Seward County, Nebraska - Chapter 27, 1916

The Voiceless

We are sorry that we have not been able to give a complete list of Seward county pioneers and only a partial list of those who have passed to their final rest. We have searched every available record and avenue of information, but have met considerable disappointment The pioneer settlers were attached to each other in a much stronger tie than that of mere neighbors and it would have been in line with the general thought of the day and age to have formed pioneer societies for the purpose of preserving the memories of events, as well as the life and death of its members. But what we have been able to collect of the sadest events in the closing scenes of pioneer residents we present to the friends and the general public, trusting that it will be accepted by all as the best we can do at the present late date in that direction.

While there are not a very great number of the early settlers whose passing may come in line with the sentiments embodied in the foregoing poetry there were a small percentage of them who closed their eyes to the scenes surrounding them before they had realized the grand results of the sacrifices they had made to open the new country and place it upon a plain of civilized progress.

Father Dunway

As he was familiary known and for whom there is no other name recorded, settled on a homestead on section 3, in -G- precinct in 1864. He had made some improvements upon his claim, hoping to make his family contented and comfortable, expecting them to arrive from the east in the near future. His neighbors were few and far apart, but visited him at odd times and especially Grandfather Imly, an aged gentleman who spent a little time with him frequently. One day in the month of September, 1864 Mr. Imly made one of his customary calls at the Dunaway home but found it alone. He waited sometime for his friend's return, but becoming alarmed at his continued absence, cemmenced a search, resulting in the discovery of his lifeless body laying in a patch of grass which showed evident signs of a struggle, having been wallowed down to quite an extent. The old gentleman immediately hastened home and gave the alarm, his son, David Imly mounting a horse rode to a field, some distance away, where several neighbors were putting up hay. A short consultation was held and as VV. VV.

Cox, one of the number present, was a justice of the peace it was decided that he should act as coroner, but the difficulty of finding enough persons for jurors confronted them. Finley R. T. Gale, being special constable with power to summon jurors, suggested that they proceed to the Morgan settlement where he would complete a jury. With exciting hurry they proceeded to the Morgan settlement where the jury was quickly made up consisting of David lmly, sr., U. P. Imly, William Imly, Joseph Imly, R. T. Gale, Job Reynolds, Thomas Morgan, William Morgan and W. W. Cox. They reached the scene of death just as the sun was sinking behind the western horrizon and with solemn faces and uplifted hands were immediately sworn as jurors. The jury soon reached a verdict that the deceased came to his death from the effects of cramp colic.

It being evident that the deceased had been dead some time a rough board coffin was constructed of lumber taken from the cabin and the remains of Father Dunaway were laid to rest beneath an oak tree by the light of the misty moon beams. His goods and chatties were properly cared for and turned over to the sorrowing wife upon her arrival.

Christopher G. W. Clark

Who with his wife, Rachel Clark and several children, moved from Coles county, Illinois, to Seward county, Nebraska in 1867, settled upon a homestead two and one-half miles south-east of Beaver Crossing. Mr. Clark enjoyed his new home for the short period of ten years, being called to a brighter home in Heaven, March 20, 1877. He left a wife and several grown sons and daughters - the oldest son, Columbus D. Clark, also an early homesteader in the same section with his father, moved to California, after a few years residence on his homestead, where he with his wife died about 1879, leaving two small children, a son and daughter. Thomas J. Clark, next younger son, also a Seward county homesteader, made a trip to California after the orphan babies, bringing the smaller one the entire distance in a hand basket. The wife, Rachel Clark, survived her husband a little more than thirty years, passing to her final rest November 24, 1907.

One of the two children who was brought from California, the brother being the oldest, was married several years ago, and Rosa, the "handbasket" passenger is now Mrs. Clarence Harling.

Henry Bridenball

An 1873 settler in -L- precinct died in 1892, aged 82 years and 4 months, leaving a wife, three sons and three daughters, Henry Jr., Fred., George, Lizzie, Amelia and Minnie.

Father Salnave was a native of Chemung county, New York where he was horn July 1st 1814, and where he was married to Jane S. Reed in the year 1842. Moved to Seward county, Nebraska, in 1869 and settled on a homestead in section 34, -L- precinct. He passed to his eternal home in Heaven, March 24th, 1880, aged 66 years, 8 months and 23 days. His wife, Jane S. Salnave, followed him to rest at her home in Beaver Crossing Friday, August 1st, 1890, aged 73 years, 1 month and 5 days. She was born at Bainbridge, New York, June 27, 1817. They left to mourn their departure, two sons and six daughters, B. F. Salnave of North Chemung, New York, John G., Annett G., wife of William Rumsey, Lydia M., wife of J. H. Waterman, (the author) Pamelia Grace, all of Beaver Crossing, the latter being now the wife of Fdward Lanning, of Lexington, Nebraska, Lucy A., wife of O. C. Fish, of Iowa, M ngaret J., wife of Paton Dillon, of Alma, Nebraska, and Lenora, wife of Christain Maurer, of Farnam, Nebraska. One son, Francie, preceded his parents to rest in New York state when ten years old. John G. Salnave, victim of a fatal accident which will raceive notice further along in this work, died at Beaver Crossing, Tuesday, September 1st, 1891, aged 39 years, 8 months and 4 days; B. V. Salnave dieing at Elmira, New York, September 21. 1914.

William Rumsey

Who settled on a homestead near Beaver Crossing in 1870, died at his home in that village, February 18, 1902, leaving a wife, three sons and one davighter. His wife, Annett G. Rumsey, followed him to rest February 16 1913, aged 68 years, 7 months and 23 days.

Hon. Silas Scott Atwood

Was born in Preble county, Ohio, March 12, 1842, his parents moving to Washington county Iowa, when he was eighteen months old, where he grew to manhood. He settled on a homestead two miles west of Milford in 1867, later moving to his final home south-east of Beaver Crossing where he resided till the end of life. He was twice elected to represent his county in the state legislature, first in 1902 and again in 1904. He ditd at his home at 12:30 a. m., April 8, 1906 of heart failu re. His last moments, when he fully realized that his life was drawing to a close, were passed with the same uncomplaining fearlessness that seemed to characterize his whole life and after gently telling his wife that he could not live he quietly closed his eyes in that sleep that "knows no waking." We were personally acquainted with Comrade Atwood and can truly say that Comrade Thomas A. Healey voiced our estimation of him when he said of him: "He was a quiet, inofensive soldier and citizen - one of God's noblemen."

George A. Kielpatrick

A pioneer settler at Beaver Crossing in the early seventies where he was engaged in T. H. 4 isdale's store for a long time as a clerk, afterwards taught the village school and other schools of the vicinity - married Miss Wing and shortly after moved to Seward. \\ as several times elected county surveyor. Passed to his final rest at a hospital in Crete, Nebraska, in 1902, leaving a wife and small children.

Judge J. K. Corey

A pioneer settler, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. T. Wing, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Wedensday, May 21, 1913, aged 87 years. Mr. Corey served three terms as county judge of Saline county, and was for several years a practicing attorney at Beaver Crossing. Seward county.

Steadman G. Merriam

Settled in Milford in 1866 and was for several years a pioneer merchant of that village, passed to his rest at the home of his son George, in Seward, May 21, 1904, aged 90 years, one month and 24 days. Mr. Merriam retired from business a few years prior to his death and moved to Seward where he spent the remainder of his advanced life.

Seward county's first attorney at law, who began his professional career at Milford in 1868 died at his home in Seward, March 17, 1904. Mr. McKillip was one of Seward county's most able attorneys, highly respected by all citizens of the county. Served two terms in the state legislature, from '72 to 76.

Danforth Brown

Settled in Beaver Crossing in 1872, died at his home in that village in 1899, aged 92 years. His wife, Mrs. Jane Brown, died in October 1902 while on a visit in the New England states. 1'he remains were brought home to Beaver Crossing and laid to rest by the side of her aged husband. One grown daughter, Abbie Brown preceded them to rest, dieing shortly after their settlement in their new home.

Grandfather And Grandmother Nichols

Father and mother of Ross and Uriah L. Nichols, came from New York state in 1872 and settled on a portion of Ross Nichols' farm where they built a home which is now one of the very few remaining pioneer residences of Seward county. It stands in the south half of the village of Beaver Crossing and is known as the Maule property. These two aged people came to a new country to live their last days near their children. They both passed to rest in 1876.

Ross Nichols

An 1869 homesteader settled upon a quarter section upon which is now located a portion of Beaver Crossing where he errected a home which is perhaps the oldest frame house in Seward county, in use now as the Beaver Crossing hospital. Mr. Nichols died at his home, March 16, 1892, aged 68 years leaving a wife, one brother and one sister. One daughter, Ella" Nichols preceded him to rest in 1875, aged 15 years, 4 months and 1 day.

Uriah L. Nichols

An 1869 homesteader just over the Seward and York county line in the latter county, moved to Beaver Crossing where he resided about twentyfive years where his wife died in 1911 when he moved to Omaha to live with his son, William where he died March 28, 1915, aged 85 years. One daughter, the wife of Thomas Kerby preceded her parents to rest by several years and one son, William, remains to mourn their loss.

Horace P. Seymour

For many years a resident of Beaver Crossing, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rpss Nichols, in that village, September 16, 1908, aged 88 years. Mr. Seymour was a pioneer railway engineer, having served as such several years before the war of the rebellion.

Elder W. G. Keene

who bought and settled upon the W. J. Thompson ranch farm in -K- precinct in 1872 died at his home there June 16, 1876, leaving a wife, one son and two daughters. His wife, Harriet Seymour Keene, remarried to Mr. Edwards, an early homesteader of the locality, shortly moving to Oklahoma where she resided till the spring 1914 when she returned to Beaver Crossing, dieing at the home of her niece, Mrs. Ross Nichols, June 16, 1914,

Chas. C. Lezotte

Beaver Crossing, April 27th, 1905, aged 76 years, 9 months and 10 days. Mr. Lezotte was born in Clinton county, N. Y., July 17, 1828. Was married to Mary S. Little, January 1st, 1849. They came to Seward county, Nebraska in 1874 and settled upon rail road land in -L- precinct where they resided two years when they exchanged their farm for James Hayward's homestead in the same precinct upon which they resided until a short time privious to his death they retired from the farm and moved lo Beaver Crossing. He left a wife and several sons and daughters.

S. R. Douglas

S. R. DOUGLAS A homestead settler near Milford in the sixties and for twenty-five years a well known money loaner at Seward, died at his home in that city, Monday morning, December 18, 1905, aged 77 years. He left a faithful and loving wife to mourn his departure. Although Mr. Douglas wanted as high a rate of interest as the law allowed him, the writer, as well perhaps as many other citizens of Seward county, remembers many accommodating acts in his dealings and settlements for borrowed money, and he must be regarded as a benefactor by those who applied to him in times of necessity.

Lyman F. Morgan

Settled on a homestead in -E- precinct in 1870, near where the village of Utica was afterwards located, and died at his home June 14, 1904. Nancy A. Morgan, his widowed wife, followed him to rest May 10. 1915. They left two sons, Eugene D. and Fred. B. Morgan, both residing hear the old homestead.

Elijah Gleason

Who settled on a homestead in -L- precinct in 1866, died at Milford January 20, 1915. Mrs. Gleason, his life partner, preceded him to rest at Beaver Crossing, March 29, 1802.

Roland Reed

An 1866 settler at Beaver Crossing, died at his home, February 8, 1884, aged 65 years and 7 days. Jane Reed, widowed wife of Roland Reed, followed him to rest at the homestead home, October 1, 1888. They were both bom in Pennsylvania, he February 6, 1819, and she September 3, 1820. They came to Seward county and engaged in keeping a ranch for three years, settling upon a homestead in 1869. During his ranch life Mr. Reed was appointed and served as Beaver Crossing's first postmaster. They left six children, three sons and three daughters, one son John preceded them to rest at Beaver Crossing,November 29,1875,aged twenty-eight years.

Hon. E. C. Carnes

Died at his hame in Seward, Friday, March 22, 1895. Mr. Carries was known by all early settlers of Seward county as one of the first grain buyers of Seward, locating there soon after the advent of the rail road. He was a man prominent in business and also in politics. Although only a little past middle life at the time of his death he had gained an advanced position as an able statesman. He served as a member of the state constitutional convention in 1875; was the first state senator from Seward county and was twice elected lieutenant governor of Nebraska.

Judge J. W. Dupin

Settled on a homestead northwest of Seward in 1869, moved to Seward in the early seventies and began his business career as a clerk in the Grange Store, a popular institution for a short period. He later served as deputy county clerk for Thomas Graham; was twice elected county clerk, served one term as Seward's postmaster and was county judge at the time of his death, March 9, 1902. In our meetings with Judge Dupin, mostly on business occasions, we found him an admirably pleasant and agreable man, and his untimely passing away so suddenly and unexpected brought great sorrow to us as it did to all Seward county people who knew him. He left a wife and children.

Who settled on a homestead in -K- precinct in 1869, died at the home of his son, J. L. Winsor, three miles east of Beaver Crossing, March 20, 1902, aged 88 years and 23 days. His wife died in 1898. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom preceded them to rest.

Judge George W. Lowley

Who settled on a Seward county homestead in the sixties, and later becoming one of Seward's ablest attorneys at law, practicing his profession in that city for more than a quarter of a century, died suddenly, Thursday morning, March 27, 1902, leaving a wife to mourn his departure.

Elijah K. Dunbaugh

Seward's first druggist, who opened a drug store in that city early in the seventies, which he conducted several years, died at his home, Wednesday, April 24, 1895, aged 71 years. Mr. Dunbaugh had been in poor health for several years.

October 8, 1902. He was born in Indiana in 1835, came to Seward county in 1871, and settled at Milford where he practiced his profession for two years when he moved to Seward. He was an able physician and enterprising citizen. He left a wife and grown children.

John Cattle

Vice president of the State Bank of Seward, died in England, August 12, 1902. Mr. Cattle had been in ill health for some time and together with his wife made a trip to England to visit friends, in hopes that a change a:,d rest from business cares would aid in restoring his health. He was a popular and successful business man and in his death the city and county sustained an inestimable loss.

\\ ho bought and settled upon the Widow Wilson homestead in -Kprecinct in 1874, died at his home September 9, 1879, aged 74 years. Mr. Wingfield left a wife and four daughters to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. The deceased was a southern man who lived in the war zone during the rebellion, and his sympathies with the cause of that movement were so strong and fearlessly expressed that his loyal neighbors' suspicions were aroused to such an extent that they preferred charges against him for "bushwhacking" Union soldiers and he was arrested and confined in a Urited States military prison nine months. While living near him for a period of two years, we leaaned to know him and feel safe in saying that his great, tender and sympathetic heart never permitted him to harm a boy in blue. He was in truth "one of God's noblemen."

Joseph F. M. Dimery

A pioneer settler on a farm near Beaver Crossing, died at his home in that village, Saturday, April 18, 1903. Mr. Dimery entered the mercantile business with Thomas Tidyman in Beaver Crossing in 1873 in which he continued several years. He later bought the flouring mill at that place of W. J. Thompson, conducting it for some time, finally selling it to George Winand he returned to the business of farming. Upon the completion of the E. E. & M. V. rail road to Beaver Crossing he became interested in the State Bank of that place. He built a store building and conducted a general mercantile store for several years, being closely identified with the business of the village for twenty-five years.

Samuel Manning Claudius Jones

Seward county's first banker, died suddenly at his home in Seward, Wednesday morning, November 3, 1886. Mr. Jones had apparently been in his usual health up to almost the moment of his death. He had risen at his usual hour, and after taking breakfast started to go to town, but meeting his son, Harry T. Jones, returned with him to the house where he was stricken down, dieing instantly. He had spent twenty-three years in the banking business at Seward and was president of the first national bank of that city at the time of his death. His wife, Harriet 1. Jones followed him to rest at her home in Seward, July 18, 1903.

Alex. Ii. Vance

A pioneer resident of Milford, an able farmer and well known able corresrondent for democratic newpapers under the name of "Old Stallwart," died at his home April 21, 1905. Mr. Vance was above the average democratic writer and did more good for his party and the public than any other writer of that party in Seward county.

J. M. Fletcher

A pioneer settler at Seward, died at his home in that city, January 15, 1896. We quote the following in regard to Mr. Fletcher from the Weekly Review of Beaver Crossing of January 16th, '96: "Comrade J. M. Fletcher of Seward died about two o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Fletcher has visited our village several times, and his kind face and genial ways will be. remembered by everybody in this vicinity. He was an able speaker and never permitted an audience to get tired waiting to hear something. He was an old soldier and could illustrate the trying scenes of the civil war, as well as the general conditions of the country previous to the war with an accuracy to revive the memories of all who witnessed the tragic events. Comarde Fletceher wass a great sufferer from injuries received in the battle of Pittsburgh Landing."

Samuel Brown

One of the earliest settlers of Seward county, who came and located On a homestead in -J- precinct in the sixties, residing on the same for many years and finally retiring and moving to Milford, died at his home in that village Sunday, October 25, 1896, aged 80 years.

James V. Price

Settled in -N- precinct in 1869, and died at the home of George Foster in that precinct, September 26, 1895, aged 74 years. Mr. Price had an interesting military record. He was a soldier in the United States regular army from 1842 to 1847, serving through the Mexican war. In 1861, at the outbreak of the war of the rebellion he enlisted in Company I, Second New York volunteers and served until the close of the strife. He was not married, but left several mourning relatives and friends.

Mrs. Mary A. Robson Chambers

Aged 91 years, 6 months and 12 days, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. L. Slonecker, in Seward, Monday, August 27, 1906, She was born and married in England and ten children were born to the union. They came to Seward county and settled upon a homestead four and a half miles south-east of Seward in 1869. Her husband died in 1882.

Christopher Turner

A pioneer settler in the city of Seward, died at his home, November 20, 1905, aged 72 years, 2 months and 19 days. Mr. Turner was married at Seward to Matilda Robinson in October 1879, where he with his wife spent their married life, having born to them eight children. The wife and children were left to mourn his departure.

Sarah Foster

An 1870 homesteader in -L- precinct, died at her home in Beaver Crossing, Tuesday morning, November 28, 1893, aged 80 years and seven days. Mrs. Foster built the first frame house in -L- precinct which was occupied as her home for many years. She was the mother of several sons and one daughter.

Samuel' Long

And wife settled upon a homestead in -H- precinct in 1863; he died in 1887, aged 75 years while she remained to the advanced age of 93 years, dieing April 27, 1916. Her maiden name was Permilia A. Rodgers. She was married to Samuel Long, March 1,1843 in their native state, Kentucky. While Mrs. Long was one among the earliest homestead settlers in Seward county she will retain the enviable record of having lived a longer time on her pioneer homestead than any other of the early settlers, having spent forty-three years upon it, from settlement until called to her eternal home.

Hoadly G. Hosford

Settled on a homestead in -D- precinct in 1869 where he resided until the late nineties when he retired from the farm and moved to Seward. He died August 2, 1903 leaving a wife, one daughter and four sons.

Warren Brown

Settled on a homestead north-east of Seward in 1866 where he resided for thirty-eight years, moving from the farm and settling in Germantown in 1892 where he passed to his final rest May 24, 1904.

William Schultz

Forty years a resident of Seward, died at his home in that city, August 9, 1915, aged 76 years, 9 months and 4 days. Mr. Schultz was a dealer in boots and shoes in the city of Seward for many years and was well known by a majority of citizens throughout the county. He left lo mourn his loss a wife and several sons and daughters.

Newton G. Evans

An 1868 homesteader in Seward county died January 13, 1911. His wife, Emily J. Evans, who came to Nebraska in 1850 with her parents and settled in Marshall county, survived her husband until June 7, 1915 when she followed him to rest, aged 65 years, 8 months and 4 days. They were the parents of one son an three daughters who survived them.

George F. Iiurlburt

Settled on a homestead in -L- precinct in 1870 and was for several years a prominent figure in the affairs of his town and locality. His wife died at their homestead home, August 7, 1877, aged 44 years, 8 months and 19 days. He moved to Utica in 1881 and engaged in the banking business in which he continued until the close of life, June 2, 1915, ag^d 85 years, 7 months and 7 days.

Thomas Tidyman

A pioneer settler in Seward county, died at his home in Beaver Crossing September 26, 1915, aged 75 years, 5 months and 2 days. Mr. Tidyman engaged in the mercantile business in Beaver Crossing with J. F. M. Dimery, under the firm name of Tidyman Sc Dimery successors to Edward Nye who conducted the store opened in connection with the mill by Mr. Smith in 1872. They took charge of the store in 1874 and continued the business about eleven years when they soid their interest and good will to Ernest VanSkike. Deceased left a wife to mourn the death of a kind and loving husband.

JOHN EVANS Sr. Who settled on rail road land in -K- precinct in 1877, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna E. VanSkike, at Long Beach, California where he was spending the winter, January 9, 1916, aged 83 years. His wife, Louise Evans, preceded him to rest July 23, 1901, also two daughters, Mamie Caulder, who died in 1909 and Emma Johnson who died in 1914, four sons and one daughter surviving him. Mr. Evans was engaged in the furniture and implement business with F. H. Roland, under the firm name of Evans & Roland in Beaver Crossing at the time of his death.

John Wheeler

And family settled on a homestead in section two, -L- precinct in 1870 where they resided for many years, finally moving to Florida where he died March 31, 1900, aged eighty-seven years, one month an nineteen days. His wife, Electa Wheeler, died in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were both born in the state of New York - he February 2, 1813 and she May 31, 1819. Several daughters survived them.

George F. Dickman

For more than thirty years a resident of Seward county, died suddenly Monday night, March 5, 1916. Death was the result of a stroke of apoplexy which came upon him v\ h le at the dinner table Sunday noon, followed Sunday night by a second stroke from which he did not regain consciousness. He was sixty-one years of age. Mr. Dickman was in the implement business in Seward for many years and was active in business up till the date of his death. For thirty-five years he was a prominent figure at state fairs. For twenty-three years prior to '04 he was speed clerk of the state fair races, and following the death of Ed Mclntyre that year, he was appointed to a place on the board of managers of the state fair association, and was for several of the later years treasurer for the society.

John W. Mccaulley

And wife, Eliza Mable McCaulley, were among the first pioneer settlers of -M- precinct, homesteading the north-east quarter of section ten in 1869 where they spent many years of pioneer life. They retired from the farm and moved to Beaver Crossing in the early nineties where she passed to her final rest November 27, 1898. Mr. McCaulley remained for twelve years when he answered the call to follow and meet her and other loved ones gone before. He was eighty-five years of age at the time of his death and was one of the few remaining U.S. soldiers in the mexican war. Three sons and two daughters survived them.

Peter Ogilvie

An 1868 homesteader in -N- precinct, died at his home in -L- precinct, February 17, 1897, aged 69 years. After several year's residence upon his homestead Mr. Ogilvie relocated upon a farm in -K- precinct, later buying the T. H. Tisdale farm in - L- precinct where he resided at the time of his death. His widowed wife remained at the late home until suddenly summoned to her heavenly home, April 4, 1901. They left two sons and one daughter, one daughter, Mrs. John Woods ef Seward having died several years previous.

John T. Godding

Settled upon a homestead just west of the Seward and York county line in 1869, moving from there to Haddam, Kansas in 1880, and relocating at Beaver Crossing in 1890 where he engaged in the restaurant and market gardening business several years. He died at the home of his son in Fairbury, Nebraska, February 11, 1913, his wife, Rachel Streeter Godding having preceded him to her heavenly home about two years. They left three sOns to mourn their departure.

Mrs. F. B. Tipton

The citizens of Seward were shocked Sunday morning, June 24 1906 by the announcement that Mrs. Frank B. Tipton had been found dead in bed that morning, the result of heart failure. She had been in her usual health the evening before and had planned with her husband to do some work in the flower garden the next morning. When he went to her room about five o'clock in the morning he found her dead. She was reposing with her head resting upon one arm, her eyes closed, and had apparently passed away while asleep without a struggle. Harriet, their little daughter, just past five years old, nestled at her mother's back fast asleep, unconsious of the sad event which had taken place. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cladius Jones aud came to Seward in 1873 with her parents. Her death was similar to that of her father, previously mentioned. She left to mourn her untimely death, a husband, two sons, one daughter, one brother and two sisters.

Joseph Jones

A pioneer homesteader in -U- precinct in the early seventies and afterwards engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Utica and later became vice president of the Utica Bank, died at his home, April 23, 1905. Mr. Jones was a progressive business man, well liked by all who knew him and his death was a great loss to Utica.

William J. Thompson

One of the pioneer ranchmen of Seward county, opened a ranch at the Walnut creek crossing of the freight and steam wagon routes, in 1864, and was a member of the first county board of Seward county commissioners, died at his home in Beaver Crossing, July 25, 1895. He left a wife, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Thompson was well known by many people in the south portion of Seward and York counties and the north portion of Saline and Filmore counties as having catered to their needs in the management for several years of the flouring mill at Beaver Crossing. This mill was a pioneer enterprise which was not entirely a financial success, the dam being constructed upon a bed of quick sand would wash out every time there was a freshet and high water. There is but little doubt that this condition was well known by Mr. Smith after he had built the mill and when he sold it to the latter as he did not conduct the business but a very short time after opening it and the sale of it was a surprise to its patrons. However with all the unfavorable conditions Mr. Thompson, with the expense of many times rebuilding his dam and placing plank foundation under the mill and a portion of the mill race, continued to grind out peoples grists. He finally sold the mill to J. F. M. Dimery as previously mentioned. But Mr. Thompson will hold a place in the memory of early settlers as the pioneer miller who patiently sacrificed more good money to maintain a business of public benefit than any other man of the time in Seward county. He had the distinction of having served in the United States navy during what in termed "the Mexican War," which occurred in 1846.

Margaret J. Thompson, wife of Wm. J. Thompson, remained after his death for a period of eighteen years, reaching the age of 88 years. She died Thursday, September 18, 1913 leaving two sons and one daughter, one of the former, B. F., or Frank, followed his mother to rest September 30, 1913, being sick with pneumonia at the time of her death he failed to recover. One daughter, Liticia, wife of Horatio Reed, preceded her parents to her eternal home by several years.

John Knobbs And Wife

Pioneer settlers in Seward county, coming in 1873 they spent their remaining years as residents of the county. Mrs. Knobbs passed to her rest January 23, 1911, aged 74 years, 2 months and 21 days. Mr. Knobbs closed his eyes to the scenes of this world and passed on to meet his wife, November 3, 1915, aged 84 years, 3 months and 3 days.

Benjamin Walker Hector Mcclean

Was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, October 24, 1833; came to Canada when three years old and from there to Seward county, Nebraska, in 1870 where he resided until called to his eternal home. He died at Dunning, Nebraska, December 29, 1915, aged 82 years, 2 months and 5 days. He was married in Canada to Jane Whitton with whom he passed along the troubled journy of life for fifty-nine years. The wife, two daughters and one son, Mrs. Donisthorp, of Geneva; Mrs. Garland, of Seward, and Allen McLean of Dunning, survived him.

Hon. Adam Seed

A pioneer settler in -L- precinct, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. F. Cottrel, in York, Nebraska, April 19, 1916, aged seventy-three years Mr. Seed was elected to the Nebraska state legislature in 1890. Three brothers, Hugh, Andrew J. and Adam Seed were pioneer settlers in -Lprecinct. The two former were not married; the elder one, Hugh, died at their pioneer home early in the nineties, while Andrew removed to their old home town, Peoria, Illinois, about the year 1900 where he shortly passed to his rest. In memory of the three brothers who helped, in their kindly way to make the trials of early life in Nebraska more pleasant for other people we record our heartfelt sorrow for their passing from among us.

Joseph Mccormick

An early settler on school land in -L- precinct, died in 1884; his wife, to whom he was married in 1869, died at Lincoln, Nebraska, January 4, 1916, aged sixty-three years, eleven months and two days. To Mr. and Mrs. McCormick there were born four children, two daughters, Martha and Clara, both of whom preceded their mother to rest, and two sons, H. E. and Ira, both living. Mrs. McCormick was remarried in 1888 to J. M. Thornton and to this union there were born three children, William, Harriet and Marie - Harriet dieing in infancy. J. M. Thornton, the second husband, preceded his wife to rest in 1900.

Joseph Hickman And Wife

Settled on a homestead in -G- precinct in 1868 where he died October 29, 1876. She remained upon the homestead thirty-six years when she moved to Aurora, Neraska, where she died, October 25, 1914, aged 81 years, 1 month and 20 days. They were the parents of one son who died in infancy and live daughters still living.

Jacob A. Wilsey

Came to Reward county in 1869, settling at Camden where he built a residence and resided one year, when he moved upon a homestead in West -O- precinct. He remained on the farm many years, making a success of his efforts in the line of agricultural production. But with the approach of age infirmities he abandoned his farm labors and retired to the village of Milford where he died July 25, 1912. aged 84 years. His wife survived him but a short time, passing to her final rest November 11, 1912. Seven chidren survived them - four sons and three daughters.

August Daehling

Settled in the neighborhood of Stplehurst in 1867. He was born in Germany, February 19, 1839 and was married there to Elizabeth Roehrs in 1862, came to America in 1865 and to Seward county two years later. He died Saturday morning, may 6, 1916, aged seventy-seven years, two months and seventeen days, leaving a wife, two sons and four daughters to mourn the departure of a loving husband and father.

Joseph H. Huffman

An early settler in the vicinity of Beaver Crossing, died at his home in that village, November 1, 1915, aged sixty-seven years and twenty-one days. Mr. Huffman was a well known pioneer school teacher by residents of the south part of Seward county, having been engaged in that profession for about twenty-five years. The last few years of his life were spent in other occupations. He left to mourn his departure, a wife and five sons, one son having lost his life in 1913 by the accidental dischasge of a gun.

Russel Slonicker

Came to Seward county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Slonecker, who settled in -F- precinct in 1875. He was married at Seward to Clara L. Wykoff in March 1878 and settled upon a farm west of Seward in -Fprecinct where they resided many years. In 1892 he purchased the furniture business of D. Blessing at Beaver Crossing which business he conducted several years finally disposing of it he returned to the farm where he resided until 1904 when he entered into the mercantile business with I. L. Dermond at Beaver Crossing, retiring from that business at the end of one year moved to Lincoln where he became interested in the basket store business of that city. He died at his home in Lincoln, March 26, 1916, aged 55 years 2 months and 22 days. He left to mourn his departure from this life, a wife, one son and one daughter.

Who spent several years in the practice of medicine in the city of Seward, and was for many years pension examining physician for the boys who wore the blue in the days of the rebellion, moved to Lincoln in 1896, where he died of heart failure in 1911. He left a wife and three sons, two of whom, Drs. N. O. and C. A. Renolds are practicing physicians in the city of Lincoln. It seems the wife, Mrs. O. C. Renolds, was destined to answer the summons through the dark valley of death in the same unexpected manner as that which called her husband to his eternal home and she dropped dead at the home of one of her son's in Lincoln, March 30, 1916, aged fifty-nine years.

William W. Konkright

Was born in Milton, Chittenden county, Vermont, December 3, 1829; moved with his parents to Massena St. Laurence county, New York when ten years old, removing to Lake county Indianna in 1842. His first life as a western pioneer began by a settlement at Sigourney, Iowa, in 1852, where he was married to Maria Siverly September 26, 1854. She was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1830, and became a pioneer settler in Louisa county Iowa while that state was yet a territory, removing to Sigourney in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Konkright made their second pioneer settlement in the west upon a homestead near Cordova, Seward county, in the fall of 1870 where they spent twenty-nine years, retiring from the homestead and moving to Seward in 1899 where she died June 13, 1902, he following her to the great beyond December 23, 1907, aged 78 years and 20 days. They left six children to mourn their departure, John, Lewis Devo of Seward, Eugene, of Dunbar, Nebraska, Mrs. Almena Lull of Cordova, and Mrs. F. A. Parsons of Wiggins, Colorado. Two sons died m childhood, Milton aged four years was laid to rest at Sigorney, Iowa, and William in Leland cemetery, south-west of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.

Mr. And Mrs. Clause Bock

MR. AND MRS. CLAUSE BOCK Settled on a honiisted near Germantown in 1S74. He answered the summons to the world beyond in 1904, she following him to rest August 22, 1915, aged 72 years, 3 months and 19 days. Mr. and Mrs. Bock were the parents of sixteen children, four of whom preceded them to their eternal home while twelve remained to mourn their parent'e departure.

Birney Wise

Was born in Michigan, December 3, 1846; settled on a homestead in -I- precinct, nine miles south-east of Seward in 1875; died at his home in Seward, October 21, 1915, leaving a wife and two sons to mourn his loss.

Samuel G. Mathews settled in -F- precinct in August 1869 where he resided forty-one years and where his wife departed this life in 1907 after a companionship together of sixty-one years. He died March 28, 1913 aged 90 years, 9 months and 3 days. No children were horn to them.

George B. Winterstein, a partner with T. H. Tisdale in the mercantile husiness at Beaver Crossing in the late seventies, died in Colorado, April 7, 1905. A wife and daughter survived him.

Henry J. Anderson, an 1873 homestead settler in -F- precinct, near the present village of Tamora, died at Oklahoma City, October 15, 1905, aged sixty-eight years, five months and two days, leaving a wife and six children.

John Hand, one of the earliest settlers in Seward county, died at his home two miles west of Goehner, Friday, January 6, 1906, aged sixty-eight years, five months and nineteen days.

James Her, an early settler on Middle creek in -1- precinct, the founder of Pleasant Dale and its first postmaster, died at the home of his daughter, near that village, December 10, 1905, aged eighty-four years. Mr. ller's wife died several years previous to his death.

Hon. VV. E. Ritchie, an 1870 homesteader in -D- precinct, died Monday, January 22, 1906, aged fifty-nine years and three months. He left a wife and six sons and daughters. Mr. Ritchie was elected to represent the county in the state legislature in 1890 and was elected in 1896 to represent Seward and Butler counties in the state senate.

R. E. Marshall, a pioneer settler and for thirty-three years a resident of Tamora, died at his home in that village, March 19, 1915, aged sixty years seven months and twenty-four days, leaving a wife, one son and two daughters.

Judge J. H. Wortendyke, one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Milford, and Stward county's judge from '69 to '71, died July 26, 1901.

Norman Casler, an 1869 settler on a homestead in -L- precinct was frozen to death in a Kansas blizzard, December 26, 1886. His wife died at the home of her son, Pierce Dygert, south-west of Utica, February 2, 1903, aged seventy-nine years and seven days.

E. L. Ellis, one of Seward county's earliest settlers, who entered a farm of government land just north-west of Seward in 1860, died at Seward March 10, 1914.

Ransom walker, one of the early homesteaders in -L- precinct, coming in 1870, after many years residence on the farm, moved to Lincoln where he answered "the last roll call" October 13, 1913.

Oren Culver a homestead settler in -L- precinct in 187U died at his home in Beaver Crossing, July 22, 1893, aged fifty-rive years. Mr. Culver was married in Harrison county, Indiana, to Mary J. Stephens in 1857, who followed him to rest August 25, 1913 at Lexington, Nebraska. They left two sons and two daughters.

G. H. Underhill, a pioneer settler, and for many years in business in the city of Seward, died at his home in that city, September 12, 1903, aged seventy-two years. He left three daughters and three sons.

G. Babson, for thirty years senior member of the Babson-Dickman Implement Company at Seward, died at his home, October 6,19U3. Mr. Babson was an enterprising citizen in public affairs and an able business mail.

David Roland who settled on rail road land in -L- precinct in 1878, died at his home in 1899. Mr. Roland was married in Kentucky in 1858 to Nancy Jane Houchen, who died at the home of her son, Forest Roland, in Beaver Crossing, September 15, 1804. In an acquaintance with Uncle David and Aunt Jane Roland, as they were familiarly known, for a few of the closing years of their life, we learned to number them among our kinddest friends and to remember them as the truest and noblest christians. Their hearts were ever filled with the kindly sympathy and brotherly love of the one in whose footsteps they were constantly and faithfully following.

Wm. Cromwell who bought and settled on the John Todd homestead in -L- precinct in 1876, died at his home, Wednesday, April 17, 1901. He left one son and several daughters; his wife preceded him to rest.

Carl Snyder, an -F- precinct pioneer homsteader, died at Hot Springs, S. D. where he had went in hopes cf improving his health, Monday July 5, 1915, aged seventy-four years one month and twenty-rive days. A wife, one son and four daughters survived him.

George W. Anderson, a pioneer homestead settler two miles south-west of Seward died at his home, Sunday, Jrnuary 24, 1904, aged sixty-six years, eight months and nineteen days.

John Kennett, who settled on a homestead in -L- precinct in 1870, died at his homestead home, March 29, 1915, aged sixty-four years. He left a wife and several children.

John Maurer and wife settled on a homestead in section ten, -M- precinct in 1870. She passed to rest November 26, 1884 and he followed her April 25, 1909, aged eighty-one years, one month and twenty-rive days.

Andrew Mickelson settled in -E- precinct in 1872 and died at his home in 1896, He left a wife who remarried C. H. Christenson, another pioneer settler who died in June 1913 leaving her to mourn the second time for the departure of a loving husband. She passed to her rest May 10, 1915.

M. E. Shorey located at Milford in 1870 and later moved to Seward where he was engaged for many years in business. He died suddenly of apoplexy, April 19, 1914, aged sixty-two years, nine months and two days. He left a wife and one son.

Charles Henry Schrader, an 1873 settler in Seward, died May 22, 1915, aged seventy-three years, six months and eighteen days. His wife preceded him to the better world, November 25, 1911. They left to mourn their departure, six daughters and three sons.

Richard R. Schick who entered a homestead near Seward in 1869, died at his home in that city, Monday, May 24, 1915, aged seventy-four years, two months and eleven days. Mr. Schick was married to Elizabeth Whitcomb in Illinois in 1866, who with one son and two daughters survived him.

Fred. J. Struhs a pioneer settler near Germantown, died at his home in that village, July 1, 1915, aged seventy-one years, ten months and twelve days. He left a wife and daughter.

Frank M. Horton who located on a homestead in -L- precinct in 1870, was found dead in bed at his heme in Beaver Crossing, July 31, 1915. Mr. Horton was married in 1871 to Angelina Foster who with one son remained to mourn his untimely departure.

Ernest W. F. Wall, an 1877 settler near Seward, died at his home, April 15, 1914, aged eighty years one month and twenty days. A wife, three sons and four daughters survived him.

James K. Devore was one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Seward county, having located on a homestead in -J- precinct in 1868. Some years after his settlement his wife died at the homestead home when he moved to Seward where he followed her to rest September 15, 1915, aged 72 years.

Daniel P. Sherwood an 1871 homestead settler in the west part of -Lprecinct, died at his home in Utica, Saturday, March 22, 1902. He left a wife who passed to her rest a few years later leaving their one son, George, to mourn the departure of a father and mother.

Sprague K. Woods settled on a homestead near Seward in 1868 and died at his home August 12, 1914, aged seventy-seven years, one month and six days. A wife, two sons and one daughter mourned his departure.

Robert Walker, an early pioneer in -L- precinct, died at the home of his son James in that precinct, August 12, 1880 aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Walker was the father of Wm. H. and James Walker, the former was an early homesteader in -L- pfecinct and later a lumber dealer.

Fredrick Schumacher settled on a homdstead in - G- precinct, northwest of Seward in 1872 and died at his home, at the advanced age of ninety-three years, April 10, 1913.

Ernest Caleb and wife, both born in Germany, came to Seward county and settled in -L- precinct in the early seventies and later moved to Beaver Crossing where she died in 1913 and he in 1914.

John P. Maule, one of the first school teachers in the village of Beaver Crossing, in the sod house period, died Friday, November 29, 1912 in a hospital in Kingston, New York, of heart failure. He left a wife, one son and two daughters.

George Pickerel, a pioneer settler near Seward, having settled near that city in 1872, died at his home in Seward, Wednesday, August 1, 1894, aged seventy-two years. He left an aged wife and. eleven sons and daughters.

John Rumsey and wife, 1870 homesteaders in -L- precinct, moved to Lexington, Nebraska in 1878, and removed to Covina, California in 1907 where she died May 4, 1909, he following her to rest May 31, 1910.

Elam Rumsey and wife settled on a homestead in -L- precinct in 1870 where they resided fourteen years when they moved to Lexington, Nebraska, where he departed this life in August, 1903, she remaining till March 12, 1914 when she passed to her rest,

William Porter and wife homesteaded an eighty acre farm in the south part of -M- precinct in 1870 where they resided several of the pioneer years finally moving to Friend where they spent their remaining days. Mr. Porter died while on a business trip to the western part of the state in 1906 and the wife followed him a few years later.

John Fnglehaupt, an early settler and lumber dealer at Beaver Crossing in its booming days, and later ingaged in that business for many years at Milford, died at his home in that village, June 20, 1903.

Edward Maul and family were pioneer settlers at Milford, moving from there to Beaver Crossing in 1872, he opened the first blacksmith shop in that village, and for many years performed the work in that line for the entire locality. Without doubt iMr. Maul pounded more breaking plows than any other man in Seward county and nine of every ten acres of im- - proved farming land, in at least, the south-west quarter of the county were broken with plows sharpened by him. He departed this life after a long period of suffering with dropsy, at his home in Beaver Crossing, June 4th, 1887. His wife, Hannah Maul, followed him to rest August 15, 1912. They left five sons and two daughters, one son having preceded his mother.

Martin Campion, an 1871 settler two miles south-east of Beaver Crossing, moved to Lincoln in 1906 where he departed this life June 1, 1909, aged sixty-five years. He left a wife one daughter and two sons.

John Bartels came to Seward county and took a homestead in 1870 two miles from Staplehurst upon which he resided forty-four years, and untilthe end of life, December 8, 1914. He was married June 15, 1866 to Dora Milkie and moved with his family from Iowa to Seward county in 1870. Mr. Bartels was seventy-five years, four months and nine days of age at time of his death. His wife died several years previous. Three sons survived them.

William A. Collier, an 1868 pioneer, died at his homestead home in -Nprecinct, July 6, 1909. Mr. Collier was married to Charlotte Ann Laune, May 15, 1864. His wife who survived him, died October 13, 1914. Five sons and daughters survived them.

Orson Olmstead and wife, who settled near Seward in 1870, were among the few older people to seek a new home in the west. He was born in Hartford, Conneticut, May 26, 1806, her birth occurring Feruary 21, 1814. Her maiden name was Pauline D. Grant. They were married at Stillville, New York, April 14, 1838. She died December 26, 1893, and he went on to join her in that brighter world five days later, December 31, 1893. They were the parents of seven children, six surviv' ig them.

Wiliam O. Pierce, a Nebraska pioneer, settling in Sarpy county, in that state in 1856 when it was known the world over as "The Great American Desert." He was married December 31, 1849 to Miss E. S. Poor who shared his pioneer life commencing the second year after their marriage when they emigrated in 1851 from Indiana to the wilds of Iowa. He died at Seward in 1900, leaving a wife, five sons and six daughters to mourn the departure of a loving husband and father.

Aaron Anderson came to Seward county in 1867 and homesteaded the west half of the south-west quarter of section twelve in -F- precinct. He lived single until March 7, 1873, when he was united in marriage with Susie McFeely. He died at the homestead home, March 1, 1904, leaving his wife and two sons to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father.

Hiram L. Boyes came to Seward county in 1867 and settled at Seward where he built a saw mill, later adding a flouring department which took the name of "Banner Mills." Mr. Boyes experienced many difficulties in the pioneer times in conducting his mill, but managed to keep it in running order, adding improvements until it became a permanent, modern enterprise previously mentioned in this work. He died June 19, 1900, aged eightyeight years. His wife having preceded him to rest several years, seven sons and daughters remained to mourn the loss of a father and mother.

Rev. E. L. Clark, the first resident preacher in Seward county, came in 1865 and settled on a homestead two miles south of Seward. We quote the following in regard to Rev. Clark from Cox's history: "Mr. Clark preached the second sermon ever delivered in this locality in the fall of 1865 at the home of the writer, two and one half miles north-west of the present city. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were most welcome in this community. He proved of great benefit to the community in moulding moral and religious sentiment among the people. He organized the first Baptist Church in 1870." Mr. Clark was not only available as a minister of the Gospel, but took high rank in those early days as a statesman, being elected in 1866 to represent his district in the Territorial legislature and elected to the first Nebraska state legislature, being an active and valuable member in the Capitol removal and many other important legislative acts. He passed to his great reward in March 1873, his good wife following him December 19, 1874. They were the parents of eleven children.

Hon. George A. Derby settled on a homestead in -E- precinct, near the present location of Utica, in 1870. Mr. Derby represented the county in the state leg'slature two terms. He died July 12, 1901, his wife having preceded him April 29, 1893. They were the parents of fourteen sons and daughters, twelve of whom reached the age of men and women.

Hon. William R. Davis was married to Margaret A. Bohannan in the town where he was born in North Carolina, and moved from there to Iowa in a prairie schooner darwn by an ox team in 1852, removing in 1857 to Rock Bluff, Cass county, Nebraska. Mr. Davis was elected to the thiid, fourth and fifth sessions of the territorial legislature, and was appointed as_ sistant assessor for the territory. His wife died in 1864, and in August

1S66 he ma ri^d Hannah C. Coleman. In 1853 he moved to Seward and in company with his son-in-law, J. N. Beaty opened the first general merchandise store in th; locality of the present city, which business was continued for ten y>ars when he abandoned the general merchandise trade and soon after established the grocery business which is now conducted under the firm name of "W. R. Davis & Sons." Mr. Davis died July 23, 1899. wife and eight sons and daughters survived him.

David H. Figard was married to Amy Anderson March 17, 1860 and they came to Seward county and took a homestead in -F- precinct in 1867. Mr. Figard was elected county treasurer in 1885 and moved from the farm to Seward where he resided till the end of life, February 14, 1900. The wife and two sons, Henry and Silas remained to mourn the departure of a kind husband and father.

Robert T. Gale, Seward county's first homesteader, who entered a homestead just east of the city of Seward January 2, 1863, it being the next day after the homestead law became in effect, died in the spring of 1867. A wife and daughter survived him.

David Imlay was born in 1792 and married Doras Johnson in 1814, moved from Pennsylvania, their native state, to Ohio to make their first home in the wilderness of Muskingam county the year they were married where they remained nine years when they returned to their native state to spend nine years, returning to Ohio they made another stay of seven years when they again moved on westward to the woods in Wabash county, Indiana. Their next move was to Harrison county, Iowa, in eighteen fifty- six and to Seward county, in 1864, settling on a homestead in section ten, -G- precinct. She died in 1871 and he followed her in June the next year.

Grandfather and Grandmother Imlay were the parents of twelve children, one son, Hon. William Imlay was born at the old home in Pennsylvania in eighteen thirty. He accompanied his parents in their journeys from one state to another and during their residence in Indiana he was married to Mary Donaldson. After their settlement in Harrison county, Iowa, they seemed to have branched off from the parents and came to Cass county, Nebraska where they resided till eighteen sixty-four when they came to Seward county and settled on a homestead one mile west of Seward his parents coming the same year. Mr. Imlay was elected to the Nebraska t rritorial legislature the same year of his settlement and upon the organzation of Seward county in 1865 he was elected to the board of county supervisors and served with Wm. J. Thompson and H. W. Paaker three consecutive terms. In death as in life Hon. William Imlay and Wife followed his parents to that eternal city of the blessed. They were the parents of seven children.

Thomas H. Tisdale who opened a store of general merchandise in the John E. Fouse ranch building at Old Beaver Crossing in 1869 and later moved his store, the U. S. postoffice and the town name four miles southeast to the present location of the village of Beaver Crossing, died at his home there July 7, 1888. Mr. Tisdale did very much to assist the early settlers in their struggles to keep "the wolf from the door" while they were improving their homes and getting in shape to help themselves. And it is a matter of regret that so few remembered his kindness past the time they needed it. He took a great interest in the welfare of his town and adjacent territory. Though he had no child to send to school he took a leading interest in the advancement of his home schools, being a prominent factor in the building and famishing of Beaver Crossings' first good s:hool house. And after the house was completed and the money which had been raised for its erection expended he procured funds to buy it a bell from the proceeds of a dance in the new school house, July 4th, 1874. And whatever spirit may have been engendered by the dance, that bell rang for many years for every religious service held in the town, and has called the school children together every school day for forty-two years, and is still in service. And the benefit derived by the public from Mr. Tisdale's management is beyond computation, and there is no greater reward to bestow upon the one whose forethought extended the pepoles' interests so far in the future than to cast upon his last resting place a flower. Mrs. Lane E. Tisdale preceded him to rest, dieing July 29, 1881. They never had any children.

\\ illiam Morford, a pioneer settler in -N- precinct, died at his home, January 10, 1899. A wife and several children survived him. Mr. Morford was a prominent and successful farmer, and an earnest and active politician, always taking a firm stand for what he believed to be right.

Benjamin Hunkins,an 1869 homesteader in -M- precinct, died April 27, 1900. Mr. Hunkins served two terms in the Wisconsin legislature previous to his settlement in Nebraska, was an able attorney at law though he did not practice his profession in his new home state. He was an enterprising, progressive and highly respected citizen. He was ninety years of age at the time of his death and left several grown children and grand children.

Luke Agur who built a mill at Marysville in the early seventies died at Exeter, Nebraska, July 1, 1902. Mr. Augur was one of the few early millers of Seward county who were justly cansidered public benefactors.

S. C. Langworthy, Seward's second banker, died at his home in that city, March 2, 1904. Mr. Langworthy came to Seward in the early seventies and established a state bank, and was president of the First National Bank of Seward at the time of his death.

S. Adler, a pioneer merchant at Seward, and an able business man, died at Hot Springs, South Dakota, June 30, 1902. Mr. Adler made substantial and valuable improvements in the city of Seward during the time of his business career there.

General Victor Vifquain, one of the earliest settlers in Seward county, having settled near Camden in 1860, died Thursday, January 8, 1904. He was a philanthropist in ever sense of the term, and never failed to do a kind act when ever and wherever it was needed.

Alexander D. Ritchie, one of the earliest homesteaders in -D- precinct, died at his home in Seward, April 25, 1892. Mr. Ritchie was married to Harriet Hoyt January 11, 1847, at Chicago, Illinois. He was a progressive farmer and bought a section of rail road land which he put under cultivation in addition to his homestead. He helped to establish the State Bank of Beaver Crossing and was its first president. His wife followed him to rest at Seward, February 2, 1904. They were the parents of five children, Hon. W. E. Ritchie, (deceased mentiond in this work) Alonzo D., Franklin C, (deceased) Alice G. married D. S. Jackson, and Jennie H. (deceased) wife of Dr. H. B. Cummins, of Seward.

Stites Wooley, a pioneer who settled at Nebraska City in 1855. Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1807, married Mary A. Stevenson in 1839, who was born in London, England in 1811. They removed from Nebraska City to Seward in 1864 and homesteaded near where Seward is located. Mr. Wooley was a brick mason by trade and laid the brick in many of the early brick structures in Seward. He died December 10, 1887 and his wife followed him January 10, 1899. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters.

Milton Langdon came to Seward county in 1872, settling at Oak Grove where he followed the business of producing lime for many years. He died in December 1880, his wife surviving him nearly four years, dieing July 16, 1884. They left two sons and two daughters to mourn their departure.