille, in Crawford count\-, he married ^lary \'. Line, who wa- born in 1 'l.iinlield. .\"ew Terse\-, in 1817. a daughter of

.\mos Line, who was born in that same state in 1774 and who had emigrated to northwestern Pennsylvania early in the days of the settlement of that part of the state and had pre-empted a tract of land where the town of Linesville (named in his honor) now stands and where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there in 185 1. After his marriage Samuel E. Slocum established himself on a farm in the neighborhood of Linesville and there his wife died in 1851, leaving five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being as follow : Mrs. Mary Cornelia King, living at Shubert, this county, widow of John P. King, who died in December, 1916, at the age of eighty-three years; Mrs. Phoebe A. Storm, now living at CHnton, Oklahoma, widow of George L Storm; George L., a retired farmer, now living at Stella, this county, and Rachel, deceased wife of Warren Hutchins, of Falls City. In J 855, about four years after the death of his wife, Samuel E. Slocum' emigrated with his family to Iowa and bought a farm in Clayton county, that state, where he remained for eight years, at the end of which time, in 1863. he went up into Minnesota, where he farmed for a couple of years and then, in 1865. came down into Nebraska and settled in this county, in the vicinitv of Shubert, where he spent the remainder of his life, an honored and useful pioneer citizen. Upon coming here Mr. Slocuili bought a tract of unimproved land in the neighborhood of Shubert and proceeded to improve and develop the same and as he prospered he added to his holdings there until he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres. On that place he lived for eight \ears, at the end of which time he moved down to Falls City, adjoining which city he also owned a farm, and spent the rest ffi his life there, making his home with his sons, his death occurring in 1906, he then being past ninety-one years of age. Mr. Slocum was an earnest Methodist and helped to build the church of that denomination in Falls City.

As noted above, James L. Slocum was ten years of age when he came West with his father and he was about twenty-one when he came to Richardson county with his father from Minnesota in 1865. From the davs of his boyhf)iid he was a valued assistant to his father in the labors of the farm and he continued farming with his father until his marriage in 1874 when he located at I'alls City and there engaged in the grain business, erecting a grain elevator at that place. In 1882 he disposed of his elevator and became connected with the Richardson County Bank, of which institution he was made president and has ever since occupied that position, long having been recognized as one of the leading bankers in this part of the state.

For several years Mr. Slocum also was president of the State Bank at' Stella and he still retains an interest in that bank and is a stockholder in several other banks hereabout. In addition to his extensive banking interests Mr. Slocum has made considerable investments in farm lands and is the owner of several improved farms in this county, his holdings in that line aggregating more than three thousand acres. Mr. Slocum is a Republican and has ever taken an active interest in local political affairs, but the only public office he has held \vas that of mayor of Falls City, an executive position he occupied for two terms and during which period he did much to advance public improvements in the city.

It was in February, 1874, that James L. Slocum was united in marriage to Ida v.. Hoops, who was Ijorn in Pennsylvania in October, 1852. - laughter of George P. Hoops, a pioneer of Richardson county, who died in 1886. To that union three children were born, Jennie, who died at the age of six years; Mary S.. wife of H. M. Jenne, merchant, of Falls City, and Carrie, wife of B. K. Baker, assistant cashier of the Richardson County Bank, who has a daughter, Virginia, and who makes her home with her father. The mother of these children died in February. i()i2. Mr. Slocum is a member of the Christian church and is treasurer of the local congregation of that church. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Ancient l'"ree and Accepted Masons and takes a warm interest in Masonic affairs.

The late Edwin {-'alloon. df Falls City, who at the time of his death in the spring of 1917 was the dean of the Richardson county bar and who had for years I)een one ni the leading lawyers in easrern Nebraska, was a native of the Duniinion nf Canada, but liad been a resident of this country since the days of ills early infanc}' and of l-'alls City since 1882. continuously engaged in the practice of his profession in that cii\- iDr a period of thirty-five years. He was born in the city ni Monireal. the commercial metropolis of the Dominicjn of Canada. July 26. 1853. son of James Hugh and Marianne (Brazier) Falloon. also natives of Canada, the former born at Peterboro and the latter at Quebec, who later came to the United .States, the former spending his last days at Athens. Ohio, .ind the latter, at the home of her son in Falls City, this county.

Virgil Fai.Loon

of whom was a Keller. John Falloon was born iti [rcland, of Scottisii descent, and was little more than a lad when he came to this country and settled in New York state, where he presently married. His wife was of Dutch stock, a member of an old family in New York. After their marriage they went to Canada, where John l-'alloon ])ecame a farmer and \\heie he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Reared on a farm. James Hugh Falloon was early apprenticed to a carjienter and in due time became an expert builder, with particular reference to l)ridge construction. From the days of his lx>yhood he evinced an unusual .aptitude for mathematics and was apparently a natural draftsman and designer. Upon completing his trade he l)egan in a modest way as a contracting builder in his native province in Canada and it was not long until he found himself able to "swing" extensive contracts, particularly in the way of liridge building and public buildings, and he became highly successful. Aflcr his marriage he made his home in Montreal until in August, 1853, when he came with his family to the United States and located in Belmont counly, Ohio, where he continued his contracting business. Meanwhile he had accumulated forty thousand dollars or more and with this as a \\orking capital his success in this country was rapid and he engaged in general contracting and bridge building on an extensive scale throughout the Ohio \'alley. doing a great deal of bridge Iniilding for railroads. In 1854 he located at \Mieeling and there constructed the first suspension bridge across tiie (3hio river, the same connecting Wheeling and Bellaire. He also built a suspension bridge at Petersburg, \'irginia. Later he made his permanent home at Athens. Ohio, and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1886. His widow survived him about seven years, her last days being spent in the home of her son, the subject of this memorial sketch. ;it l'"alls City, where she died in 1893. James H. h'alloon and wife were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom but three now survive, James Fahoon. of California: Arthur h^alloon. of Ohio, and Albert h'alloon, of hlorida.

I'.dwin Falloon was but an infant, liardly a month old, when his parents moved from Canada to Ohio and he grew to manhood in that state, completing his schooling- in the Ohio University at .\thens. He had earl\ given his particular attention to the study of law and in 1880 was admitted to the bar. Two years later, in 1882. he came to Nebraska ;nid located at Falls City, where he opened an ofiice for the practice of hi> profession and where he spent the rest of his life thus engaged, one of the i)est-known and most successful lawvers in eastern Xebraska and at the time of his death nii March _'<S. 1917, the president of the Richardson county bar, anKing tlie members of which he was always lield in the highest respect. A[r. Falloun was a natural student, a scholar of mde learning, a forceful ])leader before the court, a gentle moralist and philosopher, high-minded and tolerant in his views of men and principles, and in manv ways perfnmied a distinct service for the community in which for thirt\-five years he liad walked uprightly. His law library contained more than twenty-three hundred volumes and was one of the most carefully selected libraries in the state. This library, now cherished by his son and successor in the practice, is contained in a specially-constructed room in connection with the law office and ^Ir. Falloon took much pride and pleasure in his books. Mr. i-'alloon was a Democrat and was for years recognized as one of the leaders I if that j)arty in this section of the state. The only public office he ever held was that kA county attorney, in which he served for two terms, 1887-88 and 1893-94. Fraternally, he was affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the encampment of the same, of the Knights of Pythias, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, in the atTairs of which organizations lie took an earnest interest.

In 1886. about four years after taking up his residence in Falls Cit\-. iulwin Falloon was united in marriage to Emma \ . Stump, who was born in this county, daughter of Alfred Stump and wife, pioneers of this section of Nebraska, and to this union five children were born, namely: Sterling, who is now engaged in the wholesale business at Indianapolis; \'irgil. a lawyer at balls City: James, a salesman, now living in New York City: Kate, who is a student in the Nebraska State University at Lincoln, and i-ern, a student in the Falls City high school and a menilier of the class of 1918. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Faloon has continued to make her home in the lieautiful suburban residence in the northwestern part of the city, in the preparation of which Mr. Fallotm took so much pleasure in his home-making days and in the enjoyment of which he ever delighted.

X'irgii l'"aIloon was born at b'alls Cit_\' on Alay 30, i8t>i. and was graduated from tile high school in that cit\- in 1901;. He then entered Ohio Cniversity at Athens, his father's alma mater, and was graduated frcmi the s.'uvie witii tiie degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 191.V having taken the fouryears Course in three \ears. He then gave his attention to the study of law under the able precejitorship of his father and after his admission to the bar in December. h)1(i. became associated with his father in practice, -uccecding to that practice upon liis latiier's death ;dxiut tlu'ce niontii> later.

\irgil Falloon is a Democrat, as was his father, and. fraternally, is affiliated witli the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the college fraternitv. Phi Delta Theta.

William Scroll

William Scholl, proprietor of an excellent farm of two hundred and ten acres in section 31 of the precinct of Barada, this county, is of European birth, a native of the grand duchy of Baden, but has been a resident of this country since 1882 and of Richardson county since 1885. He was born on October 19, 1866, son of Simon and Christina (Klonig) Scholl, also- natives of Baden, the former of whom, a farmer, born there in 1828, spent all his life in his native land, his death occurring in 1904, and the latter of whom is still living there, now in the eighty-fifth year of her age. Simon Scholl and wife were the parents of three children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one who came to this country, the eldest of the children having died in infancy and the youngest of whom, his sister, Airs. 'Sla.ry Rothardt, is still living in Baden.

Reared on the home farm in his native Baden, William. Scholl received his schooling there and when sixteen years of age, in 1882, came to the United States and for two years thereafter was engaged in working on a farm in New York state. In 1885 he came to Nebraska and began to work as a farm hand on a farm in the precinct of Arago, in this county, receiving a wage of twenty dollars a month. In 1888 he rented a tract of land and began to farm for himself. He married in the fall of 1892 and in 1894 bought the farm on which he is now living and on which his wife was born, and has ever since resided there. Since taking possession of that place Mr. Scholl has made numerous important improvements on the same including the erection of a' new dwelling house and two barns and the planting of an orchard of three hundred trees. The first barn he built was destroyed by fire in 1913 and he erected a better one in its place. Air. Scholl gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock in addition to his general farming and is doing \ery well. He is a Democrat and has served as a member of the school board (if district Xo. 2^.

Air. Scholl has been twice married. On October 22, 1892, he was united in marriage to Caroline Hartmann, who, as noted above, was born "on the farm on which Air. Scholl is now living, in 1874, a daughter of Leopold and Soi)liia Hartmann. natives of Germany, who came to this state from WisconjSo KICIIAUnsoX COUNTY. XF.nKASKA.

sin ill iSjj and Ijecaiiie pinneers of Kiclianlsoii county. Mrs, Caroline Sclioll died in 1904, leaving- two children, a son and a daughter. William and Sophia, and in 1905 Mr. Scholl married Anna Scholl. who was horn on a pioneer farm in the precinct of Arago. in this county, daughter of l-'red and Marv (Heilmann) Scholl, natives of Germany, the former of whom was born on March 16. 1850. and the latter, .\pril iS. 1857, who were married in their native land and remained there until in April. 1881, canie U) this countr\ and proceeded on out to Nebraska and became residents of this county. I'red Scholl was a stonemason and after coming here worked at that trade until 1886, in which year he bought a farm in the precinct of Arago. In 1901 he liought the farm on which he is now living in that same precinct and there has made his home e\er since. To him and his wife have been borne nine children, four of who \<ere born in the old country. Those besides .Mrs. Anna Scholl are as follow: Mary, deceased: Bertha, who married H. b'ritz and is now deceased: b'redia. wife of H. Fritz, living near X'erdon. this county: Fred, who is living in Arago precinct: Henry, who is farming the old home place; Katherine and Ida, who are at home with tiieir parents, and Emma, deceased.

To A\'illiam and Anna (Scholl) Scholl have been born four children. Elias, Fred, Emma and lulna. Mr. and Mrs. Sclioll are members of the Lutheran church and take a proper part in church works, as well as in other neighborhood good works, helpful in promoting movements designated to advance the common g<iod thereabout.

The late lion. John. White Holt, of b'alls City, former state senator from this district, former treasurer of Richardson count\% former president of the b'irst National Bank of Falls City and for years one of the leading landowners and stockmen of this county, was a native of the neighboring state of Missouri, but had I)een a resident of this count\ since pioneer davs. ha\ ing come over here from Holt county, ^lissouri, in 1857, to engage in busiiics- at Salem and while thus engaged erected the first grain elevator at that pl;ice. I Ic later engaged in farming and stock raising, was elected state senator and later count\ treasurer: later liecame engaged in the banking busines.-, in connection with liis other interests, and was for many years president of the b'irst Xatioiial r.ank of l-'alls City, occnining that positiiiU at the time of his death on Tunc 1^1, 101 r.

John White HoU was born in Boone county, Missouri, November 17, 1834, son of the Hon. David R. Holt, a pioneer of that county, after whom Holt county was named, who was born in Tennessee on November 8, 1803. and who died at Jefferson City, Missouri, December 6, 1840, while serving as a member of the Missouri General Assembly. His widow, Isabella ( \\ hite) Holt, who was born in Washington county, Virginia, November 12. 1806, sur\i\ed him for man}' years, her death occurring at the home of her son. tlie sul)ject of this memorial sketch, at Salem, this county. April 20. iNfsi). slie then lieing sixty-three years of age.

K'eared in IJoone count}, Missouri, John W. Holt receiveil his schooling in the earh' subscrijition schools ccjnducted in the n.eighljorhood of his home and at the. age of sixteen, ten years after his father died, the larger part of the responsibilitv of maintaining the home fell upon his shoulders. .\t nineteen years of age he became a member of the mercantile firm of (iilmore. Holt & Company at Fillmore, Missouri, and in 1857. when twentythree }ears of age, disposed of his interest there and came over into the then Territor}- of Nebraska and in association with J. C. Lincoln, a secondcousin of Abraham Lincoln, engaged in the general mercantile business at Salem, this countv. under die Hrni name of Lincoln & Holt, that firm erecting the first grain elevattjr at Salem and in Richardson county. On account of failing heahh Mr. Holt disposed of his mercantile interests in 1872 and was thereafter extensively engaged in the live-stock business until his election to the office of county treasurer in 1878. when he moved to Falls City, where he ever afterward made his home. Previously, in 1876 and 1877. he had served that district as a member of the upper house of the Nebraska Legislature and had become recognized during that service as one of the most active members of the Senate. For two terms ^Ir. Holt served as treasurer of Richardson county and in 1882 was elected vice-president of tlie lirst X.-itional P.ank of Falls Cit}-, of which institution he was one of the org.-tnizers and leading stockholders: later served for one year as acting casliier of the l)ank and in 1897 was elected president of the bank, a position he lield until his death in 191 1. In addition to his other interests Mr. Hoh for vears was one of the leading breeders of Shorthorn cattle and Berkshire iiogs in this part of the state and took an earnest interest in the livestock business. He also was a large landowner and was accounted one of the foremost citizens of Richardson county, ever helpful in promoting such .agencies as were designed to advance the common welfare herealxwt. He was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a Knight

John W. Holt was four times married. On Septemijer ii, 1855, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Caroline Atkins, of Andrew county, Missouri, who tlied, leaving one child, a daughter, Carrie H., who married Edward P.. Loughridge, of Lincoln, this state, and who died on Decemlxr 20, 1915, at Los Angeles, California, leaving two sons, Erne.st F., of Lincoln, and Donald H.. who is living with his father at Los Angeles. On August 24, 1859, Air. Holt married Alvina Spence, also of Andrew count\. Missouri, who died not long afterward, without issue, and on May 8, 1863. he married Ellen Oliver, of Salem, this county, who bore him two children, now deceased, and who died on January 15, 1869. On November 8, 1869, 2\Ir. Holt married his deceased wife's sister, Amanda M. Oliver, also of Salem, \vho survi\'es him, and to that union four children were born, namely : Amanda M., who was I^orn at Saleni on May 21, 1871, and who died at the age of lifteen years. August 20, 1886; Nellie, July 11, 1872, who died in 1893. at the age of twenty-one years; George Brooke Holt, November 3. 1874, who married Grace Gossett and died at his home in l'"alls City un Mav 19, 1912, leaving a widow and one son, John William, now eighteen years of age, and William Robinson Holt, December 7, 1876. now engaged in the mercantile business -at Falls City, who married Eva Giannini, of Falls City, and has rme child, a daughter, Nellie Lee. now ( 1917) aged sixteen years.

Mrs. Amanda. ( Oliver ) Holt, who since the death i)f her husband has ciintinued to make her home at Falls City, where she is very comfortably situated, is a nati\e of the old Hoosier state, born in Miami county, Indiana. January 29. 1847, a daughter of Robert and Ellen (McCoy) Oliver, natives of \'irginia, who had settled in Indiana, moving thence, in 1855. to Missouri, .'ind thence, the f(illowing year. 1856. to the then Territory of Neiiraska. settling on a pioneer farm just west of the village of Salem, in this county, where the\' remained for a year, at the end of which time they uKived into Salem, where Mr. Oliver spent his last days, his death occurring about a year later. July 20. 1858. He was born on February 28, 1806. and was thus lifty-two years of age at the time of his death. His widow .survived him for many years and her last days were spent at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Holt, at Falls City, where she died on April 2},, 1884. She was born on Seiitember 28, 1807, and was thus in her seventy-fourth year at the time of her death. Robert Oliver and Ellen McCoy were married on .M;i\- iS. i,S20. .-md to that union were born eight children, of whom Mrs.

Holt is now the only snr\ivor, the others having been as follow : John, who died on April 4, 1847; Airs. Sarali Ann Lyon, who died on April 14. 1848; Jared, who died on June 15, 1850; James, who died on April 19, 1858: FJleazer, who died on July 18, 1858; William R., who died on November 24, i860, and Mrs. Ellen Holt, who died in 1869, as set out above.

Henry L. Ruegge

Henry L. Ruegge, one of Richardson county's best-known old settlers and pioneer farmers and the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the precinct of Arago, where he and his wife are living in quiet comfort in the pleasant "evening time" of their lives, is of European birth, but has been a resident of this country and of Richardson since he was twenty-five years of age, having come here with his parents Ijack in territorial days, and has thus been a witness to and a participant in the development of this section of Nebraska since the days of the pioneers. He was born in what is now the Prussian province of Hano\er, German)-, November 9, 1838, Hanover at that time having been an independent kingdom, and grew to manhood in liis native land, learning there the trade of a wagon-maker, and was engaged there working at that trade until the summer of 1863, when he came to this country with his parents, Hans Henry and Wilhelmina (Starke) Ruegge. The Ruegges left their native land on August 31, 1863, and were seven weeks making the voyage across the water. Upon their arrixal in the United States they came on out to the then Territory of Nebraska and Hans Ruegge bought the quarter section on which his son, Henry L. Ruegge, has ever since made his home, in the precinct of Arago, this county, the family settling there. Henry L. Ruegge broke the land with oxen and gradually got the place under cultivation. After his marriage in 1869 he established his home there and has ever since made that his place of residence, one of the l)est-knf)wn pioneer farmers of that section of the county. Hans Ruegge and wife were the iiarents of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity.

On Eebruary 4, 1869, Henr\- L. Ruegge was united in marriage to Sophia Hoose, who was born in I^russia on September 4, 1S50, and who was but three years of age when her parents, George H. and Mary M. (\\^alder ) Hoose, came to this country in \S=,t,. Upon coming to this country George H. Hoose settled on a farm in St. Joseph county. Indiana, not far from the

John \V. Holt was four times married. On September ii, 1855, he was miited in marriage to Mrs. Caroline Atkins, of Andrew county, Missouri, who died, leaving one child, a daughter, Carrie H., who married Edward B, Loughridge, of Lincoln, this state, and who died on Decemlx?r 20, 1915. at Los Angeles, California, leaving two sons, Lrnest F., of Lincoln, and Donald H., who is living with his father at Los Angeles. On .\ugust 24. 1859. Mr. Holt married Alvina Spence, also of Andrew county, Missouri, who died not long afterward, without issue, and on May 8, 1863. he married Ellen Oliver, of .Salem, this county, who bore him two children, now deceased, and who died on January 15, 1869. On November 8, 1869, ]\[r. Holt married his deceased wife's sister, Amanda M. Oliver, also of Salem, who survives him, and to that union four children were born, namely : Amanda M., who was born at Salem on May 21. 1871, and who died at the age of fifteen years, .\ugust 20, 1886; Xellie, July 11. 1872, who died in 1893, at the age of twenty-one years; George Brooke Holt, November 3, 1874, wlio married (irace Gossett and died at his home in Falls City on -May II), 191 2, leaving a widow and one son, John A\'illiam, now eighteen vears of age. and ^^'illiam Robinson Holt. December 7, 1876, now engaged in the mercantile liusiness -at l""alls City, who married Eva Giannini, of Falls City, and lias one ciiild, a daughter, Nellie Lee, now ( 1917) aged sixteen years.

.Mrs. Amanda. ( ()li\cr ) Holt, who since the death of her husband has continued to make her home at Falls City, where slie is very comfortal^ly situated, is a native of the old Hoosier state, born in ;\Iiaiui county, Lidiana. January 29, 1847, '' ilaughter of Robert and Ellen (McCoy) Oliver, natives of X'irginia. who liad settled in Indiana, moving thence, in 1835. to Missouri, .-md thence, the folknving year. 1856. to the then Terrhory of Nebraska, settling on a pioneer farm just west of the village of Salem, in this county, wliere tliey remained for a year, ;it tlie end of which time they moved into Salem, wliere Mr. Oliver spent his last days, his death occurring about a year later. July 20, 1858. He was born on February 28, 1806, and was thus tifty-tw(i \ears of age at the time of his death. His widow survived him for many years and her last days were spent at the home of her daughter. .Mrs. Hoh. at Falls City, where she died on April j^^. 1884. She was born on .September 28, 1807, and was thus in her seventy-fourth year - It the time of her death, i^obert Oliver and l-'.llen McCoy were married on .May iS. i.S2(). .-ind to tli;it union were born eight children, of whom ^Irs.

Holt is now the only survixur. the others having been as follow : John, who died on April 4. 1847: .Mrs. Sarah Ann Lyon, who died on April 14. 1S48; Jared, who died on June 15, 1850; James, who died on April 19, 1858: Eleazer. who died on July 18. 1858; William R., who died on November 24. r86o, and Afrs. Kllen Holt, who died in 1869, as set out above.

Henry L. Ruegge, one of Richardson county's best-known old settlers and pioneer farmers and the proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the precinct of Arago, where he and his wife are living in quiet comfort in the pleasant "evening time" of their lives, is of Eiu'opean birth, but has been a resident of this country and of Richardson county since he was twenty-five }ears of age, having come here with his parents back in territorial days, and has thus been a witness to and a participant in the development of this section of Nebraska since the days of the pioneers. He was born in what is now the Prussian province of Hanover, Germany, November 9, 1838, Hanover at that time having been an independent kingdom, and grew to manhood in his native land, learning there the trade of a wagon-maker, and was engaged there working at that trade until the summer of 1863, when he came to this country with his parents, Hans Hemy and \\'ilhelmina (Starke) Ruegge. The Ruegges left their native land on August 31, 1863, and were seven weeks making the voyage across the water. Upon their arrival in the United States they came on out to the then Territor)- of Nebraska and Hans Ruegge bought the quarter section on which his son, Henry L. Ruegge, has ever since made his home, in the precinct of Arago. this county, the family settling there. Henry L. Ruegge broke the land with oxen and gradually got the place under cultivation. After his marriage in 1869 he established his home there and has ever since made that his place of residence, one of the best-known pioneer farmers of that section of the county. Hans Ruegge and wife were the jiarents of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity.

On Februar)' 4, 1869, Henr\- L. Ruegge was united in marriage to Sophia Hoose, who was born in Prussia on September 4, 1830. and who was but three years of age when her ]>arents, George H. and Mary M. ( W'alder ) Hoose, came to this countrx- in 1833. Upon coming to this country George H. Hoose settled on a farm in St. Joseph county. Indiana, not tar from the city of South Bend, and there remained until in August. 1864, when he came with his family to the then Territory of Nebraska and settled on a farm in the precinct of Arago. in this county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. George H. Hoose was born on May 2, 180J, and died in April, 1892, and his wife was born on March 6. 1809, and died in 1882. They were the parents of eleven children.

To Henry L. and Sophia (Hoose) Ruegge nine children lia\e been born, namely: Theodore, deceased; August, deceased; ^lary, wife of D. Ramsey, living near Nims city, this county : Henry, a farmer, of the precinct of Arago : Minnie, wife of Edward Schuler, of Ohio precinct; Dorothea, deceased: Julia, wife of J. Hartman ; Augusta, who is the housekeeper at tlie old home place, and Sophia, also at home. The Ruegges attend the Lutheran church and have ever taken a proper part in the general good works and social activities of the community' of which they have been residents since pioneer davs.

Joseph Kelley Cornelius

It is a line thmg to see a man who has come down to the autumn of his \ears. after life's trying vicissitudes, and find that his nature has not been embittered but still retains its sunshine and serenity, as has been the case with Joseph Kelley Cornelius, one of the venerable and honored pioneer citizens of Richardson county, who is residing at Humboldt. He was born in Henry count}-, Kentucky, June 20, 1830, and is therefore eighty-seven years old at this writing { 1917). He is a son of Isaiah Cornelius, who was born in England. August 26, 1795, and died I\Iay 6, 1866. The latter's father, Matthew Cornelius, immigrated from England to America in 1796. locating at Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, where his son Isaiah was reared. He was liound out until he was twenty-one years of age as an apprentice. After his marriage he bought a farm, but not being a man of robust health he engaged in the lighter occupation of school teaching, also he was a minister of the gospel. He came West in an early day and his death occurred in the state of Missouri. His family consisted of ten children, of which number Joseph K.. of this sketch, was fifth in order of birth, and the only one now living. His wife was Elizabeth Holmes before her marriage.

Joseph K. Cornelius received a common school education in Kentucky. When twenty-one years old he went to Illinois, where he engaged in farming about nine years. In the spring of i860 he came to Richardson county

Joseph K. Cornelius

Nebraska, locating in I'orter precinct, five miles east of Humboldt, when settlers were few and the vast plains were the domain of red men and wild beasts. He got a tract of three hundred and twenty acres direct from the government, for which he paid as low as ninety cents per acre. He purchased land warrants. He began life in typical pioneer fashion, put up a small log cabin, and broke the virgin sod. However, his health being frail he drove oxen on the plains for some time in 1862, southwest of Denver, Colorado. His health improving he worked a while as a driver and freighter 1)etween Denver and Laramie, Wyoming, during the summers of 1863 and J 864. There were twenty teams in his outfit, and once, while on his last return trip from Leavenworth to Fort Union, New Mexico, while encampeil near the Arkansas river he encountered a band of hostile Indians, a fight ensued, and although soldiers were only a half mile awa}- they did not help. -Mr. Cornelius was at the rear of the wagoti train when the savages fired at hinv, but missed, killing an ox. Before the fight was over it was found that ten white men and two negroes had been killed and several wounded. .Ml the} liad of value was stolen and carried away by the raiders. The Lidian.s finally went away, fearing the soldiers. Bert Edwards, a young man in the party of teamsters, was killed. Al Edwards was also scalped, as was a boy named Magee, and a man named ^^'addell, who was lying sick in one of the wagons, was killed and scalped. It seems that Captain Davenport, with forty soldiers, well armed, was nearby, but for some reason, possibly fearing the Indians, the captain left tiie wagon train to its fate. Air. Cornelius had a number <if narrow escapes from death. Just after liis last trip he was sick at h'ort J.ea\'enworth for two weeks.

After his career on the plains. Mr. Cornelius returned to his farm in Richardson count\, which he developetl and improved, operating it successfullv from 1865 to 191 1. Prospering through good management and close application he added to his original holdings until he had a total of eight liundred and eighty acres, all of which he still owns. He farmed on an extensive scale and raised large herds of live stock annually for the markets, in fact; he ranked among the most progressive agriculturists in the southeastern part of the state for a period of over a quarter of a century. Having accunmlated ;i liandsome conipetenc\- and on account of ad\-ancing age he retired from acti\e work in if»i 1 and moved to Huniljoldt, where he owns an attractive modern lionie, and here he is living comfortabl}-, surrounded by all that goe-i to make life eas\- ;inil pleasant, enjoying a well-earned respite after a long life of industry.

Mr. L'i)rnelius was married on I^ecember 5, 1866, to Maria Tighe, who was horn in Ireland in 1840. She is a daughter of Murtaugh Tighe, who brought his fainil\- t<i America from Ireland; he first lived in Illinois and later located in Richardson count}-, Nebraska, in the spring of 1865.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius: .\l[iheus r... who lives on the homestead in Porter precinct; John M. is a ranchman in Canada; X'ellie is at home; Kittie is also a member of the family circle; Logan is farming a part of the home place in Porter precinct, and P.essie is at home. There are seven grandchildren.

Politically, Mr. Cornelius is a Republican, but he supported Woodrow \\^ilson in the general election of 1916. He is a member of the Christian church. He has always assisted in any movement having for its object the general upbuilding of his precinct and county, and his personal reputation lias ne\er lieen assailed. He owns several hundred acres of land in Canada.

William H. Wheeler

William H. Wheeler, one of the well-known farmers of die precinct of East Barada, this county, li-ving on the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres in section 33 of that precinct, was born on the farm on \\hich he now lives and has lived there all his life. He was born on .November 11, 1859, ^ son of Henry Duke and Malinda (Buchanan) \\'heeler, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri, who liecame pioneers of Richardson county and here spent their last days.